Reviewed
by: BigAl
Genre:
Memoir
Approximate
word count: 9-10,000
words
Availability
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on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes &
Noble, or Smashwords store
Author:
A
former Rhodes Scholar who received his doctorate in English from
Oxford University, Justin Fox is a Cape Town based travel writer and
novelist.
For
more, visit Fox's website.
Description:
“People
have driven Cape Leopards to the brink of extinction. Can we bring
them back?
The
majestic Cederberg mountains in the Western Cape region of South
Africa are home to the elusive Cape Mountain Leopard. But for how
long? The population has been decimated over centuries by human
enemies and the survival of these glorious and mysterious cats is in
jeopardy. Thanks to zoologist Quinton Martins and his Cape Leopard
Trust, there may just be hope that the species will survive and
continue to reign over its rocky habitat.”
Appraisal:
I
can't claim an affinity for the Cape Mountain Leopard, a breed native
to South Africa that is close to extinction. In fact, I don't think
I'd heard of it before reading this short work of non-fiction.
However, I can relate to a good story, in this instance the author's
attempt to actually see one of the elusive leopards with the help of
Quinton Martins, a zoologist whose life and organization is dedicated
to helping the breed survive. (I can also easily understand Fox and
Martins' concerns by relating it to to disappearing breeds closer to
home.) Although a quick read, Fox manages to pack tastes of adventure
along with enough background to understand the leopard's plight while
inspiring this reader to consider man's relationship with the natural
world.
Format/Typo
Issues:
No
significant issues.
Rating: **** Four Stars
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