The Great Indian Bustard

 The great Indian bustard, technically known as Ardeotis nigriceps, is a beautiful and critically endangered bird species native to India. With its distinctive qualities and the urgent need for its protection, this extraordinary bird has won the hearts of nature enthusiasts and environmentalists all around the world. 

Observed in Pakistan and India, the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is a huge terrestrial bird. It's a member of the biggest flying bird species in the world and goes by numerous names depending on the state. There are several well-known bird names, such Maldhok, Yerbhoot, Ghorad, Godawan, Tuqdar, Sohan Chidia, etc.

1.Physical Characteristics:

• The Great Indian Bustard is a large bird with long neck and legs that resemble those of an ostrich. It is approximately one meter tall.
• Its black crown distinguishes it from other birds on a pale head and neck.
• The body is light brown, with markings in shades of black, brown, and gray on the wings.
• The color of the feathers aids in identifying male and female bustards.
• The male weighs 8–18 kilograms and is 1.1–1.20 meters in length. Its breast band becomes black during mating season, and it has a dark, sandy buff hue overall.
• The female, weighing between 3.5 to 6.75 kg, is smaller.

      Common Name-Great Indian bustard

      Scientific Name-Ardeotis nigriceps

                                                                                

      Population-200 individuals worldwide

      Height-100 cm or 1 meter

      Length-Wingspan of 210-250 cm

      Weight-15-18 kg

2.Habitat Of Great Indian Bustard:

• The Great Indian Bustard inhabits grasslands that are semi-arid to desert, dotted with low-intensity cropping and short shrubs and bushes. Areas with irrigation are avoided.
• The habitat of GIBs is grasslands, and they are heavy-flying birds. They only fly short distances to get between locations, spending the majority of their time on the ground.
• GIBs are a sign of the health of the ecosystem because they are the flagship species of grasslands. Grass seeds, insects, lizards, and other things make up their food. 
• Once encompassing a large portion of the Indian subcontinent, the historical range of GIBs has shrunk to about 10% of its former extent. Once found all over India and Pakistan, the Great Indian Bustard is now restricted to a few designated areas in both nations.

• They are currently limited to the following 6 states in India, from their previous 11 states of presence.

  Andhra Pradesh

  Gujarat

  Karnataka

  Maharashtra

  Madhya Pradesh

  Rajasthan

 3.The Life Cycle and Behavior of an Endangered Bird:

 The life of a Great Indian Bustard is filled with fascinating customs and adaptations that enable     them to endure in their harsh environment.

Food and Grazing:

GIBs eat a variety of foods and are those who eat meat .Though they also eat insects and small vertebrates like rodents, their main sources of food are seeds, fruits, and plant material. They may thrive in environments where food supplies may be limited thanks to their diverse diet.

Courtship and Breeding:

GIB breeding is a complicated process. During the breeding season, males put on spectacular displays to entice females. They create a captivating courtship ritual by dancing, fluffing their feathers, and expanding their neck sac.

Parenting and Nesting:

After a female chooses a partner, the two of them collaborate to construct a ground nest. Simple earth spits surrounded by twigs and grass are known as GIB nest sites. Usually, the female lays one or two eggs, which are then alternately incubated by the parents.

Speaking out:

Although GIBs are not very talkative birds, males may make loud, low sounds during the breeding season. They use these cries as a key component of their courtship displays in an effort to draw in females.

4.The Great Indian Bustard’s Conservation Status:

During one period, the subcontinent's arid plains were home to a large population of Great Indian Bustard. There are fewer than 150 known survivors today compared to 250 in 2011, according to a 2018 poll. Habitat loss and hunting pose the biggest threats to the birds. As per the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, they enjoy protection.

Illegal hunting continues to pose a threat to the Great Indian Bustard population, notwithstanding legal limits. The Great Indian Bustard has been designated as "critically endangered" by the IUCN Red List as a consequence.

