Birds of Western Ghats, Kokan & Malabar


Book Description

In This Book Every Aspect Of Bird Life Is Illustrated. 1700 Colour Photographs. 580 Bird Species Around A Hotspot. Information Updated Till 2003. The Book Takes A New Look At The Life And Habits Of The Birds Of The Western Ghats.




The Great Eagles


Book Description

This book examines the current literature and knowledge on the evolution and ecology of all the birds named as eagles, with particular emphasis on the larger species. It also examines the past and current relations between eagles and people, including habitat change and conservation issues. Eagle ecologies and conservation are currently seriously impacted by human activities such as industrialization, urbanization, pollution, deforestation and hunting. Some eagle species have consequently experienced extreme population changes. There are, however, some positive developments. Eagles have a strong, historic bond with human civilization, due to their status as the world’s most charismatic birds. Conservation policies have also been successful in repopulating some ecosystems with breeding eagles. Therefore, despite the complexity of this relationship, there may yet be hope for this unique species group, frequently rated as the kings of birds, and symbolic of human power, ambition, royalty, nationality, and even concepts of God. It is hoped that this book will contribute to the further understanding of these unique and fantastic birds.




Birds in Books


Book Description

The history of South Asian ornithology spans three centuries and records over 1200 species of birds. This is the passionate work of hundreds of amateur and professional ornithologists. The popular as well as scientific documentation of this region s avifauna is prodigious.




Biodiversity Conservation


Book Description

Biological diversity encompasses all species of animals, plants, micro-organisms, ecosystem and ecological processes of which they are part. Biodiversity provides the basis for life on earth. The more we know about Earth's biological diversity, the better will be our capability to conserve both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Expanding human population, overexploitation of natural resources, habitat loss and pollution are contributing to a great extent to the rapid degradation of environmental quality, with its irreversible loss or depletion of species diversity. The current perception is therefore to frame strategies to conserve biodiversity otherwise the future generation will blame us for robbing them for their life support systems. This book includes original research articles on various aspects of Biodiversity and its Conservation presented by eminent Scientists working within the country and abroad. Most of the concepts are new and pertinent to Indian context. This book will be of immense utility to the Researchers and Post-Graduate students engaged in varied areas of Biodiversity conservation.




A Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh


Book Description

This is the only comprehensive photographic field guide to the birds of the entire Indian subcontinent. Every distinct species and subspecies—some 1,375 in all—is covered with photographs, text, and maps. The guide features more than 4,000 stunning photographs, many never before published, which have been carefully selected to illustrate key identification features of each species. The up-to-date facing-page text includes concise descriptions of plumage, voice, range, habitat, and recent taxonomic changes. Each species has a detailed map reflecting the latest distribution information and containing notes on status and population density. The guide also features an introduction that provides an overview of birdlife and a brief history of ornithology in India and its neighbors. The result is an encyclopedic photographic guide that is essential for everyone birding anywhere in the subcontinent. Covers all 1,375 subcontinental bird species Features more than 4,000 stunning photographs to aid quick field identification Includes up-to-date facing-page text and range maps Contains concise descriptions of plumage, voice, habitat, and much more




Ecological Harmony


Book Description

How can saving marine mammals mitigate climate change? How to save a coastal dune? How does the historic judgment of the Supreme Court on elephant corridors allow a free walk for the jumbos on their regular migratory path? How should India defuse e-waste—a ticking bomb? Why do we need a Coastal Protection Act? How to save India’s elephants from killer rail tracks? Why do we need a special act for protecting India’s natural pharmacy? How to avert Chennai’s water crisis? Why is there an algal bloom in the Gulf of Mannar and how does it affect livelihood? Why does South India need the Shola forests of the Nilgiris? Ecological Harmony has answers for the above intricate issues as described by the author and published in www.downtoearth.org.in Can a Forest Range Officer play a vital role in improving the biodiversity of a region? Can the Forest Protection Squad function effectively in protecting the forests? How can a DFO persuade the Government of India authorities to allot funds for raising shelterbelt? When vicious power attempted to ruin natural resources, how was it saved from the ruthless hands? How can a Forest Officer contribute towards fostering ecological harmony? Ecological Harmony narrates the adventurous experiences of V. Sundararaju, a former Indian Forest Service Officer, when he served in the Tamil Nadu Forest Department for more than 36 years. Exciting events that took place in the deep woods of the Western Ghats may intrigue the reader while sharing the firsthand experiences of the author. The painstaking efforts of the author in protecting the evergreen forests present a picturesque view of the happenings. The book is dedicated to the noble warriors of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, who have sacrificed their valuable lives in protecting the forests and wildlife. May the sweet memories you gain while you read Ecological Harmony be ever-lingering in your mind!




Sanctuary Asia


Book Description




Latin Names of Indian Birds, Explained


Book Description

This book explains the Latin names of all birds of the Indian Subcontinent. The Introductory section on science and philosophy of bird nomenclature describes several aspects like toponyms, eponyms, descriptive and other epithets, as well as the role of International Commission for ZoologicalNomenclature (ICZN). Information about all taxon-authors of birds of the Indian Subcontinent is provided in a separate section. The book also provides information on the conservation and endemic status and distribution of all birds. With four separate indexes of common names, generic names, specific names of birds, and of taxon-authors, this volume includes 18 lithographs by John Gould, Elizabeth Gould, and Henry Richter, 15 specially commissioned portraits of Taxon-authors, 309 bird sketches, and 8 black and white photographsof prominent ornithological personalities.







Community Ecology of Tropical Birds


Book Description

Community Ecology of Tropical Birds, the tropical ecosystems is one of the most biological diverse habitats on the earth. Seventy six per cent of all centers of avian endemism occur in tropical regions and the same is true for many plant and animal communities. Birds are important component of biological diversity and their ecological, cultural, recreational and economic benefits are recognized universally. They act as vital links in many food webs and often serve as highly visible biological indicators of ecosystem health. Many bird populations are declining all over the world due to habitat loss and fragmentation, predation, pesticide use, invasive exotic species and other factors. This book is about the ecology of tropical bird community, all together 12 chapters are described and divided into two parts. The first part of this book looks at the forest bird community including status and distribution, species-abundance relationship, seasonal changes, vertical distribution and habitat utilisation. The second part provides detailed ecology of wetland bird community. This book will be an invaluable resource for field scientist, researchers, students, and naturalists in the field of Ornithology.