Field Days: A Naturalist's Journey Through South and Southeast Asia

by A.J.T. Johnsingh

Reading books is a kind of enjoyment. Reading books is a good habit. We bring you a different kinds of books. You can carry this book where ever you want. It is easy to carry. It can be an ideal gift to yourself and to your loved ones. Care instruction keep away from fire.

Genres: Wildlife

339 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2006

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is a very experienced wildlife conservationist, and this book collates various articles published in the 1990s and early 2000s about the protected areas in India and some in Southeast Asia. It has the feel of travel writing, with good summaries of the history of the areas covered, and descriptions of the flora and fauna encountered during his field work, taking the reader on a vicarious journey to these wild places. As an Indian naturalist, Johnsingh covered the breadth of the subcontinent, from the jungles of the south, through the arid central regions and the Himalayas from foothills to the highlands. His idea of effective protection of wildlife is rather traditional, advocating the transfer of villagers out of parks. While this strategy has proven to be successful thus far in India, it is far from certain if it can be replicated elsewhere, especially as indigenous rights to land have become more sensitive in the intervening years. The last few chapters covering Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam illustrate this problem as these countries have a higher density of settlers and less untouched forests remaining. Practically it is only possible to have small areas entirely devoid of human activity, and these then become isolated and fragmented, suffering from empty forest syndrome in no time. But what alternative is there as humans continue to intrude into wilderness? For sure what is not wanted is for beautiful natural areas of scenic value like the Himalayan foothills to become degraded over time as has already happened in the author's own country.

[Geetanjali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an honor to have been Dr. Johnsingh's student. Cannot imagine a better wildlife teacher. This book brought back such fond memories and I learned a lot more. A must for all wildlife lovers of India. Course book for my study abroad students.