FLORA Fauna AT 3 MOTILAL NEHRU PLACE, LUTYENS DELHI
DELHI
Project Director – Lima Rosalind Product Designers – Vipul Desai, Charu Rathore Research and Writing – Lima Rosalind, Aarti Verma Photographs- Mukund Thakkar (Birds), Sharad Aggrawal (Indian flying fox with kid) Paintings of Flora: Zakir Hussain Book Design – Sibya Rosalyn Narayan Copies available at the Department of Environment, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi © Frangipani, April 2013 Produced by: Frangipani for the Department of Environment, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi www.frangipani.org.in This publication was supported by the Department of Environment, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi
FLORA Fauna AT 3 MOTILAL NEHRU PLACE, LUTYENS DELHI
“When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and seeds of hope.� - Prof. Wangari Maathai, Founder of the Green Belt Movement
You will find something far greater in the woods than you will find in the books. Stones and trees will teach you that which you will never learn from masters - St.Bernard
Nature provides inspiration and teaches us how to smell, taste, listen, recreate, study, identify and express ourselves. All of us are born with an interest in the world about us.The Nature trail will instill in the various visitors a spirit of scientific enquiry, enhance their skills of observation and most importantly to create an understanding about the green environs that they are in. The trail will enable them to learn about different trees, birds, insects, mammals and their relationship with each other. We trust you enjoy this trail as much as we have enjoyed putting it all together.
Lima Rosalind Conservation Education, Interpretation Professional
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Department of Environment, Govt. of NCT of Delhi has a exclusive planned scheme called Eco-clubs for schools and colleges of Delhi. The objective of the programme is to sensitize the students on various environmental issues. These Eco-clubs have been set up in 2000 schools and colleges of Delhi as of now. The students of Eco-clubs have been visiting the nature trail twice a week since 2006. We are indebted to the Department of Environment and Forests, Government of NCT of Delhi for financial support to renew the nature trail and publication of this field guide.The support of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, whose love for the outdoors has made this nature trail an enhanced experiential tool, needs special mention for she has always been a source of inspiration.Inputs & suggestions received from Mr. Sanjiv Kumar, IAS, Secretary (Environment & Forests) and Mr. Sandeep Mishra, Addl. Secy., Dr. Anil Kumar, Director, and Dr. B. C. Sabata, Senior Scientific Officer from Department of Environment for improvement of this field guide and other signages are duly acknowledged. We use this occasion to express our gratitude to all contributors who allowed us to use their pictures/drawings so generously. Credits, wherever due, has been given for the pictures and drawings used for this booklet.
CONTENTS
What is outdoor education?
7
Green Canopy Nature Trail
9
Trees
11
Shrubs
22
Birds Bats
29
43
Field Notes
44
Map
47
What is Outdoor Education? Tomorrow's leaders need to be equipped for tomorrow's challenges, and we must adequately prepare our children for the future they will inherit. That requires a commitment to providing children with environmental education that helps them become the educated thought leaders of tomorrow.
BREAKING THE INDOOR HABIT
India is in the midst of one of the most profound and rapid societal shifts in history. Today's generation of children is the first to grow up indoors. Their plugged-in lives are often devoid of exploring the natural world. Consider these facts. Indian children ages 3 -12 spend 27 percent of their time each week watching television, and only 1 percent outdoors. Children ages 8 – 18 engaged in over seven hours of media time (e.g., watching TV, listening to music, using the Internet/computer, playing video games) each day Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of Indian children and adolescents aged 2—19 years were obese in 2008. In 2000 two-thirds of the public failed a basic environmental quiz and 88 percent failed a basic energy quiz. This movement indoors is not benign; there are costs to the health of our children: attention difficulties, hyperactivity, childhood obesity, diminished use of senses, disconnect from things that are real. Additionally, if children are detached from nature, how will they learn about, understand, and value nature? How will the next generation care about the land and be stewards of its resources? Raising an environmentally literate generation of problem solvers will help ensure that tomorrow’s decision-makers are prepared for the challenges they will likely face. Studies have shown environmental education engages students in learning, raising test scores, and encouraging youth to pursue career in environmental and natural resources.
BENEFITS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Raising an environmentally literate generation of problem solvers will help ensure that tomorrow’s decision-makers are prepared for the challenges they will likely face. Studies have shown environmental education engages students in learning, raising test scores, and encouraging youth to pursue career in environmental and natural resources. Studying EE Creates Enthusiastic Students, Innovative Teacher-Leaders - EE offers opportunities for rich, hands-on, real world and relevant learning across the curriculum EE Helps Build Critical Thinking, and Relationship Skills - Environment-based education emphasizes specific critical thinking skills central to “good science”—questioning, investigating, forming hypotheses, interpreting data, analyzing, developing conclusions, and solving problems EE Instructional Strategies Help Foster Leadership Qualities - Environmental education emphasizes cooperative learning (i.e., working in teams or with partners), critical thinking and discussion, hands-on activities, and a focus on action strategies with real-world applications. Self Control/Self Discipline Benefits for Children with ADD - Taylor and her colleagues found that children with attention-deficit disorder (ADD) benefited from more exposure to nature –the greener a child’s everyday environment, the more manageable are the symptoms of ADD Increased Focus/Improved Cognition - Wells observed that proximity to nature, access to views of nature, and daily exposure to natural settings increases the ability of children to focus and improves cognitive abilities. Health Benefits - At the school environment level it is observed that children who experience school grounds or play areas with diverse natural settings are more physically active, more aware of good nutrition, more creative, and more civil to one another.
HOW GREEN CANOPY MAKES A DIFFERENCE Schools are a place to teach students about complex environmental issues, preparing them to be good stewards for the environment. Our schools need more encouragement, resources, and time to devote attention to environmental education. They need funding and other support to train teachers to incorporate environmental education into their everyday lesson plans and to develop the confidence and skills to take their students outdoors to learn. Green canopy bridges this gap by training interpreters who will facilitate the outdoor learning of school children. Green Canopy interpretation programme uses the outdoors as an “educational tool “and provides an experiential learning to its visitors.
