The Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve is the first of its kind. Located in Belize, it was a victory for the endangered Jaguar. It was also a victory for Alan Rabinowitz, the author of Jaguar: One Man’s Struggle to Establish the World’s First Jaguar Preserve. His tireless efforts to research the cat and then share that research with the world was a turning point in the decision to create a preserve.

The book was published about a decade ago, but my son Jedd purchased a copy for me because he knew how much I loved Belize. I was hesitant to read the book for two reasons: it seemed like it might be more of a researchers dry field notes, and the story of Cockscomb Preserve is well know to me already. But I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

Turns out that some field scientists actually can write well! And Rabinowitz is one of them. Further, the story is more personal than I expected. Sure, there are details about the cats behavior and some of the scientific insights that all good field researchers thrive on. But the book is also a personal story, almost a journal, as Rabinowitz tells the tale of living among the Mayan people and working to protect the Jaguar.

Obviously this isn’t a book for everybody. But it is well written, insightful, and tells a story of success. Thanks, Jedd, for giving it to me!