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At the Feet of Living Things
Have you ever wondered what it is like to follow hornbills in a dense rainforest? Or felt the pain of a mountain shepherd losing his sheep to a leopard? Or how it feels when a child discovers birdwatching is more exciting than being glued to a screen?
The world of nature conservation is full of adventure, but it is also hard, fraught with challenges and setbacks, made worthwhile by the privilege of studying at the feet of living things.
In this book, the scientists and researchers of the Nature Conservation Foundation describe how they grappled with conservation in India. Since 1996, they have wandered mountains, coral reefs and forests to describe, document, protect and restore species and ecosystems. They have studied the lives of primates, snow leopards, hornbills, elephants, dugongs, fish and other creatures. With local communities, they have experienced the sometimes-harsh reality of living with the wild side of nature. And they have strived to bring children and citizens to celebrate and learn about it.
Each reflective and deeply personal narrative in this book goes behind the science to describe the challenges of conservation. Whether you are a student, researcher, conservation practitioner, wildlife manager, nature enthusiast or an interested citizen, At the Feet of Living Things has something in it for everyone.
Foreword
Mahesh Rangarajan
Contributors
Ajay Bijoor, Anindya 'Rana' Sinha, Aparajita Datta, Charudutt Mishra, Divya Mudappa, Elrika D'Souza, Ganesh Raghunathan, Geetha Ramaswami, Kulbhushansingh Suryawanshi, M. Ananda Kumar, Mayuresh Gangal, P. Jeganathan, Pranav Trivedi, Rohan Arthur, Rucha Karkarey, Suhel Quader, Sreedhar Vijayakrishnan, Swati Sidhu, T. R. Shankar Raman, Teresa Alcoverro, Vinod Krishnan, Yash Veer Bhatnagar
Inside illustrations
Sartaj Ghuman
The world of nature conservation is full of adventure, but it is also hard, fraught with challenges and setbacks, made worthwhile by the privilege of studying at the feet of living things.
In this book, the scientists and researchers of the Nature Conservation Foundation describe how they grappled with conservation in India. Since 1996, they have wandered mountains, coral reefs and forests to describe, document, protect and restore species and ecosystems. They have studied the lives of primates, snow leopards, hornbills, elephants, dugongs, fish and other creatures. With local communities, they have experienced the sometimes-harsh reality of living with the wild side of nature. And they have strived to bring children and citizens to celebrate and learn about it.
Each reflective and deeply personal narrative in this book goes behind the science to describe the challenges of conservation. Whether you are a student, researcher, conservation practitioner, wildlife manager, nature enthusiast or an interested citizen, At the Feet of Living Things has something in it for everyone.
Foreword
Mahesh Rangarajan
Contributors
Ajay Bijoor, Anindya 'Rana' Sinha, Aparajita Datta, Charudutt Mishra, Divya Mudappa, Elrika D'Souza, Ganesh Raghunathan, Geetha Ramaswami, Kulbhushansingh Suryawanshi, M. Ananda Kumar, Mayuresh Gangal, P. Jeganathan, Pranav Trivedi, Rohan Arthur, Rucha Karkarey, Suhel Quader, Sreedhar Vijayakrishnan, Swati Sidhu, T. R. Shankar Raman, Teresa Alcoverro, Vinod Krishnan, Yash Veer Bhatnagar
Inside illustrations
Sartaj Ghuman
400 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2022
13 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 30, 2022
A refreshing read that gives a rich and diverse perspective on studying-doing nature conservation in multiple regions in India ranging from the high-altitude trans-himalayas to primary rainforests in the eastern Himalaya to chasing Dugongs and lamenting on dwindling coral reefs in the islands to the east and west of the peninsula, to chasing bird(lists) across the country. The book is a collection of reflective practice of conservation and sometimes even a lament on the idea of doing conservation itself in the socio-ecologically and politically complex scenarios where the study of wildlife-human interactions take place. Essays break the myth of conservation as "protection", removing naive notions of people that the wildlife is hidden away in remote forests and they just need protection from the "locals". Researchers from NCF reflect on their own practice and experience, and sometimes openly share and analyse their own failures. Why is it that the "locals" sometimes do not join despite "good intentions" of conservationists? How could the tensions between the priorities of ecologists and conservationists sometimes play out in diverse landscapes? Why do some things that work in one location fail elsewhere? Is changing attitudes towards wildlife all about "information" and knowledge alone? How do we eventually sustain greater tolerance among people whose lives are entangled...sometiems adversely...with the species that others far away wish to protect. These are some of the complex questions that the book contributes to. Despite an effort made at thematically organising the essays, writing styles are quite different from one chapter to another and weaving a common thread and giving a meta-view of the richness and diversity is - towards the end - a bit wanting. Perhaps an epilogue of wisdom in a 2nd edition?
February 27, 2023
Loved this book. Reading it made me want to open up ebird and season watch and just go out birding, or out into nature!
