This book contains well-researched (literature review/field surveys) and personal experience on the origin and adaptation of Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), the only large carnivore species inhabiting the mangrove forests across the world. The Bengal tiger population in this mangrove habitat is isolated from other mainland populations and exhibits certain distinctive morphological adaptations. Unlike the mainlanders, these islanders are much smaller (suggesting insular dwarfism), more muscular with leaner frame and lesser body mass (±100 kg). The stress factor associated with changes in their natural habitat and the availability of the smaller prey species is often related to such phenomenon. Apart from the long-stretch swimming, the tiger has adapted to changed food habits and become omnivore. Loss and degradation of the mangrove habitat has caused severe decline of the tiger population. Tiger conservation within and beyond the protected areas is based on the ethical issues- “biodiversity, aesthetic values and integrity” as well as management of the mangrove ecosystem challenged by development works and anthropogenic activities. A published book highlighting the updated information on the migratory behaviour, morphological and behavioural adaptations of the Bengal tiger in the mangrove eco-system is not readily available. This monograph is ideal for researchers, postgraduate and graduate students in zoology, botany, ecology and conservation. This comprehensive treatise will also serve professionals, such as foresters, environmentalists, conservationists, resource managers, planners, government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs and naturalists.

Acclaimed for its unique ecosystem and Royal Bengal tigers, the mangrove islands that comprise the Sundarbans area of the Bengal delta are the setting for this pioneering anthropological work. The key question that the author explores is: what do tigers mean for the islanders of the Sundarbans? The diverse origins and current occupations of the local population produce different answers to this question – but for all, ‘the tiger question’ is a significant social marker. Far more than through caste, tribe or religion, the Sundarbans islanders articulate their social locations and interactions by reference to the non-human world – the forest and its terrifying protagonist, the man-eating tiger. The book combines rich ethnography on a little-known region with contemporary theoretical insights to provide a new frame of reference to understand social relations in the Indian subcontinent. It will be of interest to scholars and students of anthropology, sociology, development studies, religion and cultural studies, as well as those working on environment, conservation, the state and issues relating to discrimination and marginality.

From the author of The Soul of an Octopus and bestselling memoir The Good Good Pig, a book that earned Sy Montgomery her status as one of the most celebrated wildlife writers of our time, Spell of the Tiger brings readers to the Sundarbans, a vast tangle of mangrove swamp and tidal delta that lies between India and Bangladesh. It is the only spot on earth where tigers routinely eat people—swimming silently behind small boats at night to drag away fishermen, snatching honey collectors and woodcutters from the forest. But, unlike in other parts of Asia where tigers are rapidly being hunted to extinction, tigers in the Sundarbans are revered. With the skill of a naturalist and the spirit of a mystic, Montgomery reveals the delicate balance of Sundarbans life, explores the mix of worship and fear that offers tigers unique protection there, and unlocks some surprising answers about why people at risk of becoming prey might consider their predator a god.

Intraspecific communication involves the activation of chemoreceptors and subsequent activation of different central areas that coordinate the responses of the entire organism-ranging from behavioral modification to modulation of hormones release. Animals emit intraspecific chemical signals, often referred to as pheromones, to advertise their prese

This book outlines the performance and management of mangroves in the changing climatic scenario of the Asia-Pacific region and draws examples and lessons from the national and community-driven mangrove conservation programs of relevant countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan as well as the Pacific islands. By highlighting the major drawbacks that hinder effective mangrove conservation, the book contributes towards enhancing climate resilience of communities through proposition of corrective methods and ameliorative approaches of mangrove conservation. Mangroves play an important role in adapting to climate change and provide a plethora of ecosystem services that are fundamental to human survival. Yet these ecosystems are exceptionally prone to extinction due to increased human interventions and changes in environmental boundary conditions. Especially in the Asia-Pacific region, mangroves have dwindled at an exceptional high rate over the past three decades. As the threat of climate change hovers over millions of people in this region, particularly those who crowd the low-lying coastal areas, conservation/restoration of mangroves through appropriate policies and practices remain highly imperative. The primary target readers for this book are students and researchers in the fields of conservation and management of mangroves, especially from the developing tropical countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Other target groups comprise policy planners, practitioners, and NGO workers, who will be able to apply the collective knowledge from this work towards proactive mangrove conservation through effective mediation in local communities.

This contributory volume is a comprehensive collection on the mangrove forest eco-system and its ecology, the resources and potentials of mangroves, conservation efforts, mangrove eco-system services and threats to conservation. The book is an all-inclusive compilation on the status, conservation and future of mangroves. Mangroves are a unique ecosystem providing several ecosystem services. They are formed in the inter-tidal areas of large rivers and coastal islands. Mangroves thrives due to constant interaction with the terrestrial and marine ecosystem. These are the species dynamics, varying tidal amplitudes, plant succession, changing floral pattern of the channels of the estuary, the varying sediment transportation. There was 20% decline in mangrove forest area in the last 25 years due mainly to conversion and coastal development. Lengthy recovery periods required for the degraded mangrove forests. Hence there is an urgent need to take stock of the updated information on these mangroves at global level. It is of immense value to scientific community involved in teaching, research and extension activities related to mangrove conservation.