VOLUME 02•ISSUE 02• MAY 2019
50 PAGES
INR 100
Because there is nothing Like Himachal Pradesh.
Price May Vary According to Print Edition!
SPECIAL EDITION -03 6
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Introducing Editor DEVESH KUMAR
Principal Advisor K.BIHARI, AMRAWATI
Design DEVESH KUMAR
Photography RANDEEP SINGH, AARZOO KHURANA, MAYURI
KOTIAN, AMANDEEP SONI,BASIT ALVI, SUBRAMANYA C, MAYANK SONI. Special Thanks – KALYAN VARMA
Consultant AKSHARA TRIPATHI
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Welcome to the Land of Wildlife and Nature ISSUED BY EXPLORE WILD INDIA APP | RANDEEP SINGH – HIMACHAL PRADESH
वनजीव भारत
Himachal Pradesh Serene | Beautiful |Nature /sɪˈriːn/
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Photo: Deepak Garg Sharma
ADVT
The Asian barred owlet Glaucidium cuculoides is a species of true owl, resident in northern parts of the Indian Subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It ranges across north central and northeast India, Nepal Bhutan, north Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam). Its natural habitat is temperate forest.
(आप हिमाचल को भुला नि ीं पायेंगे) There is Nothing Like Himachal Pradesh! Location: Chamba - Himachal Pradesh
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AARZOO KHURANA
Graduated in Commerce and Law and working as a freelance content writer with various firms.
PRABHAV BENARA
15 Year old wildlife photographer and Explorer from Jaipur Rajasthan India.
AMAN DEEP SOHI
Is a wildlife photographer and naturalist from Bharatpur Rajasthan.
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Exploring India’s Wildlife Since 2015 www.explorewildindia.app
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EXPLORE WILD INDIA MAGAZINE DELHI | MUMBAI |BANGALORE | JAIPUR Presented by Explore Wild India Research Unit 01 Price may vary for printed edition (100 INR + 150 including courier charges) All Maps are designed and copyright by Devesh Kumar. Maps may be variable from accurate position. They are used for general illustrantion only and are not allowed to represent or reproduce anywhere without permission of the author .
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Contents
PHOTO: ANIRUDDHA SINGH
On the Cover: Himalayan Black bear at Dachigam by Basit Alvi
●Photo feature
●Storyteller
40. Blue sheep - Mayuri Kotian
12. My Encounter – with Bear
● Quick’s Facts
16. The Glimpse of Himalayan Biodiversity
43. KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK: AMID THE BIG FIVE
24. Storyline: Droplets, Langur and Radiance!
●People 36. Special Interview: Talk with Trevor Frost
46. Species-Focus: Asiatic Rhino 48. Online Discussion – Govind V Kumar - Red-breasted Parakeet
38. Wildlife in Art: Monica Saravanan
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EXPLORE WILD INDIA । Storyteller EXPLORE WILD INDIA । Editor Note
Moreatatwww.explorewildindia.app www.explorewildindia.app। ।Editor Storyteller More Note
Editor’s Note
Now in this Edition I want to show the beauty of India’s Himalayan Fauna - how India has varieties of fauna which is still unexplored. I have tried my best to put needed information about species and their habitat distribution in this issue. In this Edition Photos are mostly featured from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bhutan, and Sikkim etc.
(EDITOR ) DEVESH KUMAR - (WILDLIFE RESEARCHER | EDITOR)
⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽ Disclaimer: All images are Copyright by their respective Owners. Unauthorized Use and / or Duplication of these images and Material Strictly Prohibited. Explore Wild India is not responsible for any error or mistakes in Articles , Pictures , Names & Spell which is submitted by Photographers and users, Explore Wild India is not responsible for advertisements, and user/ person shall bear all risks associated with the use of such content. All Images are Copyright with Particular Issue and Particular Volume. Price may be variable according to Edition changes and Print Edition. Follow Devesh at Twitter: @Deveshdy| Instagram: thedeveshkumar
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A GLIMPSE OF HIMLAYAN FAUNA -
DEVESH KUMAR (WILDLIFE RESEARCHER)
Himachal Pradesh is one of my favorite states of India. The Name itself defines the “Himalayas of India”. It lies in Western Himalayan part of India. The Himachal Pradesh constitutes a variety of flora and fauna. The above Picture of Kalij Pheasant photographed at Dharamshala by Prabhav Benera.
