This book investigates the accelerating rate of animal extinction caused by human expansion and the resulting impact on global ecological stability. David Burnie, an experienced naturalist and author, utilizes historical data and current biological trends to argue that human dominance is fundamentally altering the survival prospects of diverse species. The text provides a framework for understanding the transition from prehistoric mass extinction events to the modern anthropogenic crisis facing wildlife today.

Experts recognize this work as an accessible entry point for understanding the mechanics of biodiversity loss. Readers frequently note the clarity of the author's prose in connecting human population growth to the decline of specific animal populations.