Introduction With a land mass of the 329 million hectares and coast line of 7516 km, with oceans,

lakes, rivers and mighty imalayas and several other mountains ranges, the desert of !a"asthan, the #lateaus, the wetlands and the islands of $ndaman and %ico&ar and 'akshadwee#, India, our &eautiful country, is the home to an ama(ing variety of fauna and flora) *here are a&out 75,+++ s#ecies of animals, of which 3,+ s#ecies are mammals, 12++ &irds, ,2+ re#tiles, 1,+ am#hi&ians, 2+++ fishes, 5+,+++ insects, ,+++ molluscs and several other s#ecies of verte&rates) Need for Conservation
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*he gradual emergence of the human &eings as the most dominant s#ecies among all other s#ecies of animals and the attem#t of the human &eings to set them a#art from other s#ecies is the main underlying cause of the contem#orary environmental disaster) *he main reason &ehind a threat to the wildlife and the ecosystem is the constantly growing deforestation, #oaching and negligence towards animals and nature) $t the #resent estimate, 21 s#ecies of mammals, 32 s#ecies of &irds, 12 s#ecies of am#hi&ians and re#tiles considered to &e endangered in India) *he tiger is the largest living mem&er of the cat family, followed &y the lion and the leo#ard) there were "ust 1227 of them in our country) With the entire gloomy #icture in regard of our wildlife, India is keen to do its &est to #rotect its wild life) 'uckily, we have a&ility and media, vocal environmental grou#s, %34s and others who would not tolerate any more interference or intuition with the vast diversity of animal wildlife) a&itat destruction and #oaching &rought a&out a shar# decline in their num&er and the national census of tigers in 1972 recorded that

Significance of Wildlife Conservation *he wild creatures are a nature5s gift which hel# em&ellish the natural &eauty &y their uni6ue ways of e7istence) 8ut due to growing deforestation and negligence, their is a threat to the wildlife and it will re6uire s#ecial attention to save the world from loosing its green heritage) 0ome of the government initiatives carried out to #reserve this natural heritage include 9ro"ect *iger, one of the most successful efforts in #reserving and #rotecting the *iger #o#ulation) 3ir %ational 9ark in 3u"arat is the only e7isting ha&itat for the nearly e7tinct $siatic 'ions in India) *he :a(iranga 0anctuary in $ssam is a #rime e7am#le of an effort to save the endangered !hinoceros) 'ikewise, 9eriyar in :erala is doing a##recia&le work to #reserve the wild /le#hants while -achigam %ational 9ark is fast at work to save the angul or :ashmiri 0tag) Wild life sanctuaries in India In India, the Wildlife Act and Forest Act were passed to ensure the preservation of wildlife and to generate the common environmental consciousness among the people of India. Today, India is one of the prestigious countries in the world where wildlife is oth rich and varied. !ut of the total land of India, more than "# of land is under forest cover. The diversified geography of India made it home of wildlife sanctuaries and national par$s spread across the country full of terrain, flora and fauna. There are a out "%& wildlife sanctuaries and '( national par$s in India, which ma$e India one of the )&* mega diversity areas in the world. At present, India is regarded as paradise of nature+s lovers where leopard, lion, Asiatic elephant, the ,engal tiger and Si erian crane and several hundreds of species are found across the Indian su continent+s wildlife sanctuaries.

India is uni-ue in the richness and diversity of its vegetation and wildlife. Almost ./( mammal species, over a thousand and two hundred species of irds in nearly &)(( forms and more than .(,((( species of insects * provide evidence to the wealthiness of wildlife in India ,esides, there are a num er of species of fish, amphi ians and reptiles. With over "./# its geographical area covered y more than 0/ national par$s and "&/ sanctuaries,

