1. LIFE AND WORK Of SALIM ALI Shokit Amin Poswal School of Basic and Applied Sciences. CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF PUNJAB,10 April 2014 1

2. SALIM ALI Name:- Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali. Birth:- 12 November, 1896. Born In: Khetwadi, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Parents: Moizuddin and Zeenat-un-nissa. Guardians: Amiruddin Tyabji and Hamida Begum. Family:-Sulaimani Bohra Muslim family. Nationality:- Indian. Profession:-Ornithologist and Naturalist. Awards:- Padma bhushan, Padma Vibhushan Known as:- "Birdman of India" Source: The Times Of India Group (BCCL) Dated:- 01/01/197510 April 2014 2 3. FIRST STEP First prize: Our Animal Friends. Interested in books on hunting. Encouraged by foster-father Amiruddin Tyabji. Yellow-throated Sparrow (Petroia xanthocollis) event (1908) as the turning point. Salim was introduced to the serious study of birds by W. S. Millard, secretary of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). Journey of collection and study begins. Source: comics book written by Amar Source: J.M.Garg , 22 March 2007 10 April 2014 3 4. FIRST NOTE ON BIRDS BEHAVIOUR First note Salim Ali made concerned to a hunting experience at Khetwadi stable. Observation made was on a female sparrow. First behavioural study. After 60 year it was published in Newsletter for Birdwatchers more or less in its original form. 10 April 2014 Source: The illustrated weekly of India, July 14, 1985 4 5. EDUCATION Primary: Bible and Medical Mission Girls High School at Girgaum. Matriculation: Bombay University (1913). Left studies and went to Burma. Returned to India (1917) he decided to continue formal studies. Commercial law and accountancy at Davar's College of Commerce. B.Sc Zoology: at St. Xavier's College. (under Prof. J.P.Mullan and Prof E. Blatter). Special Training: Berlin University Zoological Museum, Prof. Ervin Stresemann http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v411/n6834 /images/411136ab.0.jpg Prof. Ervin Stresemann Source: http://www.mu.ac.in/ Bombay University 5 6. Babur 1526-30 Recognise similarity between Quail (Coturnix ypsilophora) of India and Central Asia. Akbar 1556-1605 Drongo, Dicrurus paradiseus. A convincing mimic, Capture notes of other animals . Jahangir 1605-1627 Hatching of Sarus crane (Grus antigone) eggs. A O Hume 1873-1899 Edited a highly popular journal Stray Feathers Stopped after 11 volumes. Dharma kumarsinhji (1952) The ecology of Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps). Book Birds of Saurashtra (1954) Dr. Salim Ali 1896-1987 His editing save the JBNHS, one of the premier journals on natural history of Southeast Asia. Wrote many books on birds. ORNITHOLOGY IN INDIA 10 April 2014 6 7. INTERESTS Salim Ali have a passion about studying birds in detail. Salim Ali had interests in playing cricket and hunting. Fascinated by motorcycles having Sunbeam, Harley-Davidsons (three models), and others. Ali was not very interested in the systematics and taxonomy of birds. His interest was in studing "living bird in their natural environment." 10 April 2014 http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/vintage-cars-classics- india/264491d1263372293-nostalgic-automotive-pictures-including-our- familys-cars-salim-ali-.jpg 7 8. SALIM ALIS WIFE TEHMINA Dec. 1918, Salim Ali married Tehmina, a learned scholar from England. Tehmina help him to improve his English prose. Bird watcher and his script editor . In 1939, Tehmina died suddenly after minor surgery. Her death was one of the greatest tragic experiences of Salim Ali, but, perhaps it drove him deeper into the world of birds. source:Thattekad Bird Sanctuary photographs The Black-rumped Flameback Woodpecker, first collected in Kerala by Ali, is named after his wife, Tehmina Dinopium benghalense tehminae. 10 April 2014 Source: The fall of a sparrow 8 9. As guide lecturer In 1926, he took assignment as guide lecturer at Prince of Wales Museum for Rs 350 a month. Dealing with blind students of the Victoria Jubilee School for the Blind. 10 April 2014 Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4e/Salim_Ali_1927.jpg 9 10. SINGLE EVENT WITH GREATEST PLEASURE His work on nesting habit of baya weavers (Ploceus megarhynchus salimali). Done after his return from Germany 1931. He and his wife moved to Kihim, a coastal village near Mumbai. Study the breeding of the Baya Weaver and discovered their mating system of sequential polygamy. http://www.manojcsindagi.in/gallery/main.php10 April 2014 10 11. Literary career Salim Ali was a prominent writer, he penned number of books, scientific studies, and research papers. Books Handbook of the Birds of India & Pakistan (1964-1974). Common Indian Birds (1968). Hamare Parichit Pakshee (1969). Bird Study in India (1979). The Great Indian Bustard (1982). A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent with Dillon Ripley, Bombay: OUP (1983) The Fall of a Sparrow (1985). The Book of Indian Birds (1996). Source: In company of birds 10 April 2014 11 12. THE BOOK OF INDIAN BIRDS A wise old Chinese proverb One picture is worth 10,000 words In 1941, with 56 coloured plates depicting 296 species