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-----> The WildGoa Newsletter! <----- Vol. 2004.04
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Sunday, 03rd October 2004
It’s been a busy 3 months since the last newsletter but this time this 4th
newsletter of this year comes out in perfect timing. It's Wildlife Week
Celebrations from 2nd to 8th October in Goa. So this week, join hands with
the Forest Department to conserve, preserve wildlife for posterity. The
forest department is organizing various programmes, talks, shows, videos at
various places like the NIO & Goa Science Centre. Get more details from the
papers, especially the 2nd October, Saturday editions.
I’ve addressed an issue that’s close to my heart….the proposal for
de-notifcation of wildife scantuaries by the chief minster of Goa. Do read
and let me know what you feel about this issue. Please do participate, as it
will have some outcome only with your participation.
I simply could not include everyobdy’s articles into this issue. We simply
ran out of space!! It looks like we will have to make issues of this
newsletter come out more frequently! Therfore, with the increased workload,
WildGoa is looking out for volunteers to help with mailinglist moderation,
newsletter material and so on...any takers? We just need 1-2 volunteers.
Until next, keep up with the good work, we are now 311 members at WildGoa!
-Clinton..
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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In This edition!
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1. De-notification of Wildlife Sanctuaries – By Clinton Vaz
2. A Tree Snake and a Garden Lizard –By Adavanne
3. Of Wild-Boar Attacks and Other Issues... -By Joseph Zuzarte
4. Birding at Dandeli & Anmod – By Vennila
5. In The News (Wild News in the Local Papers)
6. Other Wildlife Mailinglists and Websites from India.
7. Reader’s Write
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Topic No. 1.
De-notification of Wildlife Sanctuaries
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In July, a small announcement was made in the papers:
DENOTIFICATION OF WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES: The Chief Minister, Mr Manohar
Parrikar, said on July 16 he will soon call a joint meeting of the MLAs of
Sattari, Sanguem, Quepem and Canacona in order to reach consensus over
denotification of the inhabited areas in the Mhadei and Netravali wildlife
sanctuaries.-Navhind Times, 17th July 2004
Though at first glance, it would seem that it does not matter to most of us,
a closer look would make any person think otherwise.
Like most of us living in Goa, I did know that mining is was having an
adverse effect on Goa’s environment, but it didn’t matter to me. As long as
I didn’t see it, it was ok. But then in 2001 I enrolled as a volunteer for
an animal census and at the orientation course, I selected Sanguem as the
place I’d volunteer for. Why? Well… the reason was a little silly. I had
friends in Sanvordem and I had also been for a picinic somewhere in that
area, so I figured that was the place for me.
The day arrived when we traveled the Netravali Range Forest Officer’s
headquarters. A friend, Shrinivas Narayan accompanied me and we were
introduced to Mr. Mashelkar, the RFO. Over a cup of tea, we were told about
how big this sanctuary is, and how Governor Jacob had notified this area as
a sanctuary to protect Goa’s biodiversity. Before, this place was overridden
with mining, but now it’s much lesser, he said.
That night, we were taken in a convoy of jeeps, deep into the forest to the
basecamp that was 1.5 hours from the nearest telephone. It was ironic that
the basecamp was an abandoned mining office. Getting some sleep, we would
wake up at 5.30 the next day for a day-long trek in deep forest spotting
animals for the Forest Department of Goa’s Wild Animal Census.
I was in high spirits that morning, when we all split up in groups of 2. My
group consisted of a forest guard, a local and myself. It was amazing how
the local boy knew so much of the forest. He would stop and see pug marks
that we could not. He could identify animals by the droppings! But just as I
thought we were in the middle of a deep forest, we came to a clearing. A
mining truck passed by.
A mining truck? Deep in the forest? The local nodded….there’s a mine here
somewhere. Soon we were at the mine, an open pit mine that was dusty and had
mining rejects strewn about all over the place. As we continued on our
marked transact (a predefined straight path marked on a map), I was
horrified to see feathers and bones of Jungle Fowls & a bloody carcass of a
porcupine. The guard informed me that this was a regular occurrence, as
mining workers often are paid a pittance, so they resort to killing wildlife
for food or money.
