ON THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION

Another outstanding science book from a prolific author, this focusing on efforts to save the largest North American bird from extinction, and greatly enhanced by stunning color photos by the designer of the California condor release program, who's also bird curator at the L.A. Zoo. Wallace's knowledge and appreciation of these majestic, ugly relics of an earlier time are evident in his vivid, carefully selected photos. By 1986, habitat destruction, hunters, and poisons had reduced the condor population to 26. A joint effort by zoos and naturalists developed a rescue program that involved trapping the remaining birds and putting them in breeding ``condorminiums,'' where their eggs were removed to stimulate extra eggs, which were incubated; young birds were hand reared and prepared for release to the wild. By year-end 1992, the population had reached 64 and specialists were cautiously optimistic. An inspiring story of scientists in action. Index. (Nonfiction. 9-12)