the range and diversity of India1s wildlife heritage matches the grandeur and magnificence of her civili2ation. India1s national par$s and wild life sanctuaries 3including ird sanctuaries4 from 5adda$h in 6imalayas to Souther tip of Tamil Nadu. These par$s, reserves, sanctuaries and forests are vital to the conservation of endangered species, such as ,engal tiger, the Asiatic 7lephant, 5ion, the Snow 5eopard and Si erian Crane. India1s first national par$, the Cor ett was esta lished in the foothills of 6imalayas. It supports a great variety of mammals and over /%/ species of irds. The Wild 7lephant population is on the increase and oth tiger and leopard are regularly seen. 8anha National 9ar$ is the largest of the original tiger reserves. The par$ is noted for its local herd of swamp deer. Also in 8a2iranga is found a species of the swamp deer found in 8anha A third su species 3and the largest population4 of swamp deer is at the :udhwa National 9ar$ in the northeastern ;9. The magnificent ird sanctuary at ,haratpur 9rovides a vast reeding area for the native water irds. :uring the winters 3Novem er*<arch4 migratory irds arrive in large num ers, including the Si erian Crane. In the Indian deserts, the most discussed ird is the =reat Indian ustard. In western 6imalayas, one can see irds li$e 6imalayan monal pheasant, western tragopan, $o$lass, white crested $hali> cheer pleasant, griffon vultures, lammergiers, choughs, ravens. In the Andaman and Nico ar region, a out &/( species and su species of irds are found, such as rare Narcondum horn ill, Nico ar pigeon and megapode. 6ere are also other irds li$e white* ellied sea eagle, white reasted swiftlet and several fruit pigeons. All these could e o served in Andaman1s ? national par$s and over ninety wildlife sanctuaries. The 6imalayas 3foothills4 are $nown for ig mammals li$e elephant, sam ar, swamp, deer, cheetal, wild oar tiger, panther, hyena, lac$ ear and sloth ear, porcupine, =reat Indian one horned rhinoceros, wild uffalo, gagetic gharial, golden langur. Wild ass, sheep, deers, smaller mammals, snow leopards, wolf, cats and rown eers are in plenty in the western 6imalayas. While the national par$ and sanctuaries of northern and central India are etter $nown, there are -uite a few par$s and sanctuaries in South

India, too, e.g. , <adumalai in Tamil Nadu and ,andipur Tiger @eserve and Nagahole National 9ar$ in 8arnata$a. ;nli$e the situation prevailing over a decade or two ago, Wildlife Safari in India now facilitates seeing a tiger, a rhinoceros or a herd of wild elephant. @anges of Safari 9ac$ages are an offer, courtsey the tourism departments of states as well as tour and travel agencies. These Safari A Safari 9ac$ages are uni-ue and unparalleled. The $ind of diversity. Indian wildlife can oast off is not availa le anywhere else in the world. The great 6imalayan <ountains, forests, national par$s, sanctuaries 3including ird sanctuaries4

North India Wildlife Sanctuaries India is lessed with a uni-ue and eBtremely rich and varied flora and fauna. India oasts a total of %% National 9ar$ and "'( Wildlife Sanctuaries, sheltering over .'( mammals, "// reptiles, &)( amphi ians, ),&.( ird species and .(,((( species of insects, ma$ing the country one of the most sought after wildlife destinations in the world. Thousands of wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists, researchers and tourists from all corners of the world visit numerous National 9ar$s and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India every year and return ac$ with an unforgetta le wildlife eBperience. Within India, North India is $nown for its natural landscapes such as the great 6imalayas, vast =angetic 9lains, which are home to numerous National 9ar$s and wildlife sanctuaries of India. The favora le climate and topography of North India support -uite uni-ue and rich flora and fauna. Some of the finest and most famous wildlife sanctuaries of not only India ut also the world are located in North India. The most famous wildlife sanctuaries of North India are located in the 6imalayas and the Aravali mountain ranges of India. In the list most of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in North India are ,haratpur National 9ar$, Cor ett National 9ar$ and @antham ore National 9ar$. ,haratpur National 9ar$ is world*famous for its ird population. Also $nown as 8eoladeo National 9ar$, ,haratpur is counted among the finest ird sanctuaries in the

