WILD LIFE

Kerala Backwaters

2011-12-27T05:50:00.000-08:00

The backwaters of Kerela is a unique product of Kerala and is found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian sea. The backwaters of Kerela are a self supporting eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable The largest backwater stretch in Kerela is the Vembanad Lake which flows through three districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi Port. The Astamudi lake, literarlly having eight arms, which covers a major portion of Kollam district in the south, is the second largest and is considered the gateway to the backwaters.

The most exciting thing on the backwaters of Kerela, however, is the kettuvallom ( traditional houseboat ) which has become the most popular tourism product in India today. In a land as waterbound as Kerala it wouldn't be an unusual sight, but for a visitor to God's Own Country a houseboat gliding along the vast green expanse of the backwaters is the most amazing spectacle in the world. Even more enchanting is a holiday in the houseboats of Kerela.

biggest snakes, natural wonders...amazing

2011-07-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

20-amazing-rare-and-newly-discovered.

2011-07-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

18. The Walking Shark

16. Nyctimystes sp.

14. ET Salamander
13. The Conservation International (CI) Blattodean
12. Fish-hook Ant
11. Gola Malimbe
10. Dragonfly Platycypha eliseva
9. The RAP katydid
8. Pseudancistrus kwinti
7. Strumigenys tigris
6. Paracheilinus nursalim
5. Goliath Bird Eating Spider
4. Emperor Scorpion
3. Pinocchio Frog
2. Chinchilla Tree Rat

1. Tube-nosed Fruit Bat

Wild Animal Tracking for Preschoolers

2011-03-10T06:17:00.001-08:00

Get your preschooler outdoors in the winter by going animal tracking. Wild animals are around even though you may not see them. Many wild animals, such as the Red Fox, deer, and mice, come out at night or when there is no one around. Although you may never see these animals, you can tell where they have been by what they leave behind.

Animal tracks (footprints), tree scarring, and scat (animal droppings) are signs that wild animals have been around. Take your preschooler on an adventure to search for the wild animals that might live in your neighborhood.
Step One

First, you must have an idea what you are looking for. If you are unfamiliar with wild animal tracks or what wild animals might be in your area, check out eNature.com and insert your zip code in their Local Nature Zip Guide. This guide will give you lists of mammals that are native to your area. The guide provides pictures of tracks to look for. Print pictures of a few of the tracks on your eNature.com list.
Step Two

Second, dress your preschooler for the weather and get an early start. Walk around your neighborhood looking on muddy, sandy, or snowy areas where tracks will be easier to see. Also look for scat. Even if you can’t identify the scat, it is a clue that you might find tracks nearby.
Step Three

Finally, take pictures of the tracks you see so that you can keep a record of what you saw and identify the tracks at home. Keep a record of any tracks you see so that next time you go for a tracking walk with your preschooler you can review what you have seen before.
Variations

This activity relies on your ability and access to a computer. If you do not have access, your local public library will likely have a good wild animal book.

Rajasthan Wildlife

2011-03-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

Why Rajasthan
The royal state of Rajasthan is a haven for a wide spectrum of wildlife. The topography of Rajasthan ranges from the desolate desert, dry & deciduous forests, rocks and ravines to wetlands and lush, green forests. And each of these areas inhabits a large variety of animal and bird life within there boundary. Some of the faunas sheltering there are rare while some are endangered.

Rajasthan is home to several floras and faunas. Some of the natives found here are - tigers, black bucks, chinkara, the rare desert fox, the endangered caracal, the great Indian bustard, gavial, monitor lizard, wild boars, porcupine. The winter season is the most flourishing season and it invites numerous migratory birds from far of places. Some of the migratory birds flocking into this region during winters are - common crane, ducks, coots, pelicans and the rare Siberian cranes, imperial sand grouse, falcons, buzzards.

Key Factors
Zone : North India.
Location : To the Northwestern corner of India.
Capital : Jaipur
Best Time to Visit : Most of these areas are open to visitors round the year but are closed briefly during the monsoon. But the best time to visit is during November to March.
Travel Tips : Consult your doctor before you start your journey to Rajasthan. Make sure that you have all the required documents to visit Rajasthan India Wildlife.
Book a tour to Rajasthan
Get There
Airport : Jaipur (the state capital)
Railways : Each part of Rajasthan is well connected by railways.
Road : There are well defined roads in Rajasthan.

Stay There
There are numerous accommodations in Rajasthan. The range is exhaustive. The range include - heritage, luxury, deluxe and budget hotels. There are government run hotels also, providing some exquisite variety of facilities and services.

Venture Around
Some Wildlife Sites you can visit in Rajasthan
Typical areas representing each of the ecosystems have been reserved as special areas wildlife. Rajasthan boasts of two National Parks, over a dozen Sanctuaries and two Closed Areas, some of which are world renown.

The Major Ones
Ranthambhore National Park: This is the state’s most well-known tiger reserve under Project Tiger. Home of an expansive variety of other animals in is 392 sq km area, one can spot sambhar, cheetal, wild boar, leopard, sloth bear, jackal, hyena among others. Artificial lakes, dense forests and the shield of the Aravallis have helped to make this park very impressive and interesting.

Sariska Tiger Reserve : Sarsika is another tiger land in Rajasthan which was included in the Project Tiger in 1979. Other than leopard, sambhar, nilgai, wild dog, and chinkara, the ruins of 9th and 10th century temples exist here.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park : Also known as the Bhartapur Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo National Park was declared a National Park in 1983. The 29 sq km park is one of the world’s greatest heron nesting and breeding centre. Its shallow, fresh water marsh invites thousands of migratory birds from far of places of the world. Over 10,000 nests of egrets, darters, cormorants, grey herons and storks hatch nearly 20,000 to 30,000 chicks every year. There is a diverse variety of migratory birds. Mammals like the sambhar, blackbuck, chital, nilgai, fishing cat, otter and mongoose also roam freely here.

Desert National Sanctuary : This park was established in 1980. It is a massive park spanning on an area of 3162 sq km. It has shrubs and trees in addition to rolling sand dunes. The wildlife stock here comprises fox, desert cat, hare, spiney tail uromastix and sand fish. Thousands of sparrows, imperial sand grouse, bustards, falcons and eagles migrate here during the winter.

Add On
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary : The majestic fort of Kumbhalgarh overlooks the 578 sq km sanctuary. The Aravallis hills, which remain barren for most of the year, turns green during the monsoons and provide shelter to sloth bear, leopard, flying squirrel. It is also the only sanctuary where the Indian wolf is breeding successfully.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary : The lake and forested hills of this reserve, 32 km from Bikaner on the Jaisalmer road, are inhabited by wildfowl, hares , wild boar, desert foxes and a number of deer and antelopes including blackbucks and bluebulls. The lake at Gajner invites water birds in thousands. Imperial sand gouse migrates here in winter. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, houses the former Hunting lodge of Bikaner and has a beautiful lake bounded by a fat forest.
Book a tour to Rajasthan
Darrah Sanctuary : The previous hunting ground of the Kota Maharajas, Darrah Sanctuary was established in 1955 and covers an area of 266 sq km. This hilly sanctuary with its thick forests is an ideal place to visit. The faunas here include wolf, sloth bear, chinkara and leopard.

Mount Abu Sanctuary : Established in 1960, this provides shelter to the common langaur, wild boar, sambhar and leopard. The highest point of Aravallis, the Guru Shikhar, lies in this 289 sq km sanctuary. The grey jungle fowl can also be spotted here. Besides, a number of flowering trees heightens the beauty of this place.

Jaisamand Sanctuary : Located beside the man-made Jaisamand Lake, the sanctuary was established in 1957. Covering a total area of 160 sq km, it harbours sloth bear, leopard, chital, chinkara, wild boar and a number of birds. Some crocodiles and fish can also be spotted here.

Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary : It was established in 1983 and covers a total area of 229 sq km of scrub and dry deciduous forest. Leopards, chinkara, sloth bear can be spotted here.

Other sanctuaries in Rajasthan include - Sitamata, Darrah, Chambal, Tal Chapper, Jamwa Ramgarh, Kaila Devi, Van Vihar, Ramgarh, Shergarh, Todgarh-Rad and Jawahar Sagar.

Additional Punch
When you are in Rajasthan, you can not abstain from its charm, as it is just irresistible. The grandeur, the colour, the history, the rustic and traditional villages, and the modern development has created a very appealing potpourri of attractions. There are numerous places of interest in Rajasthan which will keep you absorbed through out your trip. The palaces, the forts, the havelis, the sand dunes, the mountains, the lakes and the mosaic of vibrant colours worn by its people have captivated travellers from all the corners of the globe.

Some Places you can Visit
Jaipur : Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer King Sawai Jai Singh. The city is a fine blend of old and new. When you approach the city you will be surrounded by the pink walls of the buildings around you, which were painted pink to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of Mughal cities. Jaipur boasts of several attractions, some of the which are - the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal (The Wind Palace), Amer Fort, etc.

Jaisalmer : The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside world, even during the days of the Raj. Very few cities can boast of the magnificence that surrounds Jaisalmer. The Major attractions are - The Jaisalmer Fort, the Sam Sand Dunes, Camel Safari.

Udaipur : One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert. The Major Attractions - The City Palace, the Lake Palace.

Few Difficulties
It is difficult to travel Rajasthan during the summers. There is scarcity of water almost everywhere. Commuting to remote areas are too difficult.

People generally speak their local language, the educated one can speak English. The terrain is rugged and the summers are too dry, as compared to other parts of India. You may face difficulty in finding your kind of food. Except from some luxurious hotels, you may not find your choice of food.

Few Suggestions
Drinks lots of water and juicy fruits. Eat food from an authentic restaurant. Avoid the meal which is too spicy. Carry enough clothes. Don't get into any unknown or illegal activity. Do not disturb the local culture and local atmosphere. Try to be well informed about the routes and the place you are going to visit. Contact us when and where needed, while on a wildlife India Tour.

If you want more information on Wildlife India Tour then get back to us, whenever needed. Let us know your requirements, so that we can make your trip to India Wildlife completely exceptional and exciting.

Wildlife By May Month

2011-03-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

Why May
The month of May is not very much appreciable in India, as the temperature is not favourable enough to roam around. May is the fifth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of the seven Gregorian months containing 31 days. May is the mid of the summer season, so the atmosphere is not very exciting. The only exciting thing is the pulpy and sweet mangoes which starts arriving in the market, captivating numerous tourists and visitors to India. After savouring this relishing fruit you will surely jump to delight.

But, if you are planning to visit the Wildlife India in the month of May, you will not get disappointed, as almost all the major Wildlife destinations are open through out the month. Even though, it would be advisable that you visit those areas, which are most comfortable in the sizzling month of May.

Venture Around in the May
This is the month when you can venture where you want. The climate though not very satisfying, will not be an obstruction on your route. Either visit the wildlife or any other attraction, the month of May will never dissatisfy you. And, if you have some pulpy mangoes in you hand, then the entire trip will become too juicy.

Some Wildlife Sites You can visit in India :
Searching for the Man-Eaters?
Where are those "Man-Eaters of Kumaon", which were mentioned in the Jim Corbett's book - "The Man-Eaters of Kumaon." Of course in the Corbett National Park, which is fully prepared to offer you that exclusive glimpse of those elusive creature for which you were striving for years. Close to Himalayas, the Corbett is easily accessible from the national capital, New Delhi. If you have landed in New Delhi, then Corbett will be your most ideal wildlife destination.

Book a Tour Corbett

Corbett National Park, Uttranchal
This is the jungle of man-eaters. You must have understood who they are - of course the tigers. Isn't it heart shaking? Don't get frightened, if you have made up your mind to observe those furious creatures, then take an Elephant ride, as the tigers will not dare to combat them. Seeing the wildlife from the top of the Elephant's back is highly advantageous and tasteful.

Corbett is situated in the state of Uttaranchal in North India, which is home to animals like - leopards, jungle cats, fishing cats, leopard cats, Himalayan black bears, martens, spotted dees, langurs, etc.

Nearby Attractions : Taj Mahal is very close to Corbett National Park. You can also take a glimpse of the national capital New Delhi.

Head Towards the Himalayas
The Indian Himalayas boasts of some very exquisite sights of the wildlife India. If you are here in the month of May, these will be the ideal wildlife destinations for you.

Nanda Devi National Park and The Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh boasts of two most eye-catching wildlife sanctuaries in India - Nanda Devi National Park and The Great Himalayan National Park. Surrounded by some bewitching mountain ranges, both the wildlife parks are verdant enough to enthrall you.

The Nanda Devi National Park is one of the most spectacular wilderness areas in the Himalayas. It is overshadowed by the peak of Nanda Devi, which rises to over 7,800 m. The rich vegetaion and the luxuriant surroundings are exceptional in this area. The Fauna section of the park will present animals like bharal, Himalayan tahr, serow, goral, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, leopard, common langur, Himalayan musk deer, and brown beer dominate the park area. There are nearly 80 species of birds in this area. Warblers, gresbreaks, rose finches and ruby throat are commonly seen here.

Go further north and you will discover the most unique and eye soothing sight of The Great Himalayan National Park.
The National Park with an area of 620 sq km is caved out of the fantastic mountain terrain of the Kullu District and has the representative area of temperate and alpine forests of Himachal. It is also one of the largest protected area of the state. Among the animals you will meet here are - musk deer, ghoral, thar, bharal, serow, brown bear, leopard and snow leopard. Bird life includes a variety of colourful Pheasants- Monal, Khalij, Cheer and Tragopan.

Nearby Attraction : If you are in Himachal Pradesh, then there is nothing which you should miss, as entire Himachal is salubrious and relaxing. This will be a nice break from the most tiring summer trips.

Book a Tour Dachigam

Wilds In the Paradise on Earth
Yes, you are right - it is Dachigam National Park in the extreme northern state of Jammu & Kashmir in India. A tour to the wilds of the Himalayas is the best idea to avoid the sizzling sun of May. The tour to Jammu & Kashmir will keep you away from the burning heat of the plains in India.

Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir
Dachigam National Park is the best known of all the sanctuaries present in the state of Jammu & Kashmir in the extreme north of India. Formerly, an exclusive hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kashmir, it was declared a national park in the year 1951, due to a strictly imposed conservation programme, to preserve the Hangul population or the Kashmiri Stag.

Nearby Attractions : Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Leh Ladakh will truly spellbind you.

Hunting for the Rhinos?
Coming down towards the east, you will be captivated by the spectacular wildlife sights of the Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal. A drive away to the Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal, amidst the beauty of the Terai is totally enthralling.

Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Royal Chitwan National Park is Nepal’s first and most famous national park is situated in the Chitwan Doon or the lowlands of the inner Terai.
This ecologically diverse area is the last remaining home in Nepal for more than 300 of the endangered Asian one-horned rhinos and harbours one of the largest populations of the elusive and rare Royal Bengal Tiger. Besides Rhino and Tiger, Chitwan also support a great variety of flora and fauna. There are four species of Deer, including the Spotted Chittal, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Small Wild Cats, the white stockinged Gaur (world’s largest wild cattle) and many other smaller animals.

Nearby Attraction : Mount Everest, the largest peak of the world.

Go Further Beyond the Eastern India
If you are still not satisfied and searching for more, then don't be disappointed, as India has lots more for you. Reach out to the northeastern part of India, housing some very exquisite landscape, making home for some very rare and endangered species of the wild.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam
If you are hunting for Rhinos, then this is the place for you. Kaziranga supports the largest number of rhino in the subcontinent. The Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctruary is home to the great one horned Indian Rhino, about 900 in number. Apart from Rhinos, it is also famous for Indian Elephants.

Book a Tour Kaziranga

Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
The beautiful forests possess great biodiversity of flora and fauna. Namdapha is Botanist's dream and there is a lot still to be discovered. The park presents a great bio diversity of flora and fauna. The lush green under growths are thick and networked like cobwebs of canes, bamboos, wild bananas and variety of vegetations The grandeur of the wet tropical rain forest is a breeding ground for varieties of animals and birds which is notable and worth seeing.

