Endangered species and extinction of species Books

Book SynopsisAn updated new edition of Richard Adams Carey's illuminating journey across the globe to uncover the secrets of the sturgeon. From the acclaimed eco-journalist Rick Carey comes a fascinating chronicle of a fast-disappearing fishand of the people whose lives and livelihoods depend on it. Since the days of the Persian Empire, caviar has trumpeted status, wealth, prestige, and sex appeal. In this remarkable journey to caviar's source, Carey immerses himself in the world of the sturgeon, the fish that lays these golden eggs. The sturgeon has a fascinating biological pastand a very uncertain future. Sturgeon populations worldwide have declined seventy percent in the last twenty years. Meanwhile, the beluga sturgeon, producer of the most coveted caviar, has climbed to number four on the World Wildlife Fund's most-endangered species list. A high-stakes cocktail of business, crime, diplomacy, technology, and the dilemmas of conservation, The Philosopher Fish is the epic story of a 250-mill

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Book SynopsisExamines what literature reveals about human attitudes towards elephants and who shows compassion towards them. Elephants are in dire straits – again. They were virtually extirpated from much of Africa by European hunters in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, but their numbers resurged for a while in the heyday of late-colonial conservation efforts in the twentieth. Now, according to one estimate, an elephant is being killed every fifteen minutes. This is at the same time that the reasons for being especially compassionate and protective towards elephants are now so well-known that they have become almost a cliché: their high intelligence, rich emotional lives including a capacity for mourning, caring matriarchal societal structures, that strangely charismatic grace. Saving elephants is one of the iconic conservation struggles of our time. As a society we must aspire to understand how and why people develop compassion – or fail to do so – and what stories we tell ourselves about animals that reveal the relationship between ourselves and animals. This book is the first study to probe the primary features, and possible effects, of some major literary genres as they pertain to elephants south of the Zambezi over three centuries: indigenous forms, early European travelogues, hunting accounts, novels, game ranger memoirs, scientists’ accounts, and poems. It examines what these literatures imply about the various and diverse attitudes towards elephants, about who shows compassion towards them, in what ways and why. It is the story of a developing contestation between death and compassion, between those who kill and those who love and protect.Death and Compassion is the first study to probe various literary genres. It examines what these literatures imply about human attitudes towards elephants and who shows compassion towards them. It is the story of a developing contestation between death and compassion, between those who kill and those who love and protect.Table of Contents Acknowledgements Introduction Compassion for elephants? Chapter 1 No simple sort of mirror: Compassion and the pre-colonial Chapter 2 Experiment and devastation: Travelogue and the advent of zoology Chapter 3 A most delightful mania: Hunters’ tales Chapter 4 Not very good at remorse: Elephants in fiction Chapter 5 A tear rolled down her face: Teen fiction and the elephant mind Chapter 6 Bosses of the bushveld: Game ranger memoirs Chapter 7 Repeatedly folded frontier: The ‘field-research memoir’ Chapter 8 The cult of the remnant: The elephants of Knysna and Addo Chapter 9 The elephant was unhappy: Poetry as compassion Afterword Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThere are many hypotheses describing the interactions involved in biological invasions, but it is largely unknown whether they are backed up by empirical evidence. This book fills that gap by developing a tool for assessing research hypotheses and applying it to twelve invasion hypotheses, using the hierarchy-of-hypotheses (HoH) approach, and mapping the connections between theory and evidence. In Part 1, an overview chapter of invasion biology is followed by an introduction to the HoH approach and short chapters by science theorists and philosophers who comment on the approach. Part 2 outlines the invasion hypotheses and their interrelationships. These include biotic resistance and island susceptibility hypotheses, disturbance hypothesis, invasional meltdown hypothesis, enemy release hypothesis, evolution of increased competitive ability and shifting defence hypotheses, tens rule, phenotypic plasticity hypothesis, Darwin's naturalization and limiting similarity hypotheses and the propagule pressure hypothesis. Part 3 provides a synthesis and suggests future directions for invasion researchTable of ContentsPart I: Introduction to invasion biology and the hierarchy-of-hypotheses approach Chapter 1: Invasion biology: searching for predictions and prevention, and avoiding lost causes Chapter 2: The hierarchy-of-hypotheses approach Chapter 3: Hierarchy of hypotheses or hierarchy of predictions? Clarifying key concepts in ecological research Chapter 4: Mapping theoretical and evidential landscapes in ecological science: Levins’ virtue trade-off and the hierarchy-of-hypotheses approach Chapter 5: A hierarchy of hypotheses or a network of models Chapter 6: The hierarchy-of-hypotheses approach updated – a toolbox for structuring and analysing theory, research and evidence Part II: Hypothesis network and 12 focal hypotheses Chapter 7: A network of invasion hypotheses Chapter 8: Biotic resistance and island susceptibility hypotheses Chapter 9: Disturbance hypothesis Chapter 10: Invasional meltdown hypothesis Chapter 11: Enemy release hypothesis Chapter 12: Evolution of increased competitive ability and shifting defence hypotheses Chapter 13: Tens rule Chapter 14: Phenotypic plasticity hypothesis Chapter 15: Darwin’s naturalisation and limiting similarity hypotheses Chapter 16: Propagule pressure hypothesis Part III: Synthesis and outlook Chapter 17: Synthesis Chapter 18: Conclusions and outlook

