Rainforest!
Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS) Bloghttp://iammallika.blogspot.in/2015/02/rainforest.html
Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) is an organization that works on a host of projects, right from Sacred Grove studies, establishing fair trade of non-timber forest produce, Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes, to green energy, corporate social responsibility, ecological restoration, and so on. I joined them as an intern for a bird survey in one of their recently acquired private forest.
The foundation’s work is currently focused in the North Western Ghats. A substantial number of sacred groves (Devrais) are located here; much of the land is privately owned; very little of this region falls under Protected Areas. This has led the organization to undertake conservation efforts here. Land is taken under a time-bound contract during which the forest is allowed to remain untouched and in some cases, plantation of indigenous forest species is also done. AERF has met with success in such endeavours.
Often, the inhabitants of a space can give one an idea of its quality. We were looking at the birds in the forest to assess its status as an ecosystem. The ground truthing procedure at the beginning of the survey was tedious and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We scoured the 205 hectares the private forest through grass, thorns, shrubs and trees with determination. Initially, I was slow and unsure with the birds, especially the little ones. Bhavendu, the researcher I was working under, did a patient and kind job of honing my skills both on and off field. I picked up some QGIS and improved my identification over the next few days. Discussions with him were enjoyable and enriching.
Birds are always a delight to observe and hear. The Little Green Bee Eaters in their magnificent foraging flights, the Flamebacks hammering trunks, Drongos getting aggressive, the unmistakeable metallic calls of the Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, flamboyant Golden-fronted Leafbirds feeding amidst flowers. Swiftlets were always in the air. My 21st birthday was spent on the edge of the Western Ghats in the forest looking at birds - I was more than happy!
The data analysis and report writing was assigned to me, and I had a blissfully busy time! It gave me plenty to read and assimilate. The second phase of the survey was scheduled a month later and I enthusiastically joined. It was satisfying as we planned and executed it with more clarity than the previous effort. Many sincere thanks to Dr. Archana Godbole and Mr. Jayant Sarnaik for offering me this great opportunity. I am very grateful to Bhavendu Joshi for his patient thought-provoking guidance. It has been a very big learning experience.
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