Tuesday, 31 March 2020
4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - KAMALA (Mallotus philippensis)
Mallotus philippensis is a plant in the spurge family. It is known as the kamala tree or red kamala or kumkum tree, due to the fruit covering, which produces a red dye. However, it must be distinguished from kamala meaning "lotus" in many Indian languages, an unrelated plant, flower, and sometimes metonymic spiritual or artistic concept. Mallotus philippensis has many other local names. This kamala often appears in rainforest margins. Or in disturbed areas free from fire, in moderate to high rainfall areas.
It occurs in South Asia, Southeast Asia, as well as Afghanistan and Australia. The southernmost limit of natural distribution is Mount Keira, south of Sydney. The species name refers to the type specimen being collected in the Philippines, where it is known as banato.
A bush to small or medium-sized tree, up to 25 metres tall and a trunk diameter of 40 cm. The trunk is fluted and irregular at the base. The grey bark is smooth, or with occasional wrinkles or corky bumps. Small branches are greyish brown in colour, with rusty covered small hairs towards the end. Leaf scars evident.
Leaves are opposite on the stem, ovate to oblong in shape. 4 to 12 cm long, 2 to 7 cm wide with a long pointed tip. The upper surface is green without hairs, the underside pale grey in colour. With a magnifying glass, small red glands may be visible. Leaf stems 2 to 5 cm long, somewhat thickened at both ends. The first leaf vein on either side of the mid rib extends from the leaf base, to over half the length of the leaf. Veins raised and evident under the leaf.
4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - SHOWY RATTLEBOX (Crotalaria spectabilis)
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Showy rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis) is a fast-growing, toxic annual legume originating from Asia, recognized by its bright yellow, pea-like flowers and inflated, rattling seed pods. Often found in the Southeastern U.S. as a weed in disturbed areas, it grows 0.6–1.5 meters tall, blooms in late summer, and contains dangerous alkaloids that cause fatal liver damage in livestock.
Key Facts About Showy Rattlebox:
Appearance: The plant features large, simple, alternate leaves, green-to-purple ribbed stems, and yellow flowers, often resembling a "pea" flower.
The "Rattle": The common name comes from the inflated 5 cm long, Vienna sausage-shaped, seed pods, which rattle loudly when dry due to loose seeds inside.
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Toxicity: It is highly poisonous to all livestock, including horses, cattle, chickens, and quails. The seeds have the highest concentration of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which cause irreversible liver damage and are dangerous even when dried in hay.
Invasive Status: Introduced as a cover crop for soil nitrogen fixation, it has become a serious agricultural weed, particularly in the Southeast U.S., where it is listed as a noxious weed.
Life Cycle: A summer annual, it germinates in spring, blooms late summer, and sets seed in the fall.
Ecological Role: While toxic to mammals, it is a host plant for the Ornate Bella moth (Utetheisa ornatrix), which feeds on the plant and incorporates the toxins for protection against predators.
Management:
Showy rattlebox can be controlled with herbicides like 2,4-D or glyphosate, with the best control occurring during the seedling stage. Due to its danger to livestock, it should be removed from grazing areas.
4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - SOUTHERN SWAMP DEER (MALE) (Rucervus duvaucelii ssp. branderi) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER
The Southern Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi), or hard-ground barasingha, is an endangered deer subspecies found only in Kanha National Park and the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India. Unlike other swamp deer, they have hard hooves adapted for dry, hard ground, inhabiting open sal forests.
Here are key facts about the Southern Swamp Deer:
Habitat and Adaptation: Adapted to hard ground and open sal forests, unlike their wetland-loving counterparts, these deer thrive in central India's grassland and forest mix.
Distinct Physical Features: They have hard hooves, a maned neck, and a vibrant, bright rufous-brown summer coat. Males possess impressive antlers, usually with 10 to 14 tines.
Population Recovery: Nearly extinct in the early 1970s with only about 60 individuals, successful conservation efforts in Kanha National Park boosted their population to around 750 by 2016.
Diet and Behavior: They are herbivores, primarily eating grasses and leaves, and are generally active throughout the day, with peaks in the morning and evening.
Social Structure: They live in single-sex or mixed herds of 10 to 20 individuals, often led by a female (hind), while males (stags) are less loyal to specific groups.
Conservation Status: Listed as part of the Vulnerable Rucervus duvaucelii species, they face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and inbreeding.
State Animal: The hard-ground barasingha is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.
Reproduction: They have a polygynous mating system, with a 240–250 day gestation period, typically resulting in a single fawn.
They are currently being reintroduced into the Satpura Tiger Reserve to create a second, sustainable population.
Monday, 30 March 2020
4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - SOUTHERN SWAMP DEER (Rucervus duvaucelii ssp. branderi)
The Southern Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi), or hard-ground barasingha, is an endangered deer subspecies found only in Kanha National Park and the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India. Unlike other swamp deer, they have hard hooves adapted for dry, hard ground, inhabiting open sal forests.
Here are key facts about the Southern Swamp Deer:
Habitat and Adaptation: Adapted to hard ground and open sal forests, unlike their wetland-loving counterparts, these deer thrive in central India's grassland and forest mix.
Distinct Physical Features: They have hard hooves, a maned neck, and a vibrant, bright rufous-brown summer coat. Males possess impressive antlers, usually with 10 to 14 tines.
