Childhood : Precious Innocence & Full of Freedom

Being an Urban dweller; we feel during recent years life becomes very fast and rigid in many terms. Its adverse effects are largely visible on kids!

Childhood looks similar to plasticity of clay from which we can mould the child in our perspective. We don't give freedom to our children to flourish and blooming like beautiful flowers. Their innocence is lost somewhere in the race to achieve goals of their parents and being on top in academic among their classmates. Competition is prevailing on every path they choose to move ahead. This is shame!

The Time is really not very good for the children and their childhood. We reached in 21^st century with new technology and ease of life but it looks children are living in a fake world of video games, useless chatting on mobile phones and  pressure of competition. They spend hours indoors around their imaginative world.

Why parents do not inspire their children to spend creative time outdoor? Many of our traditional outdoor games are lost during past 20 years. Now I hardly saw urban children playing in garden or being dirty in soil. With each day they are being apart from nature.

But during my field visit to country sides I still feel the power of innocence and freedom in the eyes of rural children. They are so very active and keep smiling in every situation. At that moment my heart feel contented with inner pleasure and peace.

Innocent Smile :)

They climb trees tops, jumps here and there on soil, running on the grass and flying with birds and taking care of their cattle and enjoying lovely time with nature and wildlife. They don't feel stressful about competitive world out there.

Children enjoying Nature

Childhood is for Children. They have right to live their childhood with innocence and freedom. Don't make it complex. Don't infuse stress and worries in their life. It's a time for parents to think and need to change the primary education system too. It looks unrealistic and stressful on child's little heart and mind.

Children taking care of their cattle

Little wonders on bullock cart

Let them help to learn everything at their own pace and with peaceful and playful atmosphere. There should be no fear of any kind in the mind of children.  

Let them give a chance to be a child again with full of freedom and innocence. Childhood is very precious time in everyone's journey.

Let them bring closer an inch to nature and wildlife everyday to make them responsible person to protect our green environment and natural world. It's our Lifeline.

We can't forget especially able children. They need individual care and help to flourish. Sometimes they need extra time and love to learn everything. We need to be aware that they don't left behind in their progress.

At the end, Childhood is the strong foundation to make nice and kind human being. Today's world needs such human beings that make our world a beautiful place to live...

If you liked this article; please give your kind feedback and comments :).

Sincerely,

Rahul Parekh

Nature & Wildlife Artist

http://www.rahulparekhwildlife.com 

A beautiful walk with Susan Shimeld

Tonight whilst strolling through an ancient meadow filled with orchids and long grasses, I realised I was being watched by a female roe deer; she was a picture as her coat shone a lovely golden-red in the sunshine. I left the meadow through an old gate and realised too late that I'd disturbed a wasps nest in the hollow fence post. Feeling a sharp pain as I was stung in my hand, I closed the gate as quickly as I could with the wasps buzzing angrily around my head....I think I got off lightly. 

In the woods I saw another young roe in the distance and a few minutes later, the pain from the sting faded into insignificance as I spied a male roe in antler and crouched down quickly. He sensed I was there, and started to walk in my direction pausing only periodically to sniff the air. I couldn't believe my luck as his curiosity got the better of him. He continued to approach until he was 9 feet away, and then stood majestically as we gazed at one another in the glow of the evening sun. Realising I was no threat; he finally decided to leave and walked away with that distinctive stiff-legged gait. Once at a safe distance he barked at me and gave me ‘what for’! I replied - and we chatted for a further 3-4 minutes :).

A super experience, and feeling extremely lucky to have had such an encounter, I continued along the track and happened to glance to my left.  To my amazement and at eye level with me, sat a Tawny Owl on a bare branch, and only 6 -7 feet away. My heart skipped a beat. I couldn't believe my luck and I so wanted to stop and look, but didn't want to spook him - so I just glanced at him nonchalantly a couple of times as I strolled on by. 

Off the woodland track and onto the golf course, the walk was rounded off watching 5 super swifts performing aerial feats above the golf course lake. No camera with me... a wasp sting, but one of the best evenings walks ever. Luka enjoyed it too, and was as good as gold throughout...

About Author:
Susan Shimeld is a Professional Wildlife Artist and Natural History Illustrator. She is a keen Conservationist for the past 40 years and a Registered Bat Carer in UK. Susan's artworks reflect her love for nature and wildlife. Her amazing artworks can be seen at http://www.natureinart.com.