Nearby Attractions : Tipi Orchidarium at Arunachal Pradesh, Kamrup Kamakhya Temple at Guwahati (Assam), the mighty Brahmaputra river.

Add On
If you are still looking for wildlife then here are some excellent choice.
Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Jammu & Kashmir
Govind Sagar Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
Hemis High Altitude National Park, Jammu & Kashmir
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Periyar National Park, Kerala
Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

Few Difficulties
May is the month of sizzling Sun, not very ideal time to visit the Indian plains, so, you might face some problems on your way. You might be trapped by the heatstroke, Sunstroke and numerous other sun borne and water borne diseases. Basically, you might get attacked by stomach problems.

Few Suggestions
Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours, and make sure you drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids to balance the loss of body fluid through perspiration. What you drink must be safe - either soft drinks from sealed cans or bottles, or water which has been boiled or is bottled. Carry protective creams suitable for your skin type, which will help protect unavoidably exposed parts of the body. Stay out of the scorching sun, use what shade there is at other times, and cover up with a wide-brimmed hat and tightly woven but loose clothing.

If you want more information on Wildlife India Tour then get back to us. Let us know your requirements, so that we can make your trip to India Wildlife completely exceptional and exciting.

Tigers Playing each

2011-02-25T07:22:00.000-08:00

African Animals - African Lions

2010-12-25T07:26:00.000-08:00

Pictures of African Animals African Warthog Pictures and African Warthog Informations

2010-12-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

Snow Bunny - Wild Animals

2010-12-25T07:14:00.001-08:00

Hippo facts

2010-12-25T07:10:00.000-08:00

MAGELLANIC PENGUIN

2010-12-25T07:05:00.000-08:00

Homeland: South America, on the coasts of Chile and Argentina, and the Falkland Islands.

Eats: Fish, squid, and crustaceans

Fun facts:

• Many people think we penguins live way up by the North Pole, but actually, all penguins live in the southern hemisphere. (Unless, of course, we live in a zoo.) Some penguins, like Magellanic penguins, live in places where it’s not always all that cold. In fact, where I live in South America, summers can get downright warm! (The only way Nanuk and I know each other is from being penpals. He lives way at the top of the earth, and I live down toward the bottom.)

• Penguins have wings, yet we can’t fly. But like other birds who can fly, we have feathers. Lots and lots of feathers! I’ve got more than 70 feathers per square inch – far more than the average bird. My feathers are covered with a natural oil to keep me waterproof and warm.

• If you watched Peggy and me swim on the video to get to our little hike, you’ll see that we swim so fast we almost fly through the water. A penguin can swim at speeds of 15 miles per hour – that’s four times as fast as the speediest human swimmer!

Keoladeo Ghana National Park - [ Rajasthan ]

2010-12-03T05:36:00.000-08:00

Just 176 km. from Delhi is a very special wilderness - the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the finest water-bird sanctuaries in the world. The 28.73 sq. km. lake and wetland was artificially created by the Maharaja of Bharatpur in the l9th century. By building small dykes and dams and diverting water from an irrigation canal, he converted this low lying area into a fine wild fowl shooting preserve. In a few years, the new wetland surrounded by marginal forests was able to support thousands of water-birds. Commonly referred to as Bharatpur, the Park is a delight for bird watchers. Over 300 species of birds are found here and raised paths, camouflaged by babul trees and undergrowth make viewing easy.
A quiet ride by boat in the early hours of the morning is also an unforgettable experience. There are mixed heronries on the half submerged babul trees and the cacophony is unbelievable as painted storks, open bills, spoon bills, egrets, cormorants, white ibis and multitudes of others, tend their young. Jacanas with their iridescent colours and elegant tail feathers and purple moorhen can be seen delicately treading over the floating vegetation. While harriers and fishing eagles circle overhead in search of prey, the pied kingfisher hovers dramatically over the water in a flurry of wings. There are varieties of storks and cranes and the local sarus crane is elegant in a livery of grey and red.
Every year Bharatpur waits with bated breath for the arrival of the Siberian cranes. There are only two wintering places for this rare species one in Iran and the other Bharatpur and these beautiful birds with their distinctive red beaks and facial patches, fly over 6400 km from their summer retreats in Siberia, to get to them. In 1996, there was great jubilation as a couple of Siberian cranes with young one made an appearance in Bharatpur after a lapse of three years. The forests around the lake at Bharatpur harbour the sambar, chital, nilgai, jackal, hyena, fox, mongoose and porcupine. Occasionally, a fishing cat can be seen scooping its prey from the water's edge. Pythons are also commonly seen sunning themselves along the edge of the paths or at Python Point.

General Information

Best time to visit :
Throughout the year.

Breeding season:
Aug-Oct.
Migrants:
Oct-Feb.

The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)

2010-12-03T05:31:00.000-08:00

When you come across an elephant in the wild, or otherwise, you won’t need a book to tell you that it is the largest land mammal walking the earth in our era. Their height, weight and strength are almost legendary. Elephants were used by Asian Empires to gain battle superiority. The Kings used them as carriers of nobility. The common man used them for tasks requiring massive feats of strength, like transporting timber.

The elephant was, and to some extent still is, an integral part of this area, especially in India. Elephants have been around for almost 40 million years now. Although, their appearance has evolved to almost unrecognizable proportions in order to adapt to changing environment conditions. The original ancestor of the elephant, known to man, was the Moeritherium. It stood only around 3.5 feet tall and did not have a pronounced trunk like the one we immediately associate with the mention of an elephant. Due to migrations from one area, caused by adverse conditions created there, to other areas with more suitable but different conditions made the ancestors evolve over this long period of time to what we now recognize as the modern day elephant. In this transition stage, the more well known intermediate ascendants after the "little Moeritherium", were the mammoths and the mastodons. The main changes brought about in these species by evolution was in the over all size, the development of the proboscis (or trunk) and the increase in length of the seconds pair of teeth on the upper jaw (tusks). At this point of time, the elephant species is represented by two kinds. The Asian and The African.

The Asian and the African elephants are similar in general appearance but there are a few definite differences. A list of these differences is given below:

Asian Elephant

African Elephant

Height

Average 2 feet shorter (9-10 feet)

Average 2 feet taller (11-12 feet)

Weight

Average 2000 pounds lighter

Average 2000 pounds heavier

(can weigh over 8 tons)

Back

Rounded with slight hump in the middle

Have a dip in the middle

Ears

Smaller

Larger and in the shape of the African continent. A pair can weigh up to 110 pounds

Head

Consists of two domes

Consists of a single dome

Tusks

Developed only in males. Female tusks too small to be visible outside

Developed in both male and female

Legs

Shorter and stockier

Longer

Trunk

Has one "finger" at the tip

Has two "fingers" at the tip

Strength

Claimed to be stronger

Not as powerful as the Asian elephant, despite it’s larger size.

General Appearance

Shorter and rounder

Taller and slimmer

The elephant is unique in a couple of characteristics. It is an animal that lives longer in captivity and is also the only domesticated animal, which preferably is taken from the wild for sounder temperament. The average life expectancy of an elephant in the wild is 60 – 70 years, whereas it is around 70 – 80 years in domesticated ones. In the final stages of it’s life, the longevity of it’s life depends on it’s teeth. Elephants go through 6 sets of molars during their life span. The first set of teeth is pushed out by the new set at the age of 2. It is the fourth set at the age of 20 – 25 that is their first set of adult teeth. They get their last set around the age of 60. Once this last set wears out and the elephant can no longer eat, it dies.

Domesticating elephants is an expensive proposition because an elephant in the wild eats approximately 300 pounds of vegetation a day. It’s domesticated counter parts are known to eat even more. It consumes a whopping average of 300 liters of water a day, taking in approximately 60 to 80 liters in a single drink.

Another unique and amusing characteristic of elephants is that, despite their huge size and immense weight, their walk can be compared to the dance of a ballerina. Believe it or not but elephants walk on their toes! The heels are elevated with the five digits coming down at a steep angle. Under the heel is a larger cushioning pad of gristle, which other than relieving stress on the bones also allows the animal to be extremely surefooted and silent while walking. The entire "foot" is enclosed in a cylindrical shape and the external toenails are only superficial. It is possible for the number of nails to be different from the number of toes. It can also attain speeds up to 40 kilometers per hour on these feet.

The most prominent evolvement in elephants, except the increase in size, is the development of the trunk. The trunk other than being the nose is also the upper lip of the elephant’s mouth. The trunk is a highly efficient tool that consists of 40,000 muscles and tendons having the strength to tear down a tree and yet be nimble enough to pick up a matchbox. The "fingers" at the tip of the trunks enables them to grasp objects they need to left or break off. These trunks also make excellent snorkels for elephants while crossing deep rivers and lakes. Elephants are excellent swimmers. The other evolvement of a pair of teeth into tusks enables it to dig for water, roots, etc other than using them as weapons in a conflict.

The maximum weight is concentrated in the head
The tusks can grow extremely long and heavy. The record length of an African elephant’s tusks extended up to 11 feet 5.5 inches. The heaviest tusks recorded to date, also on an African elephant, weighed a total of 465 pounds. The left tusk was 10 feet 2.5 inches and weighed 240 pounds. The right tusk measured 10 feet 5.5 inches and weighed 225 pounds. The largest and tallest elephant records also come from Africa. The tallest measured 14.5 feet at the shoulders while in a reclining position and weighed 8.8 tons.

The largest measured 13.8 feet but weighed in at 13.5 tons! Some Asian elephants are close to these tusk dimensions but are definitely smaller and shorter by quite a margin.

Due to the size and strength of elephants, they obviously have very few natural enemies. There have been recorded instances of altercations between elephants and tigers but these are rare. One such famous incident is written about in Jim Corbett’s memoirs where two tigers took on the wrath of a tusker in a duel that lasted for many hours through the night. Another more recent incident is supposed to have occurred in Corbett National Park in India, where a crazed female elephant took on a fight with a tiger that had just killed it’s baby. The battle quite uniquely and amazingly ended in the death of all three animals. This lack of natural enemies is good for the elephant because of it’s life cycle. An elephant bears a child only once in approximately 3 – 4 years, although it can conceive from the age of 10 – 15 years till 60. The gestation period also is an extremely long 19 – 21 months, a record in itself. Due to these various factors, there can only be a very slow increase in the overall population, even if the species may be flourishing. The Asian elephant does have one advantage over it’s African cousin while facing one of it’s most dangerous enemies, Man. The absence of tusks of any consequence in female Asian elephants ensures that they are not targets for ivory poachers.

The presence of elephants in an area is a clear indication that the ecosystem there is flourishing. Due to their voracious appetites and large requirement of water to quench their thirst and also to bathe, elephants cannot live in desolate barren areas. Although an exception to this are some elephants living in desert surroundings close to the Skeleton Coast in Africa.

As elephants need to consume a lot of vegetation to satisfy their diet for a day, they are eating through most of it. They have a pretty fixed daily routine, which begins a couple of hours before sunrise. They begin by feeding at this time until the day begins to warm up, which is when they head for a shaded resting place. Elephants rest in a standing position or while reclining on their side. Once the heat of the day has passed by, they move out from these sheltered areas once again to feed. This meal continues till around midnight after which they move back to catch a few hours of sleep before repeating the cycle again.

Elephants live in a matriarchal society. The head of the family is usually an old female who is normally also the largest. Families usually consist of 3 –10 individuals, although many families come together during migrations to form very large herds. These herds sometimes number more than 60 animals. The families consist of cousin sisters, nieces, daughters, aunts, mothers, grandmothers and sub-adult males. The young are looked after and cared for by all the mature females and not just by the mother. The sub-adult males are expelled from the family when they are nearing adulthood. This is probably nature’s way of preventing inbreeding to keep a healthy race going. These expelled males mostly become solitary wanderers, although they have occasionally been known to congregate and form bachelor groups. These bull elephants are known for their more volatile temperament, especially at a time when a secretion is produced from their temporal glands. These are called "musth". In this phase, they have been known to cause a lot of damage to life and property. During the female mating cycle, bachelors join up with families and herds. They stay with them until the female’s cycle ends, which is usually a period of 10 – 15 days. During this period, face-offs and fights over females and territory are common among bulls in the same area. The breeding period is during the summer months.

Elephants make up for poor eyesight with excellent smelling and hearing powers
Elephants have poor eyesight but compensate for this with extremely good smelling and hearing powers. Their ears have another function other than hearing. This function is very similar to that of a radiator is a car. The ears are a maze of criss-crossing arteries carrying blood through them. Due to the thinner skin of the ears and the spread out surface area, they are more easily cooled, especially by fanning them.
This in turn also cools the blood passing through them, which brings down the temperature of the rest of the body. Elephants have a hide, which is more than an inch thick but is still extremely sensitive. It is to protect this skin that elephants have frequent baths, sometimes 3 –4 in a day, and then cover themselves with an armor of mud. This armor protects them from insects, skin diseases, sunburns and skin dehydration. This also helps keep their bodies cool in the warmer months. The brain of elephants is quite well developed and, although not as legendary as some tales claim it to be, they do have a good memory. It is due to this well developed brain and intelligence that elephants taken from the wild can be trained and domesticated.

The Asian elephant is found in India, Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, Vietnam and Kampuchea. The total population in this area is approximately 20,000. The Indian elephant is found in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Assam.

In India, the elephant is a revered animal. It is a part of Indian mythology and religion. For the protection of these magnificent animals, the government set up a project in 1991 – 92 called "Project Elephant". The main aims and objectives of this project are:

To create and implement policies and strategies to compensate for the livelihood lost of craftsmen involved earlier in the now banned trade of ivory products.
To educate people about the importance of the elephant in the ecosystem and to bring back the compassionate reverence for them.
To create policies and strategies for the protection of elephants from poaching and other threats.
To protect the habitat of the elephant which is under constant stress and threat from mankind invasion.
To protect, and if required create, transitional natural corridors used by elephants between habitats during their periods of migration.

To sort out man-elephant conflicts. Especially for people living in areas close to the natural habitats of these animals.
To ensure coordination at all levels in the effort to protect elephants and their habitats.
To create infrastructure and facilities, including manpower training for the purpose of this project. These trainings include specialisation required in the fields of veterinary, translocation and tranquilising methods.
To improve the welfare of elephants in domestic use.
In general, to ensure the survival and protection of the presently healthy population of Indian elephants.

The initially recognised reserves under this project :-

Kaziranga,
Balphakram,
Silent Valley,
Annamalai,
Periyar
and Rajaji.

Buxa Tiger Reserve - [West Bengal]

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Buxa Tiger Reserve was set up in the year of 1982-83 at the north eastern corner of West Bengal bordering Bhutan and Assam. This picturesque reserve with its prodigious Terai, Bhabar as well as Hilly landscape, is dissected by numerous rivulets. Its declared a National Park in January 1992.
The veritable flora and fauna of these wet forests having an annual downpour exceeding 5000 mm, attracts tourists and nature lovers every year. This part of the country is characterized by its high degree of plant & animal bio-diversity where 60% species are endemic to the area. The Generic diversity of mammals is second highest among all the tiger reserves of India. Astonishing bio-diversity of animals comprise of a reach avifauna of more than 230 identified species, 67 mammals (out of which 21 are endangered), 36 species of reptiles (10 numbers are endangered). Apart from Bengal Tiger the flagship species, there are plenty of Leopard, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Wild Dogs, Malayan Giant Squirrels, Mangooses, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Small Claws Otter, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Wild Buffalo, 3 varieties of Pythons, Monitor Lizard and a host of land tortoises. A number of animals like Chinese Pangolin. Regal Python (reticulate) Clouded Leopard are endemic to the region.
The Avifauna is rich in both endemic as well as migratory species. The swift rivers of Rydak and Jainti are visited by Trans Himalayan Migratory Goosanders, the beautiful Ibis Bill, resident Fork-tails, varieties of Red-stars, Wag-tails, the Narathali Lake is visited by migratory Common Teal, Gargani Teal, Large Whistling Teal, White Eyed Poachared etc. The Hornbills including greater Pied Hornbill abound the area. One of the rarest bird of India the Black-necked Crane has been sighted in the Reserve during the early winter. The migratory beautiful Black Stork is a visitor of the area. The monsoon ends and beautiful Minivets, Sultan tits arrive, during summer rare Ashyminivet is also sighted.

