A Field Guide to Giant Clams of the Indo-Pacific

This book introduces readers to the giant clam's biology, taxonomy and systematics, ecological and cultural significance, threats and challenges, and conservation solutions. The highlight of this book is the species identification guide containing descriptions of 12 known giant clam species accompanied by accurate hand-drawn shell illustrations and live photographs of specimens for comparison. Detailed information is summarised in a visual key on the distinctive features of the individual species, with notes on their ecology, geographic distribution, taxonomy and morphology. This book also includes other useful natural history information to spur the reader's interest in these magnificent animals.

With the most comprehensive information presented concisely, this book allows readers to identify a particular giant clam readily and confidently, as well as the other species that it may easily be confused with, confirm that the species occurs in a specific area, and access general information on the biology and ecology of the species. It is a valuable resource for researchers, students, the SCUBA diving community, managers of marine resources, and the public.

Contents:

• Preface

• Introduction

• Taxonomy and Systematics

• Biology:

  • Anatomy
  • Feeding
  • Reproduction and Development

• Ecological Roles in Coral Reefs

• Cultural and Socioeconomic Significance:

  • Meat as Food
  • Shell as Material
  • Live Ornamental Trade
  • Giant Clam Folklore Around the World

• Threats and Challenges

• Conservation Approaches:

  • Regulating International Wildlife Trade
  • IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
  • Local Management and Enforcement Efforts
  • Mariculture and Restocking Interventions
  • Conservation Prioritisation using Biodiversity Measures

• How to Identify Species

• Genus Hippopus:

  • Hippopus hippopus
  • Hippopus porcellanus

• Genus Tridacna:

  • Tridacna gigas
  • Tridacna mbalavuana
  • Tridacna derasa
  • Tridacna crocea
  • Tridacna squamosa
  • Tridacna noae
  • Tridacna maxima
  • Tridacna squamosina
  • Tridacna rosewateri
  • Tridacna elongatissima

• Dichotomous Key

• Giant Clam in Vernacular Languages

• Acknowledgements

• Glossary

• References

Readership: Primary target audience: Academic researchers and conservation managers working on the giant clams, as the information in the book will allow them to better understand the organisms for further conservation and management. The book will also be of interest to the recreational scuba divers and aquarium hobbyists as these two groups of audience would often encounter these animals. The book can further serve as a reference book in libraries for general readers to gain general knowledge of marine wildlife. Secondary market: General public, students/schools, government agencies, nature guides, Tourists.
Key Features:

• Compared to other existing titles that typically focused on a few topics, this book provides a comprehensive update on topics related to the giant clams, from its biology, taxonomy and systematics, ecological and cultural significance, threats and challenges, and conservation solutions
• It is designed and written to be the guidebook for anyone interested in these endangered marine bivalves

Dettagli