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Women in the Wild: Stories of India's Most Brilliant Women Wildlife Biologists
How many Indian wildlife biologists can you name? How many Indian women wildlife biologists can you name?
There are several, and their lives and work have been extraordinary. This is the story of these women and their journeys across the length and breadth of India’s wild spaces – forests, rivers, oceans, mountains – and, more importantly, through the glass ceiling.
Among them are ‘Turtle Girl’ J. Vijaya, one of India’s first female herpetologists whose research into the killing of olive ridley turtles led to Indira Gandhi banning the turtle trade; Jamal Ara, India’s mysterious ‘Birdwoman’; Divya Mudappa, a biologist rewilding fragments of the shola grasslands of the Western Ghats; and Uma Ramakrishnan, whose work is helping us understand the science behind tiger populations.
There are several, and their lives and work have been extraordinary. This is the story of these women and their journeys across the length and breadth of India’s wild spaces – forests, rivers, oceans, mountains – and, more importantly, through the glass ceiling.
Among them are ‘Turtle Girl’ J. Vijaya, one of India’s first female herpetologists whose research into the killing of olive ridley turtles led to Indira Gandhi banning the turtle trade; Jamal Ara, India’s mysterious ‘Birdwoman’; Divya Mudappa, a biologist rewilding fragments of the shola grasslands of the Western Ghats; and Uma Ramakrishnan, whose work is helping us understand the science behind tiger populations.
- GenresNonfictionIndia
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2023
11 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 16, 2024
Anthology of amazing women doing excellent work all across India in understanding and conserving wildlife. In parts, inspiring and in others quite depressing, to read about the degradation of wildlife and the status of women scientists.
November 7, 2024
Women in the Wild by Anita Mani is an inspiring exploration of women who find empowerment, resilience, and transformation in nature. Through real-life stories and reflections, the author showcases the journeys of women who step into the wild, not to escape life but to connect more deeply with it. The book beautifully captures the courage it takes to break free from traditional boundaries, showing how nature can be both a challenge and a healing force.
The author’s writing is vivid and reflective, making readers feel the thrill of adventure and the peace of solitude. Women in the Wild is not just about women in nature; it’s about the spirit of resilience and the undeniable strength that arises from confronting both inner and outer landscapes. It’s a celebration of courage, independence, and the profound connection between nature and the human soul.
The author’s writing is vivid and reflective, making readers feel the thrill of adventure and the peace of solitude. Women in the Wild is not just about women in nature; it’s about the spirit of resilience and the undeniable strength that arises from confronting both inner and outer landscapes. It’s a celebration of courage, independence, and the profound connection between nature and the human soul.
October 29, 2025
A brilliant set of essays on some remarkable women in the field of wildlife research and conservation, featuring a very real portrayal of not only the challenges of working in a male-dominated field but also the intense satisfaction of pressing on and staying ambitious in order to do work that actually makes a difference. I've been left in absolute awe of these women after completing this book, and feel such a beautiful sense of warmth in my chest knowing that it's VERY much possible to make my way in this field. This book was an absolute joy to read <3
November 27, 2024
An extraordinary anthology that beautifully captures the stories of women wildlife biologists. Each tale is so vividly told, it feels like being right there in the field with them. The first two stories—Jamal Ara's and Vijaya's—brought me to tears. I wished for different endings, but their journeys are filled with both pain and hope. A must-read for anyone passionate about nature, wildlife, birds, or conservation.
June 17, 2025
A must have book for nature enthusiasts and conservationists, especially the women folk. Featured women biologists are truly legends in their own right.
One complaint I've is each chapter title doesn't portray the protagonists of the chapter. We've to read through to find. I feel the title should have indicated the persons portrayed.
BTW, the Goodreads doesn't have proper edition for this book. There are 252 pages but here it says only 223.
One complaint I've is each chapter title doesn't portray the protagonists of the chapter. We've to read through to find. I feel the title should have indicated the persons portrayed.
BTW, the Goodreads doesn't have proper edition for this book. There are 252 pages but here it says only 223.
January 12, 2024
Inspiring book about women in wild life conservation in India. Respect the commitment.
Particularly liked Ananda Banerjee’s writing.
Particularly liked Ananda Banerjee’s writing.
March 25, 2024
An inspiring compilation of the stories of so many amazing and pioneering women wildlife biologists in India. A must read for everyone. Eye-opening, hopeful and invigorating !
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September 29, 2025Couldn't find the time to read this beauty, life as an 11th grader is tough.
But I will make time soon! Till then add on to my reading challenge bae. Ratings will come after I finish this book.
But I will make time soon! Till then add on to my reading challenge bae. Ratings will come after I finish this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
Great selection of stories, researchers and scientists. Thank you Indian Pitta books!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews