Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* This engaging volume from the Scientists in the Field series looks at the wild horses living in Maryland's Assateague Island National Seashore and introduces two scientists whose work has made a significant difference in their lives. Working with an endocrinologist, wildlife reproductive physiologist Jay Kirkpatrick developed a means of injecting wild mares with contraceptives using darts shot from a distance. Meanwhile, ethologist (zoologist studying animals in a natural environment) Ron Keiper began observing the same horses day and night in every season, keeping detailed records of individual horses, their family groups, and their behaviors. Readers who first heard of Assateague Island through Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague (1947) may be intrigued by the differences between the management of wild horses at the Maryland and Virginia ends of the island, which are directed by different federal agencies. Excellent color photos of Assateague horses, their habitat, and the scientists who study them appear throughout the book. Sidebars and longer feature articles explore related topics such as the equine contraceptive vaccine PZP and the use of the terms pony and horse. Well researched, clearly written, and quite informative, this handsome book offers close-up views of scientists at work and why their work matters.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5 Up-Focusing on the wild horses of Assateague Island, Frydenborg effectively combines scientific facts such as coloration and size, as well as the actual definition of a wild animal, with a compelling narrative about several of the scientists who are working to protect and maintain the wild horse population there. A large chunk of the book describes the horse-population management, from its inception to implementation, through the use of a fertility-control medication called PZP, though the depth of detail on this specific topic might occasionally go over the heads of younger readers. However, intriguing facts, the history of the horses, and the general descriptions of life on Assateague Island make for an excellent read. The dedication and knowledge of the scientists come through, and their work is clearly important. As with other titles in this series, the photography is outstanding, and the images of horses going about their daily business in all kinds of conditions put them front and center. A useful FAQ section, glossary of terms, and a thorough bibliography and list of websites encourage further exploration of the topic. A worthy complement to most collections.-Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
The wild horses of Assateague Island (well known by fans of Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague books) and the people who study them are the focus of this series entry. Researchers are attempting to control the horse population on this fragile barrier island between Maryland and Virginia (including Chincoteague Wildlife Reserve) by determining the sustainable number of horses and then developing a contraceptive vaccine that limits mares to a single foal per lifetime. Frydenborg describes both the scientists' failures and their successes, along with some unexpected consequences; for example, once mares have fewer foals, their life expectancy rises, and for a brief time (until the birth and death rates stabilize) the horse population actually increases. The information -- a combination of lab and field science details and personal observation -- is accessible and engaging. Details about wild horses' appearance, behaviors, ancestors, and habitat enhance readers' understanding of the animals' history and current-day plight. Relevant and clear color photographs show both horses and scientists in situ. Extensive back matter -- a glossary, recommended resources (including print and internet sources), source notes, and an index -- completes the book. betty carter (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Over years of observation and experimentation on Western ranges and an Atlantic barrier island, scientists have found and implemented a successful method to stabilize wild horse populations. This latest title in the consistently interesting Scientists in the Field series focuses on research leading to the use of porcine zona pellucida vaccine on wild horses for reliable, reversible birth control. Frydenborg introduces her readers to several scientists involved in this work, principally Dr. Jay Kirkpatrick, who first studied horse herds in Montana and pioneered the use of PZP at Assateague National Seashore; Allison Turner, who observes Assateague horses on a daily basis and helps deliver the vaccine (with a rifle adapted to shoot darts); and Dr. Ronald Keiper, who developed the wild horse observation methods and record-keeping system still in use there today. Along the way are chapters on horse ancestry and the history of wild horses in this country, as well as information about color and size and other research and researchers. Underlying these particular stories are important concepts, lucidly conveyed: Scientists work together to solve problems, solutions can be a long time coming and sometimes approaches fail. The attractive design makes the most of the Maryland and Montana scenery and includes plentiful photographs of horses in the wild and scientists at work. A science title with wide potential appeal. (glossary, where to see, how to help, resources, index) (Nonfiction. 12 up)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
