An Atlas of Endangered Species

"Welcome to frontline conservation, the tough, gritty and real decisions that are protecting our wildlife."  CHRIS PACKHAM

This fascinating new book from well-known zoologist and wildlife TV presenter Megan McCubbin, takes an in-depth look at the worrying increase in the numbers of rapidly vanishing and threatened species around the world and the efforts being taken to try and save them from extinction.

Split into two sections covering the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, 19 species are looked at in detail, all with beautiful illustrations by Emily Robertson such as the examples included here.

As Ms McCubbin acknowledges in her introduction, after being diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 7, writing a book was one of the last things she thought she would ever do. But here we are 20 years later and all the better for the new and improved methods of communicating conservation and science she has learned to master over the years, particularly for the benefit of fellow dyslexia sufferers. The book itself has also been published with a careful choice of design, fonts and layout to complement this approach for the benefit of dyslexic readers.

The amount of research that has gone into each and every species chapter is astonishing and the stories are engaging, with individual conservationists input and expert commentary being effortlessly woven into the tales of the species they are involved with. The result is that we are given a glimmer of hope that with the excellent work of committed people like this around the world, our endangered species may yet be saved.

But what of the human species? Well you will have to read the epilogue to see what the future might have in store for us!

"Three species vanish every hour. Our incredible world is at risk, but we still have time to save it. Life has evolved in extraordinary ways. Sharks can detect electromagnetic fields in the ocean; a vulture's stomach is more acidic than battery acid; pangolin tongues can reach up to 40 cm long and are attached to their pelvis; albatrosses can fly at over 50mph, 805km a day; and every orca pod has its own unique culture. But did you know that around 55,000 animals and plants are pushed into extinction every year? In this beautifully illustrated collection, conservationist and wildlife broadcaster Megan McCubbin speaks to scientists, rangers and conservationists fighting to reverse the sixth mass extinction. From changing shark legislation and tracking deadly fungi, to homegrown glow-worm farms and sperm-collecting kakapo helmets, the methods are endless and sometimes too sci-fi to believe. Whether it's the infamous northern white rhinos and the Sumatran orangutans, or the lesser-known icons like the sunflower sea stars and the lady slipper orchids, the battle is on for their survival, and we all have a part to play."

Bio

Megan McCubbin is a zoologist, wildlife TV presenter and photographer. Most well-known for presenting the BAFTA award-winning BBC Springwatch series and Animal Park, Megan is a passionate science communicator and biodiversity activist.

Purchase

Price: £20 £19

Publisher: John Murray Press

Type: Hardback

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