GREEN CANOPY NATURE TRAIL The Green Canopy Nature trail was born out of an opportunity to interpret the existing resources within the environs of 3 Motilal Nehru Place. The Indian fruit bats of which there are a thousand that have made this their home provided an idyllic opening to create an interpretative programme. A visitor Centre which talks about the green environs of the Chief Minister’s residence, a nature trail which uses the outdoor as an education tool, a touch screen which aided in our resolve to make information available at a touch, signages of trees and shrubs and a machan where children experience a view from the top were positioned, that they be acquainted with and venerate nature in all its myriad forms. The outdoor classroom can be a lawn, vacant lot, school yard, a park, wilderness preserve, nature centre or even a garden. The outdoor classroom is exciting, inspiring, constantly changing and a great teacher. Start at the beginning of this trail and experience the various elements on this trail. Plants, birds, and insects are known by various common names. Latin (scientific) names are used worldwide. Nature will provide you inspiration and will teach you how to smell, taste, listen, recreate, study, identify and express yourself.
TREES PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN HUMAN LIFE AND HUMAN EVOLUTION Lots of trees in the community means shade, cooler climate, pleasing surroundings and a soothing effect on the mind. Trees enhance property values and shops sell more in shaded streets o
Trees cool down the air outside (5-10 C) and especially inside houses when shaded by trees. Trees will bring deep water to the surface; they help recharge ground water and sustain stream flow. Trees prevent and/or reduce erosion of soil and cleanse water pollution. Trees provide a home for many animals and helps biodiversity.
Trees planted as windbreaks significantly increase crop yields and stresses such as wind, heat, and topsoil and moisture loss are also reduced. Intercropping with Leguminous trees might more than double agricultural output. Over a 50-year life span, a single tree will produce about Rs. 1.5 lakhs in oxygen, recycle Rs. 1.8 lakhs worth of water, and clean up Rs. 3 lakhs worth of air pollution – a Rs. 7 lakhs value per tree, excluding other financial and enjoyment factors.
TREES GUAVA
Psidium guajava
The Guava tree is small and semi- evergreen. It is a very hardy tree and thrives inboth humid and dry climates. It is also one of the preferred commercial crops. The reddish brown bark peels off to reveal a smooth white or greenish under-bark. It has long leaves and small white, fragrant flowers. The fruit is round or pear-shaped and soft and creamy when ripe. It has a sweet musky aroma and comes in a variety of colors. Each fruit has numerous tiny, semi-hard edible seeds. Guavas are rich in potassium and Vitamin C and A. It is said to be the healthiest fruit as it has anti-ageing and cancer preventive properties and is good for the digestive system. It is used to make chutneys, jellies and beverages.
JAMUN
Syzygium cumini
The Jamun tree lives a 100 years! It is native to India and its bordering countries.The Jamun fruit is oblong in shape and turns from green, to pink to shining crimson black as it ripens. It has a single seed and soft dark purple skin and a lighter purple flesh.The fruit is sweet and astringent.They are a good source of iron and are used to make Jams, jellies, squashes, vinegar, juices, beverages, pickles and wine. Its wood is exceptionally strong and water resistant. Hence, it is used to make railway sleepers, bullock cart wheels and furniture. The bark, leaves, seeds and fruits are used in preparation of Ayurveda, Unani and Chinese medicines.
Fruit
Fruit
Flower
SOAPNUT
Sapindus trifoliatus
Commonly called the Soapnut tree, because the fruit pulp is used to make soap. The generic name is derived from the Latin words saponis, meaning "soap", and indicus, meaning "of India". Soapnuts contain saponins which are a natural foaming agent. They are increasingly popular as a nontoxic laundry detergent. In Ayurvedic medicine it is use to treat eczema, psoriasis, and for removing freckles. Soapnut can now combat mosquito-borne diseases. Kernel extracts of soapnut disrupt the activity of enzymes of larvae and pupae and inhibit the growth of Aedes aegypti, a mosquito that spreads viral diseases such as yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya. Sapindus species are used as food plants by the larvae of some moths and butterflies species.
JUNGLE JALEBI
Fruit
Flower
Pithecellobium dulce
Jungle Jalebi, pods are eaten for their sweetish pulp, which is eaten raw, roasted or made into lemonade. The seeds are black. It is native to Mexico, Central America, and Venezuela. It has naturalized in India and Africa and considered a pest in Hawaii. It is commonly referred to as Jungle Jalebi because of the tightly coiled pods. The leaves and pods are excellent animal fodder. The wood is strong and used to make agricultural implements, crates or cheap furniture. It is drought resistant and can survive in dry lands from sea level to an elevation of 300 m (980 ft), making it suitable for cultivation as a street tree.
Fruit
GOOLAR
Ficus glomerrata
The Goolar is an attractive deciduous fig tree with a crooked trunk and an open spreading crown. It grows naturally near streams and ponds, in moist clay like soils. Then the leaves remain evergreen. The flowers are pollinated by fig-wasps. Red furry figs grow directly out of the trunk in large clusters. They change colour from green to red as they mature, and are a favourite food of the Common Indian Macaque! Parts of the tree are used in traditional healing and the leaves make an excellent fodder. The fig is used to treat stomach disorders and also consumed as a vegetable when raw. The wood is considered sacred and is used for Hindu yagnas
SEMAL
Bombax ceiba
Semal is a large tropical tree, commonly known as cotton tree. This tree is widely planted in parks and on roadsides because of its large beautiful flowers which are usually red, coral, white or turmeric in colour. The petals are fleshy and have a waxy texture. It has a straight tall trunk and its leaves are deciduous in winter. Its branches grow in tiers radiating from the trunk like the ribs of an umbrella. The fruit is a woody capsule that splits open containing white fibres like cotton. Can you see the bats? They are its chief pollinators! The Semal stem is used in traditional medicine to treat stomach disorders. The leaves and twigs are lopped for fodder while the fallen flowers are eaten by squirrels, deer and other wild animals. The wood is light and is used for making shoe heels.
Fruit
Fruit
Flower
GULMOHUR
Delonix regia
Also known as the flame tree/ royal Poinciana/firetree/flamboyant. The Gulmohur tree is popular because of the beauty of its flowers. Orange, red and maroon flowers cover the entire tree from April onwards making a striking sight! It is from Madagascar! It belongs to the Pea family and grows well in tropical conditions and dry areas near the sea. It has a straight slender trunk and smooth ash-grey bark. The shallow spread out roots, do not allow other growth nearby. It has fern-like leaves. The wood is white and soft. It is used for making ornaments. The flowers and buds are used for flavoring food.
PUTRANJIVA
Flower Fruit
Drypetes roxburghi
Commonly known as Child-life tree, lucky bean tree, wild olive, putajan,jiaputa & juti. Putranjiva is a medium-sized evergreen tree belonging to theamla/castor family. It has drooping branches and shiny dark green leaves. You may not be able to see the flowers as are theyare very tiny and without petals. It is considered to be the best evergreen hedgeof all Indian plants! The bark, leaves and fruits are used in traditional medicine to treat fevers and rheumatism and the leaves make good cattle fodder. The stones inside the fruit are used to make rosaries and necklaces to ward off evil and maintain good health.
