Year 3/Issue 05/January–February 2018
The World After 5th Extinction
Wildlife Corridor Designing for Conservation in India Using Computational Aspects: A Preliminary Interaction Model (Part – III)
This Land is Your Land… This Land is My Land…
Your GOD is not GREEN… The Global Scenario – Far East
Salvaging Serpent…
Monthly Newsletter of
Mission Lesser Black Krait
Diary of a Highland Scout… (Part – 1)
Bhitarkanika National Park… Deep in to Mangroves
Cover Photo : Arnab Basu
Year 3/Issue 05/January–February 2018
“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don't they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.” ~ Ray Bradbury
Photograph by Peter Brown
Year 3/Issue 05/January–February 2018
The Holocene is the geological epoch that began after the Pleistocene at approximately 11,700 years BP and continues to the present. As Earth warmed after the Ice Age, the human population increased and early man began to change the planet forever. For Exploring Nature, our newsletter Holocene is our platform to convey our concerns on human threat to biodiversity. We will use our newsletter as a media to highlight the current local and global issues which could impact biodiversity of Mother Nature and promote awareness of biodiversity in alignment with our group’s mission of promoting awareness of different aspects of Mother Nature among people. In this newsletter our readers will get information and periodic updates on. Recent significant discussions on biodiversity, going on across the world. Major recent research and studies on biodiversity. Biodiversity explorations planned and conducted by national and international groups as well as Exploring Nature. Information and interesting readings on wildlife photography and biodiversity modelling etc. Holocene Year 3/Issue 05/January–February 2018
Content: Cover Story Diary of a Highland Scout… (Part – 1) by Arnab Basu Along with Craig Round and John Grierson 4|Page Editorial Conservation turns into Arctic 6|Page Experts’ Voice Wildlife Corridor Designing for Conservation in India usin Computational Aspects, A Preliminary Interaction Model (Part–III) by Saurabh Shanu & Sudeepto Bhattacharya 8|Page Voice of Nature This Land is Your Land… This Land is My Land… (Growing Crisis of HumanWildlife Conflicts Worldwide) by Vrushabh Borkar 10|Page
© Exploring Nature Cover, Design and Illustration © Exploring Nature
Your GOD is not GREEN… The Global Scenario – Far East by Arnab Basu 14|Page
All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without proper prior permission in writing from Exploring Nature.
Cohabitation Salvaging Serpent… Mission Lesser Black Krait by Kaushik Mondal 18|Page
Editorial Board Editor in Chief : Co–Editors :
Story Room Bhitarkanika National Park… Deep in to Mangrove by Barnali Roy Translated by Anwesha Ghatak from original Bengali 20|Page
Anwesha Ghatak Samiran Halder, Vrushabh Borkar
Social Media Coordinators Koushik Mondal, Basu Deb Kar, Lina Chatterjee Logo and Title Design Arijit Das Majumder and Saikat Chakraborty Website www.exploringnature.org.in
Theme Poster Tanmay Ghosh 24|Page The Monthly Newsletter of
e-mail holocene@exploringnature.org.in info@exploringnature.org.in 2|Page
Year 3/Issue 05/January–February 2018
Arnab Basu
Along with Craig Round and John Grierson 7th and 8th October, 2017: The Journey to Autumn and Night 7th October at evening 6:00 O'clock I reached Aviemore railway station from Glasgow Queen Street station by ScotRail, a 3 hours train journey through picturesque highland railway track. More than just a manner of getting from one location to another, a train journey around Scotland is one of the best (and most comfortable!) ways of admiring the stunning landscapes around the country. Hundreds of miles of misty mountains, glittering lochs, quaint villages and even elegant mansions, all with a cup of Hot Chocolate, in hand bought from the cart within train was a different experience altogether. Widely regarded as one of the world's greatest train journeys, the West Highland Line is known to millions as the railway that took Harry Potter from Platform 9 and ž all the way to Hogwarts. The route, serviced by Abellio Scotrail, leads from Glasgow to Inverness and Mallaig and takes around 5 hours and 15 minutes in total. However, I got down at Aviemore which was one station before Inverness. As the train headed west, it passed over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Along the route, also run by Abellio Scotrail, passed idyllic beaches and tranquil lochs, all set to a backdrop of untouched Highland hillsides - one might even spot herons, eagles or otters if lucky! And offers breath-taking views of locations such as Loch Shiel, Loch Eilt and Ben Nevis, many of which can also be seen in the Harry Potter films. I reached at Aviemore at around 6:00 PM and got picked up by one of our tour guides John and after picking up three more guests we reached at Steading, where our accommodation was arranged in an old Scottish barn. After having a British dinner with 11 other fellow bird watchers and wildlife photographers and two guides Craig and John we 3|Page
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discussed next day’s plan and received a comprehensive checklist of probable wild lives of Scottish highland. At around 10:00 PM, it was time to get in cosy bed in an old Scottish barn turned into forest stay. Our actual exploration started on Sunday 8th October. The day started still and fine as we headed out for a short walk around some local lochans that morning. The Birch trees were showing off their lovely autumn colours and some great reflections in the still water, and during our walk we saw flocks of Coal Tit, and Goldcrest as well as Treecreeper and a very late Chiffchaff singing. We also heard some Crossbills were flying over but sadly the birds failed to land, as well as some Pink-footed Geese and a small flock of Greylag Geese that flew over. A Red Squirrel ran across the track at one point and we got some good views of two or three Crested Tits which were calling in the trees around the car park. After some welcome tea and coffee back at the Steading we drove up into the Findhorn Valley. On the way up we saw a Kestrel and a Buzzard perched and about half way up the valley we stopped to scan; there we got some great views of a fine Red Deer stag roaring from the hillside and chasing his ‘harem’ of hinds about, with more stags roaring from the hillsides all around us as we watched. We also saw another Buzzard and two Kestrel that flew