100 Heartbeats: The Race to Save Earth's Most Endangered Species

by Jeff Corwin

It's no secret that our planet―and the delicate web of ecosystems that comprise it―is in crisis. Environmental threats such as climate change, pollution, habitat loss, and land degradation threaten the survival of thousands of plant and animal species each day. In 100 Heartbeats, conservationist and television host Jeff Corwin provides an urgent, palpable portrait of the wildlife that is suffering in silence and teetering on the brink of extinction. From the forests slipping away beneath the stealthy paws of the Florida panther, to the giant panda's plight to climb ever higher in the mountains of China in search of sustenance, to the brutal poaching tactics that have devastated Africa's rhinoceros and elephant populations, Corwin takes readers on a global tour to witness firsthand the critical state of our natural world. Along the way, he shares inspiring stories of battles being waged and won in defense of the earth's most threatened creatures by the conservationists on the front lines. These stories of hope and progress underscore an important Our own survival, as well as that of the world's wildlife, is in our hands. The race to save the planet's most endangered wildlife is under way. Every heartbeat matters.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Nature, Science, Environment, Conservation, Wildlife

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 27, 2009

About the author

JEFF CORWIN
Wildlife biologist
Emmy-winning host

Emmy winner Jeff Corwin has been working for the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems around the world since he was a teenager. Animal Planet audiences best know Jeff as host of THE JEFF CORWIN EXPERIENCE, one of the most popular shows on cable television. The series reaches over 13 million viewers in the United States and is viewed in more than 70 countries worldwide.

Since 2000, Jeff has partnered with Animal Planet and Discovery Communications as host and executive producer of THE JEFF CORWIN EXPERIENCE. He also serves as the executive producer of the new series CORWIN'S QUEST. His first book, Living on the Edge: Amazing Relationships in the Natural World from Rodale Publishing, is now in paperback.

When not in the field, Jeff lectures on wildlife, ecology and conservation to audiences across the United States. Jeff also established an interactive museum and environmental education center called the EcoZone. Based in Norwell, Mass., the town where Jeff spent his childhood, the goal of the EcoZone is to build awareness for the wildlife and ecology unique to the wetlands of southeastern Massachusetts.

Now an expert in rainforest animals, Jeff was first introduced to the tropical rain forests in 1984, while on an expedition to Belize. The experience fueled his interest in the study and conservation of these ecological marvels. In 1993, Jeff addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations regarding the need to conserve neotropical rain forests. By 1994, Jeff had served as expedition naturalist for THE JASON PROJECT, the acclaimed documentary series produced by National Geographic and EDS under the direction of Robert Ballard.

Jeff has bachelor of science degrees in biology and anthropology from Bridgewater State College, and a master of science degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In 1999, Bridgewater State College honored Jeff with a doctorate in public education for his work in communicating about the need for a sustainable approach to using natural resources and the importance of conserving endangered species. Jeff firmly believes that through education and awareness, the natural resources, wildlife and ecosystems that make up our planet will be conserved for future generations.

Jeff's winning personality, combined with his camera-friendly good looks, led editors to choose him as one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" and he was included on the highly regarded Entertainment Weekly "It List." In October 2003, Jeff made a guest appearance as himself on the popular television series CSI: Miami. Other television appearances include the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Access Hollywood, Extra and Oprah. In 2004, Jeff won an Emmy for best performer in a children's series.

When not traveling the world, Jeff can be found at his eclectic home off the coast of Massachusetts, which is decorated with unique and unusual artifacts from his globe-trotting. He lives with his wife Natasha and daughter Maya Rose.

Reviews

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It is my hope that this book will serve as a catalyst, educating people about the state of our natural world and compelling them to help protect it for future generations. We have the chance to do it, and we can succeed. Every heartbeat matters.”

1 Sentence Summary: Stories and science of endangered species on Earth, what is threatening their survival, and what is being done to save them.

My Thoughts: Such an important and impactful book. This was so freaking depressing, but at the same time very inspiring and motivating.

