24 LHE AUDUBON BULI Ra 
state. Another section presents a plea for preservation and a frank discuss; 
of the numerous threats which may destroy many of the areas describ 
Chief among these threats are the Corps of Engineers’ plan which wor 
flood the Big Walnut Valley, and the Cross-Wabash Waterway proposal 
the Illinois-based Wabash Valley Association, whose grandiose schemes pr 
a “serious threat to a number of the areas recommended (for preservatic 
in this book.” 
It should be most gratifying to all IAS members that the authors ha 
cedicated their work to our own “George and Barbara Fell—who pioneer 
nationally in the organized preservation of small natural areas.” Perh: 
the Fells can now inspire someone to finance a much-needed survey 
natural areas in Illinois before the dammers and developers make furtt 
inroads on the few unspoiled areas that remain. 
It is most unfortunate that this excellent volume was never offered 
the public for sale, and is now “essentially out print.” The authors suggi 
that the companion book, “Natural Features of Indiana’ is still availal 
for $4 from the Indiana Academy of Science, State Library, Indianapo) 
Indiana 46204. —Judith J 
WILDLIFE IN DANGER. Fisher, Simon and Vincent. Viking Press, 
625 Madison Ave., New York 10022. Illustrated. 368 pages. 1969. $12, 
It is most regrettable that a book like this should have to be written. F 
all his technological advances, his amazing scientific knowledge, man 1 
mains an environmental fool. He has not learned to live with himself, | 
neighbor, nor his earth. It is understandable that unchecked human fertili 
will crowd out other forms of life on this planet and reduce the worl 
animal population. What is most distressing, and a serious indictment 
his morality, is that man, through this careless process, will eliminate 
entire species. 
The study of declining wildlife leads one to a greater contempt f 
the corporate violence to our land; to view with abhorrence the militar 
industrial complex which saps our national budget for conservation pt 
poses, and to view with sadness, the silent crowd, which sees, but seldc 
speaks, and forthrightly acts even less. 
In this volume are culled from the files of the International Union 
the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources basic facts on 120 bir 
of the world which face extinction and 88 mammals which are serious 
threatened. The treatment of most species is limited to about one pag 
though some, like the famous Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, are given mo 
extensive treatment. That article points out that each pair of Ivorybi 
needs at least 2,000 acres of mature forests, with some old trees. Howev 
this has become increasingly difficult to provide. Efforts are now beil 
made to save the Big Thicket area in Texas as a national park. It is t 
last known refuge of the Ivorybill. 
Though the plight of some mammals and birds is precarious, for son 
at least, the situation is not hopeless. The book indicates many areas whe 
conservation practices, fostered by the World Wildlife Fund, have enabli 
species to survive—notably in the national game preserves of Africa. T] 
islands of the world provide the greatest problems.: There, hunting ar 
habitat destruction together with human population growth, make tl 
wildlife situation most precarious. The tiny, overpopulated island of Puer 
