5 Books Related to Indian Wildlife That Every Wildlife Lover Should Have

1. The Book of Indian Birds by Salim Ali

By NIHAL JABIN

Salim Ali, also lovingly known as the "Birdman of India" was an expert ornithologist whose contribution towards the classification and research on Indian birds is highly treasured to this date. He is credited with popularizing ornithology in India. Salim Ali's "The Book of Indian Birds" is a handy guide for all those who wish to venture out to observe the vibrant and unique birds of India. Both beginners and experts in the field of ornithology find this book very useful in their bird-watching tours in the country. The book is constantly updated, keeping the original text by Salim Ali along with new additions mentioning newly discovered bird species and more information. Illustrations accompanying the descriptions are a great aid to the avid birders. 

2. The Jim Corbett Omnibus by Jim Corbett

                         By Dibyendu Ash [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Perhaps no one described the wild beauty of the Indian forests as perfectly as Jim Corbett. This British-Indian hunter turned conservationist of the early 20th century, was one of the most daring men of his time. At a time when hundreds of villagers in the northern Himalayan foothill region of India were victimized by some of the fiercest man-eating tigers of the region, Corbett managed to save the people by hunting down these tigers. However, Corbett was never a ruthless killer. He reverence for nature and her creatures is clearly visible in his accounts of the same. Through his writing, he manages to influence his readers to develop a sense of love and respect for the wildlife of India. Corbett's accounts of his encounters with the man-eater tigers of Kumaon and the man-eating leopard of Rudraprayag still sends shivers down the spine of all who read this book. The Jim Corbett's omnibus is an unputdownable book that introduces readers to Indian jungles in the early 20th century, the fierce predators that roamed there, the unique sights and sounds of the jungle and the mysterious man-eaters of the region. 

3. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling transports you to a fantasy world, a world based in the Indian jungle where a young human boy is brought up by a group of doting animal guardians. The boy, Mowgli, is the protagonist of the story. He is well-loved by all the animals. Bagheera, the panther, Baloo, the bear, Akela and Raksha, the wolves, are Mowgli's closest friends and protectors in the jungle. Mowgli, however, has a dreaded enemy, the deadly Sher Khan, the tiger. Sher-Khan refuses to accept a "man-cub" as an inhabitant of the jungle and wishes to kill him off. However, the other animals refuse to allow Sher Khan to capture Mowgli. The story of the Jungle Book thus describes the life of Mowgli, his animal friends and foes in the jungle and how he manages to save himself from the deadly clutches of Sher Khan.

4. The Kenneth Aderson Omnibus by Kenneth Anderson

By Yathin S Krishnappa (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Kenneth Anderson's narratives of the Indian forests and its plethora of species is unparalleled. He describes his face-to-face encounters with the jungle's inhabitants in a manner that create vivid imagery in the mind's eye. He teaches the readers that the rules of the jungle must be maintained at all times. Once broken it can turn out to be lethal. Anderson also describes the lives of the Indian people living at the fringes of the jungle and their relations with the forest and its species. Like Corbett, Anderson's writings also inculcate a sense of respect for the forest and its creatures.

5. The Way of the Tiger: Natural History and Conservation of the Endangered Big Cat by Ullas Karanth

By Paul Mannix [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

All you know about this majestic creature of the Indian wilds: the Royal Bengal Tiger, is very well presented by Ullas Karanth in this book. He not only describes the habits and habitats of the striped beauty but also mentions its vital role in the forests of India. In India, saving the tiger means saving the entire forest ecosystem. Using spectacular imagery and detailed descriptions Karanth reveals all you need to know about this creature. He also clearly mentions the threats faced by this animal and the conservation efforts needed to save the tiger.

