As history goes, the story of humans is best understood and told through the stories of the co-inhabitants of planet Earth. This is what evolutionists did. This is what wildlife writers did. This is also what Dr. Biswajit Mohanty has attempted to do in real-time.
The book offers in-depth looks at conservation, focusing on species survival, human-wildlife conflict, and environmental ethics. He shares his personal experiences in the field, detailing the struggles and successes of protecting endangered species. His narratives highlight lesser-known species, providing a mix of riveting, research-backed stories and personal, passionate accounts of nature exploration. The book reminds me of Gerald Durrell and his writings. Like Durrell, Biswajit too makes regular expeditions to Odisha’s wild interiors. I have had the privilege to accompanying him on a few such adventures, studying, documenting and photographing the denizens in distress.
When head and heart are in sync, magic happens. Almost before you start reading Riddle of the Ridleys, the blurb from an eminent wildlife expert jumps out at you: “ the sheer intensity of the author’s involvement, which makes the wilderness truly come alive and goes to make the book an absorbing read from the beginning till the end.”
The Photos by Soumitra Ghosh are mind blowing. He has the technical skill, patience, and creative vision to capture the essence of animals in their natural habitat. The simple pencil sketches by Hitesh Seth are another visual attraction of the book.
This book goes beyond nature conservation, human arrogance, and development and delves into the realm of species loss.
I have read this extremely well-written, well-crafted book twice. More than the species he writes about, Riddle of the Ridleys reveals dark truths about ourselves, the naked apes who have been gifted power with little experience and next to no accountability.
The book raises some interesting questions about the interplay between humans and wildlife, both in creating problems and as positive forces for change. The stories provide examples of hope, that despite the threats to our wildlife, there are things we can do to help. Highly recommended wildlife stories with a message about caring for nature.
The Book is available on Flipkart and other e-commerce sites.
Book Reviewed by Shri Anil Dhir, Author and Historian
