The Last Elephants

by Colin Bell (Compiler), Don Pinnock (Compiler), Prince William Duke of Cambridge (Foreword)

The Last Elephants was inspired by the devastating results of the continent-wide Great Elephant Census of 2016, undertaken by Elephants without Borders in tandem with the world's most prominent conservation groups. The book joins together the voices and vision of scientists, lawmakers, rangers, conservationists, and on-the-ground researchers to speak out against elephant killings, to close loopholes in international law that allow the ivory trade to continue, and to pay tribute to the thousands who work to protect the animals, including African communities who have elected to preserve and protect their elephant neighbors.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Animals, Science, Photography, Environment

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Jolanta (knygupė) · Rating 5 out of 5]

'An elephant is poached somewhere in Africa every 15 to 20 minutes of every day, every week and every month.'

Išsamiai, su daug informacijos, su gražiom ir žiauriom nuotraukom apie Afrikos dramblius. Apie tai, kad jiems gyventi liko tik keletas dešimtmečių. Liūdna knyga.

Dramblio kaulo dirbinių turėjimas ar papuošalų iš jo nešiojimas turėtų būti siaubingai gėda. Gaila ir žiauriai pikta, tačiau paklausa dramblio kaului vis dar didžiulė. Daug teksto net neperskaičiau, nes...ne mano nervams. Damn, mes - žmonės.

[SundayAtDusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hesitated getting this book, because reading about bad things happening to elephants often makes me cry. I don't know why their deaths seem more devastating to me than the deaths of other wild animals. There is definitely death and much sadness in this book, from poaching to translocated orphaned baby elephants saved from culls. Yet there are also fascinating stories of elephant studies and individual elephants. Plus, stories of those who work to keep African elephants from becoming extinct, including the rangers who deal with the poachers. This book is loaded with all sorts of diverse information, as well as close-up and aerial pictures of elephant herds. The pictures in the ARC were black and white, but they will be in color in the final copy. It's a big, heavy book about a big, heavy animal that cannot be allowed to be annihilated by greed and stupidity.

(Note: I received an ARC of this book from Amazon Vine.)

[Deb✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love elephants, and this book is about the need to save them before they become extinct. Their worldwide population is very rapidly declining due to poaching and the ivory trade. Soon our precious elephants will be gone. The same plight is happening to rhinos as well. They are trying to add more protected areas and to increase protection agents. Sadly many of the agents are even being shot too. People in many countries have decided to prohibit sales and trade of ivory and ivory products. Seriously, Ivory is not worth the lives of hundreds of thousands of elephants every year!! There are still some eastern countries that continue this trade unfortunately. (I was so happy to see them finally not be abused in circuses and fairs as much anymore.) Hopefully with the love of our world's majestic elephants, we will be able to find some more protection for them some how and try to stop more of the poaching. I don't want to lose our elephants. This book is worth a read.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put this on the photography shelf because the photos are astounding, touching, and memorable. Look at the cover: Two trunks around that darling baby! Mother/family love, definitely.

I did not read all the essays, but picked several. The coverage of the status of elephants (coastal, desert, forest, savannah) is complete and the various essays tell about past and present efforts to create/maintain sustainable habitat/refuge for the elephants in all the African countries where they currently survive. There is no glossing over the peril the elephants are in, as well as the peril of their defenders (patrols, NGOs, neighboring settlements) and other animals whose herd/group health and survival depend upon this apex species. This book is liberally illustrated with close-up shots, panoramic shots, and pictures of slaughtered/butchered elephants; this is not the book for the queasy.North America and Europe have destroyed much of their wildlife habitats (though efforts to restore are partly successful); Africa has a chance to learn from these continents' mistakes. Though it does not have a lot of time.
If nothing else, read this book or at least delve into it here and there. Not to do so is to pass by someone who needs help: acknowledge that humanity is not to be restricted to humans.

[Denise Huxham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What will our grandchildren say about us destroying wildlife?

[Beryl Sortino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling case for conservation of African Elephants. "An elephant is poached somewhere in Africa every 15 to 20 minutes of every day, every week and every month." Glorious photographs!!!!!

[Megan Clemance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GREAT book, full of real detail on the realities of those working hard to save elephants from their extinction.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 GoodReads Stars.

An incredible testament to why elephants matter and how we can help them from going completely extinct. The various issues that plague wild elephants in Africa stems from the most major issue: poaching. Other issues that also impact elephants are the changing borders due to war and sociopolitical disputes. Finding funds to help sanctuaries and park rangers is a great challenge that needs to be addressed and helped.

This book not only gives the case for elephants but also talks about the habit and ecosystems that these animals occupy. Climate and war have greatly affect these areas and conversation is paramount to keeping these magnificent beasts alive and well.

I highly recommend this informative book that offers wonderful photographs and great information.

[Janet Woodrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The photographs is this book are absolutely spectacular. Dozens of photos of elephants taken in their natural surroundings that will take your breath away!!!

This book was completed in 2018 and tracks the African Elephants 🐘 and their fight for survival across the continent as their tusks continue to be of great financial value on the Chinese markets even though the trade is illegal.

It also gives some insight into the nature of these incredible animals. Charismatic and intelligent, they live in family units and will mourn the death of one of their own just as humans do.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just returned from a 3-week safari in Africa where we visited 6 different national parks and conservancies, one of which, Amboseli National Park in Kenya, is known as an elephant sanctuary. We saw many elephants in every park, herds of up to 30 animals, and really enjoyed watching these giant beasts move gracefully across the land, munching everything in their paths.

This collection of essays from experts in the field of elephant behavior and conservation addresses many aspects of the problems that have beset this species in a thoughtful and very academic way. I’ve been reading one essay a day and, though there is some duplication in what the authors are writing, each essay brings a different perspective to the issues. Some of the articles are quite academic, and there are some sections that I just skim through; however the in-depth treatment of this very complex topic is well worth the investment of time to read these articles. It’s easy to think that poaching is the main threat to elephants, but the human animal conflict caused by loss of habitat is equally dangerous. Addressing that problem thoughtfully will remain a challenge as long as both species continue to exist.

The copy of the book I’m reading is an uncorrected black and white proof, but the many pictures are still quite beautiful. I’m sure they are stunning in full color! Whether you’re a conservationist or just a lover of this important species, there is much information and knowledge to be gained from this book.

[N. Cutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It must have been a labor of love to put this grand and informative book together which I only stumbled upon recently.
There are many people working behind the scenes, our unsung heroes, to ensure that what we have today are not the last elephants.
The photographs in this book are stunning and the many different contributions from those in the field extremely interesting. It's a beautiful book.

[Debbie Migdal-Baron · Rating 3 out of 5]

We cannot stand by & allow these amazing creatures to be massacred.. the dedication & beauty in this book brought me to tears,,

[Kev Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible compilation from elephant experts in the field from all over Africa. The photographs are stunning. The information within incredibly important.

[Lulu Cares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic photos!

[Elisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elephants are majestic!