9781422276358

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Although outwardly these impala may appear calm and relaxed, they are ever alert for danger. This elegant antelope’s sensitive ears and nose are its first line of defense against the stealthy approach of lions, leopards, or hyenas.

D eer, antelopes, goats, sheep, and their relatives are among the most familiar of all mammals. As a group, they are mostly large and relatively easy to see, and many species are closely linked with the spread of humans and the advancement of civiliza- tion. Our early ancestors hunted antelopes on the plains of Africa and then turned their attention to species of deer, goats, and sheep as human populations swept across Asia and Europe. Representatives of the group often favor wild and remote habitats and, for many people, conjure up images of untamed spirits roaming free. So it is perhaps slightly ironic that a handful of the group’s members—cattle, sheep, and goats—should have proven so suited to domestication. Their influence on the development, history, and demography of human civili- zation is inestimable, and they continue to have a profound bearing on society today. Indeed, the manner and densities in which they are farmed often have a huge impact on the habitats in which they are kept; except in a few cases, the effect on the environment generally is a negative one. The majority of the animals included in this book have in common the appearance of bony outgrowths from their skulls. These can take the form of antlers—seen in most male deer—which are shed and regrown each year, or of horns—seen in most sheep, goats, and antelopes—which are retained throughout life. Antlers and horns performa variety of functions.

3