Richard Leakey - War a szavannán

Who is Richard Leakey, the author of War on the Savannah? He is a writer who has already published eight books. A scientist who followed the example of his anthropologist parents and entered a scientific career himself. A museologist who became the director of the National Museum of Kenya by the age of twenty-five. However, he could not realize his plans because the president of the country unexpectedly appointed him to head the Wildlife Management Department.
Leakey was well aware that Kenya's magnificent wildlife - especially the elephants - was under enormous threat. By the end of the 1980s, the number of herds wandering on the savanna had drastically decreased, most of them falling victim to poachers and the incompetence of officials. During this turbulent period, the African elephant was not much separated from drifting to the brink of extinction. Leakey quickly realized that it was much more than just a new job. He found himself in the middle of the war for the survival of wildlife, right in the line of fire - and the fight was as fierce in the government offices in Nairobi as it was out in the field, in the parks. The desperate situation called for seemingly extreme measures. The war flared up, the stake of which was to save the African elephant. Leakey saw animal and nature protection as a mission in which he knew no fear or compromise: neither tribal antagonisms, nor corrupt politicians, nor international conflicts deterred him from his goal.
The War on the Savannah is a chronicle of the heroic struggles of a tireless newcomer, from which readers accustomed to romantic safari stories and adventurous travelogues can get to know the new, controversial face of Africa. The work is a testament to how dedicated Leakey tried to protect wildlife and serve his country. He survived several life-threatening threats, political attacks and a plane crash. But it didn't break. He is still one of the most passionate advocates of environmental protection in Kenya and in the entire region. The War on the Savannah shows how deep this passion comes from.
"Richard Leakey's memoir of his time as director of the Kenya Wildlife Service is a fascinating read. It provides an unforgettable account of the struggle between poachers and rangers, honesty and corruption, the sad fact that Kenya's wildlife and conservation different points of view strain each other. But above all, the book is the story of a man who overcame a tormenting doubt, and even though he had little chance of winning, he fought persistently for his convictions, even if he was willing to sacrifice his life for it. We celebrate with him if he wins the battle , and we worry if another obstacle appears in front of him. His book is superbly written, an irresistible work, twists and turns, exciting and adventurous. It is a must-read for anyone who cares even a little about the fate of African wildlife and is interested in the turbulent decades of the Leakey family in Kenya." - Jane Goodall