Lions in the Balance

Lions in the Balance PDF Author: Craig Packer
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 022609295X
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 355

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Book Description
The Serengeti is one of the world's most renowned ecosystems, and at its apex prowls the Serengeti Lion. These majestic mammals are iconic, and integral, and also in constant danger from encroaching humans. Craig Packer is among the unique species that has spent a lifetime ensuring the study and perpetuity of these dark maned cats. He has dedicated countless research hours and dollars to the coexistence of humans and wildlife in the Serengeti. He has even proposed ways of using lion hunting to ensure their value, and hence their protection. "Lions in the Balance "takes us into the red-in-tooth-and-claw world of lion conservation. It is an incredibly candid, entertaining, and at points alarming look at what the future of the Serengeti lions entails, and how the politics of conservation require survival strategies far more creative and powerful than what animals (humans included) on the savannas must possess. A sequel to Mr. Packer's "Into Africa, "this diary based chronicle of the past decade draws readers along the dusty trails and into the spectacular sunsets of the Serengeti. Through his experiences we learn that female lions prefer their male manes dark and long, that lion attacks on humans most commonly occur during the full moon cycles, and that citizen science is shaping the world--Packer's initiative Snapshot Serengeti has helped engage globally, and locally, and has identified thousands of images of the Serengeti. The narrative moves from Arusha to the Serengeti to Washington DC, and with some temporal hopping, as often the stories are as rich and multilayered as the Serengeti ecosystem. And Mr. Packer demonstrates that he possesses himself a bit of cat, having needed nearly nine lives to persist in the ever dynamic and vexed world of conservation in Africa.

Lions in the Balance

Lions in the Balance PDF Author: Craig Packer
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 022609295X
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 355

Get Book Here

Book Description
The Serengeti is one of the world's most renowned ecosystems, and at its apex prowls the Serengeti Lion. These majestic mammals are iconic, and integral, and also in constant danger from encroaching humans. Craig Packer is among the unique species that has spent a lifetime ensuring the study and perpetuity of these dark maned cats. He has dedicated countless research hours and dollars to the coexistence of humans and wildlife in the Serengeti. He has even proposed ways of using lion hunting to ensure their value, and hence their protection. "Lions in the Balance "takes us into the red-in-tooth-and-claw world of lion conservation. It is an incredibly candid, entertaining, and at points alarming look at what the future of the Serengeti lions entails, and how the politics of conservation require survival strategies far more creative and powerful than what animals (humans included) on the savannas must possess. A sequel to Mr. Packer's "Into Africa, "this diary based chronicle of the past decade draws readers along the dusty trails and into the spectacular sunsets of the Serengeti. Through his experiences we learn that female lions prefer their male manes dark and long, that lion attacks on humans most commonly occur during the full moon cycles, and that citizen science is shaping the world--Packer's initiative Snapshot Serengeti has helped engage globally, and locally, and has identified thousands of images of the Serengeti. The narrative moves from Arusha to the Serengeti to Washington DC, and with some temporal hopping, as often the stories are as rich and multilayered as the Serengeti ecosystem. And Mr. Packer demonstrates that he possesses himself a bit of cat, having needed nearly nine lives to persist in the ever dynamic and vexed world of conservation in Africa.

Lions in the Balance

Lions in the Balance PDF Author: Craig Packer
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 022609300X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 355

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Book Description
From the author of the memoir Into Africa, “a fast-paced, unsentimental sequel” about the Serengeti lions and the politics of protecting them (Discover). If you are a morani (warrior), you have your spear at the ready—you could be the hero, but you will have to wait until the morning light before you can go out and prove yourself. If it is a lion, you want to be the first to spear it—and if the lion turns on you, make sure it mauls you on your chest or stomach, on your face, shins, or throat. Any place where you can show your scars with pride, show the incontrovertible evidence of courage. A scar on your back would be a permanent reminder of cowardice, an ineradicable trace of shame. Monsters take many forms: from man-eating lions to the people who hunt them, from armed robbers to that midnight knock at the door of a cheap hotel room in Dar es Salaam. And celebrated biologist Craig Packer has faced them all. Head on. With Lions in the Balance, Packer takes us back into the complex, tooth-and-claw world of the African lion, offering revealing insights into both the lives of one of the most iconic and dangerous animals on earth and the very real risks of protecting them. A sequel to his prize-winning Into Africa—which gave many readers their first experience of fieldwork in Africa, of cooperative lions on dusty savannas, and political kidnappings on the shores of Lake Tanganyika—this new diary-based chronicle of cutting-edge research and heartbreaking corruption will both alarm and entertain. Packer’s story offers a look into the future of the lion, one in which the politics of conservation will require survival strategies far more creative and powerful than those practiced anywhere in the world today. Packer is sure to infuriate millionaires, politicians, aid agencies, and conservationists alike as he minces no words about the problems he encounters. But with a narrative stretching from far flung parts of Africa to the corridors of power in Washington, DC, and marked by Packer’s signature humor and incredible candor, Lions in the Balance is a tale of courage against impossible odds, a masterly blend of science, adventure, and storytelling, and an urgent call to action that will captivate a new generation of readers. Praise for Lions in the Balance “Lions in the Balance mixes episodes of spy novel intrigue with detailed descriptions of scientific studies and PowerPoint presentations.” —New York Times “One of the top books of the year. . . . This candid volume is sure to divide opinion, but it is far more than a chronicle of Packer’s campaigns. There are also dozens of surprising facts about the book’s heroes—the lions—and measured commentary on a host of complex issues. . . . The book will make you think.” —Geographical