It was evident that mining was still on…in the middle of the sanctuary. But
how can this place be called a sanctuary? The word ‘sanctuary’ looses all
its meaning for the animals in Netravali. Over the course of the day, I was
saddened to see about 2 more open pit mines and similar bones & feathers all
in a distance of 12 kms within each other. The sounds of the jungle would
also be punctuated by blasting sounds indicating that mining was taking a
toll somewhere, someplace.
Forest guards acknowledge that mining is bad, but they are helpless they
say, as the mining lobby ties their hands. Mining also causes its side
effects of problems of mining rejects, killing of animals, and creating
roads into deep forest enabling poachers to gun down wild animals like the
wild boar. Timber & bamboo is regularly cut down as I saw for myself during
one of the jungle treks. Villages, in and around the sanctuary depend to
some extent on mining by working as diggers, and truck drivers, but have
started realizing the ills of mining and are now beginning to oppose further
mining. I’m sure that given the plantations around, they could do well with
farming or eco tourism.
It’s strange then, to see the chief minister asking for de-notification of
the sanctuaries. While he claims that the de-notification will benefit the
villagers and not the mining, it is visually evident that it’s vice versa.
After all the Cotigao sanctuary has a few villages in its perimeter and the
villages have no problem. It’s quite evident that the Chief Minister is
being backed by the mining lobby which has lots to gain with the
de-notification.
Alfred Fernandes had once written an article in the papers regarding this
matter:
SANGUEM, DEC 14 Just as every coin has two sides, the Supreme Court
Netravali Empowered Committee’s order on Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary also
has two sides to the issue.
While the committee's order has brought to a grinding halt all mining
operations in the wild areas, the wildlife sanctuary is set to bring back
the old glory in the village. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a
villager informed Herald that rampant mining operation in the village since
the last 30 years has done nothing good to the villagers here, except
degrading the environment.
“The operation of mines here did not cause any development. On the contrary,
severe damage is caused to the environment in the name of the development.
At least, the committee’s order will bring certain development of the
village,” remarked the villager. In a different view to the opposition
towards the committee’s order, the villager alleged that the ongoing
agitation is the brainchild of truck owners and mines operators. “These
people are set to gain the maximum advantage in the event the government
denotifies a portion of the Netravali wildlife sanctuary,” the villager
added.
Those in favour of the committee’s order opine that the remote village could
witness a heavy influx of tourists, thereby promoting development of the
village on the tourism front, without any damage to the environment. They
pointed out that if Netravali remains on the map as a wildlife sanctuary,
many nature loving tourists bored with city and beach life will flock to
Netravali to enjoy nature and the wildlife.
Netravali has a road which connect to Canacona. A tourist landing in
Netravali can witness a series of picturesque spots, which include the three
hilly areas of Verlem, Tudov and Salgini. A few kilometres away lies the
Savari waterfalls. Besides, a number of springs in the village could quickly
become a tourist attraction. Further down on the way to Sanguem is the state
largest irrigation project, the Selaulim Dam, where a botanical garden
coupled with a rock garden and a recreation centre is in the offing.
I thefore urge you, to write/e-mail/fax/phone the chief Minster of Goa,
telling him that you do not support his decision to de-notify any part of
the Mhadei and Netravali wildlife Sanctuaries.
His contact details are:
Chief Minister of Goa, Mr. Manohar Parrikar:
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Ofice: +91 832 2223970
Office2: +91 832 2227107
Office3: +91 832 2223464
Fax: +91 832 2223648
Fax2: +91 832 2250205
Mobile: +91 9822131213
Mr P Krishnamurthy, Secretary to CM
Office: +91 832 2223771
Residence: +91 832 2411049
Mobile: +91 9822176665
Arun Desai, Joint Secretary to CM
Office +91 832 2227107
Residence: +91 832 2411490
Mobile +91 9422441055
Vinay Tendulkar (Forests, Cooperation, Protocol)
Office: +91 832 2424483
Office2: +91 832 2618355
Office3: +91 832 2224971
Residence: +91 832 2618080
Mobile: +91 9822388750
Please do let us know what you write to them and what response you get. Do
let others know about the plans for de-notification and ask your friends to
contact the chief minister and make him aware that we do not subscribe to
his thoughts and plans for our wildlife sanctuaries.
Thanks for your time,
Clinton Vaz
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Topic No. 2.
