The Man Who Saved Sea Turtles: Archie Carr and the Origins of Conservation Biology

by Frederick Rowe Davis

Archie Carr, one of the greatest biologists of the twentieth century, played a leading part in finding a new and critical role for natural history and systematics in a post-1950s world dominated by the glamorous science of molecular biology. With the rise of molecular biology came a growing popular awareness of species extinction. Carr championed endangered sea turtles, and his work reflects major shifts in the study of ecology and evolution. A gifted nature writer, his books on the natural history of sea turtles and their habitats in Florida, the Caribbean, and Africa entertained and educated a wide audience. Carr's conservation ethic grew from his field work as well as his friendships with the fishermen who supplied him with many of the stories he retold so engagingly. With Archie Carr as the focus, The Man Who Saved Sea Turtles explores the evolution of the naturalist tradition, biology, and conservation during the twentieth century.

Genres: Nature, Science, History, Animals, Biography

312 pages, Hardcover

First published June 4, 2007

Reviews

[John Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally picked up this book because it looked at least mildly interesting, and was practically free because it had been remaindered. To be honest, however, I did not expect much substance from the book. Based on the title and cover, I anticipated a few feel-good stories about saving sea turtles and exhortations in favor of c0nservation, and not much else.

I was pleasantly surprised, then, when I found the book to be much deeper than this. The subject of the biography, University of Florida biology professor Archie Carr, led a multi-faceted life from his origins in the backwoods of the South, to his own university studies, through his many years as a professor. Along the way, he became the world's leading expert on sea turtles, whose habits and life history were practically unknown when he began his studies. Carr also became a dedicated conservationist as he saw the subjects of his studies being decimated before his eyes. He was a leader in maintaining the relevance of organismic biology as cell biology and DNA became the glamorous subjects for study, and was a dedicated family man who, together with his wife, imparted their love for nature to their children. The lives of most people, even successful and relatively well-known figures, do not contain enough substance for a full-scale biography; Carr's life fully merited this treatment.

As an aside, when I was small my parents had the Time-Life Nature Library - about 30 volumes in all - in our family bookcase. i enjoyed reading these books very much, though since I was very young - only 7 0r 8 when they were removed and placed in storage in the basement - I mainly looked at the pictures. In The Man Who Saved Sea Turtles, it was noted in passing that Archie Carr authored two of these volumes. The first, not surprisingly, was on the reptiles, and the second, written after a sabbatical in the hinterlands of Africa, on the land and wildlife of that continent. This reference stirred an atavistic memory for me, and I recalled enjoying both books very much when I was small. I suspect that both had far more substance than I realized at the time, and would not mind re-reading them now, but alas the entire series was disposed of for good many years ago.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archie Carr was that kind of delightful author who coukd write about his passion with a light touch, humor and devotion to the subject. The book like his others is made up of articles and essays he wrote for scientific journals. He lived the kind of life I envy- good family life, a self made person,
following his main interest, making a living and enjoying it along the way.

[Dallin Kohler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carr was a legendary figure in 20th century American herpetology and lived a life of discovery. This book only manages to capture some of the magic of Archie Carr and his love for sea turtles, so only 3 stars for me. Just a little too dry.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about a GREAT man who is credited with saving most sea turtle species at a time when it was thought that the ocean was a never ending resource that we could keep pillaging

[Andrew Strope · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical perspective into the birth of conservation biology that we know today. Archie is the reason we love sea turtles and place so much emphasis on their conservation.