"Rhododendrons of Singalila National Park: A Field Guide" is a comprehensive and meticulously crafted book that serves as an essential companion for exploring the enchanting world of an iconic rhododendrons of Singalila National Park. This guidebook begins with a historical overview of the genus discussing global distribution and the Indian perspective. It provides identification keys, detailed botanical descriptions, field identification, and illustrations based on live specimens of 21 taxa including a new species and variety discovered within the park. GPS locations of rare and endemic taxa are provided. Additionally, it also includes information on the history of the national park, vegetation, ecology, and trek routes are described in detail to understand the study area. The book examines the threats faced by rhododendrons in the park and proposes conservation measures. It will be an invaluable resource to botanists, conservationists, researchers, and plant lovers.

This new volume provides a timely update on the knowledge of plant responses to various environmental stresses such as salinity, waterlogging, drought, pollution, heat, temperature, oxidative stress, and mineral deficiencies. Chapters focus on physiological and biochemical mechanisms identified in plants that are crucial for them to adapt to biotic and abiotic stress and the methods for improving plant tolerance mechanisms. The book also throws light on plant secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds and plant growth regulators in ameliorating the stressful conditions in plants. The scientific knowledge and expertise presented in this volume will be valuable to agronomists, plant physiologists, horticulturists, research scholars of botany and agriculture science, and academicians of plant sciences as well as students in these areas.

Open this book to visit Asia's amazing wildlife sanctuaries to view first-hand the wonders of the natural world! The Asian continent has the world's highest mountains, hottest deserts and oldest rainforests. And it is the perfect starting point for an exploration of the incredible diversity of wildlife that the world is now in danger of losing due to climate change, population pressures, deforestation and other factors. Take an unforgettable journey to 27 wildlife sanctuaries spread across 14 Asian countries. Here is just a brief taste of what awaits you in these pages: Kanha Tiger Reserve in central India, one of the country's best managed parks and a favourite site to observe the Bengal Tiger Borneo's Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, home to some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Asia, including rich assemblages of large mammals and lowland forest birds A visit to the jungle-covered islands of the Raja Ampat Archipelago in eastern Indonesia, one of the world's top birdwatching spots, also some of the world's best diving spots Shiretoko National Park in Hokkaido, Japan, the best sanctuary in Asia to see Brown Bears, with brief and mild summers offering opportunities for whale watching and excellent bird-watching throughout the year Asia's Greatest Wildlife Sanctuaries is the work of two devoted conservationists who have spent 20 years exploring, documenting and photographing Asia's incredible wildlife. This book is published to raise awareness and funds in support of BirdLife International for their conservation projects in Asia.

The beautiful hill district of Darjeeling has been in the throes of political uncertainty for several decades now. Mr. CR Rai, a retired administrator with rich experience who also led his political outfit after resigning from service, had access to some of the prime political actors and events at the height of the Gorkhaland agitation and brought his unique perspective on the issue in this unusually interesting book. Darjeeling: The Unhealed Wound discusses the people and circumstances responsible for creating political uncertainty. There are fascinating insights into the roles played by the local leaders and the main players as well as Dr BC Roy and Shri Vallabhai Patel in determining Darjeeling’s post-independence position. What influence did Nepal have? How did Sikkim’s annexation influence regional politics? These and other questions are discussed with great passion. Darjeeling enthusiasts will also be fascinated by the references to the many known and lesser-known figures who played a crucial role in the establishment of the original “Queen of the Hills”

How did a whale go up the Himalayas? Where would you find a spider shaped like the Sorting Hat in Harry Potter stories? On which peaks and slopes can you find both snow and coffee beans sometimes? Up which hill is the observatory that helped to sight a super-Neptune-sized planet? Put on your climbing boots to find out hundreds of fascinating facts about our country's best-known mountain ranges - the Himalayas, the Trans-Himalayas, the Aravallis, the Vindhyas, the Satpuras, the North-east mountains, the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats. Find out how each range was formed, discover the plants, trees and wildlife on them, and do your bit to save them from getting destroyed. Meet amazing communities who live in harmony with nature even now. Clap for the scientists who look under rocks and into tree holes for new species of flora and fauna. And once you have worked up an appetite, the yummy dishes of the hills will fill you right up (bamboo biryani, anyone?). From ice stupas and battles in the snow to floating schools and Titanosaurus eggs, from wool gatherers and medicine makers to the fastest diving bird and a tiger that could win the 'Best Dad' award - this book, filled with photos and illustrations, will take you on an exciting climb up and down the mountains of India.