Exploration Series One of Exploring Nature-Report May 2015

Exploration Series One of Exploring Nature The Last Legacy: Visit to Sole Home of Asiatic Lion and Indian Wild Ass

Dwaipayan Ghosh and Arnab Basu 24th to 28 th May, 2015

The Last Legacy: Visit to Sole Home of Asiatic Lion and Indian Wild Ass

Dwaipayan Ghosh and Arnab Basu 24th to 28 th May, 2015

CONTENTS Topic Page Cover Page 01 Copyright Statement 02 Contents 03 Chapter One Why this visit? 04 What is Exploring Nature ? 04 Chapter Two Visit plan and day to day activity 05 Chapter Three Spotted and Identified Biodiversity at Gir Forest National 07 Park Chapter Four Quest for Asiatic Lion 17 Chapter Five Tribal of Gir Forest 22 Chapter Six Spotted and Identified Biodiversity at Wild Ass Sanctuary of 24 Little Rann of Kutch Chapter Seven Chasing Wild Ass 29 Chapter Eight Mistry of Little Rann 31 End of Story 33 Annexure One: The Explorers’ Profile 34 Annexure Two: The Journey Itinerary 36 Annexure Three: List of Species Identified 37 Annexure Four: Reference 39

Chapter One: Why this visit?

Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life forms within a given species, ecosystem, biome, or planet. Terrestrial biodiversity tends to be highest at low latitudes near the equator, which seems to be the result of the warm climate and high primary productivity. Marine biodiversity tends to be highest along coasts in the Western Pacific, where sea surface temperature is highest and in mid-latitudinal band in all oceans. Biodiversity generally tends to cluster in hotspots, and has been increasing through time but will be likely to slow in the future.

The period since the emergence of humans has displayed an ongoing biodiversity reduction and an accompanying loss of genetic diversity. Named the Holocene extinction, the reduction is caused primarily by human impacts, particularly habitat destruction. Conversely, biodiversity impacts human health in a number of ways, both positively and negatively.

The United Nations designated 2011-2020 as the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity.

Being nature lovers and students of Natural Science for more than two decades, the members of Exploring Nature decided to pay tribute to Mother Nature by promoting awareness on some of the well explored as well as relatively less explored biodiversity around the world. In this endeavor two members of Exploring Nature have started this Biodiversity Exploration Series by carrying out a high level rapid biodiversity exploration at Gir National Forest and Little Rann of Kutch located in the Gujarat state of India. Both the places are unique for being holders of single population of Asiatic Lion ( Panthera leo persica ) and Indian Wild Ass ( Equus hemionus khur ) respectively.

What is Exploring Nature ?

Exploring Nature is a group exists in Facebook, founded by Dwaipayan Ghosh, one of the members of this exploration series. The objective of the group is active participation in eco-tourism and biodiversity exploration as well as wild life photography in order to promote eco-tourism culture and biodiversity awareness through social networking sites.

The group is a conglomeration of Wild Life Photographers, Biodiversity Experts, Bird Watchers, Environmentalists, Engineers, Sociologists, Anthropologists and anybody from any segments of society and professions who love nature and consider themselves responsible and accountable to save the beautiful flora and fauna of Mother Nature as well as to promote biodiversity awareness among people.

All the reports and photographs of the explorations of Exploring Nature are generally uploaded within 4-5 working days after completing the exploration in following links: https://www.facebook.com/naturaldestination https://www.facebook.com/dwaipayansphotography

Chapter Two: Visit plan and day to day activity

It was a five (5) day visit by two biodiversity explorers (Refer Annexure 1 for the profile of two explorers), which also includes travelling to and fro between their respective home bases and subject exploration locations. For detail journey itinerary please refer Annexure 2 of this report.

Both the explorers reached at Bhopal in the evening of 23 rd May from Hyderabad (in case of Dwaipayan) and Bangalore (in case of Arnab) to catch the Jabalpur Somnath Express and reached at Junagadh by 4:25 PM of 24 th May. From Junagadh railway station it was one and half hour road journey to Sasan Gir. The staying arrangement for the explorers for next two days was made at Maneland Jungle Lodge which was around 2-3 km away from the main entrance of Gir National Park.

Maneland Jungle Lodge was found to be designed to match the aesthetics of the Saurashtra Penninsula of Gujarat state, where the National park is located. The lodge is stylized using local material & construction techniques. All rooms had attached modern bathrooms with running hot and cold water. There was one dinning cum restaurant which serves Vegetable Cuisine cooked from home grown and farm fresh vegetables. Pickup and drop facilities from and to Junagadh were also arranged for the explorers by the lodge.

The exploration at Gir started from next day at 6:30 AM, total three safaris were planned for two days for which online permits were already obtained. On the first day (25 th May) of the exploration at Gir, there were two safaris – morning between 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and afternoon between 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Only one safari in the morning of the second day (26 th May) was planned, as explorers had to proceed for next subject location in the afternoon of that day. The safari jip, guide was provided by the Forest department of Gir National Park as part of the safari permits.

On the evening of 26 th May, explorers reached at Viramgam via a train journey which was turned out quite hectic as they did not have reservation due to unavailability of tickets in Veraval Mumbai Central Passenger train. The entry point of Little Rann was around 45 km from the Viramgam railway station and the staying arrangements were made at Bhavna Resort and Farm which was 35 km from the railway station, at village Patdi, it was a 45 minutes road journey.

The resort was found built on a developed and arid, useless land by converting the same into cultivable land in order to create a tourist destination and a place of farming. Reportedly the resort began organic growing of produce and horticulture in this barren land and also created awareness about the same in the locality.

As per anecdotal information, over 100 species of flora and vegetables can be found there. The resort regularly allows

farmers to visit the farm, to learn new technologies and encourages organic farming in the area. The restaurant of the farm, procures, prepares and serves food from their organic farm.

Total two safaris were planned at Little Rann, and all were in morning. Considering the present weather (40-45 oC temperature in day time), morning 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM was found best suitable for exploration. The safari jip, guide and permits were all arranged by the Resort itself.

In both Gir and Lttle Rann, besides exploration in forest and desert, explorers’ daily activities were updating the identified species profiles and logging data related to soil texture, climate and anthropological primary information obtained from the field. Another key activity at the end of the day used to be processing of selected photographs of biodiversity taken during explorations. All these activities were done at the base camps (lodges or resorts) of both the subject locations.

During this five day visit, comprised of total five (5) safaris ( 3 in Gir and 2 in Little Rann), around 1100 photographs were taken by two explorers. The instruments used for photography were one 60D Canon SLR with 400 mm (F/5.6) lens , one 600D Canon SLR with 200-500 mm (F/5-6.3) lens and one monopod . Out of these 1100 photographs, 70 high impact and effectively informative photographs were selected to use in this report and publishing in social networking sites.

In these five days two explorers had spotted and identified around 56 species of mammals, reptiles and aves. In the Gir itself 8 different species of mammals , 1 species of reptiles and 37 species of aves were spotted and identified. Whereas in the Little Rann the variety of biodiversity encountered were little less because of scorching summer heat. Explorers spotted and identified 4 different species of mammals and 6 different species of aves .

The exploration was ended on the afternoon of 28 th May and both the explorers headed towards Ahmedabad airport to board on flights for respective home destinations. In this exploration, both the explorers travelled altogether 590 km , excluding the distance travelled from home bases to nearest port of subject locations (Refer the route map below ).

