Letters

Hope for the Tiger?
It's unfortunate that Philip Gourevitch chose to view the Siberian tiger's predicament with such an abrogating eye ("No More Tigers," February). His brief observation of the situation ignores the long-term efforts of a robust, cooperative research project between Russian and American scientists that will ultimately produce the information necessary for the tiger's survival. Gourevitch, who seemed genuinely slighted that he didn't see a tiger in the wild, based his entire report on an interview with a disgruntled former project employee. Had he chosen instead to speak with project leaders, he would have presented an entirely different story. Gourevitch's misinformed article does a tremendous disservice to conservation efforts underway to save the greatest of the great cats.

Howard Quigley
Maurice Hornocker
Codirectors, Siberian Tiger Project
Moscow, Idaho

I was intrigued and mesmerized by Gourevitch's article about the trying circumstances through which the Amur tiger is suffering. The unfathomable corruption of poachers makes noble intentions like those of true tiger-lover Victor Voronin all the more exceptional and necessary. I sincerely hope that the lifeless hide that Gourevitch witnessed on the trail was not the only tiger he saw in Russia. Thanks for the remarkable and poignant story.

Adam M. Center
Atlanta, Georgia

Gourevitch's report truly brought to light the greed that is destroying the Amur tiger and its habitat. When the supposed protectors of the tigers include Russian antipoaching brigades who are fattening their own wallets with donations intended for the cause, game wardens who have tiger-skin rugs, and research organizations working in a bubble of false optimism, it's not surprising that their efforts haven't furthered the preservation of this majestic species.

Douglas Sealfon
Spring Valley, New York

Philip Gourevitch replies: Quigley and Hornocker are incorrect in saying that I relied exclusively on one source in reporting the desperate plight of the Amur tiger. If they had read the article, they would know that I quoted at length from my talks with Russian conservation officials and scientists, as well as leaders of the Siberian Tiger Project. Far from ignoring the project or seeking to subvert the conservation efforts I observed, I reported what everyone in Russian tiger territory made clear: that such efforts are at present inadequate to counteract the social and economic forces that are driving the tiger toward extinction. Quigley and Hornocker are accustomed to controlling their own public relations through their exclusivity agreement with the National Geographic Society, but my point--that far more vigorous conservation measures are needed--cannot possibly be news to them. For the tiger's sake, I only hope that Quigley and Hornocker are more honest and precise as scientists than as defenders of their vanity. And I thank Adam Center for answering so generously their absurd charge that I viewed the tiger's predicament with an "abrogating eye."

LeMond and I
I want to thank Todd Balf for his profile of American cycling's only hero ("You Won't Have Greg LeMond to Kick Around Anymore," April). While the media here have largely ignored the retirement of this great athlete, ambassador, and warrior, you provided an insightful and personal look at the man who was king. The impact that LeMond has had on all Americans who ride is hard to overestimate. He brought us out of the obscurity and insecurity of the fringe into the mainstream of athletic competition. For three weeks every July, I will remember the excitement and pride that LeMond brought to those of us who studied his every move, knowing that we were indeed watching a legend.

Kyle D. Bickel
Baltimore, Maryland

Tree Hug
As an avid reader and fan of Outside for several years, I've often thought of writing in praise of the excellent material that finds its way into your pages. The piece that finally inspired me to write is Ian Frazier's wonderful account of "bag-snagging" trash from the trees along the Mississippi ("Keeping America's Trees Safe from Small-Curd Bubble Wrap," April). This marvelous yet humble story of three people's small passion for the natural world--and a kind and gentle way of interacting with it--would only be found in your magazine. The unique editorial thinking that keeps this material coming is what makes Outside the best publication around.

Jeff Fairhall
Seattle, Washington

Marty Robbins, Unplugged
I'm afraid that your list of the most notable western songs is grossly incomplete ("Cowboy Hit Parade," April). How could you possibly overlook native Arizonan and quintessential western singer-songwriter Marty Robbins? How could you so easily forget his classic cowboy anthem "El Paso"?

T. Taylor
Sierra Mazatzal, Arizona