'Douglas Adams' genius was in using comedy to make serious points about the world'Independent

After years of reflecting on the absurdities of life on other planets, Douglas Adams teamed up with zoologist Mark Carwardine to find out what was happening to life on this one. Together they lead us on an unforgettable journey across the world in search of exotic, endangered creatures - animals that they may never get another chance to see. They encounter the animal kingdom in its stunning beauty, astonishing variety, and imminent peril: the giant Komodo dragon of Indonesia, the helpless but lovable Kakapo of New Zealand, the blind river dolphins of China, the white rhinos of Zaire, the rare birds of Mauritius island in the Indian Ocean. Both funny and poignant,Last Chance to Seeis the tale of an unforgettable wildlife odyssey - and a timely reminder of all that we must protect.

DOUGLAS ADAMSwas born in Cambridge in March 1952. He is best known as the creator ofThe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,which started life as a BBC Radio 4 series. The book went on to be a No. 1 bestseller. He followed this success withThe Restaurant at the End of the Universe(1980); Life, The Universe and Everything(1982);So Long and Thanks for all the Fish(1984);Mostly Harmless(1992) and many more. He sold over 15 million books in the UK, the US and Australia. Douglas died unexpectedly in May 2001 at the age of 49.

ZoologistMARK CARWARDINEis an active and outspoken conservationist, award-winning writer, TV- and radio - presenter, widely published photographer, magazine columnist and consultant. He presented the weekly programmeNatureon BBC Radio 4 for many years and is co-presenter, with Stephen Fry, of the BBC-TV seriesLast Chance to See. The author of more than 50 books, including several bestsellers, he has been Chairman of prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition since 2005.