Dr. S.V. Narasimhan, a family physician based at Virajpet in Kodagu, is an avid birder, nature lover, adept at computers, Karnatak music and astronomy.
Author of Feathered Jewels of Coorg, a field-guide to 310 species of birds found in Coorg, Dr. Narasimhan is the pioneer in spreading wildlife conservation messages through his unique hand-painted Wildlife Message Cards that are sent free to individuals throughout the world to mark Wildlife Week (Oct. 2 to 8).
Total number of hand-painted cards made by him this year is 2,630; in 37 years, 75,285 cards.
Total recipients this year including Star of Mysore – 1,284; in 37 years — 13,387 persons.
The Special Wildlife Messenger this year is Rufous Woodpecker (Micropternus brachyurus) which is a medium sized, brown coloured bird, with short beak and a short strong tail. Male birds have a red patch under the eyes. They feed on insects, ants and flower nectar. Their call is a sharp nasal, three-note, Knk-Knk-Knk. The most surprising fact is that they make their nest within the carton nests of Crematogaster ants and the young also feed on the eggs and larvae of the ants!
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 11th, 2021
The joint study found bird species richness to be higher in shade coffee plantations that had 78 species than in open coffee plantations that had 55 species
‘Alteration of canopy, woody plant composition can influence pattern of functional composition of resident birds’
Verdant coffee and tea plantations are more than an ideal backdrop for photos; they support a thriving avian population. In a study that underscores the need to understand the patterns and drivers of bird species composition and diversity outside Protected Area (PA) networks to develop landscape-level conservation strategies, researchers found that they varied in differently-managed plantations.
The findings were the result of collaborative work by Kannur University, Kerala, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru, and Ferns Nature Conservation Society, Wayanad. It was published in July 2021.
Focussing on the coffee plantations in the Western Ghats, which are an important agro-ecosystem and help maintain a significant portion of regional avian diversity, the researchers compared the composition and functional diversity of resident birds between shade and open coffee plantations.
They counted 3,846 birds of 87 species, and found species richness to be higher in shade (78 species) than in open coffee plantations (55 species). “Interestingly, 32 species were unique to shade and nine were unique to open coffee plantations, with 46 species found in both types of plantation. Species richness and abundance were higher in shade coffee,” the study says, adding that the results reveal that different farm management practices can affect functional bird richness and its abundance in coffee plantations. They have made a case for retaining shade-trees of native varieties in coffee plantations to support high functional diversity, richness, and abundance of birds in the coffee plantation of the Western Ghats.
The study, ‘Resident birds show different patterns in species composition and functional diversity in differently managed coffee plantations in the Western Ghats, India’, was published by the Ornithological Science journal in July 2021.
Speaking to The Hindu, Santhanakrishnan Babu, one of the authors, said the study was conducted between May and August, 2016, in the northern part of Wayanad district. “Wayanad is a major coffee producer, producing 90% of the Kerala’s coffee. Our study aimed to understand how resident birds respond to differently-managed coffee plantations – shade and open,” he said.
The Kerala government recently passed an order to chop all resident trees on private land except sandalwood. This will lead to extensive chopping of resident trees from the coffee plantations which will affect biodiversity, he added.
Another author Athira S. Variar and Mr. Babu said retaining shade trees of native varieties in coffee plantations is important for supporting high functional diversity, richness, and abundance of birds. “Shade plantations support several habitat specialists and range-restricted birds, and alteration of the canopy and woody plant composition can influence the pattern of the functional composition of resident birds. Since our study covered only one season, year-round study in these plantations may shed more light on the composition of resident, breeding and migratory bird species,” they said.
Conservation strategies
They have called for landscape-level conservation strategies. Author Anoop N.R. pointed out that the Forest Department has little authority over the plantations located outside forest areas, and trees in these plantations are increasingly being replaced with exotic trees such as Grevillea robusta. “To promote the protection of large native trees in coffee plantations, we recommend initiating programmes to provide financial incentives to private landowners. Education programmes will also help to improve community support for retaining texisting indigenous tree varieties and promote planting more of the same,” he recommended, adding that a framework needs to be developed with regard to which species can be planted and which must be maintained, or removed, from the plantations.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by K C Deepika / Bengaluru, October 04th, 2021
Chamber of Commerce president M B Devaiah speaks during a discussion on the pros and cons of tourism in the district, held at Kodagu Press Club, Madikeri, on Tuesday.
