Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
NATIONAL CAMP May GIR NATIONAL PARK- THE LAST REFUGE June July August September October November December January RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK LADAKH Land Safari VALLEY OF FLOWERS WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES OF GOA NAMDHAPHA NATIONAL PARK MANAS NATIONAL PARK SUNDERBANS GREAT RANN OF KUTCH
Programmes at CEC-Mumbai
Dear Member I am writing to you after a gap of more than a year. During this period, Dr. Ashok Kothari, Hon. Secretary used to write to you in his inimitable style. Dr. Kothari has completed three consecutive terms as member of the Executive Committee, now named the Governing Council, so he could not continue. I am sure you will re-elect him after this period is over in the next election of the Council Dr. Kothari is an extremely friendly and affable person, always thinking about the welfare of your Society. His contribution to the Library through the sale of his four books, the latest being Wildlife of the Himalayas and the Terai Region, is immense. He and Dr B. F. Chhapgar make a perfect team, spending long hours in our Library, going through old books, articles, manuscripts, lithographs and paintings, and churning out a new edited book every three or four years. His own book A Celebration of Indian Trees is a pleasure to read. I am sure many of you have read his books. For members who do not know him well, Dr. Kothari is a medical doctor by profession, but his clinic in Mumbais suburb Santa Cruz, is equally known for its trees and for medical treatment. He is a popular doctor of his area. All patients get a friendly dose of advice on the value of trees. Anyone showing the slightest interest in Nature gets a free sapling. As I write this letter, Dr Kothari is enjoying a well-deserved holiday in the USA where his daughter is settled. He told me that he is going to visit many parks in the USA. I am sure he will not stop his campaign for a greener planet even in the USA. I hope the haughty Americans will take his advice in the proper spirit. I am happy to inform you that Mr. Isaac Kehimkar has almost recovered after his tragic car accident, one and half years ago. He has stopped using walking aids but will take some more months to start using Mumbais famous local trains to commute. Even for a normal healthy person, commuting in an over-crowded train is a nightmare where you see the finest example of the dictum survival of the fittest. The day Isaac starts commuting by train I will considered him fully fit. Despite his grave injury and bed rest for a couple of months, Isaac was all the time in contact with his three young staff who arranged numerous field trips for members. Some members wrote to me that they felt the absence of Isaac in BNHS programmes, but his team did a splendid job by arranging memorable trips. We are always looking for new areas to take our members. Isaacs team is planning to arrange a members trip to Mongolia. Once proper arrangements and costing have been done, we will inform you. I consider these field trips as nature education tours where we impart knowledge to members and also learn from experienced members. Learning and sharing experience is a two-way process. We are not a tour agency and our staff should be treated with respect. However, constructive suggestions for improving BNHS nature trips are always welcome. I am happy to inform you that one of our members based at Nagpur has donated to us three extremely valuable books. We will write more about the books in the next issue of Hornbill. The House Sparrow or chidya/chirya is a small passerine, commensal to humans. We have to thank this dainty little bird for accepting us as a part of its daily life. Many even nest or used to nest inside human habitations. Its purported decline has raised questions in the Indian Parliament, so the Ministry of Environment and Forests asked BNHS to study the reasons for its decline. In order to involve large numbers of members and general public, we have started an online data entry programme called Citizen Sparrow (www.citizensparrow.in). This online programme is only for two months as we have limited funds and would like to analyze the gathered data at the earliest. It was started on 1 April. Our Membership Officer Ms Sonu Bellani has contacted you to fill in information about the House Sparrow. I again appeal to you to participate in this online programme. We have appointed a very talented young man, Mr. K. Karthik, who will analyze the data. We will put up the results on our website, once he has analyzed the data. The idea of gathering online information about House Sparrow was given to me by Dr. Koustubh Sharma, a former student of BNHS. The programme was developed by Narayan Raman, a software engineer and a very keen birdwatcher, under the supervision of Dr Suhel Qader of Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), Mysore. It is run by BNHS, MoEF, NCF and National Centre for Biological Sciences, with a large number of knowledge partners. I will end this letter with my regular appeal to you to enroll your friends and relatives as BNHS member. We need more members spread all over India. As the clich goes, strength is in numbers. Your Society cannot fight conservation battles without being strong. In a population of 1.2 billion, less than five thousand members of our 128 years old Society is not an impressive figure. Only you can change this. Best wishes Asad R. Rahmani Director
25th May BEARS OF KAMCHATKA- AN ILLUSTRATED TALK BY VIKRAM POTDAR Friday The Kamchatka Peninsula in the Far East of Russia, exhibits a wide range of tundra flora and fauna. Kamchatka is famous for its abundance and size of the brown bears. Apart from brown bears Kamchatka Peninsula is also famous for its bird and marine life. All are welcome with their family and friends. Time: 6.30 pm Venue: Hornbill House.
