1 February 2010
Dear Friend,
As the elephant season winds down gradually
over the next month or so, it is a good time to resume our ground surveys.
How to participate:
- If you have not already registered
in 2009 for the volunteer program please do so here: http://spreadsheets.google.
com/viewform?formkey= ..dDBUQTNfQXFpOW9rX1ZsZU1yX3MwZF E6MA - Please confirm your participation by responding to the google calender invite embedded to this email.
- You will be required to report on by Friday 5th February evening.
- Updates and reporting instructions will be sent to the email id you provide in the above registration form.
Please do forward this email to anyone
who you think might be interested in participating.
Updates from Melagiri:
.
A lot has happened in the Melagiris since our last ground survey. A big herd of Elephants decided to explore the Sanamavu RF on the NH7...imagine that!
.
A few elephants died elsewhere in the
region and 'Urigam' a baby elephant is the latest addition from
Melagiris to the Vandalur zoo in Chennai. Human elephant conflict
appears to be very high this season as the elephants began to emerge
from the forests much earlier than usual and in numbers not seen earlier.
Grizzled Giant Squirrel and the Four Horned Antelope.
Meanwhile, the ANCF team has been carrying
out their work. The bird survey has documented over 160 species
of birds. Otter activity has been monitored and denning sites
have been documented.
The icing on the cake however has been
rediscovery of the Grizzled Giant Squirrel in the Melagiris. The
ANCF team managed to sight one Grizzled Giant Squirrel and also came
upon 10 nests of this endangered species.
Four Horned antelope has also been sighted
frequently in some areas. The re-discovery of these two species
which are thought to have become extinct in these areas makes
a strong case for serious conservation efforts in the Melagiris.
Recent direct sightings of common langur
and leopard and wild dog indicate that things are getting better.
Without doubt, we can expect some exciting times in the upcoming survey.
We look forward to your participation.
Best wishes,
