Latest news with #Devil's-bitScabious
India.com
17-07-2025
- General
- India.com
Meet The Rare And Beautiful Flora That Blooms Only In Chandigarh's Green Belt
Chandigarh functions as the capital city for Punjab and Haryana and stands out as a place recognized for innovative architecture together with precise urban planning and numerous biodiversity species. Positioned at the base of the Shivalik range, this area maintains exclusive ecosystems which provide habitat to diverse species of both flowers and animals. The ecological zone surrounding Chandigarh hosts multiple species which exist solely in its domain and multiple other rare species that are deemed threatened worldwide. Seven remarkable species of rare plant and animal life flourish within Chandigarh and its surrounding areas according to this article. 1. Succisa pratensis (Devil's-bit Scabious) The Devil's-bit Scabious plant naturally grows across European and Asian territories extending to particular areas surrounding Chandigarh. The short-lived herb makes its home in grasslands together with meadows that have moist earth conditions. The purple-blue wildflowers of this plant species serve as ecological pollinator attractors for bees and butterflies. The European species exists in sparse territories across specific Indian regions near Chandigarh due to optimal ecological conditions stemming from surrounding wetlands and hills. 2. Himalayan Musk Deer Among the smallest mammals in Chandigarh forest region stands the rare Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster). The solitary animals stay within dense alpine forests along with shrublands. Musk deer conserve their survival through scent glands which bring dual medical and perfume applications but remain at risk due to hunting activities combined with habitat destruction. The Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary together with other protected areas launches conservation programs to secure the vulnerable Himalayan musk deer species. 3. Indian Pangolin The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) exists as an endangered mammal which inhabits the Chandigarh vicinity. The nighttime population of this nocturnal species rests on its body as it uses its keratin scales to protect itself. This animal mainly relies on ant and termite populations for its nutrition. Unfortunately Indian law provides minimum protection to the pangolin species which still face intense illegal trade because people desire to possess its meat and scales. Local conservationists together with forest departments play a crucial role in population monitoring and illegal activity suppression in this area. 4. Ceropegia bulbosa (Rosary Root) The tuberous climbing Rosary Root plant Ceropegia bulbosa exists endemically in northern Indian regions while going by its common name Rosary Root. This important plant survives on rocky areas along with scrublands surrounding the Chandigarh region where it helps preserve environmental stability. Each tuber functions as a water reservoir that allows this plant to survive in dry conditions and its flowers attract specific pollinators through their nectar. Its survival faces danger because habitats continue being destroyed. 5. Golden Oriole The migratory bird species Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus ) appears in the green belts and wooded areas of Chandigarh during certain times of the year. The bird brings beauty to Chandigarh through its bright yellow feathers and peaceful singing which enriches the diverse local avian population. Migration seasons find these birds stopping in Chandigarh because of its mix of lush vegetation and calm atmosphere even though they occur elsewhere. Guarding urban green spaces remains essential to maintain their visitation quality. 6. Peacock Butterfly The Peacock butterfly (Aglais io ) has eye-like wing patterns that protect it from predators through its appearance. The European butterfly species survives in specific areas of Chandigarh that maintain abundant food sources of nettles in garden and park environments. These butterflies demonstrate the need to protect urban vegetation as well as natural pathways through habitats. 7. Butea monosperma (Flame of the Forest) Within the local language Dhak and Palash refer to Butea monosperma which produces bright orange-red flowers during February to April. Indian culture recognizes this tree under its common name 'Flame of the Forest' because of its burning orange hue. Chandigarh's semi-arid zones feature this tree type extensively because it sustains many insect populations and numerous bird species as well as mammalian life. The medicinal value of this tree becomes more significant because its bark and leaves and gum possess medical properties. Conclusion The areas surrounding Chandigarh hold many different ecological systems which collect multiple species that serve vital functions for the ecological balance. The combination of Succisa pratensis flowers and Himalayan musk deer reveals how crucial natural habitat protection has become during the rapid development of modern cities. The protection of these valuable treasures depends on joint commitment between government agencies, conservation groups and the public at large. Chandigarh can sustain its status as both animal habitat and human sanctuary through combined awareness campaigns and sustainable methods so it functions as a universal environmental model.
Belfast Telegraph
30-05-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Popular wildflower meadow on verge of Belfast road cut down due to ‘road safety' concerns
Residents were shocked to find the meadow cut to within a few centimetres last Wednesday, May 21, after looking forward to its annual bloom. Ryan Bradley lives close to the area — a short distance from the Forestside Shopping Centre — and had unofficially 'adopted' the grass verge in 2023 to plant a native wildflower patch to boost biodiversity among pollinators in the area. He had placed a sign on the verge asking for it not to be cut — and for the past couple of years it hadn't been, allowing wildflowers to flourish. A spokesperson for the DfI, however, said that the area in question is part of a 'sightline' and needed to be cut to 'ensure visibility for all road users'. 'The department is responsible for the maintenance of the public road network and annually cuts about 45,000km of grass verges,' they said. 'The area in question, on the Saintfield Road, is part of a sightline and was cut to ensure increased visibility for all road users. 'We are committed to protecting wildlife and promoting biodiversity, and our grass-cutting policy was amended in 2022 to reflect that. However, road safety must always be our priority.' Mr Bradley told the Belfast Telegraph that the reason he selected that particular verge was because it was far enough back from the road to ensure it did not impact motorists. "While I haven't had any official permission to do this, over the past couple of years I didn't think there had been any problems, as wildflowers had been left alone,' he said. 'They were not left to grow to a ridiculous height, and I maintain it myself. I cut it every September or early October, and every fortnight I edge the area to prevent these so-called sightline issues. 'The only motorists who would be affected would be those emerging from the junction from Breda Park, turning right towards Forestside. But there is a cycle path and a large space of pavement before you can even see the flowers, so this just doesn't make sense. 'If that was an issue, why didn't they just take the sign down? It's taller than the flowers ever get to! And the flowers hadn't even begun to bloom yet.' He added that it was even more disappointing that this happened during a well-known conservation campaign called 'No Mow May', which encourages people to refrain from mowing their lawns for the month of May to boost biodiversity and support pollinators. 'I manage grasslands for a living with a local conservation charity and anyone working in this sector would know that you don't cut this early in the year,' he said. 'The first flowers, usually the Cuckoo flower, comes out in April, and different species bloom in succession until September, the last one usually being the Devil's-bit Scabious. 'I was expecting the verge to take about five years to establish, because it takes time to maintain these sorts of meadows. But I only got two. Whoever did this clearly hadn't a clue. 'Even if it was done by accident, an apology would be great. But this won't put me off. I still hope to continue to plant wildflowers and improve the biodiversity of the area by doing so.'
