Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife

Aug 8, 2010

Summer holidays is a good time to plan a perfect holiday and most of us draw up plans to visit hill stations, tourist spots or visit holy places. Our ten day summer holiday (May, 2010) pilgrimage took us to the important wildlife sanctuaries inside the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, which is incidentally, India’s first biosphere reserve. We walked hand in hand with nature in the wildlife sanctuaries of Kabini, Madumali, Bandipur, Nagarahole, and the bird haven at Ranganthittu. Thanks largely to the efforts of Ashley Rasquinha who drove all the way from Pune with family (Sneha, Aarav & Nikita); this memorable trip was both educative and informative.

A summer visit to these National parks is rewarding, because one can witness at close range large herds of elephants, gaur, sambar and deer quenching their thirst from the shrinking water holes.  Believe it or not, we were witnesses to hundreds of wild elephants and gaur grazing peacefully along with cheetal and sambar; a stark reminder of the Masai Mara wildlife migration. It was a feast for nature lovers. In a few pockets, the wildlife feel so secure that it is not unusual for big game to pose for photographs. The forest guard’s strict supervision has ensured the safety and preservation of the hundreds of species of native and endangered birds, animals and reptiles for which the biosphere is famous for!

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Global warming is turning 35! Not only has the current spate of global warming been going on for about 35 years now, but also the term “global warming” will have its 35th anniversary next week. On 8 August 1975, Wally Broecker published his paper “Are we on the brink of a pronounced global warming?” in the journal Science. That appears to be the first use of the term “global warming” in the scientific literature (at least it’s the first of over 10,000 papers for this search term according to the ISI database of journal articles). Global warming is heating up the planet and is shifting nature’s delicate balance. No longer can we predict with certainty the seasons of the sun.




















Matter of fact , a few decades back, the threat to wildlife came from the barrel of the gun  but in the 21st century, not only the big game but a vast majority of the wildlife is driven to extinction as a direct consequence of mans exploitation of forest wealth. There is no end in sight to this tragedy. The imbalance created by mankind has also resulted in global warming and the impact of climate change is more on wildlife. The wildlife population is under constant siege from the vagaries of nature and the erratic weather patterns has brought about a radical shift in the migration and breeding populations of both birds and animals. The wildlife has to handle weather at its most extreme. Research clearly indicates that in today’s world, migration coincides with drought and breeding of birds coincides with peak monsoon often flooding and washing away nesting sites. In addition to these pressures, a lack of political will in establishing green zones is contributing to the decline of wildlife population.

We are made to believe that mating in the animal world is a simple matter. ---Not so! Every species, no matter big, small or tiny, need to have elaborate courtship displays and mechanisms of breeding. Often breeding takes place when the temperatures are just right.  Animal behavior is completely in tune with the seasonal availability of food and the resulting weather pattern. The time of giving birth coincides with the season of plenty. However, the past decade has witnessed phenomenal changes in global weather patterns. Irregular weather is becoming routine. Prolonged drought in summer with increased temperatures favors’ the rapid multiplication of species like wild boar creating an imbalance in the ecological pyramid. Many varied forms of life have vanished and a few of the dominant species like elephants and gaur are migrating to agricultural land because of the scarcity of food. This in turn is resulting in human wildlife conflict. Wildlife may not be able to adapt to this sudden and rapid climate change, nor will they be able to migrate to more suitable areas. We need to realize the gravity of the situation and make sacrifices to arrest the speeding up of climate change. Because, ultimately global warming will become the single most environmental and social issue of our time resulting in the wipe out  of wildlife species that are an important part of our food chain.

Innovative approaches to conservation like organizing a team of responsible citizens engaged in the adoption of green pastures and converting them into wooded forests are essential to further wildlife conservation goals. Another way of going about it; is the adoption of reserve forests acre by acre by leading industrial houses by way of providing salaries and state of the art equipment to forest guards so that their needs are taken care of. Yet another approach is to pay farmers incentives so that they grow forests in part of their lands, something on the lines of Agro forestry. This approach is adopted in the west and has met with great success. Certain ecological zones inside the Western Ghats should be declared as special zones of significance and natural beauty.


















Daiji world has been in the forefront when it comes to conservation of the earth’s biological riches. We are grateful to the entire team of committed and dedicated staff and Management for giving us a platform to showcase our work to the rest of the global community.

