NatureNib
Published in Press
My writing right with insight and passion has rightfully borne 700 articles on ecological issues in the pages of newspapers, magazines and websites…
Guiding light in the forests of the night
The self-taught guides are vital to tiger tourism in Ranthambore, but they earn very little. Suraj Bhai Meena is a rare female tourist guide, the only one in Ranthambore, who gamely does the rounds in the heat and dust. Having trained under her experienced brother for a year in 2007, she quickly learned the ropes. Inspired by her, three more women joined up but soon dropped out as they found it physically challenging.
Chail chalo : into the lap of nature near Shimla
Recently I persuaded my lazy bones to make the promised trip and drove nearly 400 km straight up to Chail. http://www.blonnet.com/2001/06/25/stories/102572m3.htm
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Say hello to the rhino : into the wild wonders of Kaziranga
Taking an elephant ride in the Kaziranga National Park in Assam to spot the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros is fun and an experience like no other. Published in the LIFE magazine of the HINDU Business Line. dated 17th March 2003. www.blonnet.com/life/2003/03/17/stories/2003031700060300.htm
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Seducing silence in Shivpuri : Shivpuri National Park in Madhya Pradesh
Thanks to its rulers, Shivpuri's majestic past has been transformed into an effervescent and hopeful present for tourists, making it a desired destination for history hunters, motorists and nature-lovers, says N. Shiva Kumar. Published in the LIFE magazine of The Hindu Business Line : Monday, January 07, 2002. www.blonnet.com/life/2002/01/07/
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A week with winged friends : Bird watching in Bandhavagarh National Park
Crisp and clean air, verdant vistas, hills surrounded by swamps and savannahs, a crumbling fortress, big cats, beautiful birds and curious contours in the terrain are the attributes of the Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Published in the LIFE magazine of The Hindu Business Line 14th October 2002 www.blonnet.com/life/2002/10/14/stories/2002101400070300.htm
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A bird's eye view : Rambling in the Salim Ali Sanctuary. KERALA
It's a delight to be amidst feathered friends at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad in Kerala, says N. Shiva Kumar. Published in the LIFE magazine of The Hindu Business Line : Monday, November 25, 2002. www.blonnet.com/life/2002/11/25/
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Coming home to roost : Demoiselle Cranes in Keechan
Come winter and thousands of Demoiselles cranes home their way to a tiny village in Rajasthan, that plays ideal host to them. N. Shiva Kumar on the unique experience. Published in the Life magazine of the Hindu Business Line. dated 18th March 2002. www.blonnet.com/life/2002/03/18/stories/2002031800180300.htm
The poor little owl...
Thanks to misplaced myths and religious beliefs, the owl is poached, traded and sacrificed during the festive season Do you know what a group of owls is called? Parliament! The phrase was probably coined by a wise old British who observed plenty of people in parliament behaving as the species do. Often referred to as ominous by some and wise by others, these winged professionals of the dark have been misunderstood by human beings. Age-old beliefs, unfortunately do not get blown away over time, instead they only get enhanced and amplified, thereby giving owls a bad name.
Bearing the brunt
India is going to host the 21st International Conference on Bear Research and Management in the Capital this week to address concerns regarding bear preservation Every day at twilight, as the orange orb goes down the horizon, sloth bears venture into the open from cosy caves and resting roosts. Essentially nocturnal and fond of fruits they wander many miles for choicest figs and berries. As omnivorous creatures, they also depend on ground grubs, juicy insects and dig deep into termite mounds. As they have a sweet tooth, they often climb trees to hunt for honey.
Moon magic on earth
The dismal state of the fascinating crater-formed Lonar Lake in Maharashtra is a reminder of human disregard towards its environment Incredibly old at 50,000 years, the Lonar crater is the youngest and best preserved impact crater formed in basalt rock and is the only of its kind on earth.
