Mark's Epilogue Summary and Analysis

The trained zoologist finally speaks in his own voice, discussing the unknowns that determine whether endangered species survive so that future generations get a chance to see them. In the field some progress is being made, but increasing numbers is no guarantee against extinction. The North American passenger pigeon, once the commonest bird on earth, is hunted to extinction in 50 years. Poachers have reduced 1.3 million African elephants to 600,000. On the other hand, the Juan Fernandez fur seal, reduced from millions to 100 in 1965, now stand at 3,000, and Chatham Island robins, reduced to one pregnant female number over 50. Additional female kakapos have been found and relocated to Codfish Island; one chick has hatched, and another egg has been found on Little Barrier Island.

In Zaïre three baby northern white rhinos have been born. The government refuses to let the animals...