Books

Noor Queen of Ranthambhore

Posted by Aditya Singh on October 01, 2018

 
Forum Post

 

Welcome from Andy Rouse and Aditya "Dicky" Singh. We are two tiger nutcases and professional photographers, born on different continents but now close family. We've been brought together by our love of tigers and for one amazing tigress called Noor. 

 

It's taken us 4 years to bring you this book, that's 4 years of very dedicated photography. 

We've followed Noor through the highs and the lows of her life, the result is a stunning 160-page fine art book that needs your support to make all our efforts worthwhile. It's a lavishly illustrated book, there are no filler images here, our photography is world class and so is the book...as befits the Queen of Ranthambhore. 

 

Since we wanted to produce something quite special we have used the best in the business, Printer Trento in Italy, to produce a book of stunning quality. The book itself is 300mm x 260mm, 160 pages packed with incredible images of Noor and her life. The cover is not the usual dust jacket, instead, we have chosen a slightly vintage approach to instead have the cover printed straight onto the book. It’s a beautiful book and we know that you will love it. 

 

The book had been launched as a crowdfunding project on Indiegogo and the link for our book project is - https://igg.me/at/noortiger/x/19415040

 

Do support our project and share it widely.

Man Animal Conflict

Human elephant conflict

Posted by Susan Sharma on September 28, 2018

 
Forum Post

Shaleen Attre is currently pursuing an MSc in Conservation and International Wildlife Trade at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology at University of Kent in Canterbury, UK.  Hear her talk about the complex nature of elephant conservation in India.

 

 

The specter of this gentle animal turning into a threat to humans needs to be taken seriously by conservationists. Wildlife Research and Conservation Society(WRCS) of Pune has been doing some work at grass roots to mitigate this issue. Read about this at

 

 

http://indianwildlifeclub.com/ezine/view/details.aspx?cid=25&m=6&y=2016

http://indianwildlifeclub.com/ezine/view/details.aspx?aid=1186

 

 

See the short film at

 

https://youtu.be/Z08hNz-Puok

 

 

Wildlife

First release of captive-bred* vultures in Asia

Posted by Susan Sharma on September 19, 2018

 
Forum Post

First release of captive-bred* vultures in Asia


Nepal and SAVE witnessed a further landmark for Asian vulture conservation on 17th September 2018, when the Government of Nepal and national and international conservation organisations released 12 critically endangered white-rumped vultures Gyps bengalensis, including the first eight birds actually hatched within the conservation breeding programme. Releases last year of birds reared (but not hatched) in the programme have so far shown very promising signs of survival and success, and in addition, 20 wild birds have now been satellite-tagged  - 11 in 2017, and a further 9 just prior to this release.


The first gate opens and several birds immediately joined the wild birds at the carcass outside. Photo: BCN

The work is a truly collaborative effort of many partners, led by Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) and the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) together with Chitwan National Park and the Department of National Parks & Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). The Director General of DNPWC and a small group of officials, scientists and community leaders watched as the BCN team quietly opened the doors of the release aviary using a remote pulley system. Six of the twelve vultures exited the release aviary and joined the wild birds feeding on the buffalo carcass almost immediately, and all twelve came out within half an hour. Six of the birds later returned inside the aviary where they spent the night, but immediately flew out again the following morning. The release site is at the village of Pithauli, Nawalparasi, close to Nepal’s Chitwan National Park.

“This is a world first for the release of white-rumped vultures actually bred in the Nepal breeding centre and is a major step for establishing secure wild populations now that we are confident that the veterinary use of diclofenac has been stopped in this country” said Mr Man Bahadur Khadka, DG, DNPWC.

The previous week, an expert team from the UK (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Forestry Commission) together with the BCN team had fitted satellite tags to the birds with carefully designed harnesses (using the thoracic cross-hatch method), ready so they can be monitored after the release, and give us vital information about their movements, and any problems or causes of mortality . The team also caught and tagged nine wild white-rumped vultures, which are already being monitored, to compare their movements and behaviour with the released birds.


