This week’s book is The Return of the Unicorns: The Natural History and Conservation of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros by Eric Dinerstein.
Book Summary: The Return of the Unicorns chronicles the recovery of the greater one-horned rhino population in Nepal during the mid-1990′s through early 2000′s, and proposes a blueprint for large mammal conservation in Asia, based on lessons learned in Nepal. The book also features a fascinating study of greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) evolution, biology and behavior – complete with detailed method appendices.
Why this book is important: The Return of the Unicorns is unique in that the author goes beyond sounding the alarm for the greater one-horned rhino (and Asia’s other large mammals) by mapping out innovative conservation strategies. He also discusses controversial conservation measures, such as relocation to habitats in industrialized nations and the Ex Situ/In Situ Debate. Part III of the book The Recovery of Endangered Large Mammal Populations and Their Habitats in Asia serves as inspiration for both emerging and seasoned conservationists searching for workable solutions for protecting the world’s remaining rhinoceros populations.
Quotable moment:
My experience in the conservation field, and Chitwan in particular, has taught me that business-as-usual practices in conserving large Asian mammals offer little braking power against the ongoing extinction crisis.
Many examples show us that we should never be satisfied with the status quo and instead work towards grander goals. In the world of conservation, as in the world of politics, Berlin walls do come down.
Where to purchase ”The Return of the Unicorns’
You can purchase The Return of the Unicorns: The Natural History and Conservation of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros online at Amazon. Although this book retails for USD $75, used copies can be purchased at a reduced price.
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