"About a class of students who decide to care for endangered species. The protagonist is a young girl who suffers from panic attacks, and she is able to control them when she visits a raptor exhibition with an owl that lands on her arm."--

The amazing true stories of the greatest wildlife champions of our time. Wildlife conservation is at a critical juncture. While large, charismatic mammals may be the first animals that come to mind—the mere 3,000 wild tigers still in existence, the giraffes declared endangered for the first time just last year—it is not only these magnificent keystone species disappearing. A full third of all studied birds, reptiles, and mammals have suffered devastating population losses, and a third of all insects are now endangered, including crucial pollinators that sustain worldwide food supply. Over 15,000 animal species are now considered to be threatened with extinction. There are, however, bright spots that provide optimism—many of them due to the efforts of a small group of scientists and activists. In Saving Endangered Species, Robert W. Shumaker brings together ten conservation heroes, seven of them winners of the Indianapolis Prize, three of them recipients of the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award. With moving immediacy, each wildlife defender offers their unique perspective on the state of wildlife conservation and the future of the natural world. Bringing to life their work in the field, each contributor also explains key concepts in wildlife conservation, reveals why they are important, and discusses what kinds of work can be done to address biodiversity loss. Contributors sharing their stories in their own words include • George Schaller, one of the founding fathers of wildlife conservation, who conducted the field work that resulted in the establishment of the world's largest wildlife preserve, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge • Iain Douglas-Hamilton, who is widely credited with developing the metrics and methods that stemmed the tide of elephant poaching for ivory in Africa • Steven Amstrup, who discovered the disturbing truth that the sea ice polar bears rely on for traveling, hunting, and raising their young was disappearing • Russell Mittermeier, who has discovered over 20 new animal species, conducted field work in more than 30 countries around the globe, and authored 15 books on biodiversity • Harrison Ford, Academy Award–winning actor, who has been a passionate wildlife advocate and board member of Conservation International for over 25 years • Sigourney Weaver, three-time Academy Award nominee, whose work with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund has helped save thousands of gorillas in Rwanda and Congo This unique book aims to win new recruits, inspire biologists and conservationists already in the field, and illustrate the profession's fundamental scientific tenets through wildlife champions' own exciting narratives. Covering issues from reproduction and prey-predator relationships to population dynamics and community engagement, Saving Endangered Species also addresses such thorny topics as overhunting, retaliatory killing by farmers, development-driven habitat loss, and the illegal wildlife trade. By encompassing a broad spectrum of subjects, this volume ultimately gives readers a first-person look into what it takes to dedicate oneself to the crucial field of wildlife conservation. Contributors: Jane Alexander, Steven C. Amstrup, George Archibald, Michael I. Crowther, Iain Douglas-Hamilton, Harrison Ford, Carl Jones, Russell Mittermeier, George B. Schaller, Robert W. Shumaker, Sigourney Weaver, Patricia Chapple Wright

Photographer Bill Lea- known for his artistic documentation of deer and bear behavior, the various moods of the Great Smoky Mountains, and southern ecosystems- has captured in stunning photographs the essence of the Great Smoky Mountains wildlife. From rare red-cheeked salamanders, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and playful otters to graceful whitetails, regal elk, and inquisitive black bears, Great Smoky Mountains Wildlife Portfolio is more than a collection of beautiful wildlife photography; it is an inspired and sensitive tribute to one of the world's most spectacular landscapes and the wide variety of unique creatures that reside there.

In Undercover Animals, early fluent readers learn about animals such as the zebra, octopus, and Arctic hare that protect themselves against predators with camouflage. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage young readers as they explore the unique adaptations of these undercover animals. An infographic illustrates different methods animals use to blend in, and an activity offers kids an opportunity to extend discovery. Children can learn more about animals with camouflage using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Undercover Animals also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, a glossary, and an index. Undercover Animals is part of Jump!'s Back Off! Animal Defenses series.

This handbook is a guide to the federal Endangered Species Act, the primary U.S. law aimed at protecting species of animals and plants from human threats to their survival. It is intended for lawyers, government agency employees, students, community activists, businesspeople, and any citizen who wants to understand the Act--its history, provisions, accomplishments, and failures.