LCOAL CAMPS
JUNE, 2012
NATURE TRAIL AT SHILONDA, SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK With the monsoon on its way and pre-monsoon showers relieving the parched earth join BNHS for a morning at Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Trail should introduce you to birds like Crimson, Purple, and Lotens Sunbirds, Grey Junglefowl and mammals like Spotted and Sambar Deer. The trail leads through fine forest dominated by bamboo and ends at the first stream. Reporting: Members to meet at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) main gate at 7.30 a.m. How to get there: One can either take a rickshaw from Borivali (E) railway station or walk down to the main gate of SGNP located on the western highway. Group Leaders: Mr. Asif Khan & Mr. Vinod Patil Charges: Rs. 100/- for members and Rs. 150/- non-members. (Includes Forest Department permission fees and BNHS expertise only). Registration*: On the Spot For further details call Hornbill House at 22871202/ 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. Note: Participants have to buy the entry ticket at the main gate. Kindly carry adequate water and packed breakfast. The programme should conclude by 11.00 a.m. NATURE TRAIL TO NAGLA FOREST Explore the lesser known forest of the Nagla Block of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Situated to the North of the Bassein Creek, Nagla Block is considered to be one of the highly rewarding walks near Mumbai, covering a good range of woodland species and a few wetland species of bird at the creek side. With the monsoon now in its first spell watch this forest transform. Grade: Moderate Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Charges: Rs. 700/- for member Rs. 750/- for others (Charges include transport, forest permission charges and BNHS expertise) Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 6.30 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 6:50 a.m., Thane (Cadbury Jn.) 7.10 a.m. Patlipad bus stand (Hiranadani Junction on Ghodbunder rd.) 7.20 a.m. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202, 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com Note: Kindly carry adequate water, breakfast and snacks.
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WEEKEND CAMPS
AUGUST 2012 MONSOON CAMP AT MALSHEJ GHAT
Malshej Ghat, known for the misty hill tops and ice cold cascades, is 154 km from Mumbai. Malshej has a good variety of flora and fauna. One can see the Maharashtras state animal- Indian Giant Squirrel here. During the night, special study sessions will be held to study moths, as this place attracts good variety of moths.
Date: 25th-26th August 2012 Group leaders: Dr. Shubhalaxmi and Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Camp Charges: Rs. 3,500/- for members and Rs. 4,100/- for others. Accommodation: In MTDC (Malshej Ghat) on twin sharing basis. All meals at the site in the hotel. Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 6:30 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 6:50 a.m. and Birla College, Kalyan at 7:40 a.m. Registration*: Call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. The group will return to Mumbai on Sunday by late evening. Be prepared for rains.