world. Famous as 1 !rnithologist1s 9aradise1 ,haratpur ,ird Sanctuary is home to an innumera le varieties of eBotic irds including the world*renowned Si erian Cranes. 5ocated in the pictures-ue foothills of ma>estic 6imalayas, Cor ett National 9ar$ is $nown for its scenic eauty and uni-ue wildlife. The 9ar$ is popular for its wildlife population of Tigers, 5eopards, and Asian 7lephants. A visit to this par$ would truly e a wonderful eBperience for all wildlife enthusiasts. @antham ore National 9ar$ is also famous for its population of Tigers. 6ere you can spot the tigers, prowling in their own natural ha itat. The other fascinating wildlife, you can see in @antham ore National 9ar$ include 5eopards, Striped 6yenas, Chital, Chin$ara, Sam har deer, langurs, Civets, <aca-ues, Sloth ears, ,lac$ uc$s, Indian Wild ,oar, Five*striped 9alm S-uirrels, Indian Flying FoBes and mongoose to name a few with.A visit to @antham ore National 9ar$ can surely e a rewarding eBperience for all wildlife enthusiasts. !ther famous wildlife sanctuaries and national par$s in north India include Saris$a National 9ar$ :udhwa National 9ar$, Calley of Flowers National par$, Nanda :evi National 9ar$, and :esert National 9ar$ among many more. South India Wildlife Sanctuaries India is lessed with a very rich and varied flora and fauna. The country is $nown for its diverse geographical features such as topography and climate, which greatly affect the flora and fauna distri ution in a region. North and south India greatly differ in their geographical features. While north India has some of the highest mountain ranges in the great 6imalayas, the :eccan plateau and the Western and 7astern =hats are the prominent geographical features of south India. The climate of north and south also differs in a ig way, resulting into a different flora and fauna for these regions. Though most of the national par$s and wildlife sanctuaries are located in northern and central part of India, South India is $nown for some of the finest wildlife and ird sanctuaries of the world. The landscapes of south India are full of lush green sceneries and are $nown for its natural eauty and charm. <ost of the national par$s and wildlife sanctuaries in south India are located in scenic destinations. South India also en>oys a

moderate and pleasant climate throughout the year ma$ing a perfect holiday destination for wildlife lovers. The most famous wildlife sanctuaries in south India are 9eriyar Wildlife Sanctuary 3also $nown as the The$$ady Wildlife Sanctuary4 in 8erala, <udumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the ,andipur Wildlife Sanctuary in 8arnata$a. All the a ove*mentioned sanctuaries are now attained the status of National 9ar$s of India. 9eriyar and ,andipur wildlife sanctuaries are also two of the famous tiger reserves of India, covered under the 9ro>ect Tiger 9lan. 9eriyar National 9ar$ is world*famous for Asiatic elephants. Watching and photographing elephants at close -uarters in the par$ can e a great and rewarding eBperience for the wildlife lovers. With thic$ly wooded hills, plateaus, deep valleys, waterfalls, rivers, marshes and streams, the <udumalai Wildlife Sanctuary also offers a perfect holiday retreat. !ther important wildlife sanctuaries in south India are the 8umara$om ,ird Sanctuary and the Silent Calley Wildlife Sanctuary in 8erala, Nagarhole National 9ar$ in 8arnata$a, the 9ulicat and Srisailam wildlife sanctuaries in Andhra 9radesh and the Annamalai 3Indira =andhi4 Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Central India Wildlife Sanctuaries India is lessed with a uni-ue and eBtremely rich and varied flora and fauna. India oasts a total of %% National 9ar$ and "'( Wildlife Sanctuaries, sheltering over .'( mammals, "// reptiles, &)( amphi ians, ),&.( ird species and .(,((( species of insects, ma$ing the country one of the most sought after wildlife destinations in the world. Thousands of wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists, researchers and tourists from all corners of the world visit numerous National 9ar$s and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India every year and return ac$ with an unforgetta le wildlife eBperience. Within India, Central India is $nown for its uni-ue and diverse geographical features such as topography, soil, climate and vegetation. Almost, whole of Central India lies in the 9eninsular 9lateau. <any hill ranges li$e Cindhya, Satpura, Aravali, <ai$al and A>anta are located in the region and support a uni-ue and varied flora and fauna. 5i$e North India, Central India is also very rich in wildlife and plants. Some of the finest national par$s and wildlife sanctuaries of India lie in the region, representing a uni-ue