It is a privilege to have my good friend Susan Shimeld as our Guest Author to share her lovely experience in the wild with us. It is indeed a magical and unforgettable experience of life. To enjoy nature while being a part of it is one of the most amazing moments. There are so many creatures of different sizes and shapes around us. We just need to observe them peacefully to enjoy in our heart :).

Thank you so much Susan for sharing these beautiful moments with us. It's so inspirational to step out and enjoy nature :). Wish to enjoy many more of yours lovely nature experiences here :).

Sincerely, Rahul Parekh

Sauntering – Feel the Peace & Freedom in your Heart

Dear Friends,

Yesterday was 19^th June, 2013. It was Sauntering Day. Have you missed it? Don't worry. We have many days to enjoy Sauntering Days J.

Celebration of Day is not important but to celebrate the heart is most important thing. It can be only achieved if we forget everything about our life. All the Worries, Planning, Duties…just everything that makes you engaged in your life.

Life is hectic now days. We don't have a minute to think about anything that not keeps us busy. This is the most negative part of human behaviour that leads to a gloomy and depressing life. We sometimes thought about to go out for a walk but didn't managed to do it because of busy day and felt sad about that too as not even a failed attempt is tried to achieve it!

Sauntering is a way to achieve true peace and freedom in our life. It's not Walking or Jogging or Running or Trekking or Hiking. It's superior to all. It only needs to step out and move ahead where your heart & legs lead you…

Sauntering is done without thinking and planning. You just lost in yourself and with nature. Wandering everywhere and anywhere, while enjoying and loving flowing river, flying birds, dancing butterflies, waves of a grass, call of birds, splash of water on face and touch of the rain drops. At the times we also love flowing of hair in cool wind, Sound of dry leaves and piercing by thorn.

Just tranquility prevails on our mind and heart. It's the most relaxed, peaceful & precious moments to cherish. This is the time when we can feel the pure spirit that lives within us. It's the special moment; we can feel one with our inner self in a true and sacred way. Our world becomes easy to hold in our heart. We can communicate with ourselves very easily.

So now start sauntering and wandering to live yourself the way your heart loved it… :)

Happy Sauntering & Feel the Freedom,

Sincerely, Rahul Parekh

Nature & Wildlife Artist

http://www.rahulparekhwildlife.com

Happy Father's Day

Dear Friends,

Wish you all a very happy & proud Father's Day :).

A Father, who becomes Dad and later Friend in life . Who teach us to be brave and fight against all the odds in our life :).

We feel protected and relaxed under the loving roof of our father. He fulfills our every needs to live better and happy life. In return he just needs love, care & respect during his elderly age from his children.

Have beautiful day with your father and entire family to celebrate it with love :).

All best wishes,

Sincerely, Rahul Parekh
Nature & Wildlife Artist
http://www.rahulparekhwildlife.com

Asiatic Lion Portrait - Wildlife Art Painting Process

Dear Friends,

Good Morning :).

It's a lovely morning today. Weather is cloudy and few minutes ago rain has also started. Atmosphere is very cool  and pleasing :).

In this beautiful moments I'm so pleased to share my Painting Process of my Asiatic Lion Portrait. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I loved to paint it :). It's sometimes fun to watch Artist in action and how the painting is done :).

I also wish those who are willing to learn wildlife paintings will find this post useful and learn from this small & quick tutorial too :).

OK, No more commentary...straight to the point lol :D.

Stage 1: A Drawing of Asiatic Lion...

Drawing is heart of any painting. Whether its on paper or in mind. Its a base and foundation of beautiful painting. Here is drawing of my Lion. Simple line drawing...

Stage 2: Beginning of Painting Process...

I love to start portrait with eyes and face. A quick under painting and colours brings Lion to life. This stage is also very crucial as its emphasis on facial expression.

Stage 3: Under Painting Complete...

By following the above method, entire Lion Portrait is now filled with colours. It's important to have an eye on brush strokes and selection of colours in this stage as well.

Stage 4: Adding Fine Details and Background...

Background and Details can make or ruined the painting too!! Now Background and some details are added to the Lion Mane. It's crucial to choose perfect background according to the subject.

Stage 5: End of the Painting...

Here is the Final Painting of Asiatic Lion Portrait. By adding final fine details to the face, Lion comes alive :).

Hope you've enjoyed this small Painting Process of my Wildlife Art Works :). I'll try to add more  Painting Process / tutorials of my other artworks in coming days. Please don't forget to share your comments and feedback as well to improve my content :).

