Aotearoa New Zealand is a global hotspot of cetacean diversity. Of the 87 or so species of whales, dolphins and porpoises in the world, around half have been recorded in our waters. Given the fascination that many people have for these majestic and intriguing animals, it is entirely justifiable to devote an entire book to New Zealand's cetacean fauna. This contribution from Barbara Todd is particularly welcome as it describes advances in cetacean research over the past decade, in which time scientists have been working to describe new species, and better understand those we thought were familiar.
Whales and dolphins of Aotearoa New Zealand is a mid-sized book that will appeal to anyone interested specifically in cetaceans or generally in New Zealand's biodiversity. It is not a field guide, but rather a reference book, that is also an entertaining and informative read. The book is divided into three sections. The first part is devoted to describing cetacean biology and behaviour, with a useful primer on evolution and how New Zealand's ocean habitats have changed over the millennia. Part two is a detailed account of man's relationship with whales and dolphins, and how this has evolved through the ages. It covers the cultural significance of cetaceans, and how our focus has changed from exploitation to conservation. The final section is a species guide to New Zealand cetaceans, with up-to-date information on distribution, behaviour and human impacts. The layout is visually appealing, with fact boxes, profiles and personal experiences, which make the content easy to dip into, and will appeal to mature and younger readers alike.
There is much to like about the book. Its broad scope covers everything from evolution to ecotourism (of which Barbara Todd, incidentally, was a pioneer in New Zealand). It is generally well researched and includes many of the latest findings from scientific publications. There are facts, accounts and explanations, mostly with a New Zealand focus, that will interest anyone fascinated by life in the oceans. For example, I found Barbara Todd's ‘Diary of a whale stranding’ to be an emotional read, as I'm sure will many others. Something that sets this book aside is the coverage given to the cultural importance of cetaceans. There is a comprehensive section on the significance of whales to Māori, and the customary importance of stranded animals as gifts from Tangaroa. This material is interesting and informative, but also essential reading for anyone who works with cetaceans in Aotearoa. Another theme that runs through the book is the huge impact humans have had on whale populations through commercial whaling. Again, New Zealand people and places are tightly bound to this history of exploitation, which many readers may be surprised to learn was remarkably recent.
The only disappointing feature of the book is the variable quality of the photographs and illustrations. Although many of the photos are stunning, a handful are of lesser quality and appear to serve only as space fillers. Similarly, the species illustrations in section three are not up to the high standard expected of modern identification guides.
Whales and dolphins of Aotearoa New Zealand will be a welcome addition to many bookshelves. The passion of the author shines through in the writing and thoughtful content, which I'm sure will be appreciated by a wide range of readers.
WJ Rayment
Department of Marine Science, University of Otago
Email: [email protected]
© 2014, WJ Rayment