Riding the Tiger is an attractive, easily readable book about Tigers. But this is no vacuous "coffee-table" book". For a start, while other books on this subject may contain merely a superficial, oversimplistic "Gloss-over" of tiger conservation, this book actually makes a genuine attempt to takle the real issues involved, highlighting what the real problems are, and discussing various methods that could be used rationally and in detail.What's more, the book is written by people who know what they're talking about. Each one of the editors and contributors can rightfully be described as a tiger "expert" in his or her own right; all have several years of expertise in these fields behind them, giving the book an authority that other popular volumes do not.
This book is essential for anyone concerned for the future of this beautiful, enigmatic species. Yet it will also interest anyone concerned for the environment and animal conservation. For while the book deals only with tigers, the issues it covers often have relevance elsewhere; with sections discussing issues such as how to integrate nature conservation with local communities and the role of modern zoos.
While scientific and rational in approach, Riding the Tiger is certainly highly readable and easily understandable. Though the book certainly cannot be desribed as "dry", neither is it sloppy and over-sentimental; practical and positive solutions win out over scaremongering.
The message? Tigers SHOULD be saved, with a bit of effort they COULD be saved, and maybe those wanting to take on this challenge would do best to start with this book.
A good read for environmentalists and animal-lovers, whether professional or lay.
