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Hindustan Times
02-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Pune forest dept starts registration for waterhole census
The wildlife wing of the Pune forest department has started registration for volunteers for the upcoming annual waterhole census in the district. The census will be held on the night of May 12 in six protected areas under the wildlife division. The registration will be free of cost and people can send their application to the department's official email ID at wildlifepune@ The last date for submission of the application is set as May 7. The census will be held at various locations--Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Junnar, Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary in Pune, Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Supe, Rehekuru Blackbuck Sanctuary in Ahmednagar, Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary in Solapur and Shrigonda tehsil of Ahmednagar district. The activity will be held under the supervision of NR Praveen, chief conservator of forest and Tushar Chavan, deputy conservator of forest (wildlife), Pune forest department. 'The activity will be conducted at different waterholes inside the sanctuary areas. There are some existing watch towers or Machan. Based on the response from people, we will further expand the required facility,' said Snehal Patil, district forest officer, Pune department. As per the data, last year the census was carried out at 86 locations across sanctuaries in the Pune and Solapur districts. Around 150 volunteers from across Pune participated in the waterhole census along with forest officials. At least 1,118 wild animals were spotted during this census, among which, Blackbuck was spotted in higher numbers as 451. Followed by wild boar at 278. Great Indian Bustard, monkey, sambar deer, and Bengal monitor are among the least spotted animals. The highest number of 726 animals were spotted in the Nannaj forest range in the Solapur district.
Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
If a lizard bites you, don't panic. Do this
Picture this: a common house lizard darting across your living room wall, or a slightly larger one lurking near a garden hose in your backyard. You flinch, and wonder—can this little creature actually bite me? It's a question coming from your curiosity, but with a touch of fear. The short answer? Yes, lizards can bite, but the story isn't as alarming as you might think. Let's unpack the science, the facts, and the myths, so next time you spot one, you'll know exactly how to respond. The house lizard: A scary roommate or harmless insect eater? If you live in India or Southeast Asia, chances are you're referring to the common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus). These small, pale lizards are nocturnal insect hunters, often spotted near light sources at night. Can they bite you? Technically, yes. But: ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO Their jaws are tiny and weak. They're far more scared of you than you are of them. Bites usually occur only if you try to catch or trap them. And even if they do bite, it's harmless and non-venomous. At most, it might feel like a sharp pinch. While not dangerous, all reptiles can carry Salmonella bacteria, so it's still important to wash your hands after contact. Most house lizards are shy, non-aggressive creatures that only bite in self-defence. In India, species like the Bengal monitor or garden lizard may look intimidating but rarely bite unless caught or mishandled. Small openings such as ceiling cracks, windows, and ventilation systems serve as entry points, allowing lizards to sneak inside. (Source: Freepik) What to do if a lizard bites you Don't panic. Here's your go-to response: Clean the wound with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic cream. Monitor for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or fever. See a doctor if bitten by a larger or exotic species, or if symptoms persist. If bitten while travelling in remote areas with unknown wildlife, always consult a local physician or herpetologist. Lizards are often misunderstood creatures. In Indian folklore, their chirps are considered omens; in science, they are evolutionary marvels, with over 6,000 species worldwide. Whether they're nibbling insects on your wall or lurking in a zoo exhibit, most lizards would rather be left alone. So the next time you spot one scurrying across the ceiling, remember—it's more likely to run from you than bite. And in the rare event it does, you now know what to do.
