Recovering Biodiversity in Indian Forests

Authors: Reddy, G.V., Karanth, K.U., Kumar, N.S., Krishnaswamy, J., Karanth, K.K.
Provides insights into the influence of human disturbance on a variety of taxa
Uses scientifically robust methodology for the quantification of biodiversity
Highlights the value of protection for effective conservation in human-dominated landscapes
Is authored by an accomplished practitioner with over 20 years of experience in biodiversity protection and protected area management

This book demonstrates how varying levels of human disturbance manifested through different management regimes influence composition, richness, diversity and abundance of key mammal, bird and plant species, even within ecologically similar habitats. Based on our results, we show the critical importance of the ‘wildlife preservation’ approach for effective biodiversity conservation. The study also provides examples of a practical application of rigorous methods of quantitative sampling of different plant and animal taxa as well as human influences, thus serving as a useful manual for protected area managers. Protected areas of various kinds have been established in India with the goal of arresting decline in, and to provide for, recovery of biodiversity and ecosystem services. A model that targets ‘wildlife preservation’ under state ownership is practiced across the country. However, forests in India are under intensive human pressure and varying levels of protection; therefore, protected areas may also experience open-access resource use, a model that is being aggressively advocated as a viable alternative to ‘preservationism’. We have evaluated the conservation efficacy of alternative forest management models by quantifying levels of biodiversity under varied levels of access, resource extraction and degree of state-sponsored protection in the Nagarahole forest landscape of southwestern India.


Number of Illustrations and Tables
28 b/w illustrations, 9 illustrations in colour
Topics
Conservation Biology / Ecology
Nature Conservation
Applied Ecology
Biodiversity
Community & Population Ecology
Animal Ecology

Click Here to Buy the Hardcover from Springer



Click Here for More books