Survival, published in association with conservation charity Tusk, takes a fascinating and informative look at twenty animal species that are facing the challenge of survival. It’s an eye opening look at the dangers that they face and how extremely low the numbers of some species are.
Human activity has endangered animals from every continent and every habitat, it’s the number one cause of the decline in the majority of species. Our lifestyles and consumption of natural resources have contributed to this decline and several of the species included in this book are almost extinct or have come very close but are now slowly increasing in number.
The book starts with a forward from Tusk which explains their work and how they protect animals from extinction. There’s also a page about illustrator Louise McNaught and how she creates her pictures. A double page spread then shows a timeline of conservation and explains how different continents are working to ensure the preservation of endangered species.
Animals, birds and insects from a variety of habitats, savannah, rainforests, oceans, are all included in this book. Each double spread includes a full page drawing of the creature and a map showing where that creature lives. Facts about each animal include information about their size, their habitat, how many there are in the world and their status – statuses range from critically endangered to vulnerable. More facts are given about each creature including the history and the reasons that they are in danger as well as the steps that are being taken to ensure their survival.
Survival is a fantastic coffee table book to dip in and out of and it’s really interesting to read about the threats faced by a range of individual species including bees, butterflies, Giant Pandas, Secretary Birds, Hawksbill Turtles and Black Rhinos. The Bornean Orangutang’s habitat is being destroyed due to human’s high consumption of palm oil, the Scalloped Hammerhead is endangered due to overfishing and urban development has led to the Sapphire-Bellied Hummingbird being critically endangered.
Ideas as to how we can help endangered animals are given at the end of the book, it’s heartening to see that the population numbers of some species are rising again but ultimately it is our behaviour and lifestyles that are causing the problem. If we don’t act now, many of these species will become extinct.
Age Range: 8+
Author: Anna Claybourne / Illustrator: Louise McNaught
Thank you to Big Picture Press for sending us a copy of this fascinating and thought provoking book.
Leave a Reply