Springer Recovering Biodiversity in Indian Forests (SpringerBriefs in Ecology)

This book demonstrates how varying levels of human disturbance manifested through different management regimes influence composition, richness, diversity and abundance of key mammal, bird and plant species, even within ecologically similar habitats. Based on our results, we show the critical importance of the ‘wildlife preservation’ approach for effective biodiversity conservation. The study also provides examples of a practical application of rigorous methods of quantitative sampling of different plant and animal taxa as well as human influences, thus serving as a useful manual for protected area managers. Protected areas of various kinds have been established in India with the goal of arresting decline in, and to provide for, recovery of biodiversity and ecosystem services. A model that targets ‘wildlife preservation’ under state ownership is practiced across the country. However, forests in India are under intensive human pressure and varying levels of protection; therefore, protected areas may also experience open-access resource use, a model that is being aggressively advocated as a viable alternative to ‘preservationism’. We have evaluated the conservation efficacy of alternative forest management models by quantifying levels of biodiversity under varied levels of access, resource extraction and degree of state-sponsored protection in the Nagarahole forest landscape of southwestern India. From the Back Cover This book demonstrates how varying levels of human disturbance manifested through different management regimes influence composition, richness, diversity and abundance of key mammal, bird and plant species, even within ecologically similar habitats. Based on our results, we show the critical importance of the ‘wildlife preservation’ approach for effective biodiversity conservation. The study also provides examples of a practical application of rigorous methods of quantitative sampling of different plant and animal taxa as well as human influences, thus serving as a useful manual for protected area managers. Protected areas of various kinds have been established in India with the goal of arresting decline in, and to provide for, recovery of biodiversity and ecosystem services. A model that targets ‘wildlife preservation’ under state ownership is practiced across the country. However, forests in India are under intensive human pressure and varying levels of protection; therefore, protected areas may also experience open-access resource use, a model that is being aggressively advocated as a viable alternative to ‘preservationism’. We have evaluated the conservation efficacy of alternative forest management models by quantifying levels of biodiversity under varied levels of access, resource extraction and degree of state-sponsored protection in the Nagarahole forest landscape of southwestern India. About the Author G. ViswanathaReddy is the Additional Principal Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of Forest, Government of Rajasthan. He has more than 25 years of experience in protected area management and conservation of wildlife. He is also one of those rare park managers who is deeply interested and encouraging of research on wildlife. Dr. Reddy received his doctoral degree from Manipal University, in 2011, and has multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications. Dr. Reddy also has international experience in managing parks, having served as an Ecosystem Manager in Indonesia, as part of the World Bank-funded Aceh Forests and Environment Project. He is also well renowned for his efforts to improve protection in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, where he served as a Deputy Conservator of Forests and Deputy Field Director between 1997 and 2002, and subsequently as Field Director (2002-2003). In this capacity, he improved the management of the park, augmented its eco-tourism capability through engagement of local residents, stopped destructive mining practi