Chapter Three: Spotted and Identified Biodiversity ----

At Gir Forest National Park IUCN category II (national park); Location: Junagadh Distric, Gir Somnath District and Amreli District, Gujarat state of India Nearest City: Veraval Coordinates: 21 o08’08”N 70 o47’48”E/21.13556 oN70.79667 oE Area: 1412 Square Km Governing Body: Forest Department of Gujarat

The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan-Gir) is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965, with a total area of 1412 km² (about 258 km² for the fully protected area the national park and 1153 km² for the Sanctuary), the park is located 43 km in the north-east from Somnath, 65 km to the south- east of Junagadh and 60 km to south west of Amreli. It is the sole home of the Asiatic lions ( Panthera leo persica ) and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species.

The 14th Asiatic Lion Census 2015 was conducted in May 2015. In 2015, the population has been 523 (27% up compared to previous census in 2010). The population was 411 in 2010 and 359 in 2005. The population of lions in Junagadh District has been 268, Gir Somnath District has been 44, Amreli District has been 174 (highest increase) and Bhavangar District has been 37. There are 109 males, 201 females and 213 young/cubs.

Geography Water Reserves The seven major perennial rivers of the Gir region are Hiran, Shetrunji, Datardi, Shingoda, Machhundri, Godavari and Raval. The four reservoirs of the area are at four dams, one each on Hiran, Machhundri, Raval and Shingoda rivers, including the biggest reservoir in the area, the Kamleshwar Dam , dubbed 'the lifeline of Gir'. It is located between 21°08 ′08 ″N 70°47 ′48 ″E. During peak summer, surface water for wild animals is available at about 300 water points. When drought hits the area following a poor rainfall, surface water is not available at a majority of these points, and water scarcity becomes a serious problem (mainly in the eastern part of the sanctuary).

Flora More than 400 plant species were recorded in the survey of Gir forest by Samtapau & Raizada in 1955. The Botany department of M.S. University of Baroda has revised the count to 507 during their survey. According to the 1964 forest type classification by Champion & Sheth, the Gir forest falls under "5A/C-1a—very dry teak forest" classification. Teak occurs mixed with dry deciduous species. Teak bearing areas are mainly in the eastern portion of the forest, which constitutes nearly half of the total area. During this exploration, explorers spotted and identified several species of acacia, ber, jamun, babul, flame of the forest, zizyphus, tendu, gum tree and dhak (Palash). Also plants like karanj, umlo, amli, sirus, kalam, charal and an occasional vad or banyan tree were found. However, in this exploration specific focus was not given on plant species.

Wildlife The count of 2,375 distinct fauna species of Gir includes about 38 species of mammals, around 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and more than 2,000 species of insects. As mentioned in previous chapter the explorers spotted and identified 8 different species of mammals , including 4 lioness and 3 lions , 1 species of reptiles and 37 species of aves were spotted and identified. Refer Annexure 3 for the list of wildlife species spotted and identified by the explorers.

Herbivorous spotted and identified by explorers:

1. Sambar ( Cervus unicolor ): Sambar primarily live in woodland and feed on a wide variety of vegetation, including grasses, foliage, browse, fruit, and water plants, depending on the local habitat. They also consume a great variety of shrubs and trees. They are a favourite prey item for Asiatic lions of Gir forest. Male and female Sambars were spotted on 25 th May during morning and afternoon safaris at route number 6 and 5 respectively.

Conservation status

Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1 )

2. Blue Bull or Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus ): Nilgai are habitat generalists, living in grasslands and woodlands where they eat grasses, leaves, buds, and fruit. They avoid dense forest and prefer the plains and low hills with shrubs, but may also be found in cultivated areas. Couple of female Nilgai was spotted on 25 th May during morning and afternoon safaris at route number 6 and 5 respectively.

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN 3.1 )

3. Spotted Deer or Chital (Axis axis ): The spotted deer is found in large numbers in dense deciduous or semi evergreen forests and open grasslands. The highest numbers of chital are found in the forests of India, where they feed upon tall grass and shrubs. Herds of Chital were spotted on all three safaris on both 25 th and 26 th May throughout the forest.

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN 3.1 )

Rodent spotted and identified by explorers:

1. Three-striped Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum ): These squirrels eat mainly nuts and fruits. Unlike other species of squirrel, the Indian palm squirrel does not hibernate in winter. Lots of three-striped palm squirrels were observed throughout the exploration across the forest.

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN 3.1 )

Carnivorous spotted and identified by explorers:

1. Common Mangoose ( Herpestes edwardsii ): The grey mongoose is commonly found in open forests, scrublands and cultivated fields, often close to human habitation. It lives in burrows, hedgerows and thickets, among groves of trees, taking shelter under rocks or bushes and even in drains. It climbs very well. Usually found singly or in pairs. It preys on rodents, snakes, birds’ eggs and hatchlings, lizards and variety of invertebrates. It breeds throughout the year. On 25 th May during morning safari at route number 6 one common mongoose was spotted hiding in the forest. On same day during afternoon safari another one was found eating its prey in route number 5. But before the explorers took position to shoot, the mongoose ran away.

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN 3.1 )

2. Common Langur ( Semnopithecus entellus ): Common langurs are large and fairly terrestrial; inhabiting forest, open lightly wooded habitats, and urban areas on the Indian subcontinent. Common langurs are primarily herbivores. However, unlike some other colobines they do not depend on leaves and leaf buds of herbs, but will eat also coniferous needles and cones, fruits and fruit buds, evergreen petioles, shoots and roots, seeds, grass, bamboo, fern rhizomes, mosses, and lichens. Leaves of trees and shrubs rank at the top of preferred food, followed by herbs and grasses. Non- plant materials consumed include spider webs, termite mounds and insect larvae. They forage on agricultural crops and other human foods, and even accept handouts. Although they occasionally drink, langurs get most of their

water from the moisture in their food. Lot of prides was spotted on both days across the forest.

3. Golden Jackal (Canis aureus ): The heaviest of the jackals, it is the only species to live outside Africa. Although often grouped with the other jackals, genetic and morphological researches indicate the golden jackal is more closely related to the gray wolf and the coyote. On 25 th May, during morning safari the explorers spotted one female and a cub at route number 6.

4. Lion ( Panthera leo persica ): The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), also known as the Indian lion or Persian lion, is a lion subspecies that exists as a single population in India's Gujarat state. It is listed as Endangered by IUCN due its small population size. Since 2010, the lion population in the Gir Forest National Park has steadily increased. In May 2015, the 14th Asiatic Lion Census was conducted over an area of about 20,000 km 2 (7,700 sq mi); the lion population was estimated at 523 individuals, comprising 109 males, 201 females and 213 cubs. To know the exploration experiences refer Chapter Four: Quest for Asiatic Lion.

Reptile spotted and identified by explorers:

Conservation status 1. Mugger Crocodile or Crocodile of Marsh (Crocodylus palustris ): It is a medium-sized crocodile that mostly inhabits freshwater lakes, ponds, sluggish rivers, swamps and marshes. The mugger Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1 ) crocodile is a skilled predator that preys on a variety of species. Like other crocodilians they are ambush hunters and wait for their prey to come close. They wait camouflaged in the murky waters to launch the attack in the suitable moment. They mostly prey on fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. On 26 th May morning while trailing on route number 3, the explorers spotted the marsh crocodile in the Kamleshwar Lake. Forest guide Akash informed that it would continue swimming slowly in the lake as long as there was overcast, on bright sun light, the crocodile would come at the bank of lake for sunbath.

Aves spotted and identified by explorers (for detailed list refer Annexure 3):

1. Collard Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): This species is nocturnal. Through its natural camouflage, it is very difficult to see in daytime. But it can often be located by the small birds that mob it while it is roosting in a tree. It feeds mainly on insects. The call is a soft single note ("whuk?"). Experienced eyes of forest guard Abu bhai spotted the owl at route number 6 in the morning of 25 th May, which was

otherwise impossible to do by the explorers.