Wildlife Central

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Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary: Madhya Pradesh

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1975 Under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and bio geographical province 4.8.4 (Indus-Ganges Monsoon Forest). Moreover the area of the sanctuary is 551.55 sq.km. Mainly hilly state. Altitude ranges from 200-1000m.Mainly tropical Sal forests with other species at higher altitudes are the vegetation of this region.

Fauna: Leopard, Gaur, Chital, Wild Bear, Tiger, Leopard, Striped Hyaena, Jackal Sloth Bear, Indian Wild Dog, Chital Axis, Sambar, Nilgai, Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara (mountain gazelle) Gazella, Blackbuck, Wild Boar And Others.

SOUTH AFRICA Cheetah and Kruger Park Adventure

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This amazing 14-day trip combines the best of Africa! Experience hands on conservation work in a Cheetah rehabilitation centre, journey through the wilds of the African savannah, assist researchers with wildlife monitoring and work with local African communities. This trip has it all!

In the Race Against Extinction program, you will help in daily care of many of the animals found at this 38 year old wildlife establishment as well as assisting with maintenance and educational activities. Animals you may encounter include cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, serval, suni antelope, blue and red duiker and rare Egyptian vultures. Duties will include daily care of the animals at the wildlife sanctuary, assisting in upgrading the enclosures and promoting conservation to local schools and underprivileged communities.

The second week sees you flying across Southern African landscape to the wilds near Kruger National Park for the Conservation in Action program, where you will be based on 350 hectares of pristine bushveld at a private wildlife ranch. The ranch is home to giraffe, wildebeest, kudu, impala, zebra, hyena, crocodiles and will soon be joined by cheetah. The ranch is also surrounded by two large private wildlife reserves and home to the Big 5 – lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhino. Assist in maintenance around the property, gain conservation training in animal track identification and anti-poaching work and help with important wildlife research on neighbouring reserves. Get up close to animals on game drives throughout Kruger National Park and appreciate the majestic beauty of the South African wilderness. There will also be the opportunity to assist local villages and communities, giving you a first-hand experience in African culture and lifestyle.

Highlights:

Volunteer work at a Cheetah and African Wild dog research and breeding centre
Safari drives in open game viewing vehicle in Kruger National Park
Work on a wildlife ranch with many different African species
Work on a Big 5 Wildlife reserve
Local community work

There will also be opportunities to visit other local attractions and national parks (at own expense). Accommodation is in comfortable shared facilities at the rehabilitation centre and wildlife ranch.

Bison Information

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Early History

American Buffalo (Bison bison) It is believed that buffalo, or bison, crossed over a land bridge that once connected the Asian and North American continents. Through the centuries buffalo slowly moved southward, eventually reaching as far south as Mexico and as far east as the Atlantic Coast, extending south to Florida. But the largest herds were found on the plains and prairies from the Rocky Mountains east to the Mississippi River, and from Great Slave Lake in Canada to Texas.

Because the great herds were nearly gone before any organized attempts were made to survey populations, we may never know just how many buffalo once roamed North America, although estimates range from 30 to 75 million. "The moving multitude..darkened the whole plains," wrote Lewis and Clark, who encountered a herd at South Dakota's White River in 1806

By 1800, the small buffalo herds east of the Mississippi River were gone. Buffalo may have been killed to protect livestock and farmlands in that region. With westward expansion of the American frontier, systematic reduction of the plains herds began around 1830, when buffalo hunting became the chief industry of the plains.

Conservation of the buffalo came slowly. In May 1894, Congress enacted a law making buffalo hunting in Yellowstone National Park illegal. Eight years later, money was appropriated to purchase 21 buffalo from private herds to build up the Yellowstone herd. With adequate protection, this herd has steadily increased until it numbers almost 4,000 animals today.

Although the buffalo's size and color, which ranges from light to dark brown, vary in different areas of the country, experts generally agree that all American buffalo belong to the same species. The differences in appearance probably result from the variety of environments in which they live.

Like their close relatives, domestic cattle and sheep, buffalo are cloven-hoofed. Both males and females have a single set of hollow, curved horns. The male buffalo, called bulls, are immense, often weighing a ton or more and standing 5 to 6 feet high at the shoulders. The huge head and great hump covered with dark brown wooly hair contrast sharply with the relatively small hips. The females, or cows, are not as massive. Despite their great size and bulkiness, buffalo have amazing mobility, speed, and agility, and are able to sprint at speeds of up to 30 mph.

In the spring, buffalo begin to shed their heavy winter coats, and soon their hair hangs in tatters. To hasten shedding and possibly to relieve their itching skin, buffalo rub against large stones and trees. By late spring, the only remaining long hairs are on the head, forelegs, and hump. To escape the torment of attacking insects, buffalo wallow in dust or sand.

Later History

Two hundred years ago, anywhere from 30 to 70 million bison, or buffalo, roamed free in North America. The aboriginal people who lived on the Great Plains relied on these wild mammals for food, clothing, and shelter. During the late 1800s, commercial hide hunters, settlers, and thrill seekers shot literally millions of bison. This killing spree brought the species to the verge of extinction and opened up the prairies for agriculture.

Since about 1900, the population of bison in North America has increased, but not to anything near its original numbers. The great free-ranging herds have disappeared. The centuries-old migratory trails that the great beasts scored across the western grasslands have given way to freeways and farms. The wild herds that remain move freely only within parks and other wildlife sanctuaries, many of which are fenced.

Distribution and population

There are two living subspecies of wild bison in North America: the plains bison Bison bison bison and the wood bison Bison bison athabascae. The map shows the bison's present, historic, and prehistoric distribution.

Two hundred years ago, the plains bison was by far the more common of the two subspecies. It was the dominant grazing animal of the interior plains of the continent, and it often occurred in large herds. A smaller population occurred east of the Mississippi.

Today, there are comparatively few plains bison. A herd of about 600 is fenced in at Elk Island National Park, 64km east of Edmonton. There are small numbers at Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan, Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba, and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta. There are at least 25 herds of plains bison in national and state parks and wildlife refuges in the United States, numbering more than 14,000 animals. There are more than 140,000 in private collections and on a large number of commercial ranches in both Canada and the United States.

The wood bison has always lived to the north of its prairie cousin. In historic times its range was centered in northern Alberta and the adjacent parts of British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, and Saskatchewan. Herds made use of aspen parkland, the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the lowlands of the Peace and Slave rivers, and the coniferous forests and wetland meadows of the upper Mackenzie Valley. The wood bison was never as abundant as the plains bison, probably numbering no more than 170,000 at its peak.

In April 1994, there were approximately 3000 wood bison in Canada, most in five "free-roaming" herds, the largest of which consists of more than 2000 animals in the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary near Fort Providence, N.W.T. The source herd of 350 animals for the recovery program is at Elk Island National Park. The total population is small enough that the wood bison is considered "threatened" by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).

The other large free-roaming herd of bison is in Wood Buffalo National Park, where there are about 2000 animals, descendants of mixed plains and wood bison stock.

Boar

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A Boar is a male pig gone wild. Adult females are known as sows. The name also applies to the wild boar that originated in Europe and formerly ranged the entire continent, northern Africa, and western Asia. The European wild boar is a different color, grayish-black and about 1.2 m (about 4 ft) long and 91 cm (36 in) high at the shoulder, with short, woolly hair interspersed with bristles forming a mane along the spine. The lower teeth grow into formidable tusks, which turn up and are sometimes 30 cm (12 in) long.

The tusks are used for defense and digging. The boar usually inhabits marshy forestland, feeding largely on roots and grain, although occasionally it kills and eats small animals. Boars travel in small groups. Size and body variation in boars is probably due to interbreeding between wild boars and domestic stock that have escaped and become wild. Wild boars have been introduced to 20 states in the United States.

Boar hunting was formerly a popular sport throughout Europe, but is now confined chiefly to central and eastern Europe, the only part of the continent where the animal is still abundant. In India a wild boar, larger than its European counterpart, is hunted by people on horseback with lances in the sport called pigsticking. Scientific classification: The wild boar belongs to the family Suidae

Cobra in India

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Cobra in India
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Facts
Class: Reptiles
Diet: Small mammals, reptiles, amphibians
Size: Body:1.8 - 2.2 m (6 - 7 1/4 ft)
Scientific Name: Naja naja
Habitat: Rainforest, Rice fields, Cultivated land
Range: India, Central Asia, Southeast Asia

About Cobra in India
The Indian Cobra is known around the world as highly venomous snake that feeds on rodents, lizards, and frogs. As well as biting, the Indian cobra can attack or defend itself from a distance by "spitting" venom, which, if it enters the opponent's eyes, causes severe pain and damage. The snake actually forces the venom through its fangs, by exerting muscular pressure on the venom glands, so that it sprays out in twin jets for 2 m (6 1/2 ft) or more.

Behaviour of Indian Cobra
When threatened, the Indian Cobra will assume its characteristic posture. It will raise the front one-third of its body and elongate its long, flexible neck ribs and loose skin to form its distinctive hood, on which are resembled eyes. .

Status of Cobra in India
Although the Indian Cobra is not an endangered species, it has recently been hunted for its distinctive hood markings in the production of handbags. It is listed under the treaty because it closely resembles other species that are threatened and in need of protection.

Physical Characteristics of Indian Cobra
The Indian Cobra's most known characteristic features are the wide black band on the underside of the neck, and the hood marking design which shows half-rings on either side of the hood. It is a smooth-scaled snake with black eyes, a wide neck and head, and a medium-sized body. Its colouring varies from black, to dark brown, to a creamy white. The body is usually covered with a spectacled white or yellow pattern, which sometimes forms ragged bands. The Indian cobra may grow from 1.8m to 2.2m.

Those Cobras which have the single ring on the hood are found in Assam and Eastern India and spit venom like the Ringhals Cobra of South Africa which can eject a spray for a distance of more than two meters and cause severe eye pain, sometimes blindness. Keepers who attend this particular variety of Cobra sensibly wear goggles.

Most Poisonous - The King Cobra or Hamadryad
The King Cobra or Hamadryad, is the largest of all poisonous snakes. This sometimes 5 meter long, lethal creature is entirely a snake eater. It enjoys Pythons, other Cobras, and even its own species. The King is aggressive, unpredictable, and can strike without provocation. It is most intelligent. When erect it can stand up to 2 meters in height. In certain fertility rites in Burma, a woman desirous of offspring is required not only to approach the King Cobra but to plant a kiss on its mouth. If she is successful in doing so she will bear many children; if she fails, obviously none.

Natural History
The Indian cobra feeds on rodents, lizards and frogs. It bites quickly, and then waits while its venom damages the nervous system of the prey, paralyzing and often killing it. Like all snakes, N. naja swallows its prey whole. This species sometimes enters buildings in search of rodent prey. In its characteristic threat posture, the Indian cobra raises the front one-third of its body and spreads out its long, flexible neck ribs and loose skin to form a disklike hood, on the back of which there are markings resembling eyes.

Indian cobras pay more attention to their eggs than is usual in snakes. The 8 to 45 eggs (usually 12 to 20) are laid in a hollow tree, a termite mound or earth into which the snakes tunnel. The female guards the clutch throughout the incubation period, leaving them only for a short time each day to feed.

Economic Importance for Humans
Positive
The Indian Cobra eats rats and mice that carry disease and eat human food. Also, cobra venom is a potential source of medicines, including anti-cancer drugs and pain-killers.

Negative
This species is highly venomous, and its bite can be lethal. Because it hunts rodents that live around people, it is often encountered by accident, and many people die each year from N. naja bites.

The Festival of the Serpents
Nagapanchami or the Serpent Festival occurs in India generally in August after the monsoon rains. It is then that the full impact of Cobra power is manifest. Throughout the country Cobras are either brought into the villages and fed, or effigies of the snake are anointed and worshipped. Rarely has it ever been recorded that a fatality has occurred from snakebite during this occasion; the Cobras appear to sense they are being revered.

Although there may be variations in the date and in the local traditions and modes of observance, Nagapanchami is celebrated according to ancient rites. The festival continues to testify to the feelings of awe and veneration which the Cobra evokes in the minds of the population since the earliest times remembered. The Cobra is a graceful animal and appears always to carry an air of dignity and nobility. The physical charisma with which it is endowed is without doubt also one of the reasons why it, among all snakes, was chosen by the Nagas to be their totem.

Snake Charming
Snake charming is fascinating and at times mystifying. The eyes of the Cobra are hauntingly black and hypnotic; the snake is beautiful to watch when it is being worked by a skilled charmer. The hood is then spread and the markings apparent. The colours of the hood merge from black to brown to beige and, when framed against the sunlight, it appears almost translucent. No visit to India is complete without experiencing it.

But the true essence of the art is not observed by the tourist. There are initiates of the Shiva cult who handle Cobras without any danger of being bitten. The ‘Commercial’ snakes, generally the Spectacled Cobra, have either had their fangs extracted or the poison sacs removed. In general their lifespan is shortened due to mouth rot. The performance, nevertheless, is spectacular and colourful.

Geographic Range
Palearctic, Oriental: Pakistan, India (throughout most of the country),

Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, possibly E. Afghanistan.

Indian Peacock

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About

The male Indian Peafowl, commonly known as the peacock, is one of the most recognizable birds in the world. These large, brightly colored birds have a distinctive crest and an unmistakable ornamental train. The train (1.4-1.6 meters in length) accounts for more than 60% of their total body length (2.3 meters). Combined with a large wingspan (1.4-1.6 meters), this train makes the male peafowl one of the largest flying birds in the world. The train is formed by 100-150 highly specialized uppertail-coverts. Each of these feathers sports an ornamental ocellus, or eye-spot, and has long disintegrated barbs, giving the feathers a loose, fluffy appearance. When displaying to a female, the peacock erects this train into a spectacular fan, displaying the ocelli to their best advantage.

The more subtly colored female Peafowl is mostly brown above with a white belly. Her ornamentation is limited to a prominent crest and green neck feathers. Though females (2.75-4.0 kg) weigh nearly as much as the males (4.0-6.0 kg), they rarely exceed 1.0 meter in total body length.

National Insignia
The Indian peacock,Pavo cristatus (Linnaeus), the national bird of India, is a colourful, swan-sized bird, with a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye and a long, slender neck.

The peacock is widely found in the Indian sub-continent from the south and east of the Indus river, Jammu and Kashmir, east Assam, south Mizoram and the whole of the Indian peninsula. The peacock enjoys immense protection. It is fully protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection) Act, 1972.

Distribution and Habitat
The Indian Peafowl occurs from eastern Pakistan through India, south from the Himalayas to Sri Lanka. Though once common in Bangladesh, it may now be extinct in that country. Its highly ornamental appearance motivated early seafarers to transplant the peafowl to their homelands in other parts of the western world. Phoenician traders in the time of King Solomon (1000 B.C.) introduced the birds to present-day Syria and the Egyptian Pharaohs.

In its native India, the peafowl is a creature of the open forests and riparian undergrowth. In southern India, it also prefers stream-side forests but may also be found in orchards and other cultivated areas.

Diet
Indian Peafowl do most of their foraging in the early morning and shortly before sunset. They retreat to the shade and security of the forest for the hottest portion of the day. Foods include grains, insects, small reptiles, small mammals, berries, drupes, wild figs, and some cultivated crops.

Conservation and History of Relationship with Man
The great beauty and popularity of the Indian Peafowl has guaranteed its protection throughout most of its native and introduced ranges. It is the national bird of India. The peafowl is prominent in the mythology and folklore of the Indian people. The Hindus consider the bird to be sacred because the god Kartikeya (son of the Lord Shiva and Parvati and brother to the god Ganesh) rides on its back. Legends hold that the peafowl can charm snakes and addle their eggs.

