Visible No More: Ranjit Lal's latest book on rare animals

                                       

Children's author and champion of big and small animals, Ranjit Lal,  shares his thoughts on his latest nonfiction book from Duckbill-10 Indian Animals You May Never Again See In The Wild.

1.You have been writing about animals for the past few decades. What visible change in perceptions do you see in children then and now?

I hope children are more sensitive and aware that animals too exist in the world and are vital to its functioning. Usually, it's the parents (my generation and even later) that are the problem: 'kaatega'! it will bite, don't touch or pet it..., if you don't eat your food it will eat you!'

2.Which of the ten animals mentioned in the book can be brought back from the brink of extinction?

Hopefully all, though the prognosis for the bustard, Ganges river dolphin look very bleak indeed. The bigger, more 'charismatic' animals - rhinos and lions for example have the best chance because of all the publicity they get (and revenues they generate.) Few care for say, vultures in the same way…

3. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the future of animals?

Government policy. It still sees nature as a major adversary against 'development' (or as they say, 'development'!)

4.  You have written about creatures on land, air and water. Which ones remain your favourite?

Difficult to say, because I like them for different (and not-comparable) reasons. Vultures for their flight, rhinos for their baby faces and bad tempers...etc!

5.10 Indian Animals is written in an article format. Were these pieces previously published in a newspaper? Did you write them fresh after the brief was given to you?

Well, the facts pertaining to most of the animals remain the same. I updated them as far as I could and wrote the pieces fresh to broadly fit a template I had made for them.

6. There is a subtle humour in all the books you write.  Are you a humorous person? Does adding humour in your writing come naturally to you?

Heck, what's life without a laugh? You want to drown in doom and gloom and being miserable all the time? And then write about it!!

7.Environmentalist, author, newspaper columnist...What new avatars do you aspire for? Are you happy with the way your writing career is going?

Haven't thought about this 'avatar' business. I just write stories and articles and books based on subjects and issues that are of interest to me. These could include 'saving' the environment, and gorgeous gas guzzling cars!!

 To buy a copy of Ranjit Lal's  click here.

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