The bird is on the verge of extinction in Pakistan due to increased hunting activities, but conservation measures are underway in India. The Indian Bustard is found in many sanctuaries, including the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary in Maharashtra, the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kutch Bird Sanctuary, the Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary, and the Desert National Park in Gujarat.

In addition to keeping them in sanctuaries, there were unsuccessful attempts to breed them in captivity during the 1970s. Occasionally, habitat modifications and increased agricultural activity have also had an impact on bustard populations in certain national parks, including the Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary.

5.Hazards:

The following list includes the main causes of the decline in the Great Indian Bustard population:

• Degradation of habitat: When grassland is converted to farming, the area available for bird habitat is reduced.
• Degradation and disruption of the current grassland environment
• Pursing
• Lack of emphasis on protecting natural grasslands in legislation, policy, and the PA network as a result of erroneous beliefs about the ecological value of grasslands compared to forests
• Too many "lekking" and nesting locations are unprotected
• Insufficient collaboration across various departments and stakeholders within Great Indian Bustard environments
• Absence of knowledge and assistance from nearby communities
• Overgrazing of livestock and ferocious dogs
• Photographers disturbance: An abundance of anecdotal data currently indicates that taking pictures of the species results in significant disturbance.

6.Protection measures for the Great Indian Bustard:

All overhead power transmission lines in Rajasthan and Gujarat's core and potential GIB habitats have to be buried, under a ruling issued by the Supreme Court in April 2021.

The Supreme Court has recommended that bird diverters—reflector-like structures suspended from electricity cables—be installed in high-priority regions.

Additionally, it requested that they estimate the entire distance of transmission lines that must be buried in the two states.

The Center started the GIB species recovery initiative in 2015. As a result, the Rajasthan Forest Department and the WII worked together to establish breeding facilities where GIB eggs collected from the wild were artificially fostered.

Red Sandalwood- The Real Money Plant

 Red Sandalwood, also known as Raktachandan or Red Sanders. It is scientifically known as Pterocarpus santalinus and is a member of the Fabaceae family. According to government prices, red sandalwood has a commercial value ranging from eight lakh to twelve lakhs per ton. It is a tiny tree with a hard, dark purple wood component called the heartwood in the center that has a bitter flavor.

 The Raktachandan tree is indigenous to India and can be found in dry and hilly areas of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, and Maharashtra. Red Sandalwood is revered in Hindu culture and is utilized in a variety of rites. As a result, red Sandalwood is known by a variety of names, including Lal Chandan, Yerra Chandanamu, and Tambada Chandana.Agaru Gandhami, Rakt Chandan, Patrangam, etc.

However, because to overexploitation and habitat degradation, this iconic species is now facing the terrible reality of extinction. In this blog, we all look into the world of Red Sandalwood, investigating its distinct traits, cultural value, and the critical need for conservation efforts to safeguard this iconic species.

Bioactive Compounds in Red Sandalwood:

The main bioactive ingredient in Red Sandalwood is possibly santalin, which gives it its distinctive red color. Biologically active chemicals found in red chandan include phenols, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenoids, sterols, tannins, isoflavones, glucosides, savinin, and calocedrin.

Special Qualities:

Red Sandalwood is known for its rich, reddish-brown heartwood, as the name suggests. This mature tree heartwood is highly valued for its bright color and pleasant smell. The tree itself is a medium-sized deciduous species that can reach a height of 15 meters. Its complex leaves and petite, fragrant blooms contribute to its allure.

The sluggish growth of Red Sandalwood is one of its most fascinating characteristics. These trees can take up to 25 years or more to mature, making them particularly vulnerable to overharvesting. They grow a dense heartwood core as they mature, which is appreciated for its use in a variety of traditional and medicinal uses.

