Wildlife Conservation Society - India https://india.wcs.org RSS feeds for Wildlife Conservation Society - India 60 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/22106/Conservation-in-the-Land-of-Hunters#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=22106 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22106&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Conservation in the Land of Hunters https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/22106/Conservation-in-the-Land-of-Hunters By Robin Eastment Nagaland is a region as rural as can be. Such regions, most often than not, have two things in common. They are “underdeveloped” and “highly biodiverse”. In the case of Nagaland, on one hand it is the 10th poorest state in India, with 25% of its population classified as “multi-dimensionally poor” as per the Niti Aayog. On the other hand, it is part of two Biodiversity Hotspot Regions, The Eastern Himalayas and The Indo-Myanmar. 73.90% of its lands are under forest cover. Increasingly, such biodiverse-rich regions are rapidly losing their natural heritage. Declining wildlife and fragmented forests have been the outcome of extensive human activity, that in many cases are deemed necessary for regions such as Nagaland to keep pace with a rapidly developing India. Nsenlo Village, Peren District-Nagaland  The Nagaland landscape is critical in that it connects the forests of Northeastern India to those in Myanmar.  Through these ‘corridors’ pass Elephants and the occasional Tiger. As Tiger populations increase in the neighboring Parks of Assam, such as the Kaziranga and Orang, these landscapes may eventually host Tiger populations of the future. However, the availability and abundance of prey populations, and habitats to support them, are visible roadblocks to this fantastic vision.   The Hunter -Warrior People  The Nagas, an Indo-Asiatic people, form more than 20 tribes, as well as numerous subtribes, each assigned a specific geographic distribution. Although customs might differ from one tribe to another, a common Naga trait is that they are a proud ethnic community and prolific hunters. The preference for bush meat also aids and abets the culture of hunting. Despite a decline in its traditional methods, hunting remains a contemporary practice.  The Konyaks, the largest Naga tribe, epitomise the Hunter-Warrior Spirit. What sets them apart from the rest of the tribes is their fierce headhunting history. They practiced this up until the 1960’s, but gradually gave it up as the Indian Government banned this practice. The unique conservation potential of Nagaland Nagaland is the only state in India where Article 371-A of the Indian Constitution applies. Article 371-A bestows special powers and privileges on the Naga people and their customs. No act of Parliament can be used to govern Nagaland when it comes to the subject of customary laws. This grants a large degree of autonomy to its tribal communities and institutions to function on traditional laws & customs. 88% of land in Nagaland is community/private owned and overseen by village councils, district councils and other traditional institutions.  Traditional laws and customs govern these lands.  There are records of Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) being declared in Nagaland in the early 1800s. Community Conserved Areas are community owned forest lands voluntarily conserved by local communities. It has been documented that one-third of Nagaland’s villages have constituted CCAs, covering more than 1,700 km2, and as many as 82% of 407 CCAs enforce various regulations for conservation, with varying degrees of effectiveness. Intanki National Park  The singular National Park in Nagaland, Intanki is at the centre of the conservation challenge in Nagaland. As populations and aspirations around its fringes rise, its habitat viability sinks. To counter this challenge, a team from WCS-India is mobilizing communities around the Landscape. The project’s long-term approach is to establish an incentive-based model to encourage local communities to partner effectively with conservation projects. Through investments in community and livelihood assets, the project aims to position “conservation action” as opportunities for local communities to reap tangible benefits in lieu of their collaboration.  The conservation goal of the project is to support Village Councils to revive and strengthen traditional conservation measures. These could include designating or re-designating CCA’s, formalizing regulations and organizing the enforcement of regulations. This would then lead to formations of “collectives”, where a number of villages get together to conserve large tracts of contiguous co-owned forest lands. Regulations and enforcement of regulations are matters that, in ideal scenarios, would evolve organically. Therefore, the objective of the project is to enable community ownership. Hence, 22 talented individuals from within the community have been employed and assigned key planning and implementation roles in the ongoing Project. The Project is a part of the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Program (ITHCP-Phase II)*   Paperwork! Youth Partners in Pellhang Village noting down details for the Project’s Livelihood Program  There are examples of such conservation collectives spread across Nagaland. The Pauna Range Conservation Committee is a consortium of 24 villages formed to safeguard the integrity of a 30 km2 forest landscape. Similarly, the Nanga Greener Zone Committee was jointly established by 14 villages to protect the Nanga River and its peripheral forests from degradation.  A view of the Mount Pauna Forest.   Community members from the Intanki Landscape have visited and interacted with both communities mentioned above to understand the challenges and opportunities of the collective community. If there is support for these communities to undertake similar initiatives, there is hope that Nagaland and Intanki will continue to be viable habitats for a host of wildlife. *The Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) is an initiative implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and funded by German Cooperation via KfW Development Bank, which contributes to the global effort to double tiger numbers in the wild by 2022 by supporting landscape level conservation work benefiting species, communities and habitats. Coordinated actions, enhancing conservation skills, developing new livelihoods and improving governance and infrastructure are delivering results in terms of better protected tigers across these landscapes. About the author: Robin Eastment is a Program Manager at WCS-India. He has been associated with the Conservation Industry for 17 years now and has had the privilege of working with Bodo, Santhal, Adivasi, Nepali, Assamese, and currently Naga communities on matters related to conservation and community benefits thereof.     Fri, 08 Mar 2024 09:57:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22106 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/22074/Traditional-Knowledge-of-Coastal-Communities-in-Maharashtra#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=22074 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22074&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Traditional Knowledge of Coastal Communities in Maharashtra https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/22074/Traditional-Knowledge-of-Coastal-Communities-in-Maharashtra By Shubham Mandavgane Introduction  In August 2022, an indigenous tribe from the Amazon rainforest went extinct. The man, whose nickname came from the holes he regularly dug in the ground, was the last living member of an uncontacted Indigenous tribe, the rest of whom were killed by ranchers. His death marks the tragic extinction of people along with their language, culture, beliefs, survival techniques, and much more. One more thing that went extinct, which is perhaps the most important, is the rich and vast knowledge of that tribe. Knowledge about their forest, ecosystems, and survival, or Traditional Knowledge or Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), was an emblem of their hundred or perhaps thousand-year-old history.  TEK held by communities is of profound significance in numerous ways. Firstly, it embodies the wisdom and accumulated understanding of indigenous and local communities about their environment, often spanning generations. This holistic knowledge encompasses the biological aspects of ecosystems and the cultural, spiritual, and social dimensions intertwined with them. TEK is a valuable repository of sustainable practices, helping communities adapt and thrive in their surroundings while conserving biodiversity. This also includes taboos and totems, customs and rituals, rules and regulations, metaphors and proverbs, traditional protected areas (social institutions), local knowledge of plants, animals and landscapes, and resource management systems.  Local communities and their role in conservation  Local communities heavily depend on natural resources for their lives and livelihoods. These communities establish and adhere to traditional laws and regulations to prevent environmental harm. For instance, restrictions may be imposed on harvesting certain animals or plants during their breeding season, and there may be stringent guidelines on using only mature plants for medicinal purposes, excluding younger ones. From the above examples, it is clear that local communities profoundly understand their surrounding ecosystems, encompassing flora, fauna, and natural resources. This knowledge, transmitted orally through traditions and practices, encompasses effective resource management, biodiversity conservation, and adaptation to environmental changes. Thus, involving local communities in conservation ensures active participation and stewardship from those who have coexisted with their environment for generations. This collaborative approach recognises that successful conservation necessitates a combination of scientific understanding and wisdom derived from traditional ecological knowledge.  Usually, TEK is considered to be knowledge belonging to the tribes living in a forest. However, local communities living in the coastal area of Maharashtra have an equally rich heritage and knowledge, which is not only about marine life but also about rich forests around the area they inhabit or use for their sustenance.  Coastal Maharashtra and Communities  The western coast of India is a picturesque stretch of pristine beaches, lush greenery, and a treasure trove of traditional knowledge passed down through generations. The coastal region of Maharashtra, also known as the Konkan region, is a coastal strip of land on the western coast of India, stretching from the state of Maharashtra to the southern part of the state of Karnataka. This region is characterised by its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance. It encompasses the coastal areas along the Arabian Sea, between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The major portion of the Konkan region is in the state of Maharashtra, extending from Mumbai to the state's southern border. It also includes smaller portions in the northern part of Goa and the southern part of Karnataka. Kokan region boasts a rich tapestry of coastal communities that have cultivated an intimate relationship with their natural surroundings. Maharashtra has various fishing communities, among which the Koli community is predominant and considered fishermen.  Illustration of Rapan fishing  Konkan region in Maharashtra, the traditional fishing practice known as Rapan, is a classic example of how traditional knowledge is used in daily activities. The term applies to this fishing method and the net itself. It is a laborious affair requiring the engagement of about 20-25 people at a time. The boats used for this type of fishing are made from Undal, Moy and Mango trees. Undal wood has a unique characteristic; the wood has natural plasticity, and on heating, it can be bent to make a boat. This boat is used without any engine. Rather, 20-25 people (Rapankar) use wooden slabs to push the boat into the water, and natural cashew oil is used to reduce the friction between the boat and the slabs. A large-sized net is then cast near the seashore manually and pulled back to the shore again manually with the help of wooden poles.     Images showing Matoli  Ganpati festival is the most beloved festival in Maharashtra. Matoli is an ethnobotanical representation of the seasonal biodiversity, which transmits the traditional knowledge of local flora. Matoli is used as decoration in the Ganpati festival in Konkan and Goa; it is a wooden frame that forms a canopy above the idol of Ganpati. More than 400 rare medicinal plants and fruits like Kaundal, Kangla, Ain fruit, Nagla, Harna, and Sharwada (scientific names to be added), to name a few, are used in the decoration which represents rich cultural and traditional knowledge of the Konkan region.  Promoting participatory conservation in coastal Maharashtra   TEK of coastal communities may be crucial for scientific research, offering insights and methods that complement and expand the understanding of ecosystems. Moreover, it is pivotal in fostering cultural identity and pride, connecting communities to their heritage and traditions. An excellent example is the sea turtle conservation efforts on the Maharashtra coast. In the early stages of these activities, knowledge and techniques for finding the exact spot of the nest were acquired with the help of local people in the area. These locals were originally hunters who consumed and sold sea turtle eggs. Conservationists used this knowledge, which was developed over the years, to empower conservation activities. Over a period of time, these hunters became involved in conservation activities through awareness.  Traditional knowledge is also implemented in ex-situ conservation and livelihood activities. Providing alternate livelihood is useful for both communities and ecosystems in the area. Clams are a traditional staple food for the local population for their nutritional value and exceptionally high protein content. A large section of fishermen depend on the sale of Tisare. Harvesting of tisare is done by hand, feet, hand-operated scoop nets, or with the aid of a digging stick from the beds during low tide by local people. The local women would work long hours during low tide to collect them by hand. They have excellent knowledge of the availability of bivalve species and their habitats, their harvesting season, collection methods, equipment used, and their preservation. All of these are used in bivalve fisheries.  Traditional knowledge of fishers engaged in bivalve fishery is a thriving knowledge system in Konkan, which is being used in contemporary resource management. Today, there is a growing appreciation of the value of traditional knowledge. This knowledge is valuable not only to those who depend on it daily but also to conservationists, modern industry and agriculture. The integration of traditional knowledge into conservation strategies not only enhances the effectiveness of initiatives but also ensures cultural relevance. This inclusive approach promotes a holistic perspective that acknowledges the interconnectedness of ecosystems and recognises the intrinsic value of preserving both biodiversity and the cultural heritage of communities. To conclude, recognising the value of TEK is not only a matter of respecting the rights of local communities but also of enhancing global efforts in conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable resource management.     Wed, 28 Feb 2024 06:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22074 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/21926#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=21926 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21926&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 ಬಿಸಿಲ ಕರೆಯುತ್ತಿದೆ ಮುತ್ತುಗ https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/21926 ಲೇಖನ: ಆರ್. ರಘುರಾಮ್ ನವೆಂಬರ್ ಮಾಹೆಯ ಮಧ್ಯೆಭಾಗದ ಒಂದು ದಿನ ಬಂಡೀಪುರದಿಂದ ಎಲಚೆಟ್ಟಿ ಗ್ರಾಮಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗುವ ರಸ್ತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ದ್ವಿಚಕ್ರ ವಾಹನದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ನನಗೆ ಯೋಚನೆಗೆ ಬಂದಿದ್ದು ಒಂದು ಮುದ್ದಾದ ಆನೆಮರಿ ಮತ್ತು ಅದರ ತಾಯಿ. ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಎಲಚೆಟ್ಟಿ ಗ್ರಾಮ ರಸ್ತೆಯ ಇಕ್ಕೆಲಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಣಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಈ ದೈತ್ಯ ಪ್ರಾಣಿಗಳು ಅಂದೇಕೋ ಕಾಣಲೇ ಇಲ್ಲ. ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ವಾಹನ ಚಲಾಯಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ನನ್ನ ಕಣ್ಣುಗಳು ಆ ಪ್ರಾಣಿಗಳನ್ನೇ ಹುಡುಕುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಆಗ ಆನೆಗಳ ಬದಲಿಗೆ ನನ್ನ ಗಮನಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದಿದ್ದು ಮುತ್ತುಗದ ಹೂವುಗಳು.  ಹಳದಿ ಮಿಶ್ರಿತ ಕೆಂಪು ವರ್ಣದ ಹೂವುಗಳು ರಸ್ತೆಯ ಅಕ್ಕ-ಪಕ್ಕದ ಮರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅರಳಿ ಕಂಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಜನವರಿ-ಫೆಬ್ರವರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೂಬಿಡುವ ಈ ಮರಗಳು ಅವಧಿಗೆ ಮುನ್ನವೇ ನವೆಂಬರನಲ್ಲೇ ಹೂಬಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದವು. ಇದರ ಕಾರಣಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ತವಕಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ನಾನು ಬಂಡೀಪುರ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶ ಮುಗಿದ ಮೇಲೆ ಸಿಗುವ ವಿಂಡ್ ಫ್ಲವರ್ ರೆಸಾರ್ಟ್ ಬಳಿ ಇರುವ ಕುಮಾರನ ಟೀ ಅಂಗಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತು ಯೋಚಿಸತೊಡಗಿದೆ. ಈ ವರ್ಷದ ಮುಂಗಾರು ಮಳೆ ಕೊರತೆ, ಅಕ್ಟೋಬರನಲ್ಲಿನ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಅಧಿಕ ಹಿಂಗಾರು ಮಳೆ ಅಥವಾ ಹವಾಮಾನದಲ್ಲಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಬದಲಾವಣೆಗಳು ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾರಣ ಇರಬಹುದೆಂದು ಯೋಚಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವಾಗಲೇ ಹಿರಿಯರಾದ ಮತ್ತು ಮಂಗಲ ಗ್ರಾಮದವರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಹದೇವಪ್ಪನವರ ಆಗಮನವಾಯಿತು. ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ರೂಢಿಯಂತೆ ಲೋಕಾಭಿರಾಮ ಮುಗಿದ ನಂತರ ಮುತ್ತುಗ ಅವಧಿಗೆ ಮುನ್ನವೇ ಹೂವು ಬಿಡಲು ಕಾರಣವೇನೆಂದು ಅವರನ್ನು ಕೇಳಿದೆ. ಈ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗೆ ಕೊಟ್ಟಂತಹ ಅವರ ಉತ್ತರ ಆಶ್ಚರ್ಯ ತಂದಿತು. ಅದೇನೆಂದರೆ “ ಬಿಸಿಲ ಕರೆಯುತ್ತಿದೆ ಮುತ್ತುಗ”. ಈ ಒಗಟಾದ ಮಾತುಗಳನ್ನು ವಿವರಿಸಲು ಕೋರಿದ ನಂತರ ಅವರು, “ಗ್ರಾಮೀಣ ಭಾಗದ ಜನರ ನಂಬಿಕೆಯಂತೆ ಮುತ್ತುಗದ ಮರಗಳು ಅಕಾಲಿಕವಾಗಿ ಹೂವು ಬಿಟ್ಟರೆ ಮುಂಬರುವ ಬೇಸಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿರು ಬಿಸಿಲು ಕಾಡುತ್ತದೆ. ಈ ಮಾತು ಸತ್ಯ ಸಾರ್, ಹಿಂದೆಯೂ ಒಂದೆರಡು ಬಾರಿ ಹೀಗಾದದ್ದನ್ನು ನಾವು ಕಂಡಿದ್ದೇವೆ, ಈ ಬಾರಿಯೂ ಖಂಡಿತ ಅಧಿಕ ಬಿಸಿಲಿನ ತಾಪ ಇರುತ್ತದೆ ನೋಡುತ್ತಿರಿ ಎಂದು ವಿವರಿಸಿದರು. ಈ ರೀತಿಯ ಗ್ರಾಮೀಣ ಭಾಗದ ಜನರ ನಂಬಿಕೆಗಳು ಕೆಲವು ಸಂದರ್ಭಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಜ ಎನಿಸುತ್ತವೆ. ಕಪ್ಪೆಗಳ ಕೂಗು ಮಳೆ ಕರೆಯುತ್ತದೆ, ಗೂಬೆಗಳ ಕೂಗು ಸಾವಿನ ಸೂಚನೆ ಹೀಗೆ ಹಲವಾರು ನಂಬಿಕೆಗಳು. ಅದೇನೇ ಇದ್ದರೂ “ ಬಿಸಿಲ ಕರೆಯುತ್ತಿದೆ ಮುತ್ತುಗ” ಎಂಬ ಹೊಸ ವಿಚಾರ ತಿಳಿದು ನಂಬಿಕೆಗಳು ನಿಜವಾಗುತ್ತವೆಯೇ? ಎಂಬ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಯೊಂದಿಗೆ ಹಿಂದಿರುಗಿದೆ.   Fri, 19 Jan 2024 10:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21926 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/21886#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=21886 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21886&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 ದೊಡ್ಡಕೆರೆಯ ಪಕ್ಷಿಗಳು https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/21886 ಲೇಖನ: ಆರ್. ರಘುರಾಮ್ ಜನವರಿ ಮಾಹೆಯ ಒಂದು ಮುಂಜಾನೆ ನಾನು ಮತ್ತು  ನನ್ನ ಸಹೋದ್ಯೋಗಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಸೆಂದಿಲ್ ಪಕ್ಷಿ ವೀಕ್ಷಣೆಗಾಗಿ ಆಯ್ಕೆಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದು ಚಾಮರಾಜನಗರದ ಹೊರವಲಯದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ದೊಡ್ಡಕೆರೆಯನ್ನು. ದೊಡ್ಡಕೆರೆ ಸುಮಾರು ೧೦೦೦ ಎಕರೆ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಹರಡಿಕೊಂಡಿರುವ ಒಂದು ನೀರಿನ ಸಂಗ್ರಹ ಪ್ರದೇಶ. ಈ ಹಿಂದೆ ಈ ಕೆರೆ ದೊಡ್ಡಮೋಳೆ, ಚಿಕ್ಕಮೋಳೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಇನ್ನಿತರ ಸುತ್ತಮುತ್ತಲಿನ ಗ್ರಾಮಗಳ ಕೃಷಿ ಚಟುವಟಿಕೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಜೀವ ತುಂಬುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಜೀವನಾಡಿ. ಹಲವಾರು ವರ್ಷಗಳಿಂದ ಪಕ್ಕದ ಗ್ರಾಮಗಳ ಆಟದ ಮೈದಾನವಾಗಿದ್ದ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕಳೆದ ವರ್ಷದ ಉತ್ತಮ ಮಳೆಯಿಂದಾಗಿ ನೀರಿನ ಪ್ರಮಾಣ ಅಧಿಕವಾಗಿಯೇ ಇತ್ತು. ಸುಮಾರು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಮಳೆಯ ಕೊರತೆಯಿಂದ ಸಮೃದ್ಧವಾಗಿ ಬೆಳೆದಿದ್ದ ಬಳ್ಳಾರಿ ಜಾಲಿ ಮರಗಳು ಸಣ್ಣ ಕಾಡನ್ನೇ ಸೃಷ್ಠಿಸಿದ್ದವು. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಚಾಮರಾಜನಗರ ಪ್ರಾದೇಶಿಕ ವಲಯದ ಕರಿವರದರಾಜಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಕಾಡಿನಿಂದ ವಲಸೆ ಬಂದ ಸುಮಾರು ೧೫ ಜಿಂಕೆಗಳ ಗುಂಪೊಂದು ಈ ಕಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನೆಲೆಸಿದ್ದವು. ದೊಡ್ಡಕೆರೆಗೆ ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ದಿಕ್ಕಿನ ಪ್ರವೇಶ ದ್ವಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೊದಲಿಗೆ ಸಿಗುವುದು ಶ್ರೀ ಸಿರಿಗಳ್ಳಿ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ದೇವಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ. ಈ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಮಗ್ಗುಲಲ್ಲೇ ಸಾಗುವ ಕೆರೆಯ ಹಾದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ನಮಗೆ ಮೊದಲು ಕೇಳಿಸಿದ್ದು ಗಿಳಿಗಳ (Rose-ringed parakeet) ಕೀಕ್. . . ಕೀಕ್ ರಾಗ. ಸುಮಾರು ೧೫ ರಿಂದ ೨೦ ಗಿಳಿಗಳು ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಆವರಣದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ನಾಲ್ಕು ದೊಡ್ಡ ಆಲದ ಮರದ ಹಣ್ಣುಗಳಿಗೆ ಮುತ್ತಿಗೆ ಹಾಕುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಮುಂದುವರೆದು  ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ದಿಕ್ಕಿನಿಂದ ಕೆರೆಯ ಏರಿಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಏರಿದ ನಮಗೆ ಕಾಣಿಸಿದ್ದು ಬಿಸಿಲಿಗೆ ಮೈಯೊಡ್ಡಿ ಕುಳಿತಿದ್ದ ನೀರುಕಾಗೆ (Little cormorant) ಮತ್ತು ಹಾವಕ್ಕಿ (Darter). ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಕಂಡೊಡನೆ ನೀರುಕಾಗೆ ತನ್ನ ಕರ್ಕಶ ಧ್ವನಿಯನ್ನು ಹೊರಡಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಹಾರಿ ಕಣ್ಮರೆಯಾಯಿತು. ಆದರೆ ಹಾವಕ್ಕಿ ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ನೆಪಮಾತ್ರಕ್ಕಾದರೂ ನೋಡದೆ ತನ್ನ ಸೂರ್ಯ ಸ್ನಾನವನ್ನು ಮುಂದುವರೆಸಿತು. ನಂತರದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಳ್ಳಾರಿ ಜಾಲಿ ಗಿಡಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ  ಕುಳಿತಿದ್ದ ಹಲವಾರು ಗರುಡಗಳು(Brahminy kite) ತಮ್ಮ ಕ್ಕ್ಯಾ. . ಕ್ಕ್ಯಾ. . ಕ್ಕ್ಯಾ.. ಧ್ವನಿಯಿಂದ ತಮ್ಮ ಇರುವಿಕೆಯನ್ನು ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಬಿಳಿ ಮಿಂಚುಳ್ಳಿ(Lesser pied kingfisher) ಮತ್ತು ನೀಲಿ ಮಿಂಚುಳ್ಳಿ (Small blue kingfisher) ಗಳೆರಡು ತಮ್ಮ ಬೇಟೆಗಾಗಿ ಸದ್ದಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಕಾಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಸುಮಾರು ಮೂರು ಕಿಲೋಮೀಟರ್ ಉದ್ದವಿರುವ ಕೆರೆಯ ಏರಿಯ ಮೇಲೆ ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಸಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ನಮಗೆ ನಾಲ್ಕು ಕರಿಕೆಂಬರಲು (Oriental white ibis) ಮತ್ತು ಮೂರು ಬಿಳಿ ಕೆಂಬರಲುಗಳು (White necked stork) ಯಾವ ಆತಂಕವೂ ಇಲ್ಲದೆ ತಮ್ಮ ಆಹಾರ ಹುಡುಕುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ದೃಶ್ಯ ಕಾಣಿಸಿತು. ಇದರ ಕೂಗಳತೆಯ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಲ್ಕು ಗೋದ್ಬಾದ (White necked Stork) ಮತ್ತು ೧೨ ಬಣ್ಣದ ಕೊಕ್ಕರೆಗಳು (Painted stork) ಬಿಸಿಲಿಗೆ ಮೈಯೊಡ್ಡಿ ಕುಳಿತಿದ್ದವು. ಮುಂದುವರೆದ ನಮಗೆ ಕೆರೆಯ ನಡುಗಡ್ಡೆಯೊಂದರ ಮೇಲೆ ಹಲವಾರು ಬಣ್ಣದ ಕೊಕ್ಕರೆಗಳು, ಗೋವಕ್ಕಿಗಳು (Cattle Egret), ವರಟೆ (Spot billed duck) ಗಳು ಬಿಸಿಲ ಜಳಕ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಹೀಗೆ ಕೊಳದ ಬಕ (Indian pond heron), ಗುಳುಮುಳುಕ (Little grebe), ಸಿಳ್ಳೇಬಾತು (Lesser whistling duck), ನಾಮದ ಕೋಳಿ (Common coot), ಚೋರೆಹಕ್ಕಿ (Spotted dove), ಕೆಂಬೂತ (Lesser coucal), ಚಂದ್ರಮುಕುಟ (Common hoopoe), ಗೊರವಂಕ (Common myna), ಕೆಂಪುಬಾಲದ ಪಿಕಳಾರ(Red vented bulbul), ಚಿಟ್ಟು ಮಡಿವಾಳ (Indian robin) ಹೀಗೆ ೩೪ ವಿವಿಧ ಪ್ರಭೇದಗಳ ಪಕ್ಷಿಗಳನ್ನು ನೋಡಿದೆವು.  