Lophura leucomelanos (Latham, 1790)
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On the Cover – Sandesh Guru
On the Cover Shot this in Dachigam. It was around 6PM when we met three of these (2 not in the frame). The light was very challenging and this has been shot at 8000 ISO @ 1/50 sec. Technically, this is not the best shot possible, but I think this should encourage the photographers to explore Dachigam and what it has to offer. Personally, I have never liked capturing wildlife images in a zoo or caged animals, because it takes you away from what is natural.
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My encounter with the Bears of Dachigam MAYANK SONI
I had always heard that the most ill-tempered beasts one could hope (not) to encounter in the wild are mighty elephants and unpredictable bears. But then, my idea of exploring a forest was never on foot. It was always inside the safety of a vehicle, where, if things went south, at least I had a shot at escaping. Walking through a forest in search of wild animals was never conceivable to me. And black bears? That was out of question.
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But then sense does not always sway you to safe grounds, where matters of adventures are concerned. It is in these moments of excitement that sometimes you take the plunge before thinking things through. So there I was, at the gate of Dachigam National Park on a fairly pleasant Srinagar afternoon when the words of my guide Nazir Malik rang in my ears, "I will not be responsible for your life if you do not do exactly as I tell you." Not worrisome at all..
As it happened I was in Srinagar to explore a relatively lesser known valley, and recalled that the forest of Dachigam had always been on my bucket list for Kashmir. The idea really was to watch the onset of autumn, but when I heard that the wilderness is home to the endangered Hanguls and Black Bears, I thought I could try my luck at spotting some of them. After paying the requisite fees, Nazir drove me in a golf cart to the head of the trail. It must have been around 4pm when we ventured in. I had no idea what to expect and quietly followed Nazir on the winding trail. After about ten minutes we reached a small clearing and stood with our backs to a tall oak. It is a magical feeling to be in the middle of a towering forest, soaking in the stillness and silence. For the moment the forest looked empty, like all its residents were enjoying a siesta or, for all we knew, quietly watching us from behind the bushes.
Nazir whispered to me to stay put, while he stalked to the edge of the clearing. He scanned the area with his binoculars looking for any sign of the beast. After some time he signaled to me to watch closely in the direction he was pointing. My heartbeat rose in anticipation and my eyes remained fixed on the horizon. From out in the distance, barely 50 meters from where I stood, emerged two black figures - a mother bear with her little cub trailing right behind. They ambled across totally unfazed by our presence. Then as magically as they had appeared, they melted away among the trees. All this happened so fast I couldn't get a clear shot. But boy! Was I delighted on just seeing one so close!
Nazir in the meanwhile had moved on, and was bidding me to follow him. The canopy on the trail ahead was dense and allowed only a few shafts of light to filter through. He found another suitable spot to look around and we waited in silence. Back in the golf cart Nazir had told me that all wild creatures are wary of sudden movements, so while on the trail, if we were to have a chance of watching the bears from up close, we should be as still as possible. So there I was, trying to contain my excitement and keep still. Our patience was soon rewarded. Out in the distance Nazir pointed out to another of Dachigam's notorious residents. I think he'd spotted us way before we did him, though; when I focused on him through the lens, he was looking right at us from the undergrowth. Unlike with the mother and cub, I was able to get a clear shot of this one. But it didn't look like he took to our presence well and he darted soon enough.
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Things thus far had been running like a dream, but then the wild always has a way of surprising you. All this while I had assumed that we would be trying to spot bears on the ground, but then something happened that I was completely unprepared for. Around twenty meters to my left I saw some movement in the tree tops. Not sure what it was, I took a side step to catch a better view, only to realize an adult bear was climbing down the oak. I froze, not knowing what to do. Luckily, though, we were at a safe distance and the bear was in no mood to confront us. From thereon, as we progressed, my first instinct was to look up the tree whenever we stopped to ensure I was not standing in the way of a 100 kg beast darting down after a scrumptious feast. "It's the time of feast for the bears, a feast of acorns. They are fattening up for the winter," explained Nazir.
