The Amazing Armadillo

Geography of a Folk Critter

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Nature, Animals, Mammals, Wildlife
Cover of the book The Amazing Armadillo by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Larry L. Smith, Robin W. Doughty ISBN: 9780292749450
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: December 4, 2012
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: Larry L. Smith, Robin W. Doughty
ISBN: 9780292749450
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: December 4, 2012
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English

Perhaps no creature has so fired the imagination of a populace as the armadillo—that most ungainly, awkward, and timid little animal. Its detractors call it a varmint and wish it good speed from the Lone Star State and its other natural territories. But its supporters claim that it is the animal kingdom's representative of all that's truly Texan: tough, pioneering, adaptable, and generous in sharing its habitation with others. What is it that sets this quizzical little creature apart from the rest of the animal kingdom?

Larry L. Smith and Robin W. Doughty ably answer this question in The Amazing Armadillo: Geography of a Folk Critter. This informative book traces the spread of the nine-banded armadillo from its first notice in South Texas late in the 1840s to its current range east to Florida and north to Missouri. The authors look at the armadillo's natural history and habitat as well as the role of humans in promoting its spread, projecting that the animal is increasing in both range and number, continuing its ecological success in areas where habitat and climate are favorable.

The book also contributes to a long-standing research theme in geography—the relationship between humans and wildlife. It explores the armadillo's value to the medical community in current research in Hansen's Disease (leprosy) as well as commercial uses, and abuses, of the armadillo in recent times. Of particular note is the author's engaging look at the armadillo as a symbol of popular culture, the efforts now underway to make it a "totem animal" symbolizing the easy-going lifestyles of some Sunbelt cities, and the spread of the craze for armadilliana to other urban centers.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Perhaps no creature has so fired the imagination of a populace as the armadillo—that most ungainly, awkward, and timid little animal. Its detractors call it a varmint and wish it good speed from the Lone Star State and its other natural territories. But its supporters claim that it is the animal kingdom's representative of all that's truly Texan: tough, pioneering, adaptable, and generous in sharing its habitation with others. What is it that sets this quizzical little creature apart from the rest of the animal kingdom?

Larry L. Smith and Robin W. Doughty ably answer this question in The Amazing Armadillo: Geography of a Folk Critter. This informative book traces the spread of the nine-banded armadillo from its first notice in South Texas late in the 1840s to its current range east to Florida and north to Missouri. The authors look at the armadillo's natural history and habitat as well as the role of humans in promoting its spread, projecting that the animal is increasing in both range and number, continuing its ecological success in areas where habitat and climate are favorable.

The book also contributes to a long-standing research theme in geography—the relationship between humans and wildlife. It explores the armadillo's value to the medical community in current research in Hansen's Disease (leprosy) as well as commercial uses, and abuses, of the armadillo in recent times. Of particular note is the author's engaging look at the armadillo as a symbol of popular culture, the efforts now underway to make it a "totem animal" symbolizing the easy-going lifestyles of some Sunbelt cities, and the spread of the craze for armadilliana to other urban centers.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book Gulf To Rockies by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book Homesteads Ungovernable by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book The History of Tense/Aspect/Mood/Voice in the Mayan Verbal Complex by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book Ruben Dario Centennial Studies by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book Federalism and Regional Development by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book Inherit the Alamo by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book The Brazilians by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book A Young Palestinian's Diary, 1941–1945 by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book A Portal in Space by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book Literature and Politics in the Central American Revolutions by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book Shamans of the Foye Tree by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book After San Jacinto by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book Monumental Ambivalence by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book A Natural History of Belize by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
Cover of the book How to Be a Texan by Larry L.  Smith, Robin W.  Doughty
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy