A poignant chronicling of the vulnerability of the animal life supported by the world's diverse habitats, this important book presents an overview of the principal animal species that are threatened with extinction. For each species, it presents the challenges involved in conservation and explores the actions WWF is taking in the field. Above all, it examines the connection between the protection of a certain species and the survival of the local populations. The animal species on which this book focuses are among the rarest in the world--and the best known to many of us for exactly that reason. The authors also examine less familiar species of equally high biological significance. Each chapter focuses on projects dedicated to the conservation of that species in different locations around the world. Among the animals highlighted are the African elephant--with particular attention paid to the extreme environment of Chad--the aye-aye of Madagascar, the short-tailed chinchilla of South America, and the bird of paradise of Papua New Guinea. Accompanying the insightful text of this meaningful book are hundreds of magnificent photographs that convey the unique qualities of each of the species featured. A wake-up call we can't ignore, this volume demonstrates the severity of the plight of our endangered species and is a testimony to the good work being done to salvage this very serious situation.