Greek mythology describes how the peacock acquired the many eyes in his ornamental train. The goddess Hera had a beautiful priestess named Io. Io was greatly admired by Zeus. To protect her from Hera’s jealousy Zeus transformed Io into a heifer. Hera tricked Zeus into giving the heifer to her as a gift and set her faithful servant Argus to watch over her. Argus had numerous eyes all over his body, making him a natural choice for the assignment. Zeus sent the god Hermes to free Io from Hera’s watchman. Hermes charmed Argus to sleep until all of his eyes were closed and then killed him. To honor her faithful watchman, Hera took Argus’ eyes and placed them on the tail of the peacock.

This long and close association with humans has proven the peafowl’s adaptability to human-altered landscapes. This species does not appear to need any additional legal protection or conservation attention.

Camel in India

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Camel in India
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Facts
Kingdom: Animalia
Class: Mammalia
Family: Camelidae
Genus: Camelus
Species: Dromedarius

Description
The dromedary camel is characterized by a long-curved neck, deep-narrow chest, and a single hump. Hair length is longer on the throat, shoulder, and hump. The size of the hump varies with the nutritional status of the camel, becoming smaller to non-existent during times of starvation.

Average Statistics
Lifespan 40-50 yrs
Geographic Range Africa, the Middle East, & Africa.

Diet
The dromedary camel is a herbivore, eating primarily thorny plants and dry grasses.

Social Habbits
Dromedaries usually form groups of 2-20 individuals. The group, or family, consists of one male, and one to several females, subadults, and young. The male is the dominant member of the family group and directs the family from the rear while the females take turns leading. Dromedaries tend to travel by walking single file.

Offspring
Camels typically have 1 offspring at a time, after a gestation period of 15 months. Young are raised for a period of 2 years, before reaching adulthood. Camels reach secual maturity and begin mating at approximately 4-5 years of age.

Relationship with Humans
The dromedary camel is used as a beast of burden by humans and also provides humans with milk, meat, wool, leather, and fuel from dried manure. Through these services, the dromedary camel has enabled humans to inhabit the seemingly inhabitable desert.

Bengal Tiger in India

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About Royal Bengal Tiger
Since the era of gods and goddesses, Tiger has been of great importance in India. It has been mentioned in every myth, epic and literature. The only place where Royal Bengal Tiger is found is the land of natural heritage, India. The Bengal Tiger is native to the Indian Peninsular. It also lives in Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Bhutan and in Burma. A powerful hunter with sharp teeth, strong jaws, and an agile body, the Royal Bengal Tiger is the largest member of the cat family. It is also the largest land-living mammal whose diet consists entirely of meat. Its length can measure up to 10 feet and has a weight ranging from 180 to 260 kgs. Following are the details of Royal Bengal Tiger.

Latin Name of Bengal Tiger: Panthera tigris

Length :
Males: 8.8 feet-10.2 fee
Females: 7 .11 feet - 8.7 feet

Weight:
Males: 419-569 pounds
Females: 221-353 pounds

Diet: Consists of pigs, deer, antelopes and buffalo.

Habitat of Bengal Tiger
The habitat of this exquisite Tiger varies from the largest estuarine delta Sundarban, which is the biggest colony of the `Royal Bengal Tigers' to the desert land of Ranthambore, from the magnificent hills of Himalayas to Bandipur in the peninsular India.

The Royal Bengal Tiger - The Endangered Species
The Bengal tiger is endangered from loss of habitat. It's estimated that less than 3,000 Bengal tigers are left in the wild today. In India we had over forty thousand tigers in the beginning of the 20th century, but the number has decreased considerably. For example, the authorities of the Buxa Tiger Reserve in North Bengal estimated the number of Royal Bengal tigers in the reserved areas as 32, as per the census in 1997, a notch above the figure of 31, as per the 1995 census. The reasons for tiger becoming an endangered species are uncontrolled cutting of trees resulting in the shrinkage of the habitat of the tiger, decrease of preys and an increase of poaching for its beautiful skin. To stop this and to increase the number of tigers, Government of India initiated the 'Project Tiger' in 1973, when the number of tigers in India was less than 2000. This project entailed the creation of nine tiger reserves, now this number has increased.

Due to above measures, it can thus be seen that out of five surviving sub-species of tigers, the position of the Bengal tiger animal is the most satisfactory and India accounts for 75 per cent of the species, which is roughly 60 percent of the global population of all tiger sub species put together.

The Royal Bengal Tiger animal lives in varied habitats open jungles, humid evergreen forests and mango grove swamps. Its diet consists mainly of deer, antelopes, gaursand wild pigs. Sometimes it also captures birds, lizards, turtles, fishes, frogs and crabs. Royal Bengal Tigers hunt on their own and usually lead a solitary existence, each in its own territory.

Characterstics of Bengal Tiger
Tigers lead solitary lives, and the courtship period, and association between mother and cub is their only interaction and association. Tigers are entirely different in their hunting habits from lions, and hence they are mutually exclusive in their distribution. Tigers rest during the day in the shade, and begin to hunt for food at dusk. They have keen eye sights and a sharp hearing that helps them stalk their prey. Tiger killings are split second affairs where the prey hardly has any chance of survival. Its formidable and retractile claws play a significant role in capturing and holding on to its prey.

Tigresses are devoted mothers who are very protective of their cubs. They look after their young till they are about two and a half years old.

Black Buck Antelope in India

2010-08-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

About Black Buck Antelope
Black Buck, common name for an antelope, mainly of India but with other small populations in Pakistan and Nepal. The black buck has ringed horns that have a moderate spiral twist of three to four turns and are up to 70 cm (28 in) long. The name black buck has also been applied to the sable antelope of Africa. The adult male stands about 80 cm (about 32 in) at the shoulder and weighs 32 to 43 kg (71 to 95 lb). The body's upper parts are black; the underparts and a ring around the eyes are white. The light-brown female is usually hornless. Males are dark brown. Black bucks frequent the open plains in herds. When the rut (mating season) reaches a peak, one male establishes dominance.

Kala Hiran also called Indian Black Buck Antelope (Antelope cervicapra L.). It has four sub species, they are:
» Antelope cervicapra cervicapra
» Antelope cervicapra rajputanae
» Antelope cervicapra centralis
» Antelope cervicapra rupicapra

Habitat
It used to be found all over India except the northeast. Now it is seen in Panjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat and central India. It does not live in dense forest but in open plains. It is one of the fastest animals on earth and can out run any animal over long distances. Open plains, which allows it to move fast, are therefore needed to protect it from predators.

The males darken at maturity and the most dominant male in the herd has a black coat. White highlights the eyes, ears, chin, under parts, and rump. Even fawns have these markings. They are brown but turn tan after about a month. Grown males have ringed horns spiraling in a V at least thirty-three centimeters above the head. Record trophies exceed fifty centimeters. The black buck eats mainly grasses. Pods, fruits, and flowers supplement this diet. Few black bucks live longer than twelve years, and their maximum life span is about sixteen years.

Importance of Black Buck
Biological importance
As other animal it is also a part of Nature and we need to conserve it for future generation. Black buck is one of 26 species of mammals, which have been declared endangered and protected by low in Nepal .

Genetic importance
Cross breeding and development of high breed for domestic use.

Economic importance
Each species has value and meaning. In present context Biodiversity richness is greater than monetary value.

Local importance
Tourist, researcher, animal lover may come to see this important animal and it will help the diffusion of local culture or production to the external national or international visitor.

National importance
Tourism development and decentralization of tourist flow.

Ecological importance
System within a system

Tourism and Eco-tourism
Cultural important in Hinduism and Buddhism: Black buck is a vehicle of Chandrama (soma or chandra) (moon). This is a symbol of purity prosperity and peace. Its skin use in the time of taking secret thread (bratabanda) as well as at the time of worshipping. In Buddhism, a pair of buck symbolizes Buddha when he turned to the Sarnath India. The horns and skin are also regarded as sacred object in Hinduism.

Threat for Black Buck in India
The main reason of population loss are:
• Poaching
• Predation
• Habitat destruction
• Overgrazing
• Diseases
• Inbreeding and
• Visitors

Constant persecution by man has sadly reduced their number. Their large herds, which once freely roamed in the plains of North India where they thrive best, are no longer visible. During the eighteenth, nineteenth and the first half of the twentieth century, black buck was the most hunted wild beast all over India. Till Independence, many princely states used to hunt this Indian Antelope and gazelle with cheetahs. Within Black Buck habitat people are leaving and domestic animals are free to graze this area as well. In one hand there is very limited land for Black Buck and there is high pressure of domestic animal as well as the people.

Home of the Indian Black Buck
Velavadar Black Buck Sanctuary
This is the home of the Indian black buck. Velavadar in the Bhal region of Saurashtra is a unique grassland ecosystem that has attracted fame for the successful conservation of the black buck - the fastest of the Indian antelopes, the wolf and the lesser florican.

Once found in open plains throughout the country and the state of Gujarat, its largest population at present occurs in Velvadar National Park. This exclusively Indian animal is perhaps the most graceful and beautiful of its kind. It has ringed horns that have a spiral twist of three to four turns and are upto 70 cm long. The body's upper parts are black and the underparts and a ring around the eyes are white. The female, light brown in colour is usually hornless.

The fastest of the Indian antelopes, they move off in a series of amazing leaps and bounds when threatened and then break into a lightening run.

A word of praise would not be out of place for the Kathi community who like the Bishnoi community have protected the black buck with vigour and zeal as it is associated with their past history of valour and religious practices.

Siberiean Tiger

2010-07-15T07:23:00.001-07:00

Siberiean Tiger

Asian Wild Ass

2010-07-15T07:14:00.001-07:00

There are altogether five subspecies of the Asian Wild Ass. All of them can be found in Central Asia. There it inhabits deserts and steppes. It has got bright brown colour with white belly and black stripe on the back. It is approximately 2.6 meters long (over 8 feet) with a tail of 40 cm (16 inches). Its height is 1.2 meters (4 feet). It is an agile mammal with the weight of 250 kg (550 pounds). In comparison to a horse its legs are short and feet are small.
Equus hemionus usually lives in small groups however sometimes it is seen in a herd of 50 animals. In comparison to other asses or horses, the Asian wild ass is the best runner! It can reach the speed of 70 km per hour (45 mph). The ass is a vegetarian and feeds on grass, bark etc. The mating occurs from April till October with the gestation period of 11 months. One offspring is born.
Nowadays the Wild Asian Ass belongs to endangered species for two main reasons. Firstly it is hunted by poachers because of fur and meat. Secondly its habitat is getting smaller.

your-big-catch of fish

2010-07-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

Caught by: sdameron -- "This little bass is my first catch of the spring! I caught him in Bullock, North Carolina in Kerr Lake."

Caught by Ed Pritchard -- "On a recent fishing trip with a friend, I caught this 39 pound Permit off my hometown of Jupiter, Florida. The fish was caught about 300 yards off the beach in eight feet of water on 20 pound test. This big fellow was released without incident."

Bongo ( Tragelaphus euryceros )

2010-07-15T07:01:00.001-07:00

Bongo ( Tragelaphus euryceros )
Bongo - Bongo information - Bongo facts, pictures, photos

Broadbill Swordfish

2010-07-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

Broadbill Swordfish

By Patrick Kiger

Size: up to nearly 15 feet and 1,400 pounds maximum in the Pacific
Hiding places: medium depths in tropical, temperate and sometimes in cooler waters in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans
Favorite baits: a wide variety of baits, from tuna and mahi-mahi to sardines and mackerel

In sportfishing heaven, an angler on a sundrenched, brilliant blue expanse of ocean wrestles with an automobile-sized broadbill swordfish. The broadbill, or Xiphias gladius, which is found in tropical, temperate and sometimes even cold waters in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, is a powerful, aggressive and majestic-looking creature, and is perhaps the ultimate quarry in fishing. It's the true gladiator of the deep. It will fight an epic battle with a fisherman and often will win. In fact, you could fill volumes with "fish that got away" stories involving broadbills.

But the broadbill is also under pressure. Because it's a sportfishing prize as well as a popular food fish, it's a dying breed. Although consumers' fears of the fish's mercury content and government conservation efforts have helped the species, marine scientists don't yet have sufficient data to gauge its future prospects for survival.

The Gladiator of the Deep

If you had to design a fish with the perfect physique for brawling with an angler, it'd look something like a broadbill. In the Pacific, this burly, robust fish can grow to nearly 15 feet in length and 1.5 tons in weight. Its coloration is an undistinguished blackish-brown. But its size and the intimidating, saberlike protrusion on its head -- its bill -- set it apart.

The kingfish is the biggest of the mackerels, topping out at 5.5 feet in length and around 100 pounds, though on average, kingfish are closer to 20 inches and 20 pounds. It's a strikingly handsome fish, with an iridescent silver and iron-gray exterior and a mouth full of nasty-looking teeth. It differs from its cousin the Spanish mackerel in having a sharply dipping lateral line and a gray anterior dorsal fin instead of a black one.

The broadbill uses its bill to kill its prey, which include Atlantic mackerel, silver hake, redfish, herring and lanternfish, in addition to crustaceans and squid. The adult broadbill is preyed upon by killer whales. Its young are tempting meals for a variety of sharks, blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, dolphinfish and sailfish.

The broadbill primarily lives in ocean depths of 650 to 1,970 feet, though it's been observed swimming even deeper than that. It has an ingenious evolutionary adaptation: a bundle of highly vascularized tissue that provides heat to its brain when it descends into colder waters. Broadbills reach sexual maturity at five to six years of age and generally spawn year-round in equatorial waters and in the spring and summer in cooler regions. Its lifespan is about nine years.

Fish at Night and Troll Deep

The traditional method of fishing for broadbills has been to drift at night and set a range of baits at various depths, from 65 to 500 feet below the surface. Recently, though, fishermen have been trolling with a whole squid or tuna as bait, attached to breakaway sinkers or a downrigger. Use the strongest gear and line you can find, since the broadbill is tremendously strong. A broadbill's strike isn't quite what you might expect, given its size and power -- the reel will click slowly at first, and then increase as the broadbill picks up speed. The fish has a soft mouth, so hooks sometimes come unstuck, leaving you with another a great fish story and no fish. But if the hook sticks, be prepared for the fight of your life.

Why You Should Throw It Back

Because most fisherman can't reel in the biggest adults, they usually end up catching juveniles that haven't reproduced yet. This is not good news. You want to give the species a chance to replenish itself, which will help ensure that you and others can enjoy some epic fights with broadbills in the future. So if you catch a small one, release it.

Mammals

2010-07-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

Mammals are the most developed class in the animal kingdom. They are over 200 million yeas old and lived even at the age of the dinosaurs. As their name reveals they feed their young with mammary glands. They give birth to live young and have hair compared to feathers or scales which other animal classes have.

Anatomy: From the anatomical point of view, their skeleton is in many ways similar to the human body. Their body is covered with a fur. They have got a bony skeleton. The spine can be divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and a tail part. The cervical consists of 7 parts / vertebrae (just like the humans), thoracic of 12-18 vertebrae and lumbar of 2-8 vertebrae. Sacral vertebrae are together fixed in the sacral bone. The number of vertebrae in the tail part may vary a lot. The first two vertebrae (atlas and axis) enable mammals to move their head to the sides (left / right) as well as up and down. Ribs are fixed to the thoracic vertebrae. They are also used as a great protection.

