Customer Reviews

The Myth of Wild Africa: Conservation Without Illusion

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This book was eye-opening. I've been reading about sub-Saharan Africa for the past two months and this is the best book of analysis I've read so far. It criticizes some of the other books I've read such as Cry of the Kalahari and Gorillas in the Mist for being short-sighted in their conservation dreams.

This book brings up the need to incorporate people into conservation and the failure of vast stretches of land dedicated to being a national park in countries where people aren't well fed.

By numerous critiques of programs considered to be at the forefront of convervation and analyses of policy in countries that include Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Naimbia, Rwanda, Gabon, Malawi, Zimbabwae, Zambia and Uganda Adams and McShane eloquently show that one policy of conservation doesn't work everywhere.

If are interested in wildlife conservation this book is a must. If you are persuaded by National Geographic movies this is a must. If you want to gain insight into the types of creative policies needed for wildlife areas in Africa and perhaps other tropical countries, this book is a must.

One of the best I've read all summer.

A great book for anyone interested in conservation in Africa. This is not, however, a book that promotes saving wildlife at all costs but instead looks at the issues surrounding conservation and the difficult issues that are involved in it. The book challenges the western-driven modes of conservation that have been in place for the past century. A must for anyone going on safari or anyone that works in the field of conservation.

This is a balanced perspective and an easy read. It isn't blindly save all animals nor allow shooting of all species. It speaks to Africa for Africans as a theme.
Not some heady tome, but a thoughtful approach to how to conserve wildlife in Africa.
I read before going to Botswana, my 4th trip to Africa, and found it stimulating and very useful. Particularly timely given the new white colonialism one sees in Africa trying to run wildlife camps, foster religious growth, etc.
A must read before your next safari.

what the explorers did over past centuries, once pristine Africa is now suffering the evils of urbanization introduced by modern world. The problem really is governanace. Ofcourse the wild animals are the worst hit.
This is one of the best books that de-mystifies the reality....
my opinion we should have left africa the way it was .... happy and natural....