Fruit
Flower
SILVER OAK
Grevillea robusta Fruit
This tall, semi- evergreen tree is a native of Australia and is easily recognized because of its deep-green fern-like leaves that have a silvery underside. This is a very popular ornamental tree as it has goldenorange bottlebrush like blossoms that look stunning! The fruit of this tree are peculiar looking, and resemble little black tadpoles! You will find birds, bats and insects visiting the tree for its nectar-laden flowers. The tree was introduced in India as a shade giving tree and was planted in tea plantations. The timber is used for building and construction purposes.
MAGNOLIA
Magnolia grandiflora
Also known as ‘Champa’, this tree is native to India, Indonesia and other neighbouring areas. This is a large evergreen tree with a tapering crown with ascending branches. The leaves are deep-green and leathery. You must have seen its small white flowers...how do they smell? The flower has an extremely heady fragrance and is very popular. They are used in religious offerings and have been a part of our culture since time immemorial. Did you know? The Champa flowers are used to make the world’s most expensive perfume called ‘JOY’ and it is made in America.
Flower
Fruit
Flower
NEEM
Azadiarachta indica
The Neem is an evergreen with a short trunk and dense canopy,hence it is an excellent shade tree that can withstand strong winds. It is hardy and can grow in sandy soils, so has anti-desertification properties. It has small serrated leaves that are bitter, tiny white flowers with a pleasant scent and a light green olive-like fruit. It has great medicinal value. The twig is used as a tooth brush. Its juice is a mouth freshener and germicide. Neem oil is used in skin care products. The leaves are used for treating measles and chicken-pox. The Neem is considered life-giving and sacred, as it is believed to be the abode of disease regulating goddesses!
KASSOD
Cassia siamea
Kassod is a mid-sized, deciduous tree with a dense crown of glossy leaves. The tree belongs to the pea family and bears clusters of yellow flowers. It grows well in light, well-drained soils and is drought-hardy. The bark is grey with parallel streaks. The fruit is a flat narrow pod with bulges where the seeds are. Kassod is used extensively for rehabilitation of degraded lands. Its medicinal properties are used for treatment of ailments related to intestines and diabetes. It is a fodder, but toxic to some animals!The wood produces good quality charcoal and the bark is used for tanning.
Fruit
Flower
Fruit
Flower
Flower
DEVILS TREE
Alstonia scholaris
Alstonia the generic name commemorates a distinguished botanist Prof. C. Alston. The specific name Scholaris refers to the fact that the timber of this tree has traditionally been used to make wooden slates for school children. The bark is used solely for medicinal purposes, ranging from malaria ,fever , dysentery and epilepsy to skin conditions and asthma. “A leaf of the Saptparni adorning the certificates of graduates of the Shantiniketan University, West Bengal became a practice ever since Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister attended a convocation as the chief guest, which was as usual held under the shade of this very tree. The tribals in Western Ghats are scared to pass or sit under this tree for fear of the Devil, as this tree is considered the abode of the Devil.
FRANGIPANI
Fruit
Flower
Plumeria alba
Frangipani is one of the most exotic and widely grown flowering deciduous trees. It’s sweet scented flowers, rich colorful blossoms and lush green leaves make it a center of attraction in any garden landscape. They shed leaves in winter to reveal its fat limbs which usually grow at the ends of branches. Because of its extra ordinary ability to produce leaves and flowers after it has been lifted from the soil, Frangipani is usually related to immortality. For this reason, it can be commonly seen growing in graveyards and temples in India and Pakistan. Its flowers are also used in temples in Sri Lanka and India. The milky sap from its trunk is used in the treatment of rheumatism. When used with sandalwood oil and camphor, the milky sap relieves itching. The bark is used in relieving fever, healing sores and reducing tumors.
Flower
Flower
BAMBOO
Bambuseae
Do you know Bamboo is actually a grass and not a woody plant? Also called Tree Grasses, they originated in Asia. During monsoons, new shoots emerge from underground in the form of cone-like buds that are wrapped over by strong, sharppointed sheaths. The shoot inside it is tender. The stem of the tree is round, even and hollow and has no branches. The leaves are dark green and glittery. Bamboo has important medicinal properties and is used to treat wounds, stomach and respiratory disorders. Bamboo shoots are served as a delicacy in various parts of the world and are used to make pickles, syrups and candies. It is also used extensively to make furniture and houses as it is cheap, durable, sturdy and light. It is an ecofriendly renewable resource.
INDIAN TRUMPET TREE
Fruit
Flower
Orxylum indicum
This tree is a night-bloomer and is pollinated naturally by bats! A medium sized deciduous tree, it is often grown for its ornamental value. It has greyish brown bark and huge leaves and the flowers are reddish- purple outside, and pale pink-yellow inside. The fruits are long pods that hang down from branches and are broad and sword-shaped. It is also called the Broken Bones Tree as after the large leaf stalks wither, they fall off the tree and collect near the base of the trunk, appearing to look like a pile of broken limb bones. The roots are used to cure colic and stomach disorders while the paste of its bark is applied for the cure of scabies and to treat arthritis. The Fruits are useful in treating cough, jaundice, cholera etc. And the seeds yield non-drying oil used in perfume industry.
Fruit
Flower
POMEGRANATE
Punica granatum
Commony known as Anar. Pomegranate derives its name from Latin pōmum "apple" and grānātum "seeded”. Native to Iran and Iraq, today it is widely cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, the Middle East, northern Africa, Indian subcontinent and South east Asia. Pomegranate is grown as a fruit crop plant, and as ornamental trees and shrubs in parks and gardens. The rind of the fruit and the bark of the pomegranate tree are used as traditional remedy against diarrhea, dysentery and intestinal parasites. Pomegranate seeds and juice are considered a tonic for the heart and throat. The juice is also used as eye drops as it is believed to slow the development of cataracts.
Fruit
Flower
CYCAD TREE
Cycas circinalis
Do you know why this is called a fossil plant? Because these palm like trees have existed since the time of Dinosaurs! Amazing, isn’t it? The trunk is usually unbranched and rough. The trunk throws out bulbils form which new plants can be propagated. Leaves are like palm. There are no flowers in the real sense, but male and female parts are produced on separate trees. The male part is a cone, brownish in colour made up of hundreds of units bearing pollen. The female structures take the form of a crown of fleshy, stumpy leaves bearing ovules on the sides. The seeds when ripe are pink to red about the size of a hen’s egg. It is a popular tree cultivated in parks and gardens.
