Journal notes

I pitched the idea for this book to New Holland a few years ago, but the timing wasn’t right. When New Holland’s current editor asked if I had any ideas for another non-fiction book, I suggested On the Brink, and they said yes. While writing it, I was alarmed at how low the population numbers were for some of the species. There are less than 45 New Zealand fairy terns, 93 black stilts, 150 orange-fronted parakeets, 160 kākāpō and 150-200 Chatham Island tāiko – and that’s only the birds.

The book features the top five most endangered birds; marine mammals; reptiles, frogs and bats; fish; and insects. Terry Fitzgibbon illustrated each animal with his hyper-realistic images. Readers can find out who is helping these endangered species and what they can do to save them before they become extinct. Because EXTINCTION is forever and I know many New Zealanders don’t want their demise on their watch.

Thanks to all the experts from the Department of Conservation, NIWA, Professor Elisabeth Slooten, Wildlife Consultants Ltd, and other experts for their expertise.