Fitting the satellite tag and wing-tags a week before the release. Photo: BCN

“The monitoring of the satellite-tagged birds is an important way to understand how well the birds are surviving, and to assess the safety of the “Vulture Safe Zone” said Ishana Thapa, CEO of BCN.  “If these and the previously tagged birds all survive then this is a further sign that the vulture conservation efforts are working”. Krishna Bhusal, BCN’s Vulture Conservation Program Officer of BCN added: “Releasing vultures, hatched in captivity, in this location, combines our in situ and ex situ efforts to save these birds, and the process of keeping the birds in the pre-release aviary for several months before release allows them to adjust and interact with wild birds - This is an exciting day for me and all Nepal”.


The officials slowly open the first gate of the release aviary using the remote pulley. Photo: BCN

Chitwan’s Chief Conservation Officer, Bed Kumar Dhakal said “We are proud that the vulture breeding at the Breeding Centre in Chitwan National Park has taken off, with nine chicks last year and six more in 2018”.  Jemima Parry Jones, UK birds of prey expert from the International Centre for Birds of Prey (ICBP) who advises the project said “Breeding and releasing these birds is a great credit to all involved, and shows how a combination of international and national partners can work successfully together to achieve very significant results. The huge success of the VSZs has meant we can have these amazing releases and aim towards all the vultures being back out in the wild by 2023”. Craig Pritchard, senior vet representing ZSL said how the birds all appeared to be in very good condition, and how pleased and privileged he felt to be part of this joint collaborative effort.


Briefing and speeches of the release immediately beforehand. Photo: BCN

Mr DB Choudhary, the local conservation community leader added “The Nawalparasi community is proud that their area has been selected for this historic release, following a series of vulture conservation initiatives in the area including running the vulture-safe feeding site here since 2006”

Chris Bowden, RSPB and Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction (SAVE) Programme Manager said “The successful removal of veterinary diclofenac across Nepal thanks to a lot of hard work, is the real reason behind the success so far and without this we couldn’t have gone ahead. These are the first ever Asian vultures to have been hatched and bred within a breeding programme and taken to the concluding phase of release to the wild. This illustrates the rationale behind these efforts and if enough birds survive without encountering killer veterinary drugs, we will be on track to release all the birds by 2023”

The vulture conservation work in Nepal is carried out with the full support of DNPWC, and led by BCN. The breeding centre was established in 2008 and is jointly managed by NTNC and Chitwan National Park. The main funding (and technical) support has come from the RSPB, but significant resources also come from all organisations involved as well as the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) who provide veterinary support and helped with funds for the release aviary, and the International Centre for Birds of Prey (ICBP) in the UK.


Flying free. Photo: Rajendra Gurung BCN

Calendar of the Nepal white-rumped vulture release programme so far:

April 2017: Transfer of the first 6 captive-reared* birds from the breeding centre to the release aviary.                                                  Trapped, satellite-tagged and released 6 wild white-rumped vultures

November 2017: First release of 6 captive-reared birds.  (Note five of the six released birds still alive and well after 10 months, but one was lost, possibly predated by a leopard)

Caught and tagged 5 more wild birds.

April 2018: Transferred 12 vultures from the breeding centre to the release aviaries.

September 2018: Released the first 8 captive-bred birds*, plus a further 4 captive-reared birds.                                                                        Also tagged and released 9 more wild birds.

There is now a total of 37 satellite tagged white rumped vultures, 20 wild birds and 17 released. All were caught or released in Nawalparasi in Nepal.

*Captive reared vultures are birds that came in as chicks collected from wild nests (in 2009 and 2010) reared and placed in the breeding centre for the breeding programme.

* Captive bred vultures are the offspring of those captive reared birds, hatched and parent reared in the breeding programme.


For more information on the Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction (SAVE) partnership and further news updates check www.save-vultures.org  and www.birdlifenepal.org

Anthropomorphism

GST writing

Posted by anshulaseth on September 19, 2018

 
Forum Post

The great and good post is applicable for all

Volunteering

Volunteering opportunity for a software engineer

Posted by Siddesh on September 18, 2018

 
Forum Post

Hi,

I am a software engineer located in Pune, i am looking for a Volunteering opportunity in the fiels of wild life

Is there any volunteering opportunity for a software engineerto contribute in wild life conservation.

I am interested in any field task as well as any site developement task.

