Bengal Slow Loris

 The Bengal Slow Loris

The Bengal Slow Loris is 34-38 centimeter in length and weighs 650-2,000 gram. Its dorsal fur is light brown, with much lighter ventral fur. The face is creamy white with triangular patches of dark fur around the eyes, which are occasionally connected via a fork to the dark stripe on the head. The dark head-stripe occurs at the middle of the head that changes to a dark brown-black at the shoulders and continues as a dorsal stripe to the middle of the back. The species does show some seasonal variation in pelage but this is not well documented

Last month while researching for a primate tour in India I came across a unique primate – The Slow Loris. Not only are these one of 10 smallest primates in the world, they are also the only venomous primate in the world. Yes! Venomous primate!

With my interest piqued, I started studying more about this close cousin of ours. The Slow Loris comes from the genus Nycticebus which consists of four species: Pygmy Slow Loris, Javan Slow Loris, Sunda Slow Loris and our very own Bengal Slow Loris. The Bengal Slow Loris has the largest distribution of all the slow lorises and can be found in Bangladesh, Cambodia, southern China, Northeast India, Laos, Burma, Thailand, and Vietnam.

It is nocturnal and arboreal, occurring in both evergreen and deciduous forests. It prefers rainforests with dense canopies, and its presence in its native habitat indicates a healthy ecosystem. It is a seed disperser and pollinator, as well as a prey item for carnivores such as Pythons and Hawk eagles. Its diet primarily consists of fruit, but also includes insects, tree gum, snails, and small vertebrates. The species lives in small family groups, marks its territory with urine, and sleeps during the day by curling up in dense vegetation or in tree holes. It is a seasonal breeder, reproducing once every 12–18 months and usually giving birth to a single offspring. For the first three months, mothers carry their offspring, which reach sexual maturity at around 20 months. The Bengal Slow Loris can live up to 20 years.

Now since we have already told you that this is a venomous primate let us understand a couple of things: How does the ‘venom’ work? Are they venomous or poisonous? And what’s the difference between the two.

To begin let us first understand “brachial glands”. The flexor surface or the ventral side of the elbow has a slightly raised but barely visible swelling termed the brachial gland. Observations from captive slow lorises show that when the animal is disturbed during handling, they secrete about 10 microliters of clear, strong-smelling fluid in the form of an apocrine sweat (exudate) from their brachial gland. Usually, male and female slow lorises assume a defensive stance when disturbed. They bend their heads downwards between uplifted forelegs, rubbing the brachial gland exudate onto their head and neck. Slow lorises frequently lick their own brachial gland regions and wipe their brachial gland against their head. The brachial gland is active in lorises as young as 6 weeks old.

The main difference a venomous and a poisonous animal is that a venomous animal injects toxins into its victim’s body by bite or sting. A poisonous animal, on the other hand, produces toxins that are poisonous once inhaled or ingested like a Puffer Fish. Medical literature shows that human – Slow Loris injuries come from Slow Loris bites and not from ingesting their toxins. So, are slow lorises venomous? Well, not quite….

Lorises have got strong jaw muscles and pointed teeth with cutting edges easily piercing human skin or thin gloves. Health problems after Slow Loris bites may be either due to presence of a toxin produced by the animals, due to bacteria and viruses transferred by bites or due to an anaphylactic shock (extreme allergic reaction). Loris brachial gland secretion includes two toxins, made inactive by inhibitors; when mixed with saliva, after licking of the brachial glands, the enzymes from the saliva break down the inhibitors and make the saliva-secretion mixture toxic.

Anaphylactic shock: in people, regularly in contact with slow lorises, saliva may repeatedly come into the body through tiny, maybe invisible wounds. If the Loris keeper develops an allergy against this saliva, an allergic shock is possible (independent from the quantity of substance causing it, within seconds to minutes, in one case described lasting two hours), although this is a rare disease. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock may be: initially burning tongue and throat, a sensation of heat, red, itching skin, wheals, very low blood pressure, shock, convulsions of muscles (pain), pain in the heart and kidney region, respiratory problems (constriction of airways), heart problems, and possibly unconsciousness. Occurrence would make an immediate call for medicinal help necessary; first aid: measures against shock such as lying posture with legs a bit higher, assuring sufficient blood supply for necessary organs.

Slow lorises have needle-like teeth called dental combs or tooth combs on their lower jaw. Paired with the constant licking of the brachial gland, it is not surprising that one would assume the dental comb plays a part in injecting brachial gland exudate into unsuspecting victims. However, this is not the case, based on these published reports, it seems that Slow Loris bites are not venomous the reaction is largely to the exudate’s allergen secreted by the brachial glands which is like the Fel d 1 allergen in domestic cats… just more potent I guess.