“With 3,246 of the world's animal species classified as critically endangered, these animals need all the friends they can get. And whether we realize it or not, we need them. The biodiversity that results when millions of species share a planet benefits our species in ways that are easy to take for granted. We're inextricably bound with nature. When we put the survival of the natural world in jeopardy, we simultaneously put our survival in jeopardy.”

It was well researched and well written. I liked the mix of science and personal stories; I felt like I really got to know the animals that were written about. We must to better to protect our planet and its biodiversity.

“Chances are that in any given community, there's a river that needs to be cleaned up. Or an animal that could use the aid of human intervention, such as the Florida panther, which has benefited from the culverts built to help it safely cross highways. Saving the world's animals—and, in turn, the health of our planet—begins in your own backyard, when you allow a garter snake bathing in the afternoon sun to slither back into your garden unharmed. It begins with showing your children the miracles that take place every day in the neighborhood pond. That's where the seeds of conservation are planted.

Most things start small. Consider all the steps it took to create our massive carbon footprint. Now we just need to step in a different direction. We can—and we must.”

Recommend to: Conservationists & animal lovers.

[Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot reading this book. Frightening but true. We need some bold new strategies to save so many endangered species and there is still so much to be done.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Corwin is one of my personal heroes because of the amazing work he does with animals, environmental education, and habitat conservation. His passion and dedication to preserving the natural animal wonders of the world for this and future generations is commendable. I love his sense of humor, his joy at what he does, and the child-like wonderment he has for all animals. He is truly someone I admire wholeheartedly.

So it's always with enthusiasm that I read his books. It was with gusto that I jumped into "100 Heartbeats," even with its distressing topic of the fight to stave off extinction of many of the world's animals. With an abundance of research and personal experience behind him, Jeff details how many creatures now reside on this list that no animal wants to be on. It represents species or sub-species who only have 100 members presently living in the wild, animals who are tragically close to disappearing from this planet due to the negligence of mankind.

Chapter after chapter, Jeff discusses how our selfishness and greediness have imperiled animals all over the world. He touches on habitat destruction, poaching, revenge killings, poisoning, farming, and the myriad of other ways man is changing the environment to the detriment of all. One really distressing quote was about the most recent presidential election with Fred Thompson saying that John McCain and Sarah Palin would drain the swamps regardless of how bad the alligators felt about it. If that weren't bad enough, the cheers from the Republican convention floor should send shivers down your spine.

All is not bleak in this book, however. He details how conservation efforts have brought the bald eagle, the California condor, the red wolf, and other animals back from the edge. He describes the hardwork of those fighting to preserve animals as lowly as the alligator to the adorable sea otter.

This book is one powerful read. If by chance you aren't galvanized to action after reading this, then I feel this was a waste of a read for you. This is an important book that should be read by all especially those who feel that man has the right to do to the environment anything he so choose to. This book is an eye-opener and one I won't soon forget. I'm now on a mission to find the companion documentary Jeff did. I know it will be just as moving and educational as this book.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book. Full of information about endangered animals both struggling for existence and recovering from past problems. I liked the way this book was written. I saw that some people complained about this books layout... But I personally had no problem with the organization of this books chapters. I thought it was clever of Jeff Corwin to link the ending of each section to the next. It really brought the book together ad a whole and kept me wanting to read more.

I learned many interesting facts about animals and politics after reading this 100 Heartbeats. I loved the fact that Jeff Corwin dedicates a section to just wolves, as they are my favorite animal. :-)

[ੈ✩‧₊˚ faithreads *ೃ༄ (inactive) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to check this book out of my library because I was doing a reading challenge, and need to read a nonfiction book. I knew it would be good, but I didn’t know how good. I absolutely loved 100 Heartbeats. It was very eye opening, for one. I was shocked at all the animals that I didn’t know about. I liked learning the histories of the animals, as well. I liked how the author added his own personal stories and experiences to the book to make it more personal. I think everyone should read this book. It really tells you what is going on in our world. Absolutely amazing book, 1000% recommend!! 🤩

[Mal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sheds light on how much humankind is both destroying the habitats of numerous wild animals to the point of either extinction or near extinction and the efforts of those who are trying to preserve and prevent that from happenning. And if we don't make more of an immediate effort, hundreds of species will no longer be with us. Each year we lose more and more.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great pop sci book with a ton of introductory info on conservation efforts. It’s engaging and really illustrates the problem we are facing. In 2022, it’s a bit outdated but not so much to impact enjoyment.