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Book SynopsisExtinction is an attempt to understand, through photographs and text, the factors threatening numerous species of animal and plant with extinction and to explore man�s relationship with life on Earth. It showcases ten years of photographing endangered and extinct specimens in The Field Museum in Chicago � one of the world�s greatest and most important sets of natural history collections. The photographs in Extinction were made behind the scenes in the Field Museum�s collections, revealing specimens that are not on public display. Extinction illustrates the crucial importance of museum collections for conservation, education and research. The images lead the reader to the species� stories, promoting a greater understanding of conservation efforts, reasons for decline (including climate change, habitat loss and overexploitation) and mankind�s stewardship of life on Earth at a critical time in history. The United Nations recent Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services makes the set of issues affecting biodiversity even more topical. The book has been designed to have pages with black backgrounds for extinct species and white backgrounds for species nearing extinction. A yellow flag highlights conservation successes, which are interspersed throughout. The conservation success stories highlight the positive work that is happening and the potential there is to prevent the extinction of these and other species.

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Book SynopsisA unique and comprehensive book on the value of biodiversity and genetic resources and on the economics of ecosystem services. It is really Tisdells' legacy to future generations studying natural resource economics and management.'- Guido Van Huylenbroeck, Ghent University, Belgium'With Sustaining Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions Clem Tisdell has given us a framework to critically explore one of the overarching issues of our time-the unprecedented scale of the destruction of the biological systems upon which we ultimately depend. This book should become the definitive text for the economics of biodiversity and ecosystems.'- John Gowdy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USThe stock of the world's biological diversity and the state of its ecosystems are major determinants of the availability of commodities, both essential and desirable, for human life. This leading-edge study provides an overarching and balanced approach to the economics of biological conservation; considering man made and natural components, and their interdependence.Recognising the deficiencies of many contemporary studies, which focus almost entirely on natural capital, Clement Tisdell utilizes the concept of heritage biological capital, including germplasm, as part of his analysis of changes in the stock of biological capital. This comprehensive synthesis casts doubt upon some propositions and policies for resource conservation recommended by eminent ecologists in areas such as GM crops and livestock husbandry as well as agroecosystems and the concept of sustainable agricultural intensification. The propositions presented are lent strength by the author's decision to relate his analysis to pertinent contemporary institutional developments and scientific advances.The broad scope and rational scepticism with which this book has been compiled make it an ideal read for economists interested in ecological and environmental economics, natural scientists with an interest in biodiversity conservation and higher level policy makers in ecological and environmental fields.Trade Review‘A unique and comprehensive book on the value of biodiversity and genetic resources and on the economics of ecosystem services. It is really Tisdells’ legacy to future generations studying natural resource economics and management.' -- Guido Van Huylenbroeck, Ghent University, Belgium‘With Sustaining Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions Clem Tisdell has given us a framework to critically explore one of the overarching issues of our time—the unprecedented scale of the destruction of the biological systems upon which we ultimately depend. This book should become the definitive text for the economics of biodiversity and ecosystems.’ -- John Gowdy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, US‘Ultimately, the book centres on explaining contemporary environmental economics, not theorizing ways to escape from current challenges, making it a highly informative, if not hopeful text.’ -- Science and Public PolicyTable of ContentsContents: PART I BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION: BASIC ECONOMIC ISSUES 1. An Introduction to the Economic Issues Involved in Sustaining Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function 2. Classifying the Stock of Genetic Resources and Ecosystems: Their Economic Nature and Patterns of Biodiversity Change 3. Socio-Economic Processes Transforming the Genetic Stock and Altering Ecosystems 4. Sustainable Development and Changes in the Genetic Stock and in Ecosystems PART II HUMAN DEVELOPED BIOLOGICAL CAPITAL: GERMPLASM AND ECOSYSTEMS 5. Crops and the Socio-Economics of Biodiversity Loss and Change 6. Livestock and the Socio-Economics of Biodiversity Loss 7. Advances in Genetic Engineering and Changes in Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Economic and Ecological Considerations 8. Human Developed and Modified Ecosystems: Their Economic Value 9. Declining Effectiveness of Techniques Designed to Control Pests and Diseases: Economics, Evolution and Human Choices 10. Property Rights in Human-Developed Genetic Material: An Economic Assessment PART III NATURAL BIOLOGICAL CAPITAL: WILD GENETIC RESOURCES AND NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS 11. The Conservation and Loss of Wild Biodiversity and Natural Ecosystems: Basic Economic Issues 12. Allocating Land Use to Minimize the Opportunity Cost of Conserving Wild Species in Their Natural Habitats 13. Property Rights in Non-Captive Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation 14. Economic Incentives to Conserve Wildlife on Private Lands: Analysis, Policy and Examples 15. Biodiversity Conservation, Loss of Natural Capital and Interest Rates: The Relationships are Irregular 16. Valuing and Sustaining Natural Ecosystem Services: Assumptions, Estimates and Public Policies 7. Economics and Spatial Aspects of Ecosystem Use: Land Sharing Versus Land Sparing – Wildlife Conservation and Forestry Index