Happy Paintings,

With all best wishes,

Sincerely, Rahul Parekh
Nature & Wildlife Artist
http://www.rahulparekhwildlife.com

Blog with New Design & Approach...

Dear Friends,

I have recently updated my blog design to make it more user friendly and easy to communicate with you all :). It's an overhaul that will help to reach more people and will inspire me to keep it alive and active with new articles, artworks and new contents :).

Now you can enjoy and purchase my Wildlife Artworks through this Blog as well :). Please visit Art Gallery and Art on Easel sections to view my Wildlife Art :).

I would love to hear from you too. Please post your comments / feedback / suggestions to make my Wildlife Art Blog more viewer and reader friendly and keep my contents interesting :).

All best wishes,

Sincerely, Rahul Parekh

Nature & Wildlife Artist

http://www.rahulparekhwildlife.com

Time to Change the Views - Support Wildlife Art

Dear Friends,

Serious Thought: I really don't understand why people purchasing ugly and sometimes thoughtless paintings at huge amount in the name of modern art / contemporary art / master artist / Investment etc. !!!??? It feels like Art Market is in hands of few Old & Famous Artists and Galleries in India!!!!

Please purchase Paintings & Photographs that are pleasing to your eyes & mind, thought provocative, gives you immense inner happiness & pleasure, Of Different Subjects & Out of the box perspective & compositions, Created by heart & soul of the Artists and Photographers...

People have to understand that Some are not just Studio Artists and Photographers. We spend hours in fieldwork & subject research & detailing to be true to subject and spend BIG money to create one piece of art & image...

Please support Wildlife Artists & Nature Photographers. There are so many talent out there but not getting good and sound exposure and market. Many are also leaving this Nature and Wildlife Field because of it and at that time I feel really very sad and sorry :((( because most of all the Wildlife Artists and Nature Photographers are also working for the Nature Conservation too...!!!

I request All the Wildlife Artists and Photographers, Please spread these words and raise your voice. Don't be just mute spectators. Do inspire people to purchase Wildlife Art & Nature Photographs. Write & Put yourself forward...

At the end, I must say, Please don't purchase fake, cheap and commercial art. These are worst enemies of Artists and Photographers. If you really want to support Artists and Photographers, please purchase directly from them and boost their spirits and true art :)).

Artist keeps the art & culture alive. This is the identity of any society. How it represents the Art...?

All best wishes,

Cheers, Rahul Parekh 
http://www.rahulparekhwildlife.com/

New Mobile Web App...

Dear Friends,

So pleased to inform your that I've recently developed new Mobile Web App of my Nature & Wildlife Art. Now You can enjoy my Wildlife Art anytime anywhere at your convenience and keep updated with new happenings. I'll regularly update the artworks and other stuff :).

This web app can be viewed on almost all old & new smart phones but best viewed on iPad, iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Windows phones & tablets. 

Here are few snapshots of my Mobile Web App...

Hope you'll enjoy it and find it easy to use and feel comfortable with the design layout :). Please visit http://www.rahulparekhwildlife.com/mobile on your mobile devices.

Cheers, Rahul

Green Tree Eco Conservation Fund...

Dear Friends,

So happily let you know that I've recently founded 'Green Tree Eco Conservation Fund' to support different Nature Conservation Projects through my Nature & Wildlife Art. Now 'Rahul Parekh Wildlife Art' is associated with 'Green Tree ECF' and will donate 10% - 25% of sales proceeds of all my artworks to reputed & experienced Nature Conservation Organizations in India to support their different Projects & Activities :). Please click on below image for more information...

Looking forward to great support from you all lovely people :)

All best wishes,

Cheers, Rahul
www.rahulparekhwildlife.com

Hot Summer, sums up...

Indeed Summer is the most difficult season to cope with..!!! Everything is dry & burned. Life becomes fragile & frail. Mere glimpse of mirage can bring hope of new life...

In such hard & harsh conditions, when I see tiny insect live its little life with full glory, I bow to power and wonder of mother nature.

It's not about just to survival but to live against the odds. There is no option to complain in Nature. In this way we feel lucky to speak against & about odds that affects our life ;-), but most important thing is, is it worth doing this?

