#2213 - Diane K. Boyd

John Vaillant's "The Tiger" is a gripping narrative non-fiction account of a man-eating tiger in the Russian Far East. The story follows the tiger's deadly rampage and the desperate efforts of villagers and hunters to track and kill it. Vaillant masterfully blends environmental themes with a suspenseful narrative, exploring the complex relationship between humans and wildlife. The book delves into the cultural significance of the tiger in Siberian society and the impact of human encroachment on its habitat. "The Tiger" is a powerful exploration of survival, vengeance, and the delicate balance between humans and the natural world.

In 'Coyote America,' Dan Flores provides a detailed and accessible narrative that combines historical, anthropological, folklore, and biological insights into the life and adaptation of coyotes. The book explores how coyotes have thrived despite centuries of human attempts to eradicate them, highlighting their intelligence, social behavior, and ability to adapt to various environments. Flores also delves into the cultural and historical contexts of coyote-human interactions, from their role in Native American mythology to their modern-day presence in urban areas. The book advocates for coexistence with coyotes and challenges the historical and ongoing persecution of these animals.

In 'A Woman Among Wolves,' Diane K. Boyd recounts her courageous and resilient journey as one of the first women biologists in the U.S. to study wild wolves. The book explores her adventures, from tracking wolves in Montana to navigating the complexities of wolf management globally. Boyd's story is a testament to her passion and determination in the face of challenges, highlighting the intricate balance between humans and wolves.

In 'Spillover', David Quammen explores the origins and spread of zoonotic diseases, such as Ebola, SARS, and HIV, highlighting how human activities increase the risk of animal pathogens jumping to humans. The book combines scientific research with personal narratives, offering insights into the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems.

This book tells the story of a groundbreaking experiment where scientists, led by Dmitri Belyaev and Lyudmila Trut, domesticated silver foxes in Siberia to study the process of domestication. The experiment, which began in 1959, aimed to replicate the evolution of wolves into dogs by selecting for tameness in foxes. Over several decades, the foxes underwent significant physical and behavioral changes, becoming more dog-like in their behavior and appearance.