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Cheetal Walk: Living in the Wilderness
This book tells the story of "Cheetal Walk"; the house built in the jungles at the foot of the Nilgiri hills by the noted conservationist E.R.C. Davidar. It surveys the ecological changes in one of the most wildlife-rich areas of the subcontinent, analyzes the impact of modernization on the
inhabitants of the Nilgiris, both people and animals, and sheds light on the conservation efforts of one of the oldest Indian voluntary organizations, the Nilgiri Wildlife Association.
This captivating account of living in harmony with the wilderness is interwoven with numerous colorful anecdotes. The shooting of a rogue elephant, the joys of Mahseer fishing, and the excitement of boar hunting and staking are vividly recounted. But this is not a story about shikar ; the focus is
on observation and conservation. The author draws on his personal experiences with a place, its wildlife and its people to provide rigorous accounts of its flora and fauna and to make important ecological observations. The elephant, the tiger, the gaur, the Nilgiri tahr, the wild dog, the hyena are
some of the animals in this part of the peninsula described here there are accounts of individual elephants that trace their history over several years. These are not only entertaining; they constitute valuable ecological documentation - as in the unique description of the habits of the hyena.
This personal account of a man's interaction with a unique environment poses anew the question of whether the limited use of the fauna as in regulated hunting is preferable to total protection by governments. More crucially, it throws into sharp relief the extent of change in hill ecology and
tribal society wrought by the new forms of communication and exploitation.
For those interested in wildlife, conservation, travel and landscapes, this is a rich and rewarding reading experience.
inhabitants of the Nilgiris, both people and animals, and sheds light on the conservation efforts of one of the oldest Indian voluntary organizations, the Nilgiri Wildlife Association.
This captivating account of living in harmony with the wilderness is interwoven with numerous colorful anecdotes. The shooting of a rogue elephant, the joys of Mahseer fishing, and the excitement of boar hunting and staking are vividly recounted. But this is not a story about shikar ; the focus is
on observation and conservation. The author draws on his personal experiences with a place, its wildlife and its people to provide rigorous accounts of its flora and fauna and to make important ecological observations. The elephant, the tiger, the gaur, the Nilgiri tahr, the wild dog, the hyena are
some of the animals in this part of the peninsula described here there are accounts of individual elephants that trace their history over several years. These are not only entertaining; they constitute valuable ecological documentation - as in the unique description of the habits of the hyena.
This personal account of a man's interaction with a unique environment poses anew the question of whether the limited use of the fauna as in regulated hunting is preferable to total protection by governments. More crucially, it throws into sharp relief the extent of change in hill ecology and
tribal society wrought by the new forms of communication and exploitation.
For those interested in wildlife, conservation, travel and landscapes, this is a rich and rewarding reading experience.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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September 19, 2017
Next time I visit my favorite haunt Nilgiris, especially Masinagudi and the adjoining hamlets like Bokkapuram, Mavanalla, Anakatti, Moyar and Sinkara. I will be more informed and be able to better appreciate the landscape and the history behind it. Lot of interesting tidbits on the wildlife and inhabitants of Sigur plateau and Nilgiris.
The memory of my first encounter with a solitary Bull elephant is still fresh. For someone who is used to see the paunch flaunting temple/circus elephants, a giant tusker with a toned body was quite a sight. This book explains the behaviors of many elephants in detail. This is the place where I got interested in Birds too. I could go back in time and visit the same places I have been recently.
This book has many anecdotes that vividly describes the joy of living in harmony with the Jungle.
Insights on wild animals and their behavior make this a great read for folks who are interested in wildlife of Nilgiris. We will also appreciate the hard work and dedication of many people who worked in conserving this ecologically sensitive place.
The memory of my first encounter with a solitary Bull elephant is still fresh. For someone who is used to see the paunch flaunting temple/circus elephants, a giant tusker with a toned body was quite a sight. This book explains the behaviors of many elephants in detail. This is the place where I got interested in Birds too. I could go back in time and visit the same places I have been recently.
This book has many anecdotes that vividly describes the joy of living in harmony with the Jungle.
Insights on wild animals and their behavior make this a great read for folks who are interested in wildlife of Nilgiris. We will also appreciate the hard work and dedication of many people who worked in conserving this ecologically sensitive place.
Displaying 1 of 1 review