2. Brown Wood Owl ( Strix leptogrammica ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): It is an uncommon resident bird of dense forests. This species is very nocturnal but it can often be located by the small birds that mob it while it is roosting in a tree. It feeds mainly on small mammals, birds and reptiles. It nests in a hole in a tree or on a forked trunk, laying two eggs. The call is a (hoo) hoo hoo HOO or a deep goke- goke-ga-LOOO or a loud scream. A pair of them was spotted in the afternoon of 25 th May at route number 5.

3. Paradise Fly Catcher Rufous Male and Female (Terpsiphone paradisi ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): The Asian paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi) is a medium-sized passerine bird native to Asia. Males have elongated central tail feathers, and in some populations black and rufous plumages while others have white

plumage. Females are short-tailed with rufous wings and a black head. They feed on insects, which they capture in the air often below a densely canopied tree. Asian paradise flycatchers are noisy birds uttering sharp skreek calls. Lots of male and female species were spotted by explorers in two days across

the forest.

4. Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): They are mainly insect eaters and they are found in grassland, thin scrub and forest often quite far from water. Several regional plumage variations are known and several subspecies have been named. Lots of them were spotted by explorers in two days across the forest.

5. Eurasian Thick-knee ( Burhinus oedicnemus ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): Despite being classed as a wader, this species prefers dry open habitats with some bare ground. It is largely nocturnal, particularly when singing its loud wailing songs, which are reminiscent of that of curlews. Food consists of insects and other small invertebrates, and occasionally small reptiles, frogs and rodents. Lots of them were spotted by explorers in two days across the forest.

6. Red-Wattled Lapwing ( Vanellus indicus ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): It has characteristic loud alarm calls which are variously rendered as did he do it or pity to do it leading to colloquial names like the did-he-do-it bird. Usually seen in pairs or small groups not far from water but may form large flocks in the non- breeding season (winter). The diet of the lapwing includes a range of insects, snails and other invertebrates, mostly picked from the ground. Lots of them were spotted by explorers in two days across the forest. 7. Brahmini Starling ( Sturnia pagodarum ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): This passerine is typically found in dry forest, scrub jungle and cultivation and is often found close to human habitations. The especially favour areas with waterlogged or marshy lands. Like most starlings, the brahminy starling is omnivorous, eating fruit and insects. They have been known to feed on the fruits of Thevetia peruviana which are toxic to many vertebrates. This one was spotted on 25 th May afternoon at route number 5. Lots of them were spotted by explorers in two days across the forest.

8. Black Ibis ( Pseudibis papillosa ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): This largish black bird is found at lakes, in marshes, in riverbeds and on irrigated farmland—it is not as aquatic as many other species of ibis. It is gregarious and generally forages on margins of wetlands in small numbers. This one was spotted on 25th May afternoon at route number 5.

9. Spotted Owlet ( Athene brama ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): This species is nocturnal but is sometimes seen in the day. When disturbed from their daytime site, they bob their head and stare at intruders. It can often be located by the small birds that mob it while it is perched in a tree. It hunts a variety of insects and small vertebrates. This one was spotted on 25th May afternoon at route number 5.

10. Indian Nightjar ( Caprimulgus asiaticus ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): Like most nightjars it is crepuscular and is best detected from its characteristic calls at dawn and dusk that have been likened to a stone skipping on a frozen lake - a series of clicks that become shorter and more rapid. The bulk of their diet consists of flying / swarming insects, such as mosquitoes, flies, beetles, locusts, winged ants, moths and grasshoppers, as well as plant lice and crickets. To a lesser extent, they will also eat larvae, nymphs and eggs. This one was spotted on 25th May afternoon at route number 5.

11. Oriental Honey Buzzard Eagle ( Pernis ptilorhyncus ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): It is a specialist feeder, living mainly on the larvae of social bees and wasps, also eating bits of comb and honey; it will take other small insect prey such as cicadas. The honey buzzard breeds in woodland, and is inconspicuous except in the spring, when the mating display includes wing-clapping. The display of roller-coasting in flight and fluttering wings at the peak of the ascent are characteristic of the genus Pernis . This one was spotted on 26th May morning at route number 3.

12. Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): It inhabits scrub jungle, deciduous and dense evergreen forest. Although very colourful, they are usually shy and hidden in the undergrowth where the hop and pick insects on the forest floor. They have a distinctive two note whistling call which may be heard at dawn and dusk. Indian pittas roost in trees. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates that they usually pick up from the ground or leaf litter. They have also been noted to take kitchen food scraps from the ground. Lots of them were spotted by explorers in two days across the forest.

13. Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): The species is found in light forests and gardens as well as in urban areas. They fly from the ground with an explosive flutter and will sometimes glide down to a perch. Spotted doves move around in pairs or small groups as they forage on the ground for grass seeds, grains, fallen fruits and seeds of other plants. They may however take insects occasionally and have been recorded feeding on winged termites. Lots of them were spotted by explorers in two days across the forest.

14. Eurasian collared dove ( Streptopelia decaocto ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): It has a black half-collar edged with white on its nape from which it gets its name. The short legs are red and the bill is black. The collared dove is not wary and often feeds very close to human habitation, including visiting bird tables; the largest populations are typically found around farms where spilt grain is frequent around grain stores or where livestock are fed. It is a gregarious species and sizeable winter flocks will form where there are food supplies such as grain (its main food) as well as seeds, shoots and insects. Flocks most commonly number between ten and fifty, but flocks of up to ten thousand have been recorded. Lots of them were spotted by explorers in two days across the forest.

15. Grey Francolin ( Francolinus pondicerianus ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): They are found in open cultivated lands as well as scrub forest and their local name of teetar is based on their calls, a loud and repeated Ka-teetar...tee-tar which is produced by one or more birds. The term teetar can also refer to other partridges and quails. During the breeding season calling males attract challengers and decoys were used to trap these birds especially for fighting. Food includes seeds, grains as well as insects, particularly termites and beetles (especially Tenebrionidae and Carabidae). They may occasionally take larger prey such as snakes. Lots of them were spotted by explorers in two days across the forest.

16. Darter ( Anhinga melanogaster); Near Threatened (IUCN 2.3): They typically inhabit fresh water lakes, rivers, marshes, swamps, and are less often found along the seashore in brackish estuaries, bays, lagoons and mangrove. Most are sedentary and do not migrate; the populations in the coolest parts of the range may migrate however. Darters feed mainly on mid-sized fish; far more rarely, they eat other aquatic vertebrates and large invertebrates of comparable size. This one was spotted during morning safari of 26 th May, near the bank of Kamleshwar Lake.

17. Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus ); Least Concern (IUCN 3.1): The male peacock is predominantly blue with a fan-like crest of spatula-tipped wire-like feathers and is best known for the long train made up of elongated upper-tail covert feathers which bear colourful eyespots. These stiff feathers are raised into a fan and quivered in a display during courtship. Females lack the train, and have a greenish lower neck and duller brown plumage. The Indian peafowl lives mainly on the ground in open forest or on land under cultivation where they forage for berries, grains but also prey on snakes, lizards, and small rodents. Their loud calls make them easy to detect, and in forest areas often indicate the presence of a predator such as a tiger. They forage on the ground in small groups and usually try to escape on foot through undergrowth and avoid flying, though they fly into tall trees to roost.

