TNN | Apr 10, 2018, 06:06 ISTGir Lion — Pride of Gujarat”, a coffee table book on Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) authored by a Rajya Sabha
member, Parimal Nathwani — and published by Times Group Books —
presents a rich and comprehensive account of the royal animal in its
only abode in the world, Gujarat.
Gujarat has strived to conserve Gir Lion in the pre-Independence and
post-Independence eras. Mukesh D Ambani, CMD of RIL, in his foreword to
the book, has said that the book is a tribute to Gujarat’s sincere and
systematic efforts to conserve the king of the jungle. It is indeed
gratifying to see the state’s efforts paying off, with Gir Lions
attracting wildlife lovers from all over the world, he has written.
The book recounts the history of the wild cat starting from 65
million years ago. The book also reveals some hitherto unknown
characteristics and myriad moods of the majestic animal and their
coexistence with humans in and around Gir.
Nathwani has depicted the perils of translocating Gir Lions to
Madhya Pradesh, as has been proposed; one such risk is the tiger-lion
conflict. Further, in Gujarat, there is unique harmony between the lions
and the cattle-rearers and other people living in and around the Gir
forest. Such harmony would not be possible in Madhya Pradesh or any
other place, he says. The author’s apprehension that translocating
Asiatic lions to Madhya Pradesh may increase the incidents of poaching
is not baseless, considering the gun culture in the forests of other
states especially Madhya Pradesh, which is under profound influence of
Chambal Valley.
Nathwani has compared tigers and lions and highlighted the
difference between their habits, characteristics and nature. Apart from
that, he has also pointed out that there is a huge difference between
the allocation of funds from the central government for the conservation
of tigers under Project Tiger and for the lions. He has stressed the
need to declare the lion as the National Animal of the country.
The engaging narrative of the book, which is packed with scientific
and historical information and current topics, makes it an interesting
read for common readers, wildlife lovers and researchers. The pictures
used in the book are an added attraction.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/lavish-record-of-gujarats-pride/articleshow/63689379.cms
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