Wildlife Wars: My Battle to Save Kenya's Elephants

Richard Leakey & Virginia Morell

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The autobiography of Kenya's wildlife saviour. Richard Leakey spent years trying to save Africa's animals. Now he's trying to save a nation. Leakey began his career following in the footsteps of his famous parents, Mary and Louis, becoming a renowned paleoanthropologist and head of Kenya's National Museums. In 1989, Kenyan president Daniel arap Moi put Leakey in charge of wildlife management.

Ivory poachers were killing hundreds of elephants annually and the organisation was close to collapse. Leakey sacked corrupt rangers and brought in millions of dollars from international donors to help enforce a ban on the ivory trade. But when Moi accused the service of corruption, Leakey quit, later forming an opposition party. He clashed with Moi but in July 1999, Moi appointed him head of Kenya's Civil service and Secretary to the Cabinet.

He is now charged with ridding the government of corruption and jumpstarting the economy. Leakey's clashes with poachers and the dictator Moi will provide a dramatic focus for the book. He will also detail the challenge he faced when he lost both his legs in a suspicious plane crash that may have been caused by sabotage. He has had over 13 operations to allow him to walk again.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Poaching Crisis: The book highlights the grave threat posed by poaching to Kenya's elephant population, shedding light on the ruthless exploitation of these majestic animals for their ivory tusks.

  2. Conservation Efforts: Leakey's pioneering conservation efforts, including the establishment of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), are documented, showcasing innovative strategies to combat poaching and safeguard wildlife habitats.

  3. Political Challenges: Leakey's tenure as head of the KWS was marked by political challenges and opposition, as he faced resistance from vested interests and bureaucratic hurdles in implementing conservation policies.

  4. International Cooperation: The book underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing wildlife trafficking and combating the global ivory trade, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among governments, NGOs, and conservationists.

  5. Community Engagement: Leakey's approach to conservation emphasizes the involvement of local communities in wildlife management and habitat conservation, recognizing their role as stewards of the land and key partners in conservation efforts.

  6. Technological Innovations: Wildlife Wars explores the use of technological innovations, such as aerial surveillance and DNA analysis, in wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching operations, enhancing the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

  7. Economic Incentives: The authors discuss the economic incentives for communities to engage in wildlife conservation, highlighting the potential benefits of ecotourism and sustainable use of natural resources as alternatives to poaching and habitat destruction.

  8. Cultural Significance: Elephants hold immense cultural significance in Kenya and across Africa, and the book delves into the cultural value of these iconic animals, emphasizing the need to protect them for future generations.

  9. Environmental Advocacy: Leakey's advocacy for environmental conservation extends beyond elephants to encompass broader issues such as habitat preservation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human well-being.

  10. Legacy and Lessons: Wildlife Wars reflects on Leakey's legacy as a conservationist and the enduring lessons learned from his battles to save Kenya's elephants, inspiring future generations to continue the fight against poaching and environmental degradation.

Language English
ISBN-10 0333745663
ISBN-13 9780333745663
No of pages 319
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Macmillan
Published Date 21 Sep 2001

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