A Tree Snake and a Garden Lizard
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24.07.2004
09.15-09.33 hrs
Yaderalli grove,
South karnataka
A tree snake on ground for a mouth full of prey in the presence of humans
Sun rays peeping through thick clouds after few days of showers brighten up
vegetation into a ‘green flame’. Juvenile, adult birds emerge out for
foraging or adults carrying feed to nest intensifies during this sun
peeping. Butterflies come out of hide for basking and feeding in sun lit
field.
A Red whiskered Bulbul holding a yellow leaf in its beak on top of a medium
sized tree attracted our attention. Just below the branch where Bulbul was
perching, a female Common Garden Lizard, Calotes versicolor moved with a
brisk speed and fell on green grass covered ground. A slim and agile snake
that was chasing the Lizard too jumped. The height was about 4 meter.
We were facing the tree, raising its head Lizard ran straight towards us.
But snake was very fast on ground. We stepped aside giving way to the
chasing. Prey and predators were least bothered about our presence. The
Common Indian Bronze back or Tree Snake Dendrelaphis tristis pounced on it
just with in 3 meter in the middle of the body. Holding the prey in its
mouth started swallowing it from head on. The Scales of snake were sky blue
shining under the morning sunlight. Just after swallowing the prey up to
its front legs snake moved further 2 meter. While moving it was raising its
head with mouth full of prey. It stopped where slightly grown up grass was
present. It took fifteen minutes to completely swallow the Lizard. Snake
stayed there for another 2-3 minutes, moved into bushes nearby and
disappeared.
About the writer: Adavanne Shivaprakash & Girija are member of the Bangalore
Birds Group and are based in South Karnataka. You can get in touch with them
at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Topic No. 3.
Of Wild-Boar Attacks and Other Issues...
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Compared with some of the great wildlife sanctuaries of India, those in Goa,
of course, are not quite in the same league. But you'll be shocked at the
number of animals that actually inhabit the Goan sanctuaries.
By Joseph Zuzarte
It was a pleasant surprise to have a number of people writing in after
reading the article on birds some days back (Goa's undiscovered birds,
Herald, March 16). There's a huge amount of curiosity amongst Goans
themselves about the animals, birds and other creatures that inhabit the
wildlife sanctuaries in Goa.
Compared with some of the great wildlife sanctuaries of India like the Sasan
Gir in Gujarat where you can easily see the lions, or the Keoladeo Ghana
National Park in MP and the Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam, where you can spot
without trying the majestic tigers, the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, of
course, are not quite in the same league.
But you'll be shocked at the number of animals that actually inhabit the
Goan sanctuaries, and which can be easily sighted if you would take a walk
-- at your own peril, or drive through these sanctuaries.
The most exciting is the well-maintained Mollem National Park, which
includes the Dudhsagar Waterfall. The area is teeming with leopards and on a
good day you might even sight one, although I, fortunately for me, haven't
seen one yet. But a civet cat, another wild cat, did cross my path once,
scaring the blood out of me.
Mollem is memorable for the hordes of giant squirrels which inhabit those
forests. The giant squirrels are the size of a good dog, with short
squirrely legs and lovely, long fluffy tails.
They inhabit the tall trees there, and can be easily sighted with a little
bit of patience. In fact the giant squirrels inhabit the entire Western Ghat
corridor in Goa, and if you're the type who likes lovely, cuddly creatures,
it will be love at first sight. A good pair of binoculars is essential to
enjoy the squirrels.
One time, in Netravali, a pangolin crossed my path. Pangolins are said to be
survivors from the Jurassic age (along with the hornbills), and are one of
the most ancient creatures around.
The one I saw was the size of a medium dog, very shaggy looking, with the
ant-eaters inverted funnel-like face. It ambled away with an air of susegado
from one side of the path to the other, shyly looking up at me from the
corners of its eye. A wild boar also attacked my in Netravali, but
fortunately for me it was not a full-grown boar. I had been walking in a
thickly covered patch of the tall, evergreen forests there, deep in the
jungle and, from the rustling sound in the pitch-dark undergrowth, realized
that an animal was running towards me, so I started moving towards what I
hoped would be safer spot.
>From the way it was trampling the leaves, it was obviously not a big cat.
Suddenly it shot out from the undergrowth and simultaneously I almost jumped
to the top of the tree canopy in fright, which is what probably frightened
it off and it disappeared into the jungle. Both of us looked at each other
for the briefest of milli-seconds, realizing we were not each others prey.
But they reportedly attack you in the calf if they've been having a bad hair
day.
