Saving Endangered Species: Lessons in Wildlife Conservation from Indianapolis Prize Winners

Wildlife conservation is at a critical juncture, with over 15,000 animal species threatened with extinction. In Saving Endangered Species, Robert W. Shumaker brings together ten conservation heroes, seven of them winners of the Indianapolis Prize, three of them recipients of the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award. Each contributor offers their unique perspective on the state of wildlife conservation and the future of the natural world, and explains key concepts in wildlife conservation. The book aims to win new recruits, inspire biologists and conservationists already in the field, and illustrate the profession's fundamental scientific tenets through wildlife champions' own exciting narratives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2020
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Wildlife conservation is facing a critical crisis, with the disappearance of large, charismatic mammals like tigers and giraffes, as well as a significant decline in the populations of birds, reptiles, and mammals. A third of all insects are now endangered, including crucial pollinators that sustain the world's food supply. Over 15,000 animal species are now considered to be threatened with extinction.

Despite these daunting challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Many of these bright spots are due to the tireless efforts of a small group of scientists and activists. In his book, Saving Endangered Species, Robert W. Shumaker brings together ten conservation heroes, seven of whom have won the Indianapolis Prize, and three of whom have received the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award. Each wildlife defender offers their unique perspective on the state of wildlife conservation and the future of the natural world.

Through their compelling stories, contributors shed light on key concepts in wildlife conservation, explaining why they are essential and discussing the actions that can be taken to address biodiversity loss. Some of the notable contributors include George Schaller, one of the founding fathers of wildlife conservation, who conducted the fieldwork that led to the establishment of the world's largest wildlife preserve, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Iain Douglas-Hamilton, widely credited with developing the metrics and methods that stemmed the tide of elephant poaching, also shares his insights. Other contributors include Richard Leakey, renowned for his work in paleoanthropology and conservation, and Jane Goodall, a renowned primatologist and advocate for wildlife conservation.

Their stories are a testament to the resilience and determination of humans in protecting the natural world. By raising awareness and inspiring action, we can work towards a future where wildlife thrives and our planet is preserved for generations to come.

Weight: 642g
Dimension: 162 x 243 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421439563