through, before we drove up to the top end of the valley. We had some lunch beside the river, seeing the first Redwing of the Autumn flying over and the fine weather was obviously bringing out the raptors as whilst there, at least six Buzzards were soaring overhead and a Peregrine goes over, best of all a huge immature White-tailed Eagle came over the ridge and we watched as it flew off down the valley, what a bird! After lunch we took a walk across the river and up out onto the hill, and scanning the hill we picked out several Mountain Hares well camouflaged and hunkered down out of the wind as well as a Red Grouse. On the walk back there are Stags roaring from the hills all around, some with harems of 50+ Hinds. Already it was dusk in the highland and we decided to comeback at our base location to grab quick dinner and get ready for night hiking to look for Scottish Wild Cat...... One thing I must confess, spotting wild lives in Alpine Tundra forest is much more difficult than Tropical Rain or Savanna Forest.... Because of extreme weather, less biodiversity and also mostly found in high altitude... at mountain top..... At 9:00 PM, we reached at Cairn Valley Wildlife Hide, our guides Craig and John switched off all lights in the hide and spread some peanuts at the surrounding area, and outside the hide...... the evening was marked by dramatic appearances of nocturnal mammals... Pack of 4-5 badgers, wood mouse and a very rare nocturnal rodent Pine Marten were spotted..... We only had a short wait before the first Wood Mice appear to feed at the front of the hide. Even better, shortly afterwards we saw at least five Badgers that came in 4|Page
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to feed on the scattered peanuts and also a female Pine Marten which we saw on two occasions, before it finally scampered back off into the night. While heading towards the hide Craig had to apply sudden break in van.....in search light of van, a Female Roe Deer was found running away.
Species spotted on Day One: Birds: Gold Thrush, Grey Heron, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Mallard, White Tailed Sea Eagle, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Pheasant, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Swallow, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Crested tit, Coal tit, Blue tit, Great tit, Treecreeper, Jakdow, Rook, Carrion Crow, Hooded Crow, Raven, Sterling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Redpoll, Chiffchaff, Canada Goose, Little Egret and Jay Mammals: Red Squirrel, Mountain Hare, Mountain Goat, Red deer, Roe Deer, Wood Mouse, Pine Marten, Badger Insects: November Moths Amphibian: Common Frog
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Editorial
Conservation turns into Arctic Climate change will dramatically reshuffle the fate of many Arctic plant and animal species. It isn't clear which populations will end up with the winning hands, particularly since the webs of interactions are so complex and it is difficult to translate global models to accurately predict what happens locally on the ground. What is obvious however is that monitoring the status and trends of life in the Arctic has never been more crucial. It is only possible to protect species, ecosystems, and the people who rely on them, if you understand the changes occurring and risks they face. For conservation efforts to be effective they must be based on accurate science and employ strong cross-border cooperation. The Arctic is a harsh landscape, where cold temperatures and inhospitable terrain make survival a challenge. Still, the region is home to more than 21,000 species, many of which are highly adapted to their specific environments and are found nowhere else on Earth. Unfortunately, this also makes Arctic species vulnerable to change, since they cannot so easily move to another habitat or adapt to new diets in order to handle increased competition for resources. Globally biodiversity is on the decline, and while the Arctic has previously remained protected due to its remoteness, the rate and variety of current changes are unprecedented. Protecting the Arctic’s unique biodiversity is important for several reasons. In addition to intrinsic value, many animal and plant species are fundamental for food production and sustaining Arctic livelihoods and cultures. Diverse and healthy ecosystems are also more resilient to change since they are better able to absorb and bounce-back from disturbances. Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF), the biodiversity Working Group of the Arctic Council, and the Ministry of the Environment, Finland are going to host the 2nd Arctic Biodiversity Congress. The 2nd Arctic Biodiversity Congress will build on the success of the first Congress, held in Trondheim, Norway, 2014, and will bring together scientists, policy-makers, government officials, indigenous representatives, Traditional Knowledge holders, industry, non-governmental organizations and others to promote the conservation and sustainable use of Arctic biodiversity. The following goals have been outlined for the Congress, and are intended to guide the structure and contents of the program: • To consider the Arctic and how it fares in relation to the CBD Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 20112020, the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and the Sustainable Development Goals. • To facilitate inter-disciplinary discussion, action and status updates on Arctic Biodiversity Assessment (ABA) recommendations and subsequent implementation actions among scientists, government officials, policy makers, traditional knowledge holders, indigenous peoples and industry representatives. • To provide scientific, indigenous, policy, NGO, academia and industry audiences the opportunity to collaborate around the themes of the ABA and its implementation. • To share experiences in national and international implementation of the ABA recommendations and to advise CAFF on any changes to future phases of the Actions for Arctic Biodiversity implementation plan. 6|Page
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• To highlight the work of CAFF and the Arctic Council in the fields of international environmental science and policy, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. • To mainstream biodiversity and ecosystem services ensuring that the recommendations and implementation of the ABA are implemented by not just government, but many organizations and peoples, and across sectors.