concentration of fauna and flora wealth. There are over )/ national par$s and ./ wildlife sanctuaries in Central India. The most prominent and important wildlife reserves in Central India are ,andhavgarh National 9ar$, 8anha National 9ar$, 9anna National 9ar$, 9ench National 9ar$ and Indravati National 9ar$. ,andhavgarh National 9ar$ is one of the finest and most pictures-ue tiger reserves of India, located in the scenic surroundings of the Cindhya hill ranges and the eastern flan$ of Satpura hill ranges 3in all .& hills surround this eautiful par$4 in <adhya 9radesh. Spread over an area of around ""%.%" s- $m, ,andhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary was notified as a National 9ar$ in )'?% and included in the famous 9ro>ect Tiger in )''.. The ,andhavgarh National 9ar$ is $nown for its tiger populations whose num er is now estimated etween "/*/(. ,ut, the prime attractions of ,andhavgarh National 9ar$ are White Tigers. !ther important wild animals in ,andhavgarh National 9ar$ include 5eopards, Wild dogs or :holes, Sloth ,ears, @hesus <aca-ues, Sam ar, Chital, Indian <unt>ac, Chausingha 3"*horned antelope4 among many others. ,andhavgarh National 9ar$ also shelters a si2a le population of irds and reptiles. Around &/( species of irds, comprising of oth resident and migratory irds, have een identified and listed in the par$. !ther ma>or attractions of ,andhavgarh National 9ar$ are the magnificent ,andhavgarh Fort and the sandstone caves, har oring ,rahmi inscriptions and colourful tiger images dating ac$ to the )st Century ,.C. 7n>oying a wildlife safari to trac$ the tigers and other wilds, is another ig attraction for the wildlife enthusiasts here. 8anha National 9ar$ is the largest of the original tiger reserves. 5ocated in the <andla district of <adhya 9radesh, 8anha National 9ar$ is $nown for its eBceptional natural eauty and the uni-ue and diverse flora and fauna. The immense natural eauty of 8anha even inspired the famous author @udyard 8ipling to write his all time classic Dungle ,oo$. 5i$e ,andhavgarh National 9ar$, 8anha is well $nown for its Tigers and local herd of endangered ,arasinghas 3Swamp :eer4. According to recent surveys, the tiger population in the 8anha Tiger @eserve stands around 0(*0/, promising etter opportunities for sighting tigers in their own ha itat. An en>oya le and eBciting 7lephant Safari is another ma>or attraction in 8anha National 9ar$. 7Bploring the natural eauty and wildlife of 8anha from top of an elephant1s ac$ would surely e a uni-ue and rewarding eBperience for wildlife enthusiasts.

West India Wildlife Sanctuaries India is lessed with a very rich and varied flora and fauna. The varied topography and a modest and favora le climate of India support a large variety of plant and wild species. India has %% National 9ar$s and "'& wildlife sanctuaries, which are home to over .'( mammal and ),&.( ird species, ma$ing the country one of the richest in wildlife resources. Within India, West India is an eBciting place for wildlife enthusiasts, mainly ecause it resides some of the uni-ue wild attractions in its numerous National 9ar$s and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the most popular wildlife destinations of India are located in West India, especially in the states of =u>arat and <aharashtra. The moderate climate in West India supports the growth of a uni-ue flora and fauna. !ver "( mammals species and more than "/( irds species of have een identified and listed in the various sanctuaries in west India. The Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary in =u>arat is the only home of the world* famous Asiatic lions, num ering a out .((. The most important and famous national par$s and wildlife sanctuaries in west India are Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary 3=u>arat4, the 5ittle @ann of 8utch 3also famous as the :hangadhra Sanctuary4, the Celavadar National 9ar$ 3=u>arat4 and the <arine National 9ar$ and Sanctuary 3=u>arat4. !ther nota le National 9ar$s and wildlife sanctuaries in west India are the 8rishnagiri ;pavan National 9ar$ 3<aharashtra4, Tado a National 9ar$ 3<aharashtra4, Nal Sarovar ,ird Sanctuary 3=u>arat4 and the ,ondla Wildlife Sanctuary in =oa. The <arine Wildlife Sanctuary in 9irotan Island is the India1s first <arine National 9ar$. <arine Wildlife Sanctuary 39irotan4 was esta lished in )'%( and was declared a National 9ar$ in )'%&. The par$ is $nown for @idley Turtles, Shrimps, Sponges, 7els, =reen Sea ;rchin and :olphins among many others. The Celavadar National 9ar$ was esta lished in )'?' and is famous for its ,lac$ uc$ population. The 5ittle @ann of 8utch was set up in )'0. and is famous for the Indian Wild Ass, Wolf and :esert Cat. Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary

