Ecophysiology of Desert Vertebrates

Authors: P.K. Ghosh & I. Prakash
Publisher: Scientific Publishers
Language: English
Edition: 1st Edition
ISBN: 9788185046815
Pages: 475
Size: 5 x 8 inches
Weight: 600 gms
Binding: Hardbound
Year of Publication: 1988
Book Type: Reference Book

Overview:
Small mammals, including rodents and insectivores, make up 31.18% of the total mammal species found in India. Despite their abundance, this significant group has received little attention from ecologists. Rajasthan, with its unique geomorphological features, provides an ideal setting for studying these species. The Aravalli mountain range divides the state into arid and semi-arid zones, while the southern and southeastern regions host a variety of rock systems.

This pioneering book is the first of its kind in India to comprehensively cover small mammals across the entire state of Rajasthan. It explores various aspects of their ecology, including habitat preference, feeding behavior, home range, activity patterns, reproductive behavior, and biochemical communication. The book also delves into the physiology of small mammals living in desert and hilly terrains, making it a valuable resource for understanding their survival strategies in harsh environments.

In addition to the ecological studies, the book includes a detailed zoogeography of small mammals in Rajasthan and examines how faunistic composition has changed due to the introduction of canal and tube-well irrigation.

This reference book will be immensely useful for students, researchers, and educators in the fields of Ecology, Zoology, and Environmental Science.