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Experts’ Voice
Saurabh Shanu
Depertment of Virtualisation School of Computer Science and Engineering University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Dehradoon, Uttarakhand
Sudipto Bhattacharya
Depertment of Mathematics School of Natural Science Shiv Nadar University Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttarpradesh
Continuation from the last issue… The cost c (ei)=ci ,i ∊I incurred by the tiger in using edge (corridor) ei between any two of the twentythree habitats of Table 1 are evaluated using the payoff matrix of the two player Prisoner’s Dilemma game and a logic gate circuit, as has already been remarked in the above discussion and Fig.6. Using the logic gate circuit, we compute the overall payoff of all the parameters together. The OR gate which computes the union between the components has been applied for the factors which exist in a grid either as a singleton component or a combination of components. The AND gate which computes the intersection between the components has been applied for the factors which need to coexist for facilitating the movement of the tigers through the grid. A 2X1 multiplexer is used as we intend to check the interaction between two commodities (tiger and the interacting factor while modelling the game) and obtain a single value either 0 or 1 based on a threshold value. A combination of all the discussed logic gates is used to obtain a final circuit which evaluates: 1. The combination of few factors out of which presence of any one type, would facilitate the movement of tigers e.g. forest types. 2. The combination of few factors out of which presence of all types, would facilitate the movement of tigers e.g. prey base and water presence. 3. The values of presence or absence of any factor based on a particular threshold value e.g. 8|Page
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anthropogenic inputs. In computing the payoff matrix, we further assume that the players involved in this game only choose to play pure strategies. The reasoning for various landscape features that we consider as impacts on tiger corridor in the landscape complex, and their corresponding cost assignments and subsequent payoff evaluations are as below: 1. Highways: tigers can have two distinct approaches while negotiating a highway during a passage from the source to the destination habitat patch. They may either choose to move along or through the highway, thus ‘cooperate’ with the existence of the highway and play a strategy C, and thereby run a risk of incurring a very heavy cost to itself, often resulting in fatality, or may choose to avoid the highway and try to look for another possible path to the target habitat patch, and thus play the strategy D. However, in order to reach a rich habitat patch situated diametrically on the opposite side of a highway, the tiger would have no strategic alternative but necessarily has to cross the highway and reach the target patch. On the other hand, the highways always defect with the movements and path choice of tigers, and thus play ALL D. So in summary, in such a scenario as above, the tigers act as non-cooperators and the highways as defectors in the game and thus the net risk score due to highways are given as 5 units. 2. Railways: Very similar to the highways, the rail tracks laid between the corridors incur a risk to the tiger by being present in the landscape matrix, and we assign the factor a risk cost of 5 units to the tiger. 3. Forest cover: This feature, if present in adequacy, acts to benefit the movements of tigers by way of providing shelter, and we assume, prey base during transition through the covers. So the forest covers act as a cooperator to the tigers (that is, play C) and thus add to the benefit and reduce the passage risk cost by an amount of 3 units, or, contributes a quantum of -3 units to the cost incurred by the tiger. 4. Absence of forest cover: when the forest cover is not present between the source and the destination habitat patches in the landscape, then passage through such a matrix enhances the risk for the tiger by acting in essence opposite to tiger’s interest, thereby incurring a cost of 5 units to the transient tiger. To be continued…
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Voice of Nature
Vrushabh Borkar
Introduction Man-animal conflicts are common in various parts of the country. Incidents of man-animal conflict are reported from States/Union Territories of the country. In India, wild elephants probably kill far more people than tiger, leopard or lion. But, surprisingly, human conflict involving leopard draws great amount of public attention compared to other animals. Other carnivores – tigers, lions and wolves known for causing a large number of human deaths in the past, are now mostly restricted in reserves and the impact is not as widespread as that of the leopard. The Government is giving highest priority to mitigate the problem. It supplements financial resources available with the States/ Union Territory Governments by providing limited funds under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of 'Project Tiger', 'Project Elephant' and 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats'. Payment of ex-gratia to the victims of wild animals is the responsibility of the concerned State/ Union Territory Government. Animals like elephant, tiger, leopard, wild dog, monkey, wild boar; nilgai, bear, sambar deer etc. are some of the major animals involved in human-animal conflict in India. Human-wildlife conflict occurs when wildlife requirements encroach on those of human populations, with costs both to residents and wild animals (IUCN 2005). All continents and countries whether developed or developing, are affected by human wildlife conflict (Human Wildlife Conflict in Africa, FAO Forestry Paper 157). The Global scenario in the Human Wildlife Conflict USA Annual Estimate of damage to agriculture producers around US $ 4.5 billion 10 | P a g e
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1.5 million deer – vehicle collisions/ year, Annual Loss – US $ 1.6 billion (Dr. Tara Teel et al, Colorado State University) In Idaho, Montana and Wyoming wolves killed 728 animals (sheep, cattle) between 1987-2001 (Musiani et al, 2003) Europe In France (2007) damage to crops by wild boar and deer amounted to € 23 million. In Slovenia compensation for damage by large predator in 2000-03 exceeded € 706,000. (FAO, F.P. 157) Australia Production losses in 80’s were estimated to be US $ 20 million/ year for South Australia alone. Losses to wool industry estimated at US $ 115 million/year. Kangaroos cause huge damage to crops and compete for forage with sheep. Approx. 9 million kangaroos eliminated each year The Global Scenario China Rural inhabitants of the mountain area of Simao near the XishuangBannar Nature Reserve, claimed that elephants damage reduced the community’s annual income in 2000 by 28 to 48 percent and the total economic losses between 1996 and 1999 amounted to US $ 314,600 (Zang and Wang 2003) Africa Crop damage is the most prevalent form of human wildlife conflict across the African continent. In some semi-arid rural farming areas of Zimbabwe and Kenya, elephant damage to food crops accounts for 75 to 90 percent of all damage caused by large mammals. (Hoare and Mackie 1993) India Almost entire country affected by HWC in varying degrees Major species involved are: Leopard, Wild Boar, Tiger, Wolf, Elephant, Tiger, Beer etc. Gravity of Man-Animal Conflict in India In India, man-animal conflict is seen across the country in a variety of forms, including monkey menace in the urban areas, crop raiding by ungulates and wild pigs, depredation by elephants, and cattle and human killing by tigers and leopards. Damage to agricultural crops and property, killing of livestock and human beings are some of the worst forms of man-animal conflict. The increase in man-animal conflict is likely due to the greater resilience and adaptability of wild animals in face of their shrinking habitats, which allow them to live successfully close to human habitation. Degradation of habitats, depletion of the natural prey base, changing crop patterns, suitability of man-modified habitats to wild animals, presence of stray dogs and cattle in forest fringe areas etc are other reasons. Crops like sugarcane and tea estates are reported to provide excellent cover for wild animals. As per Elephant Census held in 2007-08, estimated population of Elephant in India is 27669-27719. 11 | P a g e