Watching all this was a group of lion-tailed macaques, which are also to be
seen in the sanctuaries. To see a king cobra in the wild is also quite an
experience, and very scary. Do you know why it is called a king cobra?
Because it moves with its front hood raised quite high, in the manner of a
king with a long flowing gown, very regal.
The few times I've seen the snake have been probably the most cowardly
moments in my life, because that would be my cue to scamper away from the
jungle to some relative safety!Monkeys of course are there in plenty.
Cotigao has a big population of the common Indian langur. Bondla has a
decent zoo. Deer can be easily sighted in this forest and also in Bondla and
Mollem.
There are three types in the Goan forests -- spotted, barking and mouse
deer. The last, being small, is not easily sighted. You can also spot the
flying foxes without too much effort in the Cotigao-Netravali area. That
area has some of the most awesome forests in Goa, huge, untouched rain
forests teeming with all kinds of creatures, big and small.
LIKE THE AMAZON: Going into the Netravali jungle, especially, is like being
in the Amazon. Most of the forest in Netravali is completely inaccessible,
and it would be a good idea for the Forest and Tourist Department to build a
wooden pathway on the tree tops, like they have in Indonesia and Brazil (two
other places where they rain forests).
The Goa Government is probably unaware of a huge rain forest that has been
created under a dome by a businessman in Germany, on the lines of a
amusement park, so that people can enjoy walking through a rain forest. The
rain forests of Netravali are truly spectacular and it would be a real shame
if they are allowed to be destroyed in any way.
Cotigao and Dudhsagar have machans on tree-tops and near water holes, where
you can sit and wait for the animals to come to quench their thirst. Sundown
time is when the jungle comes alive with the howls and cries of the animals
as they make some last ditch attempts to find food or to locate their
broods, or to escape from other predators. If you're not in an sheltered
area, then it can also be a very frightening experience as the animals crash
around with total impunity through the jungle.
Trekking the jungles also has its perils. Once I was lifting myself up in a
water path on the slopes of Vageri Hill, one of the tallest mountains in
Goa. I had decided to explore a particularly thickly forested area which
could be accessed only through the slightly dried up water path.
So there I was, huffing and puffing my way up over big boulders, pebbles,
rocks, fallen giant trees, and at one point put my hands up and over a stone
to fix my fingers into a good grip, so as to lift myself higher up. When my
head reached the level of the stone, I saw a scorpion lurking a few
centimeters away from my fingernails. That it did not sting me is my great
fortune, probably looking at my fingertips and wondering what this hydra-
head creature was.
There's a tall mountain in Cotigao Sanctuary called Ravano Dongor, which is
the area where it joins the Netravali Jungle. The name itself being so
scary, Ravano Dongor is one of the few places where it is unlikely that I
will ever be spotted birding or looking out for wild animals!
Another scary place is the Devil's Canyon in Dudhsagar, although it looks
completely harmless. It's a small rocky place on the Dudhsagar river, close
to Colem, where the water seemingly stands still, but is actually moving
through some underwater and underground caverns and tunnels. The stream
moves fast a little upstream and also a few dozen metres downstream. There
have been a number of drowning deaths there because of the mysterious
currents. The rocky cliffs of Dudhsagar would also make for some idyllic
rock climbing and rappelling.
Dudhsagar, of course, is the prime attraction in the Mollen National Park.
If you go to the Goa Museum at Patto in Panjim, you can see some terra-cotta
pieces which were found at Dudhsagar and have been dated at over 100,000
years.
Dudhsagar valley apparently was the first place of human activity in Goa,
though at the waterfall itself you do not see any sign or evidence of this
pre-history. But you can enjoy looking at the waterfall which comes down 600
meters and the untamed environs of the Dudhsagar valley itself, secure in
the knowledge that there are over a dozen leopards and panthers probably
peeking out at you from the dense forests.
Another interesting place close to Netravali area is a village called Kazur.
You take a short detour from the main road -- there's a conveniently placed
ASI signboard which helps -- and go down to the banks of a stream. There you
will encounter the helpful ASI guards.
The place is like a rocky area on the banks of a small river. On the rocky,
flat area there are about 50 carvings which are said to date back from the
Mesolithic era, about 8,000 B.C. You can very clearly see the peacocks, wild
boar, mother goddess, even a Swastik. The person there even claimed that one
of the carvings is that of a yak, which is supposed to have inhabited that
area 10,000 years ago.