What till now looked like a sleepy grove had suddenly come alive. I realized that there were a lot of bears up in the trees. We stood there quietly and in the next ten minutes we spotted at least three more. I could not get a clear shot though, so we moved ahead to see if we could catch one in good light. We walked to another clearing and waited again forest a bear to make an appearance. We didn't have to wait long - it was as if the forest was filled with bears. A young male emerged from behind the bushes. And soon another by this time I had lost count.
When the light began to fade Nazir told me that we should call it a day. We traced back the same trail we had taken, hopped into our plush ride and rolled out towards the forest gate. After a lively discussion we agreed the day's bear tally was one shy of a dozen. It was a truly incredible and humbling experience.
But, mind you, even though we managed to get out unscathed and even though Nazir goes in to check on these beasts every other day, this should not be your motivation to venture in. Trying to look for bears on foot can be quiet intimidating and isn't quite everyone's cup of tea. As for me, I'll be going in for therapy soon, to fix that surge of madness that accompanies the prospect of watching wild creatures on foot.
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We were a group of friends, who did lahaul and spiti expedition by bike/car in the month of September. Amazing experience. Travel agent had planned in such a way that we take the less taken roads. We came across these animals on our way to Gue. They kinda camouflage to the scenery (land). Had to ask the hotel manager in Kaza after getting back about it. It is then we all got to know that it's called Blue Sheep.
Text and Image : Sannidhi ck
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The Glimpse of Himalayan Biodiversity More at www.explorewildindia.app । Storyteller
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This image was shot in munsiari, Uttarakhand during Oct 2015. I could see these birds perching upon a tree while we were driving. Somehow, I wanted to capture the Bird In its real habitat as its name , which says "Himalayan Griffon". I had previsualized this scene in my mind before capturing the image. In order to capture this, I had to get down from the car, descend a small hillock, and again climb another hillock near it. At this point of time, I could compose the peaks in the background along with the birds. However capturing this image was quite challenging as I had to carry my telephoto lens , hike along the hillocks carefully without disturbing the birds and then photograph it. Luckily the image came out as I had thought. -
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Arjun Haarith
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More at www.explorewildindia.app । Storyteller “Himalayan Griffon" at Rajaji National Park
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Photo: Dhanu Paran
Earlier was the state bird of Himachal Pradesh till 2007
HIMALAYAN MONAL Lophophorus impejanus Latham, 1790 Least Concern - Population
Decreasing 19
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On april 24, 2019, I was in a jeep safari with my friends at Kaziranga National Park,Assam, India.We witnessed lots of exotic species of birds and mammals,and the sights just kept going on and on,suddenly our jeep driver stopped the jeep and spotted the team of a Hog deer.It was sighting side of a tree.And one of deer with her baby looked at my camera and reacted.I tried to capture the frame of a react of hog deer. They are truly beautiful to see them in habitat. -
PRIYODARSHAN GOGOI
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On a cloudy, foggy and cold morning, we were early at the location in search of Ward Trogons. We had to trek quite a distance to arrive at their habitat. The fog was so dense, forget Ward Trogons, even the trees were not visible. After 2 hours of waiting, our hopes were soon dwindling out and that is when the sun god showed some mercy. As soon as the fog disappeared, the sun came out blazing and it was a very pleasant setting.