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Book SynopsisThe story that captured the imagination of the world... In 1969 Harrods department store in London sold a three month old lion cub to two young Australians, John Rendall and Anthony (Ace) Bourke. They called him Christian. For a year Christian lived happily and safely with John and Ace and his human 'pride', initially in the World's End on the King's Road in Chelsea, where Derek Cattani first began photographing him. When Christian outgrew his London environment he moved first to the home of Bill Travers in Surrey. He was then entrusted to the care of George Adamson in Kenya, who with his wife Joy, had successfully rehabilitated their lioness Elsa, the subject of Joy's Book Born Free. A year after Christian had been living in the wild John and Ace returned to Kenya to try and find him. The film clip of their emotional reunion has now been viewed by over 100 million people on YouTube. In 1973 Christian disappeared into the wild forever. George Adamson had uniquely rehabilitated a 5th generation zoo-bred lion. John and Ace's first book about Christian was a million seller in the 1970s, and enjoyed a huge resurgence of interest after their YouTube clip went viral in 2006. This brand new book from Bradt, collects Derek Cattani's never-before-seen pictures of Christian and updates the story to the present day, including the story of their YouTube sensation and a chapter on the murder of George Adamson. When John and Ace took Christian to Kenya in 1970 there were an estimated 300,00 lions in Africa. Today there are fewer than 25,000.Trade Review'A new must-read book' Sloane Square magazine 'Well balanced and delightfully written account of an extraordinary adventure, brimming with fine pictures' Kensington and Chelsea Today 'The remarkable true story of a lion called Christian.' Catworld 'Brings (Christian's) remarkable story to the present day.' Your Cat Recommended reading London Property South, Big Issue, Best, The Resident, Time & Leisure, and SW ResidentTable of ContentsChapter 1: From Ilfracombe Zoo to Harrods Chapter 2: Lion at the World's End Chapter 3: Indoors and Outdoors Chapter 4: Life on the King's Road Chapter 5: Preparing for Africa Chapter 6: Out to Africa Chapter 7: Joining the Pride Chapter 8: Tragedy and Reunion Chapter 9: A Final Farewell Chapter 10: Christian's New World Chapter 11: George's Murder Chapter 12: Mkomazi Chapter 13: Searching for Signs of Christian Post Script: A Youtube Sensation: Lions in Trouble

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Book SynopsisInvasive alien plants and animals are known for their disruption of ecosystems and threat to biodiversity. This book highlights their major impact on human health. This includes not only direct effects through contact with the species via bites, wounds and disease, but also indirect effects caused by changes induced in ecosystems by invasive species, such as more water hyacinth increasing mosquito levels and thereby the potential for malaria. Covering a wide range of case studies from different taxa (animals and plants), and giving an overview of the diverse impacts of invasive species on health in developed and developing countries, the book is a significant contribution that will help in prioritizing approaches to controlling invasive species and mitigating their health effects. It covers invasive plants, marine species, spiders and other arachnids, ticks and dust mites, insects, mosquitos and other diptera, freshwater species (invertebrates and fishes), amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals. Key Features Collects together the major health impacts for the first time Covers animal and plant invasive species Examines issues in developed and developing countries The broad spectrum of the analyzed case studies will ensure the appeal of the book to a wide public, including researchers of biological invasions, doctors, policy-makers and managers, and students of invasive species in ecology, animal and plant biology and public health medicine.Table of ContentsIntroduction: From Local Strategy to Global Frameworks: Effects of Invasive Alien Species on Health and Well-being 1: Poisonous and Venomous: Marine Alien Species in the Mediterranean Sea and Human Health 2: Invasive Alien Plant Impacts on Human Health and Well-being 3: Human Health Impact by Alien Spiders and Scorpions 4: Ticks and Dust Mites: Invasive and Health-affecting Borderline Organisms 5: Bugs, Ants, Wasps, Moths and Other Insect Species 6: The Invasive Mosquitoes of Medical Importance 7: Invasive Freshwater Invertebrates and Fishes: Impacts on Human Health 8: Risks for Human Health Related to Invasive Alien Reptiles and Amphibians 9: Do Alien Free-ranging Birds Affect Human Health? A Global Summary of Known Zoonoses 10: Impact of Alien Mammals on Human Health 11: Climate Change and Increase of Impacts on Human Health by Alien Species