ಚಾಮರಾಜನಗರದ ಜನವಸತಿ ಪ್ರದೇಶದ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಇರುವ ಈ ಪಕ್ಷಿ ಪ್ರಪಂಚ ಪಕ್ಷಿ ವೀಕ್ಷಕರಿಗೆ ಉತ್ತಮ ತಾಣ (ನೀರಿನ ಸಂಗ್ರಹವಿದ್ದರೆ ಮಾತ್ರ). ಈ ಪಕ್ಷಿ ಪ್ರಪಂಚಕ್ಕೆ ಭೇಟಿ  ಮಾಡುವವರು ತೀರಾ ವಿರಳ ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಯಾರ ಅಡ್ಡಿ ಆತಂಕಗಳಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಪಕ್ಷಿಗಳ ವಾಸಕ್ಕೆ ಸೂಕ್ತ ತಾಣ ಎನ್ನಬಹುದು. ಸ್ಥಳೀಯರ ಮಾಹಿತಿಯ ಪ್ರಕಾರ ಪುರಾತನವಾದ ಹಾಗೂ ಸಮೃದ್ಧವಾಗಿದ್ದ ಈ ಕೆರೆ ಇತ್ತೀಚಿನ ಮಳೆಯ ಕೊರತೆಯಿಂದ ಬರಡಾಗಿ ಜಾಲಿಯ ಕಾಡಾಗಿದೆ. ಆದರೆ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಹಲವು ಕೆರೆಗಳಿಗೆ ನದಿ ಮೂಲದಿಂದ ನೀರು ತುಂಬಿಸುವ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಕೆರೆಗೂ ನೀರು ಹರಿಸಿದರೆ ಈ ಕೆರೆಯ ಪ್ರಾಚೀನ ವೈಭವ ಮರಳುವುದು ಸತ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಕೆರೆಯ ಸೂಕ್ತ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ ಮಾಡಿದರೆ ಅದ್ಭುತವಾದ ಪಕ್ಷಿ ಪ್ರಪಂಚವೇ ಸೃಷ್ಠಿಯಾಗಬಹುದು. ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ಇಂತಹ ನೀರಿನ ಸಂಗ್ರಹಾಗಾರಗಳನ್ನು ಕಾಪಾಡಿ, ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿ, ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದು ಸೂಕ್ತ.     Thu, 04 Jan 2024 09:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21886 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/21051/Marine-Fishing-and-Bycatch#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=21051 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21051&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Marine Fishing and Bycatch https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/21051/Marine-Fishing-and-Bycatch By Pradip Namdev Chogle and Harshada Sable Fish is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and high-quality proteins. Around one billion people, or about 20% of the world's population, eat fish as their main source of animal protein. Because of this huge demand for fish, about 41 million people in 144 countries are employed in marine fisheries full-time or part-time, while 123 million others depend on it indirectly. Employment opportunities in marine fisheries across the world are abundant. Compared to developed countries, developing countries, mainly Asian countries, have far more of them and offer over 86% of the total employment in marine fisheries worldwide. Almost 70% of the world's small and large-engine fishing boats are located in Asian countries. The day’s catch at a local fish market. Credit: Opensource/Canva Be it in terms of food or fishing, by now, you must have realized how gigantic this trade is. Along with so many positive sides, there is also one aspect of fishing that is causing concern among the scientific community. It is called Fishing Bycatch or simply bycatch. The species that are actually of no use to fishermen but are caught in the fishing nets are called bycatch. These include seabirds (shearwater, booby etc.), sea mammals (dolphins, whales), sea turtles (green sea turtles, olive-ridley, etc.), invertebrates (marine corals, sea snails, etc.), and other fish. Around 8-40% of the marine life landing on coasts and harbours for sale across the world has been recorded as bycatch. Long lifespan, delayed reproduction, a limited number of offspring, and greater risk from natural hazards mean large marine species like sea turtles and dolphins suffer a far greater loss due to bycatch. All these species play a vital role in maintaining a healthy oceanic environment and fish production. Sea turtles, such as the olive ridley, help maintain a healthy habitat by eating more than 30 problematic sea species. At the same time, the green sea turtle, during a certain period of its initial phase of life, is largely dependent on sea grasses and then subsists on faunal components, mainly jellyfish and other plankton. This makes the marine habitats more fertile and keeps the number of organisms in the marine habitat under control. Blue whales and other marine mammals make long annual migrations that help distribute nutrients far and wide in marine habitats. It is reported that over 85,000 sea turtles were entangled in fishing nets across the world from 1990 to 2008.  The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has classified the different types of fishing and fishing nets used around the world into international standard fishing gear. Out of these, about 18 types of fishing nets have been recognized as mainly responsible for bycatch. Fishing with trawl, gillnet, trap net, long-line, purse-seine, and its subtypes are responsible for bycatch globally. Another interesting but serious aspect of this is what quantity (Fish Catch) of fish was caught with how much effort (fishing effort) is usually recorded where a large number of mechanized boats are engaged in commercial fishing. However, in most developing countries, fishing is done more or less for subsistence using moderate mechanization. Large-scale commercialization is not involved here. It is called traditional or artisanal/small-scale fishing. The proportion of bycatch in this type of traditional fishing is often not recorded properly. Accidental bycatch on a fishing boat. Credit: Opensource/Canva The amount of bycatch around the world varies more or less based on the specific geographical location, fishing season, and method. In the case of India, it is estimated that 56.3% of the total marine capture is bycatch. Bycatch rates are significantly higher in India, where fishing is done mainly by trawling and with shrimp as the target species. There is plenty of scope for improvement in the above-mentioned information because, even today, there is no efficient modern system available for collecting reliable information about fishing in India. There are 132 known marine mammal species in the world, of which about 27 species have been recorded in India. A total of 1356 marine mammals, such as dolphins, different types of whales, sea cows, and finless porpoises, have been reported killed in fishing nets in about 240 different incidents across the Indian Ocean in 269 years from 1748 to 2017. Since 1960, fishing by mechanized trawlers has been greatly encouraged in our country. But today, the amount of bycatch in the total fish production has increased significantly. The worst thing about this is that the species that were previously neglected as bycatch are now gaining commercial importance, and bycatch is used to maintain profitability in the fishery. Very limited research information is available about bycatch in the coastal areas of Maharashtra. According to a research paper published in 2011, around 101 different species were recorded as bycatch. These include economically important 29 species of marine fish fry, 22 species of shrimp-like crustaceans, 31 different types of shellfish, 11 species of mussels, and some other species. Researching marine mammals and bycatch is costly and time-consuming. Turtle caught in a fishing net. Credit: Opensource/Canva Various measures like turtle excluder devices, tori lines, and pingers are planned to reduce bycatch worldwide. Marine organisms caught as bycatch, such as marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles, migrate long distances almost every year in their lives for breeding, feeding, and suitable habitat. Widespread marine habitats transcend national and state boundaries, so we need international cooperation to design conservation strategies for such species. Bangalore-based Wildlife Conservation Society-India is also working towards reducing bycatch and marine conservation in India. The 'Marine Team' in the said organization is actively working on this issue. We can certainly reduce the bycatch problem through the mutual cooperation of fishing communities, researchers, and informed citizens like us. This article was originally written in Marathi. Read the original article here. Thu, 14 Sep 2023 10:02:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21051 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/20929#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=20929 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=20929&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 ಕಾನನದ ಸುತ್ತ ಭಾಗ - ೩ https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/20929 (ಭಯ, ಕುತೂಹಲ, ಹಾಸ್ಯ) ಲೇಖಕರು: ಸತೀಶ ಗಣೇಶ ನಾಗಠಾಣ ಮುಂದುವರೆದ ಭಾಗ... ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಾತ್ರದ ಮರಗಳ ಸಾಲುಗಳೆತ್ತರ ನೋಡುತ್ತ ಆಚೀಚೆ ಹರಡಿದ ಬಲು ವ್ಯಾಪಕವಾಗಿ ಬೃಹದಾಕಾರವಾಗಿ ಆವರಿಸಿದ ಮರದ ರೆಂಬೆ-ಕೊಂಬೆಗಳ ಹಸಿರು ತಪ್ಪಲಿನ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯವು ಬಹಳ ದೂರದವರೆಗೆ ಕೊಂಡೊಯಿದಂತೆ ಕಾಣುತ್ತಿತ್ತು.  ಕಾನನದ ವರ್ಣನೆ ಮಾಡಲು  ಸೂರ್ಯ-ಚಂದಿರರಿಬ್ಬರು  ಸಾಕ್ಷಿಯಾಗುವಂತೆ ಪ್ರಕಾಶಮಾನವಾದ ಸೂರ್ಯ ತನ್ನ ಸ್ಪರ್ಶವನ್ನು ಧರೆಗೆ ಅಪ್ಪಳಿಸಿ ಕಾಡಿನ ತುಂಬೆಲ್ಲ ಬೆಳಕು ಪಸರಿಸುತ್ತ ನಿಸರ್ಗದ ಕವಿತೆಗಳ ಸಾಲನ್ನು ಬರೆಯಲು  ಸೂರ್ಯ- ಚಂದಿರರಿಬ್ಬರು ಅಣಿಯಾಗುತ್ತ ಕವಿಯಾಗತೊಡಗುತ್ತಾರೆ.  ರಾತ್ರಿಯಾದಂತೆ ಚಂದಿರ ತನ್ನ ಬೆಳದಿಂಗಳಿನ ಬೆಳಕು ಚೆಲ್ಲುತ್ತ ಅವನ ಅಂದಕೆ ಮನಸೋತ ನಕ್ಷತ್ರಗಳು ಆಗಸದ ತುಂಬೆಲ್ಲ ಚುಕ್ಕೆಗಳ ರೂಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಿಣಮಿಣ ಅಂತ ಕಂಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತ ಮಿನುಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ದೃಶ್ಯವನ್ನು ನೋಡುವುದೇ ಒಂದು ಮುಗ್ದತೆಯ ರೊಮಾಂಚನವೆ ಸರಿ. ಒಂದಿನ ಮುಂಜಾನೆ ಸುಮಾರು ದೂರದವರೆಗೆ ಹುಲ್ಲುಗಾವಲುಗಳು ಮೇಲೆ ಹರಡಿರತಕ್ಕಂತ “ಇಬ್ಬನಿಗಳ ಹಾಸೆ” (ಹುಲ್ಲುಗಾವಲುಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಬೀಳುವ ಸೂರ್ಯನ ಕಿರಣಗಳನ್ನು ಪ್ರತಿಫಲಿಸಿ, ವಕ್ರಿಭವಿಸಿ ವರ್ಣರಂಜಿತ ದೃಶ್ಯವನ್ನೆ ಮೂಡಿಸುವ ಹಾಸೆಯನ್ನ ಇಬ್ಬನಿ (spider web with dew drops) ಹಾಸೆ ಅಂತಲೂ ಕರೆಯುವರು ) ಮುತ್ತುಗಳ ರೂಪವುಳ್ಳ ವಜ್ರದಂತೆ ಮಿಂಚುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಸಣ್ಣ ಪ್ರಮಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಳೆರಾಯ ಕಾನನದ ಸುತ್ತೆಲ್ಲ ಕ್ರಮೇಣವಾಗಿ ಆವರಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಹೊರತು ಅಷ್ಟೊಂದು ಜೋರಾಗೇನು ಇರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಸುಳಿಗಾಳಿಗಳು ಕಾನನದ ತುಂಬೆಲ್ಲ ಪಸರಿಸಿತ್ತಾದರು, ಆ ದಿನದ ಆನಂದವು ನಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲರಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂತೋಷದ  ಪುಟಿದೇಳುವಂತೆ ಮಾಡಿತ್ತು.  ಕೀರ್ತಿ ಅಣ್ಣಾ! ಇವತ್ತು ನಮ್ಮ ಪಯಣ ಯಾವ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಎಂದು ಕೇಳಿದಾಗ, ಹೇಳ್ತಿನಿ ತಡಿಯಪ್ಪ ಆತುರ ಬೇಡ.  ಜೀಪಿನ ಹಿಂದೆ ಕುಳಿತಂತವರು ಇತ್ತ ಕಡೆ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಕೇಳಿ ನಾವು ಈಗ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿರುವುದು  ಕೆಲವೆ ಕೆಲವು ಮೈಲಿಗಳವರೆಗೆ ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಸಮಾಧಾನದಿಂದ ಇರಬೇಕು. ನಾನು ನಿಮಗೆಲ್ಲ ಹೇಳುವುದಿಷ್ಟೆ ಈ ಕಾಡು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಊರಲ್ಲ ಎಲ್ಲಿ ಬೇಕೆಂದರಲ್ಲಿ ಸುತ್ತಾಡಿ ಬರೋಕೆ ಈ ಸ್ಥಳದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ನೀವೆಲ್ಲ ಆಲಕ್ಷ್ಯವಹಿಸಬಾರದು. ಒಂದು ವೇಳೆ, ಆಲಕ್ಷ್ಯತನದಿಂದ ವರ್ತನೆ ಕಂಡು ಬಂತೆಂದರೆ ನಿಮ್ಮನ್ನ ನಿಮ್ಮ ವಸ್ತುಗಳ ಸಮೇತ ಮನೆಗೆ ಕಳುಹಿಸಬೇಕಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಹುಷಾರು, ಎಚ್ಚರದಿಂದ ವರ್ತಿಸಿ ಅಂತ ಸಮಜಾಯಿಸಿ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಲಿದ್ದಾಗ ಕೀರ್ತಿ ಅಣ್ಣನ ಮಾತಿಗೆ ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಓಕೆ! ಸರ್.. ನೀವು ಹೇಳಿದಂತಾಗಲಿ ಎಂದು ಗಜರಾಜನ ಹಾಗೆ ಕುತ್ತಿಗೆಯನ್ನ ಅಲ್ಲಾಡಿಸುತ್ತ ಶರಣಾದರು. ಈಗ ಇನ್ನು ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಕಗ್ಗತ್ತಲಾಗಿದ್ದರಿಂದ ಬೆಳಕು ಬಂದಾದ ಮೇಲೆ ಒಂದು ಗುಂಪನ್ನ ಈ ಕಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಲೈನವಾಕ್ ಮಾಡಲು ಬಿಡೋಣ. ಹಾಗೇಯೆ, ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ಗುಂಪನ್ನು ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಮುಂದೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಅವರನ್ನು ಸಹ ಬಿಡೋಣ ಆದರೆ, ಒಂದು ಗುಂಪಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಇವತ್ತು ವಿಶ್ರಾಂತಿ ಇದ್ದ ಕಾರಣ ಅವರು ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಕುಳಿತು ವಿಶ್ರಮಿಸಲಿ ಎಂದು ಅಣ್ಣ ನಮ್ಮನ್ನೆಲ್ಲಾ ಉದ್ದೇಶಿಸಿ ಈ‌ ಮೇಲಿನಂತೆ ಹೇಳಿದರು. ದಟ್ಟ ಕಾನನವನ್ನ ಸಮೀಪಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಂತೆ ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ತಮ್ಮ ತಮ್ಮ ಲೈನುಗಳ (ಟ್ರಾನ್ಸೇಕ್ಟ ವಾಕ್) ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಅತಿ ಮುಖ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಗಮನ ಹರಿಸಬೇಕು. ಇಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ಸೈಟಿಂಗ್ ಮಿಸ್ ಆಗುತ್ತೆ ವಿನಃ ಮತ್ತೇನು ಆಗುವುದಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು‌ ಬಾಡಿಹೋದ ಎಲ್ಲರ ಮುಖದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಂದಹಾಸದ ನಗುವನ್ನ ಚೆಲ್ಲಿ ಭಯ ಪಡಬೇಡಿ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಅಣ್ಣನ ಮಾತಗಳನ್ನು ಕೇಳಿ ಎಲ್ಲರೂ  ಚಿಂತೆಯಿಂದ ದೂರಾದ ಹಾಗೆ ನಿಟ್ಟುಸಿರು ಬಿಡುತ್ತ  ತಾವರೆ ಹೂವಿನಂತೆ ಫಳ-ಫಳ ಅಂತ ಹೊಳೆಯ ತೊಡಗಿದರು. ಅಂಕು ಡೊಂಕಾದ ಮಣ್ಣಿನ ರಸ್ತೆಗಳ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಜೀಪು ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿರಬೇಕಾದರೆ ಅಲ್ಲಲ್ಲಿ ಹರಡಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದ ಕಾಲುವೆಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಇರುವ ರಸ್ತೆ ಅಷ್ಟೊಂದು ಗಟ್ಟಿಯಾಗಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಧಡಭಡ, ಧಡಭಡ ಅಂತ ಸದ್ದು ಮಾಡುತ್ತ ಜೀಪು ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ಅಣ್ಣನ, ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ನನಗೆ ಆ ಸದ್ದು ಒಂಥರಹ ಎತ್ತಿನ ಗಾಡಿಯನ್ನು ಓಡಿಸಿದಾಗ ಬರುವಂತಹ ಸದ್ದು ಹೇಗಿರುತ್ತೋ ಹಾಗೆ ಆ ಸದ್ದು ಬಹಳ ದೂರದವರೆಗೆ ವ್ಯಾಪಿಸುವ ಹಾಗೆ ಕೇಳಿಸುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ಛೇ! ಏನ್ ರಸ್ತೆ ರೀ ಅಣ್ಣಾ! ಇದು ಅಂತ ಗೊಣಗುತ್ತಿರಬೇಕಾದರೆ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲೊ ಒಂದು ಕಡೆ ಗಜರಾಜ ಜೋರಾಗಿ ಘೀಳುಡುವಂತಹ ಶಬ್ಧ ಕೇಳಿಸಲಾರಂಭಿಸಿತು.  ಎಲ್ಲರ ಎದೆ ಢವ-ಢವ ಅಂತ ಬಡಿದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಶುರುವಾಯಿತು.  ಜೀಪು ಮಾತ್ರ ಸದ್ದು ಮಾಡುತ್ತ ಬಿಟ್ಟುಬಿಡದೆ ಮುಂದೆ ಸಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದಂತೆ ಗಜರಾಜನ ಧ್ವನಿ ಹತ್ತಿರವಾಗುತ್ತ ಜೀಪಿನ ಹಿಂಬದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತ ಒಬ್ಬ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ ಸೇವಕ ನನ್ನ ಆಸನದ ಪಕ್ಕದ ಸೀಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಉದ್ದನೆಯ ಬಾಲದ ಮುಷ್ಯಾನ (langur) ಹಾಗೆ ಚಂಗನೆ ಜಿಗಿದು ನನ್ನ ಹಿಂಬದಿಯ ಸೀಟಿಗೆ ರಭಸವಾಗಿ ಜಾರಿದ.  ಜಾರಿದ ರಭಸಕ್ಕೆ ಹಿಂಬದಿಯಿಂದ ಮುಂದಿನಭಾಗಕ್ಕೆ ನಾನು ಕುಳಿತ ಸೀಟು ಒಮ್ಮೆಲೆ ಮಡಚಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದರ ಪರವಾಗಿ ನನ್ನ ಮುಖ ಮುಂಭಾಗದ ಜೀಪಿನ ಗಾಜಿಗೆ ಲಬಕ್ ಅಂತ ಅಂಟಿಕೊಂಡಿತು.  ಆತನ ಪರಾಕ್ರಮ ಮತ್ತು ಧೈರ್ಯವನ್ನು ನೋಡಿ ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಭಯದಿಂದ ಚಂಗನೆ ಹಾರಿ ಮುಂದಿನ ಸೀಟಿಗೆ ಲಗ್ಗೆ ಇಟ್ಟರು. ಚಿತ್ರ: ದಟ್ಟಕಾನನದ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಸಾಗುವ ದಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಂಡ ಆನೆಗಳ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗುಂಪಿನ ದೃಶ್ಯ. ವಯನಾಡು - ಕೇರಳ. ಚಿತ್ರ ರಚಿಸಿದವರು- ಕೃಷ್ಣಾ ಸಾತಪೂರೆ. ಅಯ್ಯಯ್ಯೋ, ನಿಧಾನ ಕಣ್ರಪ್ಪ ಯಾಕ್ರಿ ಭಯ ಪಡ್ತಿರಾ ನಾವಿನ್ನು ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿದ್ದೇವೆ ಭಯ ಪಡಬೇಡಿ. ಹಿಂದೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಕುಳಿತುಕೊಳ್ಳಿ ಅಂತ ಹೇಳುತಲಿದ್ದ ನಾನು ಜೀಪಿನ ಹಿಂಬದಿಯಿಂದ ಇಣುಕಿ ನೋಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಗ ಗಜರಾಜ ಜೋರಾಗಿ ಘೀಳಿಡುತ್ತ ಧೂಳೆಬ್ಬಿಸುತ್ತ ಜೀಪನ್ನು ಅಟ್ಟಾಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಬೆನ್ನುಹತ್ತುತ್ತಿರುವ ದೃಶ್ಯವನ್ನ ನೋಡಿ, ಉಲ್ಕಾಪಿಂಡ ಬಂದು ಧರೆಗೆ ಅಪ್ಪಳಿಸಿದಂತೆ ಆಗುವ ಭಯಾನಕ ಅನುಭವದ ಹಾಗೆ ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಕರೆಂಟ್ ಹೊಡೆದ ಕಾಗೆ ಥರಹ ವಿಲವಿಲ ಅಂಥ ಒದ್ದಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು.  ಒಂದು ವೇಳೆ ಹಠಾತ್ತನೆ ಜೀಪು ನಿಂತಿದ್ದರೆ ಆ ಕ್ಷಣ ನಾವೆಲ್ಲ ಗಾಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾರಾಟವೆ ಮಾಡಬೇಕಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಗಜರಾಜನ ಈ ವರ್ತನೆಯನ್ನ ನೋಡಿ ನಮಗೆಲ್ಲ ಈ ದಿನ ಏನಪ್ಪ ಮಾಡೋದು ಅಂತ ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಪರಿಪರಿಯಾಗಿ ದೇವರಲ್ಲಿ  ಬೇಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. ಈ ಕಷ್ಟದಿಂದ ಪಾರುಮಾಡು ದೇವ-ಹರಿಹರ ಎಂದು ಎನ್ನುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಗ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಕೀರ್ತಿ ಅಣ್ಣ, ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಸಮಜಾಯಿಸಿ ಹೇಳುತ್ತ  ನೀವೆಲ್ಲ ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿಯೆ ಕುಳಿತು ಈ ರೀತಿ ಬೇಡಿಕೊಂಡರೆ ಆ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಾಂಡ ನಾಯಕನಾದ ‘ಶಿವ’ ಬಂದರು ನಿಮಗೆ ಕಾಪಾಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಅಯ್ಯೋ, ವಿಧಿಯೇ! ನೀವೆಲ್ಲ ಲೈನವಾಕ್ ನಡೆಯುವವರು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಧೈರ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಹಸಕ್ಕೆ ಒಂದು ದೊಡ್ಡ ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ. ನೀವೇನಾದ್ರು ಹೀಗೆ ಕಪಿಗಳ ಥರಹ ಚೇಷ್ಟೆ ಮಾಡಿದ್ರೆ ಹೇಗೆ? ಸುಮ್ಮನೆ ಕಾಲಹರಣ ಮಾಡುತ್ತ ಚಿಂತಿಸಬೇಡಿ. ಆಗ ಜೀಪು ತನ್ನ ಗತಿ(ವೇಗ)ಯನ್ನ ಕಳೆದುಕೊಂಡಂತೆ ಒಮ್ಮೆಲೆ ನಿಂತೆ ಬಿಟ್ಟಿತ್ತು.  ಆನೆ.. ಆನೆ.. ಎಂದು ಗಾಬರಿಯಿಂದ ಬಿಲದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಇಲಿಯ ಹಾಗೆ ಒದ್ದಾಡುತ್ತಲಿರುವ ನಾವುಗಳೆಲ್ಲ ಅಣ್ಣನತ್ತ ನೋಡುತ್ತ ಅಣ್ಣ ಗಹಗಹಿಸಿ ಗುಮ್ಮನ ಗುಸುಕು ಥರಹ ನಸುನಕ್ಕು ಆನೆ, ಅಲ್ಲಲ್ಲ ಶಿವನ ಮಗ ಗಣೇಶ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಸೇವೆಗೆಂದೆ ಅಣಿ-ಅಣಿಯಾಗಿ ಓಡುತ್ತ ಬರುತ್ತಲಿರುವವನು ಅವನ ಮಾರ್ಗದಂತೆ ನೀವೆಲ್ಲ ಈ ಕಾನನವನ್ನ ಶೋಧಿಸಲು ಹೊರಡಿ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಿರಬೇಕಾದ್ರೆ ಗಜರಾಜ ಜೀಪಿನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ದೊಡ್ಡದಾಗಿ ಡ್ರಾಮಾ ಮಾಡುತ್ತ  ರಣರಂಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಅರ್ಜುನ ಸೈನ್ಯ ಪಲಾಯನ ಮಾಡಿದಂತೆ ಗಜರಾಜನು ಕೂಡ ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ  ತನ್ನ ದಿಕ್ಕನ್ನು ಬದಲಿಸಿ ಲಂಟನಾ ಒಳಗೆ ಭರಭರನೆ ರಭಸವಾಗಿ ಜೋರಾಗಿ ಘೀಳಿಡುತ್ತ ಒಂದೇ ಸಮನೆ ದಿಕ್ಕಾಪಾಲಾಗಿ ಓಡುತ್ತ ದಟ್ಟ ಕಾನನದ ಒಳಗೆ ಮರೆಯಾಯಿತು. ಅಬ್ಬಾ! ಗಣೇಶ ನಿನಗೆ ದೊಡ್ಡದಾದ ಸಾಷ್ಟಾಂಗ ನಮಸ್ಕಾರಪ್ಪ ಅಂತ ಜೀಪಿನ ಹಿಂಬದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತವರೆಲ್ಲರು ದೊಡ್ಡದಾಗಿ ನಿಟ್ಟುಸಿರು ಬಿಡುತ್ತ ಚೇತರಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಲಿದ್ದಾಗ ಯಾರು ಕೂಡಾ ಜೀಪಿನಿಂದ ಕೆಳೆಗೆ ಇಳಿಯುವಂತಹ ಧೈರ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಕೈ ಹಾಕಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಹೊರತು, ವೀರಪರಾಕ್ರಮಿಯಾದ ಗಜರಾಜನ ಛಾಪು ಮಾತ್ರ ಎಲ್ಲರ ಎದೆಯನ್ನ ಒಂದು ಘಳಿಗೆ ನಡುಗಿಸಿ ಬಿಟ್ಟಂಗಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಅಷ್ಟರಲ್ಲಿ ಅಣ್ಣ! ಈ ಮೊದಲ ಗುಂಪಿನವರು ಜೀಪಿನಿಂದ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಇಳಿಯಿರಿ. ಅದೋ, ಅಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಲೈನ್ ಗೆ ತಲುಪಬೇಕಾದಂತಹ ಕೆಂಪು ಬಣ್ಣ ಕಾಣುತ್ತಿದೆಯಲ್ಲ ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದಲೆ ಹೊರಡಿ ಬೇಗ ಬೇಗ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಾಗ ಗದ್ಗದಿತರಾದಂತೆ ಆ ಗುಂಪಿನ ಸದಸ್ಯರು ಭಯದಿಂದ ತತ್ತರಿಸುತ್ತಲಿದ್ದಾಗ ನಾನು ಆ ಗುಂಪಿನ‌ ಸದಸ್ಯರುಗಳಿಗೆ ಧೈರ್ಯವನ್ನು ತುಂಬುತ್ತ ಕಾಡು ಅಂತ ಅಂದ್ಮೇಲೆ ಎಲ್ಲ ವಿವಿಧ ಬಗೆಯ ಪ್ರಾಣಿಗಳಿರುತ್ತವೆ ಭಯ ಪಡಬೇಡಿ. ನೀವೆಲ್ಲ ಧೈರ್ಯವಂತರಾಗಬೇಕು ಏನು ಆಗಲ್ಲ ಹೋಗಿ ಎಂದು ಕಳುಹಿಕೊಟ್ಟೆವು. ಮತ್ತೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಜೀಪು ಕಾನನದ ಪ್ರಪಂಚದ ಒಳಗೆ ಪಯಣ ಮುಂದುವರೆಸಿತು‌. ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಉಳಿದಂತಹ ಎರಡು ಗುಂಪಲ್ಲಿ ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಸೇರಿಸಿ ಅಣ್ಣನಿಗೆ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಮಾಡುತ್ತ ಈಗ! ನಿಮ್ಮ ಲೈನಿಗೆ ತಲುಪ ಬೇಕಾದ್ರೆ ಇನ್ನೆಷ್ಟು ಸಮಯಬೇಕಾಗುತ್ತೆ ಅಣ್ಣಾ ಎಂದು ಕೇಳುವ ತವಕದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ನನಗೆ ಇನ್ನೇನು ಹಿಂದೆ ಬಿಟ್ಟಂತಹ ಗುಂಪಿನಿಂದ ಸುಮಾರು ಆರು ಕಿಲೋಮೀಟರ್ ಅಂತರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಅಣ್ಣ ಉತ್ತರಿಸುತ್ತ  ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಚಲಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಜೀಪು ತನ್ನ ವೇಗವನ್ನ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸುತ್ತ ಮುಂದೆ ಸಾಗುತ್ತಿರಬೇಕಾದರೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಗಜರಾಜನ ಘೀಳಿಡುವ ಶಬ್ಧ ಅನತಿ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೇಳಿಸಲಾರಂಭಿಸಿತು. ಪಾರಂಪರಿಕ ಮಾರ್ಗಗಳನ್ನು ಅನುಸರಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಚಲಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಆನೆಯ ದೃಶ್ಯ. ಗೋಪಾಲ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟ, ಬಂಡೀಪುರ. ಕೃಪೆ- ಮೋಹನಕುಮಾರ ಈ ಕಾನನವೆ ಗಜರಾ(ಜ)ಣಿಯರ ಭದ್ರ ಕೋಟೆ. ಈ ಕೋಟೆಯ ಒಳಗೆ ನಾವೆಲ್ಲ ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಮುಂದೆ ಸಾಗಲೇಬೇಕಾಗಿತ್ತು.‌ ಎಲ್ಲಿ ಬೇಕೆಂದರಲ್ಲಿ ಕಣ್ಣು ಹಾಯಿಸಿದರು ಚಿಕ್ಕ -ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಾತ್ರದ ಆನೆಗಳೆ ಕಾಣಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಅಬ್ಬಬ್ಬಾ, ಎಷ್ಟೊಂದು ರಮಣೀಯ ದೃಶ್ಯ ( ಗುಸುಗುಸು ಶಬ್ದ ಒಬ್ಬರನ್ನೊಬ್ಬರು ಮಾತನಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತ) ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಹುಲುಸಾಗಿ ಬೆಳೆದ ಹುಲ್ಲಿನ ದೊಡ್ಡದಾದ ಜಾಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನೂರಾರು ಆನೆಗಳನ್ನ ಕಂಡ ತಕ್ಷಣ ನಮ್ಮ ದೇಹದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಡಗಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದ ಭಯವೆಂಬ ‘ಭೂತ' ದಿಕ್ಕೆದ್ದ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಓಡಲಾರಂಭಿಸಿತು. ಒಂದು ಆನೆಯ ಪ್ರಕೋಪವನ್ನ ತಡೆಯದ ನಾವುಗಳು ಇನ್ನು ಈ ನೂರಾರು ಆನೆಗಳು ಅಟ್ಟಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಬಂದರೆ ಗತಿ ಏನಾಗಬಹುದು ಎಂಬ ಆತಂಕದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಾಗ ಅಣ್ಣ, ನಮ್ಮನ್ನೆಲ್ಲ ಉದ್ದೇಶಿಸಿ ಈ ರೀತಿ ಹೇಳುತ್ತ. ನೋಡಿ! ಆನೆಗಳು ಬಹಳ ಬುದ್ದಿವಂತ ಜೀವಿಗಳು ಅವುಗಳಿಗೆ ಏನಾದರು ನಾವು ತೊಂದರೆ ಕೊಟ್ಟರೆ ಅವುಗಳು ಪ್ರತಿ ದಾಳಿ ಮಾಡುವುದು ಸಹಜ ಪ್ರಕ್ರಿಯೆ. ಹಾಗಂತ,  ಆನೆಗಳೇನು ಸುಖಾಸುಮ್ಮನೆ ಅಟ್ಟಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಬರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಆನೆಯ ಬಿಹೇವಿಯರ್ ಅರ್ಥಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು ಬಿಟ್ಟರೆ ಸಾಕು ಪ್ರಾಣಿಗಳಿಗಿಂತಲು ಇಷ್ಟವಾಗಿ ಬಿಡುತ್ತವೆ ಈ ಆನೆಗಳು. ರಹಸ್ಯ ಲೋಕದ ನಿಜವಾದ ಬುದ್ದಿವಂತ ಪ್ರಾಣಿ ಅಂತಾದರೆ ಅದುವೇ ಈ ಆನೆ ಮಾತ್ರ. ಎಂತಹ ಕಷ್ಟವಾದ ಬೆಟ್ಟವನ್ನಾದರು ಸರಿ ಏರಿ ಇಳಿದು ಬಿಡುತ್ತವೆ ಈ ಆನೆಗಳು. ಎಂತೆಂಥ ಬಲಿಷ್ಠ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳನ್ನ ತನ್ನ ಒಂದು ಘೀಳಿನ ಮುಖಾಂತರ ನಡುಗಿಸಿ ಬಿಡುತ್ತವೆ ಈ ಚಾಣಾಕ್ಷ ಬುದ್ದಿವಂತ ಆನೆ. ಆನೆಗಳು ಯಾವಾಗಲು ಪ್ರಶಾಂತವಾದ ವಾತಾವರಣದಲ್ಲಿರುವವು ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಧಾರಣವಾಗಿ ಗದ್ದಲು ತುಂಬಿದ ಪ್ರದೇಶಗಳಿಂದ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿರುವವು. ನಿಮಗೆಲ್ಲ ಗೊತ್ತೆ ಏಷ್ಯಾದ ಅತಿ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಆನೆಗಳ ಕಾರಿಡಾರ್ ಈ ನಮ್ಮ ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟಗಳ ಶ್ರೇಣಿ. ಈ ಕಾನನದ‌ ನಿಜವಾದ ಆರಕ್ಷಕರು ಈ ಆನೆಗಳು. ಒಂದು ವೇಳೆ ಈ ಭೂಮಿಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಜೀವ ಸಂಕುಲದ ಸಂತತಿ ಇಲ್ಲವಾಗಿದ್ದರೆ? ಈ ದಟ್ಟ ಕಾಡುಗಳು ಯಾವತ್ತೊ ಮರೆಯಾಗಿ ಬಿಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಆನೆ ಮತ್ತು ಮನುಷ್ಯನ ಸಂಘರ್ಷ ನಿನ್ನೆ-ಮೊನ್ನೆಯದಲ್ಲ ಶತಶತಮಾನದಷ್ಟು ಹಳೆಯದು. ಮನುಷ್ಯನ ಅತಿಯಾದ ದುರಾಸೆಯಿಂದ ಇವತ್ತು ಕಾಡಿನ ತುಂಬೆಲ್ಲ ಬರಿ ರಸ್ತೆಗಳದ್ದೆ ಕಾರುಬಾರು.‌ ಲಕ್ಷೋಪ ಲಕ್ಷ ಗಿಡಗಳ ಮಾರಣಹೋಮ ಮಾಡಿ ರೈಲು ಮಾರ್ಗಗಳನ್ನು ಕಾಡಿನ ತುಂಬೆಲ್ಲ ಹಬ್ಬಿಸಿದರ ಪರವಾಗಿ ಜೀವ ಸಂಕುಲಕ್ಕೆ ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು  ಪೆಟ್ಟು ಬಿದ್ದಿದೆ ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಆನೆಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಬೇರೆ ಜೀವಿಗಳು ಕಾಡಿನಿಂದ ನಾಡಿಗೆ ಯಾಕೆ ಬರುತ್ತಿವೆ ಎಂಬ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ಬಹುತೇಕ ಜನರಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂಡಿರುತ್ತದೆ ಮತ್ತು ಮೂಡಿರಲೆ ಬೇಕಾದ ಯಕ್ಷ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ನಿಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಸಹ ಮೂಡಿರಬಹುದು ಹೌದಲ್ಲವೆ. ಕಾರಣ, ಇಷ್ಟೇ ಕಾನನ ತುಂಬೆಲ್ಲ ನೂರಾರು ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಯ ನೆಪಗಳನ್ನ ಒಡ್ಡುತ್ತ ಸಾವಿರಾರು ಸಲಾಕೆಗಳನ್ನ ಹಾಕಿ ಅಲ್ಲಲ್ಲಿ ನದಿ ತಿರುವುಗಳನ್ನ ಬದಲಿಸಿ  ಆಣೆಕಟ್ಟುಗಳನ್ನ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಿದ್ದರ ಫಲವಾಗಿ ಇವತ್ತು ಆನೆಗಳ ಪಾರಂಪರಿಕ ಮಾರ್ಗಕ್ಕೆ ಅಗಾಧ ಹೊಡೆತ ಬಿದ್ದಂತಾಗಿದೆ. ಆನೆಗಳ ಲದ್ದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮೊಳಕೆಯೊಡೆದ ಮಶ್ರುಮ್ ಸಸಿ. ಕೃಪೆ- ಮೋಹನಕುಮಾರ, ಬಂಡೀಪುರ. ಒಬ್ಬ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಕೃಷಿಕನ ಪಾತ್ರವನ್ನ ಈ ಆನೆಗಳು ಅನಾದಿ ಕಾಲದಿಂದಲೂ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುತ್ತ ಬಂದಿವೆ.  