Hyderabad zoo welcomes 2 exotic Serval cats
This new exotic species, both two years old, is endemic to the African continent and can live up to 16 years in captivity. The zoo now has 195 species in its collection.
Apart from this, principal chief conservator of forests and head of forest force, C Suvarna and NZP director, Sunil S Hiremath, launched a plantation programme under Vana Mahotsavam celebrations 2025.
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Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Chinar from France survives Delhi weather, Chinese camphor struggles
In October 2023, saplings were planted at Nehru Park in New Delhi's diplomatic enclave Chanakyapuri to mark India's year-long G20 presidency, seen as a reflection of the country's ascendance on the global stage. Chinar tree planted at Nehru Park in New Delhi's Chanakyapuri. (RAJ K RAJ /HT PHOTO) Envoys and representatives of the member nations planted saplings of national significance after the leaders of the G20 nations gathered in New Delhi for the grandest event the city had hosted since the 2010 Commonwealth Games. A chinar, perhaps Delhi's lone such tree, now stands out among those planted in 2023 at the park under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) jurisdiction. It has defied the adverse hot weather and grown 10 feet high two years after the French envoy planted it. The chinar also survived an insect attack and has grown woody with new sprouting branches. The Netherlands' apple tree is also flourishing. Chinar (Platanus Orientalis) and apple trees commonly thrive in cool regions such as Kashmir. Also read | Delhi breathes its cleanest July air in 10 years Most of the plants are doing well despite challenges such as bugs and squirrels. Experts have, meanwhile, pointed out that the one identified as African mahogany (Nigeria) is jamun (Syzygium cumini). A weeping willow from the UK and the US's queen crepe myrtle were on the verge of becoming full-scale trees. The German winterlinde and Australian golden wattle have also responded well. Each tree requires a different climate and environment to thrive. Their natural habitat ranges from the Mediterranean and desert to tropical and subtropical environments. Squirrels, insects, and rain posed significant challenges to the growth of the trees. Olive trees from Italy and Spain were doing better. Two date palms from Egypt and Saudi Arabia have adapted well, growing up to six feet. Some of the trees have not been as hardy in the face of Delhi's extreme weather. A leafless frankincense (Oman) appears dead. The silver tree from South Korea has barely grown. A mango sapling from Bangladesh and a yellowwood (South Africa) have almost dried up. Environmentalist Pradip Krishen, the author of the book 'Trees of Delhi', said the idea of introducing exotic species has never worked well. 'They may survive, but they will never thrive. This is likely to be the case with the Chinar,' Krishen said. He said the plant shown as African mahogany (Nigeria) was a jamun. Faiyaz Khudsar, who heads the Delhi Development Authority's biodiversity parks project, also said that the plant appears to be jamun and not African mahogany. Chandan Tiwary, who has been documenting trees in Delhi, said he was surprised to find a jamun growing where an African mahogany tree should have been. 'Most trees are doing well. The chinar has grown. The olive trees also appear to be doing well. On the flip side, the silver tree is having a hard time. The Chinese camphor laurel is also struggling, but is likely to survive,' Tiwari said. He added that several trees were not doing so well a year back. 'A lot of them had dried up back then. Some are likely to have been replaced with new saplings,' he said. An NDMC official said that the civic body had no role in the plantation or replacement of the saplings, and that they were only involved in protecting and basic upkeep. 'The ministry of external affairs (MEA) got these trees planted through an external agency. They brought the of these plants have done well with chinar becoming a unique addition to the garden.' There was no immediate response from MEA. People familiar with the matter said the plant shown as mahogany was indeed brought from Nigeria. The Nigerian high commission did not respond to queries on the matter. The saplings were kept in a double-layered protection, including a four-foot metallic cylindrical tree guard and a six-foot cuboidal geonet contraption bolted shut from all sides with the help of a white net. Most of the plants have outgrown the protective mini-enclosures. The top layer of the closed nets has been removed, as the plants have settled down.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
6 rare and regal giant peacocks that rule the bird kingdom