Unlike some books, I love how the authors of the essays spoke openly and honestly about the low points, the hardships and failures and unintended consequences of their work - somehow, it made me more hopeful, that even if I face failures and make mistakes, I can still succeed and make a difference as a conservationist and ecologist. Definitely recommend this to anyone interested in wildlife and nature, especially researchers and conservationists.
Unlike some books, I love how the authors of the essays spoke openly and honestly about the low points, the hardships and failures and unintended consequences of their work - somehow, it made me more hopeful, that even if I face failures and make mistakes, I can still succeed and make a difference as a conservationist and ecologist. Definitely recommend this to anyone interested in wildlife and nature, especially researchers and conservationists.
January 22, 2023
3.25/5
Such a joyous and necessary collection of essays.
At the Feet of Living Things is a collection of essays detailing various conservation efforts across India within the past 25 years. From failures to great successes to complications to curiosity— this book is a wonderful introduction to what is out there in the world.
In terms of organization, the section headers did not do a great job of differentiating topics and I would definitely reorder the essays. I would also appreciate a larger diversity in conservation initiatives. We had a couple about birds and a couple about snow leopards—still important, but there are missed opportunities with other species like rhinos.
For an international audience, it would also be helpful to have a map and label where each of these conservation efforts occurs.
The paintings throughout the book were incredible and really enhanced the narratives. I definitely think more books could consider a closer connection to art and literature like this one has.
Such a joyous and necessary collection of essays.
At the Feet of Living Things is a collection of essays detailing various conservation efforts across India within the past 25 years. From failures to great successes to complications to curiosity— this book is a wonderful introduction to what is out there in the world.
In terms of organization, the section headers did not do a great job of differentiating topics and I would definitely reorder the essays. I would also appreciate a larger diversity in conservation initiatives. We had a couple about birds and a couple about snow leopards—still important, but there are missed opportunities with other species like rhinos.
For an international audience, it would also be helpful to have a map and label where each of these conservation efforts occurs.
The paintings throughout the book were incredible and really enhanced the narratives. I definitely think more books could consider a closer connection to art and literature like this one has.
December 22, 2022
Almost memoiristic in nature, these essays are written by various wildlife biologist and conservation scientists. They talk about their struggles, their successes which are dotted with frequent hits and misses and their experiences.
These stories follow a pattern that quickly becomes familiar. A pressing problem that required speedy intervention, engagement with local people and an uphill and fraught journey to achieve the desirable result. Not everytime the obstacles and circumstances allowed the conservationists to succeed. They stumbled, made mistakes, consequences bore down on them. But they still fought on. The stories are all the more fascinating because of their honesty. The writers intended this to be a learning experience for those who wished to follow their footsteps and an enlightening read for everyone else. In this regard, they succeeded with flying colors!
From the snow leopard of Himalaya to the marine life of Lakshadweep, from the conservation efforts in Nampadha national park of Arunachal to the rainforests of Western Ghats, these stories portray the extraordinary journeys of these researchers and the challenges of conservation. Hornbills, dugongs, blue sheeps, elephants, sea turtles, mountain ungulates - in this book India's biodiversity is celebrated in its full glory. Despite the harrowing sense of dejection failed conservation efforts carried, these stories never failed to give me hope. Working in such adverse and potentially hostile situations is no joke and these people are no less than superheroes - living, breathing superheroes who are literally striving to save the world, one project at a time.
Not just a collection of inspiring, educational and adventure stories, this book also boasts impeccable writing. It's amazing how the combined effort of so many people can produce such a brilliant result. You don't see that in literature at least, the more writers are involved, the more chance there is that it wouldn't flow smoothly. But somehow, this book does and oh boy, what a great experience it was!
Thank you @harpercollins for the review copy and @ncf.india for making it come together. I enjoyed reading this so much!
These stories follow a pattern that quickly becomes familiar. A pressing problem that required speedy intervention, engagement with local people and an uphill and fraught journey to achieve the desirable result. Not everytime the obstacles and circumstances allowed the conservationists to succeed. They stumbled, made mistakes, consequences bore down on them. But they still fought on. The stories are all the more fascinating because of their honesty. The writers intended this to be a learning experience for those who wished to follow their footsteps and an enlightening read for everyone else. In this regard, they succeeded with flying colors!
From the snow leopard of Himalaya to the marine life of Lakshadweep, from the conservation efforts in Nampadha national park of Arunachal to the rainforests of Western Ghats, these stories portray the extraordinary journeys of these researchers and the challenges of conservation. Hornbills, dugongs, blue sheeps, elephants, sea turtles, mountain ungulates - in this book India's biodiversity is celebrated in its full glory. Despite the harrowing sense of dejection failed conservation efforts carried, these stories never failed to give me hope. Working in such adverse and potentially hostile situations is no joke and these people are no less than superheroes - living, breathing superheroes who are literally striving to save the world, one project at a time.
