A K Sahay is an eminent Indian naturalist, well-known for his wildlife columns in The Statesman. He laments the fact that Indians are often less aware of and interested in the country's extraordinary wildlife than foreign visitors. Partly to help remedy this state of affairs, he has published this accessible photographic guide, containing high-quality images of 130 animal species with Latin names and notes on distribution. In addition, there are sections on national parks and other places where wildlife can be seen; others cover the prospects for effective conservation and the contributions made by leading individuals. Although aimed at an Indian readership, the book provides a useful survey of a wide range of key species.
From George Schaller's foreword:
"The magnificent photographs in Glimpses from India's Natural World evoke treasured memories in me. A barasingha stag giving its mournful bugle, a tiger striding on velvet paws across a golden maidan, a peacock fanning its glorious tail, all remind me that India is filled with some of the world's loveliest natural treasures. ...... Akhilesh Sahay's focus on wild India is timely and urgent. His book celebrates the glory and grandeur of animals and their habitats in all their variety. The photographs testify to endless patience, skill, and great personal commitment, for they are not only of the iconic large mammals that most of us seek on a wilderness trip, but also of small and elusive creatures. I had not met the cryptic chameleon or the blinding beauty of an orange-headed thrush until the pages of this book. Every such image is eloquent in its own way, and each forges a bond of emotion between animal and viewer. Such bonds are essential in creating a public constituency for wildlife and its conservation. The written word imparts knowledge and ideas but photographs touch the heart."
It is an excellent book and will surely play an important role in stirring people's interest and respect for wildlife. Superb images, simple layout and thought provoking text make it a very useful book indeed. A useful reference book for wildlife conservationists too. --Belinda Wright, Executive Director, Wildlife Protection Society of India