Humans and Lions

Humans and Lions PDF Author: Keith Somerville
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351365290
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 276

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Book Description
This book places lion conservation and the relationship between people and lions both in historical context and in the context of the contemporary politics of conservation in Africa. The killing of Cecil the Lion in July 2015 brought such issues to the public’s attention. Were lions threatened in the wild and what was the best form of conservation? How best can lions be saved from extinction in the wild in Africa amid rural poverty, precarious livelihoods for local communities and an expanding human population? This book traces man’s relationship with lions through history, from hominids, to the Romans, through colonial occupation and independence, to the present day. It concludes with an examination of the current crisis of conservation and the conflict between Western animal welfare concepts and sustainable development, thrown into sharp focus by the killing of Cecil the lion. Through this historical account, Keith Somerville provides a coherent, evidence-based assessment of current human-lion relations, providing context to the present situation. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of environmental and African history, wildlife conservation, environmental management and political ecology, as well as the general reader.

Soul Among Lions

Soul Among Lions PDF Author: Harley G. Shaw
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
ISBN: 9780816520848
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 170

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Book Description
Skilled predators prized by hunters and cursed by ranchers, mountain lions are the wild soul of the American West. Now a wildlife biologist brings you nose to nose with the elusive cougar. Harley Shaw shares dramatic stories culled from his years of studying mountain lions, separating fact from myth regarding their habits while raising serious questions about mankind's relationship with this commanding creature. "Most of us move into the country because we love wildlife," writes Shaw. "But none of us will tolerate having our pets or children eaten. . . . When lion/human encounters occur, the lion (or bear, or wolf) always ultimately loses." Soul among Lions offers us a chance to consider the true meaning of that loss.

The Last Lions of Africa

The Last Lions of Africa PDF Author: Anthony Ham
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 1760874965
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 358

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Book Description
'Bravely pursued, acutely observed and elegantly told.' John Vaillant, author of The Tiger 'Urgent and important. This moving tale with a heroic cast of characters, leonine and human, is a must-read for anyone passionate about wildlife and wild places.' Tony Park, author of Last Survivor This is the riveting and illuminating story of Australian writer Anthony Ham's extraordinary journey into the world of lions. Haunted by the idea that they might disappear from the planet in our lifetime, he ventured deep into the African wilderness, speaking to local tribespeople and activists as well as to rangers, scientists and conservationists about why lions are close to extinction and what can be done to save them. In The Last Lions of Africa, we walk alongside Anthony as he reveals the latest extraordinary science surrounding the earth's dwindling lion populations and their often surprising relationship to mankind. As he uncovers heartbreaking and astonishing accounts of individual lions, prides and habitats, each chapter unfolds as both gripping campfire story and deeply researched exploration of larger mysteries in the natural world. Anthony's vivid storytelling weaves together natural history, ancient lore and multidisciplinary science to show us a world in which human populations are growing and wild lands are shrinking; where lions and indigenous peoples fight not for sovereignty over the land but for their very existence. In this gripping and crucial book, Anthony Ham brings Africa, its people and its endangered lions to magnificent life and shows the surprising ways those last lions might be saved.