When the morning safari of 26 th May in route number 3 was about to end, the explorers heard a calling of Indian peafowl which was very different than what they were hearing since beginning of first day’s safari. The forest was full of male, female and young male peafowl. The explorers suspected that particular calling as mating call, and it was confirmed by forest guide Akash. Shortly after that three peahens were sighted rushing to the peacock that made the call and few seconds later the peacock displayed the feathers of its tail in front of those peahens and that became a spectacular photo opportunity for the explorers.

Chapter Four: Quest for Asiatic Lion

The Asiatic lion ( Panthera leo persica ), also known as the Indian lion or Persian lion, is a lion subspecies that exists as a single population in India's Gujarat state. It is listed as Endangered by IUCN due its small population size. Since 2010, the lion population in the Gir Forest National Park has steadily increased. In May 2015, the 14th Asiatic Lion Census was conducted over an area of about 20,000 km 2 (7,700 sq mi); the lion population was estimated at 523 individuals, comprising 109 males, 201 females and 213 cubs. The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Western Gujarat is the only habitat for the Asiatic lion where an area of 1,412.1 km 2 (545.2 sq mi) was declared as a sanctuary for their conservation in 1965. Later, a national park covering an area of 258.71 km 2 (99.89 sq mi) was established where no human activity is allowed. In the surrounding sanctuary only Maldharis (Refer Chapter Five: Tribal of Gir Forest ) have the right to graze their livestock.

Altogether seven (7) lions were spotted by the explorers, two (2) sub-male during morning safari of 25 th May and one (1) male and three (3) females during afternoon safari of the same day.

The Asiatic lion is one of five big cat species found in India, apart from Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard. It formerly occurred in Persia, Israel, Mesopotamia, Baluchistan, from Sindh in the west to Bengal in the east, and from Rampur and Rohilkund in the north to Nerbudda in the south. It differs from the African lion by less inflated auditory bullae, a larger tail tuft and a less developed mane. The Asiatic lions used to live in West, Southwest, South and Central regions of Asia in historic times. Now the population of the lions currently exists in Western India's Gir Forest National Park. The type specimen of the Asiatic lion was first described from Persia in 1826, followed by descriptions of specimens from Hariana and Basra. Asiatic lions formerly occurred in Persia, Arabia, Palestine, Mesopotamia and Baluchistan.

Asiatic lions live in prides. Mean pride size, measured by the number of adult females, tends to be smaller than for African lions: most Gir prides contain just two adult females, with the largest having five. Coalitions of males defend home ranges containing one or more groups of females; but, unlike African lions, Gir males generally associate with their pride females only when mating or on a large kill. However, during exploration, it was very conspicuously noticed by both the explorers that lions were moving or living outside of their pride. A lesser degree of sociability in the Gir lions may be a function of the smaller prey available to them: the most commonly taken species (45% of known kills), the chital, weighs only around 50 kg (110 lb). As per Forest guide Tamsi, Gir lion’s common preys are Chital, Sambar and

sometimes Cattles of local tribes. In 2012, an Asiatic lion dragged a man from his house and killed him near the Gir forest, Amreli, India. This was the second attack in the area after a man was attacked and killed in Dhodadar.

In general, lions prefer large prey species within a weight range of 190 to 550 kg (420 to 1,210 lb) irrespective of their availability. Yet they predominately take prey substantially smaller than this, reflecting their opportunistic hunting behaviour. Within this range, they prefer species that weigh 350 kg (770 lb), which is much larger than the largest recorded weight of lion. The group hunting strategy of lions enables exceptionally large prey items to be taken. Hunting success in lions is influenced by hunting-group size and composition, the hunting method used and by environmental factors such as grass and shrub cover, time of day, moon presence and terrain. Domestic cattle have historically been a major component of the Gir lions’ diet. During exploration few carcass and skeletons of domestic buffaloes were found near the Rabari settlement.

The Quest: The journey to spot Asiatic Lion started at 6:00 AM of 25 th May, through route number 6 of National Park. The explorers were accompanied by Forest guide Abu bhai and driver Mehbub. Immediately after entering the forest, fresh pug marks were observed . The full exploration contingent started following the foot prints – male and female with cubs were quite prominent among other pug marks. The trail was suggesting a small pride was probably shifting from one location to another. Strong smell of carcass was also felt by the explorers and team, but no vultures or other scavengers were observed. After two hours of trailing and covering around 20-25 Km distance, finally two sub-males were spotted from around 60 meter distance under shades of trees at the crossing point of route number 5 and 6. They were found lying under the shades of trees. Forest guide and other forest officials informed that, early in the morning both of them hunted together and after eating they had started moving to find a cool place to take rest for the whole day.

One of the explorers, Dwaipayan told that his jinx for not being able to shoot big cat had ended now, that was the first time he spotted big cat in wild. On a lighter note, explorers correlated their good fortune with not spotting male Nilgai to begin the safari. In most of the previous occasions, whenever there were potential opportunities to spot big cat, they encountered male Nilgai at the beginning, and lady luck didn’t show up. In the present case it was different – a female Nilgai was spotted for a change at the beginning of safari.

Explorers begin the second safari of the day at 3:00 PM, with lot of enthusiasm. But first two hours were not productive from the point of view of spotting big cat. No fresh pug marks were noticed. Around 5:00 PM, at route number 5, a female lion was observed lying on her back in shrubs, sleeping in a precarious way by lifting her both hind legs. The distance between explorers and the lioness was not less than 200 meters.

Fifteen minutes later one adult male was observed in the same route, at least 10 Km away from the previous location, resting under trees . The animal seemed quite exhausted in the scorching summer heat (reportedly around 35-40 oC). He was spotted from 40-50 meters distance.

Around 5:30 PM, at approximately 5 km from previous location, another female lion was found seating under shades near a Forest department made water tank . The distance between explorers and lioness was around 20-30 meters.

The forest guide told that, the typical behavior of Asiatic lion is finishing hunting and eating in night and start moving to find cool place and shades at early morning. With dawn they go to sleep and again start getting ready for whole night between 5:00 to 6:00 PM, before dusk. That was why the best time to spot lions in Gir would be 5:00 to 6:00 PM, the last hour of the last safari of the day.

Safari of the day was almost over for the explorers, but the climax of the day was yet to come. Around 10 km away from the previous location at the end of route number 5, another full grown adult lioness were spotted seating in a relatively less dense patch of the forest . The distance this time was just 15 meters from the explorers. To surprise both the explorers the lioness got up and started moving in a particular direction and started coming into open land where explorers’ jip was standing. Couple of forest department officials warned them and asked to take their vehicle further away; they indicated that the lioness was going to drink water to a close by water body. Within few minutes the lioness came in open and the distance was about 5 meters from the jip, she was completely indifferent and ignorant about others presence and with a royal, strong and fierce movement she reached at the waterbody to drink water. Finished her drinking and went back to her previous place. The entire cat walk show was captured by both the explorers and the safari of the day ended for them with a great feeling of respect, fear and adorability for the animal. The feeling of a successful exploration also filled their mind with happiness and sense of achievements.

The Asiatic lion currently exists as a single subpopulation, and is thus vulnerable to extinction from unpredictable events, such as an epidemic or large forest fire. There are indications of poaching incidents in recent years. There are reports that organised gangs have switched attention from tigers to these lions. There have also been a number of drowning incidents after lions fell into wells.

The Big Cat-Walk Show

Chapter Five: Tribal of Gir Forest

The main tribal communities, the explorers encountered, in Gir forest were Maldhari , Rabari and Siddi . Among them Siddi is the most unusual tribal community. Siddi Tribe- an African tribe that is settled in the nearby town of Junagadh. The quaint village of Sirvan is inhabited entirely by Siddis who were supposedly brought here as slaves 300 years ago from Africa, by the Portuguese for the Nawab of Junagadh. , Siddi Tribe of Gujrat is also reckoned as the lost tribe of Africa. The fascinating culture and history of the Siddis was unknown to the world beyond their small communities. The origins of the Siddis in India are lost in a maze of legends and historical calculations.

