Conservation
We began our journey in 2019. As we learn more about the landscapes and species we work on, we aim to share our fascination with everyone using diverse mediums of art, websites and essays. Keep checking this space for updates on our outreach and conservation efforts!
Ecological restoration
The Maharashtra part of Western Ghats is home to unique biodiversity. A large portion of the forests in the region is privately owned. These are getting degraded due to periodic clear-felling and conversion to rubber, cashew and mango plantations.
In Phase 1 (2022), we systematically documented the impacts of habitat degradation and conversion on biodiversity and identified opportunities and locations for ecological restoration.
In Phase 2 (2023 onwards), we are currently restoring 15 acres of land at Sahyadri foothills in Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra in partnership with Milind Patil
Some threatened species that we work on
White-bellied Heron (Critically Endangered)
Narcondam Hornbill (Vulnerable)
Great Hornbill
(Vulnerable)
Art & Conservation
Sartaj Ghuman, an artist, writer, arborist, mountaineer and wildlife biologist, has made some lovely paintings of the Narcondam Hornbill. His art is going to be central to our conservation outreach efforts on the islands. We look forward to all the new artwork on more endemic species of the islands as we now slowly expand our work to other parts of the island.
Calendar for a Cause
We made this calendar for the Narcondam Hornbill. Showcasing the series of paintings of Sartaj Ghuman, the calendar outlines the ecology of the Narcondam Hornbill and the threats to island systems. The calendar was designed by Sangeetha Kadur.
These calendars were distributed to the Special Armed Police staff who are posted on the Narcondam Island, Forest Department officials and other key stakeholders on the islands.
Narcondam Posters
Thanks to Sartaj's lovely paintings, we now have posters providing information on Narcondam Hornbills designed by Janhavi Rajan for the Forest and Police Department.
Spread the word!
To share our fascination of the biodiversity of the subcontinent with everyone, we are now trying to publish our work in different local languages in newspapers and magazines from The New York Times to Andaman Sheekha. This is just about as global and local we can get. Do check out our publications page for a list of recently published articles.
Upcoming!
A website on Narcondam Island (www.narcondam.in)! We are designing a website on Narcondam Island which will be a one-stop location for all information from the time the hornbill was discovered by Allan Octavian Hume in the 1870s!