Book Review: Marine Mammal Species of India

The charismatic marine mammals of Indian waters which include the majestic whales, intelligent dolphins and endearing sea cows are among the least known of the marine living resources. Lack of appropriate literature on identification, nature of their habitat and restrictions on their capture under Wild Life protection Act are some of the constraints faced by researchers studying these spectacular endangered animals. The recent publication of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, “Marine Mammal species of India” is packed with vital information on all the 26 species recorded in the Indian Seas. The Institute has been studying marine mammals since 1947 and particularly from 2003 to 2012 as a programme funded by Ministry of Earth Sciences