Product Description

There have been at least five great extinctions in the history of the Earth where up to 95 per cent of all species have been wiped out in one event. The causes are attributed to massive volcanic eruptions, disastrous meteor strikes, and rapid climatic change. "Endangered" describes these events, but its main thesis is reserved for the potential sixth great extinction, attributable to mankind. Beautifully illustrated, "Endangered" looks at those species which have become extinct or which are so severely threatened that they soon will if we do not apply more international rational restraint upon the way we exploit our environment. However, this is more than a scare-mongering book designed to exploit guilt and anxiety, it is a celebration of the variety of nature and hopeful guide to a future world, safe for all species. Unimpeachable authorship, extraordinary photography and compelling yet objective text make this book essential to any Natural History reading list in the twenty-first century. "Endangered" is seeking endorsement from the world wildlife fund for nature.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #422952 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-12
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

Huddersfield Daily Examiner
"This lavish book ought to be a celebration of the most
spectacular and diverse animal forms in their natural environment."

North West Evening Mail
extraordinary photography [...] book essential to any national
history reading list in the twenty-first history

North West Evening Mail
"Addressing controversial issues along with extraordinary
photography... provides a compelling and objective text."

Customer Reviews

endangered wildlife
This excellent and thoughtful book deals with endangered wildlife on the brink of extinction.
The introduction records five extinctions that have occured in the past due to natural occurances such as weather changes,volcanoes, earthquakes etc.and the sixth extinction mainly due to the activities of man.
The main text deals with 59 classes of animals,birds,amphibians,reptiles,insects and fish which face extincrion in current times Each group has a two page or more spread giving a good synopsis of the problems facing the speecies concerned. The pictures are excellent
Finally a closing chapter entitled "stemming the tide" discussesthe steps that are needed to protect our wildlife A book to be highly recommended.

Vital For Any Conservation Enthusiast
The aim of 'Endangered' is to produce a comprehensive and fact-based account of the state of the world's biodiversity and a format accessible to you an I. It achieves this brilliantly.

The A4 book begins with a section on extinction and humanity, and ends with another on conservation efforts and the future. However the majority (160 pages) concerns the species themselves and the threats they face.

This section is split into many subchapters each taking up a double page spread, featuring a particular group of animals (e.g. great apes, sharks). A review of the features of the group is given, followed by the threats they face and extra detail about particular species.

The spread consists of one main photo fading out into the text, with the words moulded round the focal point. This makes for a beautiful layout and ensures the page space is fully utilised. The text is in 3 columns per page, interjected with smaller photographs and their captions.

You could say the amphibians and invertebrates are underrepresented and plants only figure in relation to animal species. However this is nit-picking and I really can't praise this book enough. A pleasure to read despite its somewhat depressing subject matter.