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The Government has initiated a number of strides to address man-beast collision: 1. Providing assistance to State Governments for improvement of habitat to augment food and water availability and to reduce movement of animals from the forests to the habitations. 2. Encouraging State Governments for creation of a network of Protected Areas and wildlife corridors for conservation of wildlife. 3. Awareness programs to sensitize the people about the Do’s and Don’ts to minimize conflicts. 4. Training programs for forest staff and police to address the problems of human-wildlife conflicts. 5. Issuance of guidelines to the State Governments for management of human-leopard conflict. 6. Providing technical and financial support for development of necessary infrastructure and support facilities for immobilization of problematic animals through tranquilization, their translocation to the rescue centers or release back to the natural habitats. 7. Providing assistance to State Governments for construction of boundary walls and solar fences around the sensitive areas to prevent the wild animal attacks. 8. Supplementing State Government resources for payment of ex-gratia to the people for injuries and loss of life in case of wild animal attacks. 9. Empowering the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State/Union Territories to permit hunting of such problematic animals under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 10. Providing assistance to the State Governments for eco-development activities in villages around Protected Areas to elicit cooperation of local community in management of the Protected Areas. 11. Encouraging and supporting involvement of the research and academic institutions and leading voluntary organizations having. Expertise in managing human-wildlife conflict situations. Some devices of Information Technology, viz., radio collars with Very High Frequency, Global Positioning System and Satellite uplink facilities, are being used by the research institutions including Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, State Forest Departments and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to monitor the movement of Lions, Tigers, Elephants, Olive Ridley Turtles, and other wild animals to understand their movements and their use pattern of the habitat. Assistance Provided by MoEFCC to Mitigate Man-Animal conflicts Under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, MoEF has been providing financial and technical assistance to the State/UT Governments for the conservation and management of wildlife including for activities aimed at mitigating man-animal conflicts. Such activities include the creation of appropriate animal barriers (solar, barbed wire and chain link fencing, trenches, walls etc.). In 2015, Centre eases process to declare wildlife vermin: Increasing man-animal conflict that causes damage to crops and other human property has led the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) to ask states to send proposals to declare wild animals vermin for specified period in a given area. Once declared vermin, that particular species can be hunted or culled without restriction. If implemented, it will apply to wild animals listed in various Schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972, other than Schedule I & Part II of Schedule II that lists most endangered and iconic species like tigers, leopards, and elephants. The new advisory will apply to not only nilgais and wild boars that destroy crops but also to animals like wild dogs, chitals, sambars, langurs, and many species of birds that damage crops, they added. 12 | P a g e
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MoEFCC has asked states to send proposals to declare wild animals or herds of them as vermin if they have become dangerous to human life or property, or if they have become so disabled or diseased as to be beyond recovery. While declaring animals as vermin, officials will not have to give any justification to hunt them as is the case with Schedule I animals like tigers and leopards. Despite specific advisories and guidelines from time to time for animals like tiger, leopard, bluebulls etc, the state governments are not equipped to deal with the situation, says MoEFCC. There have been suggestions from many quarters that species like bluebull and wild boar should be put in Schedule V (vermin) of the WPA so their populations can be culled Problems associated: Officials and environmentalists fear that protected species could be hunted in the name of eliminating vermin. They point out it is not easy for field staff to differentiate meat of chital from nilgai or wild boar. Reasons Behind Wild-Human Confrontation: Deforestation Loss of Habitat Decline in Prey Injured or Old Animal Growing Human Population Results of Human Wildlife Conflict: Crop Damage Animal Deaths Loss of Human Life Injuries to People Injuries to Wildlife Livestock Depredation Solutions to Reduce Human-Wildlife Clashes: Fences. Land-Use Planning. Livestock Protection. Avoid stepping out After Dark. Wildlife Management. Immediate intervention and relief for loss of livestock or human life. Most of the suggestions are site specific and need has been felt for construction of latrines for each house hold especially located in remote areas. Withdraw gun licenses in areas of high to medium conflict zones. Conduct Conservation Education program to reduce conflict with leopards and consequences of poaching wild prey species.
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Arnab Basu
In last two parts of this series, we discussed about the distress Hindu religious festivals bring upon environment. Along comes orthodox Christianity (mixed with vested political interests), which indoctrinates people to deny the immediate devastation man-made global warming could cause or is already causing. In this part, we look at global religious and cultural practices that impact the natural habitat and with this respect we focus on some of the Far East countries. These age old Oriental exercises have been abusing environment for centuries together. In Chinese culture, the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar is called “Ghost Day” and the seventh month in general is regarded as the “Ghost Month ( )”, in which ghosts and spirits, including those of the deceased ancestors, come out from the lower realm. Distinct from both the Qingming Festival (in spring) and Double Ninth Festival (in autumn) in which living descendants pay homage to their deceased ancestors, during “Ghost Festival”, the deceased are believed to pay a visit to the living.
