A Sea of Clouds

Nilgiri eastern slopes

A Sea of Clouds: Unveiling the Mysteries of Cloud Formation and Movement

While returning from Sathyamangalam, I encountered a breathtaking sight – a vast expanse of clouds stretching across the valley below. This encounter ignited my curiosity about the formation and movement of clouds, leading me to explore the fascinating mechanisms behind these atmospheric wonders.

Clouds are formed when water vapor, invisible gas produced by evaporation from oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water, cools and condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals. This process occurs when warm, moist air rises and encounters cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. The expansion of the air causes the water vapor to lose its energy and condense onto tiny particles, such as dust or salt, forming cloud droplets or ice crystals.

The movement of clouds is governed by the Earth's prevailing winds, which are driven by differences in air pressure. Warm air rises, creating low-pressure areas, while cooler air sinks, causing high-pressure areas. As clouds drift along with the winds, they encounter varying air temperatures and moisture levels, leading to changes in their shape, size, and density.

The presence of abundant water vapor in clouds is a crucial indicator of the potential for precipitation. As cloud droplets or ice crystals accumulate, they grow heavier and eventually fall as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. The amount of precipitation depends on the temperature and humidity of the air, as well as the altitude at which the clouds form.

Ocean heat energy plays a pivotal role in regulating atmospheric circulation and influencing weather patterns. Warmer oceans provide a steady source of moisture, fueling cloud formation and generating precipitation. This interplay between ocean temperatures and cloud dynamics is essential for maintaining the delicate balance of our planet's climate.

(http://www.teachersdomain.org/asset/ean08_int_seasurface)

The Enchanting Foxtail Orchid in Appankappu

Nestled amidst the verdant slopes of the Western Ghats, the enchanting Foxtail Orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa) emerges as a true spectacle of monsoon beauty. This vibrant epiphytic orchid, with its cascading clusters of delicate pink and white blooms, adorns the Appankappu Village Conservation Center, a haven for biodiversity in the Nigiri Biosphere Reserve.

The Foxtail Orchid's striking appearance and captivating fragrance have earned it a special place in Indian culture. It is not only revered as the state flower of both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam but also holds significance in Assamese folk traditions. During the Bihu festival, a vibrant celebration of life and harvest, young women adorn their hair with strands of these orchids, adding a touch of elegance and symbolism to their traditional attire.

http://photos.ibibo.com/photo/6117720/assam-bihudance-photography-india-culture

As the monsoon rains nourish the land and awaken the dormant flora, the Foxtail Orchid emerges as a beacon of beauty, captivating the hearts of nature enthusiasts and adding to the rich tapestry of the Western Ghats.

Unveiling the Marvel of Apis florea

While accompanying the village elder of Punanjanur on a nature walk, we stumbled upon an extraordinary sight – a colony of Apis florea, a diminutive yet resilient species of wild honey bee, clinging precariously to a tiny twig. These tiny creatures, native to southern and southeastern Asia, construct their nests from a single comb, the upper portion of which expands into a crest, forming a natural honey pot.

Masamma, a barefoot ecologist and esteemed elder from the village, guides countless children (and me) through the wonders of the forest, sharing her profound knowledge and deep connection with nature. For many years, she has educated and sustainably harvested wild honey and medicinal plants, utilizing their gifts for the well-being of her community.

A Symbiotic Symphony: Ants and Lycaenid Larvae in a Dance of Mutualism

As a research assistant for the "bee biodiversity and forest livelihood" project supported by Darwin initiative, I was fortunate to witness an extraordinary interaction between two seemingly disparate creatures – ants and lycaenid larvae. While conducting fieldwork at a Cycas circinalis, I noticed a peculiar behavior: larvae of a particular insect seemed to be engaging in a complex exchange with ants. Intrigued by this spectacle, I embarked on a journey to uncover the secrets behind this intriguing relationship.

My research revealed that these lycaenid larvae, members of a diverse butterfly family, have evolved an intricate symbiotic partnership with ants. Unlike their solitary counterparts, these larvae have developed a remarkable ability to communicate with ants, using a combination of vibrations transmitted through the substrate and chemical signals.

