UAM Biology Professor Co-Authors Book on Southwestern Mammals
December 23rd, 2025 by
Dr. John Hunt, professor of biology, director of premedical studies and assistant dean of science for the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), has co-authored a new book, “Mammals of the Southwestern United States: Biology of Native and Some Extirpated, Extinct, and Introduced Species,” a comprehensive reference on mammal species found in the region.
Published by Lynx Nature Books, the volume documents 246 mammal species that currently or historically occurred in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona. Written for both professional and general audiences, the book serves as an accessible resource for naturalists, sportsmen, students, educators and biologists.
The southwestern United States is home to some of North America’s most distinctive mammal species, including several that are rare or endangered. Each species’ account in the book includes full-color photographs, skull plates showing top, side and bottom views, color distribution maps of the species’ range in the Southwest and across North America and updated biological information.
Dr. Hunt has taught at UAM for 22 years and offers courses in mammalogy, comparative anatomy, environmental science and evolution, along with associated laboratories.
“This book would not have been possible without the financial and institutional support of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences and UAM,” Dr. Hunt said.
Dr. Hunt co-authored the book with the late Dr. Troy L. Best, an emeritus professor of biology at Auburn University and a nationally recognized mammalogist, who authored five previous books and conducted research on four continents. Dr. Best, who passed away just days before the book’s publication, was Dr. Hunt’s graduate mentor at Auburn, and the two collaborated for nearly 30 years on projects involving mammals and birds.
This volume follows their earlier publication, “Mammals of the Southeastern United States,” published in 2020 by the University of Alabama Press.
“Our first book was well-received, and our editor suggested doing another, since both of us had worked extensively in the Southwest, which seemed natural,” Dr. Hunt said. “This book was the culmination of Troy’s career. It’s bittersweet that he never got to hold it in his hands, but I know he’d be proud of how it came out.”
“Mammals of the Southwestern United States: Biology of Native and Some Extirpated, Extinct, and Introduced Species” is available for purchase on the Lynx Nature Books website.
For more information, contact Dr. John Hunt at huntj@uamont.edu or 870-460-1466.
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