NATIONALS CAMPS
MAY, 2012 GIR NATIONAL PARK- THE LAST REFUGE
Gir National Park is one of the oldest National Parks of India and is famed for being last the remaining habitat of the Asiatic Lion. Besides the famous Asiatic Lion, Gir also supports a large population of the leopards. Important prey species comprise Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Bluebull and Sambar. Other mammals include Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara, Striped Hyenas, Golden Jackal, Black-faced Langur and Black-napped Hare. Date: Batch I: 12th-15th May 2012 (FULL) Batch II: 16th-19th May 2012 (Last Two Seats) Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan Camp Charges: 11,500/- members and 12,100/- others Accommodation: Twin sharing basis. Reporting: Outside Rajkot Railway station at 8.00 hrs Drop at Rajkot on last day at 14.00 hrs How to get there: Train- Sau Janta Exp (19017) leaves from Mumbai at 17.35 hrs and reaches Rajkot at 07.30 hrs. Sau Janta Exp (19018) can be booked for return which leaves from Rajkot at 15.20 hrs. The Indian railways might increase advance reservation period from March 10, 2012 Flight- Direct flights from Mumbai to rajkot are available. Cost includes: Accommodation, food (1st day lunch to last day breakfast) transfers to/fro Rajkot, Safari charges and entry to the park. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811/22871202 or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
The Indian railways might increase advance reservation period from March 10, 2012 Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202, 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
LCOAL CAMPS
per jeep), Inner line permits for prohibited areas. Cost excludes: Personal expenses like mineral water, cold drinks, laundry & medical expenses Optional activity charges likeriver rafting and double hump camel riding. Cost of extended stays or change in itinerary on account factors beyond our control (for instance bad weather, civil disturbances and landslides) Travel and flight insurance, emergency medical charges, Camera fees in monastery / wild life sanctuaries. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811/22871202 or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. Kindly book your flight tickets early to avail good rates. A medical certificate from the physician stating that you are fit to travel at 18,000+ feet is compulsory.
Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Camp Charges: Rs. 18,300/- for Members and Rs. 18,900/-for others (Delhi to Delhi). Accommodation: Triple sharing in guesthouses and Hotels. Reporting: Pick-up on day 1(28th July for 1st batch and 5th August for 2nd batch) outside Birla Temple, near Connaught Place at 9.00 p.m. Drop on 7th day (3rd August for batch 1 and 11th August for batch 2) at 8.30 p.m. (evening) outside New Delhi Railway Station. Participants are advised to book return tickets from 4th August for 1st batch and 12 August for 2nd batch onwards. Cost includes: Transport ex-Delhi, transfer of luggage, accommodation, all meals (vegetarian) and BNHS expertise. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811/22871202 or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
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SEPTEMBER, 2012
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES OF GOA - BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS OF THE WESTERN GHATS
Chorla ghats region of the Western Ghats of Goa has been acknowledged as a Mega Biodiversity Hotspot. Just a stroll outside the eco-cottages at Wildernest can reward the participants with a variety of life forms. Birds like Malabar Grey Hornbill, Flame-throated, Yellow-browed, Grey-headed and Black Bulbul, Dark-fronted Babbler can be seen during this camp. Apart from birds other wildlife Indian Giant Squirrel, Sambar and Cheetal Deer; snakes like Humpnosed Pit Viper, Green Vine Snake, Bronze-backed Tree Snake can be seen easily. During this camp, we will be exploring Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park and Bondla Wildlife Santuary.
WEEKEND PROGRAMMES
OCTOBER, 2012
NAMDAPHA NATIONAL PARK, ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Namdapha National Park is situated at the southeastern tip of Arunachal Pradesh and bounded by the international boundary with Myanmar to the south and east. The forest of Namdapha is spread over 1,98,500 ha and the entire area is mountainous, drained by several rivers. Some of the forest stretches are untouched by humans and harbours perhaps the most diverse flora and fauna in India. Due to great altitudinal variation, diverse habitat occurs in the area, from tropical wet evergreen in the lower areas to subtropical and temperate forests to alpine region in the higher mountains. The BNHS camp will be at low altitude and there is no strenuous trekking involved. Walking in the dense evergreen forests is truly an unforgettable experience, one can see birds like Brown, Rufous-necked, Great Pied, Oriental Pied, Wreathed Hornbill; 8 species of Wren-babblers, White-bellied Heron, Pied Falconet, Snowy-throated and Greythroated Babblers, Greater and Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrushes, Sultan Tit; in addition to this mammals like Hoolock Gibbon and Yellow-throated Martin are bonus. Northeast is butterfly watchers paradise and Namdapha attracts many butterflies like White Dragontail, Staff Sergeants, Archduke, Nawabs, Rajahs and many more. Charges: Rs. 19,500/- for members and 20,100/- for others. (Includes to and fro transport by bus from Guwahati, accommodation and all meals) Bare minimum facilities will be available at the campsite, including simple vegetarian meals. Sleeping bags to be carried by the participants. Participants luggage will be carried in vehicles. Group Leaders: Dr. V. Shubhalaxmi, Mr. Vandan Jhaveri & Mr. Phupla Singhpo Dates: 27th October to 1st November 2012. Reporting: Reporting on Saturday, 27th October (Day One) at Guwahati at 4.00 p.m. (evening) at Hotel Mayur, Paltan Bazzar, Guwahati near railway station. Travel by overnight bus to Miao by Network Travels. On 1st November 2012 (Day Six) leave Miao after lunch for overnight journey and return to Guwahati on 2nd November 2012 early morning around 5.30 a.m.
