10 Best-Selling Wildlife Books Millions Trust

While working as a National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore noticed the rapid disappearance of animal species and committed to capturing their portraits to raise awareness. Through vivid studio shots of more than 6,000 species, especially those endangered, you gain a unique visual archive coupled with Douglas Chadwick's thoughtful narratives that deepen your understanding of biodiversity and conservation urgency. The book balances artistry with a call to action, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, educators, and conservation advocates. Notably, chapters featuring lesser-known species alongside iconic animals reveal the staggering diversity at risk, inviting you to confront the reality of extinction firsthand.

Nate Blakeslee, a seasoned writer at Texas Monthly with a background in investigative nonfiction, channels his narrative skill into the natural world with this detailed account of O-Six, a famed Yellowstone wolf. Through vivid storytelling, you gain insight into wolf behavior, pack dynamics, and the complex interplay between wildlife conservation and human interests, including ranchers and hunters. The book’s nuanced portrayal extends beyond biology to explore cultural tensions surrounding the American West’s landscapes and legacy. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or intrigued by environmental politics, the book offers a grounded perspective on survival and obsession in a contested wilderness.

This personalized wildlife book explores battle-tested observation and conservation methods tailored to your interests and background. It reveals practical techniques for tracking, studying, and protecting wildlife, focusing on approaches that have proven effective in diverse habitats. By combining widely validated knowledge with your specific goals, it offers a focused exploration of animal behavior, habitat preservation, and sustainable conservation practices. The book uncovers how to engage meaningfully with wildlife while addressing the challenges facing species and ecosystems today. It provides a tailored guide for deepening your connection to nature and making a lasting impact through informed, thoughtful stewardship.

When David Moskowitz, a seasoned naturalist, set out to create this guide, he aimed to bridge the gap between casual observation and informed wildlife tracking in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll learn to identify more than 180 species—including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates—through detailed photographs, scale drawings, and distribution maps that explain where and how to spot them. The book’s strength lies in its practical approach to understanding animal signs and habitats, making it a reliable companion whether you’re hiking in Idaho’s forests or birdwatching in your backyard. If you’re eager to deepen your connection with nature through direct observation and species recognition, this guide offers clear, focused insight without overwhelming you with jargon.

Douglas W. Tallamy’s decades of work in entomology and wildlife ecology led to this book, which reveals the critical connection between native plants and local wildlife survival. You’ll discover why alien plants disrupt ecosystems and how native insects rely exclusively on indigenous flora, impacting birds and other animals. The book offers practical guidance on restoring biodiversity starting in your own garden, with chapters detailing how plant choices influence insect populations and, consequently, broader wildlife health. If you care about preserving natural habitats and want to contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts, this book lays out the ecological relationships you need to understand and act upon.

Drawing from her six decades of hands-on experience in Kenya’s Tsavo region, Dame Daphne Sheldrick offers a deeply personal account of rescuing and raising orphaned elephants and other wildlife. You learn not only about the delicate husbandry techniques and unique milk formulas she developed but also about the emotional bonds formed with animals like Eleanor the elephant and the challenges of conservation amid poaching threats. The narrative also reveals the human side of wildlife protection through her partnership with David Sheldrick, blending natural history with heartfelt memoir. If you care about animal welfare or want insight into wildlife conservation, this book provides an intimate and instructive perspective.

This tailored wildlife tracking book offers a unique and engaging learning experience by focusing on step-by-step guidance to identify and track animals quickly. It combines proven popular knowledge with your personal interests to create a personalized exploration of species identification and tracking techniques. The content covers foundational skills like recognizing animal signs, habitats, and behaviors, progressing into methods for rapid species tracking and observation. By matching your background and specific goals, this book reveals how to connect with wildlife efficiently and thoughtfully, encouraging hands-on discovery and deeper understanding of animal ecology. It’s designed to help you gain practical skills that fit your pace and curiosity in the wild.

Steven Rinella's firsthand experience hunting a wild American buffalo in Alaska drives this narrative, blending personal adventure with a deep dive into the animal's historical and cultural significance. You learn about the buffalo's near extinction and ecological resurgence, alongside Rinella's exploration of its role in shaping American identity—from indigenous hunting practices to industrial uses of buffalo bones. Chapters take you from ancient hunting grounds to urban history, offering a multifaceted view that benefits anyone intrigued by wildlife, conservation, or American history. The book balances thrilling wilderness tales with insightful reflections on nature and national character, making it a thoughtful read for those curious about the intersection of environment and culture.

Jonathan Alderfer's decades of experience as a bird artist and author for National Geographic come through clearly in this guide, which invites you to connect with North America's most common and intriguing backyard birds. You’ll find detailed identification tips, behavior insights, vocal descriptions, and range maps for 150 species, supported by vivid artwork that brings each bird to life. The added "Backyard Basics" section by Noah Strycker offers practical ways to attract and nurture birds in your own outdoor space, making this accessible for casual birdwatchers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. If you want to deepen your understanding of local birdlife and how to welcome it, this guide delivers straightforward knowledge without overwhelming detail.

What makes this guide both expert-recommended and reader-beloved is its seamless blend of clarity and depth, crafted by Donald and Lillian Stokes with over two decades of experience in bird and wildlife study. You get identification details, range maps, and color photos all on one page—no flipping back and forth—making it easy to quickly recognize more than 900 species in the eastern United States. The book also dives into behaviors like feeding and mating, plus conservation status, which helps you understand birds beyond just appearance. If you enjoy birdwatching or want to deepen your knowledge of North American birds, this guide is practical and approachable without overwhelming you.

Terry Grosz draws on three decades as a Fish and Game Warden to share gripping tales of protecting America's wildlife. You’ll gain a firsthand look at the challenges and conflicts faced in conserving natural habitats, from confronting poachers to navigating complex legal battles. The book offers insights into law enforcement strategies within wildlife preservation and vividly portrays the tension between human interests and animal protection. If you’re interested in practical realities behind wildlife conservation and enjoy narrative-driven accounts, this book provides a grounded perspective that goes beyond textbooks.

What sets this book apart is Laura Marsh's long-standing expertise in creating engaging children's nonfiction, which shines through in this accessible look at wolves. You get to explore wolf behavior beyond myths, learning about pack hierarchy and their unique body language communication, with vivid photos that bring these wild canines to life. Children curious about nature will find clear answers to common questions, like why wolves usually avoid humans. The concise 32 pages make it an easy, informative read for young learners eager to connect with wildlife.