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Book SynopsisMeet 20 remarkable species facing the challenge of survival.From the rainforest to the savannah to the depths of the ocean, animal life in every continent and habitat has been affected by human activity. Louise McNaught's powerful animal portraits bring to life 20 stunning creatures and their fight for survival. Discover the dangers they face, the action being taken to protect them and their vital importance on Earth. Be inspired to join the movement to conserve species and find out how you can make a difference. "We all have a fantastic opportunity to do more for wildlife right now. We must not leave it too late: extinction is forever." - Charlie Mayhew MBE, Chief Executive of TuskTrade ReviewAs habitat loss now poses the greatest threat to our precious wildlife, discover the inspirational stories of 20 threatened species facing a fight for survival. Statistics show our planet is losing species between 1,000 and 10,000 times faster than the natural extinction rate, and it is caused almost entirely by human activity. Published in association with Tusk, a British charity set up in 1990 to help to protect African wildlife including African elephants, black rhino and the mountain gorilla, this beautifully illustrated book puts the world's extinction crisis and conservation issues into sharp focus and inspires all of us to join the conservation movement. From the rainforest and the savannah to the depths of the ocean, artist Louise McNaught's compelling animal portraits bring to life 20 stunning but endangered creatures, including secretary birds which fly across Africa south of the Sahara Desert, and the giant panda which now only survives in a handful of remote mountain areas in China. McNaught's vivid and energetic illustrations feature animals set on bright neon hues of green, yellow, pink, red and blue in an almost street-art style, giving them an elevated status whilst also suggesting the delicate relationship between nature and humans. Through words and intensely powerful pictures, Survival explores the dangers these amazing creatures face in their fight for survival, the action being taken to protect them, and their vital importance to life on Earth. In his foreword to this inspirational book, Charlie Mayhew, chief executive of Tusk, warns: 'We all have a fantastic opportunity to do more for wildlife right now. We must not leave it too late: extinction is forever.' * Lancashire Evening Post *The world is experiencing anextinction crisis. Earth is losingspecies between 1,000 and 10,000times faster than the naturalextinction rate. This book introducesyou to 20 remarkable species thatare struggling to survive. * Science and Nature *This eye-catching book has been published in association with Tusk (a wildlife charity) with the aim of highlighting the tenuous balance the survival of some species hangs in. The eye-catching artwork of Louise McNaught has a pop art feel to it, making the 20 endangered species featured the celebrities of the animal kingdom.All habitats are explored: the oceans, savannah, forests. Endangered species exist in all these places, no thanks to interference from the local human populations.Pages are clearly laid-out with a map, quick fact section and a more detailed explanation of the dangers each creature faces. A thought-provoking gift for those aged 8+. * Library Girl and Book Boy *Survival, published in association with conservation charity Tusk, takes a fascinating and informative look at twenty animal species that are facing the challenge of survival. It's an eye opening look at the dangers that they face and how extremely low the numbers of some species are.Human activity has endangered animals from every continent and every habitat, it's the number one cause of the decline in the majority of species. Our lifestyles and consumption of natural resources have contributed to this decline and several of the species included in this book are almost extinct or have come very close but are now slowly increasing in number.The book starts with a forward from Tusk which explains their work and how they protect animals from extinction. There's also a page about illustrator Louise McNaught and how she creates her pictures. A double page spread then shows a timeline of conservation and explains how different continents are working to ensure the preservation of endangered species.Animals, birds and insects from a variety of habitats, savannah, rainforests, oceans, are all included in this book. Each double spread includes a full page drawing of the creature and a map showing where that creature lives. Facts about each animal include information about their size, their habitat, how many there are in the world and their status - statuses range from critically endangered to vulnerable. More facts are given about each creature including the history and the reasons that they are in danger as well as the steps that are being taken to ensure their survival.Survival is a fantastic coffee table book to dip in and out of and it's really interesting to read about the threats faced by a range of individual species including bees, butterflies, Giant Pandas, Secretary Birds, Hawksbill Turtles and Black Rhinos. The Bornean Orangutang's habitat is being destroyed due to human's high consumption of palm oil, the Scalloped Hammerhead is endangered due to overfishing and urban development has led to the Sapphire-Bellied Hummingbird being critically endangered.Ideas as to how we can help endangered animals are given at the end of the book, it's heartening to see that the population numbers of some species are rising again but ultimately it is our behaviour and lifestyles that are causing the problem. If we don't act now, many of these species will become extinct. * Story Snug *Twenty creatures who are facing extinction are captured in powerfully vivid animal portraits. Discover the dangers they face, why they are important to the Earth and what is being done to protect them * South Wales Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisDodos are extinct, right?WRONG!They're not! They're just in disguise, and they're not the only ones. This book reveals the secrets of the woolly mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and even dinosaurs! These famous creatures are in disguise everywhere, so keep your eyes peeled! You never know who might be right under your nose . . .

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Book Synopsis...this is a glorious and luxurious book, surely one of the finest collections of polar bear photography published in recent times" - BBC Wildlife A symbol of strength, survival despite hardship and - more recently - the perils of global warming, the polar bear wears many different faces across the world. Polar Bears: A Life Under Threat is an uncompromising exploration of the animal behind the mythos. Rawicki's anthology transports us to the Arctic: the bears' home territory. His photographs depict playful cubs, hunting mothers and solitary adults on their yearly migration. The bears' innate curiosity shines through, as they peer through windows and rear up on their hind legs to study the camera. As well as trekking across miles of dazzling snow, they forage in forests and towns - leading to a striking series of photographs that document the relationship between bear, man and environment. Accompanying these images are a series of essays, poems and even a quiz, from the minds of Michel Rawicki and his contributors: Hubert Reeves, astrophysicist, and Remy Marion, author of several books about the polar regions. They explain the challenges encountered by polar bears in the modern age, and explore the future of a species threatened by climate change and pollution.Trade Review'The increasing hardship faced by this posterchild of climate change is all too evident. Yet this is a glorious and luxurious book, surely one of the finest collections of polar bear photography published in recent times.' -- Paul McGuinness - BBC Wildlife

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Book Synopsis'A beautiful gift... Full of fascinating facts' Yorkshire Post 'We all want to help the beleaguered bee and Sally Coulthard's latest book is a great place to start' Amateur Gardening 'How to help bees thrive and give your garden a real buzz' You Magazine We need bees. These tiny, hardworking insects have transformed our lives with their quiet diligence; fertilizing the wild plants we rely on, and giving us thousands of years of sugary pleasure. But bees are in danger; across the planet, their numbers are plummeting. Sally Coulthard is here to share fifty ways we can all save bees. Whether you garden for bees, campaign for bees, or just learn a bit of bee-whispering, little things can make a big difference. Just ask a bee.Trade ReviewA useful and beautiful gift... Full of fascinating facts' * Yorkshire Post *We all want to help the beleaguered bee and Sally Coulthard's latest book The Bee Bible is a great place to start * Amateur Gardening *How to help bees thrive and give your garden a real buzz * You Magazine *Sally Coulthard's beautifully presented book explains all you need to know about starting a bee hive, and why you would want to * This England *