People mainly associate Summer with WATER as it brings drought, but they forget that Summer is the season that brings happiness in Monsoon :o). but it also remind us to SAVE WATER for our difficult times ;-)

We cannot walk bare foot during summer, We need shoes! Why? is it not because soil is very hot but it teach us to be on ground to feel the soil :-).

Wind in the Mist and Heatwave both are opposite to each other but both let us know the difference between good & bad.

Temperature will rise in coming month but this will give chance to learn so much from Summer Season...

Now time to enjoy, Happy Summer to all :o)))

Circus Circus... Factory of Animal Abuse...

Dear Friends,

Recently India has banned child performance in Circuses. This is really good step to stop child labour & exploitation, but when India will strongly ban performances of Wild Animals in Circuses???

A BIG issues is court has seen & show the red eye to stop child labour as children poorly working like animals in the circuses but Why Government & Court is not seeing Poor Animals working & living stressful & forlorn life in the circuses with so much torturing & cruelty!!! :(((

This is not just in India but its a Global issue. Circuses world over are using wild animals for performances without showing any kindness, love & affection. Animals are living in a hell...!!! and the most saddened part is their death never be natural and died with so much pain & mournful condition :(((

As a responsible human being of this natural world its our responsibility to stop such open cruelty that happening in front of our eyes. Please boycott all the circuses which are using Wild Animals as performers and please also teach and explain this to your children as well, as most of the viewers of the circus are children.

A strong law & punishment is urgently needed to ban the Animal Performances in the Circuses. Until this our precious and innocent Animals be used & tortured in a brutal way!!!!

LOVE ANIMALS THEY ARE PART OF OUR LIFE 

CARE FOR ANIMALS THEY NEED OUR AFFECTION

COMPASSION IS WAY TO GIVE BEAUTIFUL LIFE

Happy Woman's Day...

Wish you all women of the world a very Happy & Beautiful Woman's Day :o)). 


Wish you all a great achievements & wonderful life...


Our world is alive, happy & cheerful because of you all women...


You are Nature's best creation. Proud of you all :o)))

Our Art, Culture & Nature...Poor INDIA

Dear Friends,

When I'm reading about our ancient history I really feel proud for our glorious past. Knowledgeable ancient scriptures, monuments, temples, culture, art and nature all are so beautiful and admirable...

As you all know our life style is so changed and we are mimicking other world without thinking much about to preserve our ancient heritage, culture and art. I really feel sad and sorry that we become blind and don't see what is good and bad for our life.

When we try to live like other cultures than we lost ourselves!!! I'm not saying its bad thing to adopt modern life style but when we are adopting other's life style than why we forget to see in our own soul that is so precious…

We all try to live rich and famous life of wealthy countries but in our own country we lost what we have. I'm deeply feeling that we have lost our beautiful Culture and Art in our recent progress. People of India now only think about money and becoming greedy by each and everyday and this makes life so difficult to live and enjoy…

None has time to think about to live peaceful life and to appreciate our own Culture, Art & Beautiful Nature. We have lost our Culture, We have lost our Art, Now we are ready to lost our Nature too!!!!

When we will open our eyes and be free from blindness? I'm afraid when we will open our eyes we'll be the poor people on the world and the picture in front of our eyes will not be the beautiful and pleasing…
Please be return and appreciate our Culture, Art and Nature. This is the real treasure. If we will save them they will save us and give beautiful life to live.

Art is the mirror of any culture. We can identify the importance and significance of culture from their Art. I'm really feeling happy when I see European and other western countries that they have preserve their Art so well. I'm sorry to say we've lost our True Art somewhere so as our Culture too. Now, Its time to revive it. Please try to save Our Art, Culture and Nature.

Our INDIA is really Poor, unless we regain our ancient pride…

Asiatic Lions of Gujarat...

Dear Friends,

I was just reading TOI news paper. There is one article on 'Lions for Kuno' that said Madhya Pradesh (MP) has again demand Gir Lions, and committee of National Wildlife Board said.. 'MP should be allocated lions from the nature i.e. directly from the wild and not the zoo-breed lions for the Kuno Palpur Sanctuary'.

The words of Murli Krishnan, Conservator of Forest, Gwalior..He said.. "We have renewed our demand for wild animals. These animals are given to us for the breeding centre and not for the Kuno Palpur Project".

Now, I wonder Why MP is so desperate for Lions? They can't even handle Tiger NPs and Sanctuaries of MP properly & in well mannered. We are losing Tigers!!! How they will handle Lions? None is talking about this serious part while demanding the lions from Gujarat!!!!

