The Birdman of India
Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali, popularly known as Dr. Salim Ali was an Indian naturalist. He is also referred to as the ‘Birdman of India’ by many. He was born born into a Sulaimani Bohra family in Bombay (Mumbai) on 12 November 1896. Salim Ali was the first Indian scientist to carry out a methodical bird survey throughout his country. He authored several books on birds, which popularized ornithology in India. After 1947 he became a key person behind the Bombay Natural History Society. Salim Ali also utilized his personal influence to derive support from the Government for his organization, establishment of the Bharatpur bird sanctuary, and for preventing destruction of a mega ecosystem, presently known as the Silent Valley National Park. Salim Ali, along with American ornithologist Sidney Dillon Ripley wrote and published the landmark ten volume Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan in series. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1958 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1976 by th