Review by Booklist Review
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
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A 40-year investment in its "Put a tiger in your tank" slogan and ad campaigns, journalist Meachem says, led Exxon to make the largest single contribution ever to the Save The Tiger Fund. Meachem suggests that the tiger's capacity to inspire human beings is remarkable, and that the animal's public-relations value and draw for eco-tourism in developing countries will ultimately save it from extinction. Rather than demonizing poachers and big game hunters, the author focuses his analysis on the endeavors of scientists, government bureaucrats and animal rights advocates, presuming that coordinated domestic and international trade laws, improved logging regulations and more funding for park management will better protect the tigers and tiger habitats than will the strict prosecution of criminals. However, he also reveals some disturbing consequences of research and legislation intended to protect the tiger: tiger farms developed in the Far East to supply bones to Taiwanese medicine manufacturers; zoos that euthanize cubs as a result of their open breeding programs; and brutal artificial insemination procedures. Despite the academic tone of some of his material, Meachem will ignite in readers a fierce desire to protect the colossal beast whose "roar shakes your rib cage from several yards away." (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Endangered speciesthe tiger in particularget 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 extinctionat 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. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
How has the tiger come by its sorry endangered status, and what are its odds for survival? These are the questions posed and answered in this evenhanded, at times abrasive, account from an environmental journalist. Meacham opens by going for the jugular with the pronouncement that the ""tiger is in no danger of extinction."" They breed like bunnies, even in captive settings. But there is the rub: With the combined effects of poaching and habitat loss, perhaps the only tigers to remain in the future will be in captive settings. ""Their survival as a life-form does not depend upon the survival of their habitat. Only their wildness does."" That wildness is very important to Meacham, so he goes about considering the avenues open to protect the big cat from a life behind bars: Issues of genetic diversity and conservation biology are plumbed, as are artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization and the threats posed by traditional Chinese medicine and its fondness for powdered tiger bone and tiger penis soup. He probes the notions of animal rights and welfare; the work of preservationists (protecting tigers from humans) and conservationists (protecting them for humans); the problems of use value and nonuse value; the heavy moral baggage that comes with tiger farming (he presents a convincing argument that this will not diminish poaching) and hunting. Meacham's suggestions for ways to allow a remnant tiger population to persist in the wild aren't particularly inspired: Protect habitat, gather raw data, learn if reintroduction works, generate international support, find the political will. And his rock throwing at various friends of the tiger will get him nothing but a sour reputation--though his heart is in the right place. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Review by Library Journal Review
Review by Kirkus Book Review