Lion is completely different from Tiger. Do MP forest department have experienced people (Staff) that understands different behaviors of lion? How they live in the wild? What are their necessities? What about notorious poachers of MP? (Poachers that captured from Gir NP for killing of lions were from MP, none has to forget this truth!!!)

LIONS ARE NOT SAFE IN MADHYA PRADESH

If Gujarat will ever give lions to MP...you'll surely get new Lion NP in no time in MP with big traffic and bunch of Gypsy...MP want to showcase Tigers and Lions in one state for tourism purpose and attract the tourists. Lion will never handle this kind of pressure like tiger for sure its social animal and not solitaire like tiger, b'coz they are not used to this kind of things in GIR....

For the name of conservation people are planning to earn big bucks...None thinking about the precious life of wild lions. Even a pride of 6-7 lions is so important for nature. We can't put their life on the edge for the sake of tourism & trial...If MP is really serious about the conservation of Asiatic Lions than Why they are not helping Gujarat Govt to save the lions in different other habitats / locations in Gujarat only?

Gujarat Govt. also finalized Gene Pool Bank for lions at 'Rampara Vidi' near Wankaner...far away from Gir. There is one also proposed site 'Barda Dungar' and many more...Gujarat Govt. has also declared Girnar Mountain's wild region as 'Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary'...Lions are also roaming here freely...

I'm not against the relocation of lions but I do feel MP forest department having no experience to handle lions. Just similar Habitat & availability of Prey is not enough to say Lions will survive in Kuno Palpur Sanctuary...There are answers to find for so many questions and some questions having no answers!!!!

I strongly believe MP should have concentrate & use all the powers & resources for the Protection of Tigers instead Demanding for the Lions. This is silly & shameful idea of MP Govt. I'm really surprised by the support of Conservation Organizations to MP Govt. without thinking deeply on this issue.

Tigers are vanishing from the Indian Jungle. From 4000 Tigers, now nearly 1000 tigers left in the wild or may be less....They should put pressure on MP Govt. to do something about the Conservation of Tigers instead Demand of Wild Lions. We don't have many Lions to sacrifice their precious life!!!! Gujarat has successfully save the species of Lion from merely 20 to 350...

Save Nature...Save Wildlife

'Save the Birds'

Dear Bird Lovers,

The kite festival is coming and we should get ready to save some precious life. I called this event as 'Festival of Massacare'. 'People enjoy & Bird perils'. This is certainly being stopped. Many avian lives comes into danger zone during December & January months. Many birds died during these months because of very sharp & fatal glass coated strings (Manja).

Please those who are reading this message and who loves wildlife art too, please take an oath that 'We will never fly a single kite in our life to save our precious bird life & natural world.' Please show your respect & love towards the nature. This is certainly very important duty to fulfil. Please also spread this awareness message to your friends, relatives & all the people.

Ahmedabad is considered as hub of the 'Kite flying festival' and my friend Vipul Ramanuj is doing excellent job to save our flying beauties in Ahmedabad. Please visit his blog http://vipulramanuj.blogspot.com/ to more information about this and to view images of some birds in peril at http://picasaweb.google.com/vipulramanuj/HelpTheBirds#slideshow. Please support in this humble activity to save the birds.

Contact No. of Vipul Ramanuj is 98257 14841. Please contact him at this number for any help needed in Ahmedabad to save the birds.

'SAVE WILDLIFE'

Vulture Conservation:

It’s a hot issue today. Vulture population has decreasing rapidly during last few years. Some organizations have researched that ‘Diclofenac’ drug is the main cause of this problem…..

>> If this is really a true cause than the use of this drug should be banned effectively & strongly in veterinary use.

>> Some veterinary doctors also said / give excuse that ‘Diclofenac’ can’t be a cause of this disaster. As per the doctors, this drug easily be flushed out / defecate from the body of the animal through urinary system and can’t harm the vultures while carrion eating. If these doctors are mistaken than they should be informed with the truth immediately.

>> Other big problem faced by the vultures is the shelter. There are very few tall trees remaining. Some are cut down by the human, some are fallen naturally, some are fallen during the natural clematis, and some are died during natural / man-made forest fire.

It is very difficult or not practical to plant many trees & cultivate them for near future but very effective & necessary for the far future. For the present scenario a ‘Pole Structures’ will be very effective for the nesting & roosting. If these structures be created at high points. No doubt this is an expensive idea.

