ARCTIC ANTICS!
Saevus|December 2022 - February 2023
An icy adventure packed with wildlife and wilder spaces; zodiac rides; and surprises!
SUBIR GHOSH
ARCTIC ANTICS!

A sunny day and a blue sky in Longyearbyn, Norway, the northernmost city in the world, with a pier and a small airport. This township was started by coal miners (some active coal mines are still operational) and today, holds the Svalbard Global Seed Vault (a storage of seeds of diverse crops all over the world, acting as a backup facility). There were warnings posted for the presence of polar bears and people were not allowed to venture outside city limits without licensed guns or guides.

Near our intriguing hotel, Mary Anne's Polarrigg, Snowy Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) couples and groups of Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) were a common sight. Close to the water's edge were ducks and gulls.

We finally boarded the M/V Hondius, our floating home for the next seven days and one of the oldest ice-strengthened cruise ships, a Polar Class 6 vessel. Here, we were introduced to the Expedition Leader Dr Eduardo and the expedition staff, all of whom were experts in nature and wildlife and would act as our friend, philosopher and guide.

The mandatory safety drill included donning life jackets and floatation suits, and finding the shortest way to the lifeboat boarding area, in case of an emergency. Finally there was a delightful but necessary animation video from AECO (the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) briefing visitors on proper behaviour towards Arctic environment, people and wildlife.

Once in the sea, we came across Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima, meaning softest down body), Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), Black Guillemots or Tystie (Cepphus grille) and a Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis). Andrew, our birding instructor informed us that in general, birds in the Svalbard region had the blue colour morph of plumage, giving them a smoky grey-blue appearance.

Denne historien er fra December 2022 - February 2023-utgaven av Saevus.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 2022 - February 2023-utgaven av Saevus.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA SAEVUSSe alt
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Staying ALIVE!

The importance of getting to the root causes of conflict with wildlife, is essential. Its mitigation will guarantee the very survival of all species.

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Frames from the WILD
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Frames from the WILD

A few amazing shots from a horde of incredible ones!

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WAKE UP!
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WAKE UP!

A frightening thought a world without wildlife, mornings without birdsong, and all that we take for granted! We must realise the dangers threatening the beauteous green world and its inhabitants around us!

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Dolphin DILEMMA!
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Dolphin DILEMMA!

A crucial article to highlight the significance, and plight of Our riverine friends.

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Gecko Quest!
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Gecko Quest!

The authors take us on the trail of a gecko from West Bengal, through the hills of the Bankura district.

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Endangered EXOTICA!
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Endangered EXOTICA!

The author takes us on an exotic ride into the forests of Malaysia, allowing us glimpses of the beauties of its wildlife!

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Mellifluous Magpie!
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Mellifluous Magpie!

Immerse yourselves in the world of the musical and glorious Magpie Robin! The authors help acquaint us with this beautiful bird.

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SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Think Different!
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Think Different!

The author brings to us the very real concern for the horses employed around pilgrimage sites in India.

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Take Heed!
Saevus

Take Heed!

The authors make a case for the conservation of the rare and lesser-known Sociable Lapwing.

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Close Encounters!
Saevus

Close Encounters!

The author introduces us to two amazing yet very different bird species, showing us the diversity of our ecosystems,

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