OBERVATIONS RECORDED AT THE NILGIRI BIOSPHERE RESERVE:

• More and more families from North India visit the south to learn about wildlife conservation.

• Parents accompany their children with relevant books which help in identifying the correct species of wildlife. In case of doubts, children do not hesitate to ask the well qualified wildlife experts

• Game wardens are prepared to exchange ideas with respect to conservation. ( They admit to the fact that the forest department has made mistakes in the past and the same need to be rectified with the help of common citizens )

• Wildlife resorts pay special emphasis to treat their guests with a video of the surrounding flora and fauna pertaining to the respective game sanctuary.

DRAWBACKS OBSERVED:

• The domestic cattle population adjoining the game sanctuaries has more than doubled resulting in a reduced amount of grazing land for sambar, bison deer and elephants.

• Whenever cattle graze they eat the grass from the base, unlike other wild animals which rarely overgraze their habitat leaving room for others.

• Domestic cattle also pose a direct threat to wildlife by acting as carriers of diseases like anthrax and foot and mouth.

• Cattle dung helps in the proliferation of weeds that has no benefit for wildlife; instead these weeds choke the growth of beneficial herbs and shrubs, there by spelling disaster to wildlife.

• Resettled villages around the periphery of the forests are cultivating land adjacent to the backwaters, resulting in significant loss of precious top soil, right into the backwater basin (Silting).

• In the coming years, with the expansion of settlers on the fringes of the wildlife sanctuary, human wildlife conflict is imminent.

CONCLUSION

A little less than a hundred years ago these pristine forests were teeming with big game. In those days, the health of the forests was measured in terms of the tiger population at the top of the pyramid rather than counting the population of deer at the base of the pyramid. Today, everything has changed. The forest is not only loosing wildlife but is also loosing trees as well as the mineral wealth in terms of ores.  Mountains and hills disappear due to mining and take away the precious wildlife too. Tragically this story is being repeated throughout the length and breadth of the Country.

We are certain that every individual’s contribution is undeniably important to stem the tide of destruction and awaken the conscience of policy makers in keeping the forest green and wild. We also need to learn new ways to limit the impact of Climate change and preserve our planet by making responsible choices.

We would like to record our deep appreciation to Mr. Ashley Rasquinha M.S. (U.S.A), (Director - Production, ELECTROPNEUMATICS & HYDRAULICS (I) PVT. LTD. Pune.) for the wildlife photographs. Ashley is a friend of nature and devotes his leisure time for the conservation of wild life.

More Pictures.. Click Here

 

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Comment on this article

  • Santhosh, Dubai,

    Thu, Aug 12 2010

    I suggest everyone to watch the movie "An inconvenient Truth" soon.

  • Mitha, Udupi

    Thu, Aug 12 2010

    Great Job, Anand and Geetha, keep up the spirit, In the bid to make money man has destroyed nature completely, im sure a day will come when we will have to gobble those note bundles instead of food as there will not be any if the same pace of climatic change keeps on. I pray and beg every one to stop fighting for silly reasons and join hands in our war against global warming.

  • Ashok, Bangalore

    Tue, Aug 10 2010

    Brilliant pictures and an article with great depth. Exchange of ideas from the bottom up, right to the official level will do a world of good in combatting climate change

  • Peter & Lavina, Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 10 2010

    We wish that every individual would be bound with a sense of resposibility towards mother nature like Dr Anand & his wife Geetha.Let us begin to feel it right now.We are proud to have Dr Anand & Geetha , who repeatedly share their research work, articles & photograhs in Daiji and as a result refresh our minds & knowledge in the subject of environment and all the factors which are having an impact on it.

  • Abhishek, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    excellent article and great pictures. Every article has been a source of reference. Thank you all for giving your time in mankinds interest.

  • Girija, cochin

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Dear Anand and Geeta,your article is an Excellent tool in empowering students and teachers with respect to conservation.
    However, it is no easy task. Try to take the help of NGOS in spreading the message across the globe.
    Thank you Daiji.

  • Peter Mendonca, Karkala/MCT/USA

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    They are really beautiful pictures of nature.

    However, a detailed presentation like this may bring danger to these precious animals.

