"The tiger is in no danger of extinction." With that surprising statement begins this in-depth look at the endangerment of one of the most majestic and elusive animals still to roam the planet. But if the tiger is in no danger of extinction, then isn't a book on its endangerment an oxymoron? No, not if we consider that although we will be able to see tigers in any number of captive circumstances - circuses, zoos, animal parks - events conspire to eliminate the few remaining "pure" species of tiger from their wild habitats. Working from firsthand interviews with tiger conservationists in zoos and biologists in the wild, with practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine making a living with ground tiger bone, with scientists steeped in the politics of global animal conservation, journalist Meacham offers a compelling examination of how the tiger's fate is being played out both on an international and a local scale. Exploring the role of captive breeding programs that debate the possibility of reintroducing the tiger to the wild, discussing the differences between conservation and preservation, weighing the demerits of eco-imperialism and the merits of eco-tourism, Meacham presents us with the most balanced view yet on the tiger and leads us to the major questions: Can the tiger survive in its natural surroundings? What is "wild" in a world where human influence extends to the atomic level? And, most important, what is the value of wildness?
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Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Endangered species?the tiger in particular?get an enlightening look here. The tiger is a popular symbol for the cause of endangered species worldwide; yet Meacham opens his book by saying that the tiger is not in danger of extinction?at least not in captivity. Tigers breed readily in captivity and are one species that actually suffers from overpopulation in zoos and circuses and on game farms. Meacham is a journalist, not a conservationist, scientist, environmentalist, or naturalist, but he has researched his topic well, detailing what science has done to ensure the survival (at least in captivity) of tigers and what political efforts, both local and international, either help or hinder the achievement of this goal. A welcome addition to the multitude of books available about tigers; highly recommended.?Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., Wis.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Beginning with the provocative declaration "The tiger is in no danger of extinction," this extremely readable book explores the complexities of saving an endangered species. The author, a journalist, spent time with professionals from all types of tiger research, both in captivity and in the wild. The conflicts between conservationists and those exploiting the tiger are well presented. Topics such as the races of tigers and their hybridization in captivity, the use of tiger parts in traditional medicine, international cooperative efforts to breed tigers in zoos, and how to best utilize the shrinking habitat available for wild tigers are well covered. Conflicts between tiger experts are given ample space, demonstrating that the environmental community is not necessarily of one mind on the preservation of the species. With its list of organizations working with tigers and a glossary of acronyms used in the text, this work is valuable for libraries with strong environmental collections. Nancy Bent
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent view of the problems of animal conservation,
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This review is from: How the Tiger Lost Its Stripes: An Exploration into the Endangerment of a Species (Hardcover)
Meacham has presented a wonderfully clear picture of a complicated issue without resorting to sentimentality or hype. He describes the international efforts and the machinations of the organizations involved in tiger conservation. In his dissection of the issues and roadblocks of saving a species, Meacham also gives us a portrait of the tiger: its value and role in both society and the environment. Meacham's writing style, with its informal and sometimes humorous twists, makes for fascinating reading. I'd insist this is a must not only for those interested in tigers, but also for anyone trying to understand the complexities of global conservation activities.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book albeit disturbing,
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This review is from: How the Tiger Lost Its Stripes: An Exploration into the Endangerment of a Species (Hardcover)
A book that doesn't give us any easy answers. Because there aren't any. Conservation unfortunately is against the rising tide of our population, given that Meacham tries to detail the options, some of which aren't so romantic but they are options none the less.If you have your heart set on rhetoric don't buy this book. If you are more open an objective view of the reality of conservation, buy this book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I can only echo Elizabeth Marshall Thomas' praise,
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This review is from: How the Tiger Lost Its Stripes: An Exploration into the Endangerment of a Species (Hardcover)
Mr. Meacham offers a pragmatic, fact-filled presentation and I have to agree with everything he writes. Having read everything on tigers from Barnes to Zwaenepoel, were I to read "Tiger-Wallahs" again by Geoffrey Ward, in the next edition I would add Mr. Meacham on that list. He interviews tiger conservationists and discusses would-be healers and gurus and their medicine (Aryuveda, e.g.), poachers and sellers of tiger parts in traditional eastern medicine. His book compelling journey into the workings of tiger farms for slaughter, its cooperation with the tiger part trade, and surprisingly he reveals that an inadvertent degree of coziness is involved between the Save the Tiger Fund and the practice of tiger farming! Meacham makes no pretense to be a zoologist but does inspire one to want to BE one. And no, as he begins his book, the tiger is not endangered--zoo and captive tigers, that is. The wild tiger in his glory is endanagered. He goes into more detail about CITES and the validity of the tiger-saving organizations. This guy is "not ready to make nice" and he's telling it like it is.
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