Latest news with #BombayNaturalHistorySociety
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Flamingos light up Kovalam
Chennai: Bird watchers in the city were surprised to spot nearly 200 Greater Flamingos at Kovalam Creek recently, more so because wildlife officials said they were not sighted at their regular haunts such as Pulicat Bird Sanctuary in Tiruvallur, Kodiakkarai in Nagapattinam district, or the newly declared flamingo sanctuary at Dhanushkodi near Rameswaram. A senior wildlife official said that in Kodiakkarai, flamingos begin arriving from Sept and stay for about six months. Former deputy director of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) S Balachandran said flamingos breed once in four years, and in some areas, they can be seen year-round. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai In Kanyakumari district, the backwaters near saltpans often host them due to the mixture of saline and fresh water that ensures adequate feed. This combination influences their extended stay, Balachandran said. Regarding Dhanushkodi, Balachandran said that the lagoon, now declared a flamingo sanctuary, dries up in summer, forcing the birds to move elsewhere. K V R K Thirunaranan of The Nature Trust said the availability of feed and absence of human disturbance attracted flamingos to Kovalam Creek every year. Thirunaranan and his team recorded mostly flamingos in non-breeding plumage and juvenile birds. "Since 2017, our team has recorded flamingo sightings here during July, albeit in small numbers, which always surprised us," he said.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Time of India
Hope takes flight: 10 rare vultures shipped from Pinjore to new conservation home in Hyderabad
Gurgaon: Ten long-billed vultures are on their way from Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre (JCBC) in Pinjore to Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad under the national conservation breeding programme. This is the first time the vultures are sent to this centre. "The critically endangered vultures were carefully selected for the transfer based on their health, age, and behavioural traits to ensure optimal success in future breeding. Each bird was placed in an individual wooden crate to ensure safety and reduce stress during the journey, which is being undertaken by road in a fully air-conditioned bus," said Hemant Bajpai of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). The birds will reach Telangana in two and a half days. "This exercise is being done to bring about diversity in the population. The Telangana centre has nine white-rumped birds, but there are no long-billed vultures. That is the reason why we have selected these birds," he added. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon The goal is to strengthen the ex-situ conservation initiative, focusing on breeding and eventual reintroduction of vultures into the wild to counter their rapidly declining population. Earlier, similar exercises were carried out in Bhopal and Gujarat. "They will be bred in captivity and eventually released into the wild just like we do here in Pinjore. We sent around 50 to 60 vultures to Bhopal and Gujarat so far for breeding," he added. To further minimise travel-related stress, JCBC staff members followed standard avian transport protocols, ensuring the vultures were last fed two days before their departure. Long-billed (Gyps indicus) and white-rumped (Gyps bengalensis) species were among thousands of vultures who used to thrive in India until the 1990s, when farmers started administering drugs such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, and aceclofenac to cattle. These chemicals, highly toxic for vultures, led to a near-wipeout of their population as the birds ended up consuming them while feeding on cattle carcasses. The drugs were later prohibited from use in veterinary medicines. Now, there are an estimated 6,000 long-billed vultures and around 3,000 white-rumped vultures left in India. To ensure their population does not dwindle further, BNHS established Vulture Care Centre in Haryana's Pinjore in 2002. The centre was later upgraded and renamed the Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre in 2005. "This inter-state transfer is a key milestone in the collaborative conservation efforts led by Central Zoo Authority in partnership with the forest departments of Haryana and Telangana, and Bombay Natural History Society," said Vivek Saxena, chief wildlife warden, Haryana. Seven team members, including vulture keepers and veterinary doctors, are travelling to Hyderabad along with the vultures. The team which will receive them at their destination includes Dr G Babu Rao, senior biologist, Md Abdul Gaffar, junior veterinary officer, Sri Bushanam, head animal keeper and animal keeping staff members K Raja Kumar, S Pavan Kumar, Md Nizamuddin, and S Venkatramulu.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary: A last bastion for endangered dolphins in Bihar
