Wild Cats of the World: a comprehensive species reference

This single-volume monograph covers every living cat species with accounts of taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and conservation, and it remains a touchstone for enthusiasts and researchers alike. This entry summarizes how the book frames felid classification around recognized lineages and species, integrating the molecular results emerging at the turn of the century with traditional natural history. Its value to taxonomy lies in synthesizing scattered field and museum knowledge into consistent species accounts, which helps reveal where subspecies boundaries are well or poorly supported. While predating the 2017 revision, it is frequently read alongside newer sources to see how species concepts and evidence have shifted. The work is praised for accessible yet rigorous treatment of a difficult family.