Seeking the Sacred Raven

Politics and Extinction on a Hawaiian Island

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Nature, Animals, Birds & Birdwatching, Travel, United States, West
Cover of the book Seeking the Sacred Raven by Mark Jerome Walters, Island Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mark Jerome Walters ISBN: 9781610911078
Publisher: Island Press Publication: September 26, 2012
Imprint: Island Press Language: English
Author: Mark Jerome Walters
ISBN: 9781610911078
Publisher: Island Press
Publication: September 26, 2012
Imprint: Island Press
Language: English

Will the 'Alala ever return to the wild? A bird sacred to Hawaiians and a member of the raven family, the 'Alala today survives only in captivity. How the species once flourished, how it has been driven to near-extinction, and how people struggled to save it, is the gripping story of Seeking the Sacred Raven.

For years, author Mark Jerome Walters has tracked the sacred bird's role in Hawaiian culture and the indomitable 'Alala's sad decline. Trekking through Hawaii's rain forests high on Mauna Loa, talking with biologists, landowners, and governmofficials, he has woven an epic tale of missed opportunities and the best intentions gone awry. A species that once numbered in the thousands is now limited to about 50 captive birds.

Seeking the Sacred Raven is as much about people and culture as it is about failed policies. From the anciPolynesians who first settled the island, to Captain Cook in the 18th century, to would-be saviors of the 'Alala in the 1990s, individuals with conflicting passions and priorities have shaped Hawaii and the fate of this dwindling cloud-forest species.

Walters captures brilliantly the internecine politics among private landowners, scientists, environmental groups, individuals and governmagencies battling over the bird's habitat and protection. It's only one species, only one bird, but Seeking the Sacred Raven illustrates vividly the many dimensions of species loss, for the human as well as non-human world.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Will the 'Alala ever return to the wild? A bird sacred to Hawaiians and a member of the raven family, the 'Alala today survives only in captivity. How the species once flourished, how it has been driven to near-extinction, and how people struggled to save it, is the gripping story of Seeking the Sacred Raven.

For years, author Mark Jerome Walters has tracked the sacred bird's role in Hawaiian culture and the indomitable 'Alala's sad decline. Trekking through Hawaii's rain forests high on Mauna Loa, talking with biologists, landowners, and governmofficials, he has woven an epic tale of missed opportunities and the best intentions gone awry. A species that once numbered in the thousands is now limited to about 50 captive birds.

Seeking the Sacred Raven is as much about people and culture as it is about failed policies. From the anciPolynesians who first settled the island, to Captain Cook in the 18th century, to would-be saviors of the 'Alala in the 1990s, individuals with conflicting passions and priorities have shaped Hawaii and the fate of this dwindling cloud-forest species.

Walters captures brilliantly the internecine politics among private landowners, scientists, environmental groups, individuals and governmagencies battling over the bird's habitat and protection. It's only one species, only one bird, but Seeking the Sacred Raven illustrates vividly the many dimensions of species loss, for the human as well as non-human world.

More books from Island Press

Cover of the book Satellites in the High Country by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book Going Home by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book Urban Development by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book Bring Back the Buffalo! by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book Seven Modern Plagues by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book Death in the Marsh by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book World Agriculture and the Environment by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book No Way Home by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book Global Atlas of Marine Fisheries by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book The Empty Ocean by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book Shading Our Cities by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book Chasing Molecules by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book America's Urban Future by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book Urban Ecological Design by Mark Jerome Walters
Cover of the book How to Speak Like Jane Austen and Live Like Elizabeth Bennet by Mark Jerome Walters
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy