The Kingdom of Rarities

"The presence of large, potentially dangerous mammals connects us to something deep and primal and teaches us humility in a way that is unique and precious. We must not lose it." Dinerstein (Tigerland and Other Unintended Destinations), Chief Scientist with the World Wildlife Fund, provides nature lovers with an armchair tour of the world, focusing on rare species from New Guinea to Hawaii. In clear, concise prose he discusses the circumstances responsible for rarity like evolution, habitat loss, and war. Such species possess an undeniable allure and he asks "how can we make them worth more alive than dead?" Dinerstein has visited many remote locations, from Bhutan to the Amazon, to study wildlife, and shares many personal observations of these places. By some estimates, 75% of life on Earth is comprised of rare species, and Dinerstein's study will give readers a new appreciation for the vast diversity of the planet. "Perhaps ahead of us is a prominent marker in our own development: the point when we truly value nature's diversity, a metric noted by conserving rare wildlife." Line drawings accompany the text, though color photos would be more fitting, but otherwise Dinerstein's study is highly recommended for readers with interests in biology, natural history, and ecology. (Jan.)