[Lainey Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

"the plight of 16,928 species threatened with Extinction is largely due to devastating man-made ecological changes such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and unsustainable exploitation."

"Despite conflicting reports you may have heard about whether global warming is actually occurring and weather, if it is, it's our fault, 97% of climate scientists surveyed about climate change in 2007 agreed that average global temperatures have increased during the past century. 84% of those scientists considered the warming to be caused by humans."

"The area of permanent ice in the Arctic polar ice cap is contracting at a rate of 9% a decade. If this trend continues, the Arctic could melt completely in less than 100 years. And most scientists view the changes taking place in the Arctic as a sign of what's to come elsewhere."

"It's important to understand that this is not a race to spare a handful of particular species because we feel an affinity for them and want to save them. That's a phenomenon referred to as charismatic species syndrome, where by we attach human inspired values or characteristics to other species. We may rush to save the giant panda, but a venomous rattlesnake? We don't move as quickly if at all. The reality is, each species, no matter how big or small, has an important relationship with other species and its ecosystem and we're in a race to preserve as much of the animal kingdom as possible."

"More than 75% of native vegetation has been destroyed in much of the East and the Midwest of America."

"Habitat destruction, the deterioration of an environment to the point where it can no longer support an indigenous species, is the most significant cause of species Extinction worldwide."

"Every 20 minutes, another unique animal species becomes extinct. Every year more than 20,000 species tragically disappear from our planet. If the rate of extinctions isn't slowed, by the end of the century, more than half the animal species alive today will be lost forever."

"In 1927 only a dozen Heath hens survived in just two of them were females. The following year only one male danced in the lek. he boomed out his mating call again and again, unaware that there were no others of his kind to hear him. No one is booming ben, he heralded the spring for four more years as locals hoped against hope that perhaps a female would present herself. But she never did. And on March 11th, 1932, the last living Heath hen made his final appearance. That's the heat and followed the passenger pigeon into the ranks of North American birds driven to extinction by exploitation, a lineup that also includes the ivory build woodpecker, the Carolina parakeet, the Labrador duck, and the great auk."

"Today wild tigers are so rare that all subspecies are endangered, some critically. Globally, only about 3,500 tigers live in the wild. In india, land of the tiger, that number is about 1,660 and falling."

"The Iberian lynx, a native of Spain and portugal, is the world's most threatened cat species. In 2005, studies estimated the population of Iberian lynx to be as low as 100, down from an estimated 400 in 2000. Well a few big cat subspecies have become extinct, if the Iberian lynx loses its battle, it would be the first big cat species to become extinct since the saber-tooth tiger."

"Although pandas have broad, flat molars and powerful jaws that can easily crush me and boo, they also have the digestive system of a carnivore, despite the fact that they eat a primarily vegetarian diet.

"Orangutan means " person of the forest" in Indonesian and Malay."

"When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future" were the last words written by Diane fossey in her journal before she was murdered with a poachers confiscated machete that hung on her wall".

"If you were to make a list of the 10 most endangered birds in our 50 states, seven would be native to Hawaii"

"By the time Europeans colonized the Hawaiian islands in the 18th century, more than half of the archipelagos avian life had been hunted to extinction, including a massive species of flightless duck, the moa nalo, which weighed up to 16 lb. .... Still when Captain James Cook took his first steps on the Black sands of Hawaii in 1778 he encountered an extraordinary array of birds found nowhere else on earth, today, only 25% of those species remain. Of the 32 species of native Hawaiian birds that have survived, 24 are critically endangered. Most of these birds have less than a 20% chance of surviving beyond the next decade."

"Imagine holding a bird with the knowledge that if he does get hurt the world loses a precious member of an endangered species. Losing this bird would be the human equivalent of scraping the entire populations of Vermont and Rhode Island right off the US map."