Not just a collection of inspiring, educational and adventure stories, this book also boasts impeccable writing. It's amazing how the combined effort of so many people can produce such a brilliant result. You don't see that in literature at least, the more writers are involved, the more chance there is that it wouldn't flow smoothly. But somehow, this book does and oh boy, what a great experience it was!
Thank you @harpercollins for the review copy and @ncf.india for making it come together. I enjoyed reading this so much!
December 21, 2022
A must read book for anyone interested in Indian wildlife. But then, I would say that, wouldn't I?
December 20, 2022
🦜 In this book, the Nature Conservation Foundation's scientists and researchers describe their experiences with conservation in India.
🕊 They've been trekking through mountains, coral reefs, and forests since 1996, describing, documenting, protecting, and restoring species and ecosystems.
🦜 They have conducted research on primates, snow leopards, hornbills, elephants, dugongs, fish, and other animals.
🕊 They have encountered the sometimes harsh reality of living with nature's wild side in local communities.
🕊 They have also worked hard to bring children and citizens together to celebrate and learn about it.
🦜 Each deeply personal and reflective narrative in this book goes beyond the science to describe the challenges of conservation.
🕊 At the Feet of Living Things has something for everyone, whether you are a student, researcher, conservation practitioner, wildlife manager, nature enthusiast, or an interested citizen.
🦜 Have you guys ever wondered what it is like to follow hornbills in a dense rainforest? Or felt the pain of a mountain shepherd losing his sheep to a leopard? Or how it feels when a child discovers birdwatching is more exciting than being glued to a screen? Have you? If yes then do read this book and have an adventurous read about the passion of the people who have been working in this line.
🕊 They've been trekking through mountains, coral reefs, and forests since 1996, describing, documenting, protecting, and restoring species and ecosystems.
🦜 They have conducted research on primates, snow leopards, hornbills, elephants, dugongs, fish, and other animals.
🕊 They have encountered the sometimes harsh reality of living with nature's wild side in local communities.
🕊 They have also worked hard to bring children and citizens together to celebrate and learn about it.
🦜 Each deeply personal and reflective narrative in this book goes beyond the science to describe the challenges of conservation.
🕊 At the Feet of Living Things has something for everyone, whether you are a student, researcher, conservation practitioner, wildlife manager, nature enthusiast, or an interested citizen.
🦜 Have you guys ever wondered what it is like to follow hornbills in a dense rainforest? Or felt the pain of a mountain shepherd losing his sheep to a leopard? Or how it feels when a child discovers birdwatching is more exciting than being glued to a screen? Have you? If yes then do read this book and have an adventurous read about the passion of the people who have been working in this line.
June 23, 2024
If I were one to judge a book by its cover, I would have surmised this book to be one of the most beautiful. The cover is beautiful, showcasing a wide variety of fauna and flora the book deals with.
And once you open the pages, it gets better. The book is a collection of 16 accounts of field work carried out by members of the National Conservation Foundation, spanning the length and breadth of the country. The stories are varied and vivid, including the story of hornbills in the north-east, snow leopards in the Himalayas, dugongs in Andamans and birding in the south, among others.
What shone through it for me was the stress on the need for us to have the spirit of community when it comes to wildlife conservation and the importance of the next generation being involved in these efforts. More than anything else, the success the team has had in their conservation efforts provides hope and inspiration for the future.
And once you open the pages, it gets better. The book is a collection of 16 accounts of field work carried out by members of the National Conservation Foundation, spanning the length and breadth of the country. The stories are varied and vivid, including the story of hornbills in the north-east, snow leopards in the Himalayas, dugongs in Andamans and birding in the south, among others.
What shone through it for me was the stress on the need for us to have the spirit of community when it comes to wildlife conservation and the importance of the next generation being involved in these efforts. More than anything else, the success the team has had in their conservation efforts provides hope and inspiration for the future.
June 25, 2023
This is a wonderful book, entwining the stories of communities and the wild lands they live in. Marvellous stories of conservation and the people who make not just conservation happen but also their close and sensitive relationships forged over years of research on the field. The illustrations by Sartaj Ghuman are truly beautiful and the scientists who have penned the essays are gifted writers too.
Hopefully more books will come from the author and many other writers on nature and natural science in these days when nature is continuously under an onslaught of development and evoke a more serious resistance which will in turn create awareness in conserving and protecting the diverse wilderness in India.
Hopefully more books will come from the author and many other writers on nature and natural science in these days when nature is continuously under an onslaught of development and evoke a more serious resistance which will in turn create awareness in conserving and protecting the diverse wilderness in India.
November 19, 2023
Such an exceptional collection of essays and field experiences on Indian wildlife and conservation projects helmed by biologists/conservationists.
May 27, 2025
A goodread for anyone interested in understanding the conservation initiatives along with the challenges in different habitats and ecosystems in India.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews