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India.com
30-05-2025
- General
- India.com
Explore The Rare And Unique Flora And Fauna Of Mysuru
Throughout its historic history Mysuru city stands out as a site of notable landmarks and festival celebrations and possesses diverse ecological wealth. The southern region of Karnataka in India provides Mysuru with its home base which surrounds the city with verdant forests of serene lakes and picturesque rolling hills that protect distinct ecological systems. This particular area houses unique flora and fauna along with several species which appear exclusively in this district. This piece presents information about uncommon natural assets in Mysuru by focusing on seven distinct features about the unique wildlife species found in the area. 1. The Iconic Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) Indian star tortoises represent one of the extraordinary reptile species in the vicinity of Mysuru. This species holds a unique shell pattern that looks like stars and exists only within the Indian subcontinent. These sluggish reptiles find their optimal living environment within the scrublands and grassy regions that circle Mysuru. The ornamental shell of the Indian star tortoise has led to its increasing risk from being stolen from the wild through illegal wildlife trade operations. The region devotes attention to preserving natural territories of these animals and educates the local residents about their importance. 2. The Enigmatic Slender Loris (Loris lydekkerianus) The slender loris exists as a small primate that spends nocturnal hours in the deciduous forests surrounding Mysuru. The rare animal has big round eyes accompanied by long legs which helps in maintaining ecosystem health while managing insect populations. The survival of these animals faces serious danger from the separating of habitats that urban developments create. Organizations alongside local government institutions design conservation programs which create habitat links between separated wildlife jurisdiction points to provide security for sensitive animals. 3. The Majestic Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) A bird species identified as the Malabar pied hornbill exists in the Mysuru area because of its unique combination of black and white feathers and its large casque. The natural habitat of these birds is tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests and serves as their principal ecosystem for seed dispersal activities. These hornbill species manage to exist at steady numbers although deforestation and hunting continue to impact them negatively. The organisms receive protection from ongoing forestation activities and wildlife-protection work. 4. The Endangered Cycas circinalis (Queen Sago Palm) Cycas circinalis stands as one of the rare plant species that naturally grows in this area under the local name Queen Sago Palm. The ancient gymnosperm plant exists within a plant group that predates most plant life on Earth while retaining great botanical importance. The growth environment of this species includes rocky landscapes and lateritic ground found throughout Mysuru. Although hardy this species faces imminent danger because people have removed too many specimens for medication and decorative purposes. Botanical gardens implement ex-situ conservation programs to achieve genetic species preservation while fostering sustainable techniques. 5. The Vibrant Nilgiri Marten (Martes gwatkinsii) The Nilgiri marten which belongs to the weasel family serves as a carnivorous mammal that inhabits Mysuru's bordering dense forest fields. This adaptable hunter possesses a distinctive appearance featuring a brown fur texture with a yellow throat area and preys upon rodents and birds together with fruits. While the creature remains secretive and hard to spot it has been accidentally recorded by research cameras installed throughout its habitat. Habitat destruction together with wildlife-human conflicts cause significant threats to its population numbers. The mitigation of these problems advances through enhancements of protected areas while developing eco-tourism initiatives. 6. The Exquisite Blue Vanda Orchid (Vanda coerulea) People who love orchids frequently visit the Mysuru-close Western Ghats to view the spectacular Blue Vanda orchid. The epiphytic orchid Vanda coerulea grows with its vivid blue flowers attached to tree branches in humid forest areas. The species faces extinction risk because of illegal horticultural activities and habitat destruction. Nurseries focused on sustainable orchid cultivation now offer enthusiasts the chance to cultivate these flowers without endangering natural wild orchid populations. 7. The Unique Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) The mugger crocodile which people call marsh crocodile inhabits the water bodies surrounding Mysuru especially Kukkarahalli Lake. This freshwater fish species maintains vital positions in aquatic ecosystems which both controls fish communities and protects water purity. The life of these animals becomes threatened by water pollution, habitat loss and water level variations. The local conservation community dedicates themselves consistently to purify lakes together with wetlands restoration because it helps create areas where reptiles can succeed. Conclusion The area surrounding Mysuru maintains an extensive collection of scarce plant and animal species that operate individually to secure the well-being of their environment. The survival of biodiversity depends on protecting species such as the Indian star tortoise and the lively Blue Vanda orchid among others. The creatures face various challenges which include habitat destruction together with poaching incidents. Ultimately the survival of these exceptional life forms depends on joint actions that unite local communities with NGOs and government agencies. the pornosphere must combine increased awareness with effective conservation methods to safeguard Mysuru's natural heritage for future generations. Mysuru's extraordinary plant and animal species remind the public about the complex relationship of life and the duty to safeguard our natural world. Society needs to protect these irreplaceable wonders immediately to prevent their extinction from the Earth.