The ants, in turn, provide these larvae with a level of protection against predators and parasites. In exchange, the larvae offer the ants a sweet reward – a substance called honeydew, excreted by the larvae' digestive system. This sugary treat serves as an important source of energy for the ants, supplementing their diet of nectar and insects.

This fascinating relationship exemplifies the concept of symbiosis, a mutually beneficial interaction between two different species. Both ants and lycaenid larvae benefit from their association, highlighting the intricate web of interconnectedness that sustains life in our ecosystems. More pictures in the article.

Peach tree

A Peach Tree in the Campus

Can you imagine how captivating it must have been to witness the sight of peach tree blossoms in person for the first time? The delicate pink petals, the gentle fragrance, and the overall aura of serenity must have been truly remarkable. It's no wonder that peach blossoms have long been admired for their beauty and symbolic significance in various cultures, including Japan and China.

The peach tree (Prunus persica) is a beloved fruit tree native to China, widely cultivated for its delectable peaches. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Chinese writings dating to the 10th century BC, where it was revered as a royal delicacy. Archaeological evidence suggests that peach cultivation in China began around 1100 B.C., and from there, the peach spread to India and Western Asia.

Beyond its culinary appeal, the peach holds immense symbolic significance in Chinese culture. It is deeply intertwined with the concept of longevity and immortality. In the legend of Zhang Daoling, the founder of Taoism, peaches were said to bestow eternal life upon those who consumed them. Elder Zhang Guo, one of the Eight Immortals of Chinese mythology, is often depicted carrying a Peach of Immortality.

The peach's symbolic power also extends to its blossom, which emerges before any leaves appear, symbolizing its vitality and resilience. In early imperial China, peach branches were carried by sorcerers as protection against evil spirits, while local magistrates would adorn their doors with peach wood branches on New Year's Eve to ward off negative influences.

The peach tree's presence on a campus or any other setting serves as a reminder of the tree's rich cultural heritage and its symbolic associations with long life, vitality, and protection. It is a testament to the enduring connection between humans and nature, and a symbol of hope for a prosperous future.

Conservation Education Network

CONSERVATION EDUCATION NETWORK Third Annual Retreat, Kotagiri, Nilgiris.

Building a Network of Conservation Educators

In 2008, ATREE took the initiative to establish a network of conservation educators, bringing together individuals and organizations from across India dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and action. The group's primary goals are to:

Share ideas, resources, and experiences

Foster collaboration and support among like-minded individuals

Advocate for conservation education initiatives

The network's first meeting took place in 2008 at Navadarshanam Trust in Ganganahally hamlet, Gumalapuram Village, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu. Subsequent retreats have been held in Auroville (2009) and Keystone Foundation (2010).

Keystone Foundation Retreat: A Deep Dive into Conservation

The third retreat of the Conservation Network, held at Keystone Foundation from October 20-22, 2010, provided a rich learning experience for participants. Pratim Roy, Director of Keystone Foundation, gave an insightful overview of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) and the organization's work.

Robert Leo, Programme Coordinator at Keystone Foundation, presented a captivating PowerPoint presentation titled "Bee Buzz – Life and Times of the Honey Bee." Participants were fascinated by the intricacies of honey bee ecology and their crucial role in the environment.

A highlight of the retreat was the meeting with the Barefoot Communicators, indigenous elders who share their knowledge of the forest with children. Their passion and dedication to conservation provided valuable insights into effective communication strategies.

Nimesh from Samrakshan Mizoram led a discussion on tailoring communication strategies to suit different target audiences and situations, further enhancing participants' understanding of effective outreach.

The visit to the Bee Museum in Ooty provided a fascinating glimpse into the intricate web of relationships within the ecosystem. Participants gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of even seemingly insignificant creatures like honey bees in human existence.

A Closing Dialogue with Dr. A.R. Vasavi

The retreat concluded with a thought-provoking presentation and interaction with Dr. A.R. Vasavi, a renowned scholar from the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bangalore. Dr. Vasavi's talk focused on the interlinks between conservation, education, and the rural context, leaving participants with a renewed sense of the transformative potential of conservation education.

To commemorate the retreat, participants engaged in Ajilebottu painting on bags and enjoyed a lively arakol dance, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

The Conservation Network continues to thrive, bringing together passionate individuals and organizations working towards a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.