Fruit: Female
Flower: Male Cone
DHAK
Butea monosperma
Palash, Tesu or Parrot tree, this medium –sized tropical tree is a native of Madagascar. It is a fast growing tree, having a crooked trunk with velvety, dark olive green branches and soft and thick pale green leaves. It is best known for its majestic canopy of deep vermillion red flowers that look spectacular and are traditionally used for colour in the festival of Holi and also used for worship and medicine. This tree has great medicinal value in Ayurveda and is used to cure various ailments. The most useful product from the tree is the red gum from the stems used for tanning leather. The seeds also contain a gum that is used in food and textile industry. It is home to the lac insect.
GUM KARAYA
Sterculia urens
A bushy deciduous tree, it is famous for the many uses of the gum derived from it. Also called the “Ghost Tree” due to its whitish bark glowing in the dark…it feels like the tree standing with hands towards the sky. It has large spreading branches with a thick, smooth greyish or reddish bark having a white transparent outer coat that peels off in papery flakes. Flowers are small and greenish yellow in colour. They are covered with stinging hairs called ‘urens’. The fruits are red when ripe, covered outside with many stiff bristles. The gum extracted from the tree is used in foodstuffs as emulsifiers, stabilizers and thickeners. It is used in the paper industry to make light weight paper and also in textile printing. Its seeds are eaten after roasting.
Fruit
Flower
Flower
KATSAGAON
Fernandoa adenophyllum
The Katsagon tree is a deciduous, fastgrowing, tall, tree with coarse, feathercompound leaves. It is native to the forests in north-east India and south-east Asia.It thrives in lim -July. They bloom at night and are pollinated by small bats! The fruit is green, long, curly and cylindrical, twisting and curling as it matures – looks like a snake! It has a ribbed and woolly texture with a rust coloured flower cup at its base.The bark is ashy grey or pale brown, frequently with deep vertical splits as if raked by a giant claw! The tree is used to make furniture, fishing rods and medicines to ease muscular pain.
PEEPAL
Fruit
Flower
Ficus religiosa
The Peepal tree is a large, fast growing, long living,deciduous tree from the Mulberry or fig family. It thrives in hot, humid weather growing in any type of soil. The leaves are heart shaped, with long narrowing tips that clatter noisily in the breeze. Figs grow in pairs and are red at first, turning deep purple as they ripen.The flowers are pollinated by fig-wasp. The bark is light gray and peels in patches. The juice of the leaves, bark and roots is used in medicines to cure wounds, gastric and dental problems. The Peepal is considered sacred. It is believed that Buddha gained enlightenment under this tree, so, it is known as the ‘Bodhi Tree or the ‘tree of enlightenment’.The tree is also considered to be home to the Trinity of Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Fruit
SHRUBS KARAUNDA
Carissa carrandas
Karaunda is a very tangy berry sized fruit. Its colour ranges from green to red. It thrives well in a wide range of soils because of its very hardy, drought-tolerant quality. Flowering starts in March and the fruit ripens from July to September in north India. It is commonly grown as a hedge. Karaunda is a rich source of iron and contains someVitamin C. It is used in the treatment of anaemia. It is eaten raw and pickled. The mature fruit contains a high amount of pectin, therefore, it is also used for making jam, squash, chutney etc.
JASMINE
Fruit
Flower
Jasminum
Jasmine is a sweet scented flower that has arrived in India from China. It is a climber belonging to the olive family. The tree has a crooked trunk and fleshy branches. The flowers are cream or white in colour with yellow centre. Its leaves can be both evergreen and deciduous. Jasmine is called ‘moonshine in the garden’ and the plant is a symbol of peace and purity. It has medicinal properties. Its oil is used in cosmetics and perfumes. Jasmine tea is said to have calming properties. The flowers are used as religious offerings and women wear the flowers in their hair.
Flower
AROOWHEAD PLANT
Syngonium
A Bushy common houseplant , Syngonium is native to tropical rain forests in Mexico, Central and South America. It also is a climbing plant that reaches 5-10 meters or more in height when climbing larger trees. They have leaves that change shape according to the plant's stage of growth, and adult leaf forms are often much more lobed than the juvenile forms usually seen on small house plants. It reproduces vegetatively in the wild, and is propagated and spread by cuttings in cultivation. The 'flowers' consist of an elongated whitish spike that is surrounded by a creamy-white to greenish structure. The fleshy fruit are red to reddish-orange in colour and usually hidden.
BHENDI
Abelmoschus esculentum
Bhendi is a very popular vegetable, grown all over the country. It requires a hot and humid climate and well-drained soil. The plant grows to a height of 2 metres. Its leaves are long, broad and lobed. The flowers are white or yellow with a purple center. The fruit is capsule-like and contains numerous seeds with a slimy texture. Bhendi is rich in vitamin A and C, iron, calciumand iodine. It is used to cook a variety of side dishes. A good source of fibre, it aides in digestion, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is used for treating goitre. The fibre is also used in the paper industry.
Flower
Flower
Flower
Fruit
FIREBUSH
Haemilia patens
Flower
Commonly known as Scarlet bush, Hummingbird bush and Muna. Firebush is a small, fastgrowing flowering evergreen shrub; named after its bright reddish-orange tubular flowers which grow in clusters. The flower stems too are red in color! This makes it a favoured ornamental hedge. The shrub attracts a variety of butterflies, insects and sunbirds too! The fruit is an edible juicy berry with numerous tiny seeds that ripen from green to yellow to red and finally to black. The Firebush has many medicinal uses. Pink colour extracted from the plant is used in dyeing. The fruit is used to make syrups and wine.
BANANA
Musa sapientum paradisiaca
Banana is amongst the most cultivated plant species. The size and shape makes the plant look like trees. Instead of wood the trunk is made up of layers of leaves placed in circles! It is tropical and grown throughout the country. As green bananas turn yellow, the starch in the fruit turns into three naturalsugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose that give an instant energy boost. Bananas are a rich source of vitamins B6 and C, carbohydrates and potassium. They are eaten both as a fruit and vegetable! They are considered a symbol of prosperity and are used as decorations and disposable plates in festivals and weddings.