ಆನೆಗಳ ಲದ್ದಿ ಬಹಳ ಉಪಯುಕ್ತವಾದ ಸಾವಯವ ಗೊಬ್ಬರ ನೀವೆಲ್ಲ ಹಲವಾರು ಬಾರಿ ನೋಡಿರಬಹುದು ಆನೆಗಳ ಲದ್ದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಮೊಳಕೆಯೊಡೆದ ಹಲವಾರು ಬಗೆಯ ಸಸಿಗಳನ್ನ, ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಆನೆಗಳ ಪಾತ್ರ  ಕಾಡುಗಳಿಗೆ ಬಹುಮುಖ್ಯವಾದದ್ದು‌ ಈ ಎಲ್ಲ ಅಂಶ ನಿಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲರ ಗಮನಕ್ಕೆ ತಂದಿದ್ದೇನೆ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತ ಅಣ್ಣ ಜೀಪಿನಿಂದ ಕೆಳಗಿಳಿದು ಲೈನವಾಕ್ ದಾರಿಯತ್ತ ನಮ್ಮನ್ನೆಲ್ಲ ಮಂದಹಾಸದಿ ಮುಗಳ್ನಗೆಯನ್ನ ಬೀರುತ್ತ ಮತ್ತೆ ನಿಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಕೆಲವೇ ಗಂಟೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂದು ಸೇರುವೆನೆಂದು ಹೇಳಿ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ ಸಹಾಯಕನ ಜೊತೆಗೂಡಿ ನಿಗೂಢ ಕಾನನದ ಒಳಹೊಕ್ಕು ನಡೆಯ ತೊಡಗಿದರು. ಹಿಂದಿನಿಂದ ನಾನು ಮತ್ತು ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ ಸಹಾಯಕ ಬೆಸ್ಟ್ ಆಫ್ ಲಕ್ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯದಾಗಲಿ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಸೈಟಿಂಗ್ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು ಬನ್ನಿ ಅಂತ ಬೀಳ್ಕೊಡುಗೆ ಕೊಟ್ಟೆವು. ಆ ದಿನ ನಮ್ಮ ಗುಂಪಿಗೆ ವಿಶ್ರಾಂತಿ ಇದ್ದ ಕಾರಣ ಅಲ್ಲೆ ಒಂದು ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಗಾತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಸದಾಗಿ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಿದ ಚೆಕ್ ಡ್ಯಾಂನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತುಕೊಂಡು ನಾನು ಮತ್ತು ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ ಸಹಾಯಕ  ಅವರ ಬರುವಿಕೆಗಾಗಿ ಹಾತೊರೆಯುತ್ತ ಪ್ರಶಾಂತವಾದ ನೀಲಾಗಸವನ್ನು ನೋಡುತ್ತ, ತಂಪಾದ ಗಾಳಿಯ ಕಂಪನ್ನ ಅಹ್ಲಾದಿಸುತ್ತ, ಪಕ್ಷಿಗಳ ಕಲರವವನ್ನು ಇಂಪಾಗಿ ಕೇಳುತ್ತ,  ಸುದೀರ್ಘ ಮೌನವಾದ ಚರ್ಚೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತೊಡಗಿಕೊಂಡು ಕುಳಿತು ಬಿಟ್ಟೆವು. ಕೆಲವು ಸಮಯಗಳ ತದನಂತರದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಣ್ಣ ಲೈನ್ ವಾಕ್ ಮುಗಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಬರುತ್ತಿರುವ ಕಾಲ್ನಡಿಗೆಯ ಶಬ್ದವನ್ನು ಕೇಳಿ ನಾವಿಬ್ಬರು ಅಲರ್ಟ ಆದೇವು. ಓಹೋ  ಸಂತೋಷದಿಂದ  ಅಣ್ಣಾ! ಲೈನಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಏನಾದರೂ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿತೆ? ಎಂದಾಗ, ಮುಗಳ್ನಗುತ್ತ ಹೋಯ್.. ಅದೆ ಮಾರಾಯ್ರೆ ಆನೆಗಳು!.. ಒಂದಲ್ಲ ಎರಡಲ್ಲ ಬರೋಬ್ಬರಿ ಐದು, ವ್ಹಾ ಬಂಪರ್ ಲಾಟರಿ ಅಣ್ಣಾ.. ಹೊಡಿ ಒಂಬತ್ತ ಮತ್ತೆ ಆನೆಗಳನ್ನ ಬಿಟ್ಟರೆ ಮತ್ತೇನು ಸಿಕ್ಕಿತು ಎಂದಾಗ, ಗುಂಪು ಗುಂಪಾಗಿ  ಕಾಣಿಸಿಕೊಂಡ ಜಿಂಕೆಗಳನ್ನ ಬಿಟ್ಟರೆ ಒಂದು ಕೆಂದಳಿಲು ಮಾತ್ರ ಸೈಟಿಂಗ್ ಆಯಿತೆಂದು ಅಣ್ಣ ಖುಷಿಯಿಂದ ಹೇಳುತ್ತ ಈ ದಿನದ ಕೊನೆಯ ವಾಕ್ ಮುಗಿತು. ಬನ್ನಿ ಬನ್ನಿ ಬೇಗ ಬೇಗ ಹಿಂದೆ ನಾವು ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ಬಿಟ್ಟಂತಹ ಗುಂಪು ನಮಗಾಗಿ ಕ್ಷಣ-ಕ್ಷಣವು ಕಾಯುತ್ತಲಿರುವರು ಅಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಹೋಗೋಣ ನಮ್ಮಿಂದಾಗಿ ಅವರ ಸಮಯವನ್ನು ವ್ಯರ್ಥ ಮಾಡದೆ ಬಹು ಬೇಗ ಇಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಹೋಗಿ ಅವರಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇರಿಕೊಳ್ಳೋಣ ಎಂದು ಅಣ್ಣ ಜೀಪಿನತ್ತ ಮುಖ ತಿರುಗಿಸಿ ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಮುಂದೆ ಹೊರಡಲು ನಾವೆಲ್ಲರೂ ಸಿದ್ಧರಾದೆವು. ಜೀಪು ಮತ್ತದೆ ಶಬ್ದವನ್ನು ಮಾಡುತ್ತ ಹೊರಡಲು ಸಿದ್ಧವಾಯಿತು. ನಾವೆಲ್ಲ ಜೀಪಿನ ಒಳಗೆ ಆಸನವನ್ನ ಅಲಂಕರಿಸಿ ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಮುಂದೆ ಸಾಗಿದೆವು. ಕೆಲವು ಸಮಯಗಳ ತರುವಾಯ ನಮಗಾಗಿ ಕಾದು ಕುಳಿತ ಕೊನೆಯ ತಂಡದ ಕುಶಲೋಪ ವಿಚಾರವನ್ನು ತಿಳಿದುಕೊಂಡು ನಿಮಗೇನಾದರೂ ಸೈಟಿಂಗ್ ಆಯಿತೆ ಅಂದಾಗ, ಗುಂಪಿನ ಸದಸ್ಯರು ಬೇಸರದಿಂದ ನಮಗೇನು ಇವತ್ತು ಸಿಗಲಿಲ್ಲವೆಂದಾಗ, ಬೇಜಾರಾಗ ಬೇಡಿ ಮಿತ್ರರೆ ಇದೆ ಕೊನೆಯಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ನಾವೆಲ್ಲರೂ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಸಾಂತ್ವನ ಹೇಳುತ್ತ ಬನ್ನಿ, ಈಗ ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತುಕೊಳ್ಳಿ ಬಹಳ ದೂರದವರೆಗೆ ಸಾಗಿ ನಾವೆಲ್ಲ ಕ್ಯಾಂಪ್ ಸೇರಬೇಕು. ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಾರೆಂದು ಪಟ್ಟಿಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು ಬೃಹದಾಕಾರವಾಗಿ ಆವರಿಸಿದ ಕಾನನದ ನೆನಪುಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊತ್ತ ನಮ್ಮ ಜೀಪು ‘ಕಾನನದ‌ ಸುತ್ತ' ಕೋಟೆಯ ಒಳಗಿಂದ ಹೊರಗಡೆಯ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಮುಖಮಾಡಿ ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಸಾಗುತ್ತ ತನ್ನ ಪ್ರಯಾಣ ಮುಂದುವರೆಸಿತು. ಮುಕ್ತಾಯ ಮೊದಲನೆ ಭಾಗವನ್ನು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಿ. ಎರಡನೆ ಭಾಗವನ್ನು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಿ.   Fri, 18 Aug 2023 09:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:20929 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/19119/Gentle-Giants-of-the-Sea-Dr-Elrika-DSouza-Dives-Deep-into-Dugong-Conservation-in-India--World-Dugong-Day#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=19119 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=19119&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Gentle Giants of the Sea: Dr. Elrika D'Souza Dives Deep into Dugong Conservation in India - World Dugong Day https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/19119/Gentle-Giants-of-the-Sea-Dr-Elrika-DSouza-Dives-Deep-into-Dugong-Conservation-in-India--World-Dugong-Day On this special occasion of #WorldDugongDay, we bring you an exclusive interview with Dr. Elrika D'Souza, a renowned marine biologist and passionate advocate for preserving seagrass ecosystems and the remarkable dugongs that inhabit them. Join us as we dive into the captivating world of dugong conservation and learn about the challenges and efforts to protect these gentle giants of the sea. Interview conducted by Advaith Jaikumar. Sat, 27 May 2023 12:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:19119 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18941/Earth-Day-WCS-India-Short-Story-Contest-Top-Entries#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=18941 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18941&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Earth Day: WCS-India Short Story Contest Top Entries https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18941/Earth-Day-WCS-India-Short-Story-Contest-Top-Entries Tracking Tipu: An Encounter - By Dr. Satya Priya SinhaIn the scorching heat of the 1980s, deep within the rugged terrain of Gir National Park in Gujarat, I, a wildlife researcher, and my field assistant Abba Jaffar had been tracking Tipu, a lone lion, for hours. Finally, we spotted him on a hilltop near the Kankai Mata Temple, devouring his latest kill. We decided to observe him from a nearby tree and watch him until dawn. At around 5:30 am, Tipu started descending the hill, and we followed suit. As we reached a diversion in our path, we lost sight of Tipu. Soon after, we heard loud growling and realized that we were uncomfortably close behind him. He seemed to have been aware of us but appeared quite calm. I remember thinking, "Was Tipu disappointed with our tracking skills and revealed his presence by growling?" There was nothing else that could have prompted him to growl. Soon, Tipu crossed the road and moved towards a big tree with bushes surrounding it. He looked back for us, stopping from time to time, as if giving us time to catch up. Shortly, he chose a shady spot to lie down. My field assistant and I decided to take turns watching Tipu. At midday, I felt thirsty and asked Abba Jaffar to fetch some water. Alarmed by the sound of our activity, Tipu got up and ambled towards us. I poured the remaining water from our bottle into the pit we had dug and hurriedly left the waterhole. Surprisingly, the lion walked straight to the waterhole, started drinking, and then went back to where he had come from and dozed off. This memory of Tipu will always hold a special place in my heart. It serves as a reminder that we share this planet with such majestic creatures who deserve our respect and protection. Hope in the Darkness: A Tale of Olive Ridleys - By Sanjana Vadakke Kuruppath The carcasses lay motionless after the stormy night, their weighty bodies once displaying incredible strength - but now, they were still with blood-stained beaks, scratched shells, and entrails spilling from their torn undersides. Eleven of them lined the 800-meter expanse of the beach. As I crouched to gaze into their vacant, lifeless eyes, I couldn't help but feel sorrowful, wondering how many others had perished while attempting to reach the shore. In the early hours of the morning, we stood as mere shadows on the sand, our voices hushed by the crashing waves. The pungent scent of broken eggs was only slightly dissipated by the crisp breeze. A young dog frolicked with us, his tail wagging in delight, indifferent to the curses whispered his way over the eggshells scattered everywhere. Eventually, we discovered a solitary female turtle. She was hunched over a hole that appeared too large to have been dug by her blunt, rounded flippers. With remarkable efficiency, she produced egg after egg, as if it were an assembly line. The humans around her gawked and whispered, but she paid them no mind. When we returned to the darkened beach, the bioluminescence faintly glimmering at our feet, I beheld the stunning, shimmering stars above us for the first time. On a narrow fishing boat, I struggled with nausea and eye strain as I peered through binoculars, scanning the rolling ocean. Suddenly, someone cried out, "Look!" and they were impossible to miss. Emerging from the water with a soft splash, they swiftly glided through the silky, deep blue sea, searching for mates. Their dark shells glowed like burnished gold in the morning sun. There were so many of them, brimming with vitality and vigor, and not a single trawler in sight. The bloodied carcasses and spectral eggshells were a distant memory now, as we were filled with hope once more, reignited by the majestic dance of our olive ridleys. Fluttering Memories by Arjun K.  At the peak of Terali Betta, the second highest peak in the Kali Tiger Reserve of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, I found myself lost in a world of beauty and wonder. It was a time of my life when I was participating in a forest work experience program as part of my BSc Forestry course. As a part of this program, I was sent on a mock Tiger Census to the remote anti-poaching camp of Pathagudi, a small village of nine houses inhabited by local tribal people known as Kunbi. It was a time of my life that now feels like a distant memory. After a tiring hike of six kilometers through the dense evergreen forest, I finally reached the peak of Terali Betta on a hot day in February. As I climbed uphill, the scenery around me transformed from vast fields of Crotolaria to grassy slopes. On my trek, I came across Indian Gaurs, Tiger pug marks, scat of Civet, and even a cave of Sloth bear. But the reward for my perseverance was the breathtaking view of the Kali Tiger Reserve. As I began my descent down the hill with my guide, Gaja, I was almost at the foot of the hill when I suddenly saw Gaja give me a heads up and shake some small trees. As if by magic, the leaves turned into a swarm of Blue Tiger butterflies, leaving the tree bare. I stood there, awestruck and mesmerized by the beauty of the moment, feeling like a child in a dreamland. After a few minutes of my trance, I realized that the Crotolaria was the host plant of the Blue Tiger butterflies, and they had congregated here to escape the hot noon sun. This experience of encountering the Blue Tiger butterflies was the sweetest memory of my Pathagudi diaries, evoking a sense of nostalgia in me now. Looking back, I can still feel the joy and wonder that I felt during those days. The memories of those moments will forever be etched in my heart, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to witness the beauty of nature up close.   Fri, 21 Apr 2023 13:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18941 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18798/A-Dive-Into-the-Life-of-the-Indian-Skimmers-along-the-Chambal-River-with-Parveen-Shaikh#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=18798 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18798&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 A Dive Into the Life of the Indian Skimmers along the Chambal River with Parveen Shaikh https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18798/A-Dive-Into-the-Life-of-the-Indian-Skimmers-along-the-Chambal-River-with-Parveen-Shaikh Interview conducted by Advaith Jaikumar  On the occasion of the International Day of Action for Rivers, we had the pleasure of speaking with Parveen Shaikh, a scientist at the Bombay Natural History Society, working to conserve the endangered Indian skimmers along the Chambal river.  Parveen training nest guardians in monitoring Indian Skimmer nests and data collection over smartphone This day celebrates the world's waterways and highlights the need for improved management and conservation efforts to protect these vital ecosystems. Parveen's work is a testament to the importance of scientific research and community involvement in safeguarding the health of our rivers and the species that depend on them.  In this interview, Parveen shares insights into the threats facing the Indian skimmer population and the steps being taken to protect them. She also discusses the broader challenges involved in balancing the needs of all species and stakeholders along India's rivers. Advaith: Hi, Parveen. It is great to have the opportunity to speak with you on the International Day of Action for Rivers. I am really excited to learn more about your inspiring work, and it is an excellent way for us at WCS-India to commemorate today. Parveen: Thank you for having me; I'm happy to discuss my work. Although it focuses on one particular river, the event highlights rivers internationally. Advaith: That's perfectly fine. At WCS-India, we believe that these international days are excellent opportunities to spotlight the diverse conservation projects running in India. Could you tell us more about where you work and why you chose this river for your research? Parveen: Sure. We began working in the Chambal River in 2017. Chambal is one of the clearest rivers in the country and is an important nesting site for the endangered Indian skimmer and other birds, such as the black-bellied tern. However, the number of skimmers was declining, and not much was known about them. Therefore, we wanted to study and understand more about their status, where they nest and what's going wrong at these nesting sites. Indian Skimmers cooling on a hot summer  | © Parveen Shaikh Advaith: That's fascinating! Could you explain why the Indian skimmers in the Chambal are threatened? Parveen: Certainly. The Chambal river has four major dams upstream, three existing lift irrigation plants and two under-lift irrigation plants in construction. These water extraction projects affect the river’s water flow, not maintaining the minimum flow rate during the dry season. There is also rampant illegal sand mining in the river. Both pose a serious risk to the Indian skimmers which nest on the sandbars. Advaith: I see. Do the Indian skimmers not build typical nests? Parveen: That's right. When summer comes, the dropping water level exposes stretches of sand in mid-river channels called sandbars, where the Indian skimmer nests. The skimmer pair dig a shallow nest or ‘scrape’ in the sand and lay their eggs directly.  Advaith: Doesn't this leave the nest open to potential threats? Parveen: Yes, it does. But the skimmers have evolved to nest in this way. The water surrounding these mid-river sandbars provides natural protection to the nests from any predators or disturbances. Unfortunately, the current situation of reduced water level in the river is one of the main reasons for their decline. The water level drops further during peak summer, worsening the situation and severely affecting the minimum flow rate, connecting the sandbars with the bank. This exposes the skimmer nests to threats from predators such as free-ranging dogs and jackals by allowing access. Moreover, livestock ventures close to the river during summer, so many nests get trampled.  Cattle near the nesting colony of Indian Skimmer | © Parveen Shaikh Advaith: This seems like such a challenging situation for these birds! What are some potential solutions? Parveen: One of the most direct solutions is to maintain the minimum flow rate of the river. Moreover, sand mining also poses a threat, and since it is a politically sensitive issue, it must be managed better. We have tried experimenting with a few other solutions involving local communities. One such initiative is the Nest Guardian Programme, wherein locals are stationed around Indian skimmer nests to guard them and chase away predators or livestock wandering nearby. This has proven to be largely effective. Camping hut for the nest guardians on the river bank Advaith: That really emphasises how involving local communities in conservation can make a significant difference! Does the problem that exists in the Chambal occur in other rivers throughout India? Parveen: While the exact same situation may not occur, solving water-related issues is always a big challenge in India. For example, we also worked in the river Son in Madhya Pradesh. Here, the number of skimmers nesting is not as high as in the Chambal. However, every year there are instances where the Ban Sagar Dam releases water during peak nesting season, which leads to the drowning of the nests of the inhabitant skimmers. L: Desertion of eggs due to sudden water release, R: Chicks drowning due to sudden water release India's rivers are home to a plethora of biodiversity; beyond riverine birds, we have a rich diversity of freshwater turtles, gharials, river dolphins, and many more. Balancing the needs of all species as well as human water use is tricky and needs the involvement of all stakeholders. One of the key things we need to do is raise awareness about the importance of rivers and the need for conservation. We also need to involve local communities and work with policymakers and decision-makers to ensure that conservation concerns are integrated into policy decisions about water management. Parveen's research and conservation efforts along the Chambal River provide a model for how science and community involvement can come together to address the complex challenges of balancing human water use with the needs of wildlife and natural ecosystems. We are grateful to Parveen for sharing her insights and experiences with us, and we hope that her work inspires others to take action to protect our precious rivers and the life they sustain.     Tue, 14 Mar 2023 06:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18798 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18626/Asian-Waterbird-Census-2023-Andhra-Pradesh-Telangana#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=18626 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18626&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Asian Waterbird Census 2023: Andhra Pradesh & Telangana https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18626/Asian-Waterbird-Census-2023-Andhra-Pradesh-Telangana By Benjamin Clement & Tarun Singh The Eastern Ghats and Telangana Programme of WCS - India conducted the annual Asian Waterbird Census on the 27th & 28th of January in ten wetlands in and around their project sites across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana with the help of WCS-India staff, the Forest Department and Volunteers. The exercise was carried out to mobilise the team in undertaking global monitoring and conservation initiatives.  Each team was responsible for counting wintering and resident waterbirds and assessing the wetlands in terms of habitat quality, uses, permanency and threats. Commonly known as the ‘January Census’, this exercise is undertaken to evaluate the health of wetlands, which form a critical part of our ecosystems. The aim was to identify the numerical size of the waterfowl populations; study changes in the number and distribution of these populations. One of the vital processes is to identify essential wetlands and help conserve them. These, in turn, assist in protecting and managing waterbird populations through international conventions, national legislation and other means. Each landscape team identified two wetlands from their areas and conducted these surveys. Many established birding societies and groups also volunteered with the teams. The Kawal (Core) led by D Venkatesh & R Thirupathi conducted these surveys in Gadham Cheruvu (Cheruvu meaning lake in Telugu) and Maisamakunta. The Kawal (buffer) team headed by G Harshavardhan were part of the same exercise in Marthadi Cheruvu and Bokki Vagu. In Hyderabad, Imran and the team conducted these surveys in Osman Sagar lake (Gandipet) and Himayat Sagar lake. Bapureddy and the Amrabad TR team run them in Pichakuntla Cheruvu and Rasool Cheruvu. Sridhar, Tarun & Subin covered the rest of the Nallamala landscape. A total of 10092 individuals of 53 waterbird and wetland-dependent species were counted. The major highlights include Red-crested Pochards and Tufted Ducks from Kawal Corridor, Bar-headed Geese from Nagireddyppalle Cheruvu, Greater Flamingos in Alagunuru reservoir in Kurnool, and Caspian Terns and Brown-headed Gulls from the Vellogodu reservoir. The significant threats observed were pollution, cattle grazing, conversion for agriculture and hunting of waterfowl.  With the changing irrigation and land-use pattern, there seems to be a dispersal of waterbirds from ever-shrinking and vanishing natural water bodies to more altered habitats such as irrigation impoundments, lakes, tanks and ponds created out of modern agricultural, aquaculture and drinking water supply needs.  The team observed how agricultural fields, mainly paddy, now act as surrogates for the main wetlands (Refer: Surrogate Wetlands by Tarun Singh). With this shift, there is an immediate need to focus conservation efforts on these altered sites involving local stakeholders with Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). Media coverage: Read more: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2023/jan/29/rare-species-seen-during-asian-water-bird-survey-2023-in-kawal-reserve-2542340.html   Thu, 02 Feb 2023 09:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18626 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18420/Surrogate-Wetlands#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=18420 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18420&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Surrogate Wetlands https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18420/Surrogate-Wetlands By Tarun Singh  The Ahobilam corridor is a narrow strip of parallel-running hills harbouring pristine forests of high conservation significance in the Eastern Ghats Range of India. WCS India’s ‘Project Ahobilam’ is the beginning of an effort to improve the conservation status of the area as part of the contiguity with existing PAs in the Nallamala Landscape.  Presently it is a Reserve Forest (RF) south of Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary. These areas are identified as the tiger corridor connecting the Nallamala hills of Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, the country's largest tiger reserve, with Sheshachallam hills in the South. Presently, we have started surveys to assess the biodiversity profile of the area, which includes RF and areas outside it. The following account sheds some light on how wildlife uses and thrives outside PAs. It should interest anyone who works in conservation, whether it is someone who visits the field quite often and makes observations while collecting the data or someone managing projects remotely, trying to make sense of it.  