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New Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Harmful chemicals clip wings, imperil humans
The National Centre for Biological Sciences has found a drastic 25 percent decline in India's bird population over the last two and a half decades. Such a trend would affect soil nutrient cycles, pollination, seed dispersal and ecosystem balance, besides triggering a cascading effect on public health. The study highlights the poor understanding in India about the consequences of pesticides, which are implicated in the decline of open-habitat birds and insectivores, depriving the birds of their prey and leading to their population decline. Pesticides are widely understood to be the main reason for the decline of insects, which in turn has affected several bird species worldwide. Among the main villains is a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids, which are chemically similar to nicotine and are rampantly used in agriculture and veterinary medicine in India. Neonicotinoids have raised global concerns due to their harm to beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators. This led to the ban of three neonicotinoids by the European Commission in 2018. But their continued unregulated use in India has led to prey deprivation for grassland and raptor bird species like the tawny eagle, greater spotted eagle, saras crane, great Indian bustard, Indian roller, Bengal florican and common pochard. Also blamed are changing agriculture patterns, water pollution, silt accumulation, unscientific desilting and poor lake rejuvenation that has affected wetland and aquatic birds like the northern pintail duck, tufted duck, greater flamingo, Eurasian spoonbill, black-capped kingfisher, Baillon's crake, spot-billed pelican, lesser adjutant, painted stork and pied kingfisher.
India.com
17-07-2025
- India.com
Two Wheels And Endless Adventures With Guwahati's Most Scenic Road Trips
Guwahati functions as the important entry point to Northeast India by serving as a city which stands proudly next to the Brahmaputra River. From its scenic location in the middle of natural hills and rivers alongside important cultural sites Guwahati offers motorcycle adventurers the ideal launchpad for weekend journey adventures. Those who prefer to ride motorcycles along with casual drivers will discover remarkable journeys starting from Guwahati city. There are five exceptional choices for motorcycle road trips which offer weekend opportunities for thrilling experiences. 1. Guwahati to Shillong Motorcycle enthusiasts choose Shillong as their primary vacation spot because it serves as the capital of Meghalaya. The East Indian hill station attracts travelers with its lively Highland atmosphere combined with Scottish mountain feel. The journey from Guwahati to Shillong takes riders through NH40 while passing charming communities and dense forest scenery. All visitors to Shillong must see Elephant Falls together with Umiam Lake and the Don Bosco Museum. Motorcycle enthusiasts visiting Shillong can combine their trip with exciting activities such as exploring Asia's cleanest village Mawlynnong and investigating the root bridges in Sohra (Cherrapunji). 2. Guwahati to Kaziranga National Park The UNESCO World Heritage Site Kaziranga National Park serves as the habitat of approximately 67% of all one-horned rhinoceros species existing in the world. The journey from Guwahati to Kaziranga passes through romantic landscapes of rural Assam that show scenic views of tea plantations along with fields of paddy and various towns. The park welcomes visitors with jeep safaris or elephant rides that provide excellent opportunities to observe tigers along with elephants and wild buffaloes and many species of birds. Kohora showcases comfortable resorts which allow visitors to take in relaxation after their tour activities. 3. Guwahati to Manas National Park Manas National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies at the foothills of the Bhutanese Himalayas. The little-known destination suits travelers who want peaceful time in natural environments. From Guwahati to Manas, visitors can witness the BrahmaPutra River scenery along with its scenic forest vistas. The park features safari adventures providing opportunities to spot the threatened species including golden langur and the pygmy hog along with the Bengal florican. A trip to the Bodo tribal villages near your destination will give you an opportunity to experience their traditional lifestyle. 4. Guwahati to Nameri National Park Livestock enthusiasts together with environmental tourists will find Nameri National Park situated by the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary to be their ultimate destination. The road from Guwahati leads travelers through natural terrain featuring both flowing rivers and multiple forests. Visitors can engage in river rafting on the Jia-Bharali River alongside park trekking at Nameri which creates an exciting weekend experience. During safaris keep your gaze on both the white-winged wood duck and the leopards alongside clouded leopards since they are rare to spot. 5. Guwahati to Hajo Hajo stands as a sacred destination only about 24 kilometers from Guwahati where people find spiritual fulfillment along with religious attractions. Nonetheless Hajo attracts followers from the three major religions