Dillos: Roadkill on Extinction Highway? - Softcover

You may have an animal neighbor that has been around for about 55 million years and has remained virtually unchanged. This critter, who spends morning and evening shoving dirt up its nose to eat grubs and worms, is nature s genetic cloning machine the only animal that always gives birth to identical quadruplet offspring. You probably now recognize this neighbor as the armadillo. Although there are 20 species of armadillos, you have only seen the one species that lives in the U.S. This is the nine-banded armadillo named for the rows of bands around its middle. This species can be found as far north as Kansas and Illinois, but most frequently occurs in Southern states. Other dillo species are scattered throughout South America, as far south as Argen-tina. The book is meant to entertain a general audience and includes chapters on dillo natural history, the biological features that have enabled them to survive all these millions of years, pop culture, importance in medical research and prospects for future evolution. Dr. Klemm believes the species in the U.S. may be in the process of evolving capabilities for survival in colder climates. Natural selection forces would reward ´dillos for insulating burrows with nesting material and for feeding on more energy-rich carrion and small animals in addition in the usual diet of insects not to mention getting out of the road. There s a reason armadillos have been named the official mammal of the state of Texas it is because Texas are fascinated and impressed by them. The hippy movement in the 60s made armadillos into a Texas icon, perhaps in part because ´dillos are so peaceful. The book clearly shows they are amazing creatures and that we need to learn a lot more about them. The book not only summarizes the natural history of armadillos, but it provides a fascinating exploration of the 55-million-year history of 'dillos and what it is about them that has enabled their survival when most early mammalian species became extinct. As life goes on over eons of time, the armadillo endures, its walnut-sized brain oblivious to the laws and perils of survival of the fittest. The armadillo has been endowed by nature with a lifestyle and physical attributes that put it into the ranks of the fittest, right up there with crocodiles and turtles. That s pretty impressive for a mammal. For most of us, certainly Texans, armadillos inspire admiration. We admire their tenacity, resourcefulness, peacefulness and humble origins. Armadillos epitomize the underdog that has overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Can they overcome humans and their automobiles? Dr. Klemm explains that armadillos are more than just a nuisance in the garden; they are a crucial part of our ecology. There is a chapter on pop culture of the armadillo as an icon, plus a chapter on the importance of 'dillos to biomedical research. Finally, the author gives his views on the future of the species. Praise for (Dillos is coming in from prominent Texans who have seen an advanced reading copy. The San Antonio Zoo director, J. Stephen McCusker, calls the book "An easy, interesting read that allows you to 'put your arms around' this wonderfully weird creature. " Jack Lowry, Editor of Texas Highways, The Travel Magazine of Texas says "This intelligent, fun, and readable book is full of personal anecdotes, observations, and original research. The book is an excellent blend of fact and folklore, research and readability."Michael Fouraker, Executive Director, Fort Worth Zoo writes that"Dillos is the most comprehensive volume on our TX state mammal I have read to date." Dr. Dewey Kraemer, famous cloning researcher, says that the book "captures the scientific and mythical nature of this remarkable species"and "his book is appropriate for everything from the classroom to the coffee table."