Latest news with #Asiatic
Time of India
12 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Tips to grow lilies in your home garden that steal the spotlight
Lilies aren't just flowers, they're elegance on a stem. Whether you're dreaming of a fragrant garden corner or adding drama to your patio pots, lilies are the showstoppers you need. But these stunning blooms don't just appear with a wave of a trowel. They need the right timing, soil, care, and a little know-how. Don't worry, we've got you covered with everything from bulb basics to bloom-boosting tricks. Here's a few tips on how to grow lilies that will make your neighbours stare (in a good way). Grow lilies in your garden with these simple tips Choose the right type of lily Lilies come in many varieties, and each brings a different mood to your garden. Oriental lilies are known for their sweet fragrance and large blooms, while Asiatic lilies offer vibrant colours and earlier flowering. If you like a wild look, tiger lilies add a bold, speckled flair. Choose the type based on your garden's vibe and how much scent you're okay with, some lilies can perfume an entire room. Plant at the right time Lilies need a cold period to develop strong blooms, so timing your planting is crucial. For most regions in India, the best time to plant is between October and December, before the winter chill sets in. If you're in a warmer climate, early spring works too, just make sure the soil isn't too warm or soggy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo Get the depth and spacing right When planting lily bulbs, the general rule is to plant them about three times deeper than their height, usually 6 to 8 inches deep. Space them about 8 to 12 inches apart to give each bulb enough room to grow without competing for nutrients. This spacing also improves airflow, reducing the risk of fungal issues. Prepare the perfect soil Lilies thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in compost and sand to improve drainage. Good drainage is key, soggy soil leads to rotting bulbs. For potted lilies, use a lightweight potting mix in deep containers with proper drainage holes. Pick a sunny spot Most lilies love sunlight and need at least 6 hours of it each day. While they enjoy full sun, a bit of afternoon shade can protect them from harsh heat, especially in peak summer. If your garden gets less light, opt for varieties like Martagon lilies that tolerate partial shade. Water wisely Water lilies deeply but infrequently. Let the top couple of inches of soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering can rot the bulbs, so avoid keeping the soil constantly moist. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool during summer. Feed them during growth Lilies aren't heavy feeders, but they do appreciate a little boost. Use a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season, especially in spring and early summer. Avoid fertilisers high in nitrogen, they'll encourage leaves at the expense of blooms. Stake tall varieties Some lilies grow tall and elegant, but they can be a bit top-heavy, especially during windy days or after rain. Stake taller varieties early to prevent them from bending or snapping. Use soft ties to avoid damaging the stems. Deadhead to keep them blooming After the flowers fade, remove the spent blooms to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. Leave the green stems and leaves, they continue to photosynthesise and help the bulb recharge for next year. Only cut back once the foliage turns yellow or brown. Keep pests in check Lilies are relatively low-maintenance but can fall prey to red lily beetles, aphids, or slugs. Regularly inspect your plants, and if pests show up, treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Companion planting with marigolds or garlic can also help deter unwanted visitors. Lilies are one of the most rewarding flowers to grow. With just a bit of planning and care, they'll return year after year with tall stems and stunning blooms. Whether you're working with garden beds or balcony pots, these tips will help you create a space that blooms with grace and smells incredible too. Also read| How to grow cherry tomatoes from seeds (even if you've never gardened before)
New Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Three lion cubs dead, six isolated: Amreli scare fuels fresh worry over Gujarat's lion losses
AHMEDABAD: Three lion cubs have died and six more are under observation in Gujarat's Amreli district, triggering alarm over a possible health threat in the Asiatic lion population. While officials rule out a contagious epidemic, the mysterious deaths have raised concern across the state, especially given the rising lion mortality figures reported in recent years. In a concerning development from Gujarat's lion territory, three Asiatic lion cubs were confirmed dead near Kagvadar village in Amreli's Jafrabad taluka, while six others have been isolated following signs of weakness and illness. The incident has sparked widespread concern amid growing scrutiny over lion deaths in the state. The forest department initiated a rescue operation after reports emerged that a group of cubs in the Jafrabad Range were unable to walk and appeared critically weak. The rescue team, upon arrival, found the condition of the cubs grave. Despite immediate medical attention, three of the cubs died during treatment.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
Rare carnivore seen ‘ambush hunting' at Nepal park in first-of-its-kind sighting