Population Recovery: Nearly extinct in the early 1970s with only about 60 individuals, successful conservation efforts in Kanha National Park boosted their population to around 750 by 2016.
Diet and Behavior: They are herbivores, primarily eating grasses and leaves, and are generally active throughout the day, with peaks in the morning and evening.
Social Structure: They live in single-sex or mixed herds of 10 to 20 individuals, often led by a female (hind), while males (stags) are less loyal to specific groups.
Conservation Status: Listed as part of the Vulnerable Rucervus duvaucelii species, they face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and inbreeding.
State Animal: The hard-ground barasingha is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.
Reproduction: They have a polygynous mating system, with a 240–250 day gestation period, typically resulting in a single fawn.
They are currently being reintroduced into the Satpura Tiger Reserve to create a second, sustainable population.
Sunday, 29 March 2020
4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - GREATER COUCAL (Centropus sinensis)
The Greater Coucal, also known as the Crow Pheasant (Centropus sinensis), presents itself as a large, non-parasitic member of the cuckoo order. This bird, stretching to a length of 48 cm, boasts a striking black head, a glossy purple-black mantle and underside, and chestnut brown wings. The eyes of this species are a captivating ruby red, while juveniles exhibit a duller black with spots on the crown and white bars on the underside and tail.
To identify the Greater Coucal, look for its long tail and the characteristic long and straight hind claw. The absence of pale shaft streaks on the coverts is notable. Leucistic specimens, displaying partial albinism, have been observed, though they are rare.
This bird is quite adaptable, found in a variety of habitats ranging from dense jungle to cultivated areas and even urban gardens.
29-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EGYPTIAN BIRD GRASSHOPPER (Anacridium aegyptium)
Anacridium aegyptium, the Egyptian grasshopper or Egyptian locust, is a species of insect belonging to the subfamily Cyrtacanthacridinae.
A fairly common species, the Egyptian grasshopper is present in most of Europe, the Afrotropical realm, eastern Palearctic realm, the Near East, and North Africa, and has recently been observed in Cape Town, South Africa.
These grasshoppers inhabit trees and shrubs, scrub land, maquis, and orchards in warm and bright environments, at an elevation from sea level to 1,500 m.
Anacridium aegyptium is one of the largest European grasshoppers. Adult males grow up to 30–56 mm (1.2–2.2 in) long, while females reach 46–70 mm (1.8–2.8 in) in length. Their bodies are usually gray, brown, or olive-coloured, and their antennae are relatively short and robust. The tibiae of the hind legs are blue, while the femora are orange. The hind femora have characteristic dark marks. They are also easily identified by their characteristic eyes, which have vertical black and white stripes. Their pronota show a dorsal orange stripe and several small white spots. The wings are clear with dark marks.
This species is a folivore, essentially feeding on leaves of various plants. It is a solitary species, harmless to crops. Adults are mainly seen in August and September, but they are active throughout the year. After mating, these grasshoppers overwinter as adults. Spawning occurs in spring just under the soil surface and the nymphs appear in April. These grasshoppers undergo several molts. Nymphs differ from adults in appearance; their color varies from yellow to bright green and ocher and the wings are absent or small, as they are gradually developed after each molt.
Saturday, 28 March 2020
2-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - WHITE THROATED KINGFISHER (Halcyon smyrnensis)
The White-throated Kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis, also known as the White-breasted Kingfisher, is a vibrant tree kingfisher. It boasts a striking blue back, wings, and tail, while its head, shoulders, flanks, and lower belly are a rich chestnut. The throat and breast are a contrasting white, and the large bill and legs are a vivid red. This robust bird measures 27–28 cm in length and exhibits a rapid and direct flight, revealing large white patches on its blue and black wings during flight. Both sexes appear similar, though juveniles present a more subdued version of the adult's plumage.
When identifying the White-throated Kingfisher, look for its bright blue upperparts and chestnut head and body. The white throat and breast are distinctive, as is the red bill and legs. In flight, the white wing patches are a key identification feature. Juveniles may be less colorful but retain the same general pattern.
This kingfisher is adaptable and can be found in a variety of open habitats, from plains with trees and wires to urban areas. It is also seen at elevations up to 7500 feet in the Himalayas.
The White-throated Kingfisher has a wide distribution across Asia, from the Sinai in the west, through the Indian subcontinent, to China and Indonesia. It is a resident species over much of its range, with some populations making short-distance movements.
This kingfisher is known for its conspicuous perching on wires or other exposed perches within its territory. It is a common sight in South Asia and is known to be attracted to lights at night during the monsoon season, suggesting partial migratory behavior.
During the breeding season, the White-throated Kingfisher is vocal, with loud calls in the mornings from prominent perches. The male's courtship display includes stiffly flicking open wings to expose the white wing mirrors, while the female invites with a rapid kit-kit-kit call.
Breeding coincides with the onset of the Monsoons. The nest is a tunnel in an earth bank, and a clutch typically consists of 4-7 round white eggs. Incubation takes 20-22 days, and fledging occurs in 19 days.
The diet is varied, including large crustaceans, insects, earthworms, rodents, lizards, snakes, fish, frogs, and occasionally small birds. It is noted for rarely drinking water but regularly bathing.
The White-throated Kingfisher is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an expanding range and no immediate threats to its population. It is also the state bird of West Bengal.
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