Physiology: Lungs consist of many small alveoli - this rapidly increases their inner surface. Diaphragm is between the thorax and the abdominal part. It also participates in breathing and is an inevitable inhaling muscle. The heart is made of four completely separated parts. There are two atriums and two ventricles. Deoxygenated blood flows through the right heart whereas the oxygenated blood flows through the left heart. So there are two separated blood circulations. The blood circulation starts in the right atrium and then the blood flows into the right ventricle. From the right ventricle the blood flows into the lungs where it is oxygenated. Consequently it flows into the left atrium and then into the left ventricle. From the left ventricle the oxygenated blood flows into the entire body to all organs. There it gives inevitable oxygen to tissues and last but not least the deoxygenated blood comes through veins into the right atrium. And in the right atrium it starts all over again. Mammals have got a constant body temperature, they are endothermic. They also do have sweat glands which enable them to cool themselves.

The alimentary canal starts with a mouth with teeth. Teeth have got different shape and different functions too. A food comes through the pharynx and esophagus into the stomach (gaster). Chemical digestion starts in stomach and is finished in duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Pancreas and gall bladder participate in digestion. Gall helps to digest fat and pancreatic enzymes proteins and sugars. Intestunum tenue (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) participates (apart from digestion) in resorption too. The concentration of indigestible food takes place in colon. Only water is digested there. The alimentary canal ends as an anus.

Mammals have got pair of kidneys, which excrete toxic and abundant fluid. They are placed in the lumbar area on the both sides. Nervous system is extraordinary developed. The frontal part has got the most impact over other brain parts. Sensory organs are well developed as well.

Reproduction: There is always an internal fertilisation. Development of a new young takes place in the female’s organ called uterus. During the intrauterine development the small young is/are connected to the mother’s body with placenta. The placenta fulfils plenty of functions. Firstly it enables breathing, then nutrition and last but not least it excretes toxic substances. Intrauterine period is finished by giving birth. After the birth, a small offspring breaths an atmospheric air with its lungs and starts to suck mother’s milk (=mammals).

Systematically we can divide Mammalia Class into two Suclasses: Prototheria (Monotremes) and Theria Subclass. Consequently Theria Subclass is divided into two other Infraclasses: Metatheria/Marsupialia Infraclass (Marsiupial mammals) and Eutheria/Placentalia Infraclass (Placenal mammals).

Prototheria (Monotremes) are primitive mammals. They live in Australia and nearby islands. They still have got some features reminding of birds. Jaws are prolonged. Alimentary tract, secretory and sex organs have the same end called cloaca. They lay eggs and small ones suck mother’s milk, however nipples are not developed. This Subclass includes animals such as Ornithorhynchus and Echidna (Spiny anteater).

Metatheria/Marsupialia Infraclass (Marsiupial mammals) includes animals for instance Macropus (kangaroo), Didelphis, Notoryctes, Petaurus, Phascolaretos (koala). Females have got 2 uteruses and a special sack (marsupium) on the abdomen. There is an underdeveloped placenta in the uterus and cannot enable the full foetus development. Therefore Marsupial mammals give birth to immature small young. Their development continues and is finished in a unique marsupial pouch outside the mother’s belly which also contains nipples.

Placentalia Infaclass include a huge number of animals. They are spread all around the world. They create a placenta, which enables foetus a complete intrauterine development. This infraclass can be also divided into several subcategories. Insectivora have teeth which are underdeveloped. Their brain is very small and hemispheres are smooth and do no contain any gyruses. Their food mainly consists of insects. This group includes Erinaceus (hedgehog) and a Mole (Talpa). Chiroptera (Bats) are mammals which are able to fly! Their body structure is ideal for flying (strong clavicles, long fingers etc.). Their sense of hearing is developed exceptionally well. They move by using echolocation. On the other hand their sight is very poor. Edentata: these animals live in South America. Their teeth are very weak. Rodentia: their jaws are very strong and include sharp teeth. They breed several times per year and have plenty of small young. These young mature rather early. This group includes a mouse (Mus), a rat (Ratus) etc. Carnivora have very strong jaws with knife-sharp teeth. This group includes animals such as a cat (Felis), a lion (Felis), a jaguar (Panthera), a tiger (Felis), a dog (Canis), a fox (Vulpes), a bear (Ursus), hyena (Hyena) etc. Pinnipedia is another group. These animals live in water (for instance: a seal (Phoca). Whales (Cetacea) also live in water. They have got a huge amount of fat located under the skin. It is a great isolation layer. This group can be divided into two subgroups: whales with teeth (e.g.: Balaena) and whales without any teeth (e.g.: a dolphin (Delphinus)). Horses (Equus), rhinos (Rhinoceros) belong to Perissodactyla group. Artiodactyla have only four fingers. The first finger (thumb) is not developed. Almost the entire weight of the animal is on the third and the fourth finger. Some animals from this group have got only a simple stomach (Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus)) whereas other animals have got a stomach made of four parts (e.g.: a bison (Bison), a deer (Cervus), a camel (Camelus) etc.). Elephants belong to Proboscidae.

Primates (Primates) have got five fingers on each extremity. The thumb can oppose other fingers which enable to grab things. Some primates have nails others claws. Lemurs (Lemur), Monkeys (Simiae) have got nails. Their brain is well developed then hemispheres are big and contain gyruses. Some animals have a wide nose septum (Hapalidae) whereas others a thin one (Catarrhina). Others have only a subtle nose (e.g.: Gorillas (Gorilla), Orang-utans (Pongo)).

Angry Lepord

2010-06-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

Indian Rhino

2010-06-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

Indian Rhino

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About Indian Rhino
The Indian rhinoceros ("rhino") has one horn, and it has skin with loose folds which make it appear armored. These characteristics distinguish it from the African (black and white) rhinos. It weighs 1600 (female) - 2200 (male) kg (3500 - 4800 lb). The Indian rhino has been recorded from a number of habitats, including marshy lowland and reedbeds; tall grass or bush with patches of savanna and occasional streams and swamps; thick tree and scrub riverine forest; and dry, mixed forest. The Indian rhino mainly eats grass, reeds and twigs, feeding mostly in the morning and evening. It is usually solitary and spends long periods lying in water and wallowing in mud.

Habitat
The Indian rhino formerly occurred from the foothills of the Hindu Kush in Pakistan, across the sub-Himalayan region, to the India-Myanmar border on the eastern edge of the Brahmaputra watershed. By the late 19th century, the Indian rhino had been eliminated from everywhere except the Chitwan Valley (Nepal), lowland Bhutan, the Teesta Valley (west Bengal, India) and the Brahmaputra Valley (Assam, India). For most of the 20th century, known populations have been concentrated in southern Nepal and northeastern India.

Type of Rhinos in India
There are five kinds of Rhinos found in the world -
» Indian Rhino
» White Rhino
» Black Rhino
» Javan Rhino
» Sumatran Rhino

The white and black Rhinos are live in Africa, while Indian, Javan and Sumatran are Asian Rhinos, found in Noth Pakistan, Assam in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Physical Characteristics of Indian Rhino

The usual weight of an Indian Rhino is 2,000 kg. The one way to distinguish between a an Indian Rhino and an African Rhino is the single horn. Both white and black African Rhinos have two horns. Another distinguishing feature of the Indian Rhinoceros is its skin, which is knobbly and falls into deep folds at its joints, giving a look like the Rhino is wearing a coat of armour.

All the Rhinos are vegetarian and Indian Rhinos mostly eat grass, fruits, leaves and crops. Their well developed upper lip helps them to eat out tall elephant grasses, which they like the best. It also helps them to pull out aquatic plants by the roots. Indian Rhinos usually prefer to roam around in the morning and evening hours to avoid the heat of the day and live for about 40 years.

History of Indian Rhinos
The Indian rhino has occurred in the sub-Himalayan region in historic times, the western limit of its range moving eastward from the foothills of the Hindu Kush west of Peshawar (Pakistan) in the early 1500's to the Nepal terai in the 20th century. The eastern limit of its historic range is uncertain. Some authors believe that it occurred in Cambodia, Laos,Thailand and Vietnam. Others believe that it never occurred east of the India-Myanmar border, and that reports from east of that border were mistaken, caused by confusing the Indian rhino with the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) or the Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis).

Distribution
By the late 19th century, extensive land clearing and hunting eliminated the Indian rhino from everywhere except the Chitwan Valley (Nepal), lowland Bhutan, the Teesta Valley (west Bengal, India) and the Brahmaputra Valley (Assam, India). Its population in India probably fell to its lowest level about 1904 (Gee 1958). For most of the 20th century, known populations have been concentrated in southern Nepal and northeastern India.

Ecology
The Indian rhino is a primarily a grazer (although occasionally consuming some browse).
When not grazing on land, immerses itself in water, where it also grazes on aquatic grass-like plants. Hence, this species is the most amphibious of the living rhino.

Indian Lion

2010-06-03T06:02:00.001-07:00

Indian Lion

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About
The Asiatic Lion is rated the most endangered large carnivore globally. And India has the distinction of being the last earthly refuge of the Asiatic lion. The Gir National Park and Lion Sanctuary is the one and only remaining habitat of this proud and majestic species.

An average Asiatic Lion, also known as the Indian Lion, is generally 2.5 m to 2.9 m tall, and weighs between 200 to 250 kg. It has a majestic mane and a big tail tuft. Indian Lions move about in prides, comprising 2-3 male adults and more lionesses and cubs. They communicate with each other with a variety of grunts, meows, growls, moans and roars, and while female cubs stay with the pride, the males leave after they are three years old.

The Asiatic Lions are lazy and indolent creatures that prey on the Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Wild Pig, and occasionally on goats and camels. Lion males often live in pairs that last a lifetime. However, in the pride it is the females who go out hunting in packs and bring back prey, which is first devoured by the male, and only then by the rest of the pack. In the daytime, they live close to water holes and rest in the shade. Hunting is relegated to dusk, or at night.

The Asiatic lion once ranged from Asia Minor and Arabia through Persia to India. In fact, at the turn of the century, Gir was a splendid mixed, deciduous forest of teak, acacia, zizyphas and banyan, sprawled over some 3,386 sq. km. Lions would have thrived there, were it not for their enemies-hunters and a devastating famine that all but wrapped up the prey species. At one time the estimated number of lions went down to as low as thirty. However, due to the efforts of the authorities and the Gir National Park, the Asiatic lion has been narrowly saved from extinction. Though it is still a highly endangered species, statistics show that if efforts are kept up, their numbers might begin to improve.

African wild forest climate chages

2010-05-14T07:33:00.001-07:00

birth of Dolphin

2010-03-03T05:25:00.000-08:00

A dolphin born in an aquarium in the Netherlands is to be named by the public.

As these amazing photos show his mother Finagain gave birth in her pool in the Harderwijk Dolfinarium on the 22nd May.

Finagain, a common bottlenose dolphin, was herself born in captivity to Notchfin and Guy in 1992.

Her pregnancy lasted twelve months, and the as-yet unnamed calf is around 3ft long at birth, already fully capable of swimming. Unlike human babies dolphin calves are born “breech”, i.e. tail first.

It will live with its mother until it is six. Male dolphins become sexually mature around age nine to thirteen.

The Dolfinarium is home to sixteen dolphins and six harbour porpoise. As well as hosting dolphin displays it acts as a rehabilitation centre, taking in beached or injured cetaceans and preparing them for life back in the wild.

It was first opened in 1965 by Frits den Herder and his brother Coen. During its chequered history the park went bankrupt after an ill-advised expansion into other European countries.

Only a state intervention by the Dutch government restored it to the not-for-profit animal rehabilitation centre it is today.

Platte River

2010-02-16T05:26:00.000-08:00

Platte River

Each spring, the skies over Nebraska's Platte River fill with birdcalls. Ten million ducks and geese, half a million sandhill cranes, and many other birds--big and small--fly in to eat and rest during the long migration to their northern breeding grounds. This seasonal gathering of birds along the central Platte is one of the world's great wildlife spectacles.

The Platte River starts as two tributaries high in the Rocky Mountains, one of which flows down across Colorado (through the city of Denver), the other through Wyoming, to finally meet in Nebraska. In Nebraska, the river becomes wide and shallow, filled with sandbars that make excellent habitat for the many birds that live there or visit each year. Eventually the Platte empties into the Missouri River, which will meet up with the Mississippi. The Platte is one of many rivers that feed the mighty Mississippi.

People and the Platte River

The tributaries of the Platte River pass through all kinds of environments, some with virtually no people, such as Rocky Mountain wilderness and the high plains of Wyoming, and some with hundreds of thousands of people, such as Denver, Colorado. Platte River wells and surface water projects irrigate millions of acres of farm land and more than three million people get their drinking water largely from the Platte or nearby wells. Millions of dollars are spent each year by birdwatchers who come to witness the wonder of the spring migration in Nebraska and by river rafters and kayakers enjoying its spring flows in Colorado and Wyoming.

Wildlife in the Central Platte River Region

The central Platte River in Nebraska is a critical nesting site or a stopover point for birds migrating through the Central Flyway on route to their summer breeding grounds, some as far north as northern Canada and the Arctic. Over 300 bird species have been observed there and 140 bird species nest there.

500,000 sandhill cranes, as well as small numbers of the endangered whooping crane, pass through the central Platte region during their migration. They prefer the river's shallow waters and open sandbars as places to rest free of predators. They find food in the river's wet meadows and surrounding farmland.
The endangered interior least tern and the threatened piping plover nest on the Platte's sandbars.
Millions of geese and ducks, such as common mergansers, mallards, pintails and snow geese, also migrate through the region.

Other wildlife found in the central Platte River valley, include bald eagles, mule deer, pronghorn, prairie dogs, burrowing owls and jackrabbits.

Threats to the Platte River

Dams and Water Diversions

From the time the first settlers moved to the prairie surrounding the Platte, people have been altering it in some way--draining its wetlands and altering its flows with wells, dams and surface water projects throughout Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. Now that agriculture has replaced much of the prairie, and big cities have sprung up along Colorado's Front Range, there are many demands on the waters of the Platte. People hold valuable water rights that give them legal access to the Platte River's water, and the use or removal of water from the river adversely affects wildlife and the riparian corridor. In addition, much of the Platte's water is lost to evaporation as it passes through arid country. There does not seem to be enough water to go around.

Today, as the North and South Platte flow down from the Rockies, their waters are diverted to dams, reservoirs and other water control structures. The water is managed for irrigation, water supply, flood control, electric power generation and even recreation (kayaking and rafting).

As a result, water flows in the central Platte have fallen dramatically and the river has shrunk to a fraction of its historic width. Reduced water flows have changed the river's surrounding vegetation. Sandbars on the Platte River typically had very little plant life, because the plants got scoured away by spring floods. Dams and water diversions are decreasing flood disturbances and giving trees and shrubs the room to grow. The consequence is that roosting birds like plovers and sandhill cranes are loosing their historic habitat on sandbars.

Prairie Potholes

2010-02-16T05:25:00.000-08:00

Prairie Potholes

Sweeping across five Midwestern states and four Canadian provinces, North America's prairie potholes are an important habitat and natural resource of the Great Plains grasslands.

As ancient glaciers retreated over 10,000 years ago, millions of shallow depressions were left in the earth. These round (like a 'pot') depressions often fill with snowmelt and water in the spring, especially in wetter years, creating valuable seasonal wetlands that support rich plant and animal life.

Many millions of ducks and other waterfowl come to the prairie pothole region every year to feed and breed.

Importance of Prairie Potholes to People

Prairie potholes are important natural resources for people as well as waterfowl. They provide valuable, but often under-appreciated, ecosystem services that help people commercially, ecologically and economically.

They serve as natural sponges that hold excess water that helps reduce the severity and risk of downstream flooding.
They recharge groundwater systems that supply water to farmlands and wells in the region.
The potholes also provide water and forage for livestock.
Birders, as well as hunters, use the prairie potholes region as a destination for finding birds.

Wildlife in the Prairie Potholes

The 64 million acres of the prairie potholes that are in the United States have 18 species of waterfowl, 96 species of songbirds, 36 species of waterbirds, 17 species of raptors and 5 species of upland game birds.

Waterfowl: The prairie pothole region is home to more than 50 percent of North American migratory waterfowl. Waterfowl breeding here include pintail, gadwall, blue-winged teal, shoveler, canvasback and redhead. Many other migratory birds--such as the snow goose, lesser scaup and wigeon--pass through the region on their way to or from the Arctic and other northern breeding grounds.