Features of red sandalwood:

Red Sandalwood may possess the following characteristics: 

• It may have antipyretic properties (it may lower fever). 
• It has the potential to decrease inflammation. 
• It may have analgesic properties (it may relieve pain). 
• It may have anthelmintic properties (it may inhibit parasite infection). 
• It may be effective against dysentery. 
• It has the potential to be utilized as a cooling agent. 
• It might lower blood sugar levels. 
• It might serve as a cancer preventative. 
• It may have antimicrobial properties.

Red Sandalwood applications:

Religious Ceremonies: Commonly employed in Hindu rites and ceremonies, including the application of paste as a holy mark.

Traditional Medicine: Used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for its therapeutic effects.

Cosmetics: Because of its skin-soothing qualities, it is found in skincare items and cosmetics.

Perfumery: The aromatic scent of perfumes and incense.

Woodworking: Used to create exquisite sculptures, jewelry, and high-end furniture.

Musical Instruments: Used in the building of several musical instruments for resonance.

Dyeing: The process of producing natural dyes for textiles, resulting in red and brown colours.

Insect Repellent: Used in natural insect repellent compositions.

Cultural Artifacts: Used to make cultural artifacts, souvenirs, and traditional handicrafts.

                   

                  

Red Sandalwood side effects and warnings include:

1. Red Sandalwood paste may irritate delicate skin; conduct a patch test first.
2. Allergic Reactions: Red Sandalwood allergies can cause itching, swelling, or hives; halt usage and seek medical attention if this occurs.
3. Red Sandalwood should never be consumed in big quantities since it is harmful.
4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should get the advice of a healthcare practitioner before taking Red Sandalwood.
5. Red Sandalwood items should be kept away from youngsters since consumption might be dangerous.
6. Quality and Purity: To avoid impurities or adulteration, choose high-quality, pure Red Sandalwood goods.
7. Red Sandalwood should be used with caution by those who are sensitive to sandalwood or kindred species.
8. Legal and Ethical Considerations: To prevent contributing to the endangerment of Red Sandalwood, be aware of the legal and ethical consequences of its use.

When using Red Sandalwood products, remember to emphasize your safety and well-being and be on the lookout for any indicators of unpleasant reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.

Conservation Strategies for Red Sandalwood:

Red Sandalwood, an endangered and culturally valuable plant, necessitates a diverse strategy to conservation. It is critical to advocate for and enforce legislation, such as anti-illegal logging regulations. The preservation of ecosystems, promotion of sustainable harvesting techniques, and involvement of local communities are all critical stages. Raising public awareness, conducting research, and encouraging international collaboration through accords like CITES may all aid in the fight against the illegal trafficking of Red Sandalwood. Ethical consumption, donations to conservation groups, and active advocacy are also important. We can work together to save Red Sandalwood and its habitats by implementing these techniques and developing partnerships.

Bonobo: our BrotherHood

 One of the two great ape species in the genus Pan, along with chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), are bonobos (Pan paniscus). Because they are smaller than chimpanzees, bonobos are frequently called "pygmy chimpanzees." Due to their shared ancestry with chimpanzees and humans, they are closely linked to both of these species.

These creatures, who live in groups headed by females, are less aggressive than chimpanzees. The establishment and maintenance of partnerships as well as the settling of disputes all depend on sexual connections in bonobo society.

Type                     Mammal

Scientific Name    Pan paniscus

Lifespan               over  50 years

Weight                  25kg - 50kg 

 Height                  73cm - 90cm 

Population Size      10,000 to 50,000

Here are some crucial information regarding bonobos:

Features of the body:

• Compared to chimpanzees, bonobos are more delicate and smaller. Bonobos are normally between 70 and 100 pounds (32 to 45 kilograms) and 2.3 to 2.8 feet (70 to 85 centimeters) tall as adults.
• In comparison to chimpanzees, they have a somewhat more pointed face and most of their bodies are covered in black or brown hair.
• Being well-adapted for an arboreal (tree-dwelling) lifestyle, bonobos have long limbs and a relatively slender body.

Habitat:

The Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC) is home to lush rainforests where bonobos are a natural species. The Congo Basin is where you can find them.

