Second Nature: Saving Tiger Landscapes in the Twenty-First Century

by Sanjay Gubbi

Beneath Sanjay Gubbi's gentle demeanour lies Gandhian tenacity. Gubbi's home state of Karnataka preserves some of the healthiest tiger landscapes in the world, thanks in part to his dogged commitment to achieve the seemingly impossible-reroute highways that lie inside the core areas of tiger reserves, restrict traffic through national parks at night, ensure better working conditions for forest staff, and, importantly, meticulously map and link the state's fragile protected areas. Most amazing of all, he has done this while collaborating with labyrinthine government departments. Second Nature is Gubbi's forthright account of how he has achieved this, rallying support from unexpected quarters under trying conditions, while reaching out to the powers that be in Bengaluru and New Delhi. He paints a picture that is at once optimistic and sombre, and ultimately, one that requires people to band together constantly to save what is left of what is most beautiful on Earth. About the author Sanjay Gubbi is a scientist studying big cats like leopards and tigers in the wild. As a conservationist, he has achieved the remarkable feat of linking 21 reserves in Karnataka to reduce the terrible impact of habitat fragmentation. He was awarded the prestigious Whitley Award in 2017. He serves on several government committees including the State Board for Wildlife. He is especially keen on popularising conservation through local languages. Reviews This book brings together his work over the past two decades and tells wonderful stories of ecological activism under difficult conditions. I learnt much from him when I was Minister of Environment and Forests and this book shows why decision-makers should take him and what he says seriously. -Jairam Ramesh, Former Minister of Environment and Forests Sanjay seems like the best friend the wildlife of south India have ever had. Every aspiring young conservationist should read this book to gain inspiration. Sanjay

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction

152 pages, Hardcover

First published January 14, 2018

Reviews

[Aparna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very important narrative that needed to be told. Very succinctly put by the author on the trails he faced to bring about conservation success stories. Wildlife conservation is not achieved sitting in the comfort of our chairs at home but by waging a constant battle repeatedly and often exhausting one’s spirits with elements that refuse a change for the betterment of society and wildlife. This utterly honest narrative gives a rare view into how an impressive feat of consolidating a fragmented protected landscape came about. The author’s confession to defeat and perseverance in face of repeated roadblocks is a great guide to young conservationists and wildlife activists.

[Santhosh Pavagada · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a delight to read the book, filled with gripping and intriguing conservation stories. This book gives a clear picture of wildlife conservation and reiterates Eric Dinerstein's quote “Conservation is 10% science and 90% negotiations”. It’s perhaps a first of its kind, an attempt by an author to have written about conservation with extensive details on bringing about conservation interventions. The need of dialogue with various stakeholders of the society to sell a non-lucrative conservation intervention is well summarized in these stories. Sanjay Gubbi's account of his long-fought battles with successes and failures will motivate and reassure the next generation conservationists.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read book for anyone interested in the conservation of wild tigers as it reminds us of the work that often goes on behind the scenes subtly building alliances and collaborations. It shows how the good intentions of governments and funding agencies alike can have unintended impacts for wildlife. It’s only with a true understanding of the complexity of the landscape in its wider sense can changes be made for the better. Great sections on the impact that roads can have on wildlife and on how joined up protected areas are necessary for tiger dispersal, the undervaluing of day-rate staff in tiger reserves and the ramification of “green” hydroelectricity.

[Rishika Pardikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

By documenting his own efforts at traversing warrens of governance and bureaucracy in his pursuit of wildlife conservation in the Western Ghats region, Sanjay Gubbi has provided a guide to future conservationists in 'Second Nature', illustrating that while real-world conservation is chaotic, paths to save wildlife and their habitats are definitely not unpaved.

Anyone who wishes to passionately pursue applied conservation, especially in India, should definitely give 'Second Nature' a read.

[Vaidya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book detailing the work that goes into protecting wildlife. All that we now take for granted like night traffic bans through dense forests were once hard fought victories that also need constant support in courts.

The only ‘complaint’ is that he underplays his own role in all this. But then it was written by him, so can hardly blame him. :)

If someone were to write a biography of Mr. Gubbi I’d love to read it. What an incredible man!

[Tariq Engineer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow, this book is both encouraging and dispiriting when it comes to wildlife conservation in India. It proves that people like Sanjay, committed and determined, with an enduring love for wildlife, can make a difference. But it also shows how hard it is even for people like him to get even the simplest of protections for wildlife put in place. And how those in positions of power and influence continue to try to undo those protections, and prevent new ones.

[Abigith Baby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book provides a good understanding about the challenges in the path of conservationist and ways to overcome the same especially when we want to take things to policy level. It's a good read for anyone to understand about conservation field in south india.