Wild Lives: Leading Conservationists on the Animals and the Planet They Love

by Lori Robinson, Janie Chodosh, Carl Safina (Foreword by)

Overview

Today we are faced with the alarming possibility that as many as 50 percent of species alive will become extinct within this century. This statistic is so staggering that scientists have begun to refer to the twenty-first century as the “sixth extinction.” But while this is alarming, all hope is not lost; conservation experts across the globe are working tirelessly to preserve our planet for future generations.
In Wild Lives, twenty of these pioneers share their stories via exclusive interviews. Coming from different countries, diverse cultures, and a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and specializing in different species, all of these conservationists have an important characteristic in common: they have committed their lives to saving our planet and the majestic species that call it home. These esteemed contributors include:

•Beverly and Dereck Joubert, National Geographic filmmakers and big cat experts
•Ric O’Barry, dolphin advocate and trainer of Flipper
•George Schaller, famed field biologist and author
•Yossi Leshem, Israeli ornithologist
•Dominique Bikaba, gorilla activist
•Paul Hilton, award-winning wildlife photographer

Passionate and inspiring, Wild Lives is an important and timely reminder of the beauty and fragility of our world and the obligation that every person has towards preserving it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781510713642
Publisher:	Skyhorse
Publication date:	04/18/2017
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Lori Robinson holds degrees in environmental studies, biology and psychology, and has a life-long passion for wildlife and wild places. She has spent time with the indigenous Achuar of the Ecuador Amazon, the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert, and the Maasai and Samburu of Kenya. From 2004-2010 she worked for the Jane Goodall Institute as their Africa Adventures Specialist and continues to design, and sometimes lead, safaris for clients to East and Southern Africa. She writes about conservation for various blogs and magazines, including Africa Geographic and her own site, SavingWild.com, and is a fellow of the International League of Conservation Writers. She lives alongside coyote, deer, and rabbits in her small old adobe home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Janie Chodosh's life work and passion has been a mix of natural history, conservation, and writing. She earned a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Montana and has worked as a naturalist in Yosemite National Park, a wilderness guide for the Colorado Outward Bound School, a trip leader for the Montana Natural History Center, and as the state education director for the New Mexico chapter of the National Audubon Society. She is currently involved with elephant conservation in Assam, India. She has two novels in the Faith Flores Science Mysteries: Death Spiral (2014, Poisoned Pen Press), and Code Red (February 2017, Poisoned Pen Press). Janie lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with her husband, daughter, stepson, and dog, Bryn.

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Introduction xi

Chapter 1 The Man Who Coined "Biological Diversity" Thomas Lovejoy, PhD 1

Chapter 2 Ambassadors for African Wildlife and Wilderness Beverly Dereck Joubert 9

Chapter 3 Necks' Best Thing Anne Innis Dagg, PhD 19

Chapter 4 Using Birds as Peacemakers in the Middle East Yossi Leshem, PhD 29

Chapter 5 Cheetahs' Best Friend Laurie Marker, PhD 39

Chapter 6 The Man Who Speaks for Asian Elephants Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma, PhD 49

Chapter 7 Investigative Photojournalist of the Illegal Wildlife Trade Paul Hilton 57

Chapter 8 Saving the World One Polar Bear at a Time Steven Amstrup, PhD 67

Chapter 9 A Real-Life Lorax Meg Lowman, PhD 79

Chapter 10 From Dolphin Trainer to Dolphin Defender Richard O'Barry 89

Chapter 11 Global Wildlife Hero George Schaller, PhD 99

Chapter 12 Chinese Champion for Animals Grace Ge Gabriel 109

Chapter 13 Carnivore Conservation Biologist David Parsons 119

Chapter 14 Peace Maker Ian Craig 129

Chapter 15 Canines and Conservation Megan Parker, PhD 139

Chapter 16 Fighting for the Leaser Ecosystem Farwiza Farhan 149

Chapter 17 Gorilla Warrior Dominique Bikaba 159

Chapter 18 Outspoken Champion of Africa's Lions Craig Packer, PhD 169

Chapter 19 Penguins, a Love Story Dee Boersma, PhD 179

Chapter 20 Census Taker of African Elephants Mike Chase, PhD 191

Acknowledgments 201

Editorial Reviews

Almost every day we hear one more story about a species facing extinction, a habitat destroyed. And indeed, planet earth has never been so threatened by human actions. This is why Wild Lives is so desperately important. The people in this book are united by their belief that it is not too late to turn things around. You will be inspired by their stories. You will realize that there is hope for the future if we join the fight, if each of us does our bit.”
—Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, and UN Messenger of Peace,
founder of the Jane Goodall Institute

“Fighting for sanctuary and safety for those most precious to them, these wildlife heroes are up against extraordinary odds, yet their courage and sacrifice remains undaunted. From melting icecaps to humid jungles, these people have dedicated their lives to helping those who can never say thank you. Robinson and Chodosh weave masterful narratives around these people, in stories that are even more astounding because they are true. Wild Lives brings into clear focus the incredible animals with whom we share the world. Be careful, it will make you want to quit your job and join the fight to save them.”
—Vanessa Woods, New York Times bestselling author of Bonobo Handshake

Thanks to the environmentally committed interviewers Robinson and Chodosh, 20 conservationists succinctly tell their stories in this illuminating volume that may well inspire readers to take up the cause." -Booklist

“The twenty lives documented in this compelling book are truly remarkable in their diversity and commitment to conservation of species and habitats. I loved reading about each and every one of them, the different problems they encounter protecting animals and their bold and insightful solutions—a wonderful read.”
—Jane Alexander, actress; author of Wild Things, Wild Places

“Wild Lives is a most important contribution to the broad field of conservation biology. The biographical stories of twenty major contributors who constitute a who’s who of scientists who have worked tirelessly to save our planet—it’s magnificent and awe-inspiring fauna and flora—are and inspirational pieces. We are living in an epoch called the Anthropocene, often called “the age of humanity.” In reality, it is “the rage of inhumanity.” This book should be on the shelf of everyone who cares about our wondrous and fragile planet, from youngsters to seniors in all parts of the world, who want to see our nonhuman animals and plants thrive and survive despite so much that is being done that is contributing to its rapid demise. Wild Lives should be required reading for all humans, and adults should read it to youngsters, because they are ambassadors for the future. Animals and their homes need all the help they can get, and the people whose moving stories and accomplishments are covered in this book readily serve as inspirational role models for the future.”
—Marc Bekoff, editor of Ignoring Nature No More: The Case for Compassionate Conservation and author of The Animal’s Agenda: Freedom, Compassion, and Coexistence in the Human Age

“Wild Lives is a salute to the people on the front lines of conservation. Having worked with animals myself, specifically elephants, many people have inspired me, but mostly it was the elephants that inspired me. Through narratives based on personal interviews with twenty of the world’s conservation champions, readers will get an insider’s view to what it takes to save some of the planet’s greatest species.”
—Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton, co-author of Among the
Elephants and Battle for the Elephants

“Some people say we live in a time when there are no more environmental heroes. Fortunately for us, Wild Lives proves them wrong. The stories in this uplifting book will inspire you to make a difference. They show that heroes for the planet can be found everywhere, among both young and old. You, too, can be a hero!”
—Todd Wilkinson, author and environmental journalist

“Great conservationists are the warriors that step up to defend our planet. Man has declared an insidious war on the earth. Each person in Wild Lives, many of whom I can call friends, is a hero who heard the whisper of this war before it became a roar; they saw the signs before they became front-page news; they heeded a call that was as yet unspoken. Their work is on the unrelenting front line of ecological destruction. They have dedicated their lives to protecting our landscapes and all the species we share them with. Mere thanks and admiration fall short. This book inspires us to follow where they lead, and to join them in striving to love and protect our earth-home.”
—Thomas D. Mangelsen, legendary nature photographer

From the Publisher