Researched and compiled by Pradeep Hegde and Sathya Chandra Sagar H S (Batch 2012 – 15) BSc. Department of Life Sciences Christ University, Bengaluru. Published by the Center for Publications, Christ University, Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560029, India [email protected]

This comprehensive field guide to the wildlife of Central India covers 850 species including 75 mammals 433 birds 156 butterflies 84 dragonflies 18 amphibians 84 reptiles Highlights: Over 900 top quality species images Simple yet informative maps of the region Up-to-date taxonomic data Information based on the experience of the authors who have been field naturalists in this very landscape for many year. The visual treat of the images captured by 100 of India’s top wildlife photographers, combined with simple descriptions and user-friendly design, will surely arouse the curiosity of all wildlife enthusiasts and help them explore further the treasures of the jungle.

Conservation Strategies Used to Maintain the Biodiversity, this book talks about the conservation strategies used to maintain biodiversity at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels. It is a small initiative to create awareness in society of the causes of biodiversity loss and the cautions and strategies required. Many strategies are primarily highlighted in this book, including tree plantation, aesthetic value, ex-situ, and in-situ conservation, manufacturing of eco-friendly products, the role of sacred groves in biodiversity conservation, control of invasive species, and sustainable utilization of environmental resources.

Of the world’s seven continents, Asia is the largest. Its physical landscapes, political units, and ethnic groups are both wide-ranging and many. Southwest, South and Middle Asia are highly populated regions which, as a whole, cover an extremely large area of varied geography. In total, this domain is unique in its plant diversity and large vegetation zones with different communities and biomes. It is rich in endemics, with specific and intraspecific diversity of fruit trees and medicinal plants, including a number of rare, high value, species. At the same time, much of the land in the region is too dry or too rugged, with many geographical extremes. Overgrazing, oil and mineral extraction, and poaching are the major threats in the area. This two-volume project focuses on the dynamic biodiversity of the region with in-depth analysis on phytosociology, plants, animals and agroecology. There are also chapters that explore new applications as well as approaches to overcome problems associated with climate change. Much of the research and analysis are presented here for the first time. We believe this work is a valuable resource for professionals and researchers working in the fields of plant diversity and vegetation, animal diversity and animal populations, and geo-diversity and sustainable land use, among others. The first volume guides our readers to West Asia and the Caucasus region, while volume two focuses on issues unique to South and Middle Asia.

“A huge, beautiful compendium of 600 frogs from around the world, from the famed poison-arrow variety on up to the intriguingly named plaintive rain frog.” —Wired With over 7,000 known species, frogs display a stunning array of forms and behaviors. A single gram of the toxin produced by the skin of the Golden Poison Frog can kill 100,000 people. Male Darwin’s Frogs carry their tadpoles in their vocal sacs for sixty days before coughing them out into the world. The Wood Frogs of North America freeze every winter, reanimating in the spring from the glucose and urea that prevent cell collapse. The Book of Frogs commemorates the diversity and magnificence of all of these creatures, and many more. Six hundred of nature’s most fascinating frog species are displayed, with each entry including a distribution map, sketches of the frogs, species identification, natural history, and conservation status. Life-size color photos show the frogs at their actual size—including the colossal seven-pound Goliath Frog. Accessibly written by expert Tim Halliday and containing the most up-to-date information, The Book of Frogs will captivate both veteran researchers and amateur herpetologists. As frogs increasingly make headlines for their troubling worldwide decline, the importance of these fascinating creatures to their ecosystems remains underappreciated. The Book of Frogs brings readers face to face with six hundred astonishingly unique and irreplaceable species that display a diverse array of adaptations to habitats that are under threat of destruction throughout the world. “If you are a serious (and I mean serious) fan of the frog, you are in for a real treat.” —Boing Boing