Organized into case studies of 49 endangered animals written by some 70 contributors, this reference guide includes the Asian elephant, basking shark, giant panda, leatherback turtle, boreal toad, Mexican crow, Indiana bat, snow leopard, and southern sea otter. Basic data on each species (common and scientific name, order, family, status, habitat, distribution) is followed by sections on the animal's description, natural history, conflicting issues about its existence, and its future and prognosis. At the end of the compendium is a short section on attempts to solve the endangered species problems, and a list of organizations working to prevent endangerment. As Miller and Reading put it, it is humanity that is now holding the "deadly scythe." Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)