In the western Indian state of Gujarat - where most Siddis live - the community has lost touch with its roots. The village of Jambur, deep in the Gir forest, is one of two exclusively Siddi settlements. It is miserably poor. Their forbears came from Africa. But they have lost any knowledge of African languages, and don't know where exactly their ancestors came from or why they settled in India. The only remnant they retain of their African lineage is their music and dance.

Reportedly, the men folk of African primitive tribe, Siddi, who were brought here as slaves by the Portuguese, are now being trained to become eco-guides of the Asiatic lions last abode -- Gir Sanctuary -- by the Gujarat government.

This is a part of the project initiated by the state Tribal Development department in order to improve livelihood, housing, access to safe drinking water and electricity, increase literacy, health facilities and roads to the five major Primitive Tribal Groups (PTG) of Gujarat, namely Kolgha , Kathodi , Kotwalia , Padhar and Siddi . There were no Siddi settlements within the selected exploration area in Gir forest. However, settlements of Rabari community were spotted and identified by the explorers near route number 6 and 3 of the Gir National Park.

Maldharis are nomadic tribal herdsmen who live in the Gujarat state of India. The literal meaning of Maldhari is "owner of animal stock". They are notable as the traditional dairymen of the region, and once supplied milk and cheese to the palaces of rajas. Maldharis are descendants of nomads who periodically came from neighboring Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and other parts of Gujarat finally settled in the Banni grasslands. The Maldhari have been living in the Banni grasslands for nearly 700 years. Based on explorers’ interaction with local people and forest department official, it was understood that the Rabaris are a sub community of Maldharis . The Rabari are also known by other names such as Desai, Raibari Dewasi, Hiravanshi, Rebari, Rebadi and Rayka or Raika.

The Rabari myth of origin is that Shiva put them on earth to tend to the camels owned by Parvati.

In the semi-desert Kachchh region of Gujarat, Rabari and the Muslim Maldharis are the most significant of the pastoralist communities. In that area they comprise five related groups, being the Debar, Gardo, Kantho, Katchi and Ragad.

The traditional Rabari are mainly occupied in the dairy industry. These semi-nomadic herders spend eight months of the year criss-crossing sparse pasturelands with their livestock including sheep, goats, cows, buffalo, and camels in a continual quest for fodder. During the monsoon season, the Maldhari or Rabari generally return to their home villages as more new grass grows closer to home during the rains. For villages in some areas, weddings are traditionally held just one day each year, on the date of the lord Krishna’s birthday Krishna Janmashtami, which falls in the midst of the monsoon.

Some girls in some regions are kept from going to school and expected to spend the early years of their life stitching elaborate garments for their wedding day, or, if they’ve been married off as children, as many are, for the ceremony performed when each moves in with her husband, normally when she is in her early twenties.

In different regions, they belong to different castes. There are 8,400 Maldharis living in Gir Forest National Park who are mainly Rabari, Bharwad and Charan , and their villages are known as ness . The pastoral Maldhari community lives a simple life. They live in small mud houses deep in the forests, with no electricity, running water, schools or access to healthcare. They earn a living by producing milk from their cattle. They have developed a local breed of buffalo that is well known in India for its high productivity and strong resilience to the harsh conditions of the Banni. They grow vegetables and collect wild honey. Their main sources of cash income are sale of high quality ghee, milk, wool, animals and handicrafts. They trade their produce in the local market for essential items like food grains. Most are unable to count or use money and are illiterate. As per the Forest guide Abu bhai, the entire Maldhari/Rabari community leaves here are pure vegetarian.

Their jewelry and clothing portray the Maldharis' sense of identity and tradition. It symbolizes their beliefs and ideals. Men wear gold hoops and buttons in their ears. On their milking hands, many wear silver rings embossed with the Siva lingam. The milk that dribbles over the ring is an offering to the god, replacing the need to make oblations at a temple.

Chapter Six: Spotted and Identified Biodiversity ----

At Wild Ass Sanctuary of Little Rann of Kutch Little Rann of Kutch is nominated by the Forest department to be a biosphere reserve which is areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme. it will focus on conserving biological diversity, research, monitoring and providing sustainable development models, the proposal has been sent to and listed at UNESCO; Location: Little desert of Kutch is a salt marsh located near the Great Rann of Kutch in Kutch district, Gujarat, India. Nearest City: Viramgam; Ahmadabad 170 km; Bhuj 200 km; Dholavira 300 km; Nalsarover 160 km; Modhera 150 km; Patan 180 km; Surendranagar 85 km; Rajkot 170 km; Jamnagar 200 km; Dwarka 325 km; Junagadh 250 km; SasanGir 300 km. Bhavnagar 225 km; Palitana 200 km Coordinates: 23oN71oE/60oN20oE Area: 4954 km², it is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India, 2-3 meters above sea level Governing Body: Forest Department of Gujarat

The Wild Ass Sanctuary of Little Rann of Kutch was established on 12th January 1973, under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The desert links with four districts, 11 Talukas and 107 villages along the Little Rann of Kutch. The sanctuary is one of the last places on earth where the endangered wild ass sub-species Indian Wild Ass (Khur) ( Equus hemionus khur ) belonging to Asiatic Wild Ass species Onager (Equus hemionus ) can be spotted. The Rann of Kutch is a saline desert. During monsoon, the Rann (Gujarati for desert) gets flooded for a period of about one month and is dotted with about 74 elevated plateaus or islands, locally called 'bets'. These bets are covered with grass and feed the population of around 2100 animals. The sanctuary is habitat to many species of animals and birds.

According to the data submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre the sanctuary has:

• About 93 species of invertebrates - 25 species of zooplanktons, 1 species of annelid, 4 crustaceans, 24 insects, 12 molluscs and 27 spiders. • 4 species of amphibians • 29 species of reptiles - 2 species of turtles, 14 species of lizards, 12 snakes and 1 crocodile • Metapenaeus kutchensis - a type of prawn • 70,000-75,000 bird nests • 9 mammalian orders with 33 species/subspecies - including the world’s last population of the Khur sub-species of the wild ass

The main threat faced by the sanctuary is the illegal salt panning activity in the area. 25% of India's salt supply comes from panning activity in the area.

Herbivorous spotted and identified by explorers:

1. Indian Wild Ass ( Equus hemionus khur ): The Indian wild ass, as with most other Asian wild ass subspecies, is quite different from the African wild ass species. The coat is usually sandy, but varies from reddish grey, fawn, to pale chestnut. The animal possesses an erect, dark mane which runs from the back of the head and along the neck. The mane is then followed by a dark brown stripe running along the back, to the root of the tail. For exploration experience, refer Chapter Seven: Chasing Wild Ass

1. Chinkara or Gazelle (Gazella bennettii ): The Chinkara, also called Indian gazelle, is a gazelle species native to Iran, Pakistan and India. Chinkara live in arid plains and hills, deserts, dry scrub and light forests. Chinkaras are shy and avoid human habitation. They can go without water for long periods and can get sufficient fluids from plants and dew. Although most are seen alone, they can sometimes be spotted in groups of up to four animals. The explorers spotted twice herds of Chinkara running into the shrubs forest of the desert on 27 th May, during morning safari. IUCN Conservation status is Least Concerned.

2. Blue Bull or Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus): Herds of Nilgai was spotted on 27th May by the explorers. For zoological narration refer Chapter Three.