Thousands of feet up in the Himalayas, a 'rare' carnivore searched for its next meal, stalking its prey through the trees. Its remote home and 'elusive' lifestyle largely kept it hidden — but not this time. A nearby trail camera snapped a photo of the spotted animal. It turned out to be a first-of-its-kind sighting. A team of researchers set up a series of trail cameras throughout Makalu Barun National Park in Nepal 'as part of a pilot project,' according to a study published July 26 in the peer-reviewed Journal of Threatened Taxa. The park was 'renowned' for its 'ecological diversity' but hadn't been extensively surveyed. In hopes of changing that, researchers placed 10 trail cameras near 'wildlife trails or corridors.' The cameras were placed in April 2019, 'checked every three months' and finally collected in March 2024, the study said. The 5-year-long effort paid off, 'resulting in 38,075 photographs' of '30 mammal species.' But a few of the trail camera photos stood out from the rest as the region's 'first photographic evidence' of 'two elusive carnivores,' the study said. Researchers identified 12 sightings of a nocturnal, tree-dwelling civet known as the spotted linsang, the study said. Spotted linsangs, or Prionodon pardicolor, are 'one of Asia's least studied species,' researchers said. They likely feed on smaller prey such as rodents, squirrels and shrews. In Nepal, the species is considered 'endangered due to a small population of approximately 100 individuals.' Trail camera photos from Makalu Barun National Park showed spotted linsangs 'stalking' and 'ambush hunting.' In several photos, the animals' eyes appear to shine. Researchers also identified three sightings of a dhole, or Asiatic wild dog, the study said. Dholes are 'one of Asia's most widely distributed carnivores' and an endangered species threatened by 'habitat destruction, and persecution,' researchers said. In Nepal, there are 'estimated to be fewer than 500' dholes. Trail cameras recorded the dholes 'trotting' past, their golden coats naturally blending in with the foliage. Researchers concluded that Makalu Barun National Park is 'a significant habitat for rare mammals' and recommended 'more focused, extensive surveys, and the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these two species and their fragile alpine habitats.' Makalu Barun National Park is in northeastern Nepal, a landlocked country bordering China and India. The research team included Hari Basnet, Nawang Sing Gurung, Shyam Kumar Shah, Dukpa Thikepa Bhote, Khagendra Sangam, Naomi Bates and Daniel Carl Taylor.
Deccan Herald
3 days ago
- Deccan Herald
Kumbhalgarh to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary: National parks in India to spot Asiatic Lions
From Gir and Kumbhalgarh to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, here are five national parks in India where you can witness the majestic Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. Credit: Instagram/@asiaticlionlodge
Japan Forward
4 days ago
- General
- Japan Forward
How to Reduce Bear Attacks? First, Know the Numbers
このページを 日本語 で読む Bear sightings and attacks on people have been occurring one after another from Hokkaido to Hiroshima Prefecture. Moreover, many have resulted in serious injuries in 2025. From April to the end of June alone, there were 37 victims. This figure is comparable to the same period in Fiscal Year 2023, when there were 219 bear attack victims. It was the highest number of victims for any single year since statistics first became available in FY2006. In 2025, severe beech nut crop failure is predicted for the mountainous areas of the Tohoku region. Beech nuts ( buna no mi ) are a primary food source for Asiatic black bears. This, too, is similar to 2023, which also had an extremely poor harvest. Consequently, humans need to be on high alert everywhere for the appearance of bears as we head into the autumn. In the fall of 2023, a shortage of beech nuts led to mass hunger among bear populations, resulting in a series of human injuries caused by "urban bears" invading densely populated areas. Although it would be best to avoid a repeat of this situation, the circumstances are extremely difficult to manage. Beech nuts were plentiful in Tohoku region forests in 2024, so there should be even more bear cubs in 2025. That could further exacerbate the expected food shortage, making it more likely for bears to come down from the mountains. Police officers patrol the golf course at the Meiji Yasuda Ladies Golf Tournament, where a bear was spotted, on July 16. Tomiya, Miyagi Prefecture (©Getty via Kyodo) In the past, farming and mountain villages located in the satoyama, the area between mountains and urban areas, helped bears distinguish the extent of their habitat. However, due to the aging of society, population decline, and the abandonment of farmland, the functionality of the satoyama is declining. Now, once a bear leaves the mountains, it must be bewildered to find itself almost immediately in an urban setting. To stem the increase in injuries from bear attacks, the Ministry of the Environment designated bears as a managed category of wildlife in early 2025. As a result, the national government will now cover the costs for hunting or capturing bears for the prefectures. Furthermore, starting from September, the revised Wildlife Protection, Control, and Hunting Management Act will permit the use of hunting rifles in urban areas at the discretion of city and town mayors. However, these measures are merely responses to problems bears are causing in human habitats. They are unlikely to provide fundamental solutions. To implement scientific management, it is essential to know the number of bears living throughout Japan. That is data on which we currently have no firm grasp. An Asiatic black bear spotted in Nara Prefecture. (Photo provided by Nara Prefecture) The Ministry of the Environment roughly estimates the present Asiatic black bear population at 42,000. However, that estimate lacks precision. Indeed, estimates range from 22,000 to 55,000. In FY2023 alone, approximately 7,700 bears were captured or killed. Without better data, there is a constant risk of over-culling that could lead to extinction. As a first step to address the problem, funds should be allocated for an accurate survey of Japan's bear populations. That would provide the foundation for other measures. After all, due to excessive hunting pressure, bears have become extinct in Kyushu and are on the verge of extinction in Shikoku. We must not repeat past mistakes. Bears living in the deep mountains play a key role in preserving a healthy ecosystem. Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