Various stakeholders in the tourism sector gave their suggestions towards developing sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in Kodagu, during a discussion on the pros and cons of tourism in the district, held at Kodagu Press Club, Madikeri, on Tuesday.
Chamber of Commerce president M B Devaiah said that it is the foremost duty of the people of Kodagu to preserve the environment of the district. Businesses can be carried out while maintaining ethics. Money is not everything.
“Nature-friendly industries should be set up in the district to provide jobs for people,” he added.
Pravasodyama Avalambitara Okkoota president K K Manjunath Kumar said that tourism contributes immensely to the development of a country.
Tourism in Kodagu has been generating good revenue, he said and pointed out that the countries which are backward in tourism are backward in development as well.
Resort and Hotel Owners’ Association president Nagendra Prasad said that there has been a significant rise in investment in the tourism sector in the district after the market for coffee fell. There are 1.50 lakh people in the district who are depending on tourism activities for their livelihood.
Kodagu Press Club president Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa in his introductory remarks, said, “Every citizen of the nation has a right to carry out legal work in any part of the country to make a living. No restrictions can be imposed on him or her in carrying out a job. A forum has been formed to discuss the problems of people working in the tourism sector and to find possible solutions.
Hotel, Lodges and Restaurants’ Association advisor Chidvilas said that coffee growers switched to homestay and hotel industry after they suffered losses in the coffee industry. He also advised imposing a total ban on plastic at tourist destinations in the district.
Kodagu Samrakshana Vedike convener Chammatira Pravin Uttappa said that there is a need to curb illegal activities which are carried out in the name of tourism.
“Insulting the traditional Kodava attire in some resorts should stop immediately. Tourism activities should stop during the Cauvery fair,” he added.
District Working Journalists’ Association president Savitha Rai, writer Bharadwaj K Anandateertha, Kodagu Hitarakshana Samiti president Rajiv Bopaiah, Travel Association president Cheyyanda Satya Ganapathy, Kodagu Tourism Association president Madetira Timmaiah and others were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / b y DHNS, Madikeri / October 05th, 2021
Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah inaugurated the outpost and new welcome arch of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, built at a cost of Rs 9 lakh, on the occasion of the 67th Wildlife Week on Sunday.
He said that the security has been upgraded with the new facility, so as to prevent the trespassing of people into the reserve forest. CCTV cameras have also been installed at the entrance.
Bopaiah also directed the forest department officials to take necessary measures to provide accessibility to fodder and water for elephants, bison and other herbivorous animals.
Saplings that provide fodder for such animals should be planted inside the forest area, he said.
“This will prevent the wild animals sneaking into human habitations, in search of food. Steps should also be taken to prevent the harm caused to the agriculturists living near the forests,” he added.
The MLA also inaugurated two safari tempo taxis for the benefit of visitors at Nagarahole. He also went on a safari in the new vehicle.
State Western Ghats Task Force chairman Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve director D Mahesh Kumar, Nagarahole wildlife sub division ACF K P Gopal, Hunsur forest division ACF Satish and others were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Gonikoppa / October 03rd, 2021
Dr. D.C. Nanjunda, Associate Professor at the Centre for Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, University of Mysore, has been awarded Karnataka KodavaSahitya Academy’s Research Fellowship for the year 2021-22.
Today man-animal conflict has become a major issue in Kodagu district, claiming the lives of both humans and animals. In addition, wild animals are destroying crops of marginalised farmers.
Keeping this in mind, the Karnataka KodavaSahitya Academy has awarded the Fellowship to Dr.Nanjunda to study the “Man-wildlife Conflict.
Dr.Nanjunda is a recipient of eight Research Fellowships including ICMR (2008), ICSSR (2013), DHA (2014), Karnataka Balavikasa Academy Research Fellowship (2014), Karnataka SahityaAkademi Travel Fellowship (2016). He is a noted columnist also.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / September 24th, 2021
Several waterfalls in Suntikoppa hobli have been attracting people and tourists with their natural splendour.
Some of these waterfalls in Suntikoppa are located inside plantations.
As the region has witnessed intermittent rainfall from the past week, many waterfalls have regained their natural beauty.
The sound of the water flowing down the hills has been beckoning the tourists.
Haleri Falls is situated at a distance of 2 km from Boyikeri. The sound of the flowing water can be heard till 2 km.
‘D’ Block Falls in Kedakal Gram Panchayat limits near Suntikoppa, is one of the most attractive falls. The waterfalls cascade amidst the greens, providing a feast for the eyes.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Suntikoppa / August 24th, 2021
The mass blooming of the Neelakurinji flower (Strobilanthes kunthiana) in Kodagu district is giving the much-needed boost to the state’s tourism sector.
Neelakurunji flowers bloom at a hillock in Kodagu district | forest department
Bengaluru:
The mass blooming of Neelakurngi in Coorg has made it a rallying point for wildlife enthusiasts, botanists, photographers and tourists.
The blooming at the hillocks of Mandalpatti and Kote Betta in Kodagu, tourism has also taken up the north. Since the blooming has happened for the first time in a such a massive scale and is after 12 years, more so after tourism activities have opened up after the pandemic, every one are heading to India’s Scotland to see them.
The new entrant in the list to draw tourists is heli- tourism. As the state government and the tourism department are trying the revive the long pending heli- tourism, a firm in Bengaluru has undertaken a heli- ride to Kodagu and surrounding areas, giving an areal view of the blooming Neelakurunji flowers on the hillocks.
Govind Nair, Director, Thumby Aviation Private Limited said already one trip from Yelahanka air base to Coorg was done earlier this week. Now it is being offered as a part of the Nowhere trip to Coorg, a package tour, where a detour to Mandalapatti will be done.
Tourism packages and inineraries are being revamped on the go, depending upon the blooming and withering of the flowers. But since it is a once in 12 years sighting, many resorts are offering a visit to the region as a part of the package, to draw more crowds.
Trekking and flying has now taken the front seat to draw tourists. Even as the recent guidelines of the ministry of aviation states that drones are prohibited over national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and other eco- sensitive places, conservationists and foresters object to helicopters flyover over the region. They point not just is the area a fragile Western Ghats region, little is know the species in Kodagu and so all precaution should be exercised to safeguard them.
Botanists point that utmost care should be taken in the area as the flowering in this part of Western Ghats has not been recorded and documented. Karnataka as around 45 species of Kurunjis and in different altitudes different species have been recorded. Each species blooms at different intervals like once in six years, nine years, 11 or 12 years. So administration must ensure that tourism and footfall is limited to the region, so that they are well protected.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Bosky Khanna, Express News Service / August 27th, 2021
Ayatana Resort in Coorg, a collaboration between architect Vishal Vincent and landscape architect Paul Blanchflower, uses prefabrication technology.
Set amidst 100 acres of lush landscape in Coorg is a cluster of cottages that are an experiment in eco-friendly luxury hospitality. Ayatana Resort is the glorious result of an attempt to sustainably manifest a luxury development in the middle of lush, untouched rainforest.
Landscape architect Paul Blanchflower crafted the grounds of Ayatana Resort in Coorg
The intrigue doesn’t end there; the cottages were constructed using prefabrication technology. The outer structure is made of prefabricated steel with 40-mm concrete used to craft the roof and the floor. If the word ‘prefab’ sounds familiar, it’s because Elon Musk recently made it one of the most Googled terms.
Prefabrication is an alternative to the traditional in-situ construction method, and uses precast components to build spaces.
A prefab living space similar to the one Elon Musk lives in. Photo courtesy: Boxabl
The Tesla CEO reportedly lives in a transportable unit of about 400 square feet. It is set up like a studio apartment and features a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedroom. The unit is on the SpaceX Texas site.
How Ayatana Used Prefabrication Methods
Ayatana’s indulgent spaces offer a lot more to its purveyors than the spartan space chosen by Musk. Ayatana effortlessly mixes prefabrication innovations, which are touted to be more energy- and cost-efficient than traditional construction methods, with the latest in luxury hospitality, and a generous dose of a tropical escape.
