Imagining Extinction: The Cultural Meanings of Endangered Species

by Ursula K. Heise

We are currently facing the sixth mass extinction of species in the history of life on Earth, biologists claim—the first one caused by humans. Activists, filmmakers, writers, and artists are seeking to bring the crisis to the public’s attention through stories and images that use the strategies of elegy, tragedy, epic, and even comedy. Imagining Extinction is the first book to examine the cultural frameworks shaping these narratives and images.

Ursula K. Heise argues that understanding these stories and symbols is indispensable for any effective advocacy on behalf of endangered species. More than that, she shows how biodiversity conservation, even and especially in its scientific and legal dimensions, is shaped by cultural assumptions about what is valuable in nature and what is not. These assumptions are hardwired into even seemingly neutral tools such as biodiversity databases and laws for the protection of endangered species. Heise shows that the conflicts and convergences of biodiversity conservation with animal welfare advocacy, environmental justice, and discussions about the Anthropocene open up a new vision of multispecies justice. Ultimately, Imagining Extinction demonstrates that biodiversity, endangered species, and extinction are not only scientific questions but issues of histories, cultures, and values.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Environment, Cultural Studies, Birds, Geography, Science

288 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 2016

Reviews

[Margaryta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I am picking up this book having already read works on posthumanism and some texts on extinction, there were things that Heise discusses that were already familiar to me, which means there were lengthy sections of the book that I could look over and nod along to without worrying about whether I was reading closely or not. I still think the concept of the "charismatic megafauna" is the biggest takeaway from this book, one I keep referencing in classes and my own work. The rest of the book is enjoyable to read. I did not always spend too much time on the literary discussion and analysis because I was more interested in the framing argument Heise was employing for her ideas. It is a very accessible text, balancing theory with more specific discussions of select literary and cultural examples.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for ecologists, biologists and conservationists. Well-sourced and well-argued by Heise. As someone with a media background, I see this book as absolutely key in putting together how fiction, art and internal perceptions influence our very real relationships with the natural world.

[Lance Grabmiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating critical analysis of the stories, photos, films, paintings, musical compositions, databases and legal texts surrounding the ideas of extinct and endangered animals. As I am growing slowly more towards an "anti-humanist," pro-science stance in my grumpy old age, I am not sure I could agree many of the ideas or implications late in the book (for instance, the Coda chapter is rather weak and conveys little to me but ignorance of the issues in favoring the Inuit perspective from a single documentary film without comparing it to anything but a Nissan advertisement), but there is a lot of great thought and material in this book. I wish certain sections (especially in the last few chapters) balanced the cultural and literary critique against scientific evidence but that's not really all this book was about.. Going to be thinking about this book for a long time, and despite my disagreements, I wish it were twice as long.

[Teddy Sandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of great examples. At points feels slightly dated which really speaks to how quickly these conservation and environmental debates are morphing. Worth the read just for the art analysis and cultural histories. Policy analysis is also superb. Drawing out the differences in ecologically minded communities is necessary for solidarity. A little confusing to get whiplashed between global and local interaction. Wish there was actionable recommendations on the small scale to help with the amorphous question of the climate

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cultural studies approach to extinction. It's strongest when it's analyzing literature, weakest when discussing science.

[Asymptotality · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and well researched book. It's academic writing, so took some time to work through but I learned a lot from it.