Carnivorous spotted and identified by explorers:

1. Desert Fox (Vulpes vulpes graffithi ): It is a subspecies of Red Fox, is the largest of the true foxes and the most abundant wild member of the Carnivora. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Desert foxes are usually together in pairs or small groups consisting of families, such as a mated pair and their young, or a male with several females having kinship

ties. The young of the mated pair remain with their parents to assist in caring for new kits. The species primarily feeds on small rodents, though it may also target rabbits, game birds, reptiles, invertebrates and young ungulates. Fruit and vegetable matter is also eaten sometimes. Although the red fox tends to kill smaller predators, including other fox species, it is vulnerable to attack from larger predators, such as wolves, coyotes, golden jackals and medium- and large-sized felines. Couple of Desrt Foxes was spotted on 27 th and 28 th May during morning safari. The animal spotted on 28th May, turned out quite friendly and did not run away after seeing explorers’ jip from a distance.

2. Striped Hyena (Hyena hyena ): Hyenas groom themselves often like felids and viverrids, and their way of licking their genitals is very cat-like (sitting on the lower back, legs spread with one leg pointing vertically upward). The striped hyena is a monogamous animal, with both males and females assisting one another in raising their cubs. A nocturnal animal, the striped hyena typically only emerges in complete darkness, and is quick to return to its lair before sunrise. The striped hyena is primarily a scavenger, though it will occasionally attack and kill any defenseless animal it can overcome, and will supplement its diet with fruits. On first day (27 th May) of exploration at Little Rann, explorers went to Hyenas’ den and spent almost one hour, but could not spot any animals other than pug marks and bones of eaten animals. Marking their territory by bones of carcass is a characteristic feature of striped hyena. When marking their territory, striped hyenas also use the paste of their anal pouch (hyena butter) to scent mark grass, stalks, stones, tree trunks and other objects. Second day (28 th May), explorers spotted one from around 10 km distance, but the animal was swift enough to not get shot by the explorers. After that explorers again found another den and spent almost an hour there, but without any luck. The den appeared an abandoned one, the pug marks around that were found quite old.

Conservation status

Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1 )[1]

3. Pug Mark of unidentified species of cat family: On the first day (27th May), explorers spotted fresh pug marks, but could not identify the animal. Trailing pug marks of long distance was observed on desert which gradually got

disappeared in dip shrubs forest.

Aves spotted and identified by explorers:

1. Painted Stork ( Mycteria leucocephala ), Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1): The painted is a large wading bird in the stork family. It is found in the wetlands of the plains of tropical region. They are mainly seen on freshwater wetlands although they sometimes forage on the coast. They are resident in most regions but make seasonal movements. Painted storks feed in groups in shallow wetlands. The preferred depth is about 12 to 25 cm of water and deeper waters are avoided. They feed mainly on small fish which they sense by touch while slowly sweeping their half open bill from side to side while it held submerged. They walk slowly and also disturb the water with their feet to flush fish. They also take frogs and the occasional snake. They forage mainly in the day but may forage late or even at night under exceptional conditions. After they are fed they may stand still on the shore for long durations. One bird was observed on 27 th may, during morning safari.

2. Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor ), Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1): The lesser flamingo is a species of flamingo occurring in sub- Saharan Africa with another population in India. Birds are occasionally reported from further north, but these are generally considered vagrants. The lesser flamingo may be the most numerous species of flamingo, with a population that (at its peak) probably numbers up to two million individual birds. This species feeds primarily on Spirulina, algae which grow only in very alkaline lakes. Presence of flamingo herds near water bodies is indication of sodic alkaline water which is not suitable for irrigation use. Although blue- green in colour, the algae contain the photosynthetic pigments that give the birds their pink colour. Their deep bill is specialised for filtering tiny food items. The lesser flamingo also feeds on shrimp. A creche of lesser flamingo was observed on 27 th May, however, as per the guide and driver Gopal, during seasons (December to February), the entire wet land get filled by thousands of migratory flamingo (both greater and lesser).

The species also breeds in southwestern and southern Asia. In 1974, they bred at the Rann of Kutch, but since then only at the Zinzuwadia and Purabcheria salt pans in north-western India. Like all flamingos, they lay a single chalky white egg on a mound they build of mud. Chicks join creches soon after hatching, sometimes numbering over a hundred thousand individuals. The creches are marshalled by a few adult birds who lead them by foot to fresh water, a journey that can reach over 20 miles (32 km).

The Air Show

Chapter Seven: Chasing Wild Ass

The Indian wild ass ( Equus hemionus khur, Endangered (IUCN 3.1) ) also called the ghudkhur in the local Gujarati language, is a subspecies of the onager native to Southern Asia. The Indian wild ass, as with most other Asian wild ass subspecies, is quite different from the African wild ass species. The coat is usually sandy, but varies from reddish grey, fawn, to pale chestnut. The animal possesses an erect, dark mane which runs from the back of the head and along the neck. The mane is then followed by a dark brown stripe running along the back, to the root of the tail.

The Indian wild ass's range once extended from western India, southern Pakistan (i.e. provinces of Sindh and Baluchistan), Afghanistan, and south-eastern Iran. Today, its last refuge lies in the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch and its surrounding areas of the Great Rann of Kutch in the Gujarat province of India. The animal, however, is also seen in the districts of Surendranagar, Banaskantha, Mehsana, and other Kutch districts. Saline deserts (rann), arid grasslands and shrublands are its preferred environments. It seems to be increasing in numbers and extending its range from Little Rann of Kutch, where the world's last population of this subspecies had got confined to in recent years, and has gradually started moving out and colonizing Greater Rann of Kutch also extending into the neighboring Indian State of Rajasthan in the bordering villages in Jalore district bordering the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. Gujarat’s supposed monopoly over this sub-species, has thus been broken. Within Rajasthan it has started making its presence felt in Khejariali and its neighbourhood where a 60 km 2 area was transferred to the Rajasthan Forest Department by the revenue authorities in 2007. At this place Rebaris (camel and sheep breeders) live in the Prosopis juliflora jungles in the company of chinkaras, hyenas, common fox, desert cat and wolf etc.

Wild asses graze between dawn and dusk. The animal feeds on grass, leaves and fruits of plant, crop, Prosopis pods, and saline vegetation. It is one of the fastest of Indian animals, with speeds clocked at about 70 – 80 km. per hour and can easily outrun a jeep. Stallions live either solitarily, or in small groups of twos and threes while family herds remain large. Mating season is in rainy season. When a mare comes into heat, she separates from the herd with a stallion who battles against rivals for her possession. After few days, the pair returns to the herd. The mare gives birth to one foal. The male foal weans away by 1–2 years of age, while the female continues to stay with the family herd.

On both days of exploration, plenty of single male, female, calf and herds were spotted grazing and moving on the open areas of the desert.

The Ass Show

Chapter Eight: Mistry of Little Rann

On the first day (27 th May), at Little Rann, the exploration started at 6:30 AM. Temperature at that time was comfortable, within 30 oC. The exploration started from a water body where aquatic birds were spotted and then they progressed towards shrubs forest, where herds of Indian Wild Ass, Nilgai and Chinkara were spotted. As the day progressed, temperature started rising. By the time explorers visited Hyenas’ Den, the temperature was around 40 oC and there were bright sun on top. The desert started heating up.

From the Hyenas’ den, explorers turned back to open desert, and after few kilometers of driving, they saw a huge water body in front of them. With the excitement of potential availability of aquatic birds, explorers asked driver and guide Gopal to head towards that. Gopal smiled and turned the jip towards that water body.

