Review by Kirkus Book Review
The Zoological Society of London's Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) project identifies species that are severely endangered and not receiving public attention. Focusing on 11 EDGE animals and the scientists studying them, the book provides a broad overview of the issues these animals must confront to survive. Three to six color photographs, several paragraphs of text about each animal, a text-box biography of the scientist and a "notebook page" with the scientist's "to-do" list appear on most double-page spreads, sometimes creating a cluttered appearance. The introduction states, "Each animal is the last of its kind alive on this Earth," a potentially confusing statement, since their populations vary from possibly extinct to several thousand. A useful color map pinpoints the locations of the animals profiled. Unfortunately, the story never broadens to include either other conservation efforts or any indication that there are many other creatures nearing extinction. Still, the combination of scientist profiles and excellent animal photographs may well inspire some future conservationists. (map, glossary, index, description of EDGE project) (Nonfiction. 9-13) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
