VANISHING TIGER - Tapa dura

From time immemorial, the tiger has been an object of great awe, reverence and superstition. Its strength and ferocity are proverbial and it has an overpowering presence. It is deeply interwoven in the ancient folklore and the mythology of a number of countries, where it is also a symbol of bravery. In India it is closely associated with a feared Hindu Goddess, Durga, the slayer of demons. Today its survival is in great jeopardy. In the last 100 years or so, from a population of around 100,000 tigers, hardly 6000 tigers remains in the world. Out of eight subspecies, three have become extinct in the last 60 years and in India, where 60 percent of the tiger population lives, their numbers have declined by 90 percent within the last century. This is due both to the practice of hunting this magnificent animal for sport, and to the erosion of its territory by farming, mining, resettlement and dam building. This wonderful book documents the history and the lifestyle of the tiger, with stunning photographs of the Bengal tiger taken in the wild, that have never before been published. It is a wonderful record of a species in danger, and will be essential reading for all those concerned about the future of the wildlife of our planet.

For time immemorial, the tiger has been an object of awe, reverence, and superstition. Its strength and ferocity are proverbial, its presence overpowering. Today, the tiger faces extinction. In the last century, it has dwindled from a population of 100,000 to barely 6,000. Out of eight subspecies, three have become extinct in the last 60 years. In India, where 60 percent of the tiger population lives, their numbers have declined by 90 percent within the last century. Now, The Vanishing Tiger offers a rare look at the history and way of life of an endangered animal. Featuring 200 color photos, this is an essential book for anyone concerned about the future of our planet’s wildlife. Vivek R. Sinha is a former Secretary to the Government of India. Now a professional photographer, he and his wife Arati have spent the last two decades photographing the tiger in the wild.