Peafowls aren't just birds, they're breathtaking symbols of royalty, beauty, and tradition. With their vibrant plumage, graceful movements, and iconic fan-shaped tails, peacocks have captivated humans for centuries. While the Indian blue peacock is world-famous, other giant and rare peafowl species exist across Asia and Africa, each with its own distinct colour, personality, and charm. This monsoon, get to know these majestic birds that rule their territories like feathered kings. From the ghostly white to the emerald green, these are the most stunning giant peacocks on Earth you absolutely need to see. 6 most stunning giant peacocks on Earth Indian blue peacock The Indian blue peacock (Pavo cristatus) is the national bird of India and for good reason. With its dazzling cobalt-blue neck, shimmering green tail feathers covered in hypnotic 'eye' patterns, and elegant strut, it's the most widely recognised peafowl species in the world. Males spread their 5–6 foot-long tails into fan displays during courtship, creating a mesmerising spectacle. Commonly seen in gardens, temples, and sanctuaries, this peacock is both a cultural icon and a natural marvel. Green peafowl The green peafowl (Pavo muticus) is considered even more regal in appearance than the Indian blue, thanks to its deep emerald body, metallic sheen, and incredibly long train. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Native to Southeast Asia, especially Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, this species is larger, taller, and far more elusive. Unlike the Indian peacock, both males and females have similar vivid colouring, and they're known for their sharp, haunting calls. Sadly, habitat loss and poaching have pushed this majestic bird into the endangered list. Congo peafowl Africa's only peafowl, the Congo peafowl (Afropavo congensis), is smaller and more subtle in appearance but no less remarkable. Found in the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, this rare bird blends deep blue, green, and bronze hues with an almost pheasant-like build. Unlike its flamboyant Asian relatives, the Congo peafowl is shy, ground-dwelling, and extremely difficult to spot in the wild. It holds a special place in African biodiversity and is a prized discovery for any birdwatcher. White peacock (leucistic) The white peacock may look like a mythical creature, but it's actually a naturally occurring leucistic variant of the Indian blue. Unlike albinos, leucistic peafowls still have blue eyes and normal vision. Their pure white feathers, especially when fanned out, look like a bridal veil caught in motion. These birds often appear in private aviaries, palaces, or sanctuaries and are considered symbols of purity and grace. Every feather reflects light like satin, making them visual showstoppers. Javanese green peafowl A subspecies of the green peafowl, the Javanese green peacock is native to the island of Java in Indonesia. It's known for its intense jewel-toned plumage, taller posture, and sword-like crown feathers. These birds prefer dense forests and grasslands and are more solitary compared to Indian blues. Their cries echo hauntingly through the jungle, especially during the breeding season. Due to shrinking habitats, they are now mostly protected in wildlife reserves and conservation areas. Spalding peacock Source: Brown Farm Ltd The Spalding peacock is a hybrid breed created by crossing Indian blue and green peafowls. What makes this bird fascinating is its unpredictability, no two Spalding peacocks look exactly alike. Some have vibrant emerald bodies with iridescent blue necks, while others take after the green species with added flair. They're taller, stronger, and often more dramatic in their tail displays. These hybrids are commonly bred in aviaries and prized by exotic bird collectors around the world. From royal gardens to tropical jungles, giant peacocks have ruled their realms with feathers instead of crowns. Each species offers a unique visual experience, from the mystical beauty of a white peacock to the commanding presence of a green or Spalding hybrid. Whether you admire them for their cultural significance, stunning beauty, or wildlife value, one thing's clear, peacocks are among nature's most elegant showpieces. Add them to your wildlife bucket list, you won't regret it. Also read| Bill Gates with over $120 billion net worth, works as customer support agent in this company without investing a penny
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
Singareni boss plants 204 saplings of fruit-bearing trees
Kothagudem: Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) N Balaram planted 204 fruit-bearing saplings on Monday as part of the Vanamahotsavam celebrations held at the Kothagudem Bungalows area. With this, his personal tree plantation tally has reached 19,775 saplings, planted across different areas of the Singareni company from 2019. Balaram began this journey on June 5, 2019, World Environment Day, by planting 108 saplings. Since then, he has actively participated in afforestation drives in all Singareni operational zones, aiming to lead by example. Speaking on the day, the CMD urged citizens to actively participate in protecting the environment. 'Environmental protection is not the sole responsibility of the government or public institutions. Every individual must take part. Let us all plant at least three saplings each and encourage our families and communities to do the same,' he said. Highlighting the company's ongoing initiatives, he announced that Singareni has so far planted 5.47 crore saplings across 15,231 hectares, and continues to nurture them as part of its long-term ecological mission. He also stated that 2.29 crore fruit-bearing saplings have already been distributed to nearby villages, enabling rural families to grow their own produce and contribute to a greener tomorrow. He added that Singareni is ready to distribute fruit saplings free of cost to anyone interested in growing them.