Patna: In the ancient heartland of Bihar, where the Ganga meanders past whispering sandbars and age-old settlements, a 60km stretch of river pulses with rare life. This is the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS), India's only protected habitat for the endangered Ganges river dolphin and a last bastion for the "blind swimmers" of the subcontinent. Named after the historic Vikramshila University, this sanctuary, declared in 1991, stretches from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon, encompassing a rich mosaic of riverine biodiversity. Apart from being a safe haven for the iconic susu, it is also a thrumming aquatic theatre, hosting everything from elusive otters to critically endangered gharials, from soft-shelled turtles to over 135 species of waterfowl. The sanctuary is, in every sense, a living, breathing example of what India's rivers once were and could still be. "More than 250 dolphins and their calves can be sighted at Jhanwi Ghat, west of Bhagalpur. That is a clear indication that the water here is relatively clean and fit for the survival of dolphins," said Arvind Mishra, member of the governing council of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and a representative of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. "The efforts of both the authorities and environmentally conscious citizens have played a major role in creating conditions suitable for wildlife to flourish here," he added. What sets VGDS apart is its shifting, dynamic nature. During the monsoon, the Ganga's meandering channels and inundated floodplains reshape the land and water, constantly redrawing the map of this sanctuary. A particularly rich 36km stretch from Sultanpur to Bhagalpur turns into a breeding paradise for birds with sandbars emerging as seasonal nurseries for nesting species. "The sanctuary is also recognised as an 'important bird area' by the BNHS. It supports a host of endangered and migratory species like the Indian skimmer (Rynchops albicollis), Pallas's fish eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus), Greater spotted eagle (Clanga clanga) and Lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni). Greater and Lesser adjutants too have been reported here," said Mishra. "The ecosystem also supports a sizable population of gharials, various freshwater turtles and numerous fish species," he added. But beneath this shimmering surface lies a current of concern. "Pollution from fertilisers and pesticides in agricultural runoff, along with industrial and domestic effluents, continue to threaten the sanctuary's delicate balance," said Sunil Chaudhary, a Bhagalpur-based expert on Ganges dolphins. "Construction of hydroelectric dams, bridges and irrigation reservoirs disrupt aquatic movement, while accidental killings in gill nets and poaching remain persistent threats," he added. Despite these looming challenges, there is an undercurrent of optimism. Conservationists believe the tide may be turning. Govt initiatives, community engagement and scientific studies have started to yield visible results. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Mint
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Who was Sunjoy Monga? Mumbai's ‘bird man' passes away at 63 after battling blood cancer
Mumbai: Award winning wildlife photographer and veteran journalist Sunjoy Monga was to go birding in Lokhandwala this weekend. Unfortunately, he passed away on Wednesday, May 30, succumbing to a nine-year battle with blood cancer. Sunjoy Monga was 63-years-old. His death has left nature lovers and activists in deep shock. Apart from his award-winning photography, Sunjoy Monga also left his footprints in 'Bird Race' — an annual bird-spotting event that inspired the love of birds among hundreds of Mumbaikars over the years. In 2005, Monga launched Mumbai's first-ever bird race—an event that has since become an annual tradition known as 'Wings – Birds of India.' Monga's idea of launching a bird race was inspired by the Hong Kong bird race. As part of the Mumbai race, Monga invited birdwatchers to dedicate 12 hours to spotting as many bird species as possible. The inaugural race saw around 100 enthusiasts record 277 different species in and around Mumbai. Since then, Monga expanded the event to 33 cities across India, with the tradition still thriving today. As per experts, Sunjoy Monga started his bird-watching journey with other prominent names in the field such as Humayun Abdulali and Salim Ali. 'A great tree has fallen,' Pravin Subramanian, who organised the Bird Race with Monga since 2007, told HT. 'Back then, there were only two books for bird enthusiasts to follow. Monga filled this void by writing comprehensible books for all,' added the Bird Race co-organiser. Sunjoy Monga served for several years on the governing council of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a testament to his deep-rooted expertise as a naturalist. Monga's knowledge and passion for the environment made him a valuable contributor to several key conservation bodies. The 63-year-old was also a member of the Executive Committee of the MMRDA's Environment Improvement Society, the Maharashtra Nature Park Society, and also held the honorary post of Warden at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Raju Kasambe, programme manager, lands, at The Nature Conservancy, an environmental organisation, told HT: 'At the end of each race, Sunjoy would put together an amusing presentation with a lot of takeaways. It took a lot of grit in the early years to put together a checklist of birds and hand it over to 30 groups, then analyse each sheet and the data, but he did it every year. A lot it has migrated to the e-bird app.'
