First aid for wildlife

Press, 18 August 1979, Page 15

First aid for wildlife

st Aid and Care of Wild Birds. Edited by J. E. Cooper and J. T. Eley. David and Charles, 1979. 288 pp. Appendices and Index. $26.55. Trapping: A Practical Guide. By James A. Bateman. David and Charles, 1979. 168 pp. Bibliography and Index. $13.95. (Reviewed by Dave Bamford) At first glance these two titles appear to be in direct contradiction to each other. However both books have been compiled by nature lovers and each merits inspection, especially as society grows increasingly aware of wildlife and its future. This awareness manifested itself in the theme “Species at Risk”, for New Zealand’s 1979 Conservation Week in August. The publication of “First Aid and Care of Wild Birds” relieves the previous paucity of information on all aspects of the care of wild birds. Admittedly this information may be of interest to only a small sector of the nature-loving populace, but as Joy Adamson concludes in her foreword, “ . . . this book will soon become a

household book for those of us who not only love birds, but also want to help them whenever passible”. Here in New Zealand, any treatise on the care of wild birds is of particular importance, as we strive to combat the decline in numbers of some of our rarer and endangered species. Many topics are covered in precise detail: legal aspects, feeding, treatment of injuries and disease, poisons and pollution. The joint editors have covered the topic with 20 chapters by many well qualified medical and ornithological contributors. This Is an excellent, although expensive book that will be of great interest to bird lovers, veterinarians and professionals involved in the protection of New Zealand wildlife. James Bateman deals with an equally specialised although not so relevant topic, in his book “Trapping: A Practical Guide”. Detailed, useful diagrams accompany the chapters discussing the diverse methods of trapping mammals, birds, fish and insects. Trapping for survival is also dealt with, although this topic lacks application in this country.