Our reconnaissance* surveys began during monsoons, and for two months, we inventoried any biodiversity, from insects to mushrooms, that we could record in the field**. After that, we began surveys on getting relative abundances of various bird communities in the forest through Times-Species Counts. To represent wetland birds, we marked visible perennial water sources from a digital satellite map of our study area, where we proceeded to determine the habitat suitability. On the ground, these water sources turned out to be some of the many reservoirs formed around the Telugu Ganga project. It is a 408 Km long canal system between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu that runs along the base of forested Nallamalla hills. These reservoirs were deep, with rapid water flow and no apparent shoreline. It was disappointing to see these vast aesthetic expanses of water devoid of any bird life. With this, we learned a significant field lesson: all waters are not suitable for sustaining wildlife. Meanwhile, as we were traversing back and forth from our field station to our field sites, the paddy fields were being sown. In these fields, some interesting observations could be made each time we passed by. Visibly, there were more numbers and diversity of wetland-dependent birds here. There were Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), Black-headed Ibis(Threskiornis melanocephalus), Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), Red-naped Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa), Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), Fulvous Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor), Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica), and assemblages of various common egrets and herons. One evening, large flocks of small-sized ibis-like birds appeared silhouetted on the horizon and kept pouring in. It was the seasonal movement of Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), and in the upcoming weeks, their numbers kept increasing to the point where a thousand birds could be easily counted from a single point. All this had something to do with the shallow, flooded paddy fields as birds settled in to make the most of such opportunistic foraging. These observations piqued our interest, and our curiosity led us to spend some more time here, even though these fields were slightly away from the digital grids laid down for our survey work.  We targeted small-sized village lakes or Tanks (locally called Cheruvu) surrounded by paddy fields to document the bird diversity. An unexpected spectacle unfolded at one such site. There were commotions at the edge of the lake; these turned out to be the flocks of Garganey (Anas querquedula), a wintering anatid to India. Ruffs Philomachus pugnax and Wood Sandpipers (Tringa glareola) were feeding in the tender green rows of paddy by probing their bill in the soft earth below a thin sheet of water. A Eurasian Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) was flying low, scanning the fields. Plaintive whistles of Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) could be heard. As we waded forward through slushy mud, a snipe (species unidentified) got flushed and flew up in a zig-zag flight shrieking its complaints about our intrusion from the sky. At last, we reached a point from where we could scan a congregation through binoculars and cameras and discovered a resting flock of Black-tailed Godwits (Limosa limosa) (Near Threatened, IUCN Red List). On a follow-up survey, we even recorded a pair of Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), a flagship species of the wetland ecosystem.  To summarise what to make of these observations: Though the many reservoirs along the Telugu - Ganga Canal are more perennial and abundant sources of water, the Village Tanks (Cheruvus), along with paddy fields with their attributes such as shallow water depth to wade, soft mud substrate to feed, and seasonal flooding, mimic the habitats preferred by wetland habitat specialists such as various sandpipers and flamingos. As the planting season coincides with the autumn migration, migratory waterbirds to India in the Central Asian-Indian Flyway use these altered or reclaimed wetlands as stop-over and refuelling sites. Thus from a conservation point of view, the irrigated paddies might sustain part of the original biodiversity and represent refugia for the fauna from affected wetlands (Fowler 2001). However, these areas are prone to heavy pesticides and other harmful chemical loads that can potentially be very dangerous to the avifauna life in this area. Sustainable agricultural practices such as organic farming and integrated pest management strategies that require fewer chemical inputs may aid in the ability of these sites to function as surrogate*** wetlands (Fowler 2001). As these spaces are not protected areas and are shared by communities and wildlife harmoniously, these could be promoted and managed through Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM). *Reconnaissance: A preliminary survey to gain information (especially for military purposes). **Field: A particular area where the same information is regularly recorded.  ***Surrogate: One that serves as a substitute.  https://ebird.org/checklist/S119691743    Tue, 13 Dec 2022 09:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18420 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18373/Into-the-Ice--An-interview-with-Dr-Anant-Pande-Antarctica-Day-2022#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=18373 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18373&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Into the Ice - An interview with Dr. Anant Pande: Antarctica Day 2022 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18373/Into-the-Ice--An-interview-with-Dr-Anant-Pande-Antarctica-Day-2022 Interview conducted by Advaith Jaikumar and Rujan Sarkar On the 1st of December in 1959, nations of the world came together to sign the Antarctic Treaty to recognise Antarctica as a preserve for peace and scientific study. The treaty also set aside 10% of the Earth forever for peace. A vast number of scientific achievements and advances, including in wildlife, conservation, and climate science, owe their foundation to this treaty.  Collecting samples from snow petrel individuals in east Antarctica Dr. Anant Pande is the Programme Head for Marine Megafauna at WCS-India. While many of us may have the travel bug that has taken us to many places, not many of us might know what the planet’s coldest continent on the south pole is like! On the anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty, we would like to bring some insights from Dr. Pande, who has worked extensively in India’s expeditions to Antarctica on seabirds as well as marine species such as krill! Read more and dive right into his fascinating work and the exciting backdrop that it is set in! When and how did you first find yourself in India’s scientific expeditions to Antarctica? In 2008, when I was a postgraduate student at the University of Mumbai, I saw a newspaper advertisement about an opening for students to be a part of the Indian Antarctic Programme’s expedition. I was required to submit a short-term project proposal to qualify for the opportunity. I had no confidence in my proposal being shortlisted. However, a few days passed, and I remember an email popped up one day asking me to come down to Goa to the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) to present my proposal to a panel of experts. This was overwhelming, since I had never presented my work or ideas to experts. I mustered up the courage, prepared a presentation and finally completed this. I was made aware that only one student would be selected, making me even more anxious about being accepted. By the time the results were announced, I had begun working as a Project Assistant at the National Institute of Oceanography. A few months into this new position, the news that I was selected for the expedition came around! At this moment, I was in a dilemma, wondering whether I should leave a full-time job to go down to Antarctica for a few months. However, along the way, I realised that this was a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it was clear what I wanted to do. Please tell us a little about your first expedition and your work. Ocean acidification, or the increased levels of Carbon dioxide in the ocean, is one of the biggest problems many species face. I wanted to understand how Antarctic krills are reacting to this. My work then was related to my proposal to study Antarctic krill, which are abundant there. I planned to fish for these krill, maintain them in aquariums and understand how their metabolism changed when subject to changes in the aquarium’s conditions. I recall that when I pitched this proposal, nobody seemed optimistic about me being able to catch krills, but I was still hopeful. This hope gave me a memorable experience! Unfortunately, krill fishing nets are costly. So I went around Mumbai along with a friend of mine, and we put together a DIY-handmade net! We bought hooks with carabiners and fishing ropes; we even went down to a steel forgery for the ring that goes around the net.  What do you remember about your first journey to Antarctica? The more I speak about it, I realise that working in Antarctica does not feel like reality; it feels like I’m narrating a fictional story to you. When heading to a forest for fieldwork, you can plan out in advance, but in Antarctica, you have to prepare for everything, owing to the weather.  When it came to my work with krill, there were a few challenging aspects that made my project stand apart from the rest. Most scientists have a rather fun ride on the way since the bulk of their research begins once they reach the continent; however, since my project required me to fish for krills, I already had work cut out for me on the journey. One thing you must know about krill - they migrate vertically, which means that by day they are submerged underwater, but by night they move upwards towards land. This meant that I had to do my sampling at night. Adding to this challenge, the ship cruises at around 14 knots, so I would have to ask the ship’s captain to slow down every time I wanted to begin sampling. The entire ship’s crew and the captain were from Russia, and I remember having to convince them every day to slow down so that I could try to catch krill.  Although I was unsuccessful on my first few nights, it finally came along one day. I still remember that day clearly; it was just before reaching Antarctica. The weather was harsh and very windy, and the ship's deck was rattling. One of my friends was carrying a Chinese torch with him. I covered the torch with a cling wrap, tied it and lowered it with the net. Creatures like krill gather around light. This idea worked like a charm! That night, I finally caught around 400 of them. I remember everyone was overjoyed as this arduous task finally came to an end! So my entry into Antarctica was not really very fun-filled; it involved work and effort. What did you feel when you finally got there?  So, we hit the continent at midnight, and the sun was bright since we were at the pole. There was ice all around. The sea was frozen, too, but broken into sheets called ‘pack ice’. You do come across icebergs on the way, but when you suddenly reach the coast, you see that everything is frozen, and it’s just a unique feeling. Your watch shows that it’s the middle of the night, but you’re wearing protective sunglasses, and the sun is shining bright. Everything around you is strikingly white. The coastline is covered in ice, and the sea is frozen, too! From the coast, it was again a two-day-long, slow journey of navigating through the ice to reach the threshold of the ship’s voyage as it could no longer break through the ice. From here, we reached our destination by air on helicopters! What was your PhD research in Antarctica about, and how has it helped you with the larger scope of your work? After my first project on krill in Antarctica, I wanted to return for my PhD, but I didn’t have the resources for it. So, we submitted a proposal, which was accepted and received some seed funding. I had initially thought of doing my research on seals, and I was really excited by the prospect. I had big plans for photographic monitoring of seals and conducting helicopter transects. However, their breeding season began in October, and we would only get there by December, so it wasn’t feasible. Then I found out about a bird called the snow petrel, which exclusively breeds in Antarctica, and surprisingly, there was little previous research on their breeding habits. This sparked my curiosity, and I changed my topic from seals to snow petrels. With the help of a collaborator, I developed a cost-efficient way to monitor the birds using webcams and motion sensors and was able to conduct my research on their breeding biology and genetics.   Snow Petrel chick color-tagged for long-term monitoring When I returned to India, I realised that my time in Antarctica helped me with a stronger sense of building future collaborations. You see, working in a place like Antarctica really teaches you about cooperation because everyone is there for a purpose and the challenging conditions often require help from other people that may not even have anything to do with your field! So I needed to cooperate with other members of my expedition and even people from different countries because that’s just what you need to do to get your work done. As for my work with seabirds, I learnt that Indian seabirds had largely been ignored, and so I helped found the Indian Seabird Group on my return to consolidate seabird research as well as promote collaboration and opportunities for seabird work in India.  Antarctica sees a large number of migratory species. What brings them there? Antarctica is a land mass surrounded by the ocean. During winters, the waters around Antarctica freeze, trapping a large number of nutrients within the ice. When summer comes, the ice starts to melt, releasing all the captured nutrients. This causes a sudden bloom in productivity. Phytoplanktons make use of these nutrients and increase in numbers. They become food for zooplankton, such as krill, whose population grows exponentially. This brings in large mammals such as whales, some of which, such as the blue whale, feed exclusively on krill. These krill are present in such high numbers that their combined biomass is estimated to be more than that of humans. They are known as the keystone species of the Southern Ocean because most large species rely on them as a food source. If you remove them from the oceans, the entire ecosystem will collapse. This bloom of life is why so many species of birds, fish, and mammals migrate great distances to come to Antarctica.  Can you walk us through a day in Antarctica during your work?           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by WCS-India (@wcsindia)     Adelie penguin building a pebble-lined nest The polar regions are under significant threat from climate change. In your experience, how has Antarctica changed since your first visit? Climate change and how it influences snow petrels was one of the aspects of my PhD work in Antarctica. But climate change is a long-term phenomenon, and you can’t say anything conclusive after only 3-4 years of research. You need long-term monitoring programs, which is something we have been working on over the years. But as a personal observation, on my last expedition, we experienced very high variations in temperature one day. It went up to 14 degrees Celsius, and everyone was walking around in t-shirts. That is something I experienced for the first time in my five visits to Antarctica.  Apart from that, and this is all anecdotal information rather than based on scientific data, I also witnessed that several ice rivers that flowed into the ocean had become free-flowing streams because of melting. I also found, strangely, that the number of breeding pairs of seabirds was less, and this is something I wish to publish as well. But it is hard to say what is happening in the whole continent, which is larger than Australia, just by my observations of one area. However, if we don’t make the changes that climate conferences are recommending, there are predictions that within the next 100-200 years, there will be proper colonies and settlements in Antarctica, and there will be nowhere else left to go. Surveying ice-free areas for seabird nesting sites often included covering large areas on-foot in sub-zero conditions What do you think the future of Antarctica and its wildlife looks like? We will see many new species colonising the area due to warming conditions, especially smaller species such as invertebrates. Larger species, such as birds and mammals, may also start moving south towards Antarctica. There are bound to be changes to the trophic structure of the Southern Ocean. The birds I was studying require land to breed, and with more melting, there will be more available land, which may mean an increase in their breeding population. But we cannot be sure because climate change also increases extreme weather events, which can be limiting factors for these animals. It is a complex scenario, and we cannot be sure what will happen. But we know that some species will benefit while others will not. Endemic species will be at high risk, whereas migratory species could increase their range and colonise previously inhospitable areas.    Thu, 01 Dec 2022 09:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18373 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18337/Interview-with-Karan-Dilip-Worah--Director-of-Rolgol#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=18337 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18337&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Interview with Karan Dilip Worah - Director of Rolgol https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18337/Interview-with-Karan-Dilip-Worah--Director-of-Rolgol Interview conducted by Dr. Ovee Thorat Karan graduated from Srishti Manipal Institute of Arts, Design, and Technology, Bengaluru. He is currently working as an Experience Designer with Airtel in Gurgaon. "We slowly built a relationship with the warm people of Banni, with the daily customers and with those who chose to make their chai stop at Hodko.” Ovee: Karan, please tell us about Rolgol. “Rolgol is my graduation film, I made it in 2014. To this day, the time I spent filming Rolgol has left a lasting impact on me. Although I have changed my field of work, each time I think of Rolgol, I think of Banni and its people and feel an immediate yearning to return.” Ovee: How did you go about making Rolgol?  “Varun Kurtkoti, my collaborator at the time, and I were in Banni to capture another dimension of Banni and Kutch - the music. However, we never really managed to take that off the ground. During our research and the shoot, we stayed at the RAMBLE’s* beautiful research station in Hodko village (which at the time had a young nilgai under the care of the caretaker). Deflated by the seeming failure, we spent hours in the chai shop opposite the Ramble station. Saidu, who later became one of the two main protagonists in the film, often accompanied/joined us here. Unbeknownst to us, we were slowly starting to experience Banni not as documentary filmmakers there to capture moments but as welcomed guests and eventually as friends of the land.” “We slowly built a relationship with the warm people of Banni, with the daily customers and with those who chose to make their chai stop at Hodko. Fortunately, with my knowledge of Gujarati and Varun’s worldly, friendly smile and eagerness to learn, many conversations ensued at this chai shop (where we also racked up a fairly long bill). There emerged the two stories, one of Bhachaya, a Wai singer in training, in search of his lost buffalo; and the other of Saidu, a man with the most beautiful voice on that side of Banni on his way to harvest the baval (Prosopis juliflora) to turn into coal.” Ovee: Is there a memory from your time in Banni that you would like to share with us? “After spending many days of no filmmaking and only sharing anecdotes at the chai shop, we finished shooting this film in 2 days. I remember Varun and I had our last tea, discussing how we have no expectations from how the film will turn out, no anxiety if this film will be enough because the 21 days spent in Banni were already worth everything to us. I would do it all over again if I could.” Watch the full film here. *RAMBLE - ‘Research and Monitoring in the Banni Landscape’ is an open research platform with the chief mandate of facilitating disciplinary and interdisciplinary research on various aspects of the Banni grassland ecosystem, its pastoral communities, and their interactions with the grassland. Implicit in their approach is the understanding that ecological and social systems are intimately coupled, and neither can be fully understood independently of the other.   Thu, 24 Nov 2022 07:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18337 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18310/Face-to-face-with-two-big-cats-in-Amrabad-My-first-ever-tiger-encounter#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=18310 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18310&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Face-to-face with two big cats in Amrabad: My first ever tiger encounter https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18310/Face-to-face-with-two-big-cats-in-Amrabad-My-first-ever-tiger-encounter Article by Bapu Reddy Running into tigers isn’t an everyday thing in Nalamalla, there are few of them, and traversing through this rugged landscape is no cakewalk. The Nallamala forests, rough with hilly terrain, spread across the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. I believe that luck is the only thing that can explain how my first ever sighting of a tiger was here, beating all the odds! After completing my work surveying the areas that come under Andhra Pradesh, I found myself in Telangana. Since 2015, I have been working in the Amrabad Tiger Sanctuary, conducting research in the field to understand the presence of tigers, their population and how these big cats lead their lives in this challenging environment. Here, I was put up in Mannanur’s CBET (Community Based Eco-Tourism) Cottages, along with my teammates. One day, after breakfast, we reached the Royaleti Penta area in the Amrabad range, hoping to survey 8 to 10 kilometres of the area. Satish, my teammate, and another volunteer were walking behind me. At this point, I had not the slightest hint of how my day was going to give me the experience of a lifetime! It was winter, and although it was relatively cold, the forest was pleasant and green. In the beginning, there was a clear electric line trail, we completed one kilometre of the survey and found no signs of any animals. Towards the next kilometre, the trail disappeared into a thick bushy area. The way was no longer visible; however, we kept moving, wading through the lantana-laden path. And that’s when it happened! I couldn’t believe what I had just come face-to-face with, my heart seemingly stood still. Two orange and striped cats, in all their magnificence, were lying down facing each other. They were not even a stone’s throw away. I came back to my senses and silently signalled to Satish and the volunteer, and we took two gentle steps back. That little bit of noiseless commotion as we stepped back was enough to alert the tigers and send them sprinting by us on either side. At that moment, I remembered that some time ago that year, two tigers, a little over a year old, were caught in camera traps. Perhaps, I had just come up close with those very cats.  