How do the
forests of the Western Ghats serve as the life supporting system? What role
played by the shola forests in acting as the water resource of the Nilgiris?
The key role played by the mangrove forests during cyclone and tsunami. The
importance of halophytes in helping the establishment of the mangroves. The
valuable medicinal plants that are facing extinction. Why should we preserve
the Wetlands? Rare trees that quench the thirst of the forest dwellers.
How do the
forests of the Western Ghats serve as the life supporting system? What role
played by the shola forests in acting as the water resource of the Nilgiris?
The key role played by the mangrove forests during cyclone and tsunami. The
importance of halophytes in helping the establishment of the mangroves. The
valuable medicinal plants that are facing extinction. Why should we preserve
the Wetlands? Rare trees that quench the thirst of the forest dwellers. Rare
and endangered tree species and their revival mechanism. Wonderful heritage
trees such as Baobab, Talipot Palm, Malai Naval,Ulakkaippaalai and Iluppai.
Giant tree that hides an elephant. World’s
oldest Teak tree. The tree named ‘Tholkappiar’. The great personality
who loved to live among the woods even after death. The unsung women who
sacrificed their lives for the sake of the trees.
Ecosystem services that are provided by the
tiger reserves. Capturing of an old tiger that started killing cattle. Earth
can’t survive without elephants. How to protect the elephants from the fast
moving trains? Memorable events of encountering the wild animals in the Western
Ghats. How was the pachyderm brought under control when it ran amok? The
training school meant for elephants. Nilgiri Tahr, the state animal which is at
the verge of extinction. Perfume yielding cat. Musk deer and its significance.
Grizzled Giant Squirrel that attracts nature lovers. The captured ant eater
which disappeared for ever. The disappeared Python which was recaptured. What
happens to the mammoth marine animals which are caught or stranded? The call of
the flying lizard for its protection. Hornbills that are facing extinction.
Interesting birds that inspire even home makers. Bird banding of the migratory
birds in Kanyakumari district. Amazing
Butterflies that need our support. The ecological services of the Eastern Ghats
. Depleting water resources and the needs of protecting the same . Ecological role of the coral reefs in
enriching the marine ecosystem. Interesting life history of the cicadas. The great ecosystem services provided by the
dung beetles. What are the needs of protecting the wetlands? Tamiraparani, the
lifline of southern Tamil Nadu. Cultivation of medicinal plants-a boon or a
bane! Fast disappearing sand dunes and the need to protect them. Compassion
towards the underprivileged. Sir Arthur Cotton who builds check dam across
Kollidam. The flowering trees that can add beauty to the houses and the
surroundings. The great woman who
sacrificed her life to redeem the downtrodden.
‘Uyirththidum
Ulagam’ discusses not only the above inspiring topics but also narrates the
adventurous experiences of V.Sundararaju, a former Indian Forest Service
Officer while he served in Tamil Nadu Forest Department, over a period of 36
years. Interesting encounters with denizens of deep forests and the secret life
histories of certain less important life forms may definitely be quite
informative. The ideas suggested by the author in protecting the rare and
endangered trees, medicinal plants, mangroves, shola forests, feathered bipeds
and greater animals may give rise to intriguing questions.
The book is
dedicated to the serving Officials of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department with
deep involvement, dedication and devotion.
If
anyone wants to know about forest and management in Tamil Nadu, then this
simple, interesting and down to earth book will be certainly quite handy
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