Capturing Wildlife Moments in India: Book Review

Title: Capturing Wildlife Moments in India
Author: Ashok Mahindra
Publisher: Oxford University Press(OUP) & Bombay Natural History Society(BNHS)
ISBN: 9780199460502
Number of Pages: 85
Price: 1450 [INR]
Genre: Coffee Table

Majestic! Isn’t He?

I’m an animal person. Needless to say, I love visiting the zoos and national parks. One of my fondest memories from childhood is a visit to the zoo in my city- Trivandrum, Kerala. I guess I was about three years old happily running inside the zoo premises, seeing in awe the majestic lions and playful monkeys. I, then saw few hippos taking a nice nap in the scorching afternoon heat at a nearby water-body. With an inquisitive mind, I leapt over to get a clear view of them in the moat. Boo yeah, I fell off the stand-off barrier and I remember a hand grabbing mine tightly. That was my Dad’s. I remember having a nice swing above the moat, my Dad’s hand clasping mine, pulling me up and the cute hippos looking at the dangling me in wonder. My adventures still continue. You can also check my bucket list- few main important ones listed include going for an African Safari, pictures with a tiger, kangaroo, ostrich, Panda bear, giraffe and what not.

So, when Saevus got in touch with me about a book review of “Capturing Wildlife Moments in India” by Ashok Mahindra of The Hem Chand Mahindra Foundation, my joy knew no bounds. As expected of a coffee table book, it was a treat to the eyes. Packed with a visual treat of amazing photographs of birds and animals, it also provides an insight to many of the endangered species. The author has beautifully captured over thirty locations, showcasing the rich heritage and wildlife of India.

The author has also added his personal experiences, a description of the unique habits of the animal, the IUCN Classification, status of the species and a pleasant explanation in each of the photographs. Linkages of some of the species photographed with Indian gods and goddesses and some of the legends are also mentioned. He has also indicated the technique and camera used during different types of photography and has also remarked about the many interesting places to stay during the visits to the national parks. He has also set out ‘Thirteen Ways Forward’ nailing down the need for effectively preserving our wildlife and the importance of the role of youth and children on the same.   His very words, “My endeavour as a photographer is to encourage people to care for all threatened species – from the smallest insects to the biggest cats – before it is too late”, leaves a mark in a reader.

Check out some the fabulous photographs clicked by Mr.Mahindra.

Blackbuck @ Velavadar National Park, Gujarat

Asiatic Elephant- Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Lion-tailed Macaque- Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

Indian Crocodile or Gharial- Chambal National Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh

Mesmerizing, isn’t it? There are many such eye-catching pictures in the book of the animals in their natural habitat, taken from the author’s different visits to the wildlife hotspots in our country. There are many exotic migratory birds and other birds of India which are featured in the book. It is surprising to find little mentions from South India. However, I should say that it is a great book and is a must-buy for old and young alike. It takes you closer to nature and serves as a guide to many wildlife sanctuaries in India. What more? It would definitely adorn your coffee table and takes you to the childhood fantasy land as in Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’.

“Capturing Wildlife Moments in India” contains 120 photographs of animals and birds of India, photographed from visits to over 30 parks,sanctuaries and other locations.

It is being published by Oxford University Press(OUP) & Bombay Natural History Society(BNHS).The book will be available at most of the major retail outlets across India and also through online retail sites like Amazon, Flipkart etc.It will also be available for sale through the BNHS website and is priced at Rs.1450″.

“This post is a part of the book review program of at Saevus Wildlife India in association with The Hemchand Mahindra Foundation for the book Capturing Wildlife Moments in India“