>> Some villages have separate & open place for carcass eradicate. In this kind of place more vultures of different species gather with some local carnivores like dogs, jackals and other carrion eating animals & birds. This is very vulnerable for the vultures if some animals or birds are suffered from the disease and the vultures have no immunity for that disease!

Carcass eradicate places should be high fenced with big open area hence no animals can trespass, so vultures can easily eat their food and can be protected from the animal disease.

>> Many birding groups sometimes find the vulture roosting / breeding sites. These sites are very important to know How & Why these vultures have selected this particular place for their roosting & breeding site.

These sites should be pin point on the maps, to create a larger map of vulture sightings. These sites can be sub grouped in roosting site, breeding site, carrion eating site, aloft site, local migration / journey route site etc. These maps can be very useful to identity the vulture population, behaviour pattern, migration pattern, food eating habits etc. to plan the vulture conservation activity.

>> Feeding vultures maintain the strict social order as per body size and strength of beak. If the population of higher order vultures decreases then lower order vultures feel many troubles during the carrion eating. As higher order vultures have strong beak to rip the hides & meat of the carcass, while lower order vultures have weak beak but big feet adapted to walking & holding the carcass.

All vultures are very important for the nature. It’s our duty to maintain the food chain & social order for the conservation of the vultures. If any vulture species extinct other dependent species suffered a lot or may extinct very easily.

If higher order vultures extinct then lower order vultures extinct easily. If lower order vultures extinct then their may be a chance of massive disease massacre from the remaining carrion, so other animals & birds will also suffered.

This is my views about the vulture conservation as per my knowledge about the vultures. There may be good chances to save the vultures if we can gather more information about this important bird. These are basic conservation activity that we can conduct at a beginning level and from here we can move ahead with some scientific conservation approach. Undoubtedly this is very expensive conservation activity, and support from different experienced persons, conservation organizations, corporate & the government is must in terms of scientific knowledge and monetary funds.

This is a big joke as well as tragedy for the Nature…..

I don’t understand why people get active when some animals or birds species reached to the near extinction. This is the time to think over to preserve the nature in its true condition. If we doing something wrong than we will have to be ready to suffer a lot. Please read my article on ‘Wildlife Conservation: The Problem & Solution’.

Please share your ideas or views to save the vultures so we all can conduct or contribute in the vulture conservation activity effectively.

With all best wishes,

The Kat & The Kitty

It was an early morning when I’m getting ready for a morning walk. I heard a very soft me…aaw sound. I looked around but didn’t find the cat, again I heard the same me…aaw sound and this time I found it in the corner behind the flowerpot.

I looked at her. The face was familiar. She often comes to my home in search of food, but this time she looked tensed and worried. I thought she will move away quickly but, she didn’t, then I leave her alone and….

I went for a walk. When I returned home she was still there. I thought this is a strange behaviour. I observed carefully around and I found a cute kitty behind her. I felt very happy that she had chosen my home as safe shelter for her kitten and brought a new life to my home.

She was protecting & loves her kitten with sheer dedication. After all MOTHER is the greatest creation of the nature. I seated near her with keeping some distance for two - three hours, and when she felt relaxed, she came out from the corner and looked at me with some trust. Then I gave her milk to drink. Now she had put full trust on me and leaves her kitten alone for a while and the kitten also playing freely around.

After some time she feed the kitty and looked at me and said me…aaw for a while and leave her kitten alone with me. This was a very great feeling for me that an animal put complete trust on me with the intention that I will take care and will not harm her little.

By the time the kitty became sleeping kitty. After 20-25 minutes she returned and called her kitten but kitten didn’t waken up. She lay down for while and waited for the kitty to awake, then again she went out for 15-20 minutes. When she returned the kitten was awake and she taken the kitty with her to the new shelter.

This was a very fine morning for me. For almost six hours the cat and the kitty made my home as their home. I’ll never forget this experience in my life.

So, whenever someone makes your home as their home, please don’t mind it. You’ll get lots of happiness by treating them well.

Good News...

A two more lion cubs born at Rajkot zoo yesterday. A month ago there were five cubs born but sadly two of them have died some days ago, So now there are five cubs at the zoo and two happy mothers. The other good news is Rajkot zoo gets the status of 'Breeding Centre' for the endangered asiatic lion with the birth of these cubs.

Sad News.....

