Why buy Jocelin's book Africa's Wild Dogs: A Survival Story?
Posted by Lydia Unwin on
"Africa's Wild Dogs: A Survival Story" by Jocelin Kagan is a large-format photographic book dedicated to one of Africa's most charismatic and endangered predators, the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). This book celebrates the lives of these animals, known for their unique social structure and cooperative hunting habits, while also highlighting the numerous threats they face in the wild.
Content and Purpose: Jocelin Kagan, a wildlife photographer based in South Africa, has spent over a decade observing and photographing wild dogs across various African countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Tanzania. The book not only showcases stunning photography but also includes insights from scientific experts, aiming to educate readers about the wild dogs' behavior, pack dynamics, and survival strategies. It's noted for its mission to raise awareness and funds for wild dog conservation, with all royalties from the book sales being donated to the Africa's Wild Dog Survival Fund.
Conservation and Impact: The African wild dog population has dwindled to approximately 6,600 individuals, classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Kagan's work emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to counteract threats like habitat fragmentation, human persecution, diseases from domestic dogs, climate change, and predation by larger carnivores. The book serves as both an educational tool and a call to action for conservation, highlighting the need for continued support and protection of these intelligent and social animals.
Photography and Presentation: The book is lauded for its breathtaking photography, capturing intimate moments of wild dog life, from hunting to playful interactions within packs. Jocelin's approach involves lying close to the ground to get unique perspectives, showcasing the wild dogs' expressions and behaviors in their natural habitat. The photographs are not only aesthetic but also informative, helping to change public perception of these often misunderstood animals.
Reception and Availability: "Africa's Wild Dogs" has received positive reviews for its compelling visual storytelling and informative content. It's available through various outlets, including online from retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as through Penguin Random House in South Africa. Customer feedback often highlights the beauty of the photographs and the educational value of the text, making it a recommended read for anyone interested in African wildlife or conservation efforts.
This book stands as both an artistic tribute and a conservation advocacy piece, aiming to ensure the survival of the African wild dog for future generations.




