Jivanayakam Cyril Daniel | |
---|---|
Born | Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India | 9 July 1927
Died | 23 August 2011 Mumbai, India | (aged 84)
Known for | The Book of Indian Reptiles and A Century of Natural History and Conservation in Developing Countries |
Scientific career | |
Institutions | Bombay Natural History Society |
Jivanayakam Cyril Daniel (born Nagercoil, 9 July 1927 – died Mumbai, 23 August 2011), or J.C., as he was known,[1] was an Indian naturalist, and the author of several acclaimed books on birds, mammals, and reptiles.[2]
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 on 23 August 2011.
J.C. Daniel is commemorated in the scientific name of species of lizard, Bronchocela danieli.[4]