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NOVEMBER, 2012
MANAS NATIONAL PARK
Manas National Park, Assam, situated amidst the gentle slopes at the foothills of the Himalayas. The park stretches beyond Indian Territory to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, with the crystal waters of the Manas River demarcating the international border. Manas is the only tiger reserve of its kind in the entire northeast, the Park contains the countrys highest numbers of protected endangered species including 55 mammals like the Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Clouded Leopard. There are over 450 species of birds including the threatened Bengal Florican, Great Pied and Wreathed Hornbill, Common Green Magpie, Jerdons Baza, Collard Falconet and many more interesting species. This park has an amazing diversity of butterflies and orchids too.
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Accommodation: Triple share. DATES: 24th to 28th November 2012 Camp fee: Kindly confirm cost with us after 15th May 2012 Group Leaders: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar Reporting: Meet on day ONE at Guwahati at 8.00 a.m. (morning) in the lobby of Hotel Mayur (Tel: 0361-2734855 to 61), Phaltan
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Bazzar, opposite Guwahati railway station for departure. Travel to Manas for Lunch. Leave on day last day after breakfast to reach Guwahati. You are requested to arrive at Guwahati ONE day prior and leave Guwahati ONE day later. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202, 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
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DECEMBER, 2012
SUNDARBANS- Land of the Royal Bengal Tiger
The Sundarbans are located in the river delta of Brahmaputra and Ganges in the Bay of Bengal. Hundred and two islands are situated in this worlds largest river delta. Approximately, 40 per cent of the Sundarbans is in Indias state of West Bengal. The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest worldwide; they cover 60 per cent of Indias total mangrove area. Almost 90 per cent of all Indian mangrove species are found here. Of course, the Tiger is the flagship species of Sundarbans, where it roams in the marshy areas and is often seen swimming across the channels. Moreover, Sundarbans is the best place to see the Saltwater Crocodile and Water Monitor Lizard. With more than 250 bird species found here in winter, this is the perfect time to see the migratory birds. One could spot about 7 species of Kingfishers, including threatened Brown-winged Kingfisher. DATES: Batch I- 17th to 20th of December 2012; Batch II21st to 24th December 2012 (on demand) Camp fee: Rs. 10,500/- for members and Rs. 11,100/- for others [Includes accommodation (3/4 sharing), all meals, pick up and drop at Howrah railway station. Group Leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri. Reporting: Pick up near Howrah railway station (Kolkata) near Yatri Niwas morning 08.00 hrs. Drop-off at Howrah railway station at 18.00 hrs. Participants are advised to reach Howrah one day prior to the first day of camp, and book the return on the next day to avoid last minute rush. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/ 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
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JANUARY, 2013
GREAT RANN OF KUTCH THE BIRDING PARADISE OF INDIA
Explore the areas bordering the Great Rann of Kutch and other interesting places like, Banni, Chari-Dhand for birdwatching and finding fossils. Winter is the perfect time to watch a variety of migratory birds that come to these places in thousands. Good time to see Short-eared Owl, Greater Spotted, Tawny and Steppe Eagle, Chestnut-bellied and Painted Sandgrouse, Grey and Black Francolin, Cream-coloured and Indian Courser, Sykess Lark, Indian Courser, Indian Bustard, Crab Plover, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Common Crane, Oystercatcher, Great Thick-knee, White-naped Tit, White-bellied Minivet, Rufous-fronted Prinia, buntings, Grey Hypocolius, Indian and Savanna and Sykess Nightjar, Graceful Prinia, Red-tailed Wheatear and lot more. Other attractions like Spiny-tailed Lizard, Striped Hyena, Jackal, Indian Fox, Nilgai, Chinkara, Jungle Cat, Hedgehog and Mongoose.
