Language: English
The Indian government has adopted the Bengal Tiger as National animal and all the 29 States and Union territories have also adopted specific animals as their state animal. India has diverse ecosystems including Ramsar Sites and landscapes. Large mammals and other animals are also important for wildlife tourism in India. This book describes all these aspects. The book consists of 30 chapters, including photographs of 28 mammals and one fish, and gives information about their morphology, ecology, distribution range and behaviour, diet, vocalization, reproduction and reproductive behaviour, and the present conservation status according to IUCN criteria, CITES criteria, and the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, and the reason for them having been chosen as National and State animals. Much of the wildlife is associated with Indian culture, religion, and way of life. Many wild animals are associated with Hindu Gods and Goddesses.