A Fragile Balance: The Extraordinary Story of Australian Marsupials

The extraordinary story of Australian marsupials deserves an extraordinary book and at last it is here; wide and generous in its view and up-to-date in its science and accessible in its style. This book combines a comprehensive coverage of all Australian marsupials by a highly respected academic, researcher and writer in the field, and fine illustrations of those species by a watercolourist of impeccable repute. The text distinguishes the diverse marsupial group from other mammals and places it in its geographical context. It covers all species in Australia and draws together diverse branches of knowledge to interpret the many unique biological traits that characterize these marsupials. Six notable species are highlighted in feature pages and text is completed with thumbnail accounts of all species of Australian marsupials, outlining size, distinguishing features, distribution and key aspects of their biology. The tangled interactions of marsupials and people are also examined marsupials are integral components of the natural environment and of human endeavour in Australia and this book makes a compelling case for a new, more inclusive attitude towards them.

Winner of Whitley Awards: Whitley Medal 2008.