This lovely and exceptionally informative reference for school and public libraries was originally published in Japan in 1988 (Kodansha Ltd.), and has been translated, edited, updated, and redesigned by Grolier for the present edition. It includes every species identified as "Rare," "Vulnerable," "Endangered," or "Extinct" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. The Encyclopedia is organized by geographical region. Within each region, entries are subdivided into classes, orders, and families. Entries are accompanied by maps showing current distribution and charts showing the level of threat the species faces. The text focuses on each species natural habitat, physiological characteristics, and customary feeding, mating, and migratory patterns. Also treated are the factors that threaten the species and the actions being taken to save it. The approximately 700 color photographs are central to the purpose of the Encyclopedia, special emphasis being placed on using photographs of surviving species in their natural habitat to drive home the fragility of their future. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.