The Fascinating Wisdom of Foxes
Foxes are fascinatingly intelligent wild animals. Their wisdom and adaptability make recreational hunting of them entirely unnecessary.
In recent years, it has been particularly difficult to carry out public relations work on behalf of foxes.
Many campaigns and projects had to be put on hold temporarily due to the coronavirus crisis. In retrospect, it was therefore a fortunate coincidence that Ludwig Verlag, part of the world's largest trade publishing group, had been looking for authors for a new book about foxes shortly before the crisis and entrusted the project to Dag Frommhold and Daniel Peller. This made it possible to create a book about foxes that paints a modern portrait of the fox and — very much in the spirit of the action alliance — aims to educate, dispel prejudices and fears about foxes, and contribute to a more understanding and respectful approach to foxes overall. Naturally, fox hunting is also critically examined, and the book explains how foxes can benefit forestry and agriculture and even protect people from dangerous disease. With over 400 references, the work consistently provides the necessary evidence for its critical statements. Berlin-based fox researcher Dr. Sophia Kimmig read “The Wisdom of Foxes” in advance, provided the authors with scientific feedback, and was so impressed by the book that she could not resist writing a foreword that is as passionate as it is apt.
This book is by no means a dry non-fiction work. Instead, through gripping stories, personal anecdotes, and surprising insights from fox research, it reveals what remarkable, social, and worthy-of-protection creatures foxes are. Readers are transported into the world of foxes, only to discover time and again that foxes are surprisingly similar to us in many ways — and that we can even learn a thing or two from them. This includes how a healthy culture of constructive disagreement achieves more than aggression, how cleverness and flexibility lead to success, and how to get through hard times and enjoy life despite all adversity. The book is 400 pages long, richly illustrated (with additional colour photos in the centre section), and includes QR codes through which accompanying audio and visual material on fox behaviour can be accessed.
“Red fur, a pointed snout, a bushy tail — foxes are not only particularly beautiful animals, but are also considered clever, cunning, and playful. Yet foxes are not only intelligent, but also extraordinarily empathetic and communicative. They show selflessness and a willingness to make sacrifices, maintain close emotional bonds, and are tender partners and loving parents. Foxes show us how a healthy culture of constructive disagreement achieves more than aggression, how cleverness and flexibility lead to success, and why selfless behaviour ultimately benefits everyone. The two fox experts Dag Frommhold and Daniel Peller tell astonishing and warm-hearted stories that reveal what fascinating and remarkable creatures foxes are — and that they are not only more similar to us than we think, but that we also have a great deal to learn from these misunderstood heroes.”
Dag Frommhold and Daniel Peller have been studying foxes and their protection for many years. How intimately familiar they are with these fascinating animals can be felt in every line of this moving and insightful book.
Elli H. Radinger
Schlau, verspielt und fürsorglich – was wir von den gewitzten Überlebenskünstlern lernen können Hardcover mit Schutzumschlag, 400 Seiten, 12,5 x 20,0 cm Fotos im Text plus Bildteil ISBN: 978-3-453-28134-9 Erscheint am 14. September 2022
