ON THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION - A - THE TIGER (Panthera tigris)

[peter]

TIGERS IN NORTHERN INDIA AND NEPAL - PART I


a - Introduction

A year ago or so, I posted on 'Jungle trails in northern India' (Sir John Hewett, London, 1938). The posts included a few tables I had made. Guate also made a table with measurements and weights and got to different conclusions. A bit strange. For this reason, I decided to give it another try. In the last weeks, I read Hewett's book again and made new tables.

Almost a year ago, I bought 'Big game shooting in Nepal' (A.E. Smythies, Calcutta, 1942). This book is much sought after and, for this reason, very expensive (I paid hundreds of dollars for it). Initially, I wanted to use it for the book I'm writing, but later I changed my mind. The reason is the book of Smythies, loaded with information, is out of print, expensive and difficult to find. Not many of those interested will get a chance to read it, that is. Not good.

The internet should be a place to share information. This will allow those interested in a certain topic to read, learn and communicate about things of interest. Sharing information should result in more knowledge for all, irrespective of status, age and money too. This is what was intended and this is how it will be. At least, in this forum.  

Some of you could take it for granted, but it isn't. Not anymore. Ask Snowdon. He sacrificed a career because he wanted to inform the public (which was much appreciated), knowing there would be consequences. There were. As far as I know, he's still in Moscow, Russia.    

Some of you may remember that the book of Smythies was discussed some time ago. WaveRiders wasn't too impressed. Although I agree with most of the points he made, it can't be denied that the book has a lot of information on the length of tigers in Nepal. I made a few tables and they will be posted. Here's a scan of the title page:  
  

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