I am not going to keep this from you - seeing them at such a short distance was a little scary! Although the moment felt frozen in time, all of it happened in the blink of an eye. After a while, we thought of picking up the survey again from where we had left it. We had informed another team to pick us up at the end site - Dhara Vagu, and if we wanted to drop the survey, we had no way of reaching out to the team. Our mobiles picked up no signal at this depth. However, the volunteer brought to our attention that it might be risky if the mother tiger was around. So we decided to make our way outside, and we reached our cottages by bus.  I came back home with a wonderful feeling that day; I had not yet seen a tiger in my life - not even in a zoo! Being able to see two of them in the wild was exhilarating yet chilling - a day I will never forget!   Wed, 23 Nov 2022 05:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18310 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18232/Implication-of-CITES-inclusion-within-Indias-Wildlife-Law#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=18232 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18232&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Implication of CITES inclusion within India’s Wildlife Law https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/18232/Implication-of-CITES-inclusion-within-Indias-Wildlife-Law Article by Faisal Patil and Shyama Kuriakose Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) is the 4th largest illegitimate business with an annual worth of $14 billion. Due to India’s geography and socio-demographic makeup, it acts as an integral focal point for this trade across international markets, putting our hallowed biodiversity at the risk of being extirpated. Much of this demand is driven by the pet industry and the use of wildlife parts in traditional medicines. Wildlife crimes are relegated to a rung below conventional crimes, especially those involving a human element, and often carry little inherent risk. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) came into force to counter this unregulated trade in wildlife and wildlife articles. This international agreement ensures that any international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants is sustainable and does not pose a threat to the survival of the species in the wild.  The convention has classified species into three distinct categories known as Appendices based on threats to their survival. Appendix I species (ex. Asian elephant) are granted the greatest degree of protection prohibiting all international commercial trade. The importer must prove that the purpose is non-commercial and produce a mandatory import and export certificate. Appendix II species (ex. monocled cobra) may not necessarily be threatened with immediate extinction but are at risk due to unsustainable trade. Although the need for an import certificate has been waived for these species, an export or re-export certificate is necessary.  Appendix III species (ex. Indian grey mongoose) are listed at the request of a participating country that requires the cooperation of other countries to limit or restrict unsustainable trade of the particular species.  Although India is a party to the CITES, there exists ambiguity in regulating the trade of non-native/exotic species. Recognising the problem, the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill of 2021 (WLPA Bill) was introduced with the objective of aligning the Act of 1972 with CITES. While the WLPA Bill addresses several aspects, we would like to highlight the amendments pertaining to CITES through this piece.  A new chapter titled “CHAPTER VB: REGULATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA AS PER CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA” provides the mechanism for fulfilling government obligations under CITES. The new Schedule IV added in the WLPA lists all the species found in the CITES appendices I, II and III and regulates their trade as prescribed via chapter VB. The chapter further helps set up a designated Management Authority tasked with granting permissions for the international trade in wild animal and plant specimens and is empowered to fulfil provisions of the convention. Officers not below the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Forests may be delegated to carry out functions of the authority.  The central government is also mandated to designate Scientific Authorities as envisioned in CITES. The authorities will provide guidance on matters related to the survival and well-being of the species being traded and monitor the export permits of species listed in Appendix II of Schedule IV. If the Scientific Authority ascertains that the export of a species may cause its population to fall below a certain threshold, it can advise the Management Authority to take appropriate measures to limit its export. Furthermore, conditions such as valid documents have been imposed for import, export, re-export of exotic species and introduction of species from the sea, failing which the trade can be considered illegal. For instance, in the case of re-export of an exotic species listed in Appendix I and II, a re-export certificate and prior grant are compulsory. Additionally, in the case of live Appendix I species, an import permit will also be required. Perhaps the most notable features of this newly added chapter are provisions allowing legal possession, transfer and captive breeding of Schedule IV species. Thus, any person in possession of such species is required to make a declaration before the Management Authority which will then issue a registration certificate. This also applies to any future transfers of specimens and in case of an offspring being born to a captive specimen. The Management Authority is required to keep a detailed record of all the above processes for all specimens involved. The WLPA Bill also allows captive breeding of specimens listed in Appendix I of Schedule IV after acquiring permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden. Pursuant to this, the interested parties are provided with a validity of two years that can be renewed for two more years.  Seizures with species associated with an offence under WLPA will be deemed government property.  A provision also states that confiscated specimens should be returned to their country of origin, failing which the specimens may be housed in zoos within India. Finally, to prevent any confusion, provisions of WLPA pertaining to Schedule I and II species will apply to all species mentioned in the newly added Schedule IV.    A Parliamentary Standing Committee was set up to review the WLPA Bill, following which the Bill has been cleared in both houses of the Parliament of India. The impact of this significant policy decision on the illegal wildlife trade, especially of non-native/exotic species in India, is yet to be examined.     Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18232 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17998/Researchers-conduct-a-comprehensive-assessment-of-scientific-research-on-carnivores-over-seven-decades-since-Indias-independence#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=17998 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17998&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Researchers conduct a comprehensive assessment of scientific research on carnivores over seven decades since India’s independence https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17998/Researchers-conduct-a-comprehensive-assessment-of-scientific-research-on-carnivores-over-seven-decades-since-Indias-independence A new study by scientists from 11 academic and conservation institutions presents a detailed account of carnivore research in India from 1947–2020 India presents a unique and peculiar case among developing and developed countries, where 1.4 billion people manage to coexist with large carnivores like tigers, lions, snow leopards, sloth bears and leopards. The country is home to around 23 per cent of the world’s carnivore species, most of which occur at high densities, while also sharing space with the second largest human population on the planet. Besides their charismatic appeal, many of these carnivores are conservation flagships and important players in food-webs across ecosystems. Enormous monetary and human-power efforts are invested towards conducting research on carnivores. But do all carnivores receive equal scientific attention? Has scientific research impacted policy decisions and helped conserve these species in India?  Red Fox; Image credit: Ismail Shariff  A new study by scientists from various Indian and international institutions addresses these questions through a detailed assessment of all the research work conducted on India’s carnivores since the country’s independence. The authors of the study spent more than a year meticulously reviewing around 1800 research papers, theses and books published from 1947 to 2020. In doing so, they put together information related to academic institutions involved in carnivore research, the species in focus, the geographic scope of studies, the themes and topics addressed, and the sources of funds that supported the research. In their analysis, they also examined the nature and extent of impact that scientific research has had on conservation policy in India. The study found that Indian scientists have made substantial contributions to the field of carnivore ecology, from establishing global standards in population monitoring techniques to developing cutting-edge tools in genetics research. The field has come a long way, evolving from elaborate natural history documentations to impactful applied conservation projects. But not all carnivores benefited from extensive ecological studies, with many smaller non-charismatic species like mongooses, civets, otters, etc., barely receiving any attention. Conservation policy in the country did not seem to adequately draw from the scientific findings and insights, perhaps underscoring the frail links in communication between scientists and policy makers.  Bengal Tiger; Image credit: Ramki Sreenivasan Unsurprisingly, carnivore research in India is biased towards the large cats (tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard), and environmental litigation and conservation policies have been overwhelmingly shaped by one species– the tiger. Commenting on the topics that have hitherto dominated conservation research, co-author Dr. Saloni Bhatia said “India’s people have long shared spaces with carnivores, both large and small. Many cultures view humans and wildlife as two sides of the same coin. Studying such biocultural relationships, behaviour and decision-making can actually make carnivore conservation a lot more inclusive. Our study shows that we need to build capacity in multi-disciplinary approaches to address today’s conservation challenges”.  The authors recommend that on-going and future research efforts should focus on lesser-known species and their threatened habitats, combine social sciences with ecological studies (especially when dealing with sensitive topics like human–carnivore conflict), and make carnivore science more democratic through establishing partnerships across diverse institutions as well as local communities that share space with conflict-prone carnivores. According to lead author Dr. Arjun Srivathsa, “Carnivores are among the most fascinating species on earth. With the kind of national and international efforts invested towards carnivore research and conservation, it is important to pause, take stock of the status quo and address the gaps and blind spots. Our synthesis of carnivore research in India accomplished this objective. Our hope is that the findings from our work can serve as a guiding doctrine for directing future research on carnivores in the country”.  Striped Hyena; Image credit: Kalyan Varma  The study titled “Chasms in charismatic species research: Seventy years of carnivore science and its implications for conservation and policy in India” was published in the latest edition of the international journal Biological Conservation. The authors include Dr. Arjun Srivathsa (Wildlife Conservation Society–India and National Centre for Biological Sciences-TIFR), Aditya Banerjee (Conservation Initiatives), Malaika Mathew Chawla (Australian Conservation Foundation, Australia), Anshita Das (Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University), Divyajyoti Ganguly (National Centre for Biological Sciences-TIFR), Ryan G. Rodrigues (Wildlife Conservation Society–India), Tiasa Adhya (The University of Trans-disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology), Dr. Saloni Bhatia (Wildlife Conservation Society–India), Aritra Kshettry (Wildlife Conservation Society–India and Centre for Wildlife Studies), Iravatee Majgaonkar (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment), Girish A. Punjabi (Wildlife Conservation Trust), Dr. Mahi Puri (University of Georgia, USA), Priya Singh (National Centre for Biological Sciences-TIFR) and Nikit Surve (Wildlife Conservation Society–India). Web link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320722002476    Tue, 06 Sep 2022 10:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17998 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17948/A-conversation-with-Akshay-Mandavkar-From-the-environment-beat-to-Kathak-and-everything-in-between#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=17948 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17948&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 A conversation with Akshay Mandavkar: From the environment beat to Kathak, and everything in between https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17948/A-conversation-with-Akshay-Mandavkar-From-the-environment-beat-to-Kathak-and-everything-in-between Media portrayal of wildlife and environmental issues are greatly responsible for shaping public perceptions about wildlife. Besides being a primary source of information for many, the media also holds great power to influence public understanding of and response to conservation issues. Sensational or erroneous reporting can lead to increased antagonism toward wildlife and negatively affect policy and management decisions that could prove detrimental to humans and wildlife.  Researchers and conservation practitioners have shown an increasing interest in engaging with the media and vice versa. Even on contentious conservation issues, engagement for information sharing and capacity building has facilitated more fact-based reporting in the recent past. The reporting on human-leopard interactions in Mumbai is one example of how sustained engagement with media can bring about a significant change in the tone of reportage.  In this interview, we bring you Akshay Mandavkar, a senior correspondent with Mumbai Tarun Bharat. Akshay began his career in journalism, covering the human-leopard conflict in Mumbai. He has been actively working on highlighting stories on wildlife and the environment over the last five years. While there is no dearth of stunning visual imagery from across the world, people are often unaware of the wildlife and issues closer to them due to the lack of locally available information. Akshay wants to bridge this gap by showcasing the wildlife life of Maharashtra to the people of Maharashtra in Marathi. Akshay is currently working on a 100-episode video series called 'Species and Habitats Awareness Programme' in collaboration with The Habitats Trust, which features the lesser known species and habitats of Maharashtra, and the people working to protect them. Twelve published videos are available on the YouTube channels of MahaMTB and The Habitats Trust.  1. WCS-India: How long have you been a journalist, and what challenges did you face when you began working in this field?  I have been a journalist for the past five years, covering environment and wildlife issues exclusively. When I began as an environment correspondent during my internship, I used to cover the human-animal conflict in and around Mumbai. There were a lot of incidents of leopard conflict in the region, and the most significant issue I faced was connecting with the right people to cover the news. I encountered another big challenge in getting acquainted with the scientific language, data, and the root of the conflict.  2. WCS-India: We learned that you are a classically trained Kathak dancer. Can you tell us more about your passion for this Indian classical dance? I grew up in a household where art was encouraged and appreciated. My father is a folk dancer, so I think that’s where I inherited this interest. I have been learning Kathak from Guru Pandit Mayur Vaidya for the past 13 years. I am also fortunate to learn and perform in various events under the guidance of the late Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj. Under his guidance, I have performed across India and abroad as well as a few tv shows. Dance was never a career choice for me; I chose dance as an art form because it made me happy. Being a male classical dancer always attracted unwanted attention from society; however, it did not bother me as I had ample support from my parents and my guru. 3. WCS-India: What led you to pursue journalism as your profession? During my studenthood, I was doing well as a dancer, which yielded appreciation from everyone and a decent amount of money. However, since I had finished my formal education in journalism, I thought of pursuing an internship in media and joined the environment beat of Loksatta, a Marathi newspaper. Experiencing the beauty of nature and accompanying various researchers and naturalists piqued my interest in environmental journalism. As work progressed, so did my interest in environmental journalism, and thus began the second stage of my career.  4. WCS-India: How did your work come to focus on wildlife conservation? I once misreported the name of a senior researcher and received strong criticism. This mistake made me realise that I need to acquaint myself with the ground realities of wildlife and not be restricted to desk journalism if I want to do justice to the field. I spent several days in the field with scientists who helped me learn the value of their work and the importance of species in their habitats. Because I had no previous experience and knowledge of wildlife, it was difficult to understand the scientific language initially. However, with time I built my knowledge and expertise to simplify these concepts and bring them to my audience.  5. Could you tell us more about your site of work and the issues you are currently focusing on? Currently, my work focuses on the Konkan region of western Maharashtra and its marine life. Due to my interest in marine life, I am more familiar with researchers working on marine systems and the communities whose livelihood depends on them. Mainstream media often overlook the wildlife of Konkan. This region has a rich natural heritage but also has a lot of misconceptions associated with it. I have made a conscious effort to ensure that I touch upon these and report on them. Since I am also a part of a digital platform, we create videos on species and habitats to create awareness among viewers.   6. You write in Marathi, the regional language. How do you think Indian regional languages play a role in creating awareness about wildlife conservation? There are lots of misconceptions revolving around wildlife. We often hear people spread misinformation about wildlife in rural and urban areas to some extent. In Maharashtra, Marathi is the local language used widely in rural areas. Producing quality content in Marathi makes it easier to connect with people and ensure a wider reach, especially in remote rural areas, and spread the message of awareness. In my opinion, environment beat in Marathi journalism is often treated as entertainment material, thus not taken too seriously, leading to a severe lack of awareness among people and giving rise to superstitions and misconceptions. In the recent past, the quality of environmental journalism, especially in Marathi, has improved. However, it still lacks the inclusion of scientific knowledge and ground realities. 7. Please tell us how and when you started making films on wildlife and the response you received from your audiences. Since I started working with Mumbai Tarun Bharat, we have started making videos on the environment and wildlife. Our target was to create awareness of lesser-known habitats and species amongst crowds. We also wanted to boost the work of budding researchers; thus, we often focus on young talents who relentlessly work in the field. For example, when we created a video on the Indian Pangolin, we received a tremendous response from people. People appreciated our work so much that now when there is a gap between two videos, they reach out asking when the next video will be released. 8. Could you share your experience working with the news & media website, The Maha MTB? So far, my experience with The Maha MTB has been delightful. Generally, the environment beat of media is ignored and not taken seriously. In Maha MTB, our work is highly supported and encouraged in every stage of work. Our Editor Mr Kiran Shelar is an active supporter of wildlife conservation; thus, we receive a lot of support from him and creative independence.  9. How do you think local media houses can sensitise people about wildlife in their respective states? People now have started using digital media more than in previous decades. Thus media houses, especially the ones reporting in local languages, should create a digital platform that reports on environmental issues in the form of videos that will reach out to locals of the region. While reporting must sensitise people, journalists should not give away sensitive information such as locations of species or details of seizures that people can misuse.  