Behavior:

• Unlike chimpanzees, bonobos are distinguished for their peaceful and cooperative social structure. Instead of resorting to violence to settle disputes, they choose to engage in sexual activity, social bonding, and grooming.
• They are frequently identified by their matriarchal society, in which women have higher social rank than men.
• High-IQ bonobos employ tools, such as sticks or leaves, for a variety of tasks, including snatching insects or collecting food.

Diet:

They eat mostly fruit but also leaves, stalks, pith, flowers, and small mammals. Fruit makes up the majority of their diet. Their dietary preferences are influenced by the resources' seasonal availability.

Communication:

A combination of vocalizations, body language, and facial expressions are used by bonobos to communicate. They make a variety of sounds, such as screams, barks, and hoots. Smiles and other playful facial gestures are crucial for bonobo social bonding and communication.

Reproduction:

Compared to chimpanzees, bonobo females have a longer period of sexual receptivity. They are able to mate at any point during their menstrual cycle as a result. After 230–240 days of pregnancy, females usually give birth to a single child. Twins are not very common.

Status of Conservation:

Due to habitat loss, poaching, and the general instability in their native region, bonobos are designated as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened/endangered Species. There are conservation initiatives in place to safeguard bonobos and their habitats.

Genetic resemblances:

Together with chimpanzees, bonobos are among our closest living cousins because they have 98.7% of our DNA. As they shed light on the origins of humans and the chimpanzees and humans' shared progenitor, bonobos are important for scientific studies.

Why are bonobos endangered?

Deforestation and bonobo hunting have been made worse by civil turmoil and the economic hardships that local residents in the region of the bonobos' forests have experienced. The population of bonobos has probably been falling over the past 30 years, despite the fact that its size is mostly unknown.

What are the primary dangers?

The bonobo is currently threatened by civil turmoil and growing poverty in the DRC. Due of the species small and dispersed population and sluggish reproduction rate, it makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation and poaching.

Poaching

There are times when bonobos are targeted for traditional medical or mystical uses; certain body parts are believed to improve physical and sexual vigor. Since these charms are commonly available in some regions of the DRC, it is possible that many bonobos are slain every year.

Loss of habitat

The species distribution is only partially protected. Illegal hunting and deforestation are still threats to their survival because of war. Traditional slash-and-burn farming and industrial logging activities take place in their habitat.

Nilgiri Tahr: Tamilnadu's Animal

The Nilgiri tahr is the only one of India's 12 species of mountain ungulates to be found in the south of the country. It also acts as the symbol for Tamil Nadu.

The Nilgiri tahr, which previously inhabited the whole Western Ghats, is now confined to a few remote, small locations. From its historical range, a sizable portion of its populaduals.tion has been wiped out. Hunting and habitat loss are seriously stressing the current populations. This Western Ghats endemic species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972, and is classed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species. Estimates place the wild Nilgiri Tahr population at 3,122 individuals.

POPULATION SIZE  -  1,800-2,000

PERIOD OF LIFE     -   3–9 YEARS

 WEIGHT                   -   50–100 KG

 HEIGHT                    -   80-110 Cm

 LENGTH                   -   90-140cm

   

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The Nilgiri tahr has the following important characteristics:

1. Habitat: 

The Western Ghats, a mountain range that runs along the southwest side of the Indian subcontinent, are where Nilgiri tahrs are most commonly found. These areas are composed of montane grasslands and shrublands. They can be found most frequently between 2,000 and 2,600 meters (6,600 and 8,500 feet) above sea level.

2. Physical Qualities:

The Nilgiri tahrs have sturdy bodies, distinctively curved horns, and are medium-sized herbivores. They blend in with their rocky surroundings because to their dark brown to grayish-brown coloration.

Both males and females have curled horns Males teeth are larger and stronger. The horns can grow up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) in length.

