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Time of India
22-07-2025
- Time of India
Wildlife lovers head to grassland safaris this monsoon
1 2 Pune: While the wetlands of Bhigwan are popular nesting locations for migratory birds, including flamingos, in the winter, the grasslands become a haven for birds and wildlife in the monsoon. Naturalists, photographers and tourists are making a beeline to both Bhigwan and Saswad grasslands to catch a glimpse of some of the unique birds of the season. Photographer Amit Dhorje has been visiting Bhigwan and surrounding areas for the last 20 years. "I got some good sightings of the monsoon birds in the grasslands, including the Indian eagle owl, painted sandgrouse, lark, and many more during my recent visit," he said. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Ajit Nagare has been a guide in the area for the last six to seven years. "There are many photographers, wildlife and birding enthusiasts visiting Bhigwan grasslands this year. We have had good sightings of the rain quail, barred button quail and painted francolin this year. We also spotted the Indian skimmer, which is rare. However, because of the sporadic monsoon, we are seeing some new birding patterns like early nesting playing out," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Best Local Accident Lawyers? See List vividtrendlab Undo Wildlife enthusiasts are also visiting Bhigwan and Saswad grasslands to spot the Indian grey wolf, striped hyena and Bengal fox as well. "These animals live in the grasslands and are visible when we take the jeep deeper into the grasslands. I have also been able to capture some good photographs of the wolves," said Anirudh Kedia, a photographer. Rahul Kale, who has been a guide and is familiar with the grasslands for the last 15 years, said that these less-popular safaris are now gaining prominence. "Grassland safaris are also good for spotting many species of owls, such as the Indian eagle owl, short-eared owls, and rock eagle owls. Many other grassland birds like the brown caique and the brown snake eagle are found abundantly. In Saswad, we usually spot buntings, minivets, vernal hanging parrots, and more," said Kale. Despite its "semi-arid wasteland" classification, the 6,000sqkm expanse of Bhigwan and Saswad is a thriving ecosystem teeming with over 350 bird species and 25 mammal species. "I visited the grasslands last year and saw fantastic sightings of the indian courser, yellow-wattled lapwing, greater grey shrike, broad-tailed grassbird, striolated bunting, rock-bush quail, rain quail, greater short-toed lark, Indian eagle owl, and the Indian peafowl. I plan to visit again this year," said Manisha Sharma, a resident of Warje. Due to the early arrival of monsoon, naturalists and guides in the area said raptors started activity early this year. "There is also a clutch of resident flamingos that are visible, but a majority of the migratory ones went back," said Swapnil Jarad, a guide at Bhigwan.
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Rare Indian grey wolf killed by shepherds in Bahawalpur
Listen to article A rare Indian grey wolf has been killed by shepherds near Bahawalpur, raising alarm among conservationists about the safety of endangered species in Pakistan's rural regions. Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Ali Usman confirmed that local shepherds tracked and killed the animal in a rural area. The carcass has been recovered and sent for post-mortem. Authorities are investigating the incident under the Punjab Protected Areas Act 2020 (Amended 2025) and have pledged to file a case once the suspects are identified. The Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is an endangered subspecies native to dry and semi-arid regions of South Asia. Slightly smaller and more elusive than its European relatives, the animal rarely enters human settlements unless its habitat is disturbed or food sources run dry. Experts say local herders often see wolves as threats to livestock, which leads to conflicts and retaliatory killings. 'This isn't just the loss of one animal—it's the loss of ecological balance,' said Badr Munir, conservationist and member of the Punjab Wildlife Management Board. He emphasised the wolf's key role as a top predator. He added that habitat loss and shrinking food sources often drive such predators toward villages. Conservation groups have condemned the killing and are calling for stronger protection laws and public education campaigns to reduce human-wildlife conflict. They urge government bodies to engage with rural communities and promote coexistence strategies before more wildlife is lost.
