Tibet Wild: A Naturalist’s Journeys on the Roof of the World

Description

Product DescriptionGeorge Schaller has spent much of his life traversing wild and isolated places in his quest to understand and conserve threatened species – from mountain gorillas in the Virunga to snow leopards in the Himalaya. Throughout his career, Schaller has spent more time in Tibet than anywhere else, devoting over thirty years to the wildlife, culture, and landscapes that captured his heart. “Tibet Wild” is Schaller’s account of three decades of exploration in the most remote stretches of Tibet. As human development in the region accelerated, Schaller watched the clash between wildlife and people become more common – and more destructive. What began as a purely scientific endeavour became a mission: to work with local communities, regional leaders, and national governments to protect the ecological richness and culture of the Tibetan Plateau. Whether tracking brown bears, penning fables about the tiny pika, or promoting a conservation preserve that spans four nations, Schaller has pursued his goal with persistence and good humour. “Tibet Wild” is an intimate journey through the wilderness of Tibet, guided by the careful gaze and unwavering passion of a life-long naturalist.Review”Tibet Wild is a fascinating book of a little known part of the world. It should be read by anyone interested in the Tibetan Plateau. Field biologists, range ecologists, pastoral development specialists, tourists and even Tibetan monks will all find something of interest in Schaller’s evocative writing.”– “Pastoralism””Tibet Wild is a finely crafted memoir detailing George B. Schaller’s travels and conservation projects in the rugged Tibetan Plateau.”– “Shambala Sun””Tibet Wild is one of Schaller’s best works, combining wild adventure with insightful recommendations for people and nature. And it demonstrates why ‘old-fashioned’ field biology is still an essential part of conservation, and of science.”– “The Nature Conservancy’s Cool Green Science blog””Tibet Wild sings with Schaller’s tenacity, patience, and passion”– “BioScience””For the past three decades his studies have been largely confined to mysterious animals most people have never heard of. A summing up in his 80th year appears now, with helpful maps and 32 color photographs, inTibet Wild.”– “Audubon””George Schaller’s stature as a great naturalist and conservation scientist, his unique and intimate familiarity with his subject, and his excellent prose style together makeTibet Wild a classic.”–E.O. Wilson, University Professor Emeritus, Harvard University “Kirkus””He discusses his efforts to use his knowledge of natural history to educate local populations on how to promote effective conservation measures, and also addresses the political and economic realities that complicate doing so. Readers will come away with a firsthand understanding of the rewarding career of a modern conservationist.”– “Choice””His descriptions…are particularly evocative, and give the lie to notions of glamour in field biology….fascinating”– “BBC Wildlife Magazine””InTibet Wild, he not only offers a case study in protecting an obscure mammal on tricky political turf but also reflects on his previous projects, many of which resulted in protected, self-sustaining populations of once-imperiled species…[It] has a valedictory quality. Mr. Schaller revisits old journals and quotes from earlier works such asThe Last Panda. During freezing cold nights in his field tent, he tries to puzzle out whether his youthful experience of war and subsequent immigration to the United States as an enemy alien helped to form his reticent character, his distaste for crowds, technology and weapons, his wanderlust, and his attraction to stark places like the Chang Tang. Distinguished by these reflections,Tibet Wild would be a fine introduction to Mr. Schaller’s writing and remarkably accomplished life for new readers.”– “Wall Street Journal””Poignant …Tibet Wild…lays out