New Book ‘Mammals of India’ Launches After Author’s Death

Mammals of India, a new comprehensive guide to the country's mammal species, has been released by the Bombay Natural History Society in partnership with HarperCollins Publishers India. The book is co‑written by veteran wildlife researcher A.J.T. Johnsingh and P.O. Nameer, Dean of the College of Forestry at Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur. Johnsingh passed away in 2024 before seeing the volume reach shelves.

Book Details

The project began in 2018 with the goal of serving both specialist scientists and casual nature lovers. Nameer says the collaboration aimed to balance scholarly depth with readable prose.

Geological Background

India’s mammalian richness stems from its ancient drift away from Africa and its collision with the Eurasian plate roughly 50 million years ago. The uplift of the Himalayas created the world’s highest ridge, altered monsoon patterns, and prevented moist winds from reaching the northern side. Vast forest cover once blanketed the peninsula until human settlement transformed the landscape, shaping the unique mix of mammals recorded today.

Deep‑Sea Fishing Initiative

The article also notes that the government is encouraging deep‑sea fishing, offering financial aid for vessels to boost fisher incomes. Officials acknowledge that operating in deeper waters has proved far more complex than policy papers suggest, with coastal communities across several states facing practical challenges.

Context

India’s long geological isolation and recent human impacts together explain why its mammal fauna differs sharply from neighboring regions, and why new reference works are valuable for conservation and education.