    Dear Daiji, Take Care!

  • Roshini Pinto, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Dr.Anand and Geetha Pereira, proud to have people like you who spare time out of your busy schedule to enlighten our minds.Awesome photography.Continue the great work.Need of the hour.

  • adshenoy, mangloor

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Dr. Anand and Geetha. This is a amazing write up for the people to recognise how important is to preserve our wild life. If we dont we will seldom see these magnificent creatures the Nature and GOd has provided us.
    Please publish these articles to get a national publicity accroos India.

  • Abhilash dsouza,, EXCELTRONIX

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Amazing article and lovely pictures.Please Continue the good work sir.

  • Louis D'Souza, Udupi/Kuwait

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Beautifull pictures i am very fond of animals & birds. Keep it up.

  • Liza Gina Pais, Mysore

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Dear Dr Anand Uncle & Geeta Aunty,Thank you for the nice valuable information,Uncle Ashley the photography is fabulas,this kind of photography is very rare & we are imnsly proud that it can be watched through Daijiworld,We do not know wether in the next 10 years we can be able to view this kind of photography,soon wild life will be extinct/extinguished & the species are endangered,Your guidence in this article will caution each one to take a collective step to contain our wild life & enviornment,Regards-Liza Gina Pais-Mysore

  • Basavaraj, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    We keep looking for such noteworthy articles which benefit one and all. Global warming is like a bomb ticking fast. Urgent measures are required to stop it.

  • Sumathi, Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    We have admired Anand and Geetas work on biodiversity and conservation of natural resources. We need to support their cause. Thank you Daiji for encouraging such value rich articles on your web portal.

  • Romola PEREIRA, Sakleshpur/Kadri

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Dear Ash, immensely enjoyed the pictures. Anand was narrating his great experience visiting all the National parks and Bird sanctuaries.

  • Payal Pereira, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Every picture is worth a thousand words. Thank you Uncle Ashley for the lovely pictures. The write up is also very nice. Thank you daiji world.

  • Leander Pais, Mysore

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Dear Dr Anand & Geeta-I am overwelmed to read such a nice & informative article,Very good photography by Mr. Ashley Rasquinha M.S. (U.S.A), (Director - Production, ELECTROPNEUMATICS & HYDRAULICS (I) PVT. LTD. Pune.) All the best & keep writing more articles through Daiji World-Regards.Leander Pais (Mysore)

  • Asha, Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    We were happy to note the work done by Dr.Anand and geeta on climate change and its impact on wildlife. Excellent stuff. Thank you Ashley for the nice pictures and Daiji for encouraging.

  • Leona Pais, Mysore

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Dear Dr Anand & Geeta,Impeccable photagraphy,Surely the destination that you have travelled to interface these pictures would be various,I can imagine the silence you have maintained to capture pictures like the Grey Fowl,It is indeed a Herculean task & cannot be measured,specially during this 20th century revolution,Tremendous explanation on wild life & its impact on the enviornment,Keep up the good work & congratulation on remarkable work.Leona Pais-Mysore

  • Nihal, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    I was so happy to read the article and see the beautiful wildlife. I hope to submit a project in my school to create more awareness.

  • Raji, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Impact of climate change is affecting both wild life as well as agriculture. The seasons have drastically changed and will affect food security. Excellent pictures and write up.

  • Supreetha, Mangalore/U.S.

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    One of those rare articles addressing global warming concerns. We need to join hands to do something tangible both for the environment as well as wildlife protection. Keep educating us with your vast reservoir of knowledge.

  • Shilpa, Kodagu

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    All your articles are wonderful to read. It is a joy to see the wild life pictures. Being a nature lover, I can connect to each and every frame. Thank you all and daiji World.

  • Pavithra, Kodagu

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Highly educative and informative. Thank you all for the sincere efforts and time.

  • Ivan Frank , Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 09 2010

    Well written accompanied by appropriate wildlife photographs. I hope the Officials of these wild life sanctuaries keep the surrounding areas free from cattle. or human settlements.