"The gharial,along with the Chinese alligator are some of the world's most endangered reptiles. Take a moment to think about that... A creature that has existed for 80 million years may be near the end of its time on Earth."

"Some unique amphibians include a purple pigmented frog that wasn't discovered until 2003 because it spends most of the year buried more than 10 ft underground; a blind salamander called an Olm that has transparent skin, lives underground, uses its sensitivity to electromagnetic fields to hunt for prey, and can survive for 10 years without food; the malagasy rainbow frog, which can climb vertical Rock surfaces; and the lungless salamanders of Mexico which breathe through their skin and mouth linings."

"Amphibians are referred to as ecological canaries in a coal mine because they're among the most sensitive of the planets indicator species. Functioning is an early warning system, the fate of these animals May indicate the faith that awaits an entire ecosystem. There are a few more accurate barometers of water quality, air quality, climate change, and environmental degradation and amphibians. So when amphibians die off in massive numbers, as they've been doing all over the world since the 1980s, there is a cause for grave concern. Based on the rate at which their environments are changing, we could lose half of them in our lifetime.".

"With almost a million strands per square inch, the sea otter has the densest and most luxurious for in the animal kingdom. Unlike other sea mammals, such as whales, sea lions, and seals, otters don't have blubber for insulation and most rely on their fur coats for warmth."

"sea otters are considered a keystone species or one that has a greater stabilizing effect on its ecosystem in the size of its population would suggest. When sea otters are present, the coastal environment is three times more diverse, making it a more stable and productive ecosystem than those with less diversity."

"The black market for animal trafficking is an industry that Interpol estimates its annual profits at more than 20 billion, behind only the black market for weapons and illegal narcotics."

"There's little in life that's more disturbing than the side of a dead rhino flat on its side with the bloody hole in its head where it's horn used to be. Or gorilla that's been reduced to little more than a stump, it's hands and feet having gone the way of its dignity. Or an elephant that's been stripped of its face and it's once mighty trunk... Powerful enough to knock over a tree... To give poachers access to the basis of the tusks. How can we reconcile the moral chasm that lies between a 5000 pound rhino carcass and a few pounds of harvested horn? It's difficult not to feel that all of humanity has let these animals down by feeling to protect them from our species is worst impulses."

"it becomes a very personal thing when you see the degree of an elephant's suffering," Ruggiero says. "A mentor of mine who was an ex concentration camp and tourney and a brilliant conservationist once said the Sudanese poachers are committing genocide on elephants. He used that term. This is a guy who is in a concentration camp during world war ii. He said that humanity is committing genocide on elephants and that the elephants know it but they don't know why. And when you think about it, when you know what normal elephant behavior is when they're not being hunted, and then you see how they act when they are, how they change their behavior in such a sophisticated way, in terms of socializing, in terms of diet, and turns of nocturnal versus diurnal, he's right. They know that people are trying to kill them. And they obviously don't know why."

"A rhinoceros horn is worth five times more than golden Hong kong, singapore, and the middle east.. this animal bears the holy Grail of the black market on its face is conspicuously as a hood ornament."

"The Sumatran rhino is physiologically unique and can't be interbred with any other rhino species. It was recently discovered that the Sumatran rhino is an induced ovulator, which means that a female's egg doesn't leave the ovary until the animal starts mating."

"The sex of an alligator is determined by the temperature at which the egg is incubated. If the temperature is 82 to 86° f will be female. If it's 90 to 93° f it will be a male. 87 to 89 degrees it could be either."

"When we extinguish an entire animal species, we don't have the ability to travel back in time and reverse the situation, but we do have an obligation to act now to prevent future tragedies. Endangered species depend not on our hindsight but on our foresight."

"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors semicolon we borrow it from our children,"
a native American proverb instructs.

"While we are hardwired to protect species for aesthetic, commercial, and economic motives, the impetus to preserve biodiversity should be our greatest and most urgent call to arms."