Fruit
Flower
LUCKY BAMBOO
Dracena
Flower
Dracaena sanderiana is a species of the genus. Dracaena, named after the German-English gardener Henry Frederick Conrad Sander. It grows as under storey plants in rainforests. It is native to Cameroon in tropical west Africa. It is marketed in the developed world as a Chinese decorative plant "Lucky Bamboo" (although unrelated to Bamboo and not native to Asia), propagated from short cuttings, usually in water.– Also called Rainbow plant, the name is derived from Greek word Drakaina meaning “female dragon". It is a very popular tropical house plant and grown for its ornamental value. Majority of the Dracaena species are native to Africa, southern Asia, and Central America.
SHOE FLOWER
Flower
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
It is a bushy, evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy leaves and solitary, brilliant red flowers in summer and autumn. It is native to East Asia. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia, called Bunga Raya "big flower" in Malay. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant throughout the tropics and subtropics. Hibiscus flower are used for hair care. The flowers are used to shine shoes in parts of India. In Indonesia, these flowers are called "kembang sepatu", which literally means "shoe flower".The tea is popular as it contains vitamin C and minerals, and is used traditionally as a mild medicine.
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Flower
RANGOON CREEPER
Quizquails indica
Commonly known as Burma Creeper, Chinese Honeysuckle and Scarlet Rangoon. A very colorful and quick growing creeper, it has pink or white flowers when fresh, but turns red the next day! Sometimes, you can see all three colours together! It is a constant bloomer; the flowers are trumpet-shaped and give out an extremely sweet smell at night. Rich in nectar they attract bees and butterflies. The plant displays odd growth habits. It starts as a shrub then taking support from other trees or walls, turns into a woody creeper. It is therefore, also called quizqualisindica meaning ‘What is that?’ in Latin. The roots, flowers, leaves, seeds and fruits, are used in traditional medicines to treat ailments like diarrhea and rheumatism.
CURRY TREE
Murraya koenigii
Commonly known as curry leaves,Kadi patta,Meetha Neem. The leaves of the curry plant are aromatic and highly valued as seasoning in southern, west-coast and Sri Lankan cooking, especially in curries. The leaves, bark and root of the plant are used in the Ayurvedic medicine. They are much valued as an antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. It also helps prevent premature hair greying. The Common Mormon and Swallow tail butterflies are partial to curry leaves. The plant is native to India and is found up to an altitude of 1500 mtrs. It is cultivated mainly in homesteads but to a certain extent on a plantation scale.
Fruit
Flower
Fruit
IXORA
Ixora coccinea
Ixora is a common flowering shrub native to Southern India and Sri Lanka. It has become one of the most popular flowering shrubs and is grown in gardens, landscapes and hedges. It is also grown in containers, looking very distinguished as a patio or poolside plant. This tight, compact shrub is much branched and tolerates hard pruning, making it ideal for formal hedges. The flowers, leaves, roots, and the stem are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and a range of ailments in the Indian traditional system of medicine, the Ayurveda, and in various folk medicines. The fruits, when fully ripe, are used as a dietary source. Commonly known as jungle geranium, flame of the woods, jungle flame, Rugmini, Vedchi and Rangan.
ASPARAGUS
Flower
Asparagus officinalis
Asparagus has been used as a vegetable and medicine, owing to its delicate flavour, It is a herbaceous, plant, with stout stems with much-branched feathery foliage. The "leaves" are in fact needle-like modified stems. The flowers are bell-shaped, greenish-white to yellowish; they are produced singly or in clusters of two or three. It is usually dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants, but sometimes hermaphrodite( both the male and female flowers found in the same plant). The fruit is a small red berry, which is poisonous to humans. It is native to the western coasts of Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Only young asparagus shoots are commonly eaten. Green asparagus is a good source of vitamin C.
Flower
Fruit
FLAX LILY
Dianella tasmanica
Dianella is a shade loving garden plant commonly known as Variegated Flax Lily. It ranges from Japan to India, Australia and New Zealand; also occurring on many Pacific Islands. Several species of Dianella are grown for their attractive foliage and shiny, blue to purple berries. As a medicine for colds, the Ngarrindjeri, an aboriginal tribe of Tasmania chewed the roots of Dianella. The leaves are used to weave Dilly bags and baskets by Australian aboriginals. The Dilly bag is a bag worn around the neck to hold food like berries, meat, fish etc. Mainly used by women to gather food but can be used by men to help carry some tools for hunting.
GIANT MILKWEED
Calotropis gigantea
Calotropis favours open habitat thus it is com-monly found in overgrazed lands, and along roadsides. The leaves are profusely milky. It bears purplish –white flowers . The fruit is paired boat sized capsule. When it bursts it releases large number of brown, flattened seeds with silky kapok attached to one end. Giant milkweed is native to Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, southern Asia, and Indochina to Malaysia. Sheep, goats, and camels eat the leaves of giant milkweed during droughts. The butterfly ‘Plain Tiger’ and ‘Common Crow’ breed here; their caterpillars feed on the leaves. The root bark, are used to treat a variety of illness including leprosy, fever, Malaria, and snake bite.
Flower
Fruit
Flower
BIRDS Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Kanchia Bagla
Little Egret is a common resident of Delhi and is found in the larger wetlands. The Egrets stalks its prey in shalllow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling its feet. It may also stand still and wait to catch its prey. It prefers fish, insects, amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles. The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs or in a reed bed or bamboo grove. When nesting begins, it is a fabulous sight to see them displaying to each other with raised crests and lacy body plumes. At one time, the plumes of the Little Egret and other egrets were in demand for decorating hats. The killing of these birds in large number for plumes has decimated the population of this species to dangerously low levels.
Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris
Dhand, Dhamar
This is the most widespread and the only hornbill found in Delhi. The first thing to observe in Indian Grey Hornbill is of course the HORN. It is black or dark grey with a casque extending up to the point of curvature in the horn. It has grey feathers all over the body with a light grey or dull white belly. It is most often seen either sweeping from tree to tree or perched high on bare branches. It prefers large tree holes for nesting. Once the female is inside, the male covers the entrance hole leaving a small gap so that it can feed the female. The female comes out when the eggs are hatched. The hole is closed again and both parents feed the young ones through the small gap.
Whitethroated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrensis
Kilkila
Commonly known as White breasted Kingfisher, this brilliantly coloured bird has a prominent white patch on its chin throat and centre of breast. It is less dependent on water than other kingfishers and it is found in a wide range of habitats near wetlands, paddy fields and even the sea shore. It eats small animals and large insects; fish is only a secondary item. Each bird usually has a feeding territory which is actively defended against interlopers. The male sit on treetops and sings in the breeding season. The nest is a tunnel bored into a muddy bank. Both parents share the task of excavating the nest, incubating the eggs and feeding the young.
Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
Patringa
Just as the name suggests, the bee-eater predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps and ants. It is a common and wide-spread breeding summer visitor to Delhi. It can be seen through out Delhi except for areas which have high concentration of buildings. Its favourite habitat includes cultivation areas, parks, large gardens and wetlands where it finds its favourite meal ‘dragon-flies’. Its eating habit is astounding as it hits its prey several times to break its exoskeleton before swallowing it. It nests in hollows in vertical mud banks. The eggs are laid on the bare ground in the cavity at the end of the tunnel.
Yellowfooted Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera
Harial
The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon also known as Yellow-legged Green Pigeon is a common species of Green Pigeon found in South Asia. Yet one can easily overlook it as it disguises in the high foliage and its fast flight makes it difficult to identify in the air. The species feeds on fruits of a large variety of fruit trees such as mulberry, banyan and peepal. Unlike other pigeons and doves it is rarely seen on the ground, preferring to feed on fruits in the canopy. Although any fruit tree could attract it, it is most often found on road and canal side trees, temples, parks and large gardens. In Delhi you can even get a sight of them in the grounds of ancient monuments and the Zoo.
Redwattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
Titiri
Commonly known as Redwattled Lapwing, Vanellus indicus. This easily recognizable bird has very long legs and a crimson fleshy wattle in front of each eye. Its “did you do it” call is familiar. It is usually found in pairs or trios near water bodies and in open countryside near towns and villages. It eats insects, molluscs and vegetable matter. Its nest is a scrape in the ground lined with mud pellets or goat droppings. Both parents incubate the eggs. On hot summer days the bird wets the feathers on its stomach before incubating the eggs. The eggs and chicks are superbly camouflaged and the parents use the ‘broken wing’ display to divert predators from the nest.
Shikra Accipiter badius
Shikra
This small, short ash or blue-grey hawk is an expert hunter. It uses surprise tactics for hunting by pouncing on an unsuspecting prey from a tree. It also flushes small birds from thickets. The Shikra is trained by falconers to hunt quails, partridges, and even young peafowl. It can be found in woodlands, hills, plains, villages and near cultivation. Its food ranges from small mammals such as squirrels to birds, reptiles and insects. The Shikra builds an untidy crow-like nest in leafy tree. Both the male and female share the task of nest building and feeding the young.
Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus
Kotwal
The Black Drongo is a small glossy black with a wide fork to the tail. It is commonly found in open agricultural areas and light forest, perching conspicuously on a bare perch or along power or telephone lines. It is known for its aggressive behaviour towards much larger birds, such as crows, never hesitating to dive-bomb any bird of prey that invades its territory. This behaviour earns it the informal name of “King Crow�. They become active very early at dawn and roost later than many other birds. They feed mainly on insects such as grasshoppers, cicadas, termites, wasps, bees, ants, moths, beetles and dragonflies.They congregate in fields that are being ploughed, picking up exposed caterpillars and beetle grubs. They breed mainly in February and March in southern India, and until August in other parts of the country.
Roseringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
Tota
This slim, grass green parakeet is found in forests, countryside and near cultivation areas and human habitats. It has a communal roost often shared with crows or mynahs. It is a popular pet and in captivity learns to mimic a few words. It gathers in large swarms and raids crops causing damage to farmers. It eats fruits, cereals, grains, flower petals and nectar. Its nest is an unlined hollow in a tree trunk or the wall of an old building. Both parents excavate the nest but only the female incubates the eggs. The parents feed the young by regurgitating food (bringing swallowed food up again to the mouth).
Spotted Owlet Athene brama
Ulloo
The Spotted Owlet is a common resident bird of Delhi. It can be spotted in all kinds of habitats especially in areas with trees or old buildings. It usually occupies large gardens and parks in Delhi. It nests in a hole in a tree or building and surprisingly it can even use man-made nest boxes. The Spotted Owlet is one of the least nocturnal of owls. It frequently hunts in the morning and evening. It hunts a variety of insects and vertebrates such as small birds, rodents and reptiles. It shows high breeding success as it nests near human habitation where the young ones are fed a great number of rodents.
Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Kabutar
The Rock Pigeon has been domesticated for hundreds of years. It’s often simply referred to as ‘Pigeon’. It is found everywhere and the city has a huge population of these birds. Here large flocks inhabit ancient monuments and breed in them. It is also found in parks and many tall buildings of Delhi. You can see them on your window sills and external air conditioning units. You may have seen their flimsy nests built of sticks and other debris on trees, on ledges or on the ground in your locality. The Rock Pigeon feeds on seeds and plants but grains make up the bulk of its diet. People feeding grains to these birds outside temples or road corners is a common sight in India.
Laughing Dove Streptopelia sebegalensis
Chhota Fakta
The Laughing Dove is a small pigeon also known as the Little Brown Dove in India. It is a common and widespread species in scrub, dry farmland and near human habitation. It prefers eating grass, seeds, grains, other vegetation and small insects. It is fairly terrestrial, foraging on the ground in grasslands and cultivation areas. It is particularly seen near human habitation, even in the centre of Delhi. You may find its stick nest in trees, low bushes and adjoining creepers or in buildings. It will even wander through open doors into houses, particularly in villages, in its quest for seeds on the ground.
Rufous Tree Pie Dendrocitta vagabunda
Mahlat
This long-tailed bright bird is widely distributed in India. It is found in lightly wooded country, forests, and plantation groves and in and around towns and villages. It is a highly inquisitive, cunning and wary bird. It stays in noisy parties of about three to four birds. It eats fruits, insects, and small reptiles such as geckos and mammals such as bats. A Tree Pie is usually the first to discover the kill of the larger predator in forests. It eats flesh from the kills after tearing it out . It builds a small nest with twigs. Both parents take part in building the nest, incubation and feeding the young.
Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis
Dhayal
The male of this species is glossy black and white and the female is slaty above with grey on the throat and breast. It is seen around human habitation. Hopping about on the ground, it feeds on insects, snails, earthworms, centipedes, small lizards and some vegetable matter. In the breeding season the male puffs out his chest, struts around in front of rivals and vigorously defends his territory. Birds in different areas have very distinct local dialects.The nest is an untidy cup of grass and roots placed in holes in trees, walls, drain water pipes, and buildings. Building of nests, incubation and care of young is done by both parents.
Red-Vented Bulbul Pycnonatus cafer
Bulbul
The Red-Vented Bulbul is easily identified by its short crest giving the head a square appearance. The body is dark brown with a scaly pattern while the head is darker or black. The rump is white while the vent is red. The black tail has a white tip. The bird prefers dry scrub, open forest, plains and cultivated lands. In its native range it is rarely found in mature forests. It feeds mainly on fruits, petals of flowers, nectar, insects and occasionally geckos. It has also been seen feeding on leaves. It builds its nest in a bush at a height of around two to three meters. The nest is occasionally built inside a house or in a hole in a mud bank. The nest is a small flat cup usually made of small twigs but sometimes may be made of metal wires. Both parents feed the chicks.
Tailorbird Omus sutorius
Darzee
The Tailorbird is a small bird with short rounded wings, a short tail, strong legs and a long curved bill. This warbler is usually brightly coloured, with a green or grey upper part and yellow white or grey under part. Its head is usually chestnut in colour. The tail is typically held upright, like a wren. It favours open woodland, scrub and gardens. The Tailorbird gets its name from the way its nest is constructed. The edges of a large leaf are pierced and sewn together with plant fibre or spider's web to make a cradle in which the actual grass nest is built. Like most warblers, the Common Tailorbird is insectivorous.
Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus
Saat Bhai
The Jungle Babbler is a common resident breeding bird in most parts of India and is often seen in gardens as well as in forested areas. This species, like most babblers, is non-migratory, and has short rounded wings and a weak flight. The Jungle Babbler lives in flocks of seven to ten or more. It is a noisy bird, and the presence of a flock may generally be known at some distance by the harsh mewing calls, continual chattering, squeaking and chirping produced by its members. This birds are gregarious and very social. The nest is built halfway in a tree, concealed in a dense mass of foliage.
Purple Sunbird Nectarina asiatica
Shakhar Khora
This small sunbird has a relatively short bill, a dark and short square- ended tail. It has a down-curve bill with brush-tipped tubular tongues that aid in nectar feeding. The male is glossy metallic purplish black on the upper part with the wings appearing dark brown while female is olive brown above with a yellowish underside. It is seen in pairs or small groups and aggregations may be found in gardens with suitable flowers. It not only feeds on nectar but also takes fruits and insects. The nest is a pouch made of cobwebs, thin strips of vegetation, lichens and bark. The nest is built almost entirely by the female but the male assists in feeding the chicks.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Gauriya
The House Sparrow has followed humans all over the world and has been intentionally or accidentally introduced in most countries. It is now the most widely distributed wild bird on the planet. Although largely a grain eater it eats the seeds of grains and weeds, but it is opportunistic and adaptable, and eats whatever foods are available. The House Sparrow also eats berries and fruits, and in arid areas it can survive without water by ingesting moisture with berries. The untidy straw bundle is almost always in a hole in a building, sometimes tucked into an air-conditioner outlet, a furled window blind or behind a pipe junction. It will even nest inside buildings if they can gain access.
Common Peafowl Pavo cristatus
Mor
This very familiar national bird of India is widespread throughout the country and is found in forests, near villages and near cultivation. Is very abundant in Gujarat and Rajasthan and wherever protected locally. They drink water early in the morning and at dusk before retiring to roost. They have phenomenally keen eyesight and hearing. Peacocks warn other inhabitants of the jungle about the presence of a tiger or leopard by giving out a loud alarm call. The dance of the male to attract the more dully coloured female is legendry. The nest is a scrap in the ground and may be lined with sticks or grass. Only the female incubates the eggs.
Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis
Neelkanth
The Indian Roller also called the Blue Jay. They are best known for the aerobatic displays of the male during the breeding season. They are very commonly seen perched along roadside trees and wires and are commonly seen in open grassland and scrub forest habitats. Several states in India have chosen it as their symbol. The Indian Roller is a stocky bird. They descend to the ground to capture their prey which may include insects, arachnids,small reptiles, small snakes and amphibians. The breeding season is March to June, holes created by woodpeckers or wood boring insects in palms are favoured for nesting in some areas. The call of the Indian Roller is a harsh crow-like chack sound. It also makes a variety of other sounds, including metallic boink calls. It is especially vociferous during the breeding season.
Coppersmith Megalaima haemacephala
Katphora
These small grass green barbets have a crimson breast and throat and are also known as the Crimson-breasted Barbet. They are found in lightly wooded countryside, groves of trees near villages and cultivation and in urban gardens and compounds. They mainly eat fruits specially those of Banyan, Peepul and other wild figs. Their metallic call sounds like a coppersmith hammering on metal, hence the name. They are comparatively silent in winter and become more vocal in summer and during the hotter parts of the day. Their nest is a shaft excavated on a dead branch of a tree. Both parents share all domestic chores.
Blackrumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense
Sonera Katphora
The Blackrumped Flameback is a fairly common and widespread breeding resident of Delhi. It is usually seen all over Delhi in noisy pairs attracting attention with its loud laughing call. The Blackrumped Flameback is more likely to be seen in parks and gardens of Delhi particularly in Lodhi Garden. But you may be lucky to see it on roadsides with other groups of birds in mixed flocks. It is found mainly on large trees at all levels but most frequently on the trunk. It also feeds on ants on the ground.
Common Mynah Acridotheres tristis orientalis
Mynah
These familiar dark brown birds have a glossy black head, yellow bill and legs and a naked patch below and behind each eye. They are one of the most common and abundant bird species in India, found near human habitation and cultivation. Mynahs are quick to colonise areas of human habitation. They usually hop on the fields and meadows and dig for insects. Flocks of Mynahs follow framers ploughing fields to eat insects and grubs turned up with the soil. They are important pollinating and dispersing agents for fig and other trees. They build untidy nests in holes, earth banks and even walls of houses in the middle of a noisy bazaar.
Oriental White Eye Zosterops palpebrosus
Babuna
The Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus is a small bird . They forage in small groups, feeding on nectar and small insects. They are easily identified by the distinctive white eye-ring and overall yellowish upperparts. These white-eyes are sociable, forming flocks which only separate on the approach of the breeding season. They are highly arboreal and only rarely descend to the ground. The breeding season is February to September but April is the peak breeding season and the compact cup nest is a placed like a hammock on the fork of a branch. The nest is made of cobwebs, lichens and plant fibre. The eggs hatch in about 10 days. Both sexes take care of brooding the chicks . They pollinate flower when they visit them for flower insects (such as thrips) and possibly nectar that form their diet.
Koel Eudynamis scolopacea
Koel
Koels do nor build nests and lay their eggs in nests of House Crows and Jungle Crows. The male usually lures the host away from the nest so that the female can lay the egg. Eggs and young ones resemble those of the foster parents. Nestlings are brought up by foster parents. Males are glistening black with a crimson eye females are barred and brown in colour. Are found in lightly wooded country, gardens, avenues, near village and cultivation. The bird usually stays in leafy trees and shrubs and eats fruits, insects, land snails and eggs of small birds.