At the Rajkot Zoo, a beautiful asiatic lioness 'Rajvanti' passed away at midnight on 4 Feb. 2008 with multiple organ failure. She came to Rajkot zoo from Junagadh Sakkarbag zoo. she gave birth to 3 female cubs at Rajkot Zoo. Two of which now become a full grown lioness and one is very young. Here is the picture of the proud mother for remembrance. She was a pride for the zoo. Memories are very important and sometimes inevitable, and surely not to be forget.

Which is true Conservation: A Species Protection or Habitat Protection?

From the time when I started to work with wildlife, I’m thinking about true conservation activity. Many of you might think these both methods are true conservation and should apply simultaneously to protect the nature… Am I right?

In some situations I’m also agree with your thoughts, but sometimes some situations divert me to think in different manner or at other side.

A Species Protection, It’s a widely used and talked method. In every country many conservation organizations are working to protect unique species. I’m not against this method but sometimes because of this method other species suffer negligence. Most of the monetary funds diverted to protect specific species and because of this, other species do not get the same treatment. Many times I’ve seen in respect of hyper awareness program to protect specific species majority common people think about to protect that species and do not give much importance to other species.

A big example is the ‘Project Tiger’ program in India to protect tigers & its habitat. Many tiger reserves created under this program. Idea was nice but after many years of implication of this program, still tigers do not feel safe and protected in India.

Whereas other species like Asiatic lion, Kashmir Stag, Red Panda, Golden langur, Nilgiri tahr, Wild buffalo etc. are some endangered species of India but there are no special protection programs to save these animals like ‘Project Tiger’. I’ll say they all are comes under neglected species. There are many other endangered species also, but no one talks about it and many are becoming extinct.

Today majority tiger reserves in India found stuffed with lots of local as well as foreign tourists, because of ‘Project Tiger’ programme. I consider this type of hype is not good for wild animals, and sometimes it responsible for the changes in behaviour pattern of wild animals. Due to heavy safari traffic in these reserves now tigers do not feel threaten or shy from human presence. This is the same case with Asiatic Lions in Gir NP and African Safaris also. I believe poachers gets success because of this type of changes in behaviour of these animals. Animal can’t differentiate between tourist and hunter.

Habitat Protection, I’m firm believer in habitat protection, because of its resourceful conservation approach. I would like to add an example, how dangerous is to make changes in habitat.

A famous example is Mauritius Island for its extinction of rare bird like DODO. This is Extinct between 1681-1790 from different islands because of excessive hunting and introduction of new animals by human to their habitat. Other hardly affected habitats are Antarctica, Arctic, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, Amazon Rain Forest and Galapagos Islands etc., which have unique habitat & species to preserve.

In India there are some unique habitats also, like Trans Himalayan, Eastern Rain Forest, Nilgiri biosphere, Western Ghats etc. In each habitat there are unique animals, birds and other creatures found, some are no where found except these habitats.

We have some good examples of successful habitat and species conservation also. I consider Asiatic Lion is one of the best success stories. It reaches the figure of 359 (Apr. 2005) from only 20 during last 80-100 years, but need not to be happy because this majestic animal still under big threats of extinction because of interbreeding, poaching and disease of different viruses from domestic animals and anthrax.

I’m a big supporter of this method. Not only habitat protection saves different types of ecosystems but also saves all the creatures which are dependent on a particular habitat. Other important aspect of this method is every creature gets equal chance to improve their survival opportunity.

We need not to worry about each and every species of creatures to protect. This is nature’s task. Let’s the nature do its work. What we need to do is to protect the nature & different habitats only, Nature will save all the creatures. Every creature has an ability to adapt the prevailing conditions. The evolution is still continuing but this is a very slow process compare to our destruction of the nature. We are so quick in damaging the nature that nature can’t compete to protect itself. So this is now our responsibility to save, protect and increase the different natural habitats and give chance to other creatures to live their life happily, safely and in correct pace.

If every creature gets a safe, protected and natural habitat with proper food chain than they will increase their population as well as this improves formation & preservation of the soil, trees, plants, water & other natural resources. If everything goes in correct ways the jungle area increases naturally. To make it possible we must save and protect our jungles and different habitats effectively.

This is the right time to give importance to habitat protection instead species protection. Habitat protection has wide conservation criteria and it protects all the species & natural resources instead specific species.

I hope you’ll also agree with my thoughts and provide your support to protect different habitats.


“Save the Jungles to Save the Nature”