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Book SynopsisThere are many hypotheses describing the interactions involved in biological invasions, but it is largely unknown whether they are backed up by empirical evidence. This book fills that gap by developing a tool for assessing research hypotheses and applying it to twelve invasion hypotheses, using the hierarchy-of-hypotheses (HoH) approach, and mapping the connections between theory and evidence. In Part 1, an overview chapter of invasion biology is followed by an introduction to the HoH approach and short chapters by science theorists and philosophers who comment on the approach. Part 2 outlines the invasion hypotheses and their interrelationships. These include biotic resistance and island susceptibility hypotheses, disturbance hypothesis, invasional meltdown hypothesis, enemy release hypothesis, evolution of increased competitive ability and shifting defence hypotheses, tens rule, phenotypic plasticity hypothesis, Darwin's naturalization and limiting similarity hypotheses and the propagule pressure hypothesis. Part 3 provides a synthesis and suggests future directions for invasion researchTable of ContentsPart I: Introduction to invasion biology and the hierarchy-of-hypotheses approach Chapter 1: Invasion biology: searching for predictions and prevention, and avoiding lost causes Chapter 2: The hierarchy-of-hypotheses approach Chapter 3: Hierarchy of hypotheses or hierarchy of predictions? Clarifying key concepts in ecological research Chapter 4: Mapping theoretical and evidential landscapes in ecological science: Levins’ virtue trade-off and the hierarchy-of-hypotheses approach Chapter 5: A hierarchy of hypotheses or a network of models Chapter 6: The hierarchy-of-hypotheses approach updated – a toolbox for structuring and analysing theory, research and evidence Part II: Hypothesis network and 12 focal hypotheses Chapter 7: A network of invasion hypotheses Chapter 8: Biotic resistance and island susceptibility hypotheses Chapter 9: Disturbance hypothesis Chapter 10: Invasional meltdown hypothesis Chapter 11: Enemy release hypothesis Chapter 12: Evolution of increased competitive ability and shifting defence hypotheses Chapter 13: Tens rule Chapter 14: Phenotypic plasticity hypothesis Chapter 15: Darwin’s naturalisation and limiting similarity hypotheses Chapter 16: Propagule pressure hypothesis Part III: Synthesis and outlook Chapter 17: Synthesis Chapter 18: Conclusions and outlook

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Book SynopsisThe perfect introduction to the Ice Age, complete with ENORMOUS fold-out pages!Nearly three million years ago the Ice Age began. Oceans froze, ice sheets covered land and animals, along with humans, found ways to thrive. These prehistoric creatures were weird, wonderful and enormous ...Explore the Earth continent by continent and come face to face with Ice-Age megafauna, such as North America's short-faced bear - which was 3.7 metres tall, and mastodons - which weighed twice as much as a T. rex! Accompanying the images, lively text allows you imagine exactly what these mega animals were like!Trade ReviewTite's amazing images of the Ice Age creatures are accompanied by a lively narrative excursion through pre-history which helps youngsters to imagine exactly what these mega animals were like. The Ice Age as you've never before seen it! -- Pam Norfolk * Lancashire Evening Post *

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Book Synopsis"Some plants are inherently rare, while others become rare through our actions."Rare Plants explores what makes the world's most uncommon plants so exceptional, and by what means they have become so scarce. From highlands to jungles, many of our most extraordinary plants are vanishing at shocking rates, and this exquisitely illustrated book explores 40 of these mysterious species.Featuring stunning archive images and expert insight from the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, Rare Plants explores both the beauty and necessity of our endangered plant life.Table of ContentsIncludes: Adansonia grandidieri, Aloe vera, Brugmansia arborea, Clianthus puniceus, Dracaena draco, Eucalyptus, Fritillaria meleagris, Genista tinctoria, Iris sofarana, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Lotus maculatus, Paphiopedalum bellatulum, Quercus Robur and more.

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Book SynopsisThe planet is currently experiencing alarming levels of species loss caused in large part by intensified poaching and wildlife trafficking driven by expanding demand, for medicines, for food, and for trophies. Affecting many more species than just the iconic elephants, rhinos, and tigers, the rate of extinction is now as much as 1000 times the historical average and the worst since the dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago. In addition to causing irretrievable biodiversity loss, wildlife trafficking also poses serious threats to public health, potentially triggering a global pandemic. The Extinction Market explores the causes, means, and consequences of poaching and wildlife trafficking, with a view to finding ways of suppressing them. Vanda Felbab-Brown travelled to the markets of Latin America, South and South East Asia, and eastern and southern Africa, to evaluate the effectiveness of various tools, including bans on legal trade, law enforcement, and interdiction; allowing legal supply from hunting or farming; alternative livelihoods; anti- money-laundering efforts; and demand reduction strategies. This is an urgent book offering meaningful solutions to one of the world's most pressing crises.Trade Review'The Extinction Market is an especially needed contribution to comprehend the tightly interwoven licit and illicit economies based around biodiversity hotspots and endangered wildlife.' -- H-Environment

