Pattumala is a picturesque place with an unending expanse of lush green tea plantations along the Thekkady-Kottayam Route near to Vandi Periyar. The main attraction of the area is the Velankanni Matha Church, a structure built in granite that has become a famous pilgrimage spot. Continue reading
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” -St. Augustine.
Over this past summer, I’ve had the extraordinary opportunity of traveling around the United States and abroad to see some various national parks. Traveling abroad–and especially, traveling to areas of natural beauty carved out by Earth–always serve as a humble reminder of how little we’ve seen and how important global conservation efforts are. I’d like to think that my summer’s travels to China and Hawaii have opened a little bit more of that book, and it’s with great pleasure that I share some of the pictures from the trip.
Did you ever wonder what it is like to be a Honeybee? Now you can see for yourself with the new live Honeybee cam above. Brought to you by the same people who brought you the famous Bear cam, this live feed offers a variety of camera views of a Honeybee hive recovering from a hive collapse. Continue reading
Photo by Alexander Vasenin
Lionfish sushi – Photo © World Lionfish Hunters Association (click on photo to visit their website)
In Part 1 of this post I talked about the lionfish invasion that is threatening coral reef and other marine ecosystems throughout the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Southern Atlantic Seaboard of the United States. Scientists, environmental groups and governments that are studying the problem have all come to the conclusion that it is probably impossible to eradicate lionfish in the Atlantic – they are here to stay. Continue reading
Photo credit: Ramesh Kidangoor
Collerette Dahlia
Dahlias are the most common garden flower found in the High Ranges of Kerala. In Thekkady they bloom with colorful and dense flowers year round, but in places where frost occurs or in climates with four distinct seasons they bloom from high summer to the frosts of the fall. Continue reading
Park in København -Enriching the city’s biodiversity
Conservationists have always referenced the benefits of biodiversity to the natural world, but many people wouldn’t associate that benefit with our own species. Humans have always had a bond and relation with the natural world, so it is logical that the change, no matter how small, in one would affect the other. According to a Discovery Magazine article, there is new compelling evidence out there showing that biodiversity is good for our health, and the lack of it in urban areas might be the cause of the rise in inflammatory and allergy problems.
The main evidence comes from a Finnish study that found that children who lived in a more biodiverse environment were less likely to have an allergic reaction to a controlled allergen substance than children who did not.
…the urban-dwelling nature of developed countries may be to blame for their increasing problem with inflammatory diseases. If so, conservation of natural spaces, including parks and other green initiatives, may be key to protecting the health of future generations. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
India became an Independent nation on August 15, 1947 and celebrates Independence Day on that same date annually. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes take place in governmental and and non- governmental institutions throughout the country. Continue reading
India Republic Day Doodle
Although the “Google Doodle” above was published to commemorate the day the Indian Constitution came into force, it seems appropriate to reshare it for Indepence Day as well. That spirit of sharing is evident in the internet giant Google’s launching of the Google Impact Challenge in India. Nikesh Arora, Google’s senior vice president and chief business officer, wrote
On the eve of India’s Independence Day, we’re celebrating the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship of the world’s largest democracy by spotlighting the best local nonprofits that are using technology to make the world better. Continue reading
Panangad
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Thirumalai Nayak Palace was built by Thirumalai Nayak, one of the greatest of the Nayakkar Kings of Madurai, with the help of an Italian architect in 1636. The palace is a classic example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The main palace has a rectangular courtyard flanked by tall arcades each with their own distinct carvings.
Photo © ReefCI
It might seem strange to accompany a posting about marine conservation with a photo of a fish on a spear, but in this case, it is entirely warranted.
I recently returned from the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve in Southern Belize, where I spent two weeks working as a volunteer with ReefCI, a NGO dedicated to coral reef ecosystem conservation. Located 30 miles off the coast of Belize on the southern tip of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second largest in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef), the Sapodilla Cayes constitute a unique ecosystem.
Along with other volunteers, I assisted the ReefCI marine biologist with population surveys of conch, lobster, and commercial fish species, as well as coral reef health checks. At least one, and sometimes two surveys were carried out each day. The data collected is provided to the Belize Fisheries Department as well as to other cooperating NGOs.
Now about that fish on a spear. One of ReefCI’s projects is lionfish control. Spears Continue reading
Ahmedabad, Gujurat
viewpoint to Bodi
Ramakalmedu is a popular nature destination situated along the Thekkady-Munnar road in Kerala. It is known for its green hills, fresh mountain air, and amazing vistas. This hilltop offers panoramic views of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Teni on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. Continue reading
We have plenty of thoughts on Detroit’s current state of affairs, and an occasional post on one oddity or another connected to the city; but only one recent post, and a brief followup, with a direct reference to its cultural heritage. Thanks to Wired for bringing this exhibit to our attention:
…Many famous architects, such as Albert Kahn, helped the city become an architectural hub, and Jarmain’s title, American Beauty, is named after Kahn’s American Beauty Iron Building. Even though Detroit is shrinking and structures are being destroyed almost daily, it still has one of the country’s best collections of late 19th- and early 20th century buildings…
And thanks to the Meridian Gallery for this description of the upcoming exhibit in San Francisco: Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Ooty is the most popular hill station in South India, lying in the Nilgiri mountains in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located in the Western Ghats at a height of 2500 meters, Ooty is poetically called the “Queen of Hill stations Picturesque.” Dense jungles, huge inviting lakes, towering mountains, lush greenery and rambling tea gardens make up the landscape. Continue reading
