In the Country of Gazelles

By Fritz R. Walther

Book Overview

..". it is interesting and insightful reading for any naturalist and should be required reading for anyone planning a trip to East Africa." --Zoo Biology "A leisurely, folksy account of Serengeti days spent communing with horned ungulates.... Wonderfully rich and detailed, filled with vignettes, a lovely blend of science and memoir." --Kirkus Reviews "Walther's focus is on animal behavior, and his passion for these animals lends his scientific observations a panache not always found in such strict observational studies.... his accounts of the mating, grazing, territorializing, and fleet-footed departures of Grant's gazelles, zebras, dik-diks, and his favorite, Tommys (Thompson's gazelles), are inspired." --Booklist ..". an engaging narrative of the lifestyle of predator and prey on the African plains. Short-tail, Old Roman, and Mzee come to life in the pages of this entertaining yet educational book. Strongly recommended for its warmth and depth of understanding from a seasoned researcher... " --Library Journal ..". a collection of first-person adventure stories that pull the reader right into the Serengeti plains." --Science Books & Films "If you want to know why wildlife biologists devote lifetimes to their efforts, read this splendid book. It is a wonderful blend of scientific objectivity and child-like wonder with which only the best biologists are blessed. Most highly recommended." --Wildlife Activist "Read this book. It is an excellent natural history of antelopes written by a thougthful and original man." --New Scientist "I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the animals that Fritz calls 'my people.' If gazelles could choose an advocate for themselves, they surely would select Fritz Walther. He knows those elegant animals better than anyone, and in this affectionate tribute he describes their behavior with charm, spirit, and insight." --George B. Schaller, author of The Last Panda "Fritz Walther's In the Country of Gazelles is a wonderful book. It gives excellent insights into the society of gazelles, along with tantalizing glimpses of the African plains and the life of a field biologist. I enjoyed it and was rewarded." --Bernd Heinrich, author of Ravens in Winter "His discussion of predator-prey interactions is fascinating, informed by rigorous observation, knowledge of the literature, and frank appreciation for prey species. The numerous photographs and drawings by the author add significantly to the high quality of this book." --AB Bookman's Weekly, June 23, 1997 This is the memoir of a brilliant and caring naturalist's experiences--the challenges, problems, and romance of studying animals, especially gazelles, on the Serengeti at a time when it was still one of the great wild areas of the world.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 025336325X
• ISBN13: 9780253363251
• Release Date: July 1995
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.3" x 0.8" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

What wonderful little creatures!

Prior to reading this I've always had an intense fascination with African Antelopes, particularly the Tommy(Thomson's Gazelle), Spring Bok, Impala, and Wildebeest. There is something so wondrous about their elegance, gentle beauty, and astounding grace, agility, and speed. I've always wondered why I could never find ANYTHING pertaining to African antelopes, particularly Thomson's gazelle, without their presence being solely limited to food stock for roving predators. Literally, there are no PBS television specials or extensive research material on these wonderful creatures... That is until I read, "In The Country of Gazelles." My goodness this book was the breath of fresh air that I longed for. Fritz R. Walther--unknowingly--wrote this book for me, I'm convinced. I love those speed racing little Tommies even more now. Walther, in his adoration for the antelopes, allows the reader to learn about an animal that everyone knows so little about. I've always wondered how, in the midst of numerous threats(predation being only one), these animals-gentle plant eaters-managed to survive, thrive, and proliferate, in the face of such gargantuan obstacles. The end of the Thomson's gazelle installment, literally, brought a tear to my eye. Walther had so much respect and admiration for gazelles. It comes through in every word he writes. This makes me long for the day when I can take my own journey through the Seregeti and see a herd of Tommies for myself. If you love Gazelles and tire of them spoken about in terms of predation...Then this is the book for you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Field Natural History with Soul as well as Science

You would have to possess a heart and mind of stone to read this book and come away not only understanding gazelles much more deeply, but also falling in love with them. It is a fine gift to be able to both convey the factual nature of animals and their charm, and Fritz Walther has it. Walther is an accomplished and respected zoologist and ethologist, and fine illustrator and (if you read a little bit between the lines) a philosopher and poet as well. Of all the field study/memoirs I've read this is my favorite. If you have a love of and interest in hoofed animals, you simply must own this book.