In this Book
- Life on the Rocks: A Portrait of the American Mountain Goat
- Book
- 2014
- Published by: University Press of Colorado
Color photographs and accounts of Smith's personal experiences living in Montana's Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area accompany descriptions of the American mountain goat's natural history. Smith explores their treacherous habitat, which spans the perilous cliffs and crags of the Rocky, Cascade, and Coast mountain ranges. The physical and behavioral adaptations of these alpine athletes enable them to survive a host of dangers, including six-month-long winters, scarce food sources, thunderous avalanches, social strife, and predators like wolves, bears, lions, wolverines, and eagles. Smith also details the challenges these animals face as their territory is threatened by expanding motorized access, industrial activities, and a warming climate.
Life on the Rocks showcases the elegance and charm of this little-known creature, thriving in some of North America's harshest wilderness. Smith's volume will appeal to wildlife enthusiasts, wildland travelers, and conservationists interested in the future of the American mountain goat.
Table of Contents
- Part I
- Chapter One: Beginnings
- pp. 3-12
- Chapter Two: How to Build a Goat
- pp. 13-30
- Chapter Four: Rewards and Risks
- pp. 55-78
- Chapter Five: Among the Goats
- pp. 79-100
- Part II
- Chapter Six: Across the Continent
- pp. 103-124
- Chapter Eight: The Global Challenge
- pp. 145-168
- Acknowledgments
- pp. 173-174
- Suggested Reading
- pp. 175-176
- Other Works
- p. 177