The bird calls were rampant and one among them was of the great Ward Trogon. We just had to wait for a few more minutes and the phantom of the Bhutanese forests appeared in front of us. It was a sublime feeling since this was one of the birds on the top of my wishlist. A sighting to remember for a lifetime. Image : Subramanya C
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“Me and Mom“Snow Leopard by Surya Ramachandran EXPLORE WILD INDIA । Storyteller More at www.explorewildindia.app । Storyteller The Night was fast falling & after walking few minutes later! while crossing the main smooth
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Droplets, Langur and Radiance! Photo : Shivendra Singh DALHOUSIE | HIMACHAL PRADESH
I went for an early morning photo-walk in Dalhousie. I was there from past two days but due to heavy thunderstorm I was not able to go outside of my hotel room. After 2 days on day 3 it all stopped so I decided to go inside forest trails as early as possible. So I started at 5.00am from my hotel and it was around 5.45am when sun started to rise and as I went inside I saw the Sunlight were coming from bushes. There was a herd of playful Nepal Gray Langurs. I got an opportunity to try for rim light photography of one of the member and cherry on the top it was raining heavily last night I got some water droplets in my frame. Here is the result photo .
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This was my first ever trip to Kibber, Himachal Pradesh. It was in late March, but the
snowfall carried on later than usual. Actually, this helped us get Snow Leopards on the trip. The total trip was planned for thirteen days, but because of the heavy snowfall, it took us longer than expected to travel. Thus, we ended up staying in Kibber for seven days, and the rest of the days were spent travelling. But we ended up seeing five different leopards during our stay! This photograph was from the last of our sighting, which went on for two days. Because of bad weather, on the first day we couldn’t go much closer to the leopard, and had to be satisfied with distant views. But the leopard had killed a Himalayan Ibex, and we knew he would be at the same spot the next day as well. There was plenty of meat still remaining on the ibex, sufficient enough to last another couple of days at least. We planned to leave early next morning. That night I did not get much sleep, partially because of the cold and partially due to the excitement for the next day. As planned, we reached the spot early and noticed the leopard relaxing on the cliff. His tummy seemed to be full; he probably had just eaten. So now it was going to be a game of patience. We waited for four hours before the leopard showed any signs of moving around. He suddenly got up, rubbed his cheek against the cliff face (probably leaving his scent in the process) and moved towards his kill. His eating session this time around went on till evening. As the snow started to fall again, we decided to make a move ourselves and headed back to our home stay. But with plenty of memories about an unforgettable encounter with an elusive cat. Text and Photo: AMAN DEEP SOHI
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CONSERVATION TOPIC
Velas Turtle Festival -
SAURABH MANDAKNALLI
Velas Turtle Festival is a famous ecotourism festival which helps in the conservation of endangered Olive Ridley turtles at Velas beach in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. An NGO named Sahyadri Nisargmitra and then villagers committee has taken the initiative to conserve these Olive Ridley’s by providing protection to their eggs from potential threats. The locals here actively participate in this project and work extremely hard to protect the little hatchlings.
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According to a study conducted in Orissa, it is estimated that only 1 of the 1000 hatchlings make it to adulthood. Also, even the slightest change in the environment or pollution at their nesting sites may result in the female turtles abandoning the sites and not returning back in order to lay eggs. Hence, the stakes for conservation of this fragile species and its nesting sites is higher today than it was in the past. During the nesting season, the mother turtles lay their eggs on beaches by digging up pits up to 2 meters deep and lay about 50 to 100 eggs at time. This usually happens after sunset. So the beach is closed for tourists between 6:30 pm and 6:00 am everyday to cause no hindrance in the egg laying process. The mother turtle then covers up the nest with sand and leaves the babies on their own. During this period, the baby turtles are exposed to various predators like jackals, hyenas, monitor lizards, birds of prey, crabs and dogs lurking around and waiting to feed on them. To prevent this, the locals and other members of the Sahyadri Nisargmitra Mandal have created artificial fences. In these fences, all the eggs collected from the nests are laid in similar nest like pits which are artificially created inside an enclosed protected area and usually covered with a cane basket. This helps in protecting and patrolling the eggs till they hatch. As the hatching period comes closer, the nests are checked daily for any early hatchlings and then a safe passage way is created for them from the nests to the sea. The eggs take about 45-60 days to hatch, and then the little ones march towards the mighty ocean. What happens after the baby turtles boldly take on the waves is known to none. Some may perish along the way and some may return back to this same beach in a couple of years to lay their eggs, hence welcoming a brand new generation and ensuring that the species survive.
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Storyline!
