Customer Reviews

Noah's Choice: The Future of Endangered Species

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I can't remember where I first saw this book reviewed and recommended, but I do remember that I couldn't check it out in the school library because one of the Range Science professors put it on reserve for his class. That intrigued me enough to just buy it.

I found the first 3/4 of the book fascinating as it described a variety of encounters between human activity and species decline. Mann makes a good case that consistency requires the act and its defenders to defend squirmy species with the same fervor as they defend the "cute and cuddly" species. He also points out that some of man's activities which appear benign or even helpful (such as fire suppression) actually harm species who thrive in areas damaged by natural devastation (such as fires and storms). Finally, he relates several tales where species protection interferes with humanitarian activities (such as building roads on native american reservations between the remote areas and the centralized hospital).

However, despite all of the story telling and fact gathering, he chickens out in his recommendations. Throughout the book, he foreshadows a dramatic new proposal, but then fails to deliver. He makes a short call for reform and a more thoughtful process - "more of the same, only better." I would recommend the book for the anecdotes, but don't expect a world-shaking ending.