To most Americans, the word Vietnam conjures up images of the war from the 1960’s and early ‘70’s. That’s why the subject of this book was somewhat of a novelty. Frankly, I am surprised that there is much nature left, after not only the war with America, but the French one before that. Not only did the wars alter the landscape, but residuals from the defoliants and ammunition remain today.
The book is quite thorough, discussing not only the flora and fauna, but weather patterns, ocean currents and geology. It’s divided into subjects, as well as geographical sections; the north affected by the Himalayas, the central area which is cooler and heavily forested and the south, dominated by the wetlands of the Mekong Delta. Also included are lists of national parks and wilderness areas where tourists can see wildlife. Though perhaps the marketplace would be better yet, as the authors reveal that 90% of the animals caught (including endangered species), are shipped to other countries mainly for exotic meals or traditional medicine based on superstition. This has been more damaging to wildlife than war. For instance, in 1980 there was around 2,000 Asiatic elephants in Vietnamese forests, but they’ve dwindled to less than 100 individuals today. Besides trade, human development and agriculture have made great dents in the animal and plant populations, despite the discovery of new species within the last 2 decades.
Yale University Press does an excellent line in lavish, specialized books and this is no exception. The glossy pages are filled with tons of maps, some photographs and sumptuous watercolors done in a loose, yet realistic style. I was grateful for them, as some of the species described were unfamiliar to me, making the artwork practical as well as decorative. It’s a detailed look at subjects which are fast disappearing, making it a troubling, yet fascinating, read.
Yale University Press 2006 423 pp. ISBN-13:978-0-300-10608-4
“the authors reveal that 90% of the animals caught (including endangered species), are shipped to other countries mainly for exotic meals or traditional medicine based on superstition.”
This makes my heart sink so low, Jackie…
Still, it sounds like a sumptuous book. I’ve always fancied visiting Vietnam. Somebody told me it’s like Thailand used to be thirty years ago. Looks like a beautiful place. Thanks for the review.
A lovely review, but so sad in places Jacks … quite melancholy really.
Still the fact that National Parks have been established sounds a bit more hopeful. It’s amazing, isn’t it that people don’t value what they have until it’s in danger of vanishing. Rum thing, the human race.