The Race to Save the World's Rarest Bird: The Discovery and Death of the Po'ouli [Hardcover]

Alvin Powell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 10, 2008

Thirty years ago researchers discovered a previously unknown species of bird in the rain-soaked and remote mountains of Hawaii. As they studied the creature--which sported a black mask and was called the po'ouli--they soon learned that its population was shrinking quickly, and they worked frantically to find out what was killing the species and how they might prevent its extinction. This fast-paced account of their work, done in one of the world's most inhospitable environments, describes a stirring fight for survival. It also illustrates the challeng of protecting endangerd species in a rapidly changing world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Alvin Powell is a science writer for the Harvard University News Office. This is his first book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books (March 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081173448X
• ISBN-13: 978-0811734486
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,293,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true-life, real-people story about a struggle to save a species., August 31, 2008

By 

Kim Forrest (Los Banos, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Race to Save the World's Rarest Bird: The Discovery and Death of the Po'ouli (Hardcover)

A true-life, real-people story about a struggle to save a species. This book is very captivating, well-researched, well-written, and extraordinarily referenced. It really captures the passion that conservationists have, how closely entwined their work is with their personal beliefs and values, and how personally devastated they are by conservation losses. It captures the sometimes agonizing triage that conservationists in Hawaii have to deal with on a daily basis -- as well as the incredible Hawaiian landscapes that fuel their passion.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Race to Save the World's Rarest Bird: The Discovery and death of the Po'ouli, May 11, 2008

By 

James C. Otis (Glastonbury, CT, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Race to Save the World's Rarest Bird: The Discovery and Death of the Po'ouli (Hardcover)

I found this book to be interesting, important and informative for three reasons. First, it documents some of the causes and events surrounding the last few years of the po'ouli's existence and extinction for posterity. Second, it is very engaging; Mr. Powell has written a fast-paced chronicle of events that (despite the somber subject) is entertaining to read. Third, the book provides insight into a government program that is intended to protect endangered and threatened species, but which can fall short of the mark due to political and budget issues - despite the best efforts and intentions of many dedicated field personnel trying to save these rare creatures and their diminishing habitat.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible, important story of extinction in our times, March 26, 2008

By 

Laura-lynne Powell (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Race to Save the World's Rarest Bird: The Discovery and Death of the Po'ouli (Hardcover)

A compelling account of the discovery of a tiny bird in the Hawaiian rain forest and the desperate efforts to save it from extinction. Author Al Powell has allowed us to see in a concrete way man's impact on the environment and the effectiveness of the policies and technologies we use to protect species endangered because of it. His story allows us to work alongside biologists as they celebrate the discovery of the bird in the 1970s and experience their growing horror over its fast-dwindling numbers. By the 1990s only three birds remained in wild. He shows how biologists' attempts to save the bird culminates in captive breeding that fails in 2004 as they witness the last known member of a species die in a cage. Must reading for nature lovers, bird lovers, science buffs and anyone concerned about the world we live in.