Survival in the wild

The Mayan calendar ended on Dec 21, 2012. It did not lead to the end of the world, but may be the Mayans had something else in mind. May be the end of their calendar referred to the end of humanity, as we know it.
I refer to the grotesque act in a Delhi bus on a helpless and defenseless girl. Even death is not harsh enough punishment for the brutes responsible for such a ghastly crime.

Unending struggle

In the natural world, the struggle for life is unending and death can occur at any moment. But, nature has evolved itself in several unique ways to confront life threatening situations. When it is question of survival, we know how birds and animals react in unusual ways to defend themselves or their young ones. This defense instinct is very strong and is necessary for survival in the wild.

The skunk (or polecat) is an omnivore and when threatened can spray a potent stinking liquid, which is powerful enough to cause temporary blindness. This is apart from the nauseating stink that lingers on for hours.
The horned lizard is capable of spraying blood from its eyes. The bombardier beetle sprays a hot chemical which can cause burns on its attacker.
The Malaysian ants are able to expand their glands and squirt poison when enemies are within range. These are just few of the innumerable types of mechanisms adopted by wild creatures for their survival.

Can modern technology help?
Is there something we can learn from nature about survival in the wild? Pepper sprays and stun-guns are presently available and are being publicized as personal defense weapons. However, they are unwieldy and cannot easily be used in emergencies. Can present technology come to the rescue by designing small and practical personal defense gadgets?

Save water, save life

Black Shouldered Kite

This raptor (species commonly termed as birds of prey), is fairly common during the Indian winter. It can be identified from its whitish-gray upper plumage, chest and abdomen parts. There is a distinct black patch on the shoulder and around the eyes, which are blood-red. The wings appear dark gray when perched; often on telephone / electricity cables, patiently on the lookout for rodents and lizards.

They are quite easy to photograph  and can be approached without being startled by human presence. However, unless the light is good, the Fuji HS-10 does not give crisp and clear photos. May be a high end camera would give better results.

Name	Black Shouldered Kite
Alternate name(s)	Black Winged Kite
Size	Jungle crow
Occurrence	Open grasslands, dry deciduous forest
Status	Quite common
Distinct features	Whitish-gray head, chest and abdomen parts with black tipped shoulder; wing tips appear black during flight,
Sexes	Alike

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Nannaj

The short trip to Nannaj Sanctuary over a weekend was planned just after the monsoon. The weather was hot and humid. Before we set off, the organizers (Nature India) made it clear: leave your expectations, look ahead with curiosity and cherish nature.
The internal roads are narrow and navigable by SUVs; but in parts of the sanctuary, even the tempo trax found the going difficult. The region consists of open grassland and scrub forests, with undulating plains stretching as far as the eye can see. As city dwellers, we were not accustomed to see such vast expanses of grasslands and the silence made our ears ring. 

But these plains are home to Black Buck and also the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), very few of which now survive. The last census in 2011 indicated a number of just 25 birds.

No sightings of GIB were reported in the past 15 days by the forest rangers and on the first day, we returned without spotting the GIB. Of course not without spotting several more common species.
The next day, we were back. This was our last chance to spot the GIB. Visibility was excellent in the clear air and in the distance was a bird moving slowly and majestically through the tall grass. There was a cry of relief among the group; we had spotted one of the rarest birds in the world. 

How can you help? If you visit Nannaj, do buy an informative CD on the GIB from the forest office. It is available for Rs.120 only and the proceeds will help the department in their conservation efforts.
We hope the efforts of the forest department bear fruit and the bustards thrive and increase in number.

Greater Short-toed Lark

Slightly larger than the common sparrow, the greater short-toed lark is pale brown above, with brown streaks. The chest and abdomen parts are pale white with brown streaks around the throat.

It is commonly seen in open grassland area and cultivated fields, often in large flocks. Sexes alike. Juveniles are much slimmer in comparison.

Important note for all new birdwatchers:

Most species of larks build nests on grasslands near small bushes or tiny rock outcroppings, with very little protection against predators. For beginners, these nests are almost impossible to spot. Hence, it is of utmost importance that we keep to well trodden paths on our field trips, lest we inadvertently trample the nests.

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Remember, the Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth

Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark

A small brown bird; inhabits the stony plains and open grassland environment.   

It can remain unnoticed due to its brownish-grey spotted plumage. It is this ability which enables it to stay largely hidden  and survive in the plains, particularly when the young birds are still cared for by the mother bird. (see pictures 2 and 3: female in the company of juvenile).

It is smaller than the common sparrow and is similar in appearance, with an ashy-brown head and light brown body. Its chest and abdomen are distinctly black and it has a black stripe running over the eyes.  

The female is brownish-gray overall, with pale brown chest and abdomen parts.

 

Kestrel

Usually found in open grasslands and fields, perched on telegraph wires or on solitary trees, on the lookout for its prey – chiefly rats and lizards, which abound in such areas.

The male is reddish-brown with brown spots all over. It has a black tipped tail and gray head, light-brown chest and abdomen parts. Female is similar with reddish-brown head.

During flight, it has an excellent ability to stop and hover in position for several seconds before swooping down and grabbing the prey in its claws.

Photograph location: Nannaj

Name	Kestrel
Alternate name(s)	Not known
Size	Large pigeon
Occurrence	Open grasslands, winter visitor to these regions
Status	Quite common
Distinct features	Gray head, reddish-brown body with brown spots and black tipped tail; chest and abdomen parts are light-brown mottled with dark-brown spots
Sexes	Alike; female with brown head