Abstract:

In  this  dossier  the  focus  is  on  the  Jarawas  of  the  Andaman  Islands,  who  represent  a small  but  extremely  important group. Their locale has had a history of many centuries,  which has  intersected  with  the  colonial  presence,  independent  India,  other  indigenous  groups and  much else. Fundamental is the incomparable richness of the diversity of their lands, of botanical species, species of fauna, not to speak of the richness of marine life in the waters that surround  the  islands,  fringed  by  coral  reefs,  sea grass beds and shoals. The  articles  in  this  volume  present  details  of  the  richness of the area, the diversity and the importance  of the  flora,  fauna  and  aquatic  life.  These articles are intended to be an eye-openers for those who are conscious of the threat to many of these species. This discourse is educative  in recognizing  that  the  Jarawa  and  their  livelihoods  are  commensurable  with  high biological  diversity  and  ecological balances.