[Jonathan McWilliams · Rating 4 out of 5]

*FIVE STARS* ++

"We lose resources, things we depend on, when we lose these species," he says. "They're our partners in agricultural management, in managing ecosystems. We lose food, energy, potential medicines. Not only do the species lose out, we lose out. The quality of life and living of the next generation would be put in jeopardy." - Jeff Corwin

This Book by Jeff Corwin ( animal planet guy ) simply does an amazing job at outlining the systematic threats forcing many of earth's species into peril and extinction. If you love animals, like me, you will be remiss to learn just how bad the situation is for many of these species, including some famous ones, like the lion, tiger, and rhino. We are so dangerously close to losing more precious animals and biodiversity that the situation has become more than critical--it's time for everyone to understand the impacts and importance of a sound ecology. Most importantly, we must realize that we are a part of this ecology and not above it. If we do not each do our part to be aware and minimize our damages as a species--we will not only lose these amazing creatures but we will lose ourselves. The stage is set, the battle is happening--there is hope. But we're losing on many fronts, and the extinction of multiple species in this book in the few years since it was written proves it. Will humanity come together, or will we let the worldwide ecology crumble--and us with it? Only time will tell.

Just Some of the species that have become extinct since this book was written:

Pinta Island Tortoise, June 24, 2012 ( Mentioned in the book! Jeff was probably very sad to hear this news )

Western Black Rhinoceros, 2011 -- Also in the book. The situation was CRITICAL when the book was written. Nobody listened.

Alaotra Grebe, 2010- a small diving duck species

Caribbean Monk Seal, 2008

Formosan Clouded Leopard, Neofelis nebulosa brachyura, 2013 - Big Cat

Vietnamese Rhino, Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus, 2010

Christmas Island Pipistrelle, Pipistrellus murrayi, 2009 - type of bat

Yangtze River Dolphin (Baiji Dolphin), Lipotes vexillifer, 2008 - another one listed in the book, Jeff was hopeful with them, but sadly human activity/pollution was just too much.


Noteworthy quotes : "Many of the medicines we use today, to fight everything from AIDS to cancer, originate as a toxin in an amphibian skin. When we lose these animals, we lose resources. We lose keystone species in the environments where they live."
-Jeff Corwin

[Nola · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a bit emotional and earnest, and maybe overwritten, but covers a lot of ground. The author is a herpetologist and the founder of an interactive museum and has advanced degrees in biology. The jacket says that MSNBC’s documentary, 100 Heartbeats, is based on this book. This background isn’t entirely clear from the book itself. The title refers to species and subspecies that have 100 or fewer individuals in the wild, and came from an article written by Edward O. Wilson, “Vanishing Before Our Eyes”. Jeff Corwin describes his contacts with these species while filming them and ties each into the particular cause of its risk of extinction. The chapters are organized under the topics of global warming, habitat loss, introduced species, pollution, disease, and exploitation, with at least one species to illustrate the effects of each. It discusses particular species, particular threats, and what organizations and individuals have done, sometimes successfully and sometimes not, to save species from extinction.
Some of the statistics are the kind that becomes dated, such as when I read in 2014 that “… palm oil concessions continue to rip apart the forest at a rate that will leave Bornean orangutans, critically endangered Sumatran orangutans, and other species without any wild habitat at all by 2012.” But this may be quibbling. Aslo, some of the wording seems a bit garbled. I was confused in a couple of places, especially where poaching was referred to as being legal.
Since I don’t know all of the species that are known to have gone extinct or are in danger of it, I don’t know if there are particular areas of the world or species that were neglected, but it seems very comprehensive. There is great information on species and sub-species throughout the world, and it is nice to learn about the taxonomy of well-known animals, such as rhinos, which I didn’t even know had different species.

