Sahyadrica

Co-existence or encroachment? As rapid urbanization advances, Sweri, one of the few remaining staging areas of Lesser and Greater Flamingoes in Mumbai faces a serious threat. The International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) has nearly come to an end. Like every year, many ambitious, successful projects were implemented this year – from community based conservation of backyards and watersheds, to national projects pertaining conservation of forest corridors, to international programs such as the Tiger Summit and the expeditions to discover new species of plants and animals. Other recent findings such as the discovery of microbial communities deep beneath the sea floor and bacteria that can substitute phosphorous with arsenic, made sure the IYB had a successful ending. But the end of this fruitful year is in fact a kick-start to the conservation efforts whose results will be seen in years down yonder. Although many conservation projects were undertaken this year, it didn’t really turn ...

“When we become a part of anything, it becomes a part of us.” - David Harold Fink Seedlings sprout from the dried fruit that is  still clinging to the mother tree during Monsoon A new year is something everyone looks forward to. 2010, however is not just another year, it is the end of a decade. 2010 is, most importantly, declared as an International Year of Biodiversity . Keeping this in mind, I wonder how many of us have really emphasized on the biodiversity around us. It’s certainly not many, because if many did, we would not lack the knowledge and understand of nature and her ways even today. Neanotis lancifolia  flowers barely measure a centimeter  and these little Daggerflies are seen enjoying on this tiny herb in bloom To acknowledge the year 2010 as the biodiversity year, it’s us as the citizens of this planet who must stand up and face the truth. The truth – had it not been for this biodiversity, we would not exist. Some of us may think, so let’s consider...