The Life and Fate of the Indian Tiger

New
Hardcover
2009
$88.31

There may be no more magnificent animal than the tiger. Yet, around the world, their populations are dwindling, and the Indian Bengal tiger is no exception. Wild Bengal tigers dwell in tropical jungles, brush, marsh lands, and tall grasslands in Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Burma, hunting prey such as pigs, deer, antelope, and buffalo. Some estimates say there are fewer than 2,000 Bengal tigers and the entire world tiger population may be less than 3,000. The Life and Fate of the Indian Tiger offers a unique perspective on these exquisite cats. Author Tobias J. Lanz, who has been studying Indian tigers since 1998, incorporates historical and cultural topics, as well as conservation and social theories into his narrative. He paints a detailed portrait of the tiger's life in the wild, enriching that picture with descriptions of the plant, animal, and human life found in India's diverse tiger habitats. The book also looks at tigers in myth and religion, tiger hunting, and the rise of conservation. Each engaging chapter is a combination of social and historical narrative, interspersed with the author's personal observations and analyses of places, people, and events. Knowledge gained from his research on Indian history, geography, politics, and religion is matched with the personal experiences he had while travelling across the subcontinent to visit tiger sanctuaries. Personal observations on local cultures, scenery, and wildlife are balanced by discussions with the Indian people, ranging from government officials to villagers. The Indian tiger continues to survive against great odds. Written in part to engage the reader in conservation efforts, The Life and Fate of the Indian Tiger outlines the main programs and policies enacted to save the tiger in India. Lanz dedicates a final chapter to global efforts at tiger conservation, explaining what can and must be done to safeguard the future of one of the world's rarest and most beautiful creatures.

Synopsis

There may be no more magnificent animal than the tiger. Yet, around the world, their populations are dwindling, and the Indian Bengal tiger is no exception. Wild Bengal tigers dwell in tropical jungles, brush, marsh lands, and tall grasslands in Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Burma, hunting prey such as pigs, deer, antelope, and buffalo. Some estimates say there are fewer than 2,000 Bengal tigers and the entire world tiger population may be less than 3,000. The Life and Fate of the Indian Tiger offers a unique perspective on these exquisite cats. Author Tobias J. Lanz, who has been studying Indian tigers since 1998, incorporates historical and cultural topics, as well as conservation and social theories into his narrative. He paints a detailed portrait of the tiger's life in the wild, enriching that picture with descriptions of the plant, animal, and human life found in India's diverse tiger habitats. The book also looks at tigers in myth and religion, tiger hunting, and the rise of conservation. Each engaging chapter is a combination of social and historical narrative, interspersed with the author's personal observations and analyses of places, people, and events. Knowledge gained from his research on Indian history, geography, politics, and religion is matched with the personal experiences he had while travelling across the subcontinent to visit tiger sanctuaries. Personal observations on local cultures, scenery, and wildlife are balanced by discussions with the Indian people, ranging from government officials to villagers. The Indian tiger continues to survive against great odds. Written in part to engage the reader in conservation efforts, The Life and Fate of the Indian Tiger outlines the main programs and policies enacted to save the tiger in India. Lanz dedicates a final chapter to global efforts at tiger conservation, explaining what can and must be done to safeguard the future of one of the world's rarest and most beautiful creatures.

$88.31

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 160
Publisher: Praeger
Published: 23 Jul 2009
ISBN 10: 0313365482
ISBN 13: 9780313365485
Book Overview: Tobias Lanz's book is well written and a fine job of research. He is obviously in awe of the tiger, the greatest of the cats and this emotion runs through the pages of his narrative, tinged with sadness at what he sees as the inevitable end of the king of the jungle in a land with too many people and ever-decreasing forest habitat. The book also takes a look into the past and the days of the Raj-the colonial years of the British and their love of tiger hunting-a passion which was nevertheless designed to allow a balance of preservation that ensured the survival of the great cats until now. His book is good reading for anyone planning a visit to India's parks and wildlife sanctuaries ... or just staying at home and seeing it all in the mind's eye, from the comfort of an armchair. -- Peter Byrne Executive Director, The International Wildlife Conservation Society Inc. An absorbing account; full of information, passion and insight ... -- Pankaj Sekhsaria

Media Reviews

His text offers educated general readers a multifaceted look at India's endangered Bengal tigers, incorporating historical and cultural topics, conservation, and social theories with personal observations and analyses of places, people, and events from his field work. He also discusses global efforts at tiger conservation and suggests what must be done in the future to ensure the survival of this fascinating animal. - SciTech Book News
This is the only book that provides a sweeping overview of the past, present, and future of the tiger in India. . . . Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic and public libraries, all levels. - Choice

Author Bio

Tobias J. Lanz teaches international and environmental politics at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.