The photo is clicked at Kibber, Spiti Valley in March 2019.
Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Linnaeus, 1758 Kingdom: Animalia Family: Canidae Photo: Paresh Deshmukh
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Hunt- This was shot in the dragging a monitor lizard into the bushes while the lizard struggled ADVT
Wildlife Conservation Trust is an Environmental Conservation Organization are Working across 130 Protected Areas and 82 % of 50 Tiger Reserves in India Protecting Wildlife and Reviving Communities. Wildlife Conservation Trust 11th Floor, Mafatlal Center, Nariman Point Mumbai Maharashtra India 400021.
Advertisement Issued By EWI APP India Mumbai To raise Wildlife Awareness and its Conservation.
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A - Outlook
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s we were moving
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Photo by Mann Arya at Sattal Nanital
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Campus Wildlife
Asian Barred Owlet in Kangra Himachal Pradesh India Photo : Akshay Katyura
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Nature Wildlife Conservation Discover ADVT Wildlife SOS was established in 1995 by a small group of individuals inspired to start a movement and make lasting change to protect and conserve India’s natural heritage, forest and wildlife wealth. Today, the organization has evolved to actively work towards protecting Indian wildlife, conserving habitat, studying biodiversity, conducting research and creating alternative and sustainable livelihoods for erstwhile poacher communities or those communities that depend on wildlife for sustenance.
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Jungle! Inbox The Pride of Eastern Himalayas
Red Panda resting in a branch of tree in Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang) of Eastern Himalayas.
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Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) Listed as Endangered Species in the list of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Their population is estimated less than <10,000 mature individuals. They are “State Animal of Sikkim“. The “Time has now come to save these beautiful creatures and also need protection to save them.”I personally like Red Panda very much. They are truly jewels of Himalayas. They are pride of Northeast and India. I feel really awesome that my upcoming Book is coming on Red Panda “which will launch soon.”
Recently Hiren Khatri shares his views towards Red Panda and their conservation with Wildlife Biologist and Editor Devesh Kumar . How do you see India as a Wildlife Country? I see India as a mini world. We have all kinds of ecosystems. Driest to wettest, Sea to highest peak, youngest to oldest mountain ranges, seasonal to perennial rivers, lakes, glaciers. Forest types ranging from dry deciduous to evergreen, mangroves etc. We have all big cats except jaguar. Hot desert, cold desert, 7500km of coastline, temperature ranging from -60 to 50 degree Celsius, rainfall ranging from less than 10cm to 1300cm. Sea to highest peak, youngest to oldest mountain ranges, seasonal to perennial rivers, lakes, glaciers. Forest types ranging from dry deciduous to evergreen, mangroves etc. How do you see Arunachal Pradesh as a Red Panda Zone? Arunachal Pradesh potentially supports largest population of Red Panda in India which has not been studies. We need to study the presence of Red Panda in parts of Arunachal, also need to study connectivity of landscapes, communities and Red Panda, their perception. Hunting practices, spiritual and cultural importance etc. What is your opinion about Red panda Conservation? The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) the flagship species and it is of special interest in evolutionary studies because of its taxonomic uniqueness. It is a state animal of Sikkim and pride of India (which is undervalued). It is a habitat specialist and indicator of healthy ecosystem, even small changes in habitat or disturbances may lead to decline in Red Panda’s population. It is very important to study its population and sensitize people and government for the conservation of its habitat.
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Currently, Mr. Hiren Khatri working as a project fellow for the project, Conservation of Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) in eastern Himalaya. He is doing PhD under Guide Randeep Singh at (AIWF, Amity University, and NOIDA) & Project under Dr. Mukesh Thakur is an eminent scientist at ZSI and this project has been granted to him as DST INSPIRE Faculty award.
