Language: English
From the preface:
"Gujarat, a state in Western India, has an amazing diversity of wildlife which has been conserved due to successful efforts of the state and compassionate traditions of people. The four National Parks and twenty-two Wildlife Sanctuaries are important wild destinations as they are inhabited by most of the wildlife that the state has. In order to portray the wild destinations of Gujarat against their cultural, environmental and socioeconomic background, the state has been divided into four regions viz. Saurashtra regions, Kachchh region, Central and South Gujarat region and North Gujarat region. An introduction to each region has been added to provide proper contextual appreciation about various Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks falling in different regions.
An attempt has also been made here to take the readers beyond the wild destinations and present a composite picture of the wildlife and biodiversity in the state. The book, therefore, opens with chapters on general Forestry status in the state. In view of the special significance of birds in Gujarat, it has been considered appropriate to include a separate chapter on the “Wings of Nature” with photographs of some of the interesting birds of Gujarat. A separate chapter on snakes – "The Fangs of Nature" – has also been included as these reptiles always scare, thrill and fascinate us – particularly while moving in the wild. Some important features of special interest like the nature education programme in the state and fossil finds of dinosaurs have also been added in the book.
A separate section on eco-routes giving relevant information such as distances involved, interesting places en-route etc. has been included to provide necessary guidance. Besides, for each Sanctuary or National Park, useful details pertaining to accommodation, contact persons, preferred season, nearest rail or air terminal, etc. have also been provided. It is hoped that these features will be found immensely useful.
Apart from Protected Areas, all the major wildlife species of Gujarat have been discussed separately in 22 special boxes. This will generate interest and provide information about various flagship species."