Seals and Sea Lions of the World covers a fascinating group of mammals whose habitat is aquatic and whose limbs are fully adapted for swimming rather than for land locomotion. The aquatic environment and the remoteness of their habitats make seals, sea lions, and walruses difficult to study. Yet, encounters with these species have produced a great interest in their past, present, and future. The various families of the order Pinnipedia - fur seals, sea lions, walruses, and the phocid seals - are described and illustrated in this comprehensive volume. Their evolution, classification, distribution, life cycles, zoology, and future are also fully discussed. In addition, the complex question of these mammals' relationship with humans is examined. As with other marine-dwelling mammals, some of the issues are controversial. In examining topics such as conflicts between seals and the fishing industry and the fur trade, author Nigel Bonner provides an expert overview, based on first-hand knowledge and experience. This book sensibly places seals and their kin in context through a clear understanding of their natural history and their interactions with humans. The text is enhanced with more than 100 full-color photographs, detailed diagrams, and maps.