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Book SynopsisMongooses are a remarkable and fascinating group of small carnivores, with 25 species occurring in Africa and nine in Asia. They live within a wide variety of habitats, from open savannah to dense rainforest, and display an amazing diversity in social behaviour, with both solitary and group-living species. Yet this family is one of the least-known group of carnivores. The general lack of public awareness about most mongoose species, and the scarce ecological knowledge of what they need to survive in the wild, are two of the many conservation threats that this group of carnivores faces, which highlights the urgent need to promote an interest in these amazing animals. As well as popularising mongooses, the book will be a valuable source of information on general scientific and conservation topics, such as social behaviour and how the loss of suitable habitats impacts animal species. Recent cinematic films and TV documentaries on meerkats and banded mongooses have been very popular, but people are much less familiar with the other mongoose species that live across Africa and Asia - most of these are rarely seen in the wild and are very poorly known, and several have not been studied in the field. One African mongoose was only discovered by western scientists in 1958, and several others are only known from a few museum specimens and recent observations in the wild. This well-researched, lavishly illustrated book will give a comprehensive overview of the whole mongoose family, including all the different aspects of mongoose biology, their role in human society and the conservation issues that they face, as well as detailed information on all 34 mongoose species.Trade Review'This should appeal to all mongoose fans, non-experts and experts alike'. Mammal Watching -------------------- '...is pleasantly easy to read and gives the reader information on the evolution of the mongoose, their lifestyle and behaviour...is well laid out and amply supplied with lovely colour photographs, maps and tables...I thoroughly enjoyed this book'. Wildlife Detective-------------------'...This comprehensive guide to everything mongoose covers all 34 species...25 of which are found in Africa...from the lovable meerkat to the rarely-seen Jackson's mongoose...it is a fascinating read for the mongoose connoisseur or wildlife enthusiast'. Travel Africa--------------------'Mongooses might be some of the most underrated mammals on the planet...It would be a cool set to see in the wild...all 34 mongoose are covered with range maps and varying amounts of detail on their ecology and behaviour...The authors have also sourced photographs for just every species'. Mammal Watching Blog------------------‘…a great little volume to learn more about these fascinating creatures… an excellent reference work… provides detailed information and is a great addition to my collection of mammal references’. Matthew L. Miller, Cool Green Science blog

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Book SynopsisThis is a book about what it's like being a birder in an age of natural decline. It is part autobiographical - tales of spell-binding birding encounters that left indelible memories - and it is part reflective. The travellers' tales of birding adventures are about places and events that were variously entertaining, amusing, captivating, inspiring, exciting and awesome, literally. They also feature the amazing, eccentric, dedicated, inspiring people in the birding community. Travels to Madagascar, Cambodia, India and many other places are recalled. There is birding in the Himalayas, in the Australian outback, on the Southern Oceans and in hotel gardens and city parks and there are tales of the 'big listers', 'big-lensers', professional guides, and local conservation workers who try to keep their habitats safe for us. There are lots of images to accompany these stories. Martin's experiences in becoming a birder late in life revealed some strange behaviour which he soon learnt to take for granted as a member of the birding community. Why tear off chasing the next tick when we were having such a good time in the forest we were already exploring? Why was seeing a rare parrot in a cage less significant than seeing a 'wild' one that was being hand-fed in a nature reserve? Why was he visiting all those rubbish tips and sewerage farms in search of birds when birding excursions to a forest or a natural wetland were so much more pleasing? There are chapters about all of these puzzles and oddities, and more - their origins and, in some cases, how they shape our behaviour in somewhat perverse ways - on 'authentic' birding, the origins and importance of the life list, on rarities and trophy birds, and why the idea of a 'species' is elusive yet so important. All these tales and reflections are shaped by birding during an extinction crisis and the growing biodiversity crisis. As he observed trashed habitats and vanishing bird populations during his travels, Martin's growing dismay and alarm about these issues coloured everything. So he came to ponder what birders are doing in response, whether it is for good or harm. There is the paradox of 'extinction birding' - it is not difficult today to see some vanishingly rare birds, because they are hanging on in reserved, fenced spaces, kept alive by artifices such as captive breeding. Because our visits to these places provide funds, we are also among these species' last hopes for survival. Is this the best we can do? More self-reflection among all birders is necessary. Faced with the growing crisis, we can all do better.

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Book SynopsisA detailed examination of all aspects of parrots from behavior to their conservation.Parrots' colour and charisma, coupled with the fact that they mimic human speech, make them fascinating to many people. They are ancient birds with unique bill and foot structures that enable them to forage on fruits in the canopy of forest trees as well as on seeds in grasslands. Because they depend on fruits and seeds all year round, most species are confined to the tropics or sub-tropics, where the world's biodiversity is at its greatest. There are over three hundred species of parrots, of which more than one hundred are recognised as rare, endangered, vulnerable or threatened with extinction. Parrots are largely distributed in tropical areas of developing countries where economies are weak and uncertain, and where there is great dependence on the exploitation of natural resources, particularly hard wood evergreen forests, which are preferred parrot habitats. Unfortunately, high levels of corruption are common to these regions, with much illegal trade in animals and little or no law enforcement. Collectors of parrots in the first world pay huge sums for rare parrots. However, research, education and conservation actions are greatly reducing illegal trade in African parrots. This book provides complete coverage of all aspects of the biology of extant African, Malagasy and Mascarene parrots, and reviews our knowledge of extinct and fossil parrots from the region. Particular themes include the behavioural and ecological characteristics of parrots, their species characteristics and conservation biology. Current concepts in avian and conservation biology are also discussed. Parrots of Africa, Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands is aimed at ornithologists, conservation biologists, avian ecologists, academics, bird watchers and parrot fans alike. It is well illustrated, with high quality original photographs, and includes distribution maps, figures and tables.Table of ContentsConservation biology; systematics; biogeography; intelligence and communication; breeding biology of African parrots; diet and metabolism of African parrots; African longtailed, Vasa and Fossil Parrots; African Parrots; African Lovebirds; Case study of the endangered Cape Parrot; African Parrots in crisis; African Parrot action plan.

