Why are newborn bears so tiny? How does the joey find its way to its mother’s pouch? Why are fruit bats born large, alert and with their eyes open? These and many other questions are answered in this essential guide to the life cycles of the world’s mammals.

This fascination book describes and illustrates the various, and sometimes unique, ways in which mammals raise their young and live their lives. More than seventy different types of mammals are represented, from the chimpanzee, which does not gain its independence until the age of seven or eight, to the tiny hamster, which is already fending for itself after only two months.

The main text provides a vivid synopsis of each animal’s life, including how the animal learns to survive, achieves independence, and mates. Superb illustrations and detailed captions offer additional about the various stages that the animal goes through. Multiple points of interest highlight special aspects of each animal’s life, such as breeding season, litter size, and average life expectancy. 

Dr Tony Hare (1954–2010) was a botanist, author, film-maker and conservationist who co-founded the charity Plantlife, which works nationally and internationally to save threatened wild flowers, plants and fungi. He also worked alongside some of the world’s leading environmental organisations such as World Wildlife Fund and Water Aid, and appeared on children’s environmental TV programmes in the UK.

Animal Life Cycles is an ideal introduction to the life cycles of the world’s animals. It is an indispensable guide that can be used in schools and at home.