Mark Owens

Mark Owens is an American conservationist, wildlife researcher, and author best known for his work in Africa and his books co-written with his former wife Delia Owens. His most notable works include "Cry of the Kalahari" (1984) and "The Eye of the Elephant" (1992), which document the couple's experiences studying wildlife in Botswana and Zambia. During his time in Africa from the 1970s through the 1990s, Owens established conservation programs and conducted extensive research on lions, brown hyenas, and other African wildlife. Together with Delia Owens, he founded the North Luangwa Conservation Project in Zambia, working to prevent elephant poaching and establish sustainable conservation practices. The Owenses' conservation work became controversial in the late 1990s following allegations related to anti-poaching activities in Zambia, which were investigated by ABC News and other media outlets. Their experiences and conservation efforts were documented in several books that combined scientific observation with personal narrative. Owens holds a Ph.D. in wildlife ecology and has received multiple awards for his conservation work, including the Rolex Award for Enterprise. He has continued his involvement in wildlife conservation through various projects and organizations following his return to the United States.

Readers appreciate Owens' detailed firsthand accounts of African wildlife and conservation efforts. Many note his ability to balance scientific observations with engaging storytelling in "Cry of the Kalahari" and "The Eye of the Elephant." What readers liked: - In-depth descriptions of animal behavior and ecosystems - Personal connection to wildlife conservation - Raw, honest portrayal of challenges in Africa - Photography and documentation methods What readers disliked: - Ethical questions about anti-poaching methods - Some found later works too focused on human conflicts - Writing style can be dense with scientific details - Controversial handling of local communities Ratings: - Cry of the Kalahari: 4.3/5 on Goodreads (2,800+ ratings), 4.7/5 on Amazon (350+ ratings) - The Eye of the Elephant: 4.2/5 on Goodreads (1,200+ ratings), 4.6/5 on Amazon (200+ ratings) One reader noted: "His descriptions put you right there in the bush." Another commented: "Important conservation message, but troubled by some of their methods."

The Eye of the Elephant: An Epic Adventure in the African Bush (1992) Chronicles Mark and Delia Owens' battle against poaching in Zambia's North Luangwa Valley, detailing their conservation work and conflicts with illegal hunters.

Secrets of the Savanna (2006) Documents the Owens' final years in Zambia working to protect elephants while facing escalating dangers from poachers and political unrest.

Cry of the Kalahari (1984) Recounts the Owens' seven years studying wildlife in Botswana's Kalahari Desert, focusing on their research of brown hyenas and lions in an untouched ecosystem.

Peter Matthiessen writes about wildlife conservation and remote expeditions in Africa and Asia. His non-fiction work focuses on endangered species and interactions between humans and nature.

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