Book Review of ‘CAPTURING WILDLIFE MOMENTS IN INDIA’

Book Review of ‘CAPTURING WILDLIFE MOMENTS IN INDIA’

Name of Book : ‘Capturing Wildlife Moments in India’

Author : Ashok Mahindra

Publishers : Oxford University Press and Bombay Natural History Society

Price : Rs. 1450/-

Pages : 160

Genre : Non-Fiction, Wildlife travel and Photography


Review

Welcome to the bewildering world of Indian wildlife moments.

Bestowed with 120 stunning photographs of Indian wildlife, the coffee table book ‘Capturing Wildlife Moments in India’ authored by Mr. Ashok Mahindra emancipates the knowledge about India’s eclectic collection of flora and fauna to its readers. It sensuously attracts the readers’ heart and acts as a wake-up call to save the wild treasures of India.

           

Mr. Mahindra, an erudite personality and a former treasurer and Vice-President of WWF India, has in this book endeavoured to capture the multihued aura of the Indian forests and its wild inhabitants. After his retirement from the corporate world (retired Co-Chairman of Deloitte, Haskins & Sells, and as Senior Partner of A.F. Ferguson & Co.), the author has travelled widely as a wildlife photographer and has shared tales of his most prized encounters with Indian wildlife with the readers of this coffee table book.

 As appropriately stated in the foreword of the book by Asad R. Rahmani, the Director of Bombay Natural History Society, “When you see it, you will like it; when you like it, you will protect it.” - this book brings the jungle to the readers’ home.
With the aid of this book Mr. Mahindra aims to capture the attention of young Indians (forming 50% of the Indian population) towards the need of preservation of wildlife.

Every image is accompanied by interesting and informative text. Many of us are well aware of the endangered status of Bengal tiger but the author reminds us of the critically endangered but highly neglected Gharial, the endangered Hoolock Gibbon and Wild Ass, the vulnerable Barasingha and the near threatened Malayan Giant Squirrel. These and many other species which are part of the IUCN Red List are clearly specified by the author.

The author also consciously and constantly strives to extend the significance of Indian forests beyond its ferocious big cats. He encourages visitors to look out for the diverse collection of trees adorning the forest, the small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and avians as well as the other awe-inspiring wonders which amuses jungle lovers and admirers such as the termite mound, the fire breakers or nests of weaver birds. Some amazing behavioural information regarding the animals are also provided in the book.

Every Indian state has a state bird or animal which often goes unnoticed. The author here illuminates us regarding the state animals of India. All of us aware of the fact that tiger is our national animal and lion is the state animal of Gujarat. However, did you know that the giant wild buffalo is the state animal of Chattisgarh and the Sarus Crane is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh? More such information is available in this book.

The vivid encounters of the author with the king of the jungle have also been cinematically described here by the author. Meet Zalim, Machli, Aakash and Ustad and read their unique and unusual stories some of which has even baffled wildlife experts.

For the avid wildlife traveller, the author meticulously enlists the wildlife hotspots, locations, UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites and interesting places to stay in the heart of the wildlife.

There are also good photography tips in the book for the zealous wildlife photographers.

Capturing photographs of the wild requires immense amount of patience and skill which is displayed in the author’s work. The intense research and scintillating snaps renders the price of the book worthy of its value.

The author also pens down the ‘Thirteen Ways Forward’ where he provides thirteen useful directives that will help prevent wildlife crimes and spread awareness for wildlife conservation.

Considering the above facts, I believe that ‘Capturing Wildlife Moments of India’ has the power to mesmerize the young adults (the target group of the book) and motivate them to ruminate and act on the perilous state of affairs faced by India’s dwindling wildlife.

The book will be available for sale at the major retail outlets across India, through online sellers like Amazon, Flipkart, etc. and through the Bombay Natural History Society website.

I would whole-heartedly recommend this book to not just the young readers but to all seeking a tryst with the Indian wildlife.



Reviewed by :

Oishimaya Sen Nag



NOTE :

"This post is a part of the book review program of Saevus Wildlife India in association with The Hemchand Mahindra Foundation for the book Capturing Wildlife Moments in India"