SACRED GROVES: You can also check out some sacred grooves in that area.
There's Pai Pak. It's right on the main road; all you have to do is park and
walk into it, ASI board very helpfully there. Pai Pak is said to be a local
form of Lord Shiva. The sacred groove is actually an old ruined temple --
you can now only see some remnants of the stone walls at ground level and
the deity of Pai Pak, which is still there, a small carved statue in the
middle of the place.
A board informs you that the deity dates back to the 11th century A.D. and
also lists the names of the rare trees there. The Surla forests of course
have the lovely little temple at Tambdi Surla, which is also a Shiv temple,
with some nice restaurants outside. The forests are also like a dream come
true for those who are into trees and butterflies.
The forest flowers in the Western Ghats are said to number the most in the
Goa area. There's also an astonishing variety of giant butterflies, all
kinds of creatures from the lizard and reptile families and also amphibians.
There are even said to be some species which are still to be discovered,
right here in the forests of Goa. Go into the wild, and discover it!
About the writer: The writer, who grew up in Goa, spent much of the past
years as a journalist working with a number of publications in Mumbai. Send
in your feedback to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Topic No. 4.
Birding at Dandeli & Anmod
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Foreword By Clinton: Anmod & Dandeli are places 'just over the border' of
Goa. Getting there isn't that difficult and we've ridden on bikes past the
Anmod Ghat to Surla on a previous WildGoa trip. While Dandeli 4 hours is to
the east of central Goa, via Ramnagar, Anmod 2 hours and is more on the
North East of Goa, via the Sawantwadi/ Surla Route. Here's a report by
Vennila of the North Kanadda Birding Network who visited the places
recently. Do let us know if anybody is interested in traveling there and
perhaps we could organize a trip for WildGoans.
Birding at Dandeli & Anmod
FoHi, on 25th Sept, 2004, a group of 9 members from NKBN went to Dandeli.
Six of them had come all the way from Raichur. We went to Mr. Mansur’s farm
first & saw the following birds before going to Dandeli. We had an amazing
sighting near Chota Khan cross. On 26th sept, we went for a YHAI trekking to
Anmod Microwave Station…around 8 km stretch over that pristine location was
quite memorable though we couldn’t sight many birds coz of the trek.
Mansur’s Farm:
1. white browed fantail flycatcher
2. thick billed flower pecker
3. common Indian nightjar
4. grey wagtail
5. small sunbird
6. purple rumped sunbird & its nest
7. common myna
8. piedbushchat
9. ashy prinia
10. yellow eyed babbler
11. red whiskered bulbul
12. red vented bulbul
13. black headed munia(enroute)
14. Indian robin(enroute)
15. common babbler
16. small minivet’s abandoned nest
17. white browed fantail flycatcher’s abandoned nest
Mr. Mansur told that he had seen on 24th sept, 2004 black winged cuckoo
shrike (rare bird) near his farm.
Dandeli- Chota Khan area: came across a mixed hunting group. Everytime we go
there we are able to see some 20 different kind of birds in that small 100
metre stretch!
velvet fronted nuthatch ( around 4-5)
leaf warbler(unidentified)
gold fronted chlropsis
small bee eater
common drongo
white bellied drongo
spangled drongo
bronzed drongo
racket-tailed drongo
white rumped shama
rufous woodpecker ( 2 of them happily gorging with their darting tongue on
the wooden stump, some 20 feet far & unmindful of us! )
grey tit
black lored yellow tit
tickell’s flycatcher
pigmy woodpecker
lesser golden backed woodpecker
yellow fronted pied woodpecker
magpie robin
tailor bird
small minivet
spotted dove (enroute)
little brown dove(enroute)
rose ringed parakee(enroute)
plum headed parakeet(enroute)
black napped oriole(enroute)
pied tiller( enroute) - I time sighting for me!
rufous backed shrike(enroute)
black winged kite-(enroute)
common iora(enroute)
Anmod trek was quite interesting as the Raichur people were enlightening us
about the flora & fauna. 3 of us climbed up the Microwave tower as well.