of Hinduism Muslim and Buddhism who recognize this place as a symbol of peaceful coexistence. Religious tourists should include a visit to the Hayagriva Madhava Temple together with the Poa Mecca Mosque and the Ganesha Temple. Located proximate to Guwahati, Hajo functions well as both a day excursion spot and a convenient place for brief overnight visits. A peaceful environment around the area helps residents escape the stress of urban existence. Conclusion Motorcycle enthusiasts should choose Guwahati because it functions perfectly as their starting point for touring Northeast India's varied natural surroundings and historical sites. The travel destinations include misty mountains in Shillong and wildlife-filled jungles at Kaziranga and Manas that provide travelers with distinct experiences. The adventures embrace all types of audiences who wish to bond with nature while experiencing local heritage alongside exploring both rush and history during their drive. Ensure your motorcycle ignition and start discovering unlimited adventures that will shape enduring memories for your entire life.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
10 tiger reserves in India that also wow birdwatchers
Well, tiger reserves are not always about elusive tigers. There is more to it, like thick forests, dramatic safaris, which also double up as the wild havens for the birds. You will be surprised to know that many tiger reserves are also treasure troves for birdwatchers, places where you can actually get to witness vibrant bee-eaters and hornbills to rare vultures and elusive owls. So, here's a list of tiger reserves where, even if a tiger remains elusive, the incredible birdlife is sure to keep you captivated. Read more: 5 must-do road trips for mountain lovers Corbett Tiger Reserve , Uttarakhand It's known for tigers no doubt and is famed as the country's first tiger reserve, but it's also a paradise for birders, serving home to more than 600 recorded species. You might get lucky and spot crested serpent eagles, or great hornbills, or the rare Ibisbill in winter. Visit Dhikala zone for chances to spot raptors, waterfowl, and woodpeckers. Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh Kanha is well-known for tigers and barasingha. But the very fact that its forests come alive with birdsong is something that you need to experience at least once. More than 300 species have been recorded here, including the Indian pitta, racket-tailed drongo, and Malabar pied hornbill. Kaziranga National Park, Assam Rhinos and tigers are the highlights of this place. However, its wetlands and floodplains also manage to attract an extraordinary number of birds and the list includes birds like migratory storks, pelicans, and the critically endangered Bengal florican. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book Now And Save up to ₹23.71L on Luxury Homes in Whitefield Sumadhura Group Learn More Undo Winter months are a treat for spotting bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, and various ducks. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal A visit to this place is a full-blown experience in itself. Add to it the rich birdlife, and you will love every bit of it. Spot masked finfoots, black-capped kingfishers, and even mangrove whistlers amid tangled roots and tidal creeks. Boat safaris offer unique opportunities for spotting elusive water birds. Read more: From dhole to bush dog: 10 types of wild dogs and where they are found Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere, Nagarhole is not just tiger territory, it's a birder's paradise too. Home to more than 270 bird species, including the Malabar trogon, Indian paradise flycatcher, and several species of hornbills, if you opt for early morning jeep safaris, you might get rewarded with vibrant sightings. Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala Known for boat safaris and elephants, Periyar's lake and forests are home to over 260 species of birds. You might spot the Nilgiri wood pigeon, black baza, or even the elusive Sri Lanka frogmouth. Guided nature walks and bamboo rafting offer birding at forest-edge and water-level perspectives. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka Adjacent to Nagarhole, Bandipur shares a similar ecosystem, offering sightings of crested hawk-eagles, drongos, and Indian vultures. The dry deciduous forest also makes it easier to spot canopy-dwelling birds. Spotting hornbills during fruiting season is a treat here. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra Tadoba is a rising star for both tigers and birdwatchers. Its mixed forests and wetlands support over 195 bird species, including crested serpent eagles, golden orioles, and the grey-headed fish eagle. The Irai Lake is a hot spot for both migratory and resident birds. Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh/Maharashtra Made famous by The Jungle Book, Pench is also a haven for over 250 bird species. Look out for peafowls, and Indian rollers. The open canopy makes it easier to spot flying and perched birds alike. Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh One of the few reserves that allow walking safaris, Satpura offers an intimate birding experience. Over 300 species live here, including crested kingfishers, Indian skimmers, and paradise flycatchers. Try a canoe safari on the Denwa River for waterbird sightings.
