Signs of Life: Field Notes from the Frontlines of Extinction

by Sarah Cox

What’s to be done when only three spotted owls are left in Canada’s wild? When wolves eat endangered caribou, cormorants kill rare trees, and housing developments threaten a tiny frog? Environmental journalist Sarah Cox has witnessed what happens when we drive species to the brink of extinction. In Signs of Life , she tags along with the Canadian military, Indigenous guardians, biologists, conservationists, and ordinary people who are racing to save hundreds of species before it’s too late. Travelling across the country, Cox visits the Toronto Zoo, home of Canada’s only wildlife biobank, where scientists conserve living cells from endangered species in the event of future loss; tours Canada’s military bases, home to some of Canada’s last preserved ecosystems; and travels to Indigenous communities where land stewards are striving to restore the delicate ecological balance that has sustained people for millennia. Through the eyes and work of individuals who are bringing species back from the precipice, Cox delivers both an urgent message and a fresh perspective on how we can protect biodiversity and begin to turn things around.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

As an actual wildlife biologist who worked at the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program (the program she talks about in ch 1 but can't be bothered to name) for years, I'm pretty disappointed in the content of this book. Having insider knowledge to the program I caught multiple mistakes that the general reader wouldn't know, which makes me doubt the author's accuracy in other accounts.

Besides the fact that I believe she is an unreliable narrator, I found this book to be incredibly dismissive of the important conservation work happening in Canada. The author seems to focus only on the "what ifs" of the past (i.e. if we hadn't logged old growth forests, spotted owls might not be in the dire situation they're in today) and continuously criticizes ex-situ conservation efforts, yet doesn't offer alternative solutions. This book reads as though she has a personal agenda against certain conservative initiatives and lacks unbiased perspectives. She claims this book is not about blaming anyone for the current state of biodiversity in Canada, but very obviously points fingers at the provincial and federal governments. Now, personally I don't disagree with that, but if you're going to write a book about the government's failure to protect biodiversity, write it with confidence and don't attack NGOs that are doing their best within the confines of a system that doesn't prioritize conservation.

What I thought would be a message of hope was just a poorly written and negative account of the author's opinions on conservation in Canada.

I could go on, but I'll leave it at that.

[Emma Giles (byo.book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarier than the scariest horror.

[brietta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very important and informative book about endangered species in British Columbia and Canada. My law school never offered an environmental law class, so I’ve learned primarily from this book how tenuous the Species at Risk Act is. It’s simplified down to federalism: provinces vs the feds. If local communities and lawyers do nothing, then the protections offered in the Act are meaningless. I’m a newly proud proponent of Eco Justice - an organization that’s taking action where it is desperately needed.

There are many dispiriting facts laid out in these pages, but as a small counterbalance, I delighted in the fact that military bases of all places have become an accidental refuge for some endangered species.

“Biodiversity is sometimes referred to as the library of life.”

[Elizabeth Stannard · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories and the brave determination of the activists and scientists who champion these species, both animal and plant, are testament to the imperative work that is being done, needs to be done and is the legacy of our times. As fires burn this summer, fires burn in my heart for the necessary work that needs to continue and to get more publicity and funding. Thank you Sarah!

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult book to read as it talks about the dire state of natural regions, but also a very important book. It reminds us that we can still help even if it is just by doing something small. I highly recommend for anyone interested in nature and keeping it around to read this book.

[Linda Cardinal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very important subject but not an easy read.

[Kyle Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for writing this important book, Sarah. Much appreciated.

[Meaghan Gallagher · Rating 2 out of 5]

not what I expected by field notes. I was expected more informal, less environmental lobbying. the latter is fine! just not what I expected and super focused on British Columbia

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the tone was a bit on the dry academic side, the content was interesting and this "case by case" approach was a new one for me in environmental non-fiction.