7ast India Wildlife Sanctuaries India is lessed with a uni-ue and eBtremely rich and varied flora and fauna. India oasts a total of %% National 9ar$ and "'( Wildlife Sanctuaries, sheltering over .'( mammals, "// reptiles, &)( amphi ians, ),&.( ird species and .(,((( species of insects, ma$ing the country one of the most sought after wildlife destinations in the world. Thousands of wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists, researchers and tourists from all corners of the world visit numerous National 9ar$s and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India every year and return ac$ with an unforgetta le wildlife eBperience. The 7ast India Wildlife Sanctuaries are $nown for their, uni-ue, rare and varied flora and fauna. Some of the most endangered wildlife species of the world are found in the various sanctuaries of 7ast India such as ama2ing !ne*horned @hinoceros and Wild ,uffalos in 8a2iranga National 9ar$ in Assam and the 6ispid 6are and 9igmy 6og, who were rediscovered in the grasslands of <anas Wildlife Sanctuary also in east India Assam after eing thought eBtinct for a out .( years. The two most famous and important wildlife sanctuaries in 7ast India are the 8a2iranga Wildlife Sanctuary and <anas Wildlife Sanctuary. Almost entirely different in their physical appearance and character, these twin sanctuaries of Assam form a perfect triangle with =uwahati. While <anas sanctuary lies at the foot of the ,hutan hills on the an$s of @iver <anas, 8a2iranga sanctuary is a flat area with elephant grass and swamps with large patches of semi*green forest. 8a2iranga Wildlife Sanctuary is the finest sanctuary in 7ast India, situated on the an$s of the ,rahmaputra @iver in Assam. It was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in )'"( and attained the status of a national par$ in )'0?. 8a2iranga is world*renowned for its population of the =reat one*horned @hinoceros* one of the most endangered species in the world. The par$ also has a si2a le population of the Wild ,uffalos and 7lephants. !ther ma>or wildlife in 8a2iranga National 9ar$ include the ma>estic Tigers, the main predator of the sanctuary and the only natural enemy of the @hinos, ,arasinghas, 6og :eer and many more. 8a2iranga also has a si2a le population of eBotic and rare irds. <anas Wildlife Sanctuary is $nown as one of the finest and most pictures-ue wildlife reserves in the world. 7sta lished in )'&%, <anas Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of

approBimately )((( s- miles, )/) miles of which forms the core area, covered under the famous 9ro>ect Tiger. <anas National 9ar$ is also $nown for its wildlife diversity. The sanctuary is home to over &( most endangered species of irds and wild animals, which are listed under the schedule) 3highly endangered4 in the I;CN @ed data oo$. Two of the most endangered species namely 6ispid 6are and 9igmy 6og are found in <anas Wildlife Sanctuary. !ther famous wildlife sanctuaries and national par$s of 7ast India are Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary, Simlipal Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunder ans Wildlife Sanctuary, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, 8ei ul 5am>ao Wildlife Sanctuary, Sirohi Wildlife Sanctuary and 8angchend2onga Wildlife Sanctuary. 8a2iranga Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife laws Wildlife laws in India can &e traced &ack to early third century 8;, when $shoka, the /m#eror, codified a law for the #reservation of wildlife and environment) *hereafter came several laws among which, the first codified law was the Wild 8ird 9rotection $ct, 1227, enacted &y the 8ritish 3overnment) *he 3overnment of India &rought for the first time a com#rehensive act, the Wildlife 9rotection $ct <W9$=, 1972, which was later amended and changes were &rought in as the need arose) >urthermore, to #rotect the wildlife, the 3overnment of India also &ecame a signatory to the ;onvention on International *rade in /ndangered 0#ecies of Wild >auna and >lora <;I*/0= since 4cto&er, 1976) 8esides W9$ and ;I*/0? the Indian 9enal ;ode, 126+? the ;ode of ;riminal 9rocedure <;r)9);=, 1973? ;ustoms $ct, 1962? Indian >orest $ct, 1927? >orest ;onservation $ct, 1921? 9revention of ;ruelty to $nimals $ct, 196+ are some of the im#ortant wea#ons availa&le for check and control of wildlife offences including trade) Wild 'ife 9rotection $ct <W9$=, 1972 #rovides for the #rotection of Wild animals, &irds and #lants and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto) It e7tends to the whole of India, e7ce#t the 0tate of @ammu and :ashmir) *he act includes all animals like &irds, mammals etc) While the act clearly defines hunting it also #rohi&its the usage, su##ly etc) of