鬼月
On the fifteenth day the realms of Heaven and Hell and the realm of the living are set open and both Taoists and Buddhists would perform rituals to transmute and absolve the sufferings of the deceased. Intrinsic to the Ghost Month is veneration of the dead, where traditionally the filial piety of descendants extends to their ancestors even after their death. Activities during the month would include preparing ritualistic food offerings, burning incense, and burning joss paper, a papier-mâché form of material items such as clothes, gold and other fine goods for the visiting spirits of the ancestors. Elaborate meals (often vegetarian meals) would be served with empty seats for each of the deceased in the family treating the deceased as if they are still living. Ancestor worship is what distinguishes Qingming Festival from Ghost Festival because the latter includes paying respects to all deceased, including the same and younger generations, while the former only includes older 14 | P a g e
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generations. Other festivities may include, buying and releasing miniature paper boats and lanterns on water, which signifies giving directions to the lost ghosts and spirits of the ancestors and other deities. Rituals are performed to bring luck to the family by burning colourful joss paper and “hell bank notes”. Ghosts and spirits are believed to finally leave earth on the last day of the month. With the gifts received, they re-enter the underworld and the gates of Hell close. While the ghosts are believed to be appeased, the environment certainly isn’t. Studies conducted in Singapore from 2009 to 2013 took samples of ashes from the burning of joss paper and rainwater. The particulate matter contained 9 metals that are listed among the 188 hazardous air pollutant substances. Inhalation of these elements affects the lungs, kidney, and heart. Rainwater samples showed an increase in sulfuric acid levels (45%), and nitric acid (19%). The study further investigates the impact of the Ghost Month Festival (open burning event) on air quality of several Chinese cities by analysis of the chemical composition of particulate matter (PM) and rainwater samples collected during this event, compared with data collected throughout the year, as well as bottom ash samples from burning the original joss paper and incense. The results showed that the change in the chemical composition of the rainwater and PM2.5 (PM ≤ 2.5 µm) atmospheric samples could be correlated directly with burning events during this festival, with many elements increasing between 18% and 60% during August and September compared to the yearly mean concentrations. The order of percentage increase in elemental composition (in rain water and PM2.5) during the Hungry Ghost Festival is as follows: Zn > Ca > K > Mg > Fe > Al > Na ∼ Mn ∼ Ti ∼ V > Cu > As > Ni > Co > Cd > Cr > Pb. The chemical composition of the original source materials (joss paper and incense for combustion) and their associated bottom ash were analysed to explain the impact of flames on air quality. An inspection of the dataset showed that a similar pattern of increase in the metallic composition in both particulate matter and rain water sample was observed for Ti Kong Dan Day (9thday of Chinese New Year, birthday of the Jade Emperor) and Ching Ming Festival (on the 104th day after the winter solstice or the 15th day from the Spring Equinox, usually occurring around April 4th or 5th of the Gregorian calendar) since residents follow the same custom of making blazing offerings. However, during these two events ignition takes place majorly in the furnaces of the temples. While a large amount of combustion occurs, the impact is much lower than the Hungry Ghost Festival because the furnaces are closed units equipped with filtration systems. A five year continual investigation of rainwater and atmospheric PM2.5 consistently indicated higher concentrations for many elements during August and September, which can be linked to the extensive outdoor fiery events that occur during the Hungry Ghost Festival. The individual elements detected in the PM2.5 over the Hungry Ghost period were 18–60% higher than those of average days. A major study concludes that the pollution generated by open burning of joss paper and incense requires more attention. There is currently a lack of 15 | P a g e
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corroborating information about the impact on air quality and air pollutants emitted from open burning of joss paper and incense burning. Furthermore, there are limited literature reports of evidence for epidemiological links between respiratory disease and skin allergies and burning of incense and joss paper in an indoor or outdoor environment. However, unofficially it has been reported that a greater number of patients seek treatment for ailments such as asthma, eye irritation, and nasal and skin allergies during this festival period. Now, many of us might have watched the film “Jump to Season and quota - Ongoing watch”. Since the release of the film, a large number of activists, mainly non-Japanese, have visited Taiji to protest or film the dolphin hunts. The activists observe and monitor the hunting throughout the hunting season from September until it ends in April. Taiji, a coastal town of 3,500 people in the Japanese prefecture of Wakayama, has a dolphin hunting season from September to March every year. Most of the dolphins are killed for their meat, but many are sold alive to aquariums around the world. This traditional hunting practice of the locals has led to the slaughter of dolphins. Approved by the government, an annual quota of 2000 dolphins and porpoises (of seven different species) have been allocated for the hunt. But conservationist group “Sea Sheperd” reveals that there is a lot more going on than meets the eye. While roughly 800 to 900 are killed per hunt, which can fetch $450 to $500 for dolphin meat, anywhere from a couple of hundred are sold to aquariums around the world, which can fetch over $100,000. Yet the government submitted a pretty weak defence to this! “THE DOLPHIN FISHERY IS AN INDISPENSABLE INDUSTRY FOR THE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO MAKE THEIR LIVING AND IS INTEGRAL TO THE TOWN’S ECONOMIC SURVIVAL. TAIJI DOLPHIN FISHERMAN ARE JUST CONDUCTING A LEGAL FISHING ACTIVITY IN THEIR TRADITIONAL WAY IN FULL ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS AND RULES UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF BOTH THE NATIONAL AND PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT. SUCH CRITICISMS ARE AN UNFAIR THREAT TO THE FISHERMAN’S RIGHTS TO MAKE A LIVING AND OFFEND THE HISTORY AND PRIDE OF THE TOWN” – Wakayama Prefectural Government But the worst part is the way dolphins are made to witness the brutal murders of their families in front of them. Once the dolphins are netted, they are literally wrangled to death, sustaining bloody wounds in the process. Metal rods are then hammered into them so as to penetrate the spinal cord. Dolphins and whales either bleed out from internal injuries or drown in their own blood. Yet the government continues to defend the locals. By likening the killing of dolphins to cows and sheep, activists are accused of hypocrisy for criticising the dolphin hunt. They claim that if this technique is barbaric, so are the techniques used in slaughter houses – and they do have a point. So why aren’t we asking that our own governments shut down these animal food production houses? Now before concluding, let’s look into another culturally rich country of Far East and its ‘contribution’ to ‘curse’ the environment - Smoke billows daily from temples across Taiwan as visitors burn incense and paper money to bring luck and prosperity -- This happens in THE DAJIA MATSU PILGRIMAGE. 16 | P a g e