-Siddesh Sane 

Eco-tour

Best Ecotourism Destinations in Kerala

Posted by Rithika on September 17, 2018

 
Forum Post

As natural beauty is the favourite escape from the hectic world,  I too choose to go for Ecotourism for peace and tranquility experience that it offers. While searching for an ideal eco tourism spot, I  happenend to come across Kerala that has the most number of unperturbed natural areas. I picked up Periyar among the various options that the state offered. The scenic beauty of Periyar is beyond description. This place has a man-made lake built centuries back, the Periyar National Park, Tiger Reserve and Elephant reserve. I enjoyed exploring the  wildlife admist the tribal folks. Staying in tree-houses, thatched cottages and tents made my trip truly authentic and a memorable one. I must say if you too wish going for Ecotourism, Kerala tour packages have got much to offer. These trips are worth visiting and you feel energised and recharged totally.

Wildlife

Wildlife Conservation as a career choice

Posted by Susan Sharma on September 12, 2018

 
Forum Post

Many IWC members send queries about wildlife conservation as a career choice.   Many youngsters have great passion but find there is a lack of opportunities to qualify with an"appropriate" degree.   There is also a lack of openings in general.  

I recently interviewed Shaleen Attre, a passionate wildlife lover.  With no "Science background" she found it impossible to get admission for any environmental degree courses in India.   Her vast field experience working with NGOs in wildlife area did not count when it came to admission.

Here is the video recording. Watch it at the link

https://youtu.be/y5Nw5-aKO78

Travel

golden temple with taj mahal tour

Posted by prabhu palawat on September 08, 2018

 
Forum Post

Golden temple with taj mahal tour

The tour package Golden Triangle Tour with Amritsar covered top four famous and beautiful location of India including Delhi, Amritsar, Agra and Jaipur. The Golden Triangle is perhaps the most celebrated travel path in the India that brings Indian cultural, colorful dress up, Indian tasty food and different language you will explore but with this package you will also experience the Golden Temple which Among the most prominent heritage sites in India that have made an impact in the world is the Golden Temple. Welcome India Travel offer India's most popular and selling package with affordable price and 100% satisfaction service. We offer golden triangle tour with golden temple, golden triangle with amritsar, golden temple with agra tour, delhi agra amritsar tour package price, golden triangle and amritsar tour, amritsar tour package from delhi, golden temple tour from delhi.

Author : Kishanu Karmakar

Bird Watching

Bird Watching at Thattekkad

Posted by PhotographyAxis on September 05, 2018

 
Forum Post

Bird Photography at Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

 

If you are a Birdwatcher then you should definitely visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Thattekkad. it is a must visit place for any bird photographer. You can enjoy shooting many varieties of birds which include western ghats endemics also. Special bird varieties here include Malabar Trogon, Great-eared Nightjar, Oriental Bay Owl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Black Baza and many more. You would definitely love this place. it is good for learning bird photography also.

 

 If you visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary during winter season then you can even photograph the winter migratory birds. I have been to this place many times. If you are lucky then you can even get a sighting of the rare Legge’s hawk Eagle. Nearest railway station is Alwaye and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. You can arrange a taxi or cab from there to reach this place.

General

TEMPO TRAVELLERS – THE MOST CONVENIENT WAY TO TAKE TOURS AT YOUR LEISURE

Posted by Vishal on September 03, 2018

 
Forum Post

Who does not like travelling with ease and comfort? And a tempo traveller is the most convenient option for tourists who are looking to get the most out of their city tour. You may not be aware of all the biggest advantages only provided by a tempo – supposedly the best vehicle for all of your holiday needs. No matter you’re planning a long trip, short trip or any other trip. A tempo traveller is the best option you will ever ask for.

People usually prefer hiring a tempo traveller for taking a tour of the city with a large group. It can even be used to ferry people to the marriage hall. Compared to SUVs, our tempo travellers offer you a larger room in terms of leg space and great comfort with push back seats.

Click Here to know more

Source: https://parastour.com/tempo-traveller/

Share this page:

Join Us    

Download IWC Android app     IWC Android app



Copyright © 2001 - 2024 Indian Wildlife Club. All Rights Reserved. | Terms of Use

Website developed and managed by Alok Kaushik