10. Do you mind sharing your plans for the immediate future and the stories you want to shed light on through your work? We are currently making a video series that focuses on lesser-known species, habitats, research projects, and issues faced by wildlife in and outside Maharashtra. In our initial phases, we have started making videos on pangolins, wild dogs, otters, and elephant conflict in Maharashtra. The main idea behind this program is to acquaint people with the wildlife in their neighbourhood and that they should actively look out for their well-being and conservation. We are trying to create more conservation reserves in Maharashtra, especially in the state’s coastal regions.   Tue, 23 Aug 2022 06:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17948 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17867/International-Tiger-Day--Celebrating-Waghoba#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=17867 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17867&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 International Tiger Day - Celebrating Waghoba https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17867/International-Tiger-Day--Celebrating-Waghoba India has had several human communities living with wild animals in and around its diverse forests for centuries. The remarkable coexistence could be a consequence of some unique and age-old indigenous beliefs. Beliefs like the sun, moon, rivers and almost all other wild beings that have thrived on earth for eras are their wiser ancestors. They have sought their lessons on survival and sustenance from them. These beliefs substantiated into humble practices such as those worshipping the natural forces and animals. The ‘worship’ is a mutual acknowledgement led by a deep understanding of the ecosystem and its roles and contributions. Passed on for generations, these practices have now been institutionalized as rituals. And while the communities’ interactions with the animals have ranged from collaborations to conflicts, they have always been guided by these rituals of close association and reverence. India’s rich legacy of such indigenous beliefs and practices can potentially expand our understanding of human-wildlife relationships and address the complexities of conservation. One such institution of hope is ‘Waghoba’- the big cat deity of India. In villages situated in and around the tiger territories of Maharashtra and Goa, human communities have been making shrines of ‘Waghoba’- a deity who they believe is the protector of their land and forests. It is essentially a wooden shaft with tiger, sun and moon forms sculpted on it. The villagers gather at the central shrine on occasions of any threats or celebrations, leave meal offerings for tigers and make prayers for the safety and prosperity of their farms, cattle and community. Tigers walking fearlessly in their territory and humans living in harmony with them have demonstrated for centuries that the institution of Waghoba has been a respectful and responsible conversation between big cats and humans. This is the first artwork from a series of visuals attempting to paint a comprehensive image of India’s tiger- a combination of the ‘scientific tiger’ and the tiger as seen by indigenous communities living with them in various parts of the country. -Sudarshan Shaw   Fri, 29 Jul 2022 04:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17867 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17734/IPCC-Climate-Change-Report-2022-and-its-Implications-for-India#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=17734 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17734&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 IPCC Climate Change Report 2022 and its Implications for India https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17734/IPCC-Climate-Change-Report-2022-and-its-Implications-for-India Written by Ishani Kumar Singh Summer in India this year has brought some attention to the consequences of climate change that have started taking effect in India. The rising heat has broken records with the temperature breaching 49 degrees celsius in the capital city. Heatwaves have become more likely, putting a  large part of India’s population in distress. Lack of immediate efforts to mitigate or adapt to climate change could lead to dire consequences especially in India, as is warned by the latest Sixth Assessment Report, Working Group II by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The increase in emission is at an all-time high as evidenced by the recorded increase in the earth's temperature, which is 1.1 degrees Celsius warmer than it was in the late 1800s. The last decade between 2011-2020 was the warmest one on record. IPCC is an intergovernmental panel that was established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1988. Scientists all over the world evaluate papers on climate change to create a referenceable report that can be used by policymakers to create a strategy against climate change. The previous assessment report of 2014 provided the scientific basis for the Paris Agreement in December 2015 which was adopted by 200 states at COP21. The three working group reports of the fifth assessment cycle laid out various projections of climate impacts with different emission scenarios. Each projection led to an increase in the global mean temperature beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100 (compared to pre-industrial levels). This led a lot of nations, including India, to pledge towards keeping their carbon emission low and becoming carbon neutral by 2030.  IPCC released the second part of its Sixth Assessment Report - 'Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability’ on 28th February 2022. According to the Sixth Assessment Report, Working Group II by the IPCC, there are observed impacts on climate change that are human-induced, which has accelerated recently with the advent of new extreme events in nature. This has led to widespread losses to both, nature and human society.  The report bases its study and findings on the fact that the climate, ecosystem and biodiversity, and human societies are interlinked. The first Report which is the Working Group I: The Physical Science basis, was released on 9th August 2021, focusing on the “foundational consensus of the climate science behind the causes and effects of human greenhouse gas emissions.” Through the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP), which are various projections made on the changes up to the year 2100, the report established that to be anywhere near the threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius, the emissions would need to be cut down to a net-zero by 2050. The sixth assessment report outlines several impacts of the above projections such as reduction in food and water security, impacts on social and economic human systems, limited functioning of key infrastructure due to heatwaves, air pollution, etc. In addition, it also predicts adverse effects on climate-sensitive sectors such as forestry, fisheries, agriculture, energy and tourism as well as humanitarian crises such as climate-induced migration, etc. According to the report, the vulnerability of an ecosystem and people differs substantially when it comes to climate change impacts, depending on the region. Patterns of socio-economic development, inequity, marginalization, historical patterns of colonialism and the manner of governance, all affect the effect of climate change and its impact on the human system. There are areas more vulnerable than others due to a degraded ecosystem, unsustainable natural resources use, and pollution. Global hotspots for high human vulnerability are found in West, Central and East Africa, South Africa, Central America and South America, Small Island Developing States, and the Arctic. The report lays out near-term, mid-term and long-term risks of the global temperature rising above the level of 1.5 degrees Celsius in various models of scientific projections. Most importantly, near-term climate action that limits global warming to close to 1.5 degrees Celsius would substantially reduce the loss and damage due to the impact of climate change, but cannot eliminate them all. The report noted that socioeconomic trends such as rapid urbanization, violent conflicts, and migration patterns will be impacted by the governance factor more than by climate change. Most of the mid to long-term risks, beyond 2040, are dependent on the near-term climate action and global warming. The report advocates for adaptation measures to be implemented and observed in all sectors and regions, and for mitigation efforts to be continued where possible. There are several gaps identified by the report in the current adaptation plans that need to be addressed. A lot of these plans already in place by states as assessed by the IPCC report are small, fragmented, lacking in framework, and unequally distributed across regions, which is true for India itself. This can make climate action plans inefficient as the working of an ecosystem and its surrounding human societies are linked together. Addressing one and not the other could lead to short-term answers but no sustainable long-term solutions.  The report also lays down adaptation strategies such as the presence of enabling conditions referring to the political commitments and institutional framework and policies with clear goals and objectives against climate change. It advocates for avoiding maladaptation, actions which lead to adverse climate-related outcomes, which are mostly unintended consequences and can be avoided through detailed long-term vulnerabilities and climate risks. Lastly, there must be adequate financing for sustainable adaptation plans that can be implemented to reduce adaptation gaps. All stakeholders, public and private, need to participate in the process, invest, and prepare a budget plan for adaptation measures. This is especially important for vulnerable areas, groups, regions and sectors. India is one of the global hotspots identified in the IPCC report as well as domestic reports on the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) in terms of geographical and socio-economic vulnerabilities. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) is the major climate action plan in India, which has eight sub-plans. Each mission is under a different ministry, there is no one statutory framework or body that deals with the issue of climate change. Similar to most countries, despite the measures to tackle climate change, India is going to fall short of the IPCC recommendations unless the policies let go of all development goals and focus solely on climate change. However, India is already in a vulnerable place as is evidenced not only by the IPCC report but also by regional studies from the country.  According to the study, states like Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Bihar are the most vulnerable to climate hazards such as floods, droughts and cyclones. There are international and domestic levels to India’s climate change policy. NAPCC is the domestic, regionally focussed action plan that has technically been in place since 2008. Therefore, there has been a level of awareness at the policy level in India on the significance of development that is climate change sensitive, environmentally friendly, and sustainable. Furthermore, although not cohesive, various ministries incorporate these policies in their work. There are objectives in place, but specific strategies to deal with the issues of climate change are lacking.  India also has favourable enabling conditions such as international political commitments, and a domestic action plan in place that is utilized intelligently. This can be a tool to support the existing adaptive measures and also plan future long-term transformational adaptive measures. As far as suggestions go, some tweaks can be adopted by India for efficient climate change action. India is an especially vulnerable region to climate impacts. Therefore, India must map out all the vulnerable regions, sectors and also groups of people on a district level. India’s topography and geography are varied enough to warrant different responses for different regions. Planning and implementation are just the starting point for an efficient climate action framework. Setting up a periodic monitoring mechanism to review the progress, and a regular update on new scientific resources and parameters by a research and knowledge committee is crucial to sustaining these efforts.   Mapping out vulnerabilities keeping the challenges of a developing country in mind, a long-term sustainable action plan, good governance and funding are the way out of the challenges that climate change brings for India. Ishani Kumar Singh is an intern (legal) with the Counter Wildlife Trafficking Programme at WCS-India. She holds a degree in law and from the National Law Institute University, Bhopal and is currently pursuing a master’s degree from the same university.   Wed, 29 Jun 2022 10:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17734 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17634#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=17634 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17634&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 ಕಾನನದ ಸುತ್ತ (ಭಯ,ಕುತೂಹಲ, ಹಾಸ್ಯ) ಭಾಗ - ೨ https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17634 ಲೇಖಕರು- ಸತೀಶ ಗಣೇಶ ನಾಗಠಾಣ.  ಮುಂದುವರೆದ ಭಾಗ.. ದಟ್ಟಣೆಯಿಂದ ಕೂಡಿದ ಬೃಹತ ಗಾತ್ರದ ಮರದ ಸಾಲುಗಳನ್ನು ಕಣ್ಣೆತ್ತಿ ನೋಡುತ್ತ ಆ ದಿನದ ಆಹ್ಲಾದಕರವಾದ ಮುಂಜಾವಿನ ಮಂಪರು ಬರೆಸುವಂತಹ ತಂಗಾಳಿಯ ಆನಂದದ ಸುಖವನ್ನು ಸವೆಯುತ್ತ ದಂಡಾಕಾರದ ಕಾನನದ ಒಳಗೆ ಪ್ರವೇಶಿಸಲು ನಿಸರ್ಗ ಬಾ ಎಂದು ಕರೆಯುತ್ತಿತ್ತು.   ಕಲ್ಪವೃಕ್ಷಗಳ ದಟ್ಟ ಕಾಡುಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದ ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟಗಳ ಭವ್ಯ ವನಸಿರಿಯ ಸಾಲು ಸಾಲುಗಳನ್ನ ನೋಡುತ್ತ  ತಲ್ಲಿನವಾದಂತಹ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಏನೋ ಒಂಥರಹ ಮನಸ್ಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾವನಾತ್ಮಕ ಅಲೆಗಳ ಹೊಯದಾಟ ಝೆಂಕರಿಸುತ್ತ ಅತ್ತಂದಿತ್ತ ಸುಳಿದಾಡುತ್ತ ಮರದಿಂದ ಮರಕ್ಕೆ ನೆಗೆಯುತ್ತ ಸುಳಿಗಾಳಿಯ ಹತೋಟಿಗೆ ಸಿಲುಕಿ  ಅಜರಾಮರವಾಗಿ ಬಾನಂಗಳದಲ್ಲಿ ಮನಸ್ಸು ತೇಲಾಡುತ್ತಿತ್ತು.  ಅದೋ ಕೇರಳ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ನಿತ್ಯ ಹರಿದ್ವರ್ಣದ ಕಾನನಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊತ್ತ ವಯನಾಡು ಹಲವಾರು ಬಗೆ ಬಗೆಯ ಜೀವವೈವಿಧ್ಯತೆಯಿಂದ ಕೂಡಿದ ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯ ವಿಸ್ಮಯ ತಾಣಗಳ ಕಣಜವೆ ಸರಿ.   ನೀಲಾಕಾಶದ ತುಂಬೆಲ್ಲ ಚುಯಂ! ಚುಯಂ! ಎಂದು ಗಾನ ಮೊಳಗಿಸುವ ಪಕ್ಷಿಗಳ ಕಲರವಗಳ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ನವಿಲುಗಳ ನರ್ತನಗಳನ್ನ ಕಣ್ತುಂಬಿ ನೋಡುತ್ತ ಮೈ ಜುಮ್ಮೆನ್ನಿಸುವ ವಾತಾವರಣದಲ್ಲಿ ತಣ್ಣನೆ ಚಳಿಗಾಳಿಯ ಸಮ್ಮೊಹನಕ್ಕೊಳಗಾಗಿ ಮೈಮನವೆನ್ನಲ್ಲ ನಡುಗಿಸಿದ ಚಳಿಯ ತಾಂಡವ ನೃತ್ಯದ ಮಧ್ಯೆಯು ಗುಯಂ.. ಗುಯಂ.. ಎಂದು ಕಿವಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಗುಯಂಗುಟ್ಟುವ ನೊಣಗಳ ಇಂಪಾದ ಸಂಗೀತ ಕೇಳಲು ಬಲು ಹಿತವೆನ್ನಿಸುತ್ತಿತ್ತು.  ಆ ದಿನ ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ ನಾಲ್ಕು ಗಂಟೆ ಸಮಯ, ಗಾಢಾಕಾರವಾದ ಕತ್ತಲೆ ಆವರಿಸಿತ್ತು. ಮೈ ಕೊರೆಯುವ ಚಳಿ ಎಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಿದರು ಇಬ್ಬನಿ ಆವರಿಸಿತ್ತು. ಬೆಳಕು ಬರಲು ಇನ್ನು ಒಂದುವರೆ ಗಂಟೆ ಬೇಕಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಟಾರ್ಚನ್ನ ಹಿಡಿಯುತ್ತ ಜೀಪಿನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಓಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ವಾಹನ ಚಾಲಕ ತನಗೆ ವಹಿಸಿದ ಜೀಪಿನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಬಂದು, ನೋಡಿ! ನೋಡಿ! ಇಲ್ಲಿದೆ ಜೀಪು ಎಂದು ಟಾರ್ಚನ್ನ ನಮ್ಮತ್ತ ಮೇಲಿಂದ ಕೆಳಕ್ಕೆ ತಿರುಗಿಸುತ್ತ ಸೂಚನೆಗಳನ್ನ ಕೊಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಹಾಗೆ ನಾವೆಲ್ಲ ವಾಹನ ಚಾಲಕ ಇರುವಂತಹ ಜಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ದೊಯಡಾಯಿಸಿದೇವು. ಸುಗ್ರಿವ ಸೈನ್ಯದ ಸೇನಾಪತಿಯಾದಂತಹ ಹನುಮಂತನ ಹಾಗೆ ಕಂಡ ವಾಹನ ಚಾಲಕನ ಆಜ್ಞೆಯನ್ನ ನಾವೆಲ್ಲರೂ ತಪ್ಪದೆ ಪಾಲಿಸುತ್ತ, ಒಂದೇ ಸಮನೆ ಗೊಗೊರೆಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಚಾಲಕ ಬೇಗ ಬೇಗ ಜೀಪನ್ನ ಹತ್ತಿ ಇವತ್ತು ಬಹಳ ದೂರ ಹೋಗಬೇಕೆಂದು ಆತನ ಆತುರತೆಯ ಮಧ್ಯೆಯು ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ತಮ್ಮ ತಮ್ಮ ವಸ್ತುಗಳತ್ತ ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಕಣ್ಣುಗಳನ್ನ ಹಾಯಿಸಿ ಬ್ಯಾಗಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕೈ ಹಾಕಿ ಕುಲುಕಿ ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಇದೆ ಎಂದು ಖಾತ್ರಿ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡ ನಂತರವೇ ಸೇನಾದಿಪತಿಯ ಆದೇಶದಂತೆ ಜೀಪಿನ ಒಳಗಡೆ ಚಂಗನೆ ಹತ್ತಿ ಕುಳಿತು ಕಾಡಿನತ್ತ ಹೊರಡಲು ಸನ್ನದ್ಧರಾದೇವು.  ಕನಿಷ್ಠವೆಂದರೂ ಆ ದಿನ ನಾಲ್ಕರಿಂದ ಐದು ಜೀಪುಗಳು ಬೇರೆ ಬೇರೆ ಕಡೆ ಹೋಗಬೇಕಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಸ್ವಯಂ ಸೇವಕರಲ್ಲಿ ಒಬ್ಬಾತನು ಎಪ್ಪೂ! ಏನ್ರಿ ಈ ಜೀಪಿಗೆ ಬಾಗಿಲುಗಳೆ ಇಲ್ಲವಲ್ಲ ಅಂತ ಗೊಣಗುತ್ತಿರಬೇಕಾದ್ರೆ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ನಾನು ಗಹಗಹಿಸಿ ನಗುತ್ತ ಇವು ಒಂಥರಹ ಏರ ಕಂಡಿಶನರ್ ಜೀಪುಗಳು ಇವಕ್ಕೆಲ್ಲ ಬಾಗಿಲುಗಳಿರಲ್ಲ ಈ ಪರಿಸರಕ್ಕೆ ಹೇಳಿ ಮಾಡಿಸಿದಂತಹ ಜೀಪುಗಳಿವು. ವರ್ಷವೆಲ್ಲ ಕಳೆದರು ಈ ಜೀಪುಗಳು ನಿಮಗೆಲ್ಲ ತಂಪಾದ ಗಾಳಿಯ ಅನುಭವವನ್ನು ಕೊಡುತ್ತವೆ. ಈ ಕಾಡುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಇವುಗಳದ್ದೆ ಕಾರುಬಾರು ಎಂತಹ ಕಠಿಣ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿಯಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಸಹ ನಮ್ಮ ಕೈಬಿಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ ಇವುಗಳು ಒಳ್ಳೆ ಗಟ್ಟಿಮುಟ್ಟಾದ ಜೀಪುಗಳಿವು ಮುಂದೆ ಅಂಕುಡೊಂಕಾದ ದಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೋಗಬೇಕಾದ್ರೆ ನಿಮಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತಾಗುತ್ತೆ ಈ ಜೀಪುಗಳ ಕರಾಮತ್ತು ಹೇಗಿರುತ್ತದೆಂದು, ಈಗ ಹೊಗೋಣವೆ ಎಂದು ಎಲ್ಲರತ್ತ ಕೈ ಮಾಡಿ ಪಿಸುಮಾತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ನನ್ನ ಗುಣಗಾನವನ್ನ ಆಲಿಸಿದ ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಸರಿ ಓಕೆ! ಹೊಗೋಣ.. ಹೊಗೋಣ.. ಅಂತ  ಸಮ್ಮತಿಸಿದರು.  ಎಲ್ಲ ಜೀಪುಗಳು ಒಂದರ ಹಿಂದೆ ಒಂದು ಬರುತ್ತ ತಮ್ಮ ತಮ್ಮ ಸ್ಥಾನಗಳತ್ತ ಹೊರಟು ನಿಂತವು. ಎಲ್ಲ ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರತಿ ಪ್ರತಿಯಾಗಿ ಮೂರು ಮೂರು ಗುಂಪುಗಳಿದ್ದವು ಒಂದು ಗುಂಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಇಬ್ಬರು ಇದ್ದರೆ ಅದು ಒಂದು ಗುಂಪು ಅಂತ ಕರೆಯಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿತ್ತು ಹೀಗೆ ವಾಹನ ಚಾಲಕರನ್ನು ಸೇರಿಸಿ ಒಟ್ಟು ಆರು ಜನರ ಮೂರು ಗುಂಪು ಕಾಡಿನತ್ತ ಬಿಟ್ಟುಬಿಡದೆ ಪ್ರಯಾಣ ಬೆಳೆಸಿದವು. ಮೊದಲಿಗೆ ನಮಗೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿದ್ದು ತೋಲಪಟ್ಟಿ ವ್ಯಾಪ್ತಿಗೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ ವೆಯನಾಡು ಅಭಯಾರಣ್ಯದ ಮುಂಬಾಗಿಲನ್ನ ದಾಟಿ ನಾವು ಮುಂದೆ ಸಾಗಬೇಕಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ನಾನು ಕೆಳಗಿಳಿದು ಇಲಾಖೆಯ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಯ ಜೊತೆ ಮಾತನ್ನಾಡಿ ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ನಿಮಗೆ ವಿಷಯ ತಿಳಿಸಿದಂತೆ ನಾವು ‘ಲೈನವಾಕ’  ಕೆಲಸದ ನಿಮಿತ್ತ ಒಳಗೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆವೆ ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ತಾವು ಈ ಗೇಟನ್ನ ತೆರೆಯಿರಿ ಎಂದು ಅವರಿಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿ ಅವರ ಅಪ್ಪಣೆಯಂತೆ ಮುಂದೆ ಸಾಗಿದೇವು.  ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟ, ಕೇರಳ. ಚಿತ್ರ: ವಿಕಿಮೀಡಿಯ ಕಾಮನ್ಸ್  ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಜೀಪು ಗೇಟಿನ ಒಳಗೆ ಪ್ರವೇಶಿಸುತ್ತ ಕೆಲ ದೂರದವರೆಗೆ ಸಾಗುತ್ತಿರಬೇಕಾದರೆ ಅನತಿ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿ ಏನೋ ಲಟಪಟ ಅಂತ ಸದ್ದು ಕೇಳಿಸಲು ಶುರುವಾಯಿತು. ಎಲ್ಲರ ಗಮನ ಆ ಸದ್ದಿನ ಕಡೆ ಕೇಂದ್ರಿಕೃತವಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಏನಿರಬಹುದು? ಎಲ್ಲರ ಮನದಲ್ಲಿ ಕುತೂಹಲಕಾರಿ ಪತ್ತೆದಾರಿಯ ಒಂದೊಂದು ತೆರನಾದ ಸಂದೇಹಗಳು ಜೀಪಿನ ತುಂಬೆಲ್ಲ ಹರಿದಾಡಲು ಶುರುವಾದವು. ಓಹ್! ಹೋ ಅದಾ ಜೋರಾಗಿ ಗಾಳಿ ಬಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ ನೋಡಿ ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಲಟಪಟ ಅಂತ ಸದ್ದು ಕೇಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ ಬಹುಶಃ ಗಿಡ ಮರಗಳ ಘರ್ಷಣೆಯಿಂದ ಈ ಸದ್ದು ಜೋರಾಗಿ ಬರುತ್ತಿದೆ ಹೊರತು ಮತ್ತೆನಿಲ್ಲ‌ ಅಂತ ಒಬ್ಬನ ಮಾತು. ಜೀಪಿನ ಹಿಂಬದಿಯ ಕೊನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತ ಇನ್ನೊಬ್ಬಾತ ಪಕ್ಕಾ ಆನೆನೆ ಇರಬಹುದು ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಈ ರೀತಿ ಸದ್ದು ಕೇಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ ಹೊರತು ಮತ್ತೆನಿಲ್ಲ ಅಂತ ಅವನ ಜಟಾಪಟಿಯ ಮಾತುಗಳನ್ನ ಕೇಳಿ ನಾನು ಶಾಂತತೆಯಿಂದ ಹುಂ! ಹುಂ! ಹೌದು ಹೌದು ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವುದೋ ಪ್ರಾಣಿ ಇದ್ದರು ಇರಬಹುದು ಅಥವಾ ಮರದ ಕೊಂಬೆಗಳ ಘರ್ಷಣೆಯಿಂದ ಬಂದಂತಹ ಶಬ್ಧವೂ ಕೂಡ ಆಗಿರಬಹುದು. ಒಂದುವೇಳೆ ಆನೆ-ಗಿನೆ ಕೂಡ ಇದ್ದರು ಅದು ನಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲರ ಅದೃಷ್ಟವೇ ಸರಿ ಒಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ, ಈ ಕಗ್ಗತ್ತಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಏನನ್ನು ನೋಡಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯಿವಿಲ್ಲ ಹೊರತು ಸದ್ದು ಗದ್ದಲಗಳನ್ನ ಅರಿತು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿ ಆಲಿಸಬಹುದು. ನೀವೆಲ್ಲ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಕಿವಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಕೆಲಸ ಕೊಟ್ಟಿದ್ದಿರಿ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಕೆಲಸ ಹುಂ..ಇರಲಿ, ಪ್ರೀಯ ಸದಸ್ಯರೆ ಪಾಯಿಂಟ್ ಬಿ ನೋಟೆಡ್ ಈ ತರಹದ ಶಬ್ಧಗಳನ್ನು ನೀವು ಸಹ ಲೈನವಾಕ ನಡೆಯುವಾಗ ಪಾಲಿಸಬೇಕಾಗುವಂತಹ ಸಂದರ್ಭ ಒದಗಿ ಬಂದರು ಬರಬಹುದು ಇದರಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದೊಳ್ಳೆ ವಿಷಯವಿದೆ ಅಂತ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಿರಬೇಕಾದರೆ ಜೀಪು ಬಲ ಭಾಗದ ತಿರುವಿನ ಕಡೆಯತ್ತ ಮುಖ ಮಾಡಿ ಭರ್ರನೆ ಹೊರಟಿತು.   ಆ ದಿನ ಎರಡು ಲೈನವಾಕ್ ಮಾಡಬೇಕಾಗಿತ್ತು ಒಂದು ಗುಂಪಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ವಿಶ್ರಾಂತಿ ಇದ್ದ ಕಾರಣ ಉಳಿದ ಎರಡು ತಂಡಗಳಿಗೆ ದಾರಿ ತೋರಿಸುವ ಕಾರ್ಯ ವಿಶ್ರಾಂತಿ ಪಡೆದ ತಂಡದ ಸದಸ್ಯರುಗಳ ಕೆಲಸವಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಮೊದಲನೆಯ ತಂಡದ ಇಬ್ಬರು ಸದಸ್ಯರುಗಳಿಗೆ ಅವರು ಸಾಗುವ ದಾರಿಯನ್ನು ತೋರಿಸಿ ಅದೋ ಅಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಿ ಇದೇ ದಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನೇರವಾಗಿ ಒಂದು ದೊಡ್ಡದಾಗಿ ಇರುವಂತಹ ಮರದ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಚಿಕ್ಕದಾದ ಬಿದುರಿನ ಮರಕ್ಕೆ ಒಂದು ಆಯತಾಕಾರದ ಬೋರ್ಡಿದೆ ಅದರಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಟಾರ್ಟ್ ಅಂತ ಬರೆದಿದೆ ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದಲೆ ನೀವು ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಸಮಯವನ್ನು ನೋಡಿಕೊಂಡು ಸಾಗಬೇಕು. ನಿಮ್ಮ ಬ್ಯಾಗಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಲೈನಿಗೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ ನಕ್ಷೆ ಮತ್ತು ದಿಕ್ಸೂಚಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಡೇಟಾ ಶಿಟಗಳು ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಇದೆ ಜೋಪಾನ. ಈ ಸ್ಥಳದಿಂದಲೆ ತಾವು ಬೆಳಕು ಭೂಮಿಯನ್ನ ಸ್ಪರ್ಷಿಸಿದ ಕೂಡಲೆ ಸರಿಯಾದ ಸಮಯಕ್ಕೆ ನಡೆಯಲು ಶುರುಮಾಡಬೇಕು ಹಾಗೆ ಲೈನವಾಕ ಮುಗಿದಾದನಂತರ ಮತ್ತೆ ಇಲ್ಲೆ ಬಂದು ಕಾಯಬೇಕು ಹೊರತು ಬೇರೆ ಕಡೆ ಎಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಹೋಗಬಾರದು. ಪುನಃ ಎಲ್ಲ ತಂಡದ ಸದಸ್ಯರುಗಳ ಲೈನವಾಕ ಮುಗಿದಾದ ಮೇಲೆ ನಿಮ್ಮನ್ನ ಕರೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗಲು ಇದೆ ಜೀಪು ಇದೆ ಜಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂದು ನಿಮ್ಮನ್ನ ವಾಪಸ್‌ ಕರೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗುತ್ತೆ ಅಲ್ಲಿಯವರೆಗೆ ನೀವು ಕಾಯಬೇಕಾಗಬಹುದು ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿ ಒಂದು ತಂಡದವರನ್ನ ಅಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಇಳಿಸಿ ಜೀಪು ಮತ್ತೆ  ಕಗ್ಗತ್ತಲೆ ಆವರಿಸಿದ ಕೋಟೆಯೊಳಗೆ ನುಗ್ಗಿ ಮಂಗ ಮಾಯವಾಯಿತು.   