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World Trending TALK WITH TREVOR FROST EXPLORE WILD INDIA APP SOCIETY GROUP MEDIA
Photo: Trevor Frost
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Trevor Frost talks about himself & wildlife, Recently Trevor Frost has been Interviewed By Explore Wild India‘s Editor Devesh Kumar. What is your opinion about Wildlife Conservation? I think we are failing to protect wild places and wildlife. And so one of the reasons I chose to work on a multiyear project on snakes with Paul Rosolie is that we both felt there was a great chance of creating impact because we are starting with a creature is widely hated and persecuted. No better place to start than the bottom! How King Cobra is different from other snakes? It is by far the most intelligent snake in the world. It has a dignity, and true to its name, it is noble. You feel as if you can develop a rapport, an understanding with the king. It has a confidence and presence I’ve haven’t found in any other snake I’ve photographed. Have you ever visited Agumbe Rainforest? I have not but I intend to visit later this year. I’d love very much to meet some of the scientists who have studied king cobras. Tell us some facts about King Cobra? One very exciting fact is that female king cobras build nests and defend them. And male King cobras will fight. Most important fact I’d like to share through my work though is that snakes, especially large intelligent ones, don’t do well when relocated far from their original home. I think if we can communicate this fact in an open, helpful way with the snake rescue community and the government we can ensure many rescued snakes, especially king cobras, don’t die from stress of moving far from their home. Trevor Frost Trevor Frost is a photographer, filmmaker and Explorer.
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Help us for Saving Snow Leopards
ArtWork by – Monica Saravanan | Snow Leopard in Spiti Valley 38
EXPLORE WILD INDIA │MAY 2019
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Manas national park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger reserve, an elephant reserve and a biosphere reserve in Assam, India. Located in the foothills of Himalayas, it is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park of Bhutan. The park covers area of about 950km/sq. The park is known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden Langur, pygmy hog and newly found very rare and elusive clouded leopard. The sanctuary has recorded 55 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, 50 of reptiles, and 3 species of amphibians. Witnessing a steady rise in its tiger population, with 31 tigers being captured on camera compared to 14 last year. Of 31 tigers, 25 were adults - 12 females, 12 males and one unidentified, and six cubs. Three resident tigress of the park were found to be breeding and captured on camera with cubs of varying ages. Monitoring tigers or any big cats sighting in Manas is a very difficult task due to its dense forest and tall elephants grasses which provides them excellent camouflage. Text and Image: Kuldeep Bora
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Himalayan Blue Sheep or Bharal. This photograph was taken at TSO KAR LEH in June 2017. Text & Image: Mayuri Kotian
Himalayan Blue Sheep Pseudois nayaur
Herbivores Hodgson, 1833
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Launching Soon
Red Panda: A Glimpse of Himalaya - The Bamboo Eater biology Science book on Red Panda written by Devesh Kumar | 2019 - Traveling across the country and collecting information about red panda he has tried his best to put all needed information about red panda in his book and their conservation. Even he has written possibilities how we can save them under Red Panda Conservation Programmes!
Devesh Kumar is the Editor and Founder of Explore Wild India Magazine which is registered by Govt of India under RNI. He is the Wildlife Researcher too currently working on Red Panda Research Study under Explore Wild India Research Programme. DEVESH KUMAR EDITOR – EXPLORE WILD INDIA MAGAZINE | WILDLIFE RESEARCHER
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KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK: AMID THE BIG FIVE
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Kaziranga National Park, a national park located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, is an International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Category II national park and is a designated World Heritage Site with as many as two-thirds of all great onehorned rhinoceroses in the world. If the March 2018 census conducted jointly by Forest Department of the Government of Assam and a few independent Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working for wildlife conservation is anything to go by, the Kaziranga National Park has some 2,413 rhinoceroses out of which are 1,641 adult with 642 males, 793 females and 206 unsexed.
To reach the part, one can use a train, if one has some time on hand, or take a flight to Guwahati, and from there it's a four-hour drive. In the month of March and April, the park is lush green and the allure of nature is in a splendid display. For a wildlife photographer, or for anybody interested in clicking nature-centric pictures or enjoying the company of nature, this is the best time of the year to pay a visit to Kaziranga. The only problem that might smash a few of your plans is the rains because this is also the time for the rain gods to bless the place.
