On the 64th anniversary of India’s freedom, we wonder about the efficacy of captive breeding programs. Are they really worth it? In the last six odd decades since Independence, India has been witness to the exploitation of its wildlife and natural resources along with apathy to diminishing forests coexisting with strident conservation initiatives. In this land of abundant wildlife, royals and nobles were enamoured with shikar. With ample help from their English masters, they brought about a rapid decline in the population of species large and small. In the latter part of our history, conservation programs have attempted to create … Continue reading Freedom in a cage – a critical look at captive breeding

What goes flap-flap-glide, flap-flap-glide? A Grey Hornbill in flight!Grey hornbills (Ocyceros birostris) fly like tiny missiles — if not by speed, by profile. Flap-flap-glide, flap-flap-glide… when you see one pass by you can always expect another one to be close behind – usually its soulmate. This one was headed straight for me when it realized I was right ahead, braked in the air spreading the wings and tail feathers, and within a second, it changed direction by ninety degrees and disappeared into the branches of a tree. Text and photo by Sandeep Somasekharan All rights reserved See all posts in … Continue reading On The Wing: Indian Grey Hornbill

Sandy has been mulling over offering free wallpapers for a while and here’s his first gift to all Green Ogre readers. He made it one step better — these wallpapers double as calendars. Go to the link below and download the first one — for August. Spotbill Ducks (Anas poecilorhyncha) take to the skies. Although the most common of our resident duck species, they are threatened by the loss of wetlands to development and urbanization.  Photo: Sandeep Somasekharan Download this file and make it your desktop calendar Disclaimer: This Green Ogre free download is hosted at File Factory, a third-party … Continue reading Download the Green Ogre August wallpaper