ಎರಡನೆಯ ತಂಡದ ಸದಸ್ಯರನ್ನ ಸುಮಾರು ನಾಲ್ಕು ಕಿಲೋಮೀಟರ್ ನಂತರ ಅವರನ್ನು ಸಹ ಈ ಮೇಲಿನಂತೆ ಎಲ್ಲ ಕ್ರಮಗಳನ್ನು ತಿಳಿ ಹೇಳಿ ನಾವು ಇಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ನಿಮಗಾಗಿ ಕಾಯುತ್ತ ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತಿರುತ್ತೇವೆ. ಅದೋ! ಅಲ್ಲಿ, ಮರದ ಒಂದು ಬದಿಗೆ ಬೋರ್ಡಿದೆ ಕಾಣಸ್ತಿದೇಯಾ? ಗುಂಪಿನ ಸದಸ್ಯರು ಕತ್ತನ್ನು ಮೇಲೆ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತ ಕಾಣಸ್ತಿದೆ! ಕಾಣಸ್ತಿದೆ! ಓಯ್ ಅಲ್ಲಿ.. ಅಲ್ಲಿದೆ ಹೌದೌದು ಸಿಕ್ತು ಬಿಡಿ ಹಾಗಾದರೆ, ನೀವು ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದಲೆ ನಡೆಯಬೇಕು ಇನ್ನು ಸಮಯವಿದೆ ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಕುಳಿತುಕೊಳ್ಳಿ ನಂತರ ಬೆಳಕು ಸಮೀಪಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಂತೆ ನೀವು ನಡೆಯಲು ಶುರು ಮಾಡವಿರಂತೆ ಎಂದು ಸಮಾಧಾನದಿಂದ ಹೇಳಿ ಶಾಂತವಾಗಿ ಕುಳಿತುಕೊಂಡೆವು.  ಆಗ ಸಮಯ ಐದು ಗಂಟೆ ನಲ್ವತೈದು ನಿಮಿಷಗಳಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಮಂಜಿನ ಕಿಟಕಿಯಿಂದ ಆಗಾಗ ಇಣುಕಿ ಇಣುಕಿ ನೋಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಸೂರ್ಯನು ಕಾಡಿನ ತುಂಬೆಲ್ಲ ಅಗಾದವಾದಂತಹ ಬೆಳಕನ್ನು ಕಾಡ್ಗಿಚ್ಚಿನಂತೆ ಬೃಹದಾಕಾರವಾಗಿ ಹಬ್ಬಿಸಲು ಶುರುಮಾಡಿದ. ಇನ್ನೇನು ತಡಮಾಡ ಬೇಡಿ ಹೊರಡಿ! ಹೊರಡಿ! ಆ ಮರದ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಮರೆಯಾಗಿ ನಿಂತುಕೊಳ್ಳಿ ಸರಿ ನಾ ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿದೆ.‌‌ ಈ ವಾಕ್ ಮುಗಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಬನ್ನಿ ನಾವಿಲ್ಲೆ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಆಗಮನಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಇದೆ ಜಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಯುತ್ತಿರುತ್ತೇವೆ ಹುಷಾರು! ಈಗ ಹೋಗಿ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತ ಅವರನ್ನ ಕಳುಹಿಸಿಕೊಟ್ಟೆವು.  ನನ್ನ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತಿದ್ದ ಸ್ವಯಂಸೇವಕರ ಗುಂಪಿನ ಸದಸ್ಯ ಸೈಮನ್ ಬ್ಯಾಗಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ದೂರದರ್ಶಕವಿತ್ತು. (ಬೈನಾಕ್ಯೂಲರ್, ದುರ್ಬೀನ) ವಾಹ್, ಅದ್ಭುತ! ರೀ ಒಳ್ಳೆ ಸೈಟಿಂಗ ಮಾಡಬಹುದು. ನೋಡೊಣ! ಈ ದಿನ ನಮ್ಮ ಅದೃಷ್ಟ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದ್ದರೆ ಏನಾದರೂ ಸಿಗಬಹುದು ಎಂದು ಧೀರ್ಘವಾಗಿ ಉಸಿರನ್ನು ಎಳೆದು ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಬಿಡುತ್ತ ಕಣ್ಣುಗಳನ್ನ ಅಗಲಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಆಜುಬಾಜು(ಅಕ್ಕ-ಪಕ್ಕ) ಮೇಲೆ-ಕೆಳಗೆ ನೋಡುತ್ತಿರಬೇಕಾದರೆ ರಸ್ತೆಯ ಒಂದು ಬದಿಯ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿ ಗಜರಾ(ಜ)ಣಿಯರ ಒಂದು ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗುಂಪು ನಮ್ಮ ಜೀಪಿನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ನಡೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಬರುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಭಲೇ ಭಲೇ ಎಂತಹ ಸುರಿಮಳೆ ಸೈಟಿಂಗ ಅಂತ ಅಂದರೆ ಹೀಗಿರಬೇಕು ನೋಡಿ ಅಂತ ಅನ್ನುತ್ತಿರಲು ನಮ್ಮ ಇರುವಿಕೆ ಅವುಗಳಿಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತಾಗಿ ಆನೆಗಳು ತಮ್ಮ ಪಥವನ್ನು ಬದಲಾಯಿಸಿ ನಮ್ಮತ್ತ ಸೊಂಡಿಲ್ಲನು ತೋರಿಸುತ್ತ ಒಂದೆ ಸಮನೆ ಘಿಳುಡುತ್ತ ಬೇರೆ ದಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದು ಮುಂದೆ ಸಾಗಿದವು. ಪಾಪ್! ಅವುಗಳ ಆನಂದಕ್ಕೆ ಮಣ್ಣೆರಚದಂತಾಯಿತೇನು ಅಂತ ಆತಂಕ ಪಟ್ಟೇವು.  ಅಬ್ಬಬ್ಬ! ಸಖತ್, ಹೊಡಿರಿ ಹಲಗಿ ಒಂದಲ್ಲ ಎರಡಲ್ಲ ಬರೋಬ್ಬರಿ ಹತ್ತು ಆನೆಗಳು ಬಂಪರ್ ಡ್ರಾ ಹೊಡದಂಗಾಯಿತು ಮತ್ತೆ ಮರದಲ್ಲಿ ಏನಾದರೂ ಪಕ್ಷಿ-ಗಿಕ್ಷಿ ಸಿಕ್ಕರು ಸಿಗಬಹುದು ನೋಡೊಣವೆಂದು ಅತ್ತಿತ್ತ ಕಣ್ಣು ಹಾಯಿಸುತ್ತ ನೋಡಿದ್ರೆ ಅರೇರೆ ಇದೇನಿದು ಮರದ ಮೇಲೆಲ್ಲ ವಾನರಗಳದ್ದೆ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯ, ಸೈಮನ್, ಸೈಮನ್ ಅಯ್ಯಯ್ಯೊ! ಅಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಿ, ಕೈ ಸನ್ನೆಯನ್ನು ಸೂಚಿಸಿ ತೋರಿಸುತ್ತ ಅಬ್ಬಬ್ಬಾ ಎಷ್ಟೊಂದು ಜಿಂಕೆಗಳಿವೆ ಮರದ ಕೊನೆಯ ತುದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಂಬೂತಗಳು ಅತ್ತಂದಿತ್ತ ನೆಗೆಯುತ್ತ ತಮ್ಮದೆ ಲೋಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಳಗಿದ್ದವು ಇವತ್ತು ನಮ್ಮ ನಸೀಬ ಖುಲಾಯಿಸ್ತು ನೋಡಿ ಸೈಮನ್.  ನೀಲಗಿರಿ ವುಡ್ ಪಿಜನ್. ಚಿತ್ರ: ಮಲ್ಲಿಕ ರಾಜಸೇಖರನ್ (ಈ-ಬರ್ಡ್) ಹೌದೌದು ಒಳ್ಳೆ ಸೈಟಿಂಗ ಸರ್.. ಸೈಮನ್‌ ಮುಖದಲ್ಲಿ ನಗುವಿನ ಹೊಳೆಯನ್ನು ಕಂಡು ನನಗೆ ತುಂಬಾ ಅಚ್ಚರಿಯಾಯಿತು. ಆಗ, ಸೈಮನ್ ದೂರದರ್ಶಕವನ್ನ ಒಂದು ದೊಡ್ಡದಾದ ಮರದ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಮುಖ ಮಾಡಿ ಮೇಲೆ ನೋಡುತ್ತ ಮರದ ಒಂದು ತುದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪಕ್ಷಿ ಕುಳಿತಿದೆ ಅದು ಯಾವ ಪಕ್ಷಿ? ನನಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತಾಗುತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದ ಸೈಮನ್ ತಕ್ಷಣವೇ ದೂರದರ್ಶಕವನ್ನು ನನ್ನ ಕೈಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕೊಟ್ಟು ನೋಡಲು ನನಗೆ ಹೇಳಿದ. ಪಕ್ಷಿ ನಾ ಒಂದು ನಿಮೀಷ ನೋಡಿ ನಿಮಗೆ ಕರಾರುವಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಹೇಳುವೆ ಯಾವ ಪಕ್ಕಿ ಇರಬಹುದೆಂದು, ಛೇ ಹಾಳದ್ದು ಈ ದೂರದರ್ಶಕ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಮಂಜು ಮಂಜಾಗಿ ಕಾಣಸ್ತಿದೆ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಸರಪಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತ ಅರೇರೆ ಒಳ್ಳೆ ಸೈಟಿಂಗ್ ಕಣ್ರಿ ಈ ಪಕ್ಷಿಯನ್ನ ಹುಂ!  ನೀಲಗಿರಿ ವುಡ್ ಪಿಜನ್ (Nilgiri wood pigeon) ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ನೀಲಗಿರಿ ಕಾಡು ಪಾರಿವಾಳ ಅಂತ ಕರೆಯುತ್ತಾರೆ ಇದರ ಕುತ್ತಿಗೆಯ ಹಿಂಬಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಚೆಕ್ಕರ ಬೋರ್ಡ್ ಹೋಲುವಂತಹ ಪಟ್ಟೆಗಳಿರುತ್ತವೆ ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಇವುಗಳನ್ನ ನಾವು ಈ ಗುರುತುಗಳಿಂದ ಸಲಿಸಾಗಿ ಕಂಡು ಹಿಡಿಯಬಹುದು ಸೈಮನ್ ಅಂದ ಹಾಗೆ ಈ ಪಕ್ಷಿಯನ್ನ ಈ ಮೊದ್ಲು ನೀವು ಎಲ್ಲಿಯಾದ್ರು ನೋಡಿದ್ದಿರೇನು ಎಂದಾಗ ಇಲ್ಲ ಇಲ್ಲ ಇದೆ ಮೊದಲಾಗಿ ನೋಡಿದ್ದು ಸರ್.  ಪರವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ ಸೈಮನ್, ಈ ಪ್ರಭೇದದ ಪಕ್ಷಿಗಳು ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿ ದಟ್ಟವಾಗಿ ಹರಡಿರತಕ್ಕಂತಹ ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟಗಳ ಪ್ರದೇಶಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಶೋಲಾ ಕಾಡುಗಳ‌ಲ್ಲಿ ವ್ಯಾಪಕವಾಗಿ ಕಾಣಬಹುದು ಸೈಮನ್‌. ನನ್ನತ್ತ ಮುಖ ಮಾಡಿ ಬಹಳ ಸಂತೋಷವಾಯಿತು ಸರ್ ಈ ಪಕ್ಷಿಯ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ನನಗೆ ವಿವರವಾಗಿ ತಿಳಿಸಿಕೊಟ್ಟಿದ್ದಕ್ಕೆ ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು ಅಂತ ತಿಳಿಸಿ ಮತ್ತೆ ನಾವು ಕಾಡನ್ನ ಶೋಧಿಸುವ ಕಾರ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ತೊಡಗಿದೇವು.  ಕೈ ಗಡಿಯಾರದತ್ತ ಸಮಯವನ್ನು ನೋಡುತ್ತ, ದೊಡ್ಡದಾಗಿ ಆಕಳಿಸುತ್ತ ಜೀಪಿನ ಕೆಳಗಿಳಿದು ಎರಡು ಕೈಗಳನ್ನ ಆಕಾಶದ ಮೇಲೆತ್ತರಕ್ಕೆ ಮಾಡಿ  ತಂಪಾದ ಗಾಳಿಯನ್ನು ಅಹ್ಲಾದಿಸುತ್ತ ಟೊಂಕದ ಮೇಲೆ ಕೈಯನ್ನಿಟ್ಟು ನಿಂತಿರಬೇಕಾದ್ರೆ ಸೈಮನ್ ಮಾತ್ರ ದೂರದರ್ಶಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಏನ್ನನೋ ಹುಡುಕುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಸುಮಾರು ಮೂವತ್ತರಿಂದ ನಲವತ್ತು ಮೀಟರುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಜಿಂಕೆಗಳು ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ಜೋರಾಗಿ ರಸ್ತೆಯನ್ನು ನೆಗೆಯುತ್ತ ಓಡುತಲಿದ್ದವು.  ಹುಲ್ಲು ಪೊದೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತ ಸುಂದರವಾದ ಚಿರತೆಯ ಆಗಮನವನ್ನು ನೇರವಾಗಿ ಕಣ್ಣನ್ನು ಮೀಟುಕಿಸದೆ ನೋಡುತ್ತಲ್ಲಿರುವ ತುಣಕಿನ ದೃಶ್ಯ. ತೋಲಪಟ್ಟಿ ವ್ಯಾಪ್ತಿ, ವೆಯನಾಡು - ಕೇರಳ.  ಚಿತ್ರ ರಚಿಸಿದವರು - ಕೃಷ್ಣಾ ಸಾತಪೂರೆ.  ಜಿಂಕೆಗಳು ಆಕಾಶದೆತ್ತರಕ್ಕೆ ಹಾರುವ ಹಾಗೆ ಭಯಬೀತಿಯಿಂದ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಮಣ್ಣಿನ ರಸ್ತೆಯನ್ನ ಒಂದೆ ನಗೆತಕ್ಕೆ ಹಾರಿ ಓಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಅಬ್ಬಬ್ಬಾ! ಎಂತಹ ಅದ್ಭುತ ನೆಗೆತ ಈ ಜಿಂಕೆಗಳದ್ದು ನೋಡಲು ಎರಡು ಕಣ್ಣುಗಳು ಸಾಲದು, ಮಂಗಗಳು ಮರದಿಂದ ಮರಕ್ಕೆ ಜಿಗಿಯುತ್ತ ರೆಂಬೆ-ಕೊಂಬೆಗಳನ್ನ ಅಲುಗಾಡಿಸುತ್ತ ಜೋರಾಗಿ ಕಿರುಚುತ್ತ ಶಬ್ಬ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಲಿದ್ದವು. ಜಿಂಕೆಗಳು ಒಂದು ಬದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಓಡಿಹೋಗಿ ನಿಂತು ಒಂದು ಕಾಲಿನಿಂದ ನೆಲಕ್ಕೆ ಒದೆಯುತ್ತ ಜೋರಾಗಿ ಕೂಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು ಈ ಎಲ್ಲ ಧ್ವನಿ, ಸಂಜ್ಞೆಗಳನ್ನ ಆಲಿಸುತ್ತ ನಿಂತಿದ್ದ ನಾನು ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಜೀಪಿನ ಒಳಗೆ ಮುಖಮಾಡಿ ಬಂದು ಕುಳಿತುಕೊಂಡೆ. ಸೈಮನ್ ಮಾತ್ರ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಬಿಡದೆ ದೂರದರ್ಶಕವನ್ನ ನೋಡುತ್ತ ಕುಳಿತಿದ್ದ ನನಗೇನು ಆ ದೂರದರ್ಶಕ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಅಷ್ಟೇನು ಒಲವಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ ಆದ್ರೆ ಈ ಜಿಂಕೆಗಳೆಲ್ಲ ಹೀಗೆಕೆ ದಿಕ್ಕಾಪಾಲಾಗಿ ಯಾಕೆ? ಓಡುತ್ತಲಿವೆ ಎಂಬ ಗುಮಾನಿ ಶುರುವಾಯಿತು. ಪ್ರಶಾಂತವಾಗಿದ್ದ ಈ ವಾತಾವರಣ ಒಮ್ಮಿದೊಮ್ಮೆಲೆ ಹೀಗ್ಯಾಕೆ ಬದಲಿಸಿತು ಎಂದು ಯೋಚಿಸುತ್ತ ಕುಳಿತಿರುವಾಗ ಬಹುಶಃ ಇವತ್ತು ಹುಲಿಗಿಲಿ ಅಥವಾ ಚಿರತೆಗಿರತೆ ಏನಾದ್ರು ನೋಡಲು ಸಿಗಬಹುದಾ? ಎಂಬ ಆಶ್ಚರ್ಯದಿಂದ ಕಣ್ಣಗಳನ್ನ ಜೀಪಿನ ಗಾಜಿನ ಮುಂಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ನೇರವಾಗಿ ದಿಟ್ಟಿಸಿ ನೋಡುತ್ತ ಕುಳಿತಿದ್ದೆ. ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಸೈಮನ ತನ್ನ ಕೈಬೆರಳನ್ನ ನನ್ನ ಮೊಣಕೈ ಗೆ ತಾಗಿಸುತ್ತ ತನ್ನಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ದೂರದರ್ಶಕವನ್ನ ನನಗೆ ಕೊಟ್ಟು ಒಂದಿಂಚ್ಚು ಅಲುಗಾಡದೆ ಆ ಹುಲ್ಲುಗಾವಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಚಿರತೆ ಕುಳಿತಿದೆ ತಡಮಾಡಬೇಡಿ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಸಮಯ ನೋಡಿ ಸರ್ ನೋಡಿ ಈ ಸೈಟಿಂಗ ಮಿಸ್ ಮಾಡಬೇಡಿ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಹಾಗೆ ತಡಮಾಡದೆ ದೂರದರ್ಶಕವನ್ನ ಕಣ್ಣುಗಳಿಗೆ ಅಂಟಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ನೋಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆನೆ ಆಗ ಸೈಮನ್ ಪಿಸುಮಾತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಣಸ್ತಿದೆಯಾ ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಆ.. ಗಾಢವಾಗಿ ಹಬ್ಬಿರುವ ಹುಲ್ಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತಿದೆ ಆ  ಚಿರತೆ ಹೌದೌದು ಅಲ್ಲಿದೆ ಅಲ್ಲಿದೆ ಚಿರತೆ! ಚಿರತೆ! ಎಂದು ಮನದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂತೋಷ ಹರದಾಡುತ್ತಲಿದ್ದಾಗ ನನಗೆ ನೆನಪಿಗೆ ಬಂದದ್ದು ಯುರೇಕಾ! ಯುರೇಕಾ! ಸಿಕ್ತು.. ಸಿಕ್ತು.. ಅಂತ ಊರೂರು ಚಿರುತ್ತ ಓಡಿದ್ದ ಆರ್ಕಿಮಿಡೀಸ ಎಂಬ ಕುತೂಹಲಕಾರಿ ವಿಜ್ಞಾನಿ ಕಂಡು ಹಿಡಿದ ಆವಿಷ್ಕಾರ ನೆನಪಿಗೆ ಬಂದಂತಾಯಿತು.  ಸೈಮನ್, ಅದ್ಭುತವಾಗಿ ಕಂಡು ಹಿಡಿದು ಬಿಟ್ರಿ ಬಿಡಿ ಆ ಹುಲ್ಲು ಪೊದೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅಡಗಿ ಕುಳಿತ ಆ ಆಗಂತುಕನ ಭಲೆ ಭಲೆ ಈ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಸಾಹಸಕ್ಕೆ ಮೆಚ್ಚಲೆ ಬೇಕು ನೋಡಿ ಎಂದು ಪ್ರಶಂಸೆಯ ಮಾತುಗಳನ್ನ ಆಡುತ್ತಲಿದ್ದಾಗ ಚಿರತೆ ಹುಲ್ಲು ಪೊದೆಗಳಿಂದ ತೆವಳುತ್ತ ತೆವಳುತ್ತ ಹೊರಗೆ ಬಂದು ನಮ್ಮತ್ತ ನೋಡುತ್ತ ಅಲ್ಲೆ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಕುಳಿತ ಹಾಗೆ ನಟಿಸಿ ಚಂಗನೆ ಒಂದೆ ನೆಗೆತಕ್ಕೆ ಜಿಗಿದು ಜಿಂಕೆಗಳು ಓಡಿ ಹೋದ ದಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಓಡಿಹೋಯಿತು.  ಈ ಎಲ್ಲ ದೃಶ್ಯಗಳನ್ನ ಕಣ್ತುಂಬ ನೋಡುತ್ತ ಕುಳಿತಾಗ ಆಗ ತಾನೆ ಲೈನವಾಕ ಮುಗಿಸಿಬಂದ ಸದಸ್ಯರುಗಳನ್ನು ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹತ್ತಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಖುಷಿಯಿಂದ ಇವತ್ತಿನ ದಿನದ ಸೈಟಿಂಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಮಾತನಾಡುತ್ತ ಬೇರೊಂದು ದಿಶೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇಳಿದಿದ್ದ  ಸದಸ್ಯರ ಗುಂಪನ್ನು ಸೇರಲು ತಡಮಾಡದೆ ಜೀಪು ಕಾನನದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದಾಗಲು ಹೊರಟು ನಿಂತಿತು.  ಮುಂದುವರೆಯುವುದು..  ಮೊದಲನೆ ಭಾಗವನ್ನು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಿ.    Tue, 07 Jun 2022 11:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17634 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17632/Conversations-with-Shri-Mama-Natung#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=17632 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17632&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Conversations with Shri Mama Natung https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17632/Conversations-with-Shri-Mama-Natung Interview by Uttara Mendiratta  Starting in March 2021, we came across reports on the Airgun Surrender Abhiyan that had been initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Arunachal Pradesh. We noted it with mild curiosity, but did not think it was more than a localized phenomenon. But soon, through our interactions with the forest department, it became clear that this was not a one off event but a growing movement, and one that the forest department felt very invested in. The forest officials had been reaching out to the village elders (Gaon Buras and Buris), and other stakeholder within and outside the government structure through dialogue meetings, and creating awareness about the initiative across communities.  A key reason behind the forest department’s commitment became apparent when we met Mr. Abhinav Kumar (DFO, Hapoli Forest Division) at Tale Wildlife Sanctuary who told us how the abhiyan is being passionately spearheaded by the Honourable Forest Minister, Shri Mama Natung himself. By April 2022 over 2,000 guns had been surrendered at events across many locations including, Seppa, Pasighat, Yingkiong, Ziro, Boleng, Pakke, and counting. Reports of similar events have also been reported from Nagaland more recently. The message that has been going out, and that seems to strike a chord amongst the masses across Arunachal Pradesh is this – conserve wildlife to maintain the balance of nature, and to ensure the coming generations can see these beautiful wild creatures.   While we prepared to set off on an interview survey trying to understand what was motivating people to surrender their airguns, it seemed logical for us to start with Shri Mama Natung himself – the energy behind this growing movement. Below are excerpts of an interview that that I conducted with Honourable Forest Minister, Shri Mama Natung on Itanagar on 13th May 2022.  UM: What motivated you to initiate the Airgun Surrender Abhiyan?  MN: The sale of licensed guns is easy to control as the government can easily control through the licencing process. But unlike these guns, airguns can be owned without licences and can be easily purchased online. They come with modern features, like scopes, and are much cheaper to use compared to regular guns that need expensive bullets. People will think twice about using expensive bullets in a regular gun to kill birds and animals, but will be able to easily afford these bullets, which are easily available in the local market. They are therefore regularly using airguns to kill the beautiful wildlife that lives around us. So in a meeting at the assembly I announced that I will start an airgun surrender abhiyan. Since charity begins at home, I started with my home constituency of Seppa (East Kameng district). I started this abhiyan on 17th Mar, 2021, with people from five to six villages, which fall under Debeyar Circle. On the first day itself we saw 48 guns being voluntarily surrendered. Then using the concept of ‘Janbhagidari’ (people’s participation), I encouraged people from the legislature, administration DFOs, Rangers and local NGOs to help make this abhiyan work.   Mother Nature has blessed Arunachal in bounty with dense forests and a diversity of flora and fauna. We, the tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh, have always depended on these jungles for our survival. But I believe it is now time for us to give back to Mother Earth and protect wildlife and forest. I travelled across Districts to personally request people to surrender their guns.   When I travel across the state I find that one cannot see many birds, even in these vast jungles, which is a very sad thing for a state like Arunachal, even shameful. So I tried to impart awareness to the people on some rare and endangered bird species in Arunachal currently such as the Bugun liocichla that is only found only in Arunachal Pradesh and nowhere else in the world; the Mandarin Duck, which was recorded in Ziro after many years, and others like the Bengal Florican. I want them to understand their value of these birds and take pride in the fact that they are in our state, so that instead of killing, people preserve them. Mandarin Duck  (2022; Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh) UM: Since the start of the abhiyan, over two thousand airguns have been surrender, are these results what you had envisioned?  MN: I have full confidence in our people. Once they realize the value our wildlife and their role in our future, they will for sure agree to give up their airguns. I also explained that these birds and animals will attract tourist to our state. I see that even in big cities like Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata you can see so many birds and you can hear them call – it is beautiful, yet in our biodiversity rich state we see so few and our forest is silent.   Another very important point I explain to the people is that of ecological balance. In one interaction with the students’ union group from Pasighat, who have supported out a lot, the group told me how produce from their farmlands has reduced. As compared to 100 bags of grain earlier, they get only 50 now; instead of 50 quintal of maize it is now 10. We spoke about how this was caused by ecological imbalance, and how the birds that ate the agricultural pest have been hunted out and there is an increase in the damage caused by pest.   I have also asked the villages – who planted these trees that you use for collecting fruits, and flowers and cut to build your homes? Did you plant these trees? I explain to them that our wildlife -- our birds like the hornbill and our deer -- they disperse the seeds that let the forest grow. They are the farmers of the forest, just like you are farmers. Without these birds the forest won’t be able to grow. How can you not love them? I also ask people to think of wildlife as living creatures with family bonds, just like us, not just as meat. I tried making them look at wildlife with love, as our allies and friends.    UM: What were the biggest challenges you have faced in implementing this abhiyan?  MN: As of now, people who are accepting of change and have understood the value of wildlife are surrendering their guns, even the licensed ones. Not only that, some have also surrendered fishing nets and timber sawing machines, and this is a good sign. But there are challenges – in some villagers they have asked me what they will get in return of surrendering their guns since some of these can cost 1-2 lakhs. I have said that the government will try and provide them with sampling of fruit bearing trees and some monetary incentive. However, this scheme is in the pipeline and has not been implemented yet. We need to work around the processes and access the funds. But once we are able to deliver these incentive, I look forward to seeing people plant those saplings in their lands and have birds visit them.   UM: Do you think this initiative has set in motion a new outlook towards wildlife conservation?  MN: There is a hunting festival by the name “Unying Aaran” that is celebrated by the Adi community. In this festival the youth will go inside the jungles, spend some 10-15 days there and bring back wild meat to feed the elders and the young in their community. This time, when I asked if they hunted for this year’s festival, they told me that they did not hunt. Instead of hunting, they collected money (be it 20 or 50 rupees) from their community members and bought meat for the feast. So I believe that people are now becoming aware that hunting leads to destruction. The other change that is happening is that those who are still using airguns for hunting are feeling some shame in openly carrying these guns. Many have told me that they believe that the government has taken a good step towards wildlife conservation through this abhiyan.  UM: What do you think these youths will do now instead of hunting, now that they are surrendering their guns?  MN: It is very important what we discourage the use of technologically advanced weapons that can enable a hunter to kill many birds in the same day without much effort or skill. Some of these guns have scopes and silencers – the hunters can very easily hunt 10 birds a day with these guns. These are nothing like the traditional methods of hunting that limited the number of wildlife being hunted. Also, my message for all our youth is that they should stop shooting birds with guns and instead use cameras and take photos of these birds.   UM: Going forward, what is your vision for this project in the future?  MN: I have been requesting our neighbouring states of Assam and Nagaland to also implement this abhiyan in their states. Wildlife does not recognize any political boundaries and they will roam across large areas. It will not work if we are conserving them here in Arunachal but when they cross these state boundaries and go to Assam or Nagaland, they get hunted there. Then our abhiyan will not serve any purpose. I would also like to make this same appeal to our neighbouring countries.   I think it is time that we, the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means “the world is one family”, come together and act as one family to tackle global issues of climate change and environmental degradation. Ultimately this land, the sky, the water, the wind, the wildlife, everything is part of this family and it is our collective responsibility to save our world.     Mon, 06 Jun 2022 04:09:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17632 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17482/A-heart-opening-journey-Interview-with-Dr-Ovee-Thorat#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=17482 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17482&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 A ‘heart-opening journey’: Interview with Dr. Ovee Thorat https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17482/A-heart-opening-journey-Interview-with-Dr-Ovee-Thorat Savannas – large expanses of grass-dominated landscapes dotted by shrubs and woody trees – are often referred to as ‘wastelands’ in India. They have long been considered to be remnants of forests degraded by human disturbances such as fire and grazing. However, studies indicate that the savanna grasslands of peninsular India are ancient ecosystems that pre-date humans and hold high species richness, endemism and unique biodiversity[1]. Tropical forests are looked upon as great carbon sinks, however, grasslands are an integral part of the carbon cycle as they store large amounts of carbon under the surface[2]. Photo: Kalyan Varma The biodiversity that savannas fosters not only has enormous ecological value, but also substantial socio-economic and cultural value by offering livelihood support to millions of people. They have played an immense role in the development of mankind.  This includes one of the marginalised groups, the pastoralists, who contribute greatly to the massive industries of dairy, wool and meat and their native breeds of livestock. The semi-arid savanna grasslands of India nurture a variety of native flora and fauna that sustain on the low rainfall and extreme temperature variability. The Indian semi-arid savannas are home to some charismatic critically endangered species like the great Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) and lesser florican (Sypheotides indicus). Among other species found in these grasslands are the Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), the Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur), and the winter visitor Asian Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenii). Pallid harrier. Photo: Kalyan Varma The habitat also boasts of rich lesser fauna such as the spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx species), lizards of the lacertid family and several avian species such as larks, pipits and cranes along with plants like Olax and Ephedra. A recent study found that the Indian savannas contain 206 endemic plant species, a whopping 43% of which were described only in the last two decades. More endemic species await to be discovered. In this interview, we speak with Dr. Ovee Thorat, an independent researcher who comes with a mixture of disciplinary backgrounds as she has moved from her training in core natural science subjects to incorporating more of humanities and social sciences in her work. Her areas of interest are issues of resource access and rights, commons and commoning, pastoralism, rangeland ecology, and politics of wildlife conservation. She says she is happiest with people, plants, colours and questions. Here, she talks to us about grasslands in India with a clarity that helped us learn more about their situation and the way forward to conserve them. Dr. Ovee Thorat Over to Dr. Thorat: WCS-India: What is your earliest memory of being allured to studying semi-arid grasslands? What about them inspired you to choose the path you’ve chosen? Dr. Thorat: I felt comfortable in drylands. The toughness and dynamic nature of grasses and herbs attracted me. The coolness of desert nights, endless horizons, cranes and larks, the calmness of shepherds, and liking for livestock added to it. Leaving the romantic side aside, when I started exploring the field of ecology by working as an intern with wildlife researchers and conservationists, I realised that there was a lot of focus on charismatic animals such as the tiger and supposedly pristine landscapes such as the forests. Yet, there were some people who were beginning to talk about human-wildlife interaction and landscapes other than protected areas. This interested me solely because I wanted to be more just in what I choose to work on. I then decided to work on the wolf and realised – thanks to mentors and courses at Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), an institute that encourages interdisciplinarity – that I cannot study the wolf without studying the shepherd, and I can’t do that if I can’t understand the ecology and the history of grasslands in the country. It was this heart-opening journey that inspired me to work on grasslands. Indian wolves. Photo: Pravin Jagtap WCS-India: Could you please explain the context of your work and the work you are currently doing? Dr. Thorat: I did a PhD on political ecology of grassland development and conservation in Banni grasslands located in Kachchh, Gujarat. From there I moved to a short study on landscape transformation in a Special Economic Zone in Andhra Pradesh while also teaching a course on Environmental Communication as a postdoctoral fellow. I have currently initiated a small project on identifying critical grazing and camping sites used by the pastoralists in Jammu and Kashmir and associated environmental and social justice issues. The overall approach I use is Political Ecology – a recently developing field that intertwines political economy, environmental history and ecology among other fields with a critical lens and has justice at its core. An important question that it tries to answer is who wins and who loses in the way landscapes are governed.  