Couldn’t do proper birding as the canopy was thick & once we came to the
mining area it was resembling like a mini shola forest with vast open area.
red rumped swallow
wire tailed swallow
rufous backed shrike
stone chat
malabar crested lark
small blue kingfisher
pied kingfisher(enroute)
cattle egret(enroute)
jungle fowl
brown headed barbet
leaf warbler
crag martin
pied harrier ( 2 of them with their white rump & were flying 20-30 feet
height)
Regards, Vennila.
About the author: Vennila is a member of the Bangalore Birds as well as
North Kanadda Birding Network based in Neighboring Karnataka. She can be
contacted at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Topic No. 5.
In The News (Wild News in the Local Papers)
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FACTOID: THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT is famous for its birdlife, and Goa's
equitable climate and rich vegetation support an abundance of birds. Common
varieties to be seen in Goa include four different species of eagle, as well
as other birds of prey such as kites, buzzards, kestrels and ospreys. There
are five types of pigeon, six types of dove, five varieties of cuckoo, six
of kingfisher and six of woodpecker. -Lonely Planet, 2003.
BOOK ON BIRDS RELEASED: The Goa Foundation has released its latest book
"Birds of Goa" written by Heinz Lainer, which is intended to be a reference
work for serious bird watchers and ornithologists. The Foundation has
published and released this book as part of its contribution to the
promotion of eco-tourism in the State. Written by a German, "Birds of Goa"
attempts to provide information on the habitat, population, distribution,
migration, breeding status and any locally relevant data on 420 bird species
that have been reliably recorded in Goa. -Herald, 17th February 2004
"NAGPANCHAMI" IN GOA: The Hindu community all over Goa celebrates the
festival of "Nagpanchami" today. It is a nature-related event when the
devotees perform a puja early in the morning and present milk to the
'nag'snake. What's more interesting, of course, is that the famed and
delicious Goan "patolleo" are bring prepared in most Hindu homes on this
day, and distributed to their Christian neighbours. -GoaNOW,20th August 2004
WORKSHOP AT CARMEL COLLEGE: Following in the footsteps of the exhibition
held in February 2004 on the theme "The Mhadei - Its Insects, reptiles and
Amphibians", the Biodiversity Research Cell and Environment Protection Club
of Carmel College, Nuvem, is hosting the ecosensitisation
workshop-cum-photo-exhibition the theme "Know Your Mhadei" from August 23 to
August 25, in association with the Vivekanand Environment Awareness Brigade,
Keri-Sattari. -Navhind Times, 23rd August 2004
DEAD FISH AT HARVALEM WATERFALL: Harvalem waterfall is scenic during the
monsoon but the cascading waters have brought dead fish in the village.
Villagers suspect that a company upstream of the nullah may have released
chemicals, which seeped into the water and entered the stream, thereby
resulting in the mortality of the fish. Most of the fish found dead is the
sweet water variety including pittoll, thigur and other local varieties.
-Gomanatk Times, 24th August 2004
CASUARINA TREES LOSE BATTLE WITH EROSION: Around 150 Casuarina trees dotting
the Betalbatim-Majorda coast gave in this monsoons, either due to strong
winds or soil erosion. The Forest Department has auctioned the uprooted
tees. Officials say the auction proceeds made the Forest department richer
by Rs.17,000, but has no concrete plans on how to save the rich tree cover -
acting as a buffer zone between the beach and the land mass. -Herald, 26th
August 2004
DRAWING VISITORS BY ITS BEAUTY: The beautiful village of Verna, situated 10
km from Margao, is rich in water resources with numerous lakes, ponds, tanks
and springs that it has in abundance. This has certainly been very rewarding
for local farmers to cultivate paddy and vegetables. The village can
undoubtedly be a hot spot for water harvesting projects which could save
litres of water that pours down in the lakes and ponds from hills and the
rocky terrain of Verna. The ward Ambllor, surrounded by thick trees and
knolls, has a spring covered with rocks, which forms a very impressive
spectacle for visitors thronging the place. -Roque Dias in Navhind Times,
1st September 2004
WHALE CARCASS SURFACES ON UTORDA SHORE: A huge whale washed ashore at Utorda
beach on Thursday morning. But, more than the curiosity it evoked, locals
were worried about the nuisance the whale posed to the village as the
carcass of highly decomposed whale lay unattended throughout
Thursday.Reports indicated that a portion of whale has disintegrated and the
beach was enveloped with foul smell. Locals apprehend that any further delay
would only add to the problem.Locals maintained that the whale must have
died days ago before it was washed ashore at Utorda this morning. - Herald,
9th September 2004
