"Marsupials are nearly synonymous with Australia. Although one of these enigmatic pouched mammals - the opossum -inhabits the United States and another 94 live in South America, more than 200 species are confined to the Australasian region. In Australia, marsupials are the most diverse and dominant indigenous species, from the Tasmanian Devil to the Koala and the tiny Honey Possum to the majestic Red Kangaroo." "The extraordinary story of these fascinating animals, A Fragile Balance, provides up-to-date information on marsupials without losing sight of the unique set of circumstances that led them to diversify Down Under. Covering all marsupial species in Australia, the book uses an evolutionary and natural history framework to interpret their biological traits. The general chapters on biology, evolution, natural history, cultural history and conservation are bounded by feature treatments of six species of note. A Fragile Balance is the first book to emphasize interactions among marsupials, and between marsupials and their environment, as well as between humans and marsupials. The text is completed by accounts of all known species, each including a basic biological and ecological description, a range map and a measure of conservation status."--Jacket.