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This pilgrimage which spans nine days is the biggest religious festivals in Taiwan attracting millions of visitors. The entire pilgrimage starts at the Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung’s Dajia District. The pilgrims then proceed to Singang Township in Chiayi County and then back to the starting point. But what devotees don’t realise is the exposure to hazardous pollutants created by fireworks and burning paper offerings. In this regard, the “Environmental Protection Administration” or EPA, decided to educate its citizens by calling the public to burn offerings at incinerators fitted with pollution control devices. An electric scooter was also fitted with a portable air quality monitor. Further, 3 people each carrying a fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) monitor were asked to join the procession. Results revealed that PM2.5 concentrations of more than 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter were present during the religious festival, especially when firecrackers were burned. According to the EPA, PM2.5 levels above 71 micrograms are considered hazardous. Efforts are now being made to ban fireworks/firecrackers on peak pollution days and eventually switch to electronic displays instead. The potential damage to the environment and to the health of devotees from staggering levels of dangerous particles in the air is leading some temples and festivals to seek alternative -- if less spectacular -- practices, despite resistance from worshippers. Famous temples such as the Taoist Nan Yao in central Changhua city -- one of the island’s largest and oldest temples -- are playing firecracker CDs instead of launching the real thing, as well as encouraging followers to clap hands to create smoke-free noise. The popular Taoist Hsing Tian Kong temple in the capital Taipei has banned worshippers from burning incense, requesting them to only bring their hands together to pray, instead of holding the burning sticks. Other temples are sending paper offerings to be burned at state incinerators so the fumes can be treated. And in New Taipei City, water lanterns that pollute the river have been replaced with a wall of lanterns outside a temple. While the new alternatives may not be quite as atmospheric, activists say it is time for change. “People come to temples to pray for good health, but the way they are worshipping is not healthy,” said Yeh Guang-perng, founder of the environmental group Air Clean for Taiwan. “They might not get sick right away, but long-term exposure would be harmful to their health.” Taoism and Buddhism are the predominant faiths in Taiwan, each with millions of followers and with worship centring on temples and festival events. During a nine-day pilgrimage last month in central Taiwan honouring the Taoist sea-goddess, vigilance of Mazu government revealed levels of harmful microscopic PM2.5 particles. The level reached more than 60 times the World Health Organisation’s recommended levels along the route after multiple firecrackers were set off. Environmental groups have also warned over hazardous chemicals, such as benzene and methylbenzene, released from burning incense and paper money. References: 1. Religion and the Environment, By R. Tanner, C. Mitchell 2. US National Library of Medicine & National Institutes of Health 3. Environmental Science Processes & Impacts - Volume 17 Number 9 September 2015 Pages 1505– 1700, published by Royal Society of Chemistry 4. The Star Online
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Cohabitation
Koushik Mondal
Translated by Anwesha Ghatak from original Bengali. One of my seniors, Mr Sankhasuvra, is a pioneer in protecting the flora and fauna of Jalpaiguri, a district in the northern terrain of West Bengal. I’ve come to know Sankhasuvra (Popularly known as ‘Piyan Da’) intimately through Facebook for long and had his acquaintance when we all were maneuvering against tree poaching in Lataguri. We exchanged phone numbers and vows to fight till finish for our own surroundings. Piyan Da is an expert snake rescuer. And I always cared for those mute, limbless reptiles. I expressed my desire to be part of his rescue mission to Piyan Da. And he took me under his wings, trained and inspired me. I’ve been part of many operations with him, but one particular incident stayed with me which I’ll be thrilled to share with the readers. There is something bone-chilling about the species “Kraits” (Bungarus) and the one that we faced that eventful night was a “Lesser Black Krait” (Bungarus lividus). Around 10.30 or 11 at night, as I was at my usual street corner hanging out with buddies, my phone buzzed. A call from Piyan Da at that hour meant serpents, salvaging serpents. In no time, he picked me up in his bike and we wheeled off the city, driving 2-3 kms interior. When we reached the spot, a residence, the inhabitants were already going gaga, naturally, when there were snakes on the loose, there were two of them. The man of the house described the possible hideout of one snake. With our search lights on, hooks on hands, me and Piyan Da began our search. In no more than 3 minutes we had a sight of that nocturnal creature. Bungarus is a genus of venomous elapid snakes, the Kraits, found in South and Southeast Asia. There are 14 species and five subspecies (excluding nominal) recognized, “Lesser Black Krait” is one of them (locally known as “Krishna Kalach”). Kraits are ophiophagous, preying primarily upon other snakes (including venomous varieties) and are cannibalistic, feeding on other kraits. They will also eat mice and small lizards. 18 | P a g e
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All Kraits are nocturnal. They are more docile during the daylight hours; at night, they become very active, but are not very aggressive even when provoked. They are actually rather timid, and will often hide their heads within their coiled bodies for protection. When in this posture, they will sometimes whip their tails around as a type of distraction. So even after a prolonged effort to bring the lazy viper out, it was comfortably secluded at a corner. But the night had more to offer and we learnt about the second one hiding somewhere else in proximity. As expected this one was resting too, and poking could have caused distress. We decided to take repose as it was already past 1 AM. When we were about to leave the premises, our host excitedly declared that one of the snakes had awakened. We rushed there and followed scientific procedures to catch hold of the venomous viper and put it in a carrier made of jute. It was then released within 100 meters radius of where it was found. If a living snake is forcibly removed from its current habitat and taken far off, it might attack humans and eventually perish. The other snake was not interrupted further and maintained status quo for the night. Later it shall find its way to the nest in the bushes. Mission Lesser Black Krait was accomplished and me and Piyan Da returned home with our hearts filled with excitement and contentment. As a snake rescuer, I would like to appeal generously to everyone to be informed about snake species and their behaviors. These venomous or non-venomous creatures are not mythological, but nature’s own children. Their existence is vital to our eco-system and we must not resort to thoughtless killing. If any snake becomes a threat to our inhabitancies, we should report to wildlife rescuers. They shall guide us to co-habit fearlessly with snakes. Our well-being is entwined with the sustainability of other creatures, even if they are lethal.
