Biodiversity of the Western Ghats Complex of Karnataka –

Resource Potential and Sustainable Utilisation

Edited by: S.A.Hussain & K.P.Achar.

Size:24cmx17.5. pp 262.

Published by: Biodiversity Initiative Trust ®

"Basera", Amar Alva Road,

Monkey Stand, Mangalore - 575 001.

Karnataka. India

Citation : Hussain, S.A. & Achar, K.P., Eds. 1999. Biodiversity of the Western Ghats Complex of Karnataka: Resource Potential and Sustainable Utilisation .

Biodiversity Initiative Trust. Mangalore. pp 262.

Available from : Biodiversity Initiative Trust®

"Basera", Amar Alva Road,

Monkey Stand, Mangalore -575 001.

Karnataka. India.

E-mail: <sahbird@vsnl.com>

Price : Rs.350/- ( packing and postage extra)

(DD payable to Biodiversity Initiative Trust)

The Western Ghats (WG) of Karnataka are perhaps the most productive and least overexploited region with large tracts of pristine forests, well wooded areas and unspoilt coastline in the peninsula. The region straddles the districts of Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Hassan and Kodagu and perhaps has the largest combination of plantations, agri-floriculture, fishery and other economic produces. The tracts of dense montane, slope and lowland forests; secondary scrub and woodlands as well as the mangroves of the coastline are endowed with a rich biodiversity of plants, insects, invertebrates, fishes and animals, most of which are economically important. So far there has not been any comprehensive information available in any book form on the rich biological information of the area.

This is a preliminary attempt to collate some information of an area which is considered to be the one of the major " hot spots" of biodiversity regions of the world. This preliminary offering helps in underscoring the urgent need to gain more knowledge of the vast unrecorded resources available in our rich ecosystem.

This book collates some aspects of the biodiversity of the area and provides useful baseline information for the benefit of University students NGO’s, Government agencies as well as private and agro-horticultural sectors but also create awareness among common people, entrepreneurs, bureaucrats, legislatures and decision makers about the need to ensure sustainable utilisation and conservation of the rich biodiversity resources of our area.

Subjects covered include

Biodiversity Conservation – Challenges before us.

Biodiversity Convention – Some facts

Evolving a Strategy for Conservation and Utilisation of Biodiversity

Philosophy of Scientific Research

On the Ecological History of the Western Ghats

Herb Species Diversity of Western Ghats

Insect Biodiversity of Western Ghats Region of Karnataka

Amphibian Diversity in a few selected Environs of Western Ghats

Mahseer, the Endangered Species – Need for Conservation

Fish Biodiversity of Western Ghats and Coastal Region

Bird Diversity of Western Ghats Environs of Karnataka

An overview of Spices Plantations in Western Ghats in India

People’s Biodiversity Register

Experiences in Promotion and Conservation of Medicinal Plants in South India

Overview of Some aspects of Biodiversity of Kudremukh National Park

Significance and Role of Universities in Biodiversity Research

Biodiversity and the Media

Biodiversity of Coastal Karnataka

BIODIVERSITY INITIATIVE TRUST (BIT)

Biodiversity Initiative Trust strives to provide necessary services to the country in general and relevant institutions in particular in matters relating to sustainable utilisation and conservation of biodiversity in India. Its main objectives, among many, are:

identifying and setting biodiversity initiatives through collection, analysis, dissemination and use of

information on biological resources of the region for the benefit of common people.

assisting and involving rural and urban communities, particularly women, in utilising the indigenous bio-resources for their own benefit in a sustainable and equitable manner.

The Trust is governed by a band of dedicated Academicians, Research Scientists, Environmental Conservationists, Professionals, Agri-Horticulturists, Financial experts and able Administrators. There is a range of talent mixed with enthusiasm, dedication and a strong commitment to the cause.

For details contact: Biodiversity Initiative Trust®,

"Basera", Amar Alva Road,

Monkey Stand,

Mangalore – 575 001.

Karnataka. E-Mail: sahbird@vsnl.com