WCS-India: Why, according to you, are grasslands as important as any other ecosystems? Dr. Thorat: All places hold something for us to learn about and learn from. Grasslands are no different. Spiny-tailed lizard. Photo: Anuroop Krishnan WCS-India: Why do you think these landscapes have not gained as much attention for conservation as they deserve? Dr. Thorat: We are still battling with some unchallenged ideas such as any drylands being considered wastelands or degraded form of forest ecosystems. Tagging anything as wastelands make it open for putting it to use for more “productive” use such as infrastructural development, afforestation, urban expansion, and other such activities that otherwise can’t be carried out in protected forests or agricultural land. Grasslands have such close and complex links with herbivores (both livestock and wild) and humans, that it is difficult to separate them from these elements, making them unattractive to anyone who wants to conserve pristine nature. Secondly, grasslands in India do not hold charismatic mammals such as the tiger or the elephant, and hence have remained out of the discourse of wildlife conservation. The hardy Banni buffalo is a native breed found primarily in the Kachchh district of Gujarat. Photo and caption: Dr. Ovee Thorat WCS-India: Would you like to share an experience you want to highlight from your time at the site of your work? Dr. Thorat: It was during my PhD thesis related work that I spent a long time in the field. On one of these days, there was a meeting organised between the local community and the forest department. I was hopeful to see some interaction about the pressing issues related to management of the grasslands. However, within a few minutes, there were raised voices from both sides as NGOs remained spectators. This incident and many more showed me how important dialogue and interactions between different stakeholders are to address conservation issues.  WCS-India: What do you think the current semi-arid grasslands conservation situation is like in your area of work? Dr. Thorat: New studies that identify grasslands as ‘old-growth’ and ‘savanna’ have been useful in changing the ecological discourse of grasslands. However, a lot of unlearning needs to be done to enrich our understanding of grasslands. Fire and grazing are still considered disturbances, pastoralists are still thought to be the main problem of the grasslands, and the tenuous status of commons continues. NGOs often make a stand with either romanticisation of pastoralists or aims of settling them rather than accepting the dynamic and complex connection that people have with grasslands. Research, activism, as well as governance of grasslands remain stuck and neglected except for a few examples in addition to the largely colonial approach to conservation of grasslands. Maldharis, a traditional pastoralist community, move with their native Kankrej cattle. Photo: Dr. Ovee Thorat WCS-India: What are the significant wildlife that rely on this landscape for their very survival? Dr. Thorat: We are still exploring species in grasslands, from lacertids that are newly described and lizards that are unique to these habitats such as the spiny-tailed lizard to rediscovery of rare plants such as Olax nana, grasslands hold significant wildlife. While in Kachchh, I remember being surrounded by hundreds of chattering common cranes – never have I experienced that anywhere else. Apart from that, mammals such as the wolf, markhor, blackbuck, and birds such as the great Indian bustard, florican, sociable lapwing are known to depend on the grasslands. If I am to expand to the notion of biodiversity, and not stay limited to wildlife, there are many native livestock breeds that are dependent on grasslands too. Lesser florican. Photo: Ashok Chaudhary WCS-India: How do you think local communities can contribute and be involved in conserving the semi-arid grasslands of our country and thereby the wildlife that lives there? Dr. Thorat: Based on my experience so far, more than the local community, it is the government, researchers, NGOs, and activists that need to contribute to grasslands to conserve them. Supporting and keeping alive nomadic pastoralism and other activities, supporting wool and other livestock-based products, and respecting the rights of the local community, revival of village commons would go a long way in conservation of grassland and the wildlife. Until the base of justice and trust is not built and local institutions are not strengthened, we cannot expect the local community to do what we might think is necessary. Photo: Vishwam Singh  WCS-India: What do you think is the way forward for the conservation of these landscapes? Dr. Thorat: I see a lot of hope in interdisciplinary approaches when it comes to research and knowledge building, and in decentralisation and support of local institutions when it comes to governance. These two things are key to conservation of grasslands in the country. References: The antiquity of Indian grassy biomes Soil carbon sequestration accelerated by restoration of grassland biodiversity The carbon sequestration potential of China's grasslands Grasslands may be more reliable carbon sinks than forests in California For additional reading: Dr. Thorat has published (with two other authors) a book that is available for reading here. A popular article on RoundGlass Sustain she has written on foxes can be found here. She has been quoted in this Mongabay article on the Banni of Gujarat. Report of the Task Force on Grasslands and Deserts Interview by Sourabha Rao     Mon, 25 Apr 2022 06:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17482 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17212/Ranganathittu-Little-Eternities-Packed-Into-Moments#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=17212 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17212&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Ranganathittu: Little Eternities Packed Into Moments https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17212/Ranganathittu-Little-Eternities-Packed-Into-Moments Written by Sourabha Rao There is an almost supernatural power a spot-billed pelican can affect you with when you watch it in flight, swooping down from its roost to pick up a twig as its nesting material or to drink water. Imagine yourself on a boat among islets on the banks of River Kaveri and you see tens of them perched on trees, some of which are flying around you and sometimes right above your head. © Zhayynn James Add in a few painted storks into this flurry of flight. And some great thick-knees peering at you, their craned necks taut with curiosity. © Anindya Photography There is also a possibility that when your boat is still and isn’t sending out ripples of its movement, an otter or two might appear on a rock nearby and play around – an occurrence so rare that it will be a priceless stretch of time that will become its own little eternity. And, in fact, a place such as this exists, and it is easily accessible from Bengaluru, enroute to Mysuru – Ranganathittu. A bird sanctuary in Mandya district that can be visited throughout the year, best experienced early mornings if you hire a boat. However, the best time to experience it at the peak of its glory would be from November, a time that heralds in the winter migrants who stay put until March, adding to the already numerous varieties of resident birds you can see here. Ranganathittu also nurtures river terns with their unmistakable yellow bills – glowing like a blob of gold in the morning light. A number of Asian openbills dot this fair, too. Black-crowned night herons add to the frenzy of bird-symphonies you are yet to fathom. Great egrets, with their all-white plumage, fly around like pockets of light themselves. The wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae, the Eurasian spoonbill will delight you while a white-thraoted kingfisher will add a bluesy enchantment to your day. Cormorants and darters pepper these islets with their graceful presence, too. © Harsha Narasimhamurthy There is also the stunning black-headed ibis, its down-curved beak that’s also black and unmissable from the other white-bodied aves.  Indian flying foxes hang upside down, again, hundreds of them. A stark contrast in their resting to all the breathtaking bustling morning avian activity all around. Not to forget the marsh crocodiles basking in the sun, their mouths agape and so still and so stunning in their reptilian glory. Every little detail of their physical being renders itself as a piece of art, vivid images you could stow away in the recesses of your memory long after you leave Ranganathittu. © Zhayynn James Around these unstirring crocodiles can be a few white-browed wagtails, nimble and sure-footed in their swift movement.  After the boat ride, if you are in the mood for a short walk on the banks, you might be lucky to spot white-spotted fantails flitting about among trees. Ranganathittu is a perfect weekend getaway, especially if you are living in Bengaluru or Mysuru. A place that has so much to offer even if you were to plan one single boat ride, which is no flattery and no exaggeration. A place that has long entranced avid birders. A place comprising islets that the great ornithologist Salim Ali observed as an important nesting ground for a vast variety of birds and urged the then king of Mysuru to declare Ranganathittu as a protected area back in 1940. It is currently maintained by the Forest Department of Karnataka. © Harsha Narasimhamurthy Tell us all about your experience when you next visit this little haven of wilderness that so quietly exists between two major cities but is always bursting with bird activity and so much more!   Thu, 03 Feb 2022 10:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17212 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17184/Chenchu-Children-of-the-Forest-for-Tiger-Protection#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=17184 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17184&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Chenchu: ‘Children of the Forest’ for Tiger Protection https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17184/Chenchu-Children-of-the-Forest-for-Tiger-Protection Article by Sourabha Rao A vast tiger reserve with its dense, green-black depths. In this forest have long-lived its ‘children’ who know their habitat intimately. We are talking about India’s largest tiger reserve, Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), and the tribal people called the ‘Chenchu’ who have been an integral part of it. While the frontline staff of the forest department is relentlessly committed to the well-being of this tiger reserve, the department also accredits another driving force with the tiger’s rising numbers – empowering the local community of Chenchu for tiger protection. The Chenchu are the original inhabitants of the Nallamala Hills. The tribal name translates to ‘children of the forest’. Known to be a primitive vulnerable tribal group, they have always dwelled deep inside these forests. The Chenchu live life with exemplary simplicity. Most of them still gather food from the forest, and roam in it to find things to meet their needs. Mr. Vineet Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer of the Nandyal Wildlife Division, NSTR, says, “For the longest time, the Chenchu have coexisted with wildlife in what can be called a symbiotic relationship. The landscape of NSTR – the Nallamala Hills – is their home. When you consider this, any conservation effort can only be successful if the local community of the Chenchu is involved.” He continues, “The forest department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, has employed the Chenchu as protection watchers in the basecamps. They reside in the basecamps that dot the deeper parts of NSTR, very similar to how they otherwise live in the forest.” Imran Siddiqui, our Programme Head of the Eastern Ghats team, who works extensively with tribals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana observes, “We cannot imagine Nallamala forests without Chenchus, they are the habitat people and perhaps the oldest aborginal people in South India. Their knowledge of forests and wildlife is key for managing the unusually large tiger reserve.”   A typical day in a protection watcher’s life involves patrolling the forest, recording any animal movement or its evidence (such as scat) they come across, checking all the vulnerable routes and the designated patrolling tracks, and checking on water bodies. In a way, as Vineet Kumar observes, this life is similar to their earlier ways of roaming the forests for non-timber forest product collection. The Chenchu have also adapted to using modern technology for conservation. They use M-Stripes mobile app to keep track of every movement, every track of the tigers. “Their primordial connection with the forest has been the game-changing force in the protection of tigers in the NSTR. They continue to follow their daily schedule, only now, assisting the forest department while doing so. They also keep an eye out on the outsiders’ movement in the tiger reserve. I am in fact delighted to say that the Chenchu are a vital reason behind the successful story of tiger conservation in NSTR,” asserts a pleased Mr. Kumar. This collaboration has proved to be fruitful for both conservation and the Chenchu. The patrolling team emphasises on the fact that they all have jobs because of the tiger. And they acknowledge how the forest department takes care of them well. “Saving the tiger is our responsibility,” they profess their love for the apex predator. The forest department has been providing the Chenchu protection watchers who are living in the basecamps with basic amenities. It is done primarily to enable them to perform their daily duties efficiently. Apart from the rising numbers in the tiger population of the NSTR, there is now a separate breeding population in the corridor area. The other significant outcome of empowering the Chenchu for tiger protection is the bolstered peaceful coexistence of forest-dwellers and wildlife. (We thank all the gracious Chenchu people featured here for permitting us to photograph and interview them.) Tue, 25 Jan 2022 11:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17184 https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17141/Impactful-Environmental-Art-Interview-With-Alisha-Dutt-Islam#Comments 0 https://india.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=20196&ModuleID=42259&ArticleID=17141 https://india.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17141&PortalID=209&TabID=20196 Impactful Environmental Art: Interview With Alisha Dutt Islam https://india.wcs.org/Newsroom/Blog/ID/17141/Impactful-Environmental-Art-Interview-With-Alisha-Dutt-Islam Interview by Sourabha Rao Recently, we had the pleasure of talking to Alisha Dutt Islam, an environmental artist, botanical illustrator, information designer and educator. Her body of work, in her own words, ‘focuses on helping my audience process data in an easy and enjoyable manner with primary focus on the environment.’ Listening to her ideas about art and its power to set in motion positive change was refreshing. We hope you enjoy this exchange of thoughts as well!  When did you discover the artist in you? What were your earliest sources of inspiration that drew you towards your art? I have painted almost all my life. I studied in Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, and so lived in Bengaluru for four years. I wanted to be a designer, but for my fourth year project, I had to work on exotic and native varieties of trees, which exposed me to the world that it is by itself. After graduation, I worked as a graphic designer for a while. Meanwhile, my painting work also began to get attention and was featured in publications such as Scroll. Currently, I am pursuing my master’s degree in Fine Arts, Zurich University of the Arts. As an artist, there are certain questions I ask myself constantly that keep me going, that inspire me: How does one introduce people to wildlife they have not witnessed first-hand? Why don’t people know enough about Indian biodiversity, our people and the incredible diversity of our country? To me, if such questions haunt us, it is up to us to fill that knowledge gap. What about wildlife art had a special appeal to you? I worked in Calcutta where we always had these incredible trees in the urban areas. I also worked with Madras Crocodile Bank Trust during my Srishti days. Then there came an opportunity to work on the red panda. It is a long process to immerse and engage with my work as an artist. I am continuously questioning myself. I also worked on the Dibang Valley birds and animals from a visual content perspective. It is more important for me to go with a soft approach, with the power of suggestion more than aggressive statements. This is how painting became my go-to option. Intersection of visual footage, interdisciplinary approach is also something that piques my interest. There is a sea of content, so how to place oneself to be able to be heard, especially while working for some causes that need our immediate attention? This is something I always ponder upon.   What are the causes that are close to your heart that you try to address through your art? Apart from environmental issues, gender issues are another focus of mine. I also have commercial practice for which I associate with organic/natural products brands.   Please tell us how you got to collaborate with Mr. Pradip Kishen for Abha Mahal Bagh? What is the intention of this book according to you? Scroll had done an article about my paintings. The designer, Anjali Nair, saw it and that’s how I was introduced to Pradip. I had previously worked on books, packaging etc. Abha Mahal Bagh was a one-year project. I visited Pradip, he took me to Abha Mahal, the garden which he was rebuilding. Rewilding Indian spaces with native species in the intention behind Pradip’s work. For Abha Mahal Bagh, native species growing in the Thar landscape were the subjects of the quest. Some of them, in the beginning, were alien-like to me, in their rare glory! Now that I have seen them over a longer period of time, I can say they are some of the most beautiful organisms I have seen in my life. Pradip was very clear and specific about this project and it was a delight and privilege working in this project with him. What are your thoughts on how art can mobilise positive change in people, and in society as a whole? I believe we need to focus on where the art is – inside the galleries or outside? In museums, footfall can determine how many people witness the art first-hand, which can give us some hope for positive change that we hope our art can make. I see a lot of environmental art lately. You have to show people the small processes magnified. Nature moves very fast when it comes to birds, and it is very slow when it comes to a seed becoming a tree. This sort of awareness of time ‘movement’ can be powerfully depicted by art in its own time and spatial awareness. This power, I believe, will certainly create an impact on a beholder and hopefully inspire one to act for a more positive change intended by that piece of art.   As an artist, what does a typical day in your life look like? As we speak, I see finches, sparrows and other birds outside my window. Even when I am walking, as I walk to school here in Zurich, I try to expose myself to new sights and smells. The pine cone fragrance, which I discovered recently, still has me heady and in its grip. A lot of observing the world around, keenly, constitutes my days. How else to understand nature if not by slowing down…a lot? (Chuckles) What are the current projects you are working on, if you wouldn’t mind sharing with us? I am currently mostly working on my master’s thesis. There is however a plethora of work I need to return to. And there is a lot of unlearning I need to do. I want to focus more on migratory birds. But foremost in my vision for the near future is representation of Indian biodiversity, both flora and fauna, for an audience outside of India, something I am quite keen on. What are your dreams for the future as an artist, if you’d like to share with us? To understand my target audiences first. Instagram is not the whole world, there are people in rural areas to be reached out to, who are at the forefront of facing so many environmental changes. Unless we go into people’s villages and remote dwellings and engage in conversation with them first-hand and establish a personal connection, I cannot think our work is making a difference. I want to spend as much time inside the jungles, with people inhabiting those unglamorous depths. These are the kind of projects and collaborations I will be looking forward to. You can find the projects Alisha has worked on here. And click here for her Instagram profile.   Wed, 19 Jan 2022 10:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17141