[Cora · Rating 4 out of 5]

100 Heartbeats Club is what conservationists call species that are so endanger of extinction that there are less than 100 individuals left in the wild. In this book, Jeff Corwin gives the reader an overview of some of the major causes of species extinction and endangerment and provides the reader with examples and case study to illustrate the challenges. Despite the title of the book, Corwin does not focus on species that are members of the 100 Heartbeats Club, although he does mention a few. I would recommend this book to someone that wants to know something about endangered species conservation who does not already know a lot about it. I studied endangered species conservation in college and graduate school, so there was nothing new or interesting for me in the book. Most of the animals (he does not discuss any plants) are those whose story I am already familiar with and the issues he addresses (climate change, pollution, habitat loss, human population growth, etc.) are those I already know a lot about. However, it is presented in a clear and interesting way that those without my background in conservation biology would get a lot out of. I did like that in each section, at least one of the stories is a tentative success story where the species population is improving. It is nice that the message isn't all doom and gloom. Overall, for me it was just OK, but others would probably learn a lot from the book.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeff Corwin gives a status report on the state of the planet's animals. It's an energetic, engaging clarion call, interspersed with his own up-close encounters with animals , though I wish he attacked the underlying causes of exploitation and the attitudes that endanger animals in the first place with more vigor. I did enjoy his political slant (hint: Republicans aren't exactly on the forefront of conservation efforts), as well as his unassuming nature and his critical acknowledgment of the "charisma factor" that so often decides which animals are worthy of those efforts.

[Steve Parcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really thought provoking, horrifying yet fascinating read.

I like Jeff a lot as he is obviously a caring guy who has devoted his life to saving as many species as he can. The story of his first encounter with a garter snake and how he showed it to his aunt was very funny as it sets the tone and nature of the book nicely.

Its a nicely written book which never becomes too preachy but informs the reader on what we are doing to our planet and its fellow inhabitants. Very good.

[Wendi Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

So very sad to read about all the terrible things we have done to animals. I read it because of Jeff Corwin's passion for the animals.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is pretty interesting. The different parts of it relating to various species, the ones that are no longer & those struggling to survive really opens your eyes to what is really happening. Whether it is hunting, climate crisis, habitat loss, etc. the issues have been going on forever. Humans essentially make it worse on so many levels it's pretty sickening. How did certain species go extinct or end up critically endangered? Humans. The author has gone to places all over the globe to be in the midst of the decline of species & how it's being rectified by researchers, scientists, & the like. I do have issues w/ how they go about this at times & am opposed to zoos since they are basically putting animals on display for human entertainment. When you take species out of their own habitat to put in a lab to study it is that really the best thing to do for that particular animal? Is it really going to do better in captivity than in the wild? That is a question we all need to ask ourselves. I do know that some species have been brought back & their numbers grew because of this. The handling of any wild animal should never happen so when I see all these photos of the author w/ various species it looks like a photo op & doesn't really make a case for helping them. I guess as long as the animals are being helped from going extinct some measures need to be taken that I don't care for.

[Sandhya Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

100 Heartbeats: The Race to Save Earth's Most Endangered Species" is a captivating book that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. As a biologist and an animal lover myself, it struck a chord with me deeply. The book sheds light on the plight of some of the most endangered species on our planet, and it's hard not to feel both emotional and outraged at the human actions that have pushed these magnificent creatures to the brink of extinction.

Reading about the devastating impact of human intervention on these species left me feeling a mix of emotions – sadness for what has been lost and anger towards those responsible. This book is a wake-up call for anyone who believes in the importance of every living creature on Earth.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, regardless of their background or interests. It delivers a powerful message that we hold the future of these animals in our hands. While we can't change the past, we have the power to shape a better future for them. "100 Heartbeats" serves as a reminder of our responsibility towards the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of all species, no matter how big or small.

[NCHS Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Follett: Popular television host Jeff Corwin takes readers on a gripping journey around the world to meet the animals threatened by extinction It's no secret that our planet is in crisis. Environmental threats such as climate change, pollution, habitat loss, and land degradation threaten the survival of thousands of plant and animal species. In 100 Heartbeats, Jeff Corwin provides an urgent portrait of the wildlife teetering on the brink. From the forests slipping away beneath the stealthy paws of the Florida panther, to the giant panda's plight to climb ever higher in the mountains of China, Corwin takes you on a global tour to witness firsthand the critical state of our natural world. Along the way, he shares inspiring stories of battles being waged and won by the conservationists on the front lines of defense. The race to save the planet's most endangered wildlife is under way. Every heartbeat matters.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeff Corwin's deep passion for wildlife really comes through in his book, detailing his diverse experiences on the ground visiting various endangered species around the world. Though by no means a thorough analysis or study of wildlife biology and ecology, it did give interesting broad overviews of the situation facing conservationists and a taste of adventure in the capturing of wild animals for research.

