How the Tiger Lost Its Stripes: An Exploration Into the Endangerment of a Species

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)