Grassland birds: Many grassland birds are also found in the region, such as the bobolink, sedge wren, Sprague's pipit, Baird's sparrow, and the increasingly rare grasshopper sparrow.

Waterbirds: The U.S. part of the potholes region provides habitat for 40 species of breeding waterbirds, such as American white pelicans, rails, and herons.

Shorebirds: The piping plover, American avocet and Wilson's phalarope are among the shorebirds that breed in the prairie potholes region. Other shorebirds such as the hudsonian godwit, American golden-Plover, white-rumped sandpiper and buff-breasted sandpiper pass through the potholes during their migration.

Threats to the Prairie Potholes

Agricultural Development

The Great Plains are known as America's breadbasket. But before the farmers arrived, the Great Plains were the most extensive grassland in the world, with about 100,000 acres of prairie pothole wetlands. Today, only a small fraction of the grasslands remain, in small, disconnected fragments and only 50 percent of the prairie pothole wetlands still exist. The wetlands that remain are surrounded by agricultural lands and impacted by agricultural chemicals and excess sediments and nutrients that run off agricultural lands and into the potholes.

Conserving the remaining prairie potholes is important not only to maintain waterfowl populations, but also to improve both surface and groundwater availability for agricultural purposes, including grazing and crop irrigation.

For many years, ranchers and farmers have been given incentives through programs such as the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to set aside lands for conservation and to adopt new management practices that reduce their impacts on natural areas. However, in recent years, high prices have encouraged farmers to return CRP lands to agricultural use, such as growing crops for biofuels, putting the prairie potholes at increased risk.

Great Lakes

2010-02-16T05:20:00.000-08:00

Great Lakes

The Great Lakes--Michigan, Superior, Huron, Erie, and Ontario--form the largest surface freshwater system in the world. Together, they hold nearly one-fifth of the earth's surface freshwater. The Great Lakes have over 10,000 miles of shoreline and serve as a drain more than 200,000 square miles of land ranging from forested areas to agricultural lands, cities and suburbs.

The Great Lakes watershed includes some of North America's more fascinating wildlife such as the gray wolf, Canada lynx, moose and bald eagle. The lakes themselves are home to numerous fish, including lake whitefish, walleye, muskellunge and trout. Millions of migratory birds pass through the region during their spring and fall migrations.

People Depend on the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes region has been home to Native Americans for nearly 10,000 years. The first Europeans arrived in the 1600s and began to utilize the region for animal furs. It wasn't long before more settlers were drawn to the region seeking farmland.

Today, over 35 million people live in the Great Lakes basin in Canada and the United States. The Great Lakes are important sources of drinking water, irrigation, transportation and recreation opportunities such as fishing, hunting, boating, and wildlife watching. The Great Lakes are a critical component of the regional economy on both sides of the border.

Wildlife in the Great Lakes

The land surrounding the Great Lakes was once dominated by forests and grasslands interspersed with wetlands. Many of the wildlife that still call the region home exist in the remnants of those habitats, such as the gray wolf, moose, beaver and many bird species. The Great Lakes region is important for many species of migratory and resident birds, particularly waterfowl, birds that nest in colonies, and neotropical migrants.

Fish: The Great Lakes are actually quite different from each other. Lake Superior, the largest of the lakes, is cold and deep. Lake Erie is one of the smallest of the Great Lakes and is relatively shallow and warm. Because of this variation, different numbers and varieties of fish and other aquatic wildlife can be found in each lake. Walleye, yellow perch, lake sturgeon, brook trout, lake whitefish, muskellunge, and introduced salmon species are among the many kinds of fish in the Great Lakes. Some fish are undergoing restoration efforts, such as lake sturgeon and lake trout.
Mammals: Many mammals, large and small, live in the Great Lakes region, including the gray wolf, Canada lynx, little brown bat, beaver, moose, river otter, and coyote.
Birds: The Great Lakes region provides important breeding, feeding, and resting areas for many birds including the bald eagle, northern harrier, common loon, double-crested cormorant, common tern, bobolink, least bittern, common merganser, and the endangered Kirtland's warbler.

Threats to the Great Lakes

Pollution

Despite their great size, the Great Lakes are actually very vulnerable to pollution. The amount of water entering and leaving the lakes each year is less than one percent of the total in the lakes. Persistent chemicals that enter the lakes can remain for many years, with many building up in the food web. The source of toxic pollutants includes decades of industrial waste, raw sewage overflows, runoff from cities, and mining operations. Excess nutrients that throw the ecosystem out of balance enter the lakes from agricultural runoff and untreated sewage.

Global Warming

The impacts of global warming are already being observed in the Great Lakes. Increasing air and water temperatures mean increased evaporation from the lakes, declining lake levels and worsened water quality. The Great Lakes are already highly stressed, and climate change will worsen existing threats to the Great Lakes, including making the lakes more suitable for invasive species, drying coastal wetlands that filter pollution, exposing toxic sediment pollution, and increasing the number of intense storms leading to sewage overflows.

For information on the Great Lakes and Global Warming see the fact sheet"Overview of Recent Research: Effects of Global Warming on the Great Lakes" or the report "Great Lakes Restoration and the Threat of Global Warming"

Invasive Species

Invasive species have significantly changed the Great Lakes by competing with native species for food and habitat. They foul beaches, harm fisheries, clog water infrastructure and lead to the regional extinction of species. More than 180 non-native species have entered the Great Lakes, and a new species is discovered every 28 weeks on average.

Coastal Louisiana

2010-02-16T05:11:00.000-08:00

Coastal Louisiana

About 40 percent of the coastal wetlands in the lower 48 states are found in Louisiana. These millions of acres of wetlands were built over thousands of years by Mississippi River floodwaters that deposited huge amounts of sediment at the river's delta.

Today, these wetlands range from interior forested wetlands to barrier islands on the Gulf of Mexico and a wide array of interconnected habitats, including freshwater, brackish and salt marshes that are home to millions of birds and other wildlife.

People Depend on the Louisiana Coast

Almost half of the population of Louisiana lives near the coast, including in the city of New Orleans. The coast's unique culture is made up of people whose way of life is tied to the bayous, including Acadians (Cajuns), American Indians and other peoples who have settled there from all over the world.

Much of Louisiana's Economy is Tied to its Coast and Wetlands:

Louisiana has extremely productive commercial fisheries.
The wetlands and wildlife draw birders, hunters, anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The navigable waterways, including the Mississippi River, support shipping and transit.
The offshore oil fields and refineries provide numerous jobs.

The wetlands that make up most of coastal Louisiana are an extremely valuable resource that provides critical services to people, called ecosystem services. They not only provide seafood and wildlife for us to enjoy, but also improve water quality by filtering out pollutants and absorbing excess nutrients, replenishing aquifers, providing erosion control and helping to dissipate storm surges.

Wildlife in Coastal Louisiana

The Louisiana coast has a diversity of habitats--from uplands to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and everything in-between, including wet forests with cypress trees, freshwater marsh, brackish marsh salt marsh and sandy beaches. These habitats provide homes for an abundance of migratory and year-round wildlife.

Endangered species: Coastal Louisiana has a number of federally endangered or threatened animals, such as the Louisiana black bear, piping plover and green sea turtle, that struggle to survive in the remaining coastal habitat.
Plants: The Louisiana coast has many plants that live only in wetlands and that provide habitat for wetland wildlife. Some of these plants are cattails, swamp rose, spider lilies, and cypress trees.
Fish and shellfish: Estuaries and wetlands are nurseries for young fish and shellfish.
Migratory Birds: The Louisiana coast is where the Central and Mississippi flyways meet. It provides a place for Neotropical migratory songbirds to rest and feed before or after crossing the Gulf of Mexico, and it is a winter home to 70 percent of the waterfowl that migrate along these flyways, such as the gadwall, green-winged teal, northern shoveler, and snow goose.
Reptiles: The American alligator is a well-known resident of the Louisiana coast.

Threats to Coastal Louisiana

Wetland Loss

At one time there were extensive wetlands around New Orleans and other coastal communities that provided a natural resilience to storms. In total, about fifty miles of marshland once protected New Orleans from the Gulf with trees and marsh grasses that blocked the winds and blunted storm surges. Today, coastal Louisiana is losing 24 square miles of wetlands each year--roughly equivalent to a football field every 30 minutes. Louisiana has already lost an area of coastal land equal to the size of the state of Delaware! If this rate of wetland loss is not slowed, by the year 2040 the Louisiana shoreline will advance inland as much as 33 miles in some areas.

Wetland loss occurs because of natural causes--subsidence and wave erosion--and human causes.

How Do People Cause Wetland Loss?

Construction of river levees, channels, canals and dams that regulate water flows or make it easier for ships to pass through an area.
Draining wetlands for agriculture or urban development

Human activities disrupt the natural balance of Louisiana wetlands. Prior to human development, natural wetland loss was replenished by Mississippi River sediments and nutrients creating new wetlands. Human activities have the unfortunate side-effect of causing Mississippi River sediments to go straight down the river's channel and into the Gulf of Mexico. Not only are we destroying wetlands, but we are disrupting the natural cycle that rebuilds them.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one of the lessons learned is that a healthy system of wetlands between New Orleans and the Gulf almost certainly would have slowed down the storm and dampened the storm surge. Without natural storm buffers, breaches in levees such as those after Hurricane Katrina could become an even bigger threat. Wetlands serve as nature's first line of defense--by absorbing much of damage caused by hurricanes.

Yellowstone

2010-02-16T05:10:00.000-08:00

Yellowstone

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first National Park. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk.

Yellowstone is sitting on a large volcanic field that, millions of years ago, had some of the world's largest known eruptions. That legacy makes it the site of the Earth's largest concentration of geysers, including Old Faithful, and some of the world's most extraordinary hot springs.

People and Yellowstone

People and Yellowstone have a long history. Native American peoples began using Yellowstone as a home or hunting ground around 11,000 years ago. In 1872, when the United States was still a young country, Yellowstone became its first National Park. It is now internationally recognized as one of the world's most magnificent parks. People from all over the world come to enjoy its natural wonders and wildlife.

The Importance of Fire

Yellowstone is an ecosystem adapted to wildfires. Many of its plants have adaptations that help them survive fires, such as having roots that live even if the top of the plant is burnt. Some plants actually need fire to reproduce. Lodgepole pines need fire to burn off the resin that keeps their pinecones closed until fire opens up new spaces in which the pine seedlings can grow.

Wildlife in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is best known for its mammals, including the bison, grizzly bears, gray wolf, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and mountain lion. The park actually has the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states, with 67 different mammal species.

Yellowstone encompasses many different kinds of wildlife habitat, including:

Alpine tundra: Dry, rocky, and treeless areas near the tops of mountains. Alpine tundra has low growing plants and a few mammals, such as mountain goats and pika.
Mountain meadows: Lush, spongy oases of sedges, wildflowers and shrubs at elevations from about 6,000 to above 11,000 feet. They range from small glades to grasslands of thousands of acres. Because of heavy winter snows, mountain meadows often remain moist throughout the year. Elk, pronghorns and mule deer frequent these habitats.
Sage-steppe Grasslands: Treeless areas of grasses, shrubs and herbaceous plants such as wildflowers, with low moisture and seasonal extremes in temperature, in which bison can be found.

Threats to Yellowstone

Boundary Conflicts

When Yellowstone National Park was first established in 1872, the aim was to preserve the geysers and hot springs, not necessarily to protect wide-ranging wildlife that were not well understood at the time. For the big animals that live in Yellowstone National Park today--such as grizzly bear, elk and wolves--it's not clear where the park's boundaries start and stop. Many of these species require wide ranges or migration corridors to get to their breeding sites. The result: wildlife migrates outside of the park boundaries into unprotected areas. The area around Yellowstone is a frequent site of conflict between wildlife and people.

The National Wildlife Federation has a goal of reducing wildlife conflicts in the Yellowstone region. Learn about NWF's Wildlife Conflict Resolution work.

Red Desert

2010-02-16T04:58:00.000-08:00

Red Desert

The Red Desert of southern Wyoming is one of the last high-desert ecosystems in North America. Its varied landscape of buttes, dunes, sagebrush steppe, mountains and rocky pinnacles is home to some of the continents most hidden treasures:

The largest living dune system in the United States
The largest migratory herd of pronghorn in the lower 48 states
The world's largest herd of desert elk
And, at its heart, the Great Divide Basin--a large depression along the Continental Divide from which surface water does not flow out to either the Atlantic or the Pacific.

People and the Red Desert

Long before European settlers arrived, the region played a significant role in the lives of Native Americans, including the Shoshone and Ute tribes. Rock art from the region dates back over 11,000 years. The Red Desert's unique features helped guide hundreds of thousands of pioneers on the Oregon Trail towards their destinations in Oregon, California and Washington. In some places, you can still see their tracks. Riders for the Pony Express and the United States' first transcontinental railroad passed through the Red Desert. Today, Interstate 80 bisects the region.

In the Red Desert, people can enjoy bird and wildlife watching, hiking and camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, pronghorn and elk hunting, and a remarkable complex of active sand dunes to visit. Cattle and sheep graze on its rangelands. It is also a source of natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, coalbed methane and minerals including uranium.

Wildlife in the Red Desert

The Red Desert is home to 350 species of wildlife and many more plant species that have adapted to its harsh conditions. The world's largest herd of desert elk, 50,000 pronghorn antelope, and rare plant and bird species can all be found there. Most of the Red Desert is actually sagebrush steppe--habitat for pronghorn, elk and pygmy rabbit. It also has aspen and conifer-covered mountains, rivers and springs. Its dune regions actually help to store snowmelt with temporary ponds, providing habitat for swans, ducks, plovers, and even tiny freshwater shrimp.

Birds: Many species of birds, including raptors, waterbirds and shorebirds can be found in the Red Desert at different times of the year. Interesting Red Desert birds include the rare mountain plover, greater sage grouse, burrowing owl, white-faced ibis, golden eagle, ferruginous hawk, Brewer's sparrow, sage sparrow, and sage thrasher.
Mammals: The Red Desert is home to many species of mammals, large and small, both predator and prey, including Wyoming's only population of the endangered black-footed ferret, desert elk,pronghorn, pygmy rabbit, mountain lion, mule deer, white-footed mice, wild horses, coyote, badger, and the white-tailed prairie dog.

Threats to the Red Desert

Energy Development

Wyoming is rich in natural resources, including coal, oil, natural gas, coalbed methane, and minerals, including uranium--all of which may potentially be found in the Red Desert. The majority of the Red Desert has no legal protection, and is therefore open to oil and gas exploration and development, along with the accompanying roads, pipelines, fences, truck traffic and utility lines. There is also renewed interest in mining for uranium, with all of its potential radioactive hazards. The construction and resource extraction fragments wildlife habitats and disrupts elk, pronghorn and mule deer migration, as well as scarring the landscape and polluting the air and water.

African Crowned Eagle

2010-01-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

African Crowned Eagle

With the recent skirmishes that had affected some parts of the country making many people homeless, the African Crowned Eagles in Ngong Forest were also not spared. It was in mid December when we went on our patrol, we found that the huge nest which is the home to the eagles, was invaded by Sykes Monkeys who were annoyed by continuing depletion of their members. This was because they are sources of food for these large birds of prey. The birds were not there, perhaps they had gone hunting but on returning they found that they were one of the IDPS, as they now had nowhere to go.

The eagles have been staying out in the cold for about five months but now we were very happy to see them back, starting to construct their nest. We monitored the building process and it took almost a fortnight to complete and now we see that the eagle spends the night in the nest.

African Crowned Eagles are very huge and are one of the biggest birds of prey in Africa. they are very rare because they are found in Africa’s dwindling forests and because they have that attitude of Cain-ism (from the bible). the first chick to be born is lucky to survive as it will kills its siblings! this means that it will have enough to eat, it takes 3-4 years to acquire its adult plumage.