Interestingly, red wolves are now known to be merely wolf-coyote hybrids and not a fully 'independent' species, calling into question the tremendous resources and efforts spent trying to 'save' them in the wild.

A short read, since a third of the book was devoted to a comprehensive listing of resources for further reading or action related to specific animal groups.

Finally, good to know that Corwin is still actively involved in the field, and continues to make new television series today. He still is one of the more engaging presenters for wildlife in my opinion.

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was terribly frustrating for me to read. On one hand I appreciate that information like this is available to the general public and may actually be read due to Corwin's presence on television. However, the way it was written was potentially off-putting to the layman and added little to the knowledge of someone like me who has considerable knowledge in environmental biology (degree and all!) and keeps up to date on the woes of species across the globe.

I did not expect much going in, especially since I am not a fan of Corwin. He has always rubbed me the wrong way and when he got an extreme food show on the Food Network that pretty much solidified my feelings on the matter. I just cannot really trust someone who will proclaim you should save this species but then goes and eats another. Sorry, but it is a bit hypocritical, especially from my vegan point of view.

The book was published in 2009 and since then a number of things have changed. The general information is still accurate but such things as population figures etc. obviously won't be. But other figures have also changed, including major changes for elephant and rhino poaching. The level of poaching has skyrocketed since the book was published, with levels of poaching at record levels for 2010 and 2011. 2012 is expected to set yet another record. In just South Africa the number of rhinos killed in 2011 was 443, and there may be more that are unknown. Unfortunately the belief that rhino and elephant horns can cure cancer has become even more predominant in Asia, especially as more individuals can now afford the "cure". But really the ground horns are like consuming your hair--it won't do a damn thing. But despite scientific evidence to prove this time and time again, the price of one pound of rhino horn continues to grow. The cost of a pound has changed significantly since 2009 as it is up to $50,000 a pound. The cost is growing and will continue to spur on poaching. Sadly the fate of both rhinos and elephants is bleak due to the Asian horn trade.

Also, the small section on the thylacine, which is an interesting species extinct in Australia, also needs updating. The thylacine was persecuted much like wolves, mountain lions and other predators for targeting ranchers' livestock, namely sheep. Thylacine were largely hunted to extinction spurred by these beliefs. But recent studies have conclusively proven that a thylacine would be physically incapable of killing sheep due to their weaker jaw structure. Yet another persecution at the hands of ranchers that is false.

Speaking of ranchers, I felt like Corwin defended them a number of times. This is not only ridiculous but misleading. This was especially true in the section on gray wolves. Corwin states:

"As in the past, much of the animosity toward wolves comes from ranchers, whose livelihoods can be seriously affected by wolf atacks on their animals. [...] They also say the wolves' presence stresses their cattle, which keeps their weight- and the ranchers' profits- down."

First of all, the livelihoods are not SERIOUSLY affected as even a pack of wolves would/do take limited numbers from ranchers. Plus ranchers are compensated by environmental groups so they are less likely to kill the offending wolves. Corwin's use of adverbs overall in the book was pretty atrocious and misleading. In order for a rancher to be seriously affected that would have to have a very limited number of cattle or other livestock. Also, the mere presence of wolves stresses the cattle? Sure, but the reason they care is because it decreases their PROFITS. Not surprisingly, this is all the ranchers care about. Gods forbid the cattle be nervous wrecks...it might impact the RANCHER. Blech.

I understand Corwin attempts to show both sides of a situation in a number of scenarios, but it often comes across as supportive and as if he is conflicted himself. Such as he displays the important role such predators as wolves have in the ecosystem, then turns around and cries a river for ranchers.

