Chasing the Dragon's Tail: The Struggle to Save Thailand's Wild Cats Book

In 1987, zoologist Alan Rabinowitz was invited by the Thai government to study leopards, tigers, and other wildlife in the Huai Kha Khaeng valley, one of Southeast Asia's largest and most prized forests. It was hoped his research would help protect the many species that live in that fragile reserve, which was being slowly decimated by poachers, drug traffickers, and even the native tribes of the area. Chasing the Dragon's Tail is the remarkable story of Rabinowitz's life and adventures in the forest as well as the streets of Bangkok, as he works to protect Thailand's threatened wildlife.Based on Rabinowitz's field journals, the book offers an intimate and moving look at a modern zoologist's life in the field. As he fights floods, fire-ant infestations, elephant stampedes, and a request to marry the daughter of a tribal chief, the difficulties that come with the demanding job of species conservation are dramatically brought to life. First published in 1991, this edition of Chasing the Dragon's Tail includes a new afterword by the author that brings the story up to date, describing the surprising strides Thailand has made recently in conservation."Rabinowitz seems to crave risk and adventure, and the story of his hazardous years 'chasing the dragon's tail' in the Thai forest?which includes encounters with angry poachers, a narrow escape from his own leopard trap, and the aftermath of his participation in an opium counci?makes engrossing reading. He also reveals much about Thai life and its contradictions. . . .?Publishers Weekl."...one of the best recent books on Thailand. Although essentially the record of a zoologist conserving wild cats in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, the book also offers a penetrating account of author Alan Rabinowitz's struggle to come to terms with Thailand and the Thai people.?Far Eastern Economic Revie.Other titles by Alan Rabinowitz include Beyond the Last Village and Jaguar.Read More