  • Allen Pais, Siddapur/Dubai

    Sun, Aug 08 2010

    Dear Dr Anand & Geeta-Excellent article once again,You have finally managed to get your Grey Jungle fowl,We tried a lot to find you a valid picture but never succeded,Appreceiate your effort to find the time,patience & energy to capture the wonderfull image that no common human being would have been able to achieve,It is a great achievement,The article on climate change is wonderfull & has evry aspect of information covered that will impact on our wild life,All the best & keep writing more & more articles-Allen Pais (DUBAI)

  • ViKRAM, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 08 2010

    It is interesting to note your observations with reespect to the Drawbacks in and around the wildlife sanctuaries. These need to be addressed by the concerned officers before it is too late.

  • Dr.Sathyanarayan, California

    Sun, Aug 08 2010

    Climate change due to human activities ( Cutting forests, oil spills, poaching, etc ) can wipe out large tracts of forests, and wildlife, leaving behind a trail of destruction. All the points raised in the article need to be carefully looked into and implemented in right earnest. Thank you.

  • RAKESH, Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 08 2010

    Every article of dr.Anand and Geeta is packed with in formation and ideas. Thank you both including ashley and daijiworld for the dedication

  • Nimmoo, Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 08 2010

    Amazing article and lovely pictures. Thank you Dr.Anand, Geeta and ashley and daiji

  • Anjali, Sydney

    Sun, Aug 08 2010

    Dr Anand and Geeta have highlighted the impact of global warming on wildlife and forests, because these precious treasures are our last hope in saving mankind itself. If the forests and wildlife disappear, it will create problems in the food chain.
    Thank you for your devotion in helping us understand the implications of loosing all this wealth which cannot b e replaced

  • Dr.Suresh, Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 08 2010

    Hats off to this dynamic couple for educating all cross sections of society on the need to change our sensitivity in protecting the dwindling earths resources.

  • Umesh.C, Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 08 2010

    Conservation as you have rightly pointed out should be in the election manifeto of all political parties. They need to earmark sufficient funds to protect and conserve. Excellent article and pictures.

  • Earanna, Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 08 2010

    Human intervention is definitely the main reason for this loss and climate change.
    Thank you daiji ,Dr.Anand, Geeta and ashley for the pictures and article

  • Dr. Roopak, Bristol U.K.

    Sun, Aug 08 2010

    Excellent article with a wealth of information. At all costs we need to p[rotec t the forests.
    Thanks to the entire team .

  • Anand, Karkala/Dubai

    Sun, Aug 08 2010

    Poeple who are living in the city area and very close to forests have got different mentality. Nobody likes to destroy the natural resources but at the same time I have seen many times the crops grown by poor farmers have been damaged badly by all these animals, leaving the poor as poorer.
    Obviously, we have to save the forests, wild animals and everything which comes naturally.

  • Antony Herbert Crasta, Mangalore/Sydney,Australia

    Sat, Aug 07 2010

    Nice article, Dr. Anand and Geeta Pereira, on the subject of climate change, and its effects on the nature, environment, forests and the wild life etc., the gradual decaying and degrading of which, as you rightly say, is one of the important issues that being faced worldwide today. It was interesting to read and learn about the pattern of animal breeding, mating and their cohabital behaviour as well. The excellent photography that accompanied too provided some insights into the animal world, especially, the pictures of grey jungle fowl, multi-coloured peacock, ruddy mongoose, wild boar and the golden langur brought back so many memories of my own experiences when I saw them in plenty during my various visits to the Khudremukh Ghats, Kelagur and Balehannur Tea and Coffee Estates via Charmadi, and also Koppa and Kalsapura Estates via Agumbe, during my earlier years.

    Sadly, these days, one comes across hardly any of these birds and animal species, except the monkeys, mongoose, the peacocks, and some grey fowls and the prancolins, perhaps. Also, in my younger years, we used to catch lots and lots of fishes, small and and big, in our streams that ran through our family farms, but sadly, they have disappeared altogether, and I know very well now the reason behind that!. One more valueable article brought about in the Daijiworld.

  • cyril mathias, udupi

    Sat, Aug 07 2010

    Good writeup on climate change and its impact on flora and fauna.The photography is second to none.Thanks.

  • VINOD WILFRED TAURO, MADANTHYAR,DUBAI

    Sat, Aug 07 2010

    Fantastic photographs and write up, thanks for your precious time spared for others and especially for your young generation. I wish you all the best..expecting many more


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Title: Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife



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