Despite attempting to convey passion for species it did not come across as authentic to me, especially due to his wording. Such as he conveys the plight of one species while simultaneously putting down another species and relegating it to a pest (squirrels in one instance). What if squirrels go the way of the carrier pigeon? Will he suddenly stop calling them pests? Bats are called pests but their declining numbers could spell disaster for crop production and insect populations could boom. Relegating any species to a pest is a poor decision on his part.

One of my favorites, the elephant, was also discussed in the book. Corwin seems to have an affinity for them as well but shows major human condescension when speaking of them. One time when referring to elephants he states: "they're also highly emotional animals- maybe nearly as emotional as humans- capable of both despondency and joy." Maybe? Nearly? Could we be more standoffish about declaring them capable of human level emotion? He makes similar frustrating statements when referring to great apes in the book, such as saying great apes may very well have "souls" like humans. So only humans and great apes then? How about we do away with the whole idea of souls if you're going to ignore most of the species on Earth, kay?

Overall the book would appease someone interested in the plight of endangered species but is not very knowledgeable in the field. Also, if you are a fan of Corwin you may fare better than I as well. Two stars for the book hopefully enlightening more people and getting more people caring about species other than humans. However, not the best written or most interesting....especially if you are all too aware of the speciesism with which he writes.

[Ellison Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and nostalgic account of some very hard stories. Easy and compelling to read. You can hear his voice and it gives a lot of facts and hope. Could have been better organized. Maybe with solutions/efforts to support blocked out in sidebars or at the end. I would love to see an updated version in a few years, maybe for the 20th anniversary.

I also wish the pictures in the front had gone through all the species he covered in order. I kept Googling to see the animals. And while there was some understanding of social dynamics, I was a bit annoyed at some of the tone of criticism of or even paternalism toward indigenous populations who live alongside these animals. This was self-corrected a few times but didn't really offer a better view.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, but reading this one makes me so sad.
There are a lot of animals in grave danger, and some of those animals, I just learned by reading this book.

And to think that this book was published last 2009, 8 years have passed, and the animals are still facing the same problems 8 years ago.

Reading this book, makes me even more ashamed of all the deplorable things that we humans do, unintentionally and intentionally.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for info about endangered animals and ways to help, but it read more like a Jeff Corwin "here are the cool trips I have been on". They filmed a show to go with the book and I think he would have been fine with one or the other, but both are not needed. It was tough to read about how much we have royally screwed up the planet and everything on it. But, a good book shouldn't take me a month to read it! Just OK

[Ryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was familiar with many of the species and facts described in this book, perhaps because I grew up when Steve Irwin and Jeff Corwin were both plastered all over Animal Planet. As a grown adult with a biology degree now, I didn’t necessarily learn much from this book, but it is a phenomenally accessible compilation of endangered species information and I think it’s the perfect read for someone who is curious about endangered species preservation without having a strong science background.

[Chaitalee Ghosalkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books are precious. You, the reader sitting in the cozy confines of your house don't deserve to rate a book that talks about people that have walked thorough fire (quite literally in of the occasions the author describes). The world as we knew when we were born has undergone change drastically, all we have done is drive several species to their extinction before we jump into the well as well

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book I’ve read so far this year. Conservation is near and dear to my heart, and this book just solidified that even more. The tales of species that have been driven to extinction by humans will bring tears, but the stories of the people trying to save what’s left will give you hope and maybe a sense that we’re not all bad.

[Megan Woodland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. And heartbreaking. A book talking about some animal species that have less than 100 of them in the wild or who soon will and how we've pushed them there. It also talks about some of the successful recoveries like the California Condor. Makes me want to do better about doing what I can to help our world.

[Katie Rosati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic writing; Jeff Corwin is an incredible author and tv show host, but the book hits you hard with all the feelings of sadness and anger. If you want to feel something, definitely read this book.

[Kathy Govreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real eye opener for me even though I am an active environmentalist. This should be required reading in schools. Everyone should read this book.

[Rick Bavera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed full of information, this book by Jeff Corwin educates while at the same time letting Corwin's passion come through.

[Dorothy Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read despite the fact that such information is quickly outdated (2009). Corwin includes photographs of himself next to many of the animals he describes.