3. Behavior:

Female Nilgiri tahrs establish small, dependable groups of five to twenty people, usually including their young. During the breeding season, these groups of adult males, who are frequently solitary, are joined. They are herbivores, and in their high-altitude environments they graze mostly on grasses and bushes. Adult males are territorial and will defend their breeding territory by attacking other males with their horns.

4. Replication:

Breeding Season: The Nilgiri tahrs breed from November to January, which is their regular breeding season.

Females typically give birth to a single calf after a 6 to 8-month gestation period. Calves have a camouflage covering at birth that helps them blend in with their rocky surroundings, thus they require special care. Mothers look after and safeguard their children.

5.Status of Conservation: 

Nilgiri tahrs are classed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which indicates their conservation status. Their survival is primarily threatened by habitat loss through deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and competition for resources with domestic livestock. Significant concerns also come from animal illness spread and theft.

6. Conservation Efforts: 

Protected areas in the Western Ghats, such India's Eravikulam National Park and the Nilgiri Hills, have been established as part of efforts to preserve the Nilgiri tahr. The preservation of the animal and its habitat depends on these protected areas. conservationist groupsWork to promote sustainable land use methods and lessen human-wildlife conflict in the area.

An emblematic animal of the Western Ghats, the Nilgiri tahr is essential to preserving the ecological harmony of its high-altitude environment. To safeguard the long-term survival of this rare and endangered species, conservation measures are still being made.

Threats To Nilgiri Tahr:

   The Nilgiri tahr is in danger from a variety of sources, including :

Due to widespread deforestation, conflict with domestic livestock, hydroelectric projects in the Nilgiri  tahr habitat, and monoculture plantations, there has been a significant loss of habitat.

Hunts occasionally for its skin and meat.

Do or die: species in the world

           In this world there are lot of species living like animals,humans,etc. But some species are not comfortable to lead their life circle. In other words, many reason to affect their protected/endangered species. First of all humans and their activities(deforestation) is the main threat for these species.

          

    List out some rare species to following them:

• Amur leopard
• Axolotl
• Gold  lion tamarins
• Whooping crane
• Red panda                                                              

   1.Amur leopard :                                

                         Generally leopards are  very rare species around the world, especially amur leopards is rare species. Amur leopard lives in Russia and some areas of china, it favours of cold weather.

Their fur is very thick, and its grow over 7cm in the winter to protect them. In now a days it is estimated around 57 leopards living in Russia and Chinese border.

  The main cause of endangerment of amur leopards is deforestation and also a forest fires is the habitat loss of leopards. 

2.Axolotl:

               It is a alien-like creature, which is also knows as Mexican salamander, is a type of amphibian. Axolotl looks like lizards and have a smooth moist skin and long tails. It is lived in lakes xochimilco and central mexico.

                                

3.Gold lion tamarins:

                                 Gold lion tamarin also known as golden marmoset. It is found in atlantic coastal forest in forest. Gold lion tamarins ara small creatures with vibrant red fur on its body and hairless feet. This is around 19-22 cm long and has a tail longer than its body and also weight for around 400-822g. now a days there are over 1000 gold lion tamarins in the wild. One of the main reason for its habitat loss and fragmentation.

                                

4.Whooping crane:

                             Whooping crane is one type of bird found in north America. It is also a tallest bird in north America and one of the heaviest bird. Currently, 250 adult whooping cranes in the wild. Habitat loss is the main reason behind the endangerment of whooping cranes. In recent years, this species of birds affected by collisions with power lines and drought.

                                 

5.Red panda:

                   Red panda is small mammal found in Himalayas and southwestern china. It has dense reddish-brown fur with black belly and legs, white-lined ears. In this species around less than 10,000 across the world. Climate change is the main cause of red panda under a growing threat.

                               

Conclusion:

                Due to the awareness and importance of protection wild life, government and non-government(NGOs) have started certain projects to save their wild life. On other words we can all make a significant impact in the fight to protect rare animals and endangered species in world. To create and educate awareness among the public.