The Cougar Conundrum

The Cougar Conundrum PDF Author: Mark Elbroch
Publisher: Island Press
ISBN: 161091998X
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 282

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Book Description
The relationship between humans and mountain lions has always been uneasy. A century ago, mountain lions were vilified as a threat to livestock and hunted to the verge of extinction. In recent years, this keystone predator has made a remarkable comeback, but today humans and mountain lions appear destined for a collision course. Its recovery has led to an unexpected conundrum: Do more mountain lions mean they’re a threat to humans and domestic animals? Or, are mountain lions still in need of our help and protection as their habitat dwindles and they’re forced into the edges and crevices of communities to survive? Mountain lion biologist and expert Mark Elbroch welcomes these tough questions. He dismisses long-held myths about mountain lions and uses groundbreaking science to uncover important new information about their social habits. Elbroch argues that humans and mountain lions can peacefully coexist in close proximity if we ignore uninformed hype and instead arm ourselves with knowledge and common sense. He walks us through the realities of human safety in the presence of mountain lions, livestock safety, competition with hunters for deer and elk, and threats to rare species, dispelling the paranoia with facts and logic. In the last few chapters, he touches on human impacts on mountain lions and the need for a sensible management strategy. The result, he argues, is a win-win for humans, mountain lions, and the ecosystems that depend on keystone predators to keep them in healthy balance. The Cougar Conundrum delivers a clear-eyed assessment of a modern wildlife challenge, offering practical advice for wildlife managers, conservationists, hunters, and those in the wildland-urban interface who share their habitat with large predators.

Rise of the Lioness

Rise of the Lioness PDF Author: Bradley Hague
Publisher: National Geographic Books
ISBN: 1426325320
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 60

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Book Description
More than a story about one brave lion, this book offers an introduction to life science by looking at the workings of an ecosystem, the methods of scientists and environmentalists, and the interconnection between the plant, animal, and human systems.

The Scarlet Lion

The Scarlet Lion PDF Author: Elizabeth Chadwick
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1402247788
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 578

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Book Description
"Everyone who has raved about Elizabeth Chadwick as an author of historical novels is right."—Devourer of Books on The Greatest Knight In another remarkable work of medieval fiction, Elizabeth Chadwick continues the tale of The Greatest Knight, and shares a story of power, chaos, and the price of loyalty. William Marshal's skill with a sword and loyalty to his word have earned him the favor of kings, the lands of a magnate, and the hand of Isabelle de Clare, one of England's wealthiest heiresses. But he is thrust back into the chaos of court when King Richard dies. The vindictive new king clashes with William, claims the Marshal lands for the Crown—and takes two of William's sons hostage. The price of his loyalty to the Crown suddenly seems too high and the very heart of William and Isabelle's family is at stake. Fiercely intelligent and fearing for the man and marriage that light her life, Isabelle plunges with her husband down a rebellious path that will lead William to more power than he ever expected. Brilliantly researched and deeply compelling, Elizabeth Chadwick delivers another masterpiece of medieval historical fiction, with favor, drama, and damaged loyalty that will keep you rapt until the very end. "Elizabeth Chadwick is a gifted novelist and a dedicated researcher; it doesn't get any better than that."—Sharon Kay Penman, New York Times bestselling author More Novels of Elizabeth Chadwick's William Marshal: The Greatest Knight The Scarlet Lion For the King's Favor Templar Silks To Defy a King

Heart of a Lion

Heart of a Lion PDF Author: William Stolzenburg
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 1620405547
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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Book Description
Late one June night in 2011, a large animal collided with an SUV cruising down a Connecticut parkway. The creature appeared as something out of New England's forgotten past. Beside the road lay a 140-pound mountain lion. Speculations ran wild, the wildest of which figured him a ghostly survivor from a bygone century when lions last roamed the eastern United States. But a more fantastic scenario of facts soon unfolded. The lion was three years old, with a DNA trail embarking from the Black Hills of South Dakota on a cross-country odyssey eventually passing within thirty miles of New York City. It was the farthest landbound trek ever recorded for a wild animal in America, by a barely weaned teenager venturing solo through hostile terrain. William Stolzenburg retraces his two-year journey--from his embattled birthplace in the Black Hills, across the Great Plains and the Mississippi River, through Midwest metropolises and remote northern forests, to his tragic finale upon Connecticut's Gold Coast. Along the way, the lion traverses lands with people gunning for his kind, as well as those championing his cause. Heart of a Lion is a story of one heroic creature pitting instinct against towering odds, coming home to a society deeply divided over his return. It is a testament to the resilience of nature, and a test of humanity's willingness to live again beside the ultimate symbol of wildness.

10 Reasons to Love... a Lion

10 Reasons to Love... a Lion PDF Author: Catherine Barr
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
ISBN: 178603915X
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 24

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Book Description
Lions are incredible creatures! Did you know that they are the only big cat to live in groups? Or that their roar can be heard for miles? Discover ten reasons why lions are incredible and five ways you can show they love them in this gorgeous picture book. A must for any young animal enthusiast and a fantastic introduction to environmental issues.