WHALE OF A PROBLEM!: A 25-foot-long dead whale that was washed ashore at
Utorda beach drew hundreds of villagers and even people from the surrounding
areas to have a glimpse of it. The whale turned out to be a major problem to
the Kenilworth Beach Resort, as it was beached opposite the hotel. Majorda
sarpanch Cervelon Lacerda informed the police about it. But it is learnt
that the disposal of the stinking, decomposed carcass is likely to be a
major task due to its huge size. "It looks like two elephants rolled into
one," a witness said. -Gomantak Times, 9th September 2004
ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER FEARED AT KERI: The plantation of casuarinas trees at
Keri undertaken by the Forest Department to stabilize the sand dunes is in
peril. Hundreds of plants that stood protecting the coastal ecology have
been uprooted due to sinking of the river bank at the site where river
Terekhol meets the sea. The Casuarina plantation stretching from the ferry
wharf to Ajoba Devasthan - the nearly 2-km sandy belt consisting of sand
dunes - is one of the most spectacular spots where besides leisure tourists,
film makers come to shoot their films. -Suhas Parsekar in Gomantak Times,
9th September 2004
MONITOR LIZARDS: Ghumats (percussion instruments) in Goa might strike a low
beat during the forthcoming festivities in the State as the Department of
Forests has warned of stern action against use of the skin of monitor
lizards in the preparation of this musical instrument and others. According
to data available, the monitor lizard (Gaar in Konkani) plays and important
role in maintaining the ecological balance of nature as they act not only as
scavengers but also prey on pests like rats and other disease causing
animals. -Herald, 10th September 2004
WHALE'S CARCASS HAUNTS S GOA BEACHES: The carcass of whale continues to
haunt the South Goa beaches with a portion of it being reported washed
ashore at Varca beach on September 12 evening. -Gomantak Times, 13th
September 2004
STRIKING BALANCE BETWEEN NATURE AND ART: Once again a new conflict has
emerged over a shy wild animal - the Common Indian Monitor, locally known as
'gar' or 'ghorpad', a lizard of varanidae family which is hunted in Goa for
its leather, meat and blood.The abrupt and blanket decision of the forest
department, on the eve of a major Hindu festival of Goa - the Lord Ganesha
festival - has caused widespread resentment, anger and frustration. But the
agitated people have to also understand the forest department's legal
compulsions. They are not interested in killing the folklore of Goa.Nobody
can catch or kill an endangered and scheduled wild animal like the Common
Indian Monitor. -Nandkumar Kamat in Navhind Times, 13th September 2004
NO BAN ON "GHUMAT": CM Parikar said that there was no ban on playing of
ghumats but the government was trying to urge people not to kill Monitor
Lizards to make the acoustic instruments. He said alternatives for ghumats
had to be thought of as the Monitor Lizard, whose skin is used to make
ghumats, enjoys the same status in terms of conservation as the tiger.
-Gomantak Times, 15th September 2004
FORESTS 'RUNS' FOR COVER: The Goa-Belgaum road from Querim the foot of the
Vageri hill is scenic. But as it snakes up the Chorla ghat in its misty
reaches, it gives one a heady feeling of ascending to heaven. But this is
soon shattered by the glimpses of a of a large-scale destruction of the
already fast-depleting forest cover, which though little realized, is
actually the catchment area of rivers and streams flowing into Goa,
Maharashtra and Karnataka. Illegal mining, massive felling and extensive
burning of trees and other destructive activities on the plateau land as
well as steep slopes has perilously reduced hundreds of acres of private
forest land into a desert, as it were. -Paul Fernandes in Gomantak Times,
17th September 2004
ECO-TOURIST GUIDES: In a bid to give eco-tourism a boost, the department of
Forest has appointed 22 eco-tourist guides for the forthcoming tourism
season in Goa. These guides, it is learnt, will be posted at
Collem-Dudhsagar and assist tourists visiting the Collem Wildlife sanctuary
and eco-tourist spots in and around this area. The guides will have to earn
their allowances from the tourists whom they cater to. The department is
also sprucing up for the season by completing the watch tower at
Tambdi-Surla's Sunset Point. -Herald, 21st September 2004
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: Mist enshrouded hills, crisp air and views almost take
your breath away make Wildernest an ideal place to relax and unwind in
scenic surroundings. Couple this with the rich biodiversity of the Western
Ghats and you have an ideal getaway for nature lovers. Wildernet is a
boutique nature resort located off Sanquelim at Chorlem in the Western
Ghats. Director & Nature enthusiast at the resort Nirmal Kulkarni is at hand
to guide you about the different aspects of the flora and fauna found here.
