Leopard Moon Rising: Distant views of India

British conservationist Laurence Rose traveled to India to hear stories of indigenous peoples' special relationships with wildlife, such as the Warli people in Mumbai and the Maldhari pastoralists in Gujarat. He discovered that even the tiger is revered as much as it is feared and observed the devastating effect of the Asian vulture crisis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Gritstone Publishing

British conservationist Laurence Rose embarked on a journey to India, eager to hear captivating stories that are seldom shared. His mission was to delve into the unique relationships that indigenous communities have with the wildlife surrounding them, offering a firsthand account of their extraordinary interactions. Among the communities he encountered was the Warli people, who reside in the urban forests of Mumbai. These resilient individuals employ ancient art practices and traditional dance as powerful tools to protest against forest destruction and encroachment. Their harmonious coexistence with some of the world's most dangerous animals, such as leopards in Mumbai and endangered Asiatic lions in Gujarat's Gir forest, is a testament to their resilience and understanding of nature's delicate balance.

Rose's exploration delved into the values and practicalities that govern life among India's majestic big cats. He discovered that even the feared tiger is revered and holds significant cultural importance. Along his journey, he witnessed the devastating impact of the Asian vulture crisis, which has resulted in the tragic loss of over 100 million birds in just ten years. The human cost of this crisis is only beginning to be fully understood, with the effects on certain communities hidden from official view.

India, known for its pioneering conservation principles established by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, faces significant challenges in upholding these edicts. Rapid economic growth, population expansion, infrastructure development, and the spread of mining and agriculture pose threats to the country's natural heritage. However, ancient cultural aspects hold strong beliefs that regard such assaults on nature as anathema. Laurence Rose, as an outsider, recognized the importance of understanding the interplay between traditional culture and contemporary values when addressing these environmental challenges.

In conclusion, Laurence Rose's journey to India shed light on the remarkable relationships between indigenous communities and wildlife. Through his firsthand experiences and observations, he highlighted the devastating impact of human activities on nature and emphasized the need for a harmonious balance between traditional culture and contemporary values. The Warli people, with their ancient art practices and traditional dance, serve as an inspiration for others to protect and preserve the natural world. The Asian vulture crisis serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address the environmental challenges facing our planet, and the roles of both traditional culture and contemporary values in finding sustainable solutions.

Weight: 190g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913625047