LCOAL CAMPS
Dates: 7th-11th January, 2013 Group Leaders: Mr. Asif Khan Charges: Rs. 8,700/- members and 9,300/- others(Charges include transport from Bhuj railway station, local travel, entry fee, all meals (simple vegetarian) and basic accommodation on twin-sharing basis). Reporting: Bhuj Station at 8.00 hrs on day one, drop-off at Bhuj Station at 18.00 hrs on the last day How to Reach: BDTS BHUJ EXP (19115) which leaves Bandra daily at 14.50 hrs and reaches Bhuj at 07.40 hrs next morning Return: BHUJ BDTS EXP (19116) leaves Bhuj at 22.15hrs and reaches Bandrea next day at 13.55 hrs, Advance Reservation Period is 122 days in advance Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202, 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
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Dates: 10th-19th August 2012 (ex- Mumbai) Reporting: 10th August 2012 at 23.30 hrs at mumbai International Airport. Camp Fee: Rs. 1,37,000/- for members and 1,37,600/- for non-members Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan Payment schedule: 1st Installment (non-refundable) Date- Immediate Rs. 45,000/2nd Installment Date- 15th May Rs. 35,000/3rd Installment Date- 30th June Rs. 35,000/Final Installment Date- 20th July Rs. 22,000/Camp fee includes: Economy Class Airfare on Kenya Airlines Normal Visa and processing charges. Full board accommodation All Game park entrance fees. Three Meals a day while on Safari. 1/2 Litre of mineral water per person per day. Professional driver guide. Game drives as per itinerary. Insurance for the said period upto 70 yrs BNHS expertise Price does not include: Drinks such as sodas, beers and dry snacks not forming a part of group menu. Any sightseeing not mentioned on the programme. Expenses of a personal nature laundry, and telephone calls. Tips and gratuities. Services other than those specified in Camp fee includes Note: The cost has been calculated as per 1 USD= 50 INR, and minimum 12 pax traveling together. Requirement: Yellow fever vaccination at least 15 days before the travel date. Registration: Call at Hornbill House 022-22871202/ 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com * Note: If you are registering for any of the programmes, it is assumed
WEEKEND PROGRAMMES
that you have read and agreed to all the Rules and Guidelines. Guidelines and Rules for the BNHS programmes are available on the website: www.bnhs.org
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LCOAL CAMPS
Mobile connections drop and family connections are on! Thats the mantra of our family camp. We understand that with the pace of life, unbearable traffic and simply insufficient avenues to experience nature, families in the big cities often resort to television, malls and other truly urban forms of recreation. Here in our camps, you can experience Nature through various activities that are designed for the whole family. Connect with your inner self, enjoy the company of your near and dear ones in the wilderness where you become part of the larger wild family. Enjoy trekking, family plot study, treasure hunt, cooking in wild, rappelling, rock climbing, making family tree, family quiz and more. So gift your family a pack of fresh air and fun filled activities by enrolling in the camp. Venue: CEC. Fees: 1600/- per Adult and 1400/- per Child, Register before: 3 May 2012. Contact: Priti Choghale, Senior Education Officer 6 May 2012: Tea-n-Trail With the summer heat on its peak the forest is showing many changes. The trees have grown new leaves, birds like Koel, Rufus treepie, pied crested cuckoo has started singing to welcome the monsoon season. Take out few moments from your busy schedule to witness these changes in nature. Come with us to discover the wonders of nature with sip of tea. Venue: CEC, Time: 7.30 a.m. - 9.30 a.m. Fees: Rs. 150/- per adult, Rs. 100/- per child (below 10 years), Register before: 3 May 2012. Contact: Amandeep Kaur, Education Officer 6 May 2012: Be a Scientist for a Day: Survey for Reptiles and Amphibians As an on-going biodiversity surveys at BNHS Nature Reserve, monthly herpetofauna surveys are carried out using line transact method. If you wish to learn to identify reptiles and amphibians and their study techniques, join us. Venue: CEC. Time: 6.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., Resource Person: Parthiv Sanghvi, Fee: Rs. 150/-per head. Register before: 3 May 2012. Contact: Priti
Choghale, Sr. Education Officer. 11 - 13 May 2012: Junior Nature Nuts Camp (second batch) After a successful first batch, CEC is happy to announce its unique fun cum adventurous yet safe camp for your growing child. Bring on your apple of eye to us we will convert them into Nature Nuts-means crazy about nature. We have planned a threeday, non-residential day camp amidst Mumbai Jungles. Our unique camp module, feed into childs curiosity by using his/her senses such as touch, sound, sight and smell. Let your child explore the world of wildlife and experience the wonders of the forest through fun-filled games and activities like nature walks, bird watching, wild art, nature detective, nest building, recycled bird feeder, pillow making with natural cotton, scavenger hunt, treasure hunt, rappelling, rock climbing and more. Parents of our earlier participants gave a feedback that their children have become confident, got over their phobias and less clinging to them. If you want you too fast track your childs development, enroll him/her now. Every participant will receive a group photo copy for memories, gifts and certificate. Venue: CEC. Time: 09.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. (each day). Dates: 11-13 May 2012. Age Limit: 5 to 8yrs. Camp fee: Rs. 2500/- per head (Fee includes delicious vegetarian childrens food). Register before: 5 May 2012. Contact: Amandeep Kaur, Education Officer