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Book SynopsisThe water vole is one of Britain's most endangered mammals. A native of the British Isles, and popularised in modern culture as 'Ratty' in Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, the water vole is a cherished resident of our rivers, canals, streams and ponds. But this once ever-present mammal, like so many others, is now in danger - during the 1990s Britain's water vole population declined by over 80 per cent, and it is now fully protected by law in England and Wales. In The Water Vole, Christine Gregory, author of Brown Hares in the Derbyshire Dales and A River in Time, tells the story of the water vole, past, present and future, principally through its history in the waterways of Derbyshire. Having spent several years studying Derbyshire's water vole population and habitats, and capturing their behaviour intimately through her photography, Christine has developed a relationship with many of the custodians of the county's waterways, who are vital to the survival of the water vole. Decades of painstaking research into the decline of the water vole and the visionary work of conservationists give much cause for hope. Respecting our countryside and wild places and rebuilding the health of our rivers is key: we all have a role to play in the water vole's future.Table of ContentsForeword by Chris Packham; Introduction; Part 1 - The Water Vole; Part 2 - How Water Voles Live; Part 3 - A Protected Species; Part 4 - Derbyshire's Water Voles; Part 5 - History of the Water Vole in Britain; Part 6 - The Otter, the Mink and the Water Vole; Part 7 - The Future for Water Voles; Appendices.

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Book SynopsisA Telegraph Book of the Year. What does a mammoth smell like? Do dinosaurs bob their heads as they walk, like today’s birds? Do aurochs moo like cows? You may soon find out. From the Siberian permafrost to balmy California, scientists across the globe are working to resurrect all kinds of extinct animals, from ones that just left us to those that have been gone for many thousands of years. Their tools in this hunt are both fossils and cutting-edge genetic technologies. Some of these scientists are driven by sheer curiosity; others view the lost species as a powerful weapon in the fight to save rapidly disappearing ecosystems. Science journalist Torill Kornfeldt travelled the world to meet the men and women working to bring extinct animals back from the dead. Along the way, she saw a mammoth that has been frozen for 20,000 years, and visited the places where these furry giants once walked. It seems certain that they and other lost species will walk the earth again, but what world will that give us? And is any of this a good idea?Trade Review‘[T]his excellent book, written with a deceptively light touch (in Fiona Graham’s translation) … raises a number of deep questions and paradoxes about our relationship with nature.’ * The Guardian *‘It’s a beautifully written and perceptive book, that also poses sharp questions about environmental nostalgia and the true value of species.’ -- Number 4 of the ‘Best Books of The Year 2018’, Steven Poole * The Daily Telegraph *‘Kornfeldt does an excellent job of exposing the ethical dilemmas of bringing extinct creatures back to life.’ -- Kathryn Hughes * The Mail on Sunday *‘The Re-Origin of Species is an engrossing exploration of a controversial area, written with a light touch and a journalist’s eye for detail.’ * Irish Examiner *‘The author's careful synthesis of accomplishment versus aspiration is also spot-on—even world-class scientists will be dreamers, and there is much more research to be conducted before mammoths once again lumber across the tundra. Wondrous tales of futuristic science experiments that happen to be true.’ * Kirkus Reviews *‘Extinction might not be forever! ... Free of most scientific jargon, Kornfeldt’s book is an eye-opening introduction to an important new field of study that”s well fit for public library audiences.’ * Booklist *‘Pick up this book and you’ll be glued to its pages, and soon convinced that bioengineering will continue to change the world in ways difficult to imagine.’ 4.5 STARS * Good Reading *‘Kornfeldt interviews researchers intent on recreating mammoths and passenger pigeons, saving the northern white rhino, and reintroducing chestnut trees to North America.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘Reading The Re-Origin of Species was a delightful adventure. Torill Kornfeldt took me by the hand and led me all around the world, and back through history, teaching me about how extinction works and how the restoration of all kinds of species, from the woolly mammoth to feathered dinosaurs, just may be a part of our future.’ -- Tim Urban, Wait But Why?‘Any number of terms apply to Torill Kornfeldt's fascinating overview of this profoundly important subject: clear-eyed. Skeptical. Open-minded. But the word that sticks with me is one I haven't had cause to use in a very long time: hopeful. The Re-Origin of Species gives me hope.’ -- Peter Watts, author of Blindsight and Starfish‘[E]xpresses the full complexity of this topic in a lighthearted, masterful way, raising critical questions … which guide the reader to develop informed opinions about how humankind can limit the ongoing destruction of nature.’ * Adelaide Advertiser *‘It’s less like reading a college text book and more like reading about a famous explorer digging into cultures not seen since the dawn of time. It’s like Indiana Jones light, for the scientist.’ * Adventures in Poor Taste *‘This thought-provoking and deeply engaging book throws into the question the very meanings of life and death as we understand them.’ STARRED REVIEW * Shelf Awareness *‘[T]he projects Kornfeldt writes about are incredibly compelling, given that we are living through a mass-extinction event that threatens the stability of the world’s ecosystems.’ * The New Yorker *‘In her cleverly titled book, The Re-origin of the Species, Swedish science journalist Torill Kornfeldt examines the world’s most famous (or perhaps most infamous) attempts to resurrect extinct species ... Crisscrossing the globe to interview the world’s leading experts on de-extinction, she offers her personal impressions of their laboratories, their research, and even their motivations ... The Re-Origin of the Species is a welcome addition to the growing corpus on de-extinction, and a strong debut by a gifted writer.’ -- Abraham H. Gibson * The Quarterly Review of Biology, Stony Brook University *

