Carnivore animals distribution vintage map . World map print by Alexander Keith Johnston

Zoological Geography. Geographical Division and Distribution of Carnivora by Johnston, Alexander Keith.

Alexander Keith Johnston was a leading Scottish cartographer whose work in the mid-19th century revolutionized how scientific knowledge was visualized. His commitment to thematic mapping brought complex subjects like climatology, geology, and zoology into the public sphere through beautifully crafted atlases. Johnston’s collaboration with scientists and educators made his maps both scientifically authoritative and widely accessible, bridging the gap between research and public understanding.

Zoological Geography: Geographical Division and Distribution of Carnivora is part of Johnston’s seminal Physical Atlas, created in the 1850s. This map illustrates the global range of carnivorous mammals—such as felines, canines, bears, and mustelids—based on climate zones and habitat types. Reflecting a pre-Darwinian worldview, the map aims to classify nature geographically, revealing where different predator species dominate. Its detailed engraving and taxonomic precision exemplify the Victorian ambition to chart the natural world through both science and art.