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Threatened, near-threatened birds flock to Udaipur's Menar wetland
In Rajasthan, a small village, less than 50 km off Udaipur, has emerged as a biodiversity hotspot with sightings of several threatened and near-threatened bird species over the last few years. These sightings and community-driven conservation efforts have bestowed Menar with the moniker of 'bird village'. Two wetlands — large and deep Brahma and small and shallow Dhandh — along with a host of ponds constitute the Menar wetland complex, providing habitat to nearly 200 species of birds every winter. A bird census earlier this year, conducted by the Bombay Natural History Society and the state's forest department, revealed presence of several species of vultures and a large number of resident and migratory wetland birds around the grasslands of the hamlet. Recent sightings include species such as cinereous vulture, long-billed vulture, Himalayan griffon vulture and Egyptian vulture in the grasslands, besides Asian wooly-necked stork, ferruginous pochard, Dalmatian pelican, and black-tailed godwit in the wetlands. Villagers conserving these wetlands for generations as a 'common' resource for their livestock and water requirements during the dry season, have only recently realised that the hundreds of birds that are spotted in these wetlands, perched on balconies and temple tops, are in fact threatened species. 'We conducted a bird census in Menar along with the forest department. All wetlands in India fall in the Central Asian Flyway. Menar also plays a very important role because of its strategic location in southern part of Rajasthan. It's important to understand why so many birds are visiting that area,' Sujit Narwade, deputy director, Bombay Natural History Society, said. He emphasised the key role the 'very supportive' local community plays in ensuring the birds are safe. 'Menarians are known for their coexistence with birds. Look anywhere in the village and you will find birds. In Rajasthan, we largely see this love for nature. We see the same thing at Khichan bird sanctuary as well,' he added. Menar is not one wetland, but a complex of wetlands, making it conducive for birds, which normally visit large areas with multiple wetlands and grasslands. 'For example, cranes will feed in the farm land and come to roost in the wetland. There are so many grasslands nearby which also support unique and endangered species like vultures. This is seen in Menar. We are trying for some long-term studies around the village to understand the commute of migratory birds,' Narwade said. Menar wetland complex was notified in 2023, effectively giving it legal protection and ensuring that the land use cannot be changed. However, the move has evoked mixed reactions from the locals, popularly known as Menarians. While residents are happy with the recognition to their collective conservation efforts running into generations, their primary concern stems from the apprehension whether such legal protection would restrict their rights to graze livestock or extract fertile soil from wetlands. A proposed 765-KV sub grid power station near the Kheroda wetland, also part of the Menar complex, is also a reason for their concern as locals believe the project could endanger migratory birds that traverse Kheroda on their way to Menar. The gram panchayat of Kheroda has objected to the proposal, according to documents seen by HT. 'These wetlands are formed through a collection of rainwater and overflow from our farms. Brahmasagar overflow forms Dhandh wetland while Dhandh lake's overflow creates other ponds. We do not extract water from these overflow wetlands because these are left for livestock and birds,' Shankar Lal Menariya, former vice-sarpanch of Menar, said. Villagers' resolve to the wetland free of disturbance may also have helped create a bird habitat in Menar. 'Hunting and fishing is not allowed here. Even disturbance to still water is discouraged. There is strict penalty for those who violate. The birds need fish, which is in abundance in these wetlands,' local resident Mangi Lal Menariya (82) said. The scientific assessment of bird diversity has enhanced the pride of villagers, who see themselves as custodians of these wetlands, the octogenarian said. 'We have consciously decided not to allow any shops, commercial establishments bordering these wetlands because that can disturb the birds,' another resident Shankar Lal said. Birders like Darshan Menariya, by documenting the frequent sightings in the recent years, have played crucial role in establishing Menar as a key bird habitat. 'You can never become familiar with any species unless you know their names. Once I started identifying them by name, it became addictive and very interesting,' Darshan, who also teaches at a government school, said. 'During winter, you can see 200 species of birds. We see two species of Pelicans — greater white pelican and Dalmatian pelican — as well as common cranes, flamingos that come from Rann of Kutch, and sarus cranes, etc. Black-necked stork has started breeding in Brahma Talab. We have created some islands for roosting of these birds and planted acacia mainly for their nesting,' he said. 'We also see a lot of common pochards here. They are an indicator of clean water. Bar- headed geese also come in large numbers from high altitude areas.' Darshan's work has also inspired several youngsters take up birding as a hobby. 'Every time there is a rare bird sighting many of us are very excited. Most of the younger generation can identify birds here,' 20-year-old Hemlatha, Darshan's niece, said. Sharing Aravalli commons In sharp contrast to some parts of the Aravallis, where mining and real estate are threatening common lands, Gogunda in Udaipur district sees a network of ponds being conserved, utilised and carefully rationed by villagers. The rule here is clear — use water from wetlands efficiently for irrigation, leave the rest for livestock, wild animals, insects and birds. Kanji Ka Guda village in Gogunda tehsil is an example of how wetlands, pastures, hills, small streams and sacred groves are carefully managed as 'common' lands spanning around 400 hectares of Aravalli landscape. 'The rule is that villagers can take water only for the Rabi crop. There is enough water for the crop. The rest will be left for livestock, animals and birds because if there is no water, there is no life,' Bawar Singh (70), head of a local committee looking after pasture land, said. Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), a non-profit, in its monitoring of the area has found at least 36 species of odonates (insects), including the red marsh trotter, black stream glider, blue ground skimmer, ditch jewel, blue darner, and little blue marsh hawk. These findings are likely to be published in a journal soon. Migratory bird species, including greenish warbler, garganey, citrine wagtail, Siberian stonechat, ferruginous duck, white wagtail, western yellow wagtail, green avadavat, red-breasted flycatcher, bluethroat, common pochard, green-winged teal, northern pintail, gadwall, and northern shoveler are also reported in Gogunda. Just as in most places across Rajasthan, caste is a dominant aspect in all villages, including Menar. But when it comes to 'commons', the rules are even. 'You may say that caste inequities take a backseat when it comes to access of common resources,' Vinod Paliwal, senior programme manager, Foundation for Ecological Security, said. While Gogunda is largely dominated by scheduled tribes, Menar is an all-Brahmin village. (The reporter is a recipient of Promise of Commons Media Fellowship, on the significance of Commons and its community stewardship)