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Book SynopsisYou Are Noah! sees YOU taking an active interest, in a dramatic dream – to save wildlife the world over, especially animals on the IUCN red list of endangered species. Publicity for the most ambitious of projects began with the Introduction volume of this book series, and its tie-in to Noah's Ark TV Series 1. It was then, and still is now, the Introduction to the whole programme. The TV series, which ran on Sky TV (UK) in 2021, along with the release of music singles, is now going back into production to track on camera building the world's most iconic and technologically advanced conservation park ever conceived of. The series is part of an Entertainment programme that will include: more books as well as music labels by A-list stars, and even a London West End musical. And a series of mega benefit Concerts will kick off with performances potentially in London's Wembley Stadium and New York's Madison Square Garden. Both, Entertainment and Concerts, are aimed at putting The Noah's Ark Conservation Park at the heart of eco-tourism, and its conference centre and research facilities high in conservation circles. The overriding aim being to protect wild animal species, sustainably, for decades to come. Located in large open expanses along the coast of Africa, its main attractions will be: seeing the biggest range of animals from across the world, protected by Jurassic Park strength security, with massive Eden-Project-like Geo Domes for species (with their natural vegetation) from other climates, and the largest sea life aquarium in the world. Noah's Ark's response to the biodiversity crisis our planet faces, is a beacon for many more to follow worldwide. Climate change is receiving more attention, as are recycling and prioritising renewable energy. And in line with that, especially at COP Conferences and around the world post-COVID, people are now reconnecting much more with nature. All of which is raising awareness to the overriding need for a united front on the crisis. The challenge for the project team, led by Richard Curson & Hein Prinsloo, is to inspire YOU, and all who want to save our planet, to collectively raise a tsunami wave of opinion. Opinion that changes policies worldwide to our precious biodiversity, and with that to peace and wellbeing for all humanity. It will all start simply with what YOU watch, read, say, buy and follow. Note: Project development, essentially building the park, is with Scapha Ltd (UK). While Entertainment and Concerts are with The Noah's Ark Foundation – a non-profit organisation set up to sustainably support this project, and others that aim to tackle threats to animal wildlife from industrial and agricultural development, pollution, also poaching.Trade ReviewTie-In of Noah's Ark TV Series, 2021: S1 aired on Sky TV (UK), authors interviewed on Good Morning Britain and Kay Burley. TV and book series will both be ongoing from 2022 for 5 years.

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Book SynopsisBritain's west coast is home to only one pod of orca, and they're heading rapidly towards extinction. In 2014, Dr Natalie Sanders joined the crew of the HV Silurian to seek out the West Coast Community of Orca and study them before we lose them forever. In The Last Sunset in the West, she discusses them as individuals while also exploring the many issues surrounding their lives. Her captivating account takes the reader from the Western Isles of Scotland to Vancouver Island and around the world, deep into the history of our relations with these beautiful and sentient creatures.Trade Review‘Natalie Sanders conveys both the magnificence and fragility of this remarkable creature.’‘A wonderfully passionate account.’‘Thought-provoking and very timely.’ ‘It is vital that the story of the West Coast Community is spread far and wide.’‘An important wake up call.’

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Book SynopsisWhat do you think of when you think of Nature? Prolific author and National Geographic writer Doug Chadwick’s fresh look at human’s place in the natural world. In his accessible and engaging style, Chadwick approaches the subject from a scientific angle, with the underlying message that from the perspective of DNA humans are not all that different from any other creature. He begins by showing the surprisingly close relationship between human DNA and that of grizzly bears, with whom we share 80 percent of our DNA. We are 60 percent similar to a salmon, 40 percent the same as many insects, and 24 percent of our genes match those of a wine grape. He reflects on the value of exposure to nature on human biochemistry and mentality, that we are not that far removed from our ancestors who lived closer to nature. He highlights examples of animals using “human” traits, such as tools and play. He ends the book with two examples of the healing benefits of turning closer to nature: island biogeography and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative. This book is a reflection on man’s rightful place in the ecological universe. Using personal stories, recounting how he came to love and depend on the Great Outdoors and how he learned his place in the system of Nature, Chadwick challenges anyone to consider whether they are separate from or part of nature. The answer is obvious, that we are an indivisible from all elements of a system that is greater than ourselves and should never be neglected, taken advantage of, or exploited. This is a fresh and engaging take on man’s relationship to nature by a respected and experienced author.Trade Review"Combining the eye of a naturalist, the ear of a storyteller, and the heart of one who cares deeply for the fate of the wild — and the wild lurking within each of us— Chadwick demonstrates the biological truth that the fate of all life on Earth is intertwined." -- Big Sky JournalTable of ContentsPrologue Chapter One: I am at Least Four-Fifths of a Grizzly Chapter Two: Kaboom Chapter Three: The Living Planet Quick Reference Guide Chapter Four: The State of Our Union Chapter Five: Health Coverage for Primates Chapter Six: Elephants and Excavations Chapter Seven: Daydreaming at the Fair Chapter Eight: Rescue at Sea, Part One Chapter Nine: Rescue at Sea, Part Two Chapter Ten; Ode to a Strawberry Chapter Eleven: Coda to a Strawberry Chapter Twelve: Crowboarding Chapter Thirteen: Why Y2Y Epilogue: Note to (Greater) Self

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Book SynopsisDespite the systemic opposition, Chundawat continued the fight to save Pannaâs tigers, collecting data and petitioning the government to intervene.

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