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FOR REGISTRATION CALL: 9594953425/ 9594929107/9323738622 OR EMAIL cecbnhs@bnhs.org Important Notice: w.e.f. 1 April 2012 service tax of 12.36% will be charged extra on all programme fees. Also our fees have been hiked to accommodate the inflation cost. DISCOUNT of 10% on all CEC events to all BNHS members.
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26 May 2012: Be a Scientist for a Day: Plant Survey As an on-going biodiversity surveys at BNHS Nature Reserve, monthly plant surveys are carried out using quadrate method. If you wish to learn about plants and study techniques, join us. Venue: CEC. Time: 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Program Fee: Rs. 150/-per head. Register before: 22 May 2012, Resource Person: Renee Vyas, Contact: Aman Kaur, Education Officer. 27th May 2012: Nature Trail @ Yewoor Spend the morning exploring the woods at Yewoor, part of Sanjay Gandhi National Park and appreciate the wonderful trees along the beautiful trail. Watch the various hues of the forest and learn about fascinating aspects of the forest.
INTERNATIONAL CAMPS
This is also the best time to watch the birds and butterflies around Mumbai and Thane. So come join us. Venue: Yewoor, Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Time: 7.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Meeting Point: Yeoor Patonapada bus stop. Programme fee: Rs.50/- Children, Rs. 100/- for Adults. Register before: 22 May 2012. How to reach: Catch TMT bus from Thane station to Yeoor, patonapada and get down at the last stop. Contact: Amandeep Kaur, Education Officer. Note: Participants will have to buy their own entry ticket for the park
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23 June 2012: Be a Scientist for a Day: Plant Surveys As an on-going biodiversity surveys at BNHS Nature Reserve, monthly plant surveys are carried out using quadrate method. If you wish to learn about plants and study techniques, join us. Venue: CEC. Time: 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Program Fee: Rs. 150/-per head. Register before: 19 June 2012. Resource Person: Dr. Usha Desai, Contact: Aman Kaur, Education Officer. 24 June 2012: Monsoon Bugs with Bug Lady @ BNHS Nature Reserve Monsoon rejuvenates the scorched earth which gives rise to myriad life forms that are exclusively seen during monsoon months. In the insect world, monsoon acts like a trigger to hibernating insects to revive and come to normalcy. In order to catch the glimpse of these insects and understand their ecology, a walk with the Bug Lady, Dr. V.Shubhalaxmi is arranged. The walk will be focused on pollinators of Crinum lily and other monsoon wildflowers and understand their mysterious associations. All insect-lovers are invited to join her and get bugged for life. Meeting Point: CEC, Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 noon. Fees: Rs. 250/- per head. Register before: 21 June 2012 Contact: Tushar Kulkarni, Administrative Assistant. 24 June 2012: Nature trail at Tungareshwar @ Vasai Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated north of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and forms a corridor for the animals between SGNP and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary. This trail is lined with lianas and dense mixed deciduous forest. Come and join us to witness beautiful changes in nature with onslaught of monsoon. It gives the best opportunity to gaze the glory of the forest in this lush green season guaranteed to refresh your body, mind and soul. Venue: Tungareshwar, Vasai. Time: 7.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Meeting Point: Near Tungareshwar Temple. Resource person: Kaustubh Bhagat, Programme fee: Rs.50/- for Children (below 10 years), Rs. 100/- for Adults. Register before: 20 June 2012. How to reach: Take Auto rickshaw from Vasai railway station(East)
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ACTIVITIES FOR JUNE 2012 (CONTD) Online Natural History Hobby Courses @ CEC
In todays fast-paced lifestyles, urbanites are unable to pursue their favourite hobbies or continue learning for intellectual stimulation. If nature study is your hobby and a medium of de-stressing your life, BNHS has created unique learning opportunity through its online courses in natural history. For past two years, CEC has been conducting yearlong courses in biodiversity conservation and entomology. These courses have been popular among professionals and students from different streams, having a science background is not essential but a keen interest in nature or environment is a must. Other requirements include proficiency in computer operation and internet browsing, willing to dedicate minimum 2 hours every day for the course work.
