The Deer and The Tiger : A Study of Wildlife in India/George B. Schaller. 1998, xv, 370 p., tables, figs., $29. ISBN 81-85019-74-6.
Contents: I. Introduction, study locations and methods: 1. Introduction. 2. Study locations and methods : study locations; study methods; description of the study areas. II. The hoofed animals: 3. The Chital : description; geographical and ecological distribution; population dynamics; general behavior; social behavior; comparisons with Hog deer. 4. The Barasingha : description; distribution and status; population dynamics; general behavior; social behavior. 5. The Sambar : description; population dynamics; general behavior; social behavior. 6. The Blackbuck : description; distribution and status; population dynamics; general behavior; social behavior; comparisons with the Nilgai. 7. The Gaur : description; distribution; population dynamics; general behavior; social behavior. 8. Ecological and behavioral comparisons : biomass; ecological separation of species; the reproductive season; social behavior; communication of danger. III. The predators: 9. The tiger : description; distribution and status; population dynamics; ranges; social organization and interactions between adults; communication; behavior of female and young; food habits and hunting, killing, and feeding behavior; response to man. 10. Other predators : leopard; jungle cat; sloth bear; striped hyena; wild dog; Bengal fox; jackal; python. 11. The effect of predation on the prey populations in Kanha Park. Appendix A. References cited. Index.
"For those who have a place for the wilderness, wild animals and plants in their hearts this book will go down as a great experience. For those who have not been touched by the wondrous nature, the book will open a door to the world that, unfortunately, had not existed in their thoughts.
"George Schaller is a doyen of nature writers and one of the leading wildlife biologists and thinkers in the world today. The Deer and The Tiger was written during his earliest quest for nature's secrets, but the hallmark of greatness will be perceived throughout. The state of knowledge about wild plants, wild animals, the dynamic nature of ecosystems today, casts the world of nature in a different light. The science of biometry, computer applications and analytical tools are changing almost daily. Nevertheless, this classic, written during the 1960s, holds its own as one of the greatest books transcending the progress of time and knowledge.
"The study is set in the Kanha National Park, not far from the locale of the famous adventures of Mowgli, the fictitious wolf-boy created by Rudyard Kipling early this century. The book opens with a chapter on the history of India's wildlife, followed by an organized study of wild deer, other hoofed animals, and predators focussing on the tiger. He even dares to mention "the scourge of India's land" the sickly domestic animals straying everywhere. It is an exciting blend of science and natural history compelling for all who can read." (jacket)
[George B. Schaller is Director of Science for International Programes for the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York. His books include The Year of the Gorilla and The Last Panda.]