Planet Elephant: A Story of Family, Love and the Global Wildlife Trade

by Tammie Matson

From the jungles of Borneo, to the civil strife of Assam, to the black markets of Vietnam, Dr Tammie Matson continues her quest to help reduce the human-elephant conflict around the world. In this follow-up to her bestselling memoir Elephant Dance, Tammie takes on the black markets of Asia determined to make a difference and break the chains of rhino-horn poaching and the illegal ivory trade.

Travelling from her new home in Singapore throughout South-East Asia, she meets presidents and traffickers in palaces and tourist markets, journeying to the dark heart of a dark industry. Returning to her beloved Africa, she finds old friends facing rough times and elephants and rhinos on the brink again. And torn between her passionate commitment to conservation and her precious growing son, Tammie faces her biggest challenge yet, balancing work and family. Thought-provoking, funny and moving, Planet Elephant is the continued story of one woman's courage and conviction.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Africa, Wildlife, Nature, Biography

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

Tammie Matson is an Australian wildlife conservationist with a grand passion for Africa and all its wildlife, especially elephants. She worked for many years in southern Africa, before becoming the head of WWF Australia's species program in 2007, and a voice for threatened species worldwide.

Having worked on human-elephant conflict in Namibia and India, she moved to Singapore in 2012 where she is working on reducing the illegal trade in ivory and rhino horn that is decimating Africa's elephants and rhinos. She divides her time between being a mum to her son, lecturing in the environmental sciences, and undertaking freelance conservation work in Africa and Asia.

Reviews

[Diane in Australia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tammie is a wildlife warrior. She is, specifically, interested in elephants and rhinos. This book is about her continuing effort to stop their slaughter, and how the illegal global trade in ivory is pushing them towards extinction. Sad, very sad, situation.

3 Stars = Okay. Glad I read it.

[Erin Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this at the bookstore at Launceston airport and haven't been able to put it down. The way she describes her time and experiences in Africa (Namibia particularly!) made my heart flutter and can definitely relate to her life during her 20s.

[Saturday's Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Tammie.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book on the subject of the author's efforts to save the diminishing population of elephants in Africa and Asia is well-written and interesting. Tammie Matson is obviously passionate about stopping the slaughter of animals, the dire poaching situation and the greed of the criminals who are driving this illicit trade in wild animals and animal parts. Her work, together with her co-operation with other groups such as Traffic and Cites, have made a considerable impact on that trade, although a lot more needs to be done at Government levels, especially in Asia. The story educated me about the reasons for ivory and rhino horn usage in the East. I was unaware that rhino horn is not considered to be an aphrodisiac, but rather a cure for cancer and high fevers in Chinese medicine. Also the young nouveau riche in the East are using these animal products to display their wealth; as hangover cures and an "image" tool, proving to their friends that they can afford to purchase them. Until these unfounded notions are reversed the trade will continue.
The book conveys the reader from Africa to Asia; from desert to jungle; and back to cities where much of the information is collated and transcribed into articles, books and films. The work continues and will hopefully minimize the decimation of our wildlife, for the future preservation of our natural world.
A fascinating, educational read, if you are interested in the wildlife of our planet.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Planet Elephant is a story about saving elephants and rhinos. Tammie looks into how ivory is sold in Asian countries including Thailand, China, and Vietnam. The book was lots of interesting historical aspects and facts on where and the reasons why people buy ivory. In the book, Tammie travels to Kenya to shoot a short film to advocate for an anti-ivory campaign. This is done alongside a famous Indonesian-Australian actress/celebrity.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matson does an excellent job of objectively presenting all sides to the issue of wildlife trade without getting bogged in statistics or overly factual. Its layered with emotion in such a way the reader can't help but care what happens to species like elephants and rhinos.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into a life studying elephants by one of Australia's most respected experts. Her writing is very easy to read and follows on from her previous adventures.