Lynx Nature Books: Pioneers in Ornithology and Natural History Publishing
Based in Barcelona, Spain, Lynx Nature Books is a distinguished publishing house dedicated to the meticulous documentation of the natural world. Specializing in ornithology (the scientific study of birds) and natural history, the company has earned a global reputation for producing comprehensive, high-quality scientific references that serve as benchmarks for researchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1989 as Lynx Edicions.
- Founders: Ramon Mascort Amigó, Jordi Sargatal, and Josep del Hoyo.
- Headquarters: Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain (since 2002).
- Specialization: Nonfiction works on ornithology and natural history.
- Major Achievement: First to document an entire animal class in a single detailed work.
The History and Evolution of Lynx Nature Books
The company was established in 1989 under the name Lynx Edicions. It was the result of a collaboration between three individuals with diverse expertise: Ramon Mascort Amigó, a lawyer and collector; Jordi Sargatal, a naturalist; and Josep del Hoyo, a medical doctor and writer. This multidisciplinary foundation allowed the publisher to blend scientific rigor with high production standards.
Since 2002, the company has operated from the Bellaterra district of Cerdanyola del Vallès, continuing its mission to catalog the biodiversity of the planet through expansive book series and regional guides.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Landmark Publications
Lynx Nature Books is best known for its ambitious "Handbook" series, which aim to provide exhaustive coverage of specific animal groups.
The Birds of the World
The Handbook of the Birds of the World is a monumental 16-volume series completed in 2012. This work achieved a historic milestone by being the first to illustrate and treat every species of an entire animal class in a single comprehensive work. To make this vast amount of data more accessible, a condensed single-volume version titled All the Birds of the World was released in 2020.
The Mammals of the World
Following the success of their avian research, the publisher produced the Handbook of the Mammals of the World, a nine-volume series published between 2009 and 2019. This was further expanded in 2020 with the Illustrated Checklist of the Mammals of the World, a two-volume set featuring taxonomic revisions. In 2023, the company released a condensed version titled All the Mammals of the World.
Regional Field Guides
Since 2018, Lynx has expanded its catalog to include specialized field guides for various regions. A notable example is Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide, which was produced in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution.
| Series/Title | Scope | Format/Volumes | Completion/Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handbook of the Birds of the World | All bird species | 16 Volumes | 2012 |
| Handbook of the Mammals of the World | All mammal species | 9 Volumes | 2009–2019 |
| All the Birds of the World | Condensed avian data | Single Volume | 2020 |
| Illustrated Checklist of the Mammals of the World | Taxonomic revisions | 2 Volumes | 2020 |
| All the Mammals of the World | Condensed mammal data | Single Volume | 2023 |
The Internet Bird Collection (IBC)
In 2002, Lynx Edicions launched the Internet Bird Collection (IBC) to complement their printed handbooks. The IBC served as a free-access, non-profit audiovisual library designed to disseminate knowledge about global avifauna.
The collection featured videos, photographs, and recordings illustrating biological traits—such as plumage, breeding, and feeding habits—for 96% of all known bird species. This massive archive was made possible through the contributions of over one hundred global collaborators. In 2020, the IBC was integrated into the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Macaulay Library, where its content remains available.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Lynx Nature Books?
The company was founded in 1989 by Ramon Mascort Amigó, Jordi Sargatal, and Josep del Hoyo.
What is the significance of the Handbook of the Birds of the World?
It was the first work in history to document, illustrate, and treat every single species of an entire animal class (birds) within a single comprehensive publication.
Where is the company located?
Lynx Nature Books is based in the Bellaterra district of Cerdanyola del Vallès, near Barcelona, Spain.
What happened to the Internet Bird Collection?
In 2020, the Internet Bird Collection was incorporated into the Macaulay Library of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which now hosts all its previous content.
Does Lynx Nature Books publish works other than birds?
Yes, they have published extensive works on mammals, including the nine-volume Handbook of the Mammals of the World and the Illustrated Checklist of the Mammals of the World.