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J. C. Daniel (naturalist)

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Jivanayakam Cyril Daniel
Born(1927-07-09)9 July 1927
Died23 August 2011(2011-08-23) (aged 84)
Mumbai, India
Known forThe Book of Indian Reptiles and A Century of Natural History and Conservation in Developing Countries
Scientific career
InstitutionsBombay Natural History Society

Jivanayakam Cyril Daniel (9 July 1927 – 23 August 2011), or J. C., as he was known,[1] was an Indian naturalist from Nagercoil, and the author of several acclaimed books on birds, mammals, and reptiles.[2]

Life and work

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Influenced early in his life by Sálim Ali, he had a long association with the Bombay Natural History Society, where he served as a curator from 1950, and was then its first director. After retirement in 1991, he was elected an Honorary Member and was also its Honorary Secretary.[citation needed]

His books include The Book of Indian Reptiles and A Century of Natural History and Conservation in Developing Countries. He co-authored Indian Wildlife – Insight Guides Lion Section. He revised Ali's Book of Indian Birds for its 12th edition, published in 1996.[3]

He was also executive editor of the society's journal and the initiator of the Hornbill magazine.[citation needed]

He was diagnosed with cancer and died in Mumbai on 23 August 2011.

Legacy

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J. C. Daniel is commemorated in the scientific name of species of lizard, Bronchocela danieli.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "J.C. Daniel: Naturalist extraordinaire". Sanctuary Asia Interviews. April 2000. Archived from the original on 17 May 2008. Retrieved 20 April 2007.
  2. ^ "Conservationist JC Daniel dies of cancer". The Times of India. 25 August 2011. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  3. ^ Ali, Salim; J.C. Daniel (1983). The Book of Indian Birds, Twelfth Centenary Edition. New Delhi: Bombay Natural History Society/Oxford University Press.
  4. ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. ("Daniel, J.C.", p. 65).