Published in 2006, Chemical Ecology of Vertebrates was the first book to focus exclusively on the chemically-mediated interactions between vertebrates including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, and other animals and plants. Reviewing research in three core areas - pheromones (where the interactions are between members of the same species), interspecific interactions involving allomones (where the sender benefits) and kairomones (where the receiver benefits), it pulls together information from widely scattered technical literature in many different disciplines into a coherent whole. Chapters on the environment, properties of odour signals, and production and release of chemosignals set the stage for discussion of more complex behavioural topics. While the main focus is ecological, dealing with behaviour and interactions in the field, it also covers chemoreception, orientation and navigation, the development of behaviour and the practical applications of chemosignals.

Review of the hardback: 'As a text it is particularly valuable in that it collates information from what is a very widely scatted literature in not always easy-to-access sources. As a reference book, it will act as a god-send to many students, researchers and more generally-interested zoologists.' Biologist
Review of the hardback: 'The author … has to be congratulated on the publication of this volume … the data presented will certainly stimulate further research, and many scientists will be thankful for this source of information published in one volume. The chapters include detailed comments and insightful interpretations.' Mammalian Biology

DIETLAND MULLER-SCHWARZE is Professor of Environmental Biology at the State University of New York.