Hindustan Times
01-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Waterholes a lifeline for wildlife amid peak summer
As Uttar Pradesh goes through peak summer, animals in the core forest areas are heavily dependant on waterholes to keep themselves hydrated at a time when most of the natural sources have dried up. Around 350 ponds/saucer pits have been prepared/rejuvenated in core forest areas, with Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) and Kartaniyaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) being the focused ones where state's majority feline reside. 'This year, number of solar waterpumps and waterholes have been increased. The requirement was assessed via field survey, and hopefully it will serve the purpose,' said Sunil Chaudhary, principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF) and head of forest force, Uttar Pradesh. According to 2022 Census, UP is home to 205 tigers and the State recorded 18.49% rise in tiger count. The DTR has been ranked fourth among tiger reserves in India, with a tiger population of 135. The DTR has Suheli and Mohana rivers, tributaries of Ghaghra river, flowing through the forest areas, but during summer, these water bodies flow with little or no water, making it tough for animals to quench their thirst. The KWS has Ghaghra and Girwa rivers, along with numerous swamps and wetlands, under a fragile Terai ecosystem. But the sanctuary undergoes a notable shift between April and June. There are three types of waterholes - first are natural waterholes (geological depressions), like small ponds or lakes. They are a key source of water for wildlife the as routes to such waterholes are in the memory of animals. But as majority of them dry up during summer, man-made waterholes become the only dependable option. The second are manmade waterholes. These are fed water by boring deep into the earth surface with the help of waterpumps, both electrical and solar. At least 10 waterholes in DTR have solar waterpumps that run for a specific period only during daytime. The third type, which is also man made, is the waterhole fed water with the help of pumps fitted on rickshaw trolley. The forest staff take the trolley from one location to another and feed water into ponds. At many places ponds are made of cement. 'Animals look for water during day, hence solar water pumps are fit for the purpose,' said H Rajamohan, director, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR). KWS is home to a number of endangered species including gharial, tiger, rhino, Gangetic Dolphin, swamp deer, Hispid hare, Bengal florican, the White-backed and Long-billed vultures in a total area of 400.9 sq km. DTR represents one of the few outstanding examples of an extremely varied Terai ecosystem, supporting a large number of endangered species. It is the largest and thickest forest reserve of India. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve deputy director Manish Singh said: 'We have 38 waterholes, of which 24 are solar pump equipped. Though monsoon is expected to arrive early, water holes are playing a crucial role in the current situation.' 'Cemented water ponds are created on forest routes that lack natural water sources. Such ponds are fed with water by trolley-mounted pumps once a day. They are deep and long enough to store water for over a day,' said a senior forest official. A tiger might drink up to 30 litres of water in a day, depending upon the heat. Water pumps fitted at one place have a drawback - big animals such as elephants often damage these pumps. Hence, these are under constant watch, and at some places, have been replaced with trolley-mounted pumps.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
5 wildlife sanctuaries for bird-watching enthusiasts
India is a country with spectacular biodiversity, featuring an abundance of habitats that present an interesting variety of settings for bird species to migrate to from across the globe. Here, you will find ideal settings for bird-watching enthusiasts to spot resident as well as migratory bird species in their natural habitats. Ranging from serene backwaters and dense forest covers to large wetlands, as well as lagoons. If you also love watching birds, here are some places that you need to bookmark. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary , Kerala Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is situated on a tiny island on Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. This serene sanctuary welcomes many migratory birds, such as Siberian cranes, herons, egrets, and kingfishers. This mangrove cover is inhabited by a wide variety of birds, and hence it's heaven for bird enthusiasts. People visit this sanctuary by boat, through the serene backwaters, catching glimpses of rare and vibrant waterbirds amidst green vegetation. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park), Rajasthan Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a World Heritage site famous for welcoming more than 370 species of birds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 BHK Nature Villas with ₹30K EMI Offer* in Bengaluru Avind Forest Trails Book Now Undo Situated in Rajasthan, it welcomes migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia, and elsewhere during the winter months. Birds like the Siberian crane, the spot-billed pelican, and the greater flamingo inhabit here. Trained eyes and telescopes can be utilized on well-manicured park trails and cycling tracks to take in the sights. The visit should be made between October and March when the birds are most active. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary , Kerala Thattekad is Kerala's biggest bird sanctuary along the Western Ghats. With more than 300 species of birds, including endemic species such as the Malabar grey hornbill and great hornbill, the sanctuary provides perfect habitats for paradise flycatchers and babblers. Nature sightseeing is particularly fruitful after the monsoons (October to February) when the forest floor awakens with colorful bird calls and movement, drawing nature lovers. Dudhwa National Park , Uttar Pradesh Located in Uttar Pradesh's Terai region, the Dudhwa National Park has a variety of habitats—grasslands, wetlands, and forests—that support over 450 species of birds. It is home to rare and threatened birds like the Bengal florican, Indian paradise flycatcher, and great hornbill. Serene trails and high biodiversity offer good chances for bird enthusiasts to spot resident as well as migratory birds. The best time to visit is November through April, when the climate is agreeable and when bird sightings are the most common. Chilka lake Bird sanctuary, Odisha Odisha's Chilika Lake is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and a critical wintering site for migratory birds. The sanctuary is renowned for flocks of flamingos, pelicans, herons, and many species of ducks and waders. Thousands of migratory birds pay a visit between November and February, bringing with them a bird-watching spectacle. Boat safaris across the lagoon provide close encounters with these birds amidst scenic waterscapes, and Chilika becomes a must-visit destination for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
