Dugong, also known as “sea cow”, is a mammal endemic to the Andamans in India. It has been referred to in European myth
Natural Heritage
March 12th, 2022
KNOW YOUR TREES – PORTIA / TULIP TREE
The generic name Thespesia is derived from a Greek word meaning “divine decree”, because it is regarded as a sacre
February 26th, 2022
THE EXTINCTION OF SPECIES – PART II
Manmade extinctions in India
The better-known examples of recorded extinctions in India are the pink-headed duck, mountain quill and the cheetah. Numerous varieties of crop plants and breeds of livestock have become extinct in India due to over-dependence on high-yielding and hybrid varieties. In India, 10% of fl
February 12th, 2022
THE EXTINCTION OF SPECIES – PART I
Human actions have resulted in the widespread loss of natural habitats, fragmentation of the remaining habitats, pollution of many areas, displacement of uniquely adapted species by exotics, etc. Highly endangered species face at least two or three of the above-mentioned threats. These threats develop so rapidly and on such a large scale that species are not able to
January 29th, 2022
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS – A DOUBTFUL BONANZA
The debate on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) continues even as the market is flooded with foodstuff containing GMOs. The common man has no way of knowing whether a product has GMOs or not and even if he did, there is little chance of him being able to avoid it: for somewhere in the wide variety of foods he consumes, he is bound to eat them. Why we
January 13th, 2022
FLOODS IN INDIA
Floods are a common occurrence in India. The heavy precipitation from the two monsoons and periodic cyclones along the coast are almost inevitably followed by floods. The fury and accompanying devastation have got worse with each year and, despite the several grandiose schemes announced in the aftermath of the flood, they remain unabated. This article ex
December 18th, 2021
PLANTS, CONSTELLATIONS, THE ZODIAC AND THE PLANETS
Plants are the earliest form of life on earth. 10 million years ago, much before primitive man made an appearance; they were in fully developed existence with stems, fruits and flowers.
Plants are the foundation stone of life on earth. They capture energy from the sun and use it to build up leaves, stems and roots making up a gre
October 30th, 2021
FRANKINCENSE – THE MYSTIC AROMA
Plants form an integral part of the culture around the world. People of all religions use many plants for religious ceremonies and rituals. Frankincense is one such plant that was used by people worldwide. In the days of ancient Arabia, frankincense was one of the most valuable commodities and was worth more than its weight in gold.
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October 1st, 2021
SAY NO TO PLASTICS
September 18th, 2021
ELEPHANTS – ENDANGERED IN THE LAND OF LORD GANESHA – PART II
Elephant and ecology
The status of the elephant is a good indicator of the health of the habitat. A habitat, which is good for elephants, is also good not only for its associate species like sambar and cheetal, but also for the predators like panthers and tigers. The habitat will also have to be flora rich to sup
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