Handbook of Indian national parks and sanctuaries.

Contains brief essays on forty-four national parks and sanctuaries in India, exploring the wildlife and habitat of the reserves. Special features include a fact file containing additional information on each of the forty-four reserves.

Over 45,000 plant and 77,000 animal species have been recorded in India and make up 7 per cent of the total plant and 6.4 per cent of the total animal species found in the world. The enormous variation of landscapes due to climate and topography has created different ecosystems that support and nurture this bio-diversity. From the majestic Himalayas in the North to the lush tropics of the South, the precious natural resources of this subcontinent are found in forest, grassland, island, coastal belt, marine, desert and semi-arid ecosystems. Industrialization and modern ways of life are pillaging these resources and posing a monumental threat to the natural world. It is estimated that as many as 50 per cent of the earth's species are likely to become extinct during the first two decades of the 21st century.

This book is a compilation of the wildlife and national parks of India as an attempt to preserve the natural habitat of our country and acts as a plea towards taking individual measure for the welfare of the people who live near these parks.