Please help the forest guards conserve the habitat of the Crowned Eagle by protecting it from woodcutters and debarkers and by monitoring important features such as this nest.

This photo of a young male Crown eagle is one taken by Simon Thomsitt, full details on his work with Kenyan birds of prey can be found

CONSERVING WILDLIFE

2010-01-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

CONSERVING WILDLIFE

Protecting Africa’s species is about more than numbers. True, many declining wildlife populations need to increase their numbers to survive. But equally important, they need an intact habitat where they can thrive without the growing pressures from human populations. Today, wildlife in Africa does not exist in isolation. Most wildlife populations live outside of protected areas, where they live alongside humans. Effective wildlife conservation means recognizing this complex human-wildlife dynamic and implementing programs to address the needs of both humans and animals.

AWF's Unique Approach: Real-Life Results

AWF’s species conservation programs look at species as part their natural environment. This approach is unique in three ways:

AWF applies research to all its work. In other words, our research goes beyond an academic look at an issue or species. We put our research to the test in all our work, including our work with bonobos, elephants, and lions.
AWF's wildlife researchers are African. AWF fosters the education and work of African wildlife research scientists, like our growing cadre of Charlotte Fellows.
AWF research is part of a larger landscape-conservation strategy in which findings immediately inform plans of action.

The Challenge

AWF’s strategy begins with conservation of habitat and ecosystems, but conserving land alone is not always enough. For many species, the biggest threat comes from people. AWF’s species conservation explores human-wildlife conflict - from the effects of poaching to patterns of predator attacks on livestock - and builds programs that benefit both humans and animals. Help AWF find new ways to conserve Africa’s wildlife for future generations.

Forest Walk

2010-01-28T06:17:00.000-08:00

Forest Walk

Category: Uncategorized

Date: January 28th 2010

By: ngongforest

Last Saturday we had a fascinating walk in the forest in the company of five visitors . We discussed on the route to follow ,passed by the education center, the orientation banda and into the thick forest .

At the African Crowned Eagle ’s nest, there was a new owner, i had earlier noted that the eagles had vacated their nest after being there for over six years,the nest is now home for the African white backed vultures .

The african white backed vultures at the nest site

We then took a narrow path that leads to the picnic site where we stood for some time as the visitors discussed with the Project Coordinator ,one would not fail to notice the Eurasian bee eaters hovering up and down.

Visitors at the proposed picnic site

The route towards the seasonal river was very sloppy and crossing the river we found two astray dogs lying at the road side. They seemed too full and satisfied, probably they are part of the predator on the small wild mammals living in the forest.

The astray dogs

The glade opposite Racecourse dam was very different from the others as a result of the fire outbreak during the dry spell.

” It was a wonderful experience,walking under the dense forest canopy, the breeze and quiet enviroment,learning more on the forest and the many birds, it will keep us coming back, said one of the visitors as we took a shorter route to the parking area.

Ngong Road Forest is protected through donations from friends and well wishers, join us by donating towards protection of this adorable forest.

Recreational Trail Use and Wildlife Movement

2010-01-28T05:56:00.000-08:00

Recreational Trail Use and Wildlife Movement

Spatial Analysis of Human Recreational Trail Use and Wildlife Movement in the Livingstone River Area, SW Alberta: Methodological Considerations for Monitoring the Ecological Effects of Trail Users

Presented at the 2006 IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference by Michael S. Quinn, Ph.D.; Miistakis Institute and Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive N.W.; Calgary, AB T2N 1N4; quinn@ucalgary.ca .

Recreational trail use results in direct and indirect effects to area wildlife. The nature and significance of the effects are a function of the type, timing, intensity, predictability and spatial distribution of the recreational activity. The responses are highly variable across wildlife species.

It is difficult to identify statistically significant causal relationships due to confounding variables, response lags and non-linear responses. In addition, it is hard to distinguish and ascribe the effects of any individual use from the cumulative effects of all uses. The speed, distance range and silence of mountain bike travel are thought to be factors that characterize its potential for negatively affecting wildlife. Dispersed use (e.g., wildland trail) is expected to have different effects than concentrated use (e.g., mtn bike park). The presentation focused on the results and transferable lessons learned from an on-going study of motorized trail monitoring in the mountains of Alberta.

The Livingstone River Area in southwestern Alberta is an ecologically significant area of public land that provides an important connection between adjacent protected areas. Most of the area is zoned for multiple use, which means the area is available for resource extraction and recreational activity. Recreational use in this area consists primarily of off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, random access camping and fly fishing. Recreational use is largely unmanaged and increasing. The proliferation of trails and campsites has become extensive in the past decade. Furthermore, much of this activity is concentrated along critical riparian movement corridors and in sensitive montane, subalpine and alpine environments. Human use and associated linear disturbance is recognized as among the most significant habitat fragmentation factor limiting sensitive wildlife (especially large carnivores) in the region.

We have developed a sampling method that employs remote digital infrared cameras on known human trails and wildlife trails. The cameras have proven to be very effective for monitoring all trail use. Initial results show clear patterns of wildlife response both spatially and temporally. For example, animals clearly shift their use patterns in response to busy weekends. Another interesting preliminary finding is that large carnivores may preferentially select human trails. In areas frequented by grizzly bears, this may increase the potential for negative interactions with trail users (this may be an issue for fast moving, quiet mountain bikes). The presentation reviewed the qualities to evaluate in selecting trail monitoring cameras. Durability, weather resistance, strength of infrared illuminator and battery consumption were identified as critical factors.

Additional Resources:

Miistakis Institute for the Rockies

IMBA's Science And Research

Trail Research: What Do We Have, Where Is It, What Is Missing?

Studies Of The Impacts Of Trails And Greenways

Recreation Ecology Research Network

Arignar Anna Zoological Park - [Tamil Nadu - Chennai]

2009-12-04T22:18:00.001-08:00

Arignar Anna Zoological Park - [Tamil Nadu - Chennai]

This man made Zoological park situated on the outskirts of the Chennai Metropolitan, created out of the Reserve Forests of Vandalur. The forests are of Dry deciduous and dry evergreen scrub type. It was in the year 1855 the first Zoo in India was established in Chennai, later on in 1979 shifted to this 510 ha sprawling complex. This Zoological park is said to be one of the biggest in the South East Asia. The wild life population are exhibited in a large open molted island type enclosures with simulated natural environment. More than 170 species of Mammals, Aviaries & reptiles are exhibited. Lion safari vehicle, Elephant ride, battery operated vehicles are some of the facilities available inside this park.

General Information

Best time to visit :
Throughout the year.
Annual Rainfall :
1400 mm

How to get there :
Rail-Vandalur (1 km)
Air-Chennai (18 km)

Periyar National Park - [ Kerala ]

2009-12-04T22:02:00.000-08:00

Periyar National Park - [ Kerala ]

Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a perennial source of water for the local wildlife. Herds of elephant and sambar, gaur and wild pigs wander down to the lake-side and can be observed from the launches that cruise the lake. In March and April, during the driest period here, the animals spend a lot of time near the lake and the elephants can be seen bathing and swimming in the reservoir. A glimpse may be had even of the tiger during this season, as it comes to the water. Periyar also harbours the leopard, wild dog, barking deer and mouse deer.
On the rocky out crops along the lake, monitor lizards can be seen basking in the sun. Visitors who trek into the Park often see a python and sometimes even a king cobra. Among the unusual species found at Periyar are the flying lizard and the flying snake. With wings of Nilgiri tahr orange or yellow, the flying lizard is seen as it glides from one tree to the other. The flying snake is also brilliantly coloured in yellow and black with a pattern of red rosettes. The lake attracts birds like the darter, cormorant, grey heron and ibis and they are seen perched on the snags of dead wood that dot the lake. The great Malabar hornbill and grey hornbill are often seen flapping their ponderous way between trees. There are kingfishers, ospreys and kites as well as orioles, hill mynas, racket tailed drongos, parakeets, including the unusual blue winged parakeet and fly catchers.
The liquid notes of the Malabar whistling thrush and the loud call of the hornbills are distinctive amid the normal sounds of the jungle. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, common langur and bonnet macaque. Though this is also the habitat of the Nilgiri tahr, this elusive goat is rarely seen. The animals are viewed from motor launches on the lake and from watch towers. A summer palace of the former Maharaja of Travancore, set along the lake, is a hotel and a fine place to stay.

General Information

Best time to visit
October to April
Accommodation
Forest Rest Houses, Aranya Niwas Hotel, Edapalayam Lake Palace, Periyar House.
Nearest Town
Kumily (4 km)
How to get there :
Rail-Kottayam (114 km) Air-Cochin (200 km) or Madurai (TN) (140.km).

The Great Himalayan National Park - [ Himachal Pradesh ]

2009-12-04T05:43:00.000-08:00

The Great Himalayan National Park - [ Himachal Pradesh ]

The Great Himalayan National Park the largest protected area in Himachal Pradesh, the Park is carved out of the splendid mountain terrain of the Kullu district. Rich corniferous forests, alpine meadows carpeted with flowers, snow-capped peaks and glaciers provide a breath taking panorama. The secluded Sainj and Tirthan valleys harbour a variety of animals common to this area - wild mountain goats like the bharal, goral and serow, the brown bear and predators like the leopard and the rarely seen snow leopard. Varieties of colourful pheasants - monal, khalij cheer, tragopan and other Himalayan birds are part of its rich avian population. Trekking through the Park to Rakte Sar, the origin of the Sainj River, brings in the added pleasure of seeing wildlife in this spectacular natural environment.

General lnformation

Best time to visit :

April-June, Sept:- Oct.

Accommodation :

Rest Houses

Nearest town :

Kullu (60 km)

How to get there :

Air-Bhuntar (50 km) Road via Aut (30 km short of Kullu)

Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

2009-12-04T05:27:00.001-08:00

Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuar

Spread out over 56 sq km, Ratanmahal-on the Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh border-is the only exclusive slothbear sanctuary in Gujarat. And sloth bears are just part of the attraction: nature fulfills herself in many other ways. The River Panam criss-crosses beautiful small hamlets on the foothills of this sanctuary; lush green and thick woods full of natural goodness.
Kanjeta nestles at 230 meters above main sea level, offering a variety in terms of flora and fauna. Sloth bears (57 as per the latest census), panthers (9), large-size monkeys (900), langoors (800), jackals (100), antelopes (four) and hyenas (8), besides others numerous jungle cats, foxes, honey badgers, hare, porcupines and reptiles. To believe the beauty of flora and birds (120 species) you got to visit this place. And if you want to be on the hilltop-about 8 km from Kanjeta-you can do that as well, with the permission of the authorities.

General lnformation

Accommodation :
PWD rest house and other hotels and lodges at Baria.

How to get there :
About 47 kms from Piplod.

Manas Tiger Reserve - Assam

2009-12-04T05:15:00.001-08:00

Manas Tiger Reserve - Assam

While Kaziranga is known for the Rhinoceros, Manas National Park is famous for the Majestic Tigers. This park is the only Project Tiger in Assam. The Manas Reserve, located in the foothills of the Bhutan hills, far from human habitation, is a world in itself.
The Manas River flowing through the Park demarcates the border between India and Bhutan. The Park has vast deciduous forests where the dense cover often cuts out the light. Its wet grasslands are the home of the rhino, water buffalo, elephant and tiger. Manas is noted for its population of the rare golden langur - found only in this part of the country. They are often spotted in the tall trees. Other primates in the Park include the capped langur, Assamese macaque, the slow loris and the hoolock gibbon. These are rarely seen but the whooping call of the hoolock gibbon can be heard resounding through the forest. The Reserve is also home to the attractive red panda but these are only seen occasionally in the higher elevations.
Manas has a very special biosphere, for it harbours twenty species of birds and animals that are highly endangered and listed in the IUCN Red Data Book. These include the hispid hare and the pigmy hog. The lush forest canopy at Manshelters colourful birds - the giant hornbills, both pied and gray varieties, pheasants, jungle fowl and scarlet minivet being among them. The water-birds along the rivers include brahminy ducks, mergansers and a range of egrets, herons and pelican Over 2840 sq. km. in area, Manas is, a fascinating tiger reserve.
The area of Manas has roughly 45% grassland and 55% tree land as wildlife habitat. The river course may have about 100 sq.km. of riparian forests of grass and primary succession of tree cover, which is probably the most suitable water buffalo habitat anywhere and providing by far the best habitat for the tiger, where the concentration of the species is the highest. Inter and inter specific relation of the prey and predator in this area is extremely interesting and awaits scientific study to understand population dynamics and other evolutionary processes at work. In this area the ever changing river course cause erosion and accretion at the same time providing extraordinary dynamism to the habitat/ecosystems sustaining very high productivity. The rain fall in this area is very high about 450 to 500 cm and the temperature is also very conducive to add to the productivity.
General lnformation

Best time to visit :
Nov.-April
Accommodation :
Tourist Lodge and Forest Rest Houses.
Nearest Town :
Barpeta Road (40 km)
How to get there :
Rail-Barpeta Road (40 km) Air-Guwahati (186 km)

Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanctuary

2009-12-04T05:10:00.000-08:00

Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanct

The largest of India's Tiger Reserves, the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary ( 3568 sq. km.); lies in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The terrain is rugged and winding gorges slice through the Mallamalai hills. Adjoining the reserve is the large reservoir of the Nagarjunasagar Dam on the River Krishna. The dry deciduous forests with scrub and bamboo thickets provide shelter to a range of animals from the tiger and leopard at the top of the food chain, to deer, sloth bear, hyena, jungle cat, palm civet, bonnet macaque and pangolin. In this unspoilt jungle, the tiger is truly nocturnal and is rarely seen.

General Information

Best time to visit :
October - June
Accommodation :
Guest Houses and Cottages near temples within the sanctuary.
Nearest town :
Macherla (29 km)
How to get there :
Rail-Hyderabad (150 km) Air-Hyderabad (150 km)

Mukkurthi National Park - [ Tamil Nadu ]

2009-12-04T05:01:00.001-08:00

Mukkurthi National Park - [ Tamil Nadu ]

Located on the high altitudes of the Nilgiris, comprising rolling downs interspersed with temperate sholas, this park is also a part of Nilgiri Bio-sphere reserve and situated 40 km from Udhagamandalam. It contains a viable population on Nilgiri Thar (Hamitragus-hilocrius), Sambhar, Barking deer, Nilgiri marten and otter, Jungle cat, Jackal etc.
Avifauna consists of hill birds viz. laughing and whistling thrushes, woodcock, wild pigeon and black eagle. Butter-flies with Himalayan affinity like the Blu Admiral, Indian Red Admiral, Indian Fritillary, Indian Cabbage white, Hedge blues and rainbow trout can be also be seen. Trekking routes exist from Parsan valley, portimund, pykara etc. Trout fishing is recommended in the rivers and lakes of Mukurthi. Permission from Asst. Director, Fisheries Department, Udhagai, must be obtained in advance for fishing.

General Information

Best time to visit :
February to May

Accommodation :
Forest Rest House at Avalanche, Pykara and trekking sheds.

How to get there :
Rail-Udhagamandalam/Ooty (45 km) Air-Coimbatore (140 km)

Wildlife in India

2009-12-04T04:44:00.000-08:00

Wildlife in India

India is unique in the richness and diversity of its vegetation and wildlife. India's national parks and wild life sanctuaries (including bird sanctuaries) from Ladakh in Himalayas to Southern tip of Tamil Nadu, are outstanding and the country continues to "WOW" the tourists with its rich bio-diversity and heritage. Wildlife sanctuaries in India attracts people from all over the world as the rarest of rare species are found here. With 96 national parks and over 500 wildlife sanctuaries, the range and diversity of India's wildlife heritage is matchless. Some of the important sanctuaries in India are The Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve – Uttaranchal, Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Ranthambhor National Park - Sawai Madhopur, Gir National Park - Sasangir (Gujarat) etc. Supporting a great variety of mammals and over 585 species of birds, India's first national park, the Corbett was established in the foothills of Himalayas.