The resort is a cluster of stilted cottages that offer stunning views
Ayatana Resort is the brainchild of architect Vishal Vincent and landscape architect Paul Blanchflower. Blanchflower, who brought a lifetime of experience and wisdom as a horticulturist to the project, explains the decision to use prefab components: “While planning Ayatana, the decision to retain as much as possible of the existing landscape including the waterfall, led to the use of prefabricated steel construction for the structures. This minimized the on-site work and its subsequent impact on the natural landscape.” The structures were fabricated in a workshop in Bangalore and just assembled on-site—to keep the site activity at a minimum.
How to Build Without Disturbing Mother Nature?
“Taking inspiration from the trees on-site, the initial thought was to create treehouses, which eventually manifested into stilted cottages. These provided a similar experience to that of a treehouse without doing much harm to the existing trees and giving us the opportunity to create luxurious abodes,” says Vincent, who is the managing director and founder of the Coorg property.
Blanchflower and Vincent also guided the team in understanding what the landscape was communicating to them and in turn its importance. “Paul helped identify critical aspects of the untouched site that needed to be retained in the final design outcome. He has been responsible for the entire design being more environmentally sensitive since its initiation,” adds Vincent.
A Look Inside The Luxury Resort
The open-plan lobby overlooks the cottages and has been minimally designed. Water is an important element that has been used in the design, with a reflecting pool and a still water edge detail providing a seamless visual connection to the surroundings. The lobby’s floating globes of cane lanterns make it easily identifiable from the rest of the site at night.
The resort has 36 standard cottages, 13 luxury suites and a presidential suite. The highlight of the cottages is the luxurious cantilevered balcony that almost brings the wilderness inside. The cottages are placed far away from each other, to allow a socially distanced vacation.
The interiors of Ayatana spell minimal luxuryThe cantilevered balcony is the USP of the cottages
The Restaurant, Pool and Spa
The in-house restaurant, The Glass House, offers an indoor area warmed with teak lights, panoramic views, and an outdoor bar and deck. The deck overlooks the infinity pool and doubles as a romantic candle-lit space for al-fresco dining in the evenings.
The view from the deck of The Glass House includes the swimming pool and the waterfalls beyond
The infinity pool, with a view of the waterfall, stands out from its surroundings, thanks to its blue mosaic tiles, which appear in sharp contrast to the yellow Jaisalmer stone that has been used on the deck. This deck leads us to the lobby of the Wilderness Spa, nestled under the deck of the restaurant. Its treatment rooms are crafted in exposed brick, with framed vistas of the surroundings.
The pool at Ayatana, CoorgA peek inside The Wilderness Spa
source: http://www.architecturaldigest.in / Architectural Digest / Home> Architecture & Design / by Bindu Gopal Rao / Photography by Ayatana Coorg / August 20th, 2021
“Locally, they are called Kurinji flowers and are scientifically known as Strobilanthes kunthiana. It is true that they bloom once in 12 years,” confirmed Poovaiah, the Madikeri DCF
Madikeri :
The two scenic hillocks of Mandalpatti and Kote Betta in Kodagu district are bleeding purple as the Neelakurinji flowers have taken over the spot like an army of soldiers. This rare sight has attracted many visitors including tourists as well as natives of Kodagu.
“I visited Kote Betta recently along with my cousins and it was a surreal experience. The major part of the hill was covered with these purple flowers and we later found out that they blossom once in 12 years,” said Dhanush Kaveriappa, a native of the district.
The Mandalpatti belt – which is mostly traversed in a jeep to get the off-road experience – has also become home to these flowers and visitors are enthralled by their beauty.
“Locally, they are called Kurinji flowers and are scientifically known as Strobilanthes kunthiana. It is true that they bloom once in 12 years,” confirmed Poovaiah, the Madikeri DCF.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / August 17th, 2021
World Elephant Day was celebrated at the elephant camps in Kodagu and Chamarajanagar districts and at Mysuru Zoo yesterday.
