Sahyadris: India's Western Ghats - A Vanishing Heritage [Hardcover]

Sandesh Kadur (Author), Kamal Bawa (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005

On the Malabar Coast of southern India, along the Arabian Sea, lies a range of mountains known as the Western Ghats, or Sahyadris. Far more ancient than the larger and better-known Himalayas to the north, the Sahyadris harbour the most intact rainforests in peninsular India. Countless species of plants and animals live here, many of which are found nowhere else on earth, and countless of which are still being discovered. Matching this incredible biological richness is the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Western Ghats. This book takes you on a visual journey through one of the last great places on earth - a place to be cherished, a wild heritage to be preserved for generations to come.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Sahyadris is a brilliant merger of the seriousness of science with the beauty of art and is a compelling portrayal of one of our planet's biologically wealthiest and most threatened regions." --- Cristina Mittermeier, Executive Director - International league of Conservation Photographers

"No one can look at the book and not be entranced and emotionally connected. The combination of photography and text is superb and truly conveys the great diversity of life in both reality and spirit." --- George Schaller, Director for Science, Wildlife Conservation Society

About the Author

Well-known wildlife photographer and documentary filmmaker, Sandesh uses the power of imagery to expose the need for conservation and encourages protection of our planet's natural resources. Based at Gorgas Science Foundation and The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College, he has worked on various subjects ranging from cloud forests and endangered sea turtles in Mexico to rainforests and King cobras in the Western Ghats of southern India. His documentary Sahyadris: Mountains of the Monsoon, earned worldwide acclaim and an array of prestigious international awards, while drawing attention to one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots. He is an associate member of the International League of Conservation Photographers as well as a member on the board of Filmmakers For Conservation. Through his work, Sandesh hopes to harness the power of nature education as a catalyst for long-term change. His goal is to inspire his audience to protect and appreciate what remains of our wilderness.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment; 1st edition edition (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977021106
• ISBN-13: 978-0977021109
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 11 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,902,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

From behind his camera, Sandesh Kadur sees the world from a very different angle. His passion for wildlife sets him apart and has earned him worldwide respect as one of the most promising photographers and documentary filmmakers of his generation. Through the use of images both still and video, Sandesh exposes the need for conservation and encourages protection of the world's biodiversity.

Based at Gorgas Science Foundation and The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College, he has worked on various subjects ranging from cloud forests and endangered sea turtles in Mexico to rainforests and King cobras in the Western Ghats of southern India. Considered an "emissary for the Ghats", his documentary titled - Sahyadris: Mountains of the Monsoon earned worldwide acclaim and a slew of prestigious international documentary awards. These include a Special Award for Wildlife Conservation, a Gold REMI Award for Creative Excellence, a Merit Award for Cinematography, as well as a nomination for BBC's Green Oscar for Best Newcomer of the Year, among many others. In 2005 Sahyadris made its television premiere and was one of the highest rated shows on Discovery Channel India. He is an associate member of the International League of Conservation Photographers as well as a member on the board of Filmmakers For Conservation.

In 2009 Sandesh received an award for New Talent at the International Wildlife Film Festival in Missoula, Montana for his work in a BBC Natural World Program titled, Mountains of the Monsoon. Sandesh Kadur is the Director and co-founder of Felis Creations - a media and visual arts company based in Bangalore that focuses on creating content that inspires conservation. He makes his home in forests across the globe. Images, Sandesh feels, have the power to move people in a way nothing else can. And it is this power he hopes to harness through his work and inspire his audience to protect and appreciate what remains of our wilderness. True to his name, he brings the message of the richness and beauty of nature far beyond its boundaries.