After driving of 15 minutes or so, both the explorers realized that they were not actually getting closer to that water body, more they were travelling; the water body appeared going back. To their utter surprise they discovered it was actually a Mirage….an inferior mirage . Gopal was aware of that and wanted to give surprise to explorers.

With the rise of temperature in desert, the mirage was becoming more and more prominent. It was prominent on second day (28 th May) when the desert was hotter as the overcasting of first day was not there.

Little Rann of Katch had more unfolded mistry than they expected.

A mirage is a naturally occurring optical phenomenon in which light rays are bent to produce a displaced image of distant objects or the sky. The word comes to English via the French mirage, from the Latin mirari, meaning "to look at, to wonder at". This is the same root as for "mirror" and "to admire".

In contrast to a hallucination, a mirage is a real optical phenomenon that can be captured on camera, since light rays are actually refracted to form the false image at the observer's location. What the image appears to represent, however, is determined by the interpretive faculties of the human mind. For example, inferior images on land are very easily mistaken for the reflections from a small body of water.

Mirages can be categorized as "inferior" (meaning lower), "superior" (meaning higher) and "Fata Morgana", one kind of superior mirage consisting of a series of unusually elaborate, vertically stacked images, which form one rapidly changing mirage.

Cold air is denser than warm air and, therefore, has a greater refractive index. As light travels at a shallow angle along a boundary between air of different temperature, the light rays bend towards the colder air. If the air near the ground is warmer than that higher up, the light ray bends upward, effectively being totally reflected just above the ground.

Once the rays reach the viewer’s eye, the visual cortex interprets it as if it traces back along a perfectly straight "line of sight". However, this line is at a tangent to the path the ray takes at the point it reaches the eye. The result is that an "inferior image" of the sky above appears on the ground. The viewer may incorrectly interpret this sight as water that is reflecting the sky, which is, to the brain, a more reasonable and common occurrence.

In the case where the air near the ground is cooler than that higher up, the light rays curve downward, producing a "superior image".

The "resting" state of the Earth's atmosphere has a vertical gradient of about -1° Celsius per 100 metres of altitude. (The value is negative because it gets colder as altitude increases.) For a mirage to happen, the temperature gradient has to be much greater than that. According to Minnaert, the magnitude of the gradient needs to be at least 2°C per metre, and the mirage does not get strong until the magnitude reaches 4° or 5°C per metre. These conditions do occur with strong heating at ground level, for example when the sun has been shining on sand or asphalt, commonly generating an inferior image.

For exhausted travelers in the desert, an inferior mirage may appear to be a lake of water in the distance. An inferior mirage is called "inferior" because the mirage is located under the real object. The real object in an inferior mirage is the (blue) sky or any distant (therefore bluish) object in that same direction. The mirage causes the observer to see a bright and bluish patch on the ground in the distance.

Light rays coming from a particular distant object all travel through nearly the same air layers and all are bent over about the same amount. Therefore, rays coming from the top of the object will arrive lower than those from the bottom. The image usually is upside down, enhancing the illusion that the sky image seen in the distance is really a water or oil puddle acting as a mirror.

Inferior images are not stable. Hot air rises, and cooler air (being more dense) descends, so the layers will mix, giving rise to turbulence. The image will be distorted accordingly. It may be vibrating; it may be vertically extended (towering) or horizontally extended (stooping). If there are several temperature layers, several mirages may mix,

perhaps causing double images. In any case, mirages are usually not larger than about half a degree high (same apparent size as the sun and moon) and from objects only a few kilometers away.

End of Story:

There the exploration of Last Legacy of Wild Gujarat ended. Explorers returned home with reach experience of biodiversity and memories of valuable interaction with wild life and forest dwellers.

There was also a great respectful feeling for all the local people of Gir and Little Rann, forest guides and drivers who always displayed a great culture of ecofriendly tourism, compassion and care for wild lives and knowledge of biodiversity. Explorers were amazed to notice that most of the forest guides and even drivers were aware of English common name of most of the species and their behavior pattern, which could give biodiversity experts a run for their money.

This is the kind of biodiversity culture and awareness among common people; the explorers of Exploring Nature have been looking for and will always look for.

Till the next exploration, adieus!

Annexure One: The Explorers’ Profile

Dwaipayan Ghosh, Founder Member of Exploring Nature • Born in Kolkata on 27 th September, 1978 and currently based out of Hyderabad. • An Electrical Engineer by profession and holds B. Tech in Electrical Engineering from 2004 batch of University of Kalyani. • Has been working for Construction, Renovation & Modernisation of EHV Electrical Sub-Stations; Erection, Testing and Commissioning of Power Transformers and Equipment (Like Transformer, Circuit Breaker, Current Transformer, Potential Transformer, Isolator, Control & Relay Panels etc.) for last twelve years. • Worked for ALSTOM T&D India Limited (Systems Business); Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. (Electrical Contract Division); and Utility Powertech Ltd. (A Joint Venture Of Reliance Energy Ltd. & NTPC) etc. Currently working as Manager – Execution in Genus Power Infrastructure Limited (ECC Division). • Holds Certificates in Nature and Wildlife from Wildlife Campus, South Africa on Digital Wildlife Photography; Anti-Poaching; Birding by Habitat; Animals Tracks & Signs; Trails Guiding; and Snakes & Reptiles of Lowveld. • Participated in about 15 biodiversity expeditions, which include Kaziranga National Park (Assam); Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam); Clouded Leopard National Park/Sipahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (Tripura); Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary (Tripura); Bandhabgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh); Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra); Sundarban Tiger Reserve (West Bengal); Gorumara National Park (West Bengal); Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal); Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal); Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh); Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park (Telangana) – for Butterfly Photography; Gir National Park (Gujrat); Wild Ass Sanctuary (Gujrat); and Urban and Sub-Urban Bird Photography in West Bengal, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh etc.

Arnab Basu, Member of Exploring Nature • Born in Kolkata on 17 th June, 1978 and currently based out of Bengaluru. • An Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Consultant by profession and holds B.Sc with major in Botany and Zoology from 2000 batch of University of Calcutta; MBA in Environment Management from 2004 batch of Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM), Kolkata; Diploma in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Safety. • Has about 12 years of experience in overall management and supervision of Sustainability, Safety Transformation, Industrial and Construction Environment, Occupational Health & Safety and Quality Systems; compliance assessment, assurance, verification and evaluation of EHS legal requirements and Corporate EHS management system; implementation, evaluation and assurance of Corporate Sustainability Reporting and GHG accounting; training and consultancy for Quality, Health, Safety, Social Accountability and Environmental Management Systems. • Worked with National and multinational EHS consultancy farm like EQMS, Deloitte etc, currently working as Principal Consultant in ERM. • Has provided consultancy services to a number of major national and multinational companies including TATA Steel, Shell, Chevron, GAIL, GSK, Reckitt Benckiser, Boehringer, PEPSI, Raymond, US Pharmacopeia, Morgan Crucibles, NALCO, Unilever, British Petroleum, Becton Dickinson, and Vedanta. • Participated in about 5 biodiversity expeditions, which includes Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam); Gir National Park (Gujrat); Wild Ass Sanctuary (Gujrat); and Biodiversity study of Ghatshila and Jhargram (West Bengal), Araku Valley and Vizag Port (Andhra Pradesh), Forest of Bankura and Midnapore (West Bengal) etc. • Conducted assessment of urban and sub urban biodiversity at Kolkata, Salt Lake Wetland, South Bengal (West Bengal). • Conducted Study on Joint Forest Management and Wild Life in South West Bengal under the supervision of Department of Forest, Govt. of West Bengal and under the joint guidance of Environment Management department of IISWBM and National Afforestation and Eco-development Board, Govt. of India.