India Today
21-04-2025
- General
- India Today
Rare star tortoises die in Andhra Pradesh temple fire, devotees demand justice
Several rare star tortoises were killed in a mysterious fire at the Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh's Srikurmam village. The tortoises are revered in the temple where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his rare 'Kurma' (tortoise) star tortoises at the temple are believed to embody divine presence. For devotees, their presence within the temple grounds is a living connection to Vishnu's cosmic role in preserving balance and supporting creation. Their death under mysterious circumstances, therefore, was seen as a violation of claim that temple staff acted carelessly and without respect for the animals. Locals alleged this incident showed a complete failure on the part of the authorities to care for the sacred tortoises, which have been living at the temple for years as part of its spiritual identity. According to reports, the tortoises were cremated behind the Executive Officer's (EO) office without following proper procedure. Wildlife protection laws require a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death, especially in the case of endangered or rare species. Skipping this step raised suspicions among locals and devotees, who now fear that something is being the outrage spread on social media and in the local community, calls for accountability were growing louder. Many demanded an official inquiry, strict action against those responsible, and better care and protection for the remaining tortoises at the Indian Star Tortoise, native to parts of northwest and southeast India, is under growing threat from illegal trafficking, particularly for the exotic pet market. Its striking shell design makes it a sought-after species, but this popularity has put its survival at not currently endangered, the tortoise is listed as 'Vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In India, the species falls under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, a category that offers minimal protection. Despite this legal status, the trade persists, driven by high demand and low Watch IN THIS STORY#Andhra Pradesh
NDTV
21-04-2025
- NDTV
Rare Star Tortoise Found Dead Near Temple In Andhra Pradesh, Probe Launched
Srikakulam: In a shocking incident that has sparked public outrage, rare star tortoises were found dead near the sacred Sri Kurmanatha Temple in Srikakulam district -- a revered shrine where Lord Vishnu is believed to have manifested in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar. The tortoises were reportedly dead right behind the office of the Executive Officer (EO). According to regulations, a post-mortem examination should have been conducted to determine the cause of death. Devotees have expressed deep disappointment over the incident. Gara Sub-Inspector Krishna Prasad stated that an investigation has been initiated, and the facts will be revealed soon. In November, Andhra Pradesh Forest officials arrested three people for illegal wildlife trafficking in Srikakulam. Intercepting their vehicle, the officials seized rare species of animals. According to an official press release, the accused were transporting rare species of animals from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to Bengaluru. The seized animals included a seven-year-old African Sulcata tortoise, two one-year-old tortoises, 17 African ball pythons and a four-month-old serval cat. The suspects, identified as Syaj, Vijay, and Muzayith, were from the state of Karnataka. Cases have been filed against them, and they have been produced before a court, officials said. Animal Husbandry Department officials checked the health of the animals, which were found to be stable after receiving medical care. They will be moved to the Visakhapatnam Zoo. The forest officials said that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found harming or smuggling wildlife. The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), a species native to northwest and southeast India, continues to face mounting threats from the illegal pet trade, according to the Wildlife Trust of India. The species, known for its distinctive star-like shell pattern, is classified as "Vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List. It is also listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), indicating that, although not currently threatened with extinction, the species could face such a risk if trade is not closely regulated. Under Indian law, the star tortoise is placed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, a category that offers the lowest level of legal protection to wildlife. Despite this, illegal trade continues to flourish, driven largely by demand in the exotic pet market.