We had planned seven safaris, and those many are sufficient to get a good bunch of pictures. However, four of them were severely hampered by the rains but we managed to get considerable shots of the Big 5 amidst the showers. Had it been drizzling, we could have thought of braving the weather a little more, but it was pouring like it was determined to keep us from venturing into the woods. But the rest of the days were a gift to my camera, and we went around clicking on a spree.
Kaziranga Park is not only home to world's largest population of Indian Rhinoceros, but one can also find in sizeable number creatures such as Hoolock Gibbon, Tigers, Leopards, Indian Elephant, Sloth Bear, Wild Water Buffaloes, and Swamp Deer. The population of the tigers in Kaziranga Park has been on a steady rise for quite a few years now, and for that reason, the government declared Kaziranga a Tiger Reserve in 2006. Kaziranga Park is widely known and visited for its "Big Five" -- Indian Rhinoceros, Indian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Eastern Swamp Deer, and Wild Water Buffalo. These are the five large and majestic animals found in Kaziranga Park in good number. 44
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Apart from a splendid array of animals, the park is a permanent home to several species of birds and the temporary abode of several migratory bird species from Central Asia, which adds to the beauty of the park manifold. One of the many feathery attraction of the park is the Great Indian Hornbill, which is one of the larger members of the Hornbill family found mainly in Southeast Asia and is admired for its impressive size and dazzling colors. It forms an integral part of many tribal cultures as well. However, largely owing to a loss of habitat, the bird is on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and is not quite as easily spotted now as it used to be earlier.
On one of our safari trips, I managed to click the picture with a Rhinoceros and the Spider Flowers in the same frame. The interesting -- thought it might sound a bit weird to some -fact about the relationship between Spider Flowers and Rhinoceroses is that Rhinoceroses contribute to the growth of these flowers in no small measure. The flower grows from the dung of the Rhinoceroses, for the large animals happen to eat the seeds of these flowers and they find their way out of their system mixed in their excreta. And since the Rhinos drop their waste all over the park, it leads to a widely scattered growth of these wonderful flowers.
A playful baby elephant accompanying his mother and frolicking in mud was another remarkable sight to the eyes and while I could capture a few images of the experience, but it's a distant second to the experience of watching these animals interact with each other in nature and also interacting with their natural habitat. The synergy between them and Mother Nature is utterly palpable and refreshing. Perhaps making that distinction is unwise and improper itself because the animals and the wilderness are not two distinct things, but are one. The conception of nature without animals in their natural habitats is like thinking of a planet completely bereft of life. It is only when one visits a place like Kaziranga Park that one realizes as to just how important it is to conserve the forests together with the animals, plants, and trees that populate it. Eventually, it was time for us to travel back to our respective homes in the urban jungles of hard concrete, but it was impossible to not carry some of Kaziranga with us and in us as we got back.
Text: Hemraj Singh | Aarzoo Khurana
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Indian Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in Kaziranga National Park.
Kingdom–Animalia | Phylum - Chordata| Class – Mammalia | Order – Perissodactyla |Family- Rhinocerotidae | Super-family - Rhinocerotoidea Linnaeus, 1758
IMAGE: AARZOO KHURANA
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IMAGE: RAMAKRISHNAN AIYASWAMY
Bearded vulture - Old World vulture
Gypaetus barbatus Linnaeus, 1758
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The Morning Beauty Total Likes: 1200 Share: 06 Photo: Govind V Kumar
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Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not a Wildlife Photographer. But I have always wanted to work towards the conservation of animals, particularly the ones which are endemic to the Himalayan range. In 2016, I got this opportunity to work with the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust as an intern and ever since, this love for the rare and elusive Himalayan animals has grown exponentially. After a handful of sightings in Ladakh, in March 2019, I took the opportunity to visit Spiti and witness them again. On the second day, while the team was moving up the Kibber- Siccham Road, scanning the area for a Snow Leoprad, we found this gentleman basking in the Winter Sun without paying any heed to the happenings around.
Seated so regally, it almost seemed invincible. But Nature has her own strange way of balancing. An excellent climber of the steep, rocky terrain, yet, when it comes to survival of the fittest, they often get overpowered by the nimble-footed ghost of the mountain
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Arpan Kalita
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