Ghazally Ismail believes that education on the impacts of biodiversity loss needs to be taken up to a level where lay people could relate to before they begin to understand, love and eventually conserve biodiversity. Upon retirement from his academic career, Ismail wrote a book on monkeys and apes that he thinks most people within and outside Borneo could relate to.
An enthralling book on monkeys and apes of the rainforests, “Monkey Moments: Encounters in Rainforest Escapades” (published by Xlibris NZ) shares fascinating facts about several primate species narrated from experiential encounters in the wilderness of Borneo. It was written for not only students and scientists but also lay people, particularly those interested in nature and the future of wildlife species. Ismail also highlights the physical and behavioural adaptations of primates throughout the process. He also pleas to end deforestation and effectively halt man’s role in pushing monkeys and apes to the brink of extinction.
“This book is about a subject that is increasingly worrying the global community. It covers the subject of deforestation – the common cause of global warming and biodiversity loss. The responsibility to avert these two pending catastrophic outcomes must weigh heavy on everyone’s mind today. It needs to be addressed immediately before more plants and animal species disappear forever from planet Earth,” Ismail says.
When asked what he wants readers to take away from the book, Ismail answers, “To spread awareness of the threats facing primates in Borneo due to deforestation. I hope after reading this book they would become more sensitized to the issue, serious enough as to become committed advocates for saving and protecting these monkeys and apes. Let us give them back their homes. Let us start thinking globally and act locally throughout the globe.”
“Monkey Moments: Encounters in Rainforest Escapades”
By Ghazally Ismail
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 236 pages | ISBN 9781664107021
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 236 pages | ISBN 9781664107007
E-Book | 236 pages | ISBN 9781664107014
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Ghazally Ismail received his doctorate in microbiology and immunology in 1977 from Indiana University School of Medicine, USA. He has served as a professor at various universities in Malaysia and abroad. A prolific writer, he has published widely not only in his field of training but also in nature education and conservation. A consummate naturalist and an ardent environmental advocate, he finds himself in many interesting areas of conservation and research throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Besides writing, Ghazally goes off at a tangent for distraction and travels for fulfilment. He believes the world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.
