Forty-eight years is a long period to remain connected to a small, once-neglected wetland but if the results are good, one gets a feeling of achievement. I first heard of Sheikha Jheel in 1975 when I was doing PhD in the Aligarh Muslim University. My constant fight with local hunters was a topic of discussion, and also denigration, in the university. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 that banned hunting and trapping, was in its infancy and some so-called ‘sportsmen’ still thought that hunting was their birthright. Having heard that a large number of ducks and geese were being slaughtered, I travelled to Sheikha (1975) in a rickety overcrowded bus, despite the morbid warnings and threats by hunters. My introduction to Sheika Jheel, however, started on a memorable note as I saw a pair of Sarus with a juvenile, and thousands of ducks.
A few letters to the Chief Wildlife Warden of Uttar Pradesh to protect Sheikha resulted in the visit of the Wildlife Warden of Agra-Meerut region, Mr O.P. Tyagi, who agreed to post a guard at Sheikha. This brought some control on rampant poaching. Till I joined BNHS in 1980, I was a regular visitor to Sheikha. Meeting with villagers got me the assurance that they would not allow hunting anymore. Villagers even started chasing the hunters, who (rightly) blamed the young researcher of the University for spoiling their “sport”. Once the Department of Wildlife was established in AMU in the mid- 1980s, Sheikha Jheel became an open-classroom to teach bird identification to students. In the 1990s, I got it included in the list Wetlands of National Importance of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, and in 2016 it was declared a bird sanctuary.
Denne historien er fra SAEVUS MARCH - MAY 2023-utgaven av Saevus.
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Denne historien er fra SAEVUS MARCH - MAY 2023-utgaven av Saevus.
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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.
Frames from the WILD
A few amazing shots from a horde of incredible ones!
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!
Dolphin DILEMMA!
A crucial article to highlight the significance, and plight of Our riverine friends.
Gecko Quest!
The authors take us on the trail of a gecko from West Bengal, through the hills of the Bankura district.
Endangered EXOTICA!
The author takes us on an exotic ride into the forests of Malaysia, allowing us glimpses of the beauties of its wildlife!
Mellifluous Magpie!
Immerse yourselves in the world of the musical and glorious Magpie Robin! The authors help acquaint us with this beautiful bird.
Think Different!
The author brings to us the very real concern for the horses employed around pilgrimage sites in India.
Take Heed!
The authors make a case for the conservation of the rare and lesser-known Sociable Lapwing.
Close Encounters!
The author introduces us to two amazing yet very different bird species, showing us the diversity of our ecosystems,