Wildlife lovers will be excited to see magnificent Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur, Rajasthan as it is the second habitat in the world that is visited by the Siberian Cranes in winter and it provides a vast breeding area for the native water birds.
In the Indian deserts, the most discussed bird is the Great Indian bustard. In western Himalayas, one can see birds like Himalayan monal pheasant, western tragopan, koklass, white crested khalij pheasant, griffon vultures, lammergiers, choughs, ravens. In the Andaman and Nicobar region, about 250 species and sub species of birds are found, such as rare Narcondum horn bill, Nicobar pigeon and megapode.
While the national park and sanctuaries of northern and central India are better known, there are quite a few parks and sanctuaries in South India, too. For e.g. , Madumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Nagahole National Park in Karnataka.
A tour of Indian wildlife sanctuaries and national parks is a fabulous experience. Contrary to the African Safari, the vegetation and terrain in India is such that wild animals are often solitary or in small herds, elusive and shy. Ranges of Safari Packages are on offer, courtesy the tourism departments of states as well as tour and travel agencies. These Safari / Safari Packages are unique and unparalleled. These Safaris facilitate seeing a tiger, a rhinoceros or a herd of wild elephants.

India has unmatched variety of flora and fauna that makes it extensively different from the rest of the world. Tourists visiting for wildlife tour in India, will enjoy during any season, but to experience migrating birds, tiger, leopard, barasingha and other rare species, then winter is the best season to visit sanctuaries especially for those tourists coming for wildlife tour in India. Due to water scarcity in the hot weather, animals come out in herd in search of water, therefore most of the sanctuaries are closed during summer season. Tourists can opt for jungle safari in an open jeep but the experience on elephants back is overwhelming.
Wildlife Conservation Society(WCS) India in association with other NGO partners and tribal people, is making every possible effort to develop new models of wildlife conservation to preserve India's most treasured fauna and to protect the environment.

giraffe_reflection

2009-11-01T01:44:00.000-07:00

Rhino River Lodge at wlid places

2009-11-01T01:32:00.000-07:00

Rhino River Lodge is an intimate and exclusive lodge set in the very heart of Zululand against the backdrop of the lovely Lebombo Mountains. Come and join us for a unique bush experience on our private game reserve near Hluhluwe. Feel the weight being lifted from your shoulders from the moment you arrive. Breathe in the fresh aromatic air of the bushveld and feel the outside world draining from your being. Heal your soul with starlit nights around the campfire and walk where only animals have trodden for years.

Our private game reserve is just 27 km north of Hluhluwe in KZN and as well as offering singular accommodation, Rhino River Lodge is home to a wealth of wildlife including: leopard, cheetah, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, blue wildebeest, warthog, bush pig and ostrich. Amongst our great variety of antelope we are fortunate to have the red duiker; this shy creature is relatively rare and is only found in a small part of Zululand. Many fascinating smaller mammals such as jackal, porcupine, vervet monkey, tortoise, caracal, serval, and mongoose and genet can also be seen.

We are very proud to be part of the greater Zululand Rhino Reserve which has recently been proclaimed a "protected area" making us the biggest private game reserve in the province. Furthermore, we are privileged to be one of the few areas selected for the re-introduction of the rare and endangered black rhino. This project was a combined initiative of the World Wild Life Fund and KZN Ezemvelo. Twenty-one of these magnificent creatures were released into our reserve and can once again be seen ranging their historical habitat. Most rewarding has been the birth of six youngsters, since introduction, which has added enormously to our game viewing experience.

A Leader in Polar Bear Conservation

2009-10-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

Polar Bear Conservation

WWF: A Leader in Polar Bear Conservation

A Push for Change for Polar Bears in 2009:
WWF launches a concerted push in 2009 for big conservation wins for polar bears, set firmly in the context of the battle against climate change.

Learn more about our work at the Meeting of the Parties

View the status and distribution of the polar bear around the Arctic.

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Common Name: Polar bear Ours blanc; ours polaire (Fr); Oso polar (Sp)
Scientific Name: Ursus maritimus
Habitat: Arctic
Location: Arctic (northern hemisphere)
Biogeographic realm: Nearctic and Palearctic

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Status
With 20-25,000 polar bears living in the wild, the species is not currently endangered, but its future is far from certain. In 1973, Canada, the United States, Denmark, Norway and the former U.S.S.R. signed the International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears and their Habitat. This agreement restricts the hunting of polar bears and directs each nation to protect their habitats, but it does not protect the bears against the biggest man-made threat to their survival: climate change. If current warming trends continue unabated, scientists believe that polar bears will be vulnerable to extinction within the next century. WWF provides funding to field research by the world's foremost experts on polar bears to find out how climate change will affect the long-term status of polar bears. To learn more about the topic, read the WWF report Vanishing Kingdom: The Melting Realm of the Polar Bear . WWF's report,Polar Bears at Risk, provides a more detailed analysis.

Read more about World Wildlife Fund's work to stop climate change and help save polar bears.

More on the Ecology of the Polar Bear

Why is this species important?
Of all of the wildlife species in the Arctic, the polar bear is perhaps the most fitting icon for this ecoregion. Its amazing adaptations to life in the harsh Arctic environment and dependence on sea ice make them so impressive, and yet so vulnerable. Large carnivores are sensitive indicators of ecosystem health. Polar bears are studied to gain an understanding of what is happening throughout the Arctic as a polar bear at risk is often a sign of something wrong somewhere in the arctic marine ecosystem.

Visit the WWF Polar Bear Tracker to track the movements of polar bears and learn more about how warming and changes in sea ice affect the lives of polar bears over time.

As part of our work with the Norwegian Polar Institute, the bears have radio collars that track their positions via a satellite.

WWF works to:

Fund field research by the world's foremost experts on polar bears to find out how climate change will affect the long-term condition of polar bears
Work with governments, industry, and individuals to reduce GHG emissions and mitigate climate change
Promote sustainable consumptive and non-consumptive use of polar bears that directly affect the species, such as hunting, poaching, industrial take, illegal trade, and unsustainable tourism
Protect critical habitat including important movement corridors, and denning habitat
Prevent or remove direct threats from industrial activity such as oil and gas development, and arctic shipping.

The actions we take include providing support for and communication of key science that will help us build resilience; engaging with indigenous/local communities to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and work towards sustainable development opportunities; and drafting and spearheading management solutions that address the major threats of climate change and industrialization of the Arctic.

Overview of Panthera tigris

2009-10-16T22:23:00.000-07:00

Tiger

Overview

Common Name: Tiger; Tigre(Fr); Tigre(Sp)

Scientific Name: Panthera tigris spp

Population: Only around 4,000 tigers remain in the wild

Background

The tiger, largest of all cats, is one of the most charismatic and evocative species on Earth; it is also one of the most threatened. Less than 4,000 remain in the wild, most in isolated pockets spread across increasingly fragmented forests stretching from India to south-eastern China and from the Russian Far East to Sumatra, Indonesia.

Poisoned, trapped, snared, shot, captured...
Across its range, this magnificent animal is being persecuted. Today, tigers are poisoned, shot, trapped and snared, and the majority of these animals are sought to meet the demands of a continuing illegal wildlife trade - which includes traditional Chinese medicine.

Hunters, traders, and poor local residents whose main means of subsistence comes from the forest, are wiping out the tiger and the natural prey upon which it depends. While poaching for trade continues to menace the tiger's survival, perhaps the greatest long-term threats are the loss of habitat and the depletion of the tiger's natural prey. Large commercial plantations have replaced a lot of tiger habitat in several tropical range countries.

Three tiger subspecies are already extinct, and a fourth is on its way

Tiger Study

WWF in 2005 collaborated with other organizations on the most comprehensive scientific study of tiger habitats ever done. The study finds that tigers reside in 40 percent less habitat than they were thought to a decade ago and now occupy only seven percent of their historic range.

The study also finds that conservation efforts have resulted in some populations remaining stable and even increasing, but concludes that long-term success is only achieved where there is broad landscape-level conservation and buy-in from stakeholders.

Learn more.

In the past century, the world has lost three of the nine tiger subspecies. The Bali, Caspian, and Javan tigers have all become extinct ... and many scientists believe the South China tiger is “functionally extinct”.

Priority areas offer the best hope for tiger conservation
WWF's tiger conservation strategy and action plan -Conserving Tigers in the Wild: A WWF Framework Strategy for Action 2002-2010 - identifies seven focal tiger landscapes where the chances of long-term tiger conservation are best, and four additional areas where conservation opportunities are good.

In each of the focal landscapes, WWF aims to establish and manage effective tiger conservation areas, reduce the poaching of tigers and their prey, eliminate the trade in tiger parts and products, create incentives that will encourage local communities and others to support tiger conservation, and build capacity for tiger conservation.

Physical Description

The tiger is the largest of the Asian big cats and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from the evergreen and monsoon forests of the Indo-Malayan realm to the mixed coniferous-deciduous woodlands of the Russian Far East and the mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans, shared by India and Bangladesh.

The characteristic stripe patterns differ from one individual to another and from one side of the cat's body to the other. In fact, there are no tigers with identical markings. Males exhibit a characteristic ruff (lengthened hairs around the neck), which is especially marked in the Sumatran tiger.

Tigers are typically solitary hunters and prey mainly on deer and wild pig. Where this prey is in abundance, such as in Chitwan National Park in Nepal, territories range from 10 to 20km² for females and 30 to 70km² for males. In Russia, where the density of prey is much lower, territories vary in size from 200 to 400km² for females and 800 to 1,000km² for males.

Tigers have dens in caves, tree hollows and dense vegetation. They are mostly nocturnal but in the northern part of its range, the Siberian subspecies may also be active during the day at winter-time. Using their sight and hearing rather than smell, the tiger stalks its prey and once it has reached close proximity, attacks from the side or rear and kills by a bite to the neck or the back of the head.

Unless they die, tigers are never replaced on their range. Although individuals do not patrol their territories, the range is visited over a period of days or weeks and it is marked with urine and feces.

Size
Body length is 140-280 cm and tail length is 60 to 95 cm.

Colour
The upper part of the animal ranges from reddish orange to ochre, and the under parts are whitish. The body has a series of black striations of black to dark grey colour.

Habitat

Biogeographic realm
Indo-Malayan, Palearctic

Range States
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia (Sumatra), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal, North Korea (few left), Russia (Far East), Thailand, Vietnam

Why is this species important?

Conservation Results

Four of WWF's priority regions are important for tiger conservation: Amur-Heilong, Borneo and Sumatra, Eastern Himalayas and Mekong.

Learn more.

The tiger is a powerful symbol of reverence among the variety of cultures that live across its range. They command respect, awe or fear from their human neighbours. Even in places where tigers have become extinct or never existed in the wild, they live in myth and legend.

As top predators, they keep populations of wild ungulates in check, thereby maintaining the balance between prey herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed. A whole myriad of other life-forms are essential to support a healthy tiger population.

Interesting Facts

A tiger has been reported to cover up to 10 meters in a horizontal leap.
It is reported that at 11 months, juveniles are already capable of killing prey.

Guindy National Park

2009-09-23T01:46:00.001-07:00

Guindy National Park, India

Online profile of Guindy National Park - wildlife park/sanctuary/reserve located at Guindy Taluk, Chennai District, Tamil Nadu, India. Plan your adventure holiday or vacation with the information and reviews by users and experts. Find out about when to go, how to get there, what to do, best season to visit, its wildilfe, habitat and much more...

Where is it? | When & how to go? | Where to stay? | Climatic conditions?

Wildlife and adventure opportunities:

Wild Life:Antelope, Black buck, Chital, Jackal, Pangolin, Spotted deer, Jungle cat, Large Indian Civet, River otter, Hyena, Fox, Kingfisher, Golden Backed Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Yellow Wattled Lapwing, Crow Pheasant, Red Wattled Lapwing, Blue Faced Malkoha, Koels, Shrikes, Doves, Munias, Minivets, Barkets, Gray Partridge, Parakeets, Tailor Birds, Drongos, Robins, Quails, Flycatcher, Beak Paradise, Stone Curlew, Teals, Garganeys, Pochards, Medium Egrets, Large Egrets, Night Herons, Pond Herons and Open-billed StorksAdventure:Bird safari, Jungle safari

Where is Guindy National Park:

Region:The park is situated close to the Governor's House (Raj Bhavan).Location:Guindy Taluk, Chennai District, Tamil Nadu, India

When & how to get to Guindy National Park:

Best Time to Visit:01-Jan to 31-DecGetting There:State transport buses and private buses connect Chennai with the major towns and cities within the country. For local transportation local trains, city buses, auto rickshaws and taxis are easily available.Nearest Town:ChennaiNearest Airport:ChennaiNearest Railway Station:Guindy

Wildlife Parks in Tamil Nadu

2009-09-23T01:23:00.000-07:00

Wildlife Parks in Tamil Nadu

Wildlife National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Game Parks, State Parks and Wildlife Reserves of Tamil Nadu, India. Click on the wildlife reserve, park or animal sanctuary to see more details.

Guindy National Park

Tamil Nadu, India

Wild Life: Antelope, Black buck, Chital, Jackal, Pangolin, Spotted deer, Jungle cat, Large Indian Civet, River otter, Hyena, Fox, Kingfisher, Golden Backed Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Yellow Wattled Lapwing, Crow Pheasant, Red Wattled Lapwing, Blue Faced Malkoha, Koels, Shrikes, Doves, Munias, Minivets, Barkets, Gr
Adventure: Bird safari, Jungle safari
Location: Guindy Taluk, Chennai District
Nearest Town: Chennai

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

Tamil Nadu, India

Wild Life: Turtles, Coral Reefs, Dugong, Dolphins and Balano-glossus
Adventure:
Location: Tuticorin and Ramanathapuram Districts near Mandapam
Nearest Town: Rameshwaram

Indira Gandhi Wild Life Sanctuary

Tamil Nadu, India

Wild Life: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Dhole or the Asiatic Wild Dog, Golden Jackal, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Rusty-spotted Cat, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild Pig, Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Lion-tailed Macaque, Common Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, C
Adventure: Trekking, Elephants safaris
Location: Anamalai Ranges in Coimbatore District.
Nearest Town: Pollachi

Karikili Bird Sanctuary

Tamil Nadu, India

Wild Life: Cormorants, Egrets, Grey Heron, Open-billed stork, Darter, Spoonbill, White lbris, Night Herons, Grebes, Grey Pelican, Shovellers, Pintails, Stilts and Sandpipers
Adventure: Picnic spots, Bird safari
Location: Kanchipuram District
Nearest Town: Chengalpattu

Wildlife in India's Wildlife Parks

2009-09-23T01:19:00.000-07:00

India: Wildlife in India's Wildlife Parks

Wildlife parks, sanctuaries, reserves of India, listed by wildlife on view. Click on the animals, birds or fish below to see a list of national parks, wildlife reserves, or animal sanctuaries where you can find that animal.

Featured wildlife of India are listed below. Follow this link to see an alphabetical list of all wildlife of India

Featured Wildlife of India:

India Wildlife Parks & National Parks

2009-09-23T01:08:00.000-07:00

India: Wildlife Parks & National Parks

Your portal to wildlife tourism, wildlife adventure, holiday/vacation, expeditions and safaris in India! Explore all the Wildlife Parks, National Parks, Game Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, State Parks, Wildlife National Parks and Wildlife Reserves of India!

Pick a national park, wildlife reserve, or wildlife sanctuary. You can see a list of all parks/reserves/sanctuaries in India, or view them by state, by wildlife or by wildlife adventure.

Snow Leopard in India

Native to the mountain ranges of Central Asia from Afghanistan, Northern India (Himalayas), northern Pakistan, to Lake Baikal and eastern Tibet the snow leopard has a whitish-tan coat with ringed spots. Its tail is heavy with fur and the bottom of its paws are covered with fur for protection against snow and cold. The life span of a snow leopard is normally 15–18 years, but in captivity it can live up to 20 years...