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Story Room
Barnali Roy
Translated by Anwesha Ghatak from Original Bengali. The Mangrove forest of “Bhitarkanika”, once the hunting ground of the “Kanika royal family” of Odisha, is an UNESCO World Heritage site at present. Situated in the Indian state of Odisha, by the coast of Bay of Bengal, Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary is a hotspot for eco-tourism, for its perilous beauty that allures travelers across the globe. At the conflux of three major rivers “Baitarani”, “Brahmani” and “Dhamra”, surrounded by premier Mangrove trees, Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary was designated as National Park on 16th September, 1998 and a “Ramsar site” on 19th August 2002. The word “Bhitarkanika” is unified with two Odiya words, “Bhitar” (meaning deep inside) and “Kanika” (meaning irresistibly beautiful). In the district of Kendrapara of Odisha, The national park and wildlife sanctuary is inundated by the rivers Brahmani, Baitarni, Dhamra, Pathsala spreading over 672 sq kms. The national park is home to saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), white crocodile, Indian python, king cobra, black ibis, darters and many other species of flora and fauna. It hosts a large number of mangrove species and is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India. Until the year 1952, the terrain was under the “Zamindar” (landlord) rule. After the abolition of “Zamindar Raj”, the elected state Government of Odisha procured the land and hence the formation of Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary. The water passages through Vitarkanika and herpetofauna there might remind a traveller of Amzonia then the mangroves standing as vanguards will strike as an unique experience. 145 sq kms of radius, maintained by Indian National Guards, is the core area of Bhitarkanika National Park adorned by 60 diverse species of Mangrove trees. And the harbor is a haven for saltwater crocodiles often sighted basking in the sun. The most famous is the “Estuarine crocodiles”, 20 | P a g e
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up to 20 to 24 feet long when fully grown. White crocodiles locally known as “Gori” are aplenty. I glimpsed at them lazing on the levee from the boat, as if I was watching a program in television on National Geographic Channel. But they were real, not even in an enclosure of zoo; they were out in the open, free and relaxed. Some of the reptiles, big or small were quite energetic and with the slightest intrusion of a noisy vessel, they crawled back to the river with a splash in the water. If one waits patiently, might spot a gharial, black spotted deer, wild boar, sea gull, brahminy kite, mud skipper, hyena or monkeys and kingfishers etc., some of the faunas found in the area. The wild watches us discretely and curiously as we try to spot them, all we need is to tune in the silence of the jungle. From “Chandbali”, motor cruises will take explorers to the interior of Bhitarkanika, a voyage of around one and a half hours through the water bodies. Among many entrances of the National Park, “Gupti Gate” is widely popular. Like “Sundarban”, watercrafts were available on the clock and the journey would transfix the wanderers with striking visuals. Piercing through the creeks, one will come face-to-face with the bewitching abundance of Bhitarkanika. The Mangrove forest is divaricated into three parts; Bhitarkanika National Park, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. With coast on one side, rivers and creeks on the other, bhitarkanika is a dense forest. Hardly glistened by sun or moon beams, Bhitarkanika is an unlit terrain, only solar and lunar interferences are during low and high tides. Permits to enter the reserve are obtained at the forest office near the entrance. While passing by the narrow bays, one can easily witness crocodiles lounging on the banks or a perplexed deer coming out of the woods and listen to the symphony of the birds. During spring the trees would wear colors and the aroma of the flowers would intoxicate the air. Enjoying the spectacles of the lush green island, I arrived at the center of attraction, “Dangmal”, the forest bungalow. An overnight stay at that premise was thrilling and by the nightfall I was entertained by the concerts of all nocturnal creatures. From the closed balcony, I searched for birds, which were awake in darkness, waiting to prey. The calmness of the night, the backdrop of pitch black forest daunted a city dweller like me and shall linger in my memory till eternity. I shall escape from my neon-lit lifestyle more often. There’s a crocodile breeding center inside the park. The park has sustained natural saltwater habitat for crocodiles to breed appositely. In the year 2006, a giant crocodile from Bhitarkanika was enlisted in “The Guinness Book Of world Records”. The massive reptile was over 23 feet tall, weighing over whopping 2000 kgs and was certified as the biggest saltwater crocodile. The park hosts a museum to preserve the mummified bodies or skeletons of the crocs which met with natural deaths. Also specimens of eggs of crocodiles, pythons along with few other living organisms are displayed in the museum. I decided to take a tour surrounding 21 | P a g e