BIRD CHECKLIST Common Name
Scientific Name
Cattle Egret Little Egret Indian Pond Heron Black Kite Shikra Common Kestrel Indian Peafowl Red-wattled Lapwing Common Pigeon Spotted Dove Laughing Dove Rose-ringed Parakeet Asian Koel Greater Coucal Spotted Owlet House Swift White-throated Kingfisher Green Bee-eater Indian Roller Common Hoopoe Coppersmith Barbet Lesser Goldenback Brown Headed barbet Indian Bushlark Wire-tailed Swallow Long-tailed Shrike Indian Golden Oriole Black Drongo Rosy Starling Common Myna Bank Myna Asian Pied Straling Rufous Treepie House Crow Indian Jungle Crow Small minivet Common Iora Red-vented Bulbul Jungle Babbler White-browed Fantail Ashy Prinia Common Tailorbird Oriental Magpie Robin Indian Robin Grey Wagtail White Wagtail Purple Sunbird Oriental White-Eye House Sparrow Scaly-breasted Munia
Bubulcus ibis Egretta garzetta Ardeola grayii, Milvus migrans Accipiter badius Falco tinnunculus Pavo cristatus Vanellus indicus Columba livia Stigmatopelia chinensis Stigmatopelia senegalensis Psittacula krameri Eudynamys scolopaceus Centropus sinensis Athene brama Apus nipalensis Halcyon smyrnensis Merops orientalis Coracias benghalensis Upupa epops Megalaima haemacephala Dinopium benghlense Megalaima zeylanica Mirafra erythroptera Hirundo smithii Lanous schach Oriolus oriolus kundoo Dicrurus macrocercus Pastor roseus Acridotheres tristis Acridotheres ginginianus Gracupica contra Dendrocitta vagabunda Corvus splendens Corvus macrorhynchos culminatus Pericrocotus cinnmomeus Aegithina tiphia Pycnonotus cafer Turdoides striata Rhipidura aureola Prinia socialis Orthotomus sutorius Copsychus saularis Saxicoloides fulicatus Motacilla cinerea Motacilla alba Cinnyris asiatica Zosterops palpebrosus Passer domesticus Lonchura punctulata
TREE CHECKLIST Botanical name Alstonia scholaris Artocarpus lacucha Azadirachta india Bougainveilla spectabilis Bauhinia tomentosa Bombax ceiba Branchychiton gregorii Callistemon lanceolata Carissa carandus Caryota urens Ceiba speciosa Celtis testrandra Citrus aurantium Cordial dichotoma Cucas revolute Diospyros cordifolia Drypetes roxburghii Ehretia laevis Fernandoa adenophyllum Ficus benjamina Ficus elastic Ficus microcarpa Ficus palmate Ficus racemosa Ficus religiosa Gardenia jasminoides Grevillea robusta Jacaranda mimosifolia Lagerstroemia speciosa Livistona chinensis Madhuca latifolia Magnolia grandiflora Mangifera indica Mimusops elengi Morus alba Murraya paniculata Musa paradiseaca Neolamarckia cadamba Byctanthes arbour -tristis Plumeria obtusa Plumeria rubra Pongamia pinnata Psidium guajava Punica granatum Quisqualis indica Senna siamea Syzgium cumini Tabernaemontana divaricata
Family
Apocynaceae Moraceae Meliaceae Nyctaginaceae Caesalpinaceae Bombacaceae Sterculiaceae Myrtaceae Apocynaceae Arecaceae Bombacaceae Ulmaceae Rutaceae Ehretiaceae Cycadaceae (Gymno.) Ebenaceae Euphorbiaceae Ehretiaceae Bignoniaceae Moraceae Moraceae Moraceae Moraceae Moraceae Moraceae Rubiaceae Proteaceae Bignoniaceae Lythraceae Arecaceae Sapotaceae Magnoliaceae Anacardiaceae Sapotaceae Moraceae Rutaceae Musaceae Rubiaceae Oleaceae Apocynaceae Apocynaceae Fabaceae Myrtaceae Punicaceae Combretaceae Caesalpinaceae Myrtaceae Apocynaceae
Habit
Tree Tree Tree Straggling shrub Shrub Tree Tree Tree Shrub Tree Tree Tree Shrub Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Shrub Tall herb Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Shrub/Climber Tree Tree Tree
BAT FACTS Indian flying fox
Pteropus
They are commonly known as the fruit bats or flying foxes. All species of flying foxes only feed on nectar, blossom, pollen, and fruit, which explain their limited tropical distribution. They do not possess echolocation, a feature which helps the other species of bats, locate and catch prey such as insects in mid-air. Instead, smell and eyesight are very well-developed in flying foxes. Feeding ranges can reach up to 40 miles. When it locates food, the flying fox "crashes" into foliage and grabs for it. It may also attempt to catch hold of a branch with its hind feet, then swing upside down – once attached and hanging, the fox draws food to its mouth with one of its hind feet or with the clawed thumbs at the top of its wings.
Bats have exceptional auditory powers. Some are even capable of hearing an insect walking on a leaf. Bats are the major pollinators of hundreds of species of tropical and subtropical trees, shrubs, lianas, and epiphytes, including some commercially important species such as silk cotton, balsa, wild bananas and sausage tree.
The simile “Blind as a bat” is a misnomer. The Bat is not blind but it cannot see well. It sends out high-pitched squeaks through the mouth. These sound waves bounce back off things in their path and return to the bat’s ears as echoes. By analyzing these ultrasound waves the bat can pinpoint its prey in total darkness and also detect its direction and size. This is called echolocation. The high-pitched squeaks of a bat make it susceptible to predation in the daytime, and that is the reason why most echolocating mammals are nocturnal.
FIELD NOTES
Frangipani is the Environment Consultancy Services of Lima Rosalind Lima Rosalind is a Master in Science having over 25 years of experience in the field of wildlife biology, conservation and environment interpretation and environment Frangipani offers services in the following areas of Environment Education: Planning and Developing Environment Educational Programs and Strategies Designing and Developing Course Material for School Children on Environment Education. Establishing Interpretation Centers including setting up exhibition and outdoor signages in and around protected areas such as wetlands, wildlife sanctuaries, National Parks, Nature parks, etc. Capacity Building on Conservation and Natural Resource Management with local communities in and around protected areas.
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