New Book: I Remember Africa: A Field Biologist's Half-Century Perspective

Book cover with the words "I remember Africa, a field biologists half-century perspective, and a photo of Thomas Struhsaker with a wombat on his head

I Remember Africa is a memoir based on Dr. Thomas Struhsaker's wildlife research and conservation efforts in Africa spanning 56 years (1962-2018). It describes some of the challenges scientists and conservationists faced in the early days of field research on primates and other wildlife in Africa.

The stories range from the savannas of East Africa to the rain forests of Central and West Africa. The Kibale Forest in Uganda was the author's home for 18 years (1970-1988) during the reign of vicious dictatorships, genocides, civil wars, and economic collapse.

Struhsaker describes how he, his colleagues, and students managed to continue with their research and conservation efforts in Uganda, despite these adversities. Their efforts, along with many others, eventually led to the creation of The Makerere University Biological Field Station and The Kibale National Park. The stories relate humorous and uplifting experiences, set in the context of very dark times. Struhsaker also describes the behavior of the primates and other creatures he shared the forest with. This memoir tracks some of the many changes that have transpired in Africa over the past half-century. 

Struhsaker is an adjunct professor in Duke's Department of Evolutionary Anthropology.

(Content adapted from Book Baby) 

To read more, or purchase a copy of the book, visit the book's webpage