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Dangmal and hiking three kms into the jungle took me to an age old “Shiva temple”. I was pleasantly surprised en route, with sun playing hide and seek with the clouds and occasional drizzle mystified my path through the thick forest. There was never a dull moment in the jungle; my heart was content that I took the walk. The roots of the Mangrove trees were older than the temple and deeply connected to the soul of the soil. The temple was built during the medieval period and the architecture was praiseworthy. Other debris was visible reminiscing the past, probably remains of a miniature fort, built for the sake of hunting wild animals. There was a lotus pond near the ruins and watchtowers in the vicinity. After crossing muddy roads, I climbed up a tower for bird-watching. Different migratory birds from faraway places were making all sorts of calls; I viewed them from the top as they carried on their daily chores. The nearest coastline in Bhitarkanika is the “Gahirmatha beach” which separates mangrove plants from Bay of Bengal and it is the refuge of Olive Ridley sea turtles. These globally famous turtles are vulnerable in nature and conserving them is crucial to our eco system. These sea animals start migrating in November and from mid January to initial days of February the females start hatching. Tourists flock to the beach during the hatching season to witness those magnificent members of the sea, few works as volunteers for the well being of the turtles. Numerous red crabs, inhabitants of seasand frequently surface on the beach. First ten days in January, tourism in Bhitarkanika remains closed due to census of crocodile population density. Enthusiasts should be well informed before scheduling visitation to this park. “Gahirmatha marine wildlife sanctuary”, formed in the year 1979 extends 705 meters in the sealine. Olive Ridley sea turtles, emanating from parts of Australia, southern Africa and New Zealand, swimming thousands of miles across Pacific Ocean, find their way to Gahirmatha beach, to take rest, form nest and incubate. Since ages these turtles traverse from their place of origin to breed in a foreign land. They start assembling in this tranquil seaboard beginning of November and after mating each female turtle hatch 100 to 180 eggs. With successful breeding, these pleased sea animals swim back to the Pacific Ocean from Bay of Bengal and retreat to their respective habitats. Surprisingly the babies, fresh out of eggs follow in the footsteps of their parents and swim thousands of miles past seas and oceans. After all Mother Nature is the greatest instructor and we all are her pupils. And facts are far more mysterious than fictions. The curious case of Olive Ridley sea turtle, leaving their natural habitat only to fortify newer generations in the seclusion of Gahirmatha beach is fascinating. The new mothers carefully hide their eggs in the depth of sand. But the carnivores of the land sometimes dig out the eggs and feed on them. A great number of turtles end up in the fishing net of trawlers or boats and suffocate. To protect these key species, the zone is now under the defense of Coast-guards. Tourism here is closely monitored nowadays and fishing is disallowed during November 1st till May 31st. From here I began an excursion to “Kalibhanja Island” again down the rivers, miles after miles on a water vessel, moving away from the brinks was awesome. Dancing deer in the Woodland, mischievous monkeys, some apathetic, some enthusiastic crocodiles, seasonal plantations were few notable findings through the passage. Crocodiles on both the edges were occasionally accompanied by other cold-blooded creatures, such as gharials and monitors. The mirror image of clouds and mangrove trees in the water was a bonus in the clear light of the day. Bhitarkanika is one of the best places on earth to admire the enchantress of mangrove forest. The closer you get to the heart of the jungle, the more you yearn, like a seductress Bhitarkanika tantalizes your senses. The captain of the boat is your only mate in this boundless landscape. In close proximity the mansion of the rulers, the Kanika Royal family and the village “Shiaria” of the ruled are situated, under the same blue sky. Idol of a tribal goddess “Khora Khai” particularly caught my attention. Village households here do not use hinges on doors, till date. The kingdom of Kanika is uncanny and imprints your mind profoundly.
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How to reach: Nearest station is Bhadrak in the south-eastern track of Indian railways. Chandbali by the banks of river Baitarani is 55 kms away from Bhadrak. From here we can venture into Bhitarkanika crossing the rivers. “Khola” chekhpost is a ride of an hour and a half. Also “Jaynagar Jetty” is 18 kms by road from Chandbali. Khola checkpost is only 15 minutes away from the jetty. Where to stay: For overnight stay, there is “Panthanivas” guest house by OTDC (Odisha Tourism Development Corporation) and other accommodations in Chandbali. There are handful of private hotels near Khola checkpost and Jaynagar jeti. “Dangmal” is the only state run forest bungalow at the heart of Bhitarkanika national park and bookings are done through the eco tourism site of Odisha Government. The best way to explore Bhitarkanika is to reserve packages offered by state and central Government sponsored tour operators. The packages are hassle free and secured which include lodging, food, boat transit and sight-seeing. Things to remember: Bhitarkanika and Dangmal are open for all adventure seekers from 7 Am to 3 PM. During the season of crocodile census, from 2nd till 8th February, tourism in the park does not operate. 1st May to 31st July in the scorching heat of summer, the park remains shut. Best time to visit Bhitarkanika: The peak tourism season in Bhitarkanika is from October to February. Special mentions: While visiting any national park, identity proofs are mandatory as we require permits to gain access in the core areas. Wearing flashy fabrics is strictly prohibited while in a jungle safari. Covered sleeves, shabby clothes will help in camouflage and be in sync with the wild habitat.
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