The authors wish to thank University Grants Commission (UGC),
Govt. of India as the idea expressed in the paper is obtained from the
primary field level visits while conducting a minor research project
granted by UGC to S. Paul. The authors are grateful to the staff of
the forest department including Range as well as Beat Officers and
Mr. A.K. Chakraborty, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Bankura (S) Division
in particular for providing us time-to-time assistance, suggestions and
co-operation in accessing the nook and corner of the Bankura forest.
It is to mention that an abstract of the earlier version of the paper
has been published in the proceedings of the 3rd Regional Symposium
on Environment and Natural Resources held on 5–6th August 2008 at
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The authors are also extremely grateful to
the comments made by two anonymous referees whose comments
have gone a long way in modifying the paper and making it more
comprehensive. We are also thankful to Professor A. Sen for undertaking
necessary proof corrections.