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Our course modules are hybrid with online and face-to-face activities interwoven through the course work. The asynchronous activities include online learning through range of weekly assignments. The course software is equivalent to Facebook/Blackboard. There are 12 chapters which are sent on monthly basis. There are weekly online assignments, monthly field day trips, monthly project work, monthly online expert chats and bi-monthly field camps. All activities have optional facility. A course calendar is given at the beginning of the course so that the students can plan their activities. On successful completion students receive a certificate with appropriate grades. The other course details are given below: 1. Leadership Course in Biodiversity Conservation: A foundation course for developing better understanding about biodiversity and current scenario of its conservation. A good course for anyone who wishes to learn everything about natural world and environment in short time also for those who are planning to have a change in career from corporate world to natural world. Syllabus covers: Introduction to Biodiversity, Ecology, Floral Diversity, Insect Diversity, Marine Diversity, Diversity of Herpetofauna, Mammalian Diversity, Bird Diversity, Issues and Environmental Concerns, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Law, Sustainable Development 2. Basic Course on Insects (Entomology): An intensive course for those who wish to develop expertise in insect studies and take on entomological research in future. It prepares the student to identify insects upto order level and understand their role in nature. A good course for post graduate students who wish to pursue wildlife research as a career option.
Syllabus covers: Insect Introduction, Butterflies and Moths, Grasshoppers and crickets, Cockroaches and Praying Mantids, Stick Insects and Leaf Insects, Wasps, Bees, Ants, Bugs, Beetles, True flies, Dragonflies and Damselflies, Termites and Miscellaneous Insect Groups Course Duration: June 2012- May 2013 Course Fees for Leadership Course in Biodiversity Conservation: Rs. 8990/- (includes overnight inaugural and wrap up camps at CEC-Mumbai, local field trips and visit to collection department). Discount for BNHS members/Undergraduates/Sr. Citizen: Rs. 8090/-. Course Fees for Basic Course on Insects: Rs. 6990/- (includes overnight inaugural and wrap up camps at CEC-Mumbai, local field trips and visit to collection department). Discount for BNHS members/Undergraduates/Sr. Citizen: Rs. 6290/-. Minimum Groupsize: 15 students Course Co-ordinator: Dr.V.Shubhalaxmi, General Manager (Education) Course Executive: Priti Choghale, Senior Education Officer (contact for details)
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WEEKEND PROGRAMMES
Facilities: Selected interns will be given a table space, access to library, computers, internet, phone and beverages. Pickup and drop by office vehicle services from Dindoshi Bus Depot to CEC on specific times. On successful completion, experience letter will be issued. How to apply: Interested interns could send their e-application with a short paragraph (upto 300 words) on goals and objectives of the internship, along with their resume to cecbnhs@gmail.com with a copy marked to vshubhalaxmi@gmail.com. To learn more about CEC, visit www.bnhs.org or write to us or call us at 9594929107 / 9223513425 / 9594953425
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