Annexure Two: The Journey Itinerary

Day One (Sunday, 24 th May): • 1625 Hours: Reached at Junagadh Junction Railway Station by 11466 Jabalpur Somnath Express • 1800 Hours: Reached at Sasan Gir, Maneland Jungle Lodge from Junagadh Junction Railway Station

Day Two (Monday, 25 th May): • 0630 to 0900 Hours: Morning Safary at Gir National Park • 1000 Hours: Breakfast • 1100 to 1300 Hours: Species Profiling • 1300 Hours: Lunch • 1500 to 1800 Hours: Afternoon Safary at Gir National Park • 1900 to 2100 Hours: Species Profiling, Data logging for the day and Photo processing • 2100 Hours: Dinner

Day Three (Tuesday, 26 th May): • 0630 to 0900 Hours: Morning Safary at Gir national Park • 1000 Hours: Breakfast • 1100 to 1300 Hours: Species Profiling • 1300 Hours: Lunch • 1400 Hours: Check out from Maneland Jungle Lodge and heading towards Junagadh Railway Station • 1530 Hours: Boarded at 59460 Veraval Mumbai Central Passenger • 2200 Hours: Reached at Viramgam • 2245 Hours: Reached at Bhavna Resort and Farm at Little Rann of Kutch

Day Four (Wednesday, 27 th May): • 0600 to 0900 Hours: Morning Safary at Little Rann of Kutch • 1000 Hours: Breakfast • 1100 to 1400 Hours: Species Profiling, Data Logging, Photo processing • 1400 to 1500 Hours: Lunch • 1500 to 1900 Hours: Photo processing • 2000 Hours: Dinner

Day Five (Thursday, 28 th May): • 0530 to 0900 Hours: Morning Safary at Lttle Rann of Kutch • 1000 Hours: Breakfast • 1100 to 1300 Hours: Species Profiling, Data Logging, Photo processing • 1300 Hours: Lunch • 1430 Hours: Check out from Bhavna Resort and travelling to Ahmedabad Airport

Annexure Three: List of Species Identified

Sl. Name of Scientific Name Date and IUCN Species Location Conservation Status 1. Sambar (Male) Cervus unicolor 25 th and 26 th Vulnerable may, Gir 2. Chital (Male, female Axis axis 25 th and 26 th Least Concern and calf) May, Gir 3. Nilgai (Female) Bos elaphus tragocamelus 25 th May, Gir Least Concern and 27 th May, Little Rann 4. Common Langur Semnopithecus entellus 25 th and 26 th Least Concern (Pride) May, Gir 5. Common Mongoose Herpestes edwardsii 25 th May, Gir Least Concern 6. Golden Jackal (Female Canis aureus 25 th May, Gir Least Concern and cub) 7. Lion (Male, female) Panthera leo persica 25 th May, Gir Endangered 8. Three-striped palm Funambulus palmarum 25 th and 26 th Least Concern squirrel May, Gir 9. Indian Wild Ass Equus hemionus khur 27 th and 28 th Endangered (Herds) may, Little Rann 10. Chinkara (Herds) Gazella bennettii 27 th May, Liitle Least Concern Rann 11. Desert Fox Vulpes vulpes graffithi 27 th and 28 th Least Concern May, Little Rann 12. Striped Hyena Hyena hyena 28 th May, Little Near Threatened Rann 13. Muggar Crocodile Crocodylus palustris 26 th May, at Vulnerable Kamleshwar lake 14. Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura 25 th and 26 th Least Concern may, Gir 15. Asian Paradise Fly Terpsiphone paradise rufous 25 th and 26 th Least Concern Catcher Rufous (Male May, Gir and female) 16. Asian Paradise Fly Terpsiphone paradise 25 th May, Gir Least Concern Catcher White (Male and female) 17. Oriental magpie Copsychus saularis 25 th May, Gir Least Concern Robin (Male) 18. Indian Robin (Male) Saxicoloides fulicatus 25 th and 26 th Least Concern May, Gir 19. Oriental white eye Zosterops palpebrosus 25 th May, Gir Least Concern 20. Indian Peafowl (male Pavo cristatus 25 th and 26 th Least Concern and Female) May, Gir 21. Collard Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena 25 th may, Gir Least Concern 22. Indian jungle Crow Corvus culminatus 25 th and 26 th Least Concern May, Gir 23. Red vented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer 25 th and 26 th Least Concern May, Gir and 27 th May, Little Rann 24. Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus 25 th May, Gir Least Concern 25. Spotted Owlet Athene brama 25 th May, Gir Least Concern 26. Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica 25 th May, Gir Least Concern 27. Black Ibis (matured) Pseudibis papillosa 25 th May, Gir Least Concern 28. Rad-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus 25 th and 26 th Least Concern May, Gir and 27 th May, Little Rann 29. Loughing Dove 25 th and 26 th May, Gir and

Sl. Name of Scientific Name Date and IUCN Species Location Conservation Status 27 th May, Little Rann 30. Indian Nighjar Caprimulgus asiaticus 25 th May, Gir Least Concern 31. Green bee-eater Merops orientalis 25 th May, Gir Least Concern 32. Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum 25 th May, Gir Least Concern (mature) 33. Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda 25 th May, Gir Least Concern 34. Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata 25 th and 26 th Least Concern May, Gir 35. Fantail flycatcher Rhipidura sp 25 th May, Gir Least Concern (species could not be identified ) 36. Eurasian thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus 25 th May, Gir Least Concern 37. White browed wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis 25 th and 26 th Least Concern May, Gir 38. Darter Anhinga melanogaster 26 th May, Near Threatened Kamleshawr Lake 39. Cormorant (species Phalacrocorax sp 26 th May, Least Concern could not be identified ) Kamleshawr Lake 40. Little Egret Egretta garzetta 26 th May, Least Concern Kamleshawr Lake 41. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 26 th May, Least Concern Kamleshawr Lake 42. Painted Storks Mycteria leucocephala 26 th May, Near Threatened Kamleshawr Lake and 27 th May, Little Rann 43. Oriental Honey Pernis ptilorhyncus 26 th May, Gir Least Concern Buzzard 44. Black shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris 26 th May, Gir Least Concern 45. River Tern Sterna aurantia 26 th May, Gir Near Threatened 46. Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus 26 th May, Gir Least Concern 47. Yellow footed green Treron phoenicoptera 26 th May, Gir Least Concern pigeon 48. Asian Koel (Male) Eudynamys scolopaceus 26 th May, Gir Least Concern 49. Common Flameback Dinopium javanense 26 th May, Gir Least Concern 50. Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis 25 th and 26 th Least Concern May, Gir 51. Collard Dove Streptopelia decaocto 25 th and 26 th Least Concern May, Gir 52. Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii 27 th May, Little Least Concern Rann 53. Lesser Flemingo Phoenicopterus minor 27 th May, Little Near Threatened Rann 54. Sand Grouse (species Pterocles sp 25 th May, Gir Least Concern could not be identified ) 55. Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora 25 th May, Gir Least Concern 56. Indian Sparrow (Male Passer domesticus 25 th, 26 th , 27 th Least Concern and Female) and 28 th May, Gir and Little Rann

Annexure Four: Reference

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/ 2. Birds of Indian Subcontinent – 2nd edition 3. Birds of India by Krys Kuzmierczal; illustared by Ber Van Perlo 4. The Book of Indian Animals by S.H. Praler 5. The Book of Indian Reptiles and Amphibians by J.C. Daniel 6. Plant Species by H. P. Sharma