Customer Reviews

Stinging Trees and Wait-a-Whiles: Confessions of a Rainforest Biologist

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It would be hard to suggest my review is subjective, since I worked with Bill Laurance in the rainforests of north Queensland in those hot, humid and heady years, and am also in the book-though its appearance in print was a great surprise. Nonetheless, for the reader, biologist, or armchair traveler, this book has a bit of everything. Laurance describes his pursuit of a Ph.d in biology with candor, insight and humor. It was an incredible time in Australia, and for once, at least, the forests won: much of Australia's remaining lowland and montaine rainforest was protected by World Heritage designation and the Rat Patrol and Higher Mammal Crew (led by Laurance) were right in the thick of it. Bill describes the realities of field work: the sheer physical aspect of being in the rainforest, the thrill of encountering relict and highly adapted species, the tension with local townspeople who make their living in extractive industries like logging, and the constant infusion of travelers and characters who were recruited to the little house on Coral Street. Small town, Australia is accurately depicted in the pages of this book: the miners, the timber cutters, pastoralists and plain drunks, most who ultimately come to respect Dr. Laurance and his work. Laurance also describes his travels in New Guinea, including several dangerous and hilarious encounters with local tribesman. Throughout are scattered insights about biology: why for example there are few aquatic marsupials (they would drown in a pouch), and human nature. My only complaint with the book, is that Laurance got the details of my own expedition in search of Morelia carinata with Geoff Cunningham substantially wrong: We did not lose our packs and food in a river crossing in the Kimberley, but walked 42 days to the coast for a rendezvous with a boat that never arrived due to a cyclone. After waiting ten days at the coast, we walked 168 miles to the nearest cattle station on the edge of nowhere. We did not eat anything but grasshoppers and wild figs for ten days, and were grateful to emerge from the outback with our lives. But, since I lost touch with Bill for 5 years, I can imagine he might get those details mixed up. All in all, it's a wonderful book, and a real insight into the challenges of field biology and habitat conservation. Laurance's post-script is a call to action to halt the destruction of rainforests around the world. Get involved. As he used to say, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."

After reading a wonderful review in the Chronical of Higher Education, I knew that I had to get my hands on this book.

Similar to Tim Flannery's Throwim Way Leg, Stinging Trees and Wait-a-Whiles recounts a biologist's travels and adventures into the Australian rainforest with his dog (Tulley) and a motley crew of volunteer research assistants.

Although Bill Laurance is a brilliant scientist, he is also a gifted writer who has the ability to spin dry field notes into witty reading.

I highly recommend this book!

I enjoyed Bills book and highly recommend it. I also worked on the higher mammal crew with Will Chaffey under the leadership of "Wild" Dr Bill Lawrence. The only thing I want to correct Bill on, besides what Chaffey has already stated. My name I went by was not Jeff but Geoff, thank you. I miss every one I worked with, with the exception of the chain smoking Pom from London. Nothing like being in the magical rain forests all day to come home to Milla Milla to find a smoke filled house. If you enjoyed Bills book, which I know you will. Please read Chaffeys book, entitled Swimming with Crocodiles, an Australian adventure. You can buy the USA version right here on Amazon, cheers.

I had to wait a while before I could get Laurence's book, Stinging Trees and Wait-a-Whiles, but it was well worth the wait. The book is very well written with a smooth narration mixed with humor and solid scientific descriptions. Laurance is honest in his assessment of the people and situations and objective in all that he reports. As I read, I felt as if I were part of his research group, and can only hope Laurance writes more.

A dear friend sent me this book just prior to a vacation in Queensland. The book, and Queensland are simply wonderful. We experienced many things described in the book, including Stinging Trees, Wait-a-whiles, leeches, crocs and so much more. We recommend both!!