![The Banni Vacationers!](https://cdn.magzter.com/1340869135/1709135230/articles/1zvBnh6Hf1709190996183/THE-BANNI-VACATIONERS.jpg)
As it was my 'lifer' so I gave special attention to the bird, forgetting the discussion that we were having with Saudi and British ornithologists on the Houbara bustard.
Fast forward to the 21st century. My former colleagues of BNHS, Jugal Kishor Tiwari, had established his own tourism business in Moti Virani, close to the famous Banni grasslands of Kachch (Kutch), and Grey Hypocolius was one of his USP (unique selling point). I had visited Kachch and Banni since early 1980s in search of the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican, not the Grey Hypocolius. It was Jugal who encouraged me to look at this beauty that visits us during winter. One look at it and Jugal's enthusiasm seeped into me.
In Saudi I saw it on small hybrid date palms but in Banni I saw it on Salvadora. In Banni the Grey Hypocolius seems to have close association with Salvadora as the bird feeds on the small berries of this large bush. I am sure, it must be feeding on other items also but in Banni we always see it on Salvador bushes and Acacia trees.
Grey Hypocolius (Hypocolius ampelinus) is the sole member of the genus Hypocolius and it is placed in a family of its own, Hypocoliidae. This makes it taxonomically important. If we lose the species-the sole representative of the Family will be lost forever. Fortunately, IUCN and BirdLife International consider it 'Least Concern', meaning there is no immediate threat to the species. It breeds in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, and winters in the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan and India. Everywhere it is thinly distributed and never found in large numbers, except when it arrives in its winter quarters. It prefers arid and semi-arid areas, mainly vegetated by Zizyphus, Acicia, Salvadora, and Tamarix.
Denne historien er fra SAEVUS JUNE-AUGUST 2023-utgaven av Saevus.
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Denne historien er fra SAEVUS JUNE-AUGUST 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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![Staying ALIVE!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/984/1667118/-CWsxqL501713177952503/STAYING-ALIVE.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/984/1667118/GK9eb4vpA1713181327570/FRAMES-FROM-THE-WILD.jpg)
Frames from the WILD
A few amazing shots from a horde of incredible ones!
![WAKE UP!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/984/1667118/AZBJ51gYu1713180918793/WAKE-UP.jpg)
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!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/984/1667118/olkpEVduV1713180524742/DOLPHIN-DILEMMA.jpg)
Dolphin DILEMMA!
A crucial article to highlight the significance, and plight of Our riverine friends.
![Gecko Quest!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/984/1667118/Ug9_8Tp8m1713180274802/GECKO-QUEST.jpg)
Gecko Quest!
The authors take us on the trail of a gecko from West Bengal, through the hills of the Bankura district.
![Endangered EXOTICA!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/984/1667118/6Hz16tqy31713179992623/ENDANGERED-EXOTICA.jpg)
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!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/984/1667118/uv-rPv6C31713178930315/MELLIFLUOUS-MAGPIE.jpg)
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!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/984/1667118/eBEytystE1713178662812/THINK-DIFFERENT.jpg)
Think Different!
The author brings to us the very real concern for the horses employed around pilgrimage sites in India.
![Take Heed!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/984/1667118/2RgoQjEx71713178385815/TAKE-HEED.jpg)
Take Heed!
The authors make a case for the conservation of the rare and lesser-known Sociable Lapwing.
![Close Encounters!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/984/1667118/GXen4_bb_1713177683891/CLOSE-ENCOUNTERS.jpg)
Close Encounters!
The author introduces us to two amazing yet very different bird species, showing us the diversity of our ecosystems,