Birds described in term of size, distribution, habits, food and nesting. http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-BOOK-OF-INDIAN-BIRDS-SALIM- ALI-1972-Bombay-Natural-History-Society-/251299290013 10 April 2014 12 13. Terminology of Birds parts and plumage Source: The book of indian birds by Salim Ali. 10 April 2014 13 14. Dillon Ripley & Salim Ali Dillon Ripley (Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution from 1964 to 1984) is a close friend of Salim Ali, They are joint authors of Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan" published in 1964 - 1974. This book has 10 volumes describing more then 2000 birds species and sub-species of indian subcontinent. This book laid the foundation of indian bird life. Source: In the company of birds S. Dillon Ripley & Salim Ali 10 April 2014 Source:http://www.nhbs.com/handbook_of_the_bird s_of_india_and_pakistan_tefno_17355.html 14 15. MEASUREMENTS Under museum diagnosis the measurements given for wing, bill, tarsus and tail by this standard method. Wing:- Carpal joint to longest feather. Bill:-By help of divider with one end at culmen and other at tip of beak. Tarsus:- Knee joint to base of middle toe. Tail:- End of body to tip of longest feather. 10 April 2014 Standard method of measuring birds Source: Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan15 16. THE FALL OF A SPARROW Salim record his evolution from a young school boy to a celebrated ornithologist. It contains memorable bits about Salims life, his influences, his travels and his activities. The journey in search of some bird, Afghanistan, Flamingo city, and Bharatpur. The entertainment value of bird watching. 10 April 2014 Ali, Salim. The Fall of A Sparrow. Delhi: OUP, 1985. 16 17. SYSTEMATIC BIRD SURVEYS The places where he did Surveys 1.Burma(Myanmar) 2.Dehra Dun(Uttarakand) 3.Travancore(Kerela) 4.Bahawalpur(Pakistan) 5.Eastern Himalayan 6.Afganisthan 7.Tibet 8.Kutch Wrote Regional Guides of many regions. 10 April 2014 17 18. Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus Most colourful bird identified and studied by Salim Ali. Described as a "bird with a play of colours". Generally silent. Trogon is known for its musical calls. 10 April 2014 18 Source:: http://ibc.lynxeds.com/files/pictures/MalabarTrogon4528.jpg 19. Great Indian Bustard S. Name : Ardeotis nigriceps Salim Ali strongly pushed the case of the Great Indian Bustard to be choosed as the national bird of India. In 1981, Dr Salim Ali assessed the deteriorating status of the great Indian bustard. Book The Great Indian Bustard 1982. The Bombay Natural History Society embarked on a five-year project to study the ecology and distribution of the Great Indian Bustard. 10 April 2014 Source: http://iago80.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/img_2158.jpg 19 20. BIRDS MIGRATION Birds migration a fascinating subject to Salim Ali. Bharatpur sanctuary is the focal point of BNHS for migration studies which Salim Ali directed during his tenure. Nearly 250 species are recorded there including Sibarian crane, duck, geese and other birds. Salim Ali at Bharatpur sanctuary 10 April 2014 Every winter the Siberians cranes, and thousands of ducks, geese and other birds come to Bharatpur escape the bitter cold of Siberia and central Asia, from here many migrant dispersed to other part of India. 20 Source: In company of birds. 21. Methodology The best way to study the birds migration is by ringing the birds. Collection. Particulars of each birds are recoded. Marked with aluminium rings. The serial number is informed to BNHS. When ever the bird is found dead or alive the finder communicates the details to the society. In this way the bird route and destination are determined. 10 April 2014 https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Que5- 91ABE0/TXf1h9G0abI/AAAAAAAAAFc/VYk06vMXZNk/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/Alcippe_cinerea_1.jpg 21 22. 10 April 2014 Migration study of Anas crecca. Commonly known as: Teal Study Area: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary Financial assistance: WHO Method: Ringing and recovery. Areas of Recovery: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan on one side and Russian Territories on other. OBSERVATIONS They cross Himalaya during migratory journey. Teals are common visitor of Indian subcontinent from august to april (Ali and Ripley, 1974) http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Common _Teal_(Anas_crecca)_near_Hodal,_Haryana_W_IMG_6512.jpg 22 23. RECOVERY OF BIRDS Number of birds recovered in Russian territories and India had Striking difference. More birds were recovered from Russian territories. Possible reasons: Illiteracy and unawareness. Keeping rings as mementos of duck shooting days. Delay in postal services. Illegal shooting without licence. Wildlife Protection Act 1972.10 April 2014 23 24. IN SEARCH OF BIRDS In January 1974, Ali visited Great Rann of Kutch to discover breeding ground of lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor). Some 70 km on camel back over slippery wet mud. Found few lesser flamingo among herds of greater flamingo. Suspection has been proved when found with chicks and nests. First authentic record of their breeding in Indian sub-continent. 