Of Tigers and Men

A chance encounter with a former tiger hunter in Calcutta, India, inspired the author to search for wild tigers. The project took Ives, a naturalist and tour leader, to national parks in India, Nepal, Thailand and Sumatra over four years (1986-1990). He gives a vivid, gripping account of his travels and the people he met, and his report on tigers is disturbing. Ives learned that official estimates of tiger populations have been grossly inflated and that poaching for the lucrative Chinese market continues. In light of human population pressures and deforestation, the future appears bleak for the wild tiger. Ives believes the only way to preserve Asia's natural heritage is through international parks supported by the wealthier nations. (Feb.)