animal articles, $nimal article means an article made from any ca#tive animal or wild animal, other than vermin, and includes an article or o&"ect in which the whole or any #art of such animal has &een used and ivory im#orted into India) 0ection 9 of the $ct #rohi&its hunting of wild animals and &irds s#ecified in 0chedule I, II, and III and I., e7ce#t as #rovided under 0ections AI and AII) *his classification has &een made kee#ing in mind the significance and #o#ulation of wildlife) *hose highly threatened find a #lace in 0chedule I) $s of #unishment for offences, 0ection 51 of the $ct #rescri&es a ma7imum im#risonment of si7 years, !s 25,+++ fine or &oth for hunting animals and &irds s#ecified on 0chedule I)

Shahtoosh case* *he 0hahtoosh wool is derived from the soft undercoat of the *i&etan $ntelo#e <also known as ;hiru=, which has to &e killed &efore its fleece is removed) *hree to four ;hiru have to &e killed to weave only one shawl) /ach shawl can cost several thousand dollars in the international market) In 1977, the 3overnment of India declared the ;hiru as #rotected under 0chedule I of the Wildlife <9rotection= $ct of India, 1972) :illing of ;hiru is also in contravention to the ;onvention on International *rade in /ndangered 0#ecies <;I*/0=, of which India is also a signatory as mentioned earlier) $ 9I' or 9u&lic Interest 'itigation was filed in the @B: igh ;ourt seeking im#lementation of the #rovisions of their Wildlife <9rotection= $ct as well as ;I*/0 which #rohi&its the im#ort of 0hahtoosh into India) 4n 1ay 1, 2+++, the onora&le igh ;ourt issued a "udgment forcing the government to enact and enforce its wildlife law) >inally in 2++2 the manufacture of 0hahtoosh shawls has finally &een &anned in the state of @ammu and :ashmir) 9ro>ect Tiger*

9ro"ect *iger, an initiative &y the 3overnment, launched on $#ril 1, 1973, has &ecome one of the most successful conservation ventures in modern history) *he #ro"ect aims at tiger conservation in s#ecially constituted Ctiger reservesD which are re#resentative of various &ioE geogra#hical regions falling within India) It strives to maintain a via&le tiger #o#ulation in their natural environment) *oday, there are 27 9ro"ect *iger wildlife reserves in India covering an area of 37,761 km) $ 2++2 census held &y 3overnment of India revealed that the tiger #o#ulation had dro##ed to 1,,11) 0ince then the government has #ledged F0G153 million to further fund the #ro"ect, setE u# a *iger 9rotection >orce to com&at #oachers, and fund the relocation of u# to 2++,+++ villagers to minimi(e humanEtiger interaction) 9ro>ect 7lephant, though less known, started in 1992 and works for ele#hant #rotection in India) C!NC5;SI!N 9rotection of Wildlife alone is not #ossi&le only &y laws and 3overnment) -es#ite all of these laws and efforts, destruction of wildlife, illegal trade and #oaching continues) $ctive coo#eration from the common #u&lic is also very necessary) It is now high time for us to understand the gravity of the situation and act on its &ehalf) $nd this can only &e achieved &y our awareness and &y further stringent laws &y the 3overnment) We must not lose the national treasures in our rat race of ur&ani(ation and moderni(ation)

,i liography !ne of the ma>or o >ective of the National Wildlife :ata ase is to develop a eBtensive i liographic data ase on different aspects of wildlife science for the use in teaching and research. Currently data ase is having more than )? thousand references related to the Indian flora, fauna, socio*economics of people near protected areas, wildlife disease, conservation E management pro lems and other aspects related to eBisting and proposed protected areas.