10 April 2014 Source: The illustrated weekly of India, July 14, 1985 Source: Bulletin of the IUCN-SSC/Wetlands International, 2011.24 25. 1953: Awarded with Joy Gobinda Law Gold Medal by Asiatic Society of Bengal. 1958: Received doctorate degree from AMU. 1958: Honored with Padma Bhushan Award. 1970: Bestowed with Sunder Lal Hora Memorial Medal. 1973: Received honorary doctorate from Delhi University 1976: Conferred upon with Padma Vibhushan Award. 1978: Received honorary doctorate from Andhra University. 1986: Received honorary doctorate from Kerala Agriculture University. 10 April 2014 AWARDS 25 26. MOMENTS WITH BNHS Salim Ali ensured the survival of BNHS by seeking help from J L Nehru. Dr. Salim Ali was the Society's first Indian Honorary Secretary and also served as its President. Conservation of nature, primarily biological diversity, through actions, based on research, education and awareness. 10 April 2014 Source: http://www.mumbainet.com/travel/images/bnhs.jpg 26 27. SALIM ALI VIEW ON BIRD SANCTURIES People expect a bird sanctuary like a glorified zoo, they dont realize that a sanctuary is merely a conserved natural habitat where birds will come if assured of adequate food, protection and nesting facilities 10 April 2014 27 28. SALIM ALI THE NATIONAL FIGURE SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology) in Coimbatore. Salim Ali Bird Interpretation Centre at Kuriarkutty, Kerala. Salim Ali National Park in Srinagar, Kashmir. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Panjim, Goa. A K Mehrotra in his illustrated History of Indian English Literature, praises him as Salim is a sort of writer, whose accounts of people are no less interesting than those of birds. 10 April 2014 28 29. Dr. Salim Ali National Wildlife Fellowship Award National Wildlife Fellowship Award for Research/Experimental projects on avian wildlife (1995) by Ministry of Environment and Forest. A commemorate to Salim Ali and Inspiration for younger generations aimed at conservation and development of the rich wildlife heritage of our country. The fellowship amount is Rs. 20000/- per month and the contingency amount from Rs. 18000/- per annum to Rs. 1,00,000/- per annum, for a period of two years. In case, the Awardee is an employee, he/she is entitled to avail the Fellowship awards along with the salary benefits and other allowances. Only Indian citizens are eligible for the awards. The Dr. Salim Ali National Wildlife Fellowship Award is given in an odd numbered year. Source: http://moef.nic.in 10 April 2014 29 30. CONCLUSION Salim Ali scaled new heights in the field of ornithology and, with his matchless dedication, left behind works of epic dimensions. He left his family business under the influence of curiosity for nature and started journey with a pair of binocular, a notebook, a pencil and an ample stock of patience and dedication. Which shape him into The Grand Old Man of Indian Ornithology. Today if one can identify or differentiate between two birds, it is all because his accurately illustrated reader friendly birds books. He contributed enormously to the development of Indian Ornithology. 10 April 2014 30 31. References Ali, S. (1931). The Nesting habits of the Birds of India. Bombay Nat. His. Soc. 34 (4) : 947 - 964 Ali Salim & Humayun Abdulali (1941): The Birds of Bombay And Salsette. Prince of Wales Museum (Natural History Section), Bombay. Ali, S. & Whistler, Hugh (1943). The Birds of Mysore. Bombay Nat. His. Soc. 44 (2): 206- 220. Ali, Salim (1979): Bird Study in India: Its History and its Importance. Oxford University Press, New Delhi. Ali, Salim(1979): The Book of Indian Birds. Bombay Natural History Society & Oxford University Press, New Delhi. Ali, S. & Ripley, D. (1983): A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Bombay Natural History Society & Oxford University Press, New Delhi. Ali, S. & Ripley, S. D. (1983). Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Compact ed. Oxford University Press, New Delhi. 10 April 2014 31 32. Ali, S. (1985). The Fall of Sparrow. Oxford University Press, New Delhi. Ali,Salim (1996): The Book of Indian Birds.( 12th and enlarged centenary edition) Bombay Natural History Society & Oxford University Press, New Delhi. Mehrotra, A.K. ( 2003) An Illustrated History Of Indian English Literature. Permanent Black Publications, New Delhi. [MOEF] Ministry of external affairs. 27th March, 2014. Date of access: 27thMarch, 2014. 10 April 2014 32 33. Nandy, Pritish (1985). In search of the Mountain Quail. The Illustrated weekly of India. 107(10): 8-17 Ripley, S.D. (1961). A synopsis of the birds of India and Pakistan together with those of Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Ceylon. (1st ed), Bombay Natural History Society, Bombay, India. Ripley, S. Dillon (1982): A Synopsis of Birds of India and Pakistan. Bombay Natural History Society, Bombay. Shyamal, L. (2007) Taking Indian ornithology into the Information Age. Indian Birds.3(4):122-127 [TBI] Tata Building India. 27th March, 2014. Date of access: 27thMarch, 2014. 10 April 2014 33 34. 10 April 2014 34