Understanding the threats to big cats worldwide

'Life in the Valley of Death' by Alan Rabinowitz
'Life in the Valley of Death' by Alan Rabinowitz
Courtesy of Shearwater

Every week, The Thread recommends a book that offers a fresh perspective on the news.

By now, most of the country has heard of Cecil and his early demise. He was a black-maned lion who lived in Zimbabwe, until he was shot last month by a Minnesota trophy hunter.

For those truly interested in understanding the threats to big cats worldwide, I can think of no better read than "Life in the Valley of Death" by Dr. Alan Rabinowitz.

Rabinowitz is a renowned zoologist and the founder of a jaguar sanctuary in Belize. The New York Times dubbed him the Indiana Jones of wildlife science. When you read about how he discovered a remote and shrinking tiger habitat in Myanmar, you'll know why.

To save the habitat, he had to persuade the country's military dictators of the tigers' importance. Don't miss the story of how he did it.

Tell me what you're reading on Twitter @thethreadmpr and @KerriMPR.

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