A splendid account of research and observations done by two conservationists on a remote island in Tonga. The author’s detailed descriptions of island habitat and climate make you feel like you’re there out in the Pacific. However, setting aside a romantic view of going on an adventure to an exotic island, we see the dedication that it takes to prepare for an excursion on the other side of the world, which begins with finding the support and funding to do it.
That the explorers were even able to observe and study the reclusive Malau, an endangered species of bird, attests to the their commitment to research and conservation of endangered animals. Equally interesting is the insight the author shares about the island culture she is living in. As the Malau have adapted to the environment of the island, so must the explorers by learning how to interact with the locals of another culture that speaks a different language. One might think a conservationist’s studies could be a little dull, but the author proves this not to be the case. The Malau are only found on one volcanic island of Tonga and have many unique behaviors. The challenge in helping to save this species from extinction is to learn their habitat and behaviors, in order to properly find another similar habitat that they can thrive in. Adding to the difficulty is that scholarly politics attempt to ruin their expedition and presents the challenge of making it back home.
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Wonderfully informative about the people, the flora and the fauna of the Kingdom of Tonga.
Ann Göth’s compelling account of two years on one of the 170+ islands that constitute the Kingdom of Tonga in the Pacific Ocean, makes it amply clear that a love of nature and boundless enthusiasm are not all that it takes to make her the successful conservation scientist that she is.At the age of 21, determined to study the endangered “mound bird” that incubates its eggs in the warm soil next to volcanic cones the author and a fellow-scientist as young as herself show themselves to be courageous, adventurous, tolerant, persistent and capable of adapting to a way of life among Polynesian people very different from themselves.British readers will remember the charming face of Queen Sālote of Tonga smiling at the public from a carriage when she attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in London in 1953. “Volcanic Adventures in Tonga - Species Conservation on Tin Can Island” provides a wonderfully informative background to the Kingdom of Tonga – the people, their way of life, their diet and social habits as well as an account of the flora and fauna.One of the heartbreaking things about being a biologist intent on conserving endangered species (wherever in the world that might be) is the regrettable role of local people in their depletion. Ann and her partner cope admirably with this matter as well as more mundane but often more amusing incidents involving unattractive insects, a challenging climate, communication difficulties and desperately poor transportation.Ann’s account of her period on Tin Can Island is both highly entertaining and deeply informative. It will leave you with great admiration for the author.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2023
At the age of 21, determined to study the endangered “mound bird” that incubates its eggs in the warm soil next to volcanic cones the author and a fellow-scientist as young as herself show themselves to be courageous, adventurous, tolerant, persistent and capable of adapting to a way of life among Polynesian people very different from themselves.
British readers will remember the charming face of Queen Sālote of Tonga smiling at the public from a carriage when she attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in London in 1953. “Volcanic Adventures in Tonga - Species Conservation on Tin Can Island” provides a wonderfully informative background to the Kingdom of Tonga – the people, their way of life, their diet and social habits as well as an account of the flora and fauna.
One of the heartbreaking things about being a biologist intent on conserving endangered species (wherever in the world that might be) is the regrettable role of local people in their depletion. Ann and her partner cope admirably with this matter as well as more mundane but often more amusing incidents involving unattractive insects, a challenging climate, communication difficulties and desperately poor transportation.
Ann’s account of her period on Tin Can Island is both highly entertaining and deeply informative. It will leave you with great admiration for the author.
Wonderfully informative about the people, the flora and the fauna of the Kingdom of Tonga.
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2023
Ann Göth’s compelling account of two years on one of the 170+ islands that constitute the Kingdom of Tonga in the Pacific Ocean, makes it amply clear that a love of nature and boundless enthusiasm are not all that it takes to make her the successful conservation scientist that she is.Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2023
At the age of 21, determined to study the endangered “mound bird” that incubates its eggs in the warm soil next to volcanic cones the author and a fellow-scientist as young as herself show themselves to be courageous, adventurous, tolerant, persistent and capable of adapting to a way of life among Polynesian people very different from themselves.
British readers will remember the charming face of Queen Sālote of Tonga smiling at the public from a carriage when she attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in London in 1953. “Volcanic Adventures in Tonga - Species Conservation on Tin Can Island” provides a wonderfully informative background to the Kingdom of Tonga – the people, their way of life, their diet and social habits as well as an account of the flora and fauna.
One of the heartbreaking things about being a biologist intent on conserving endangered species (wherever in the world that might be) is the regrettable role of local people in their depletion. Ann and her partner cope admirably with this matter as well as more mundane but often more amusing incidents involving unattractive insects, a challenging climate, communication difficulties and desperately poor transportation.
Ann’s account of her period on Tin Can Island is both highly entertaining and deeply informative. It will leave you with great admiration for the author.
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Top reviews from other countries
Ann Goeth, Author
Insightful, inspiring and invaluable information
Reviewed in Germany on May 28, 2023