A guide to the world’s most spectacular mountain mammals released

Team L&M

WWF India’s headquarters at Lodhi Estate played host to an extraordinary gathering of conservationists, dignitaries, and wildlife enthusiasts for the launch of Mountain Mammals of the World (Penguin Random House), a monumental work by the esteemed Dr MK Ranjitsinh. The event was graced by Padma Vibhushan Dr Karan Singh, who also released the book. The foreword in the book is penned by the legendary conservationist Dr George Schaller, while the introduction is by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, all of which adds unparalleled significance to this literary masterpiece.

Dr. George Schaller while introducing the book says, “No one knows the array of large mountain mammals better than M.K. Ranjitsinh. We are so fortunate that he has assembled his information and insights as well as data from the available literature into this timely volume of Mountain Mammals of the World. It represents a unique legacy and is a contribution to the world’s wildlife which will help guide conservation programmes and stimulate an everlasting commitment to protecting these species. It also provides hope and a positive vision for a healthy and harmonious environment, which is of benefit to all living beings for generations to come.”

In his address, Dr. Karan Singh praised Dr Ranjitsinh’s work, saying, “This book will undoubtedly be his greatest work, destined to go down in history as a valuable encyclopaedia of information regarding mountain mammals. It’s an essential resource for anyone passionate about the natural world.”

Dr MK Ranjitsinh remarked, “There are only four large mountain mammal species in the whole of Africa and just two in the entire Andes Range of South America, the longest mountain chain in the world. I have seen six species in one day, in one nala in Changchenmo of Ladakh, and did not see the snow leopard and the Tibetan lynx, which I know are there.” He further emphasised, “What is unacceptable is that our mountains are so rich in biodiversity, and yet, let alone appreciate it, we don’t even know about them.”

Jigmey Jungney, Representative of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, highlighted the spiritual connection between humanity and nature, saying, “This book is not just a collection of words; it is a reflection of the author’s deep commitment to preserving the natural world. His Holiness Dalai Lama has always emphasised the interdependence between humans and nature, urging us to act as guardians of our beautiful environment.”

The Mountain Mammals of the World is an extensive compendium that brings to life 58 species and a total of 119 mountain mammal taxa from around the globe. The book is not only rich in information but is also visually captivating, with breathtaking photographs and maps that illustrate the distribution, behaviour, ecology, and status of each species. This work serves as a definitive guide to understanding some of the most spectacular animals on earth, set against the backdrop of the world’s most magnificent mountains.