World Elephant Day was launched on Aug. 12, 2012 to raise awareness about the issues threatening elephants. Shrinking habitats and illegal poaching for the trade of elephant ivory are just two of the most serious issues that the elephant population faces today. World Elephant Day is a way to raise awareness and rally support for these issues.
Dubare Elephant Camp
The day was celebrated at Dubare Elephant Camp at Kodagu in a simple manner by following COVID guidelines and performing puja to the elephants.
All the elephants were bathed in River Cauvery by Mahouts and Kavadis and were later decorated with flowers and garlands. The elephants were led near Basaveshwara Temple in the camp, where Somwarpet Sub-Division Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) K.A. Nehru, Kushalnagar Range Forest Officer (RFO) J. Ananya Kumar and Dubare Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO) K.P. Ranjan and staff performed puja to the elephants. The elephants were fed with sugarcane, jaggery and banana by the Mahouts and Kavadis.
Dubare Camp elephants seen near Basaveshwara Temple at the camp.
Speaking on the occasion, RFO Ananya Kumar said that World Elephant Day is being celebrated on Aug. 12 every year at the camp during which various games were being held for the elephants. But due to COVID pandemic, games were not organised since two years and instead, puja is being performed to them at a simple function, he added.
Grocery kits were distributed to the families of Mahouts and Kavadis at a simple event organised at the Travellers’ Bungalow premises on the occasion.
Mathigodu Elephant Camp
World Elephant Day was celebrated at Mathigodu Elephant Camp in Anechowkur Range in Kodagu, where Golden Howdah carrying elephant Abhimanyu is housed. Apart from Abhimanyu, other elephants, namely, Surya, Varalakshmi, Bhuvaneshwari, Chamundeshwari, Bheema, Gopalaswamy, Sarala, Mahendra, Sriranga, Bheem from Maharashtra, Ramaiah, Manikanta, Krishna, Somashekar, Masti, Dhruva, Ravi, Kyatha, Ganesh, Balarama, Ashoka and other elephants are also housed here.
All the elephants were given bath at Kantapura Lake and were decorated for the occasion. The elephants were treated with sumptuous food and the guests too fed these gentle giants with fruits and jaggery.
Kodagu DC Charulatha Somal feeding bananas to an elephant at Mathigodu Elephant Camp.
Kodagu Deputy Commissioner (DC) Charulata Somal, speaking on the occasion said that it is happy that elephants too have their day and added that the Forest Officials and staff were working honestly to prevent man-elephant conflicts, which are on the rise.
Pointing out that animals too have the right to live like humans, the DC said that human beings should give importance for forest and wildlife conservation as forest and wildlife play an important role in the ecology.
Nagarahole Project Tiger Director D. Mahesh Kumar, who too spoke, explained about the significance of Elephant Day and felicitated Ganesh, Mahout of Ashwathama and J.K. Ravi, Kavadi of Varalakshmi.
Games were organised for Mahouts and Kavadis, while their children took part in painting, clay modelling and cultural competitions. Prizes were given away to the winners. Keeping in mind the online classes being held now, a tablet was given to a PU girl student, while books, pens and other stationary items were given to students studying in Primary and Higher Primary Schools.
Kodagu Superintendent of Police (SP) Kshama Mishra, ACF Satish, RFO Kiran, ATPF staff, family members of Mahouts and Kavadis were present.
Bandipur
Bandipur Tiger Reserve Forest officials had organised a webinar to mark World Elephant Day yesterday. Retired PCCF Ajay Mishra, APCCF (Wildlife) Subash Malkade, APCCF (Project Tiger) Jagatram, Bandipur Project Tiger Director S.R. Natesha and Prof. Vidya took part in the webinar.
An elephant decorated at Rampura Elephant Camp in Bandipur.
Later, a simple event was held at Rampura Elephant Camp at A.M. Gudi Range in Bandipur in which S.R. Natesha, ACFs Sumeet Kumar, M.S. Ravikumar and K. Paramesh, Wildlife Wardens Krithika Alanahalli and Nanjundaraje Urs, Veterinarian Dr. Wasim Mirza, RFOs and others were present.
Elephant Day was also celebrated at Mysuru Zoo. Zoo Executive Director Ajit Kulkarni and Zoo staff participate.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 13th, 2021
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