Endangered Species

VOYA - Susan Allen

This reference set is divided into a single volume on mammals; a second volume on arachnids, birds, crustaceans, insects, and mollusks; and a third volume on amphibians, fish, plants, and reptiles. Each volume has an identical section of extra information that contains an overview of endangerment and its causes, endangered species fact boxes and classification, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources description and Red List categories, a complete copy of the Endangered Species Act, and a short glossary. Each species entry includes an inset that shows a map of indigenous areas for the species, its scientific classification, its status, and its range. The well-written textual section is easy to read. The description of each species and its biology, as well as habitat and current distribution, are concisely covered. A history of the species and the conservation measures to date give the reader insight into the current status of each species covered. A large photo, most often in color, is offered for each species. The photos are very clear, and of good size. A very complete index for the entire set is included at the end of each volume. Overall, this reference set is easy to use, pleasant to look at, and comprehensive in its coverage of the subject. Glossary. Index. Photos. Maps. Charts. Further Reading.

School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up-While this encyclopedia doesn't cover every species that is near extinction, it includes the ones most often given as assignments, such as the giant panda, snow leopard, rhinoceros, northern spotted owl, Venus's-flytrap, and pitcher plant. Over 200 entries are organized into three subject volumes: Mammals; Arachnids, Birds, Crustaceans, Insects, and Mollusks; and Amphibians, Fish, Plants, and Reptiles. Each entry begins with a range map, and most feature large black-and-white and full-color photos. The articles include a description of the species, its habitat and current distribution, why it is threatened, and the conservation methods, if any, being used to save it. Scientific terms are explained within the text. Each volume begins with the same front matter (an article on the causes of endangerment, an explanation of the taxonomic system, an introduction to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and a discussion of the Endangered Species Act of 1973) and ends with the same annotated list for further research, Internet addresses, and organizations working to save endangered species. Occasionally, it is difficult, if not impossible, to locate the species' habitat on the map provided. Still, this will be a useful set for both school and public libraries. It is similar in format to Encyclopedia of Endangered Species (Gale, 1998), but written for a younger audience. Although less comprehensive than The Endangered Wildlife of the World (Marshall Cavendish, 1993) or the Grolier Student Encyclopedia of Endangered Species (Grolier, 1994), Nagel's offering makes a very affordable alternative.-Jo-Anne Weinberg, Greenburgh Public Library, NY Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.