The UN's Lone Ranger: Combating International Wildlife Crime - Softcover

Sellar, John M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1849951039 ISBN 13: 9781849951036

Publisher: Whittles Publishing, 2014

Synopsis

The UN's Lone Ranger tells of law enforcement and diplomacy. It is also the first book, written from an international perspective, about a subject that warrants much greater attention, if the world's most threatened species are to be safeguarded for future generations. John Sellar describes why organized crime has turned to robbing nations, especially in the developing world, of their animals and plants and how this is bringing several species to the brink of extinction. It illustrates, in words and images, how criminal networks recruit, equip and direct poachers and wildlife contraband couriers; arrange the smuggling of species and products, often involving transportation across many borders and several continents; use bribery and violence against law enforcement personnel; and the nature of the markets in which illegal-origin wildlife is being consumed. Sellar, once described as 'the world's leading authority on wildlife crime', also reflects frankly, and sometimes critically, on his service as a UN official, the way in which national law enforcement bodies are reacting to these crimes and the support provided by international agencies. He identifies what he believes are significant gaps in the current responses and suggests ways in which they might be plugged. He recounts several of his incredible experiences; visiting anti-poaching officers on the roof of the world, the Tibetan Plateau, and bizarre late-night hospitality from KGB officers.

About this title

Review:

'...Sellar blends a dry wit with hard-bitten experience to vividly illustrate the difficulties facing CITES in the coming years. ...deserves close attention from those with a keen interest in the CITES regime and the wider problems posed by environmental crime...' RECIEL -------------------- 'John Sellar tells a good tale. This readable book is a memoir by the Scottish policeman who went on to spend 14 years as 'the UN's Lone Ranger'... ...found himself in some astonishing situations in far-flung corners of the world... Anyone seeking a better understanding of how criminals are driving endangered species towards extinction should read this book... ...an entertaining read, if enforcement agencies were to act on the recommendations therein, far fewer poachers and smugglers would go unpunished, and far more endangered species might survive'. Ian Redmond OBE; Ambassador, UNEP Convention on Migratory Species; Chairman , Ape Alliance. -------------------- '...a very personal insight into John's assessment of the challenges faced and the promising opportunities that exist in the fight against wildlife crime.' Huntly Express -------------------- '...this book is an eye-opener. The author's unique knowledge of international wildlife trade is set out in an easy-to-read style, with anecdotes drawing on his scottish policing background. This is a book that should be read by everyone involved in - or even with an interest in - wildlife conservation. It should also flag up to the world the very real risk of imminent extinctions'. Wildlife Detective The Blog of Alan Stewart -------------------- '... He is an excellent storyteller... Sellar's book is a fascinating one, because there is a limited awareness of the nature and scale of wildlife trade... ...is a riveting read and I would highly recommend the book to anyone with even a passing interest in wildlife and animals.' Sancuary Asia -------------------- 'The first value of this book is therefore to bring a much greater understanding of just how seriously we should address wildlife crime. ...chapters will certainly grab your attention and raise your eyebrows. ...the story he tells is fascinating reading. ...his messages have significant reflections and deserve careful consideration. Given the current escalation in elephant and rhino poaching, this book could not have come at a more appropiate time. By reading it, we should have a better understanding about the scale of wildlife crime, its complexity and the desperate need to bringing the illegal decimation of the world's wildlife to a halt. I believe John's book contributes to that evalution'. SWARA -------------------- '...the dedication and enthusiasm of the author is never in doubt and exemplified by the many accounts of his incredible experiences. ... The long, excellent series of colour photographs tell their own story... ...a very welcome addition. This book about the illegal trade in wildlife is recommended to any general reader or anyone interested in wildlife and a concern for its future'. Ray Collier, Highland News Group -------------------- '...is about his time with the UN and describes why organised crime has turned to robbing nations of their natural resources and how this is bringing several species to the brink of extinction. ... This is an interesting book and a good read. It is very much a personal account...' Environment -------------------- '...a personal narrative and overview of efforts to combat international wildlife crime from the perspective of a law enforcement insider. I do not know of any other comparable account. ... The strength of this book is in how Sellar describes bringing his experience and skills as a Scottish cop to the international wildlife poaching frontlines. ... This book is required reading for international wildlife managers. There are many lessons in this book for wildlife law enforcement personnel. ...I found great value in the book...' The Journal of Wildlife Management

About the Author:

Until 2011, John M. Sellar was the most senior law enforcement official operating transnationally to combat wildlife crime. Following his secondment from the Scottish police Force as Chief of Enforcement to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), he was labeled by the media as 'The UN's Lone Ranger'. His duties took him to more than 60 countries, involving 2 million kilometers of travel over the course of 14 years.

About this edition

• Publisher: Whittles Publishing
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1849951039
• ISBN 13: 9781849951036
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240