Apart from smaller wildlife, there are lots of bird and butterflies hiere
including spcides like the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, India Grey Hornbill,
Red-wattlerd Lapwing, Crested Serpent Eagle, Brown headed barbet, Jungle
Myna, Emrald Dove, Crimsonbacked Sunbird etc. Contact Wildernest at 5642234/
5643757/ 3107079 - Valerie Rodrigues in Goa Plus, Times of India, October
1st 2004
News Articles Selected & Complied by Joel D'Souza & Clinton Vaz. Get in
touch with Joel at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and Clinton at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Topic No. 6.
Other Wildlife Mailinglists and Websites from India.
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Fellow WildGoan, Mr. Jagdish Pandya from Ahmedabad, India would like to
share the following nature links with us. Thanks Jagdish! Get in touch with
him at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Govt. Of India Official websites of Nature, wildlife, National Parks & Zoos.
http://www.wii.gov.in/relatedsites.htm#nat
This is really very good website for bird watchers and nature lovers,
contains all information about birds of all over India with photographs.
www.kolkatabirds.com
BNHS ( Bombay Natural History Society) is an NGO, its official site.
http://www.bnhs.org/
good website about issues of wildlife in India.
http://www.indianjungles.com/
Wild Life Protection Society of India
http://www.wpsi-india.org/
very good website about India Birds, But the problem is it runs only in 1024
X 780 resolution. But a very good site for bird lovers
http://www.indiabirds.com/
About Indian wild life and wildlife photography.
http://www.naturewild.com/
For insect lovers, all about Spiders of India sp. South Indian spiders, with
photographs.
http://southindianspiders.com/
Indian wild life Club’s website
http://www.indianwildlifeclub.com/
Kerala Butterflies !!
http://www.butterflieskerala.com/
Good site for wildlife lovers
http://www.wildlywise.com/
Site about north India Birds.
http://www.delhibird.org/
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Topic No. 7.
Readers Write
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Here’s some space to say your say….so even if you cannot write an article,
or a event, you can still say a few words at WildGoa’s Readers Write
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Varad Giri, ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) , a fellow WildGoan writes:
Hi, I am Varad. Working as Research Assistant with the Bombay Natural
History Society, a Mumbai based NGO. I am not a Goan but very fascinated by
the wildlife in Goa. Will be looking forward to get some informtion on the
amphibians and reptiles of Goa.
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Kishen Das ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) writes:
dear all, I am using the bird spot(version 3.5) software developed by
Foundation for Nature Exploration and Environmental Conservation, to
maintain the checklists of butterflies for different places. In this regard
I request everyone to send their checklists of butterflies (if they have
any). Their name will be listed along with their sightings. Please send the
exact location and dates along with the checklists. This database should
help in knowing the current status ,flight periods and distribution range
of our butterflies. you can send the checklists to my mail id mentioned
above. Happy butterflying.
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Clinton Vaz, ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) a WildGoan writes:
Hi from GreenGoa! GreenGoa is a place on the net where ordinary people who
care for Goa's envrionment meet and talk, discuss and learn from each other
and get closer in achieving the long term goal of keeping Goa Green, and
Clean by recycling, fighting pollution, raising awareness and teaching
others to help protect our envronment. Run by myself, I invite you all to
join us on this mailing list to make Goa a better place. If by any chance
you are unable to join this list by yourself, do contact me at my mail id
and I would be glad to assist you.
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Krishna Murali ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) writes:
Hi, i'm krishna from Bangalore. Myself and frns were planning to go for
chorla ghat trek this weekend. can u give me all the info how to get to the
trek starting place and where to go and what to do? If u could send me ur
trek pictures it'd be great.. u can check out my other trek snaps at
http://photos.yahoo.com\mkrishna80 Send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or my
address above
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* END OF NEWSLETTER *
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To submit articles to this newsletter, e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] Compiled and
circulated by Clinton Vaz for WildGoa at
http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/wildgoa
To Join WildGoa, send a blank mail to '[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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