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£ GBP
This book is based on a literature review, field surveys, and the author's personal experience and describes the origin and adaptation of the 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), and more muscular with a leaner frame and lower 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 a phenomenon. Apart from the long-stretch swimming, the tiger has adapted to changed food habits and become an omnivore. Loss and degradation of the mangrove habitat have caused severe declines in the tiger population. Tiger conservation within and beyond the protected areas is based on ethical issues "biodiversity, aesthetic values and integrity" as well as management of the mangrove ecosystem challenged by economic development and anthropogenic activities.
There is no other book available with updated information on the migratory behaviour, and morphological and behavioural adaptations of the Bengal tiger in the mangrove ecosystem is not readily available. This monograph is ideal for researchers, and 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.
Dr Jayanta Kumar Mallick is a retired Officer of the Wildlife Wing, Forest Directorate, Government of West Bengal, India