The biggest challenge that these beautiful creatures face today is the meat and pet trade. People will often buy Loris as pets as they look adorable however, as in the case of all exotic pets most of these pet owners do little to no research about the species and have no clue about how to raise one in a home environment often unknowingly creating an environment or a situation harmful for the species.

IMPORTANT  POINTS TO REMEMBER

The Bengal slow loris is a gum-eating, nocturnal, tree-dwelling primate species found in northeast India.

Limited information on its status and ecology is the main hindrance to developing a conservation strategy for this species in India, state experts.

The species, which is listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, is heavily hunted and traded despite being legally protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Siniolchu tallest mountains of the indian state

 Siniolchu is one of the tallest mountains of the indian state of sikkim The Siniolchu is one of the Smallest mountains of the INDIAN   STATES OF SKIMM. The 6,888 metres (22,598 ft) mountain is considered to be particularly aesthetically attractive, having been described by DOUGLAS FREASHFEILD as "the most superb triumph of mountain architecture and the most beautiful snow mountain in the world". It is situated near the green lake adjacent to kanchanjunga  the highest peak in the state and third highest in the world. (22,598 ft) mountain is considered to be particularly aestheti

cally attractive, having been described by Douglasfeilds as "the most superb triumph of mountain architecture and the most beautiful snow mountain in the world". It is situated near  the green lake adjacent to kanchanjunga the highest peak in the state and third highest in the world.

Mount Siniolchu ( 6888m ) from Yaktang in the Kangchenjunga Region of Sikkim

Siniolchu is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountains of the world.

First ascent by German climbers Karl Wien and Adi Göttner in 1936.

“We know of no mountain that can equal Siniolchu in beauty and boldness of feature.
 Its ridges are as sharp as a knife-edge, its flanks, though incredibly steep,
 are mostly covered with ice and snow,
 furrowed with the ice-flutings so typical of the Himalaya.
The crest of the cornice-crowned summit stands up like a thorn."

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

●Siniolchu is one of the tallest mountains of the Indian state of Sikkim.

 

●The 6,888 metres mountain is considered to be particularly aesthetically attractive, having been described by Douglas

 Freshfield as "the most superb triumph of mountain architecture and the most beautiful snow mountain in the world". 

WAYS TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENT

5WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR ENVIRONMEN

 Unfortunately, humans have not been very good stewards of the Earth over the years. To protect the environment and preserve the planet for our children and future generations, we all need to take proactive steps toward cleaner living habits.

Most of the damage to our environment stems from consumption: what we consume, how much we consume and how often.

Whether it’s gas, food, clothing, cars, furniture, water, toys, electronics, knick-knacks or other goods, we are all consumers. The key is not to stop consuming, but to start being mindful of our consumption habits and how each purchase or action affects the ecosystem.

The good news is that it’s often not too difficult, expensive, or inconvenient to become more environmentally friendly. It can even be a fun challenge to implement among your family or coworkers. And though small changes at the individual level may seem trivial, just think how much cleaner the planet would be if everyone adopted even a few of the following behavior modifications.

1.Don’t buy single-use plastics.
Pop a flask or reusable bottle in your bag next time you are out and about. Make this a habit and cut your weekly bottle buying altogether, stopping 52 bottles ending up in landfills and oceans.

More than 2,600 plastic bottles a year would be stopped from entering our environment altogether if just 50 people packed a flask instead of buying a bottle. Small changes can make a big difference

2.Reduce our ecological footprint: 

Reducing our ecological footprint means placing less demand on nature .

• Recycle your rubbish and participate in or help organize recycling campaigns.
• Avoid littering and participate in or help organize litter clean-ups .
• Use less plastic by, for example, carrying a reusable water bottle, saying no to disposable straws and cutlery, avoiding plastic toys, and bringing your own shopping bags.
• Swap toys, movies, and books instead of buying new ones.
• Donate, recycle, and repair electronic devices.
• Use less water when brushing teeth, taking a shower, or washing the dishes.
• Use less electricity by turning off lights and electronic devices when not in use, using energy-saving light bulbs, and hanging clothes to dry.
• Use public transport, share a journey with friends (e.g., car-sharing), cycle, or walk when possible.
• Use less paper by not printing unnecessary things and reading e-books.
• Turn down the air conditioning when it is hot and use fans if you are still hot-they use much less pow

3.Re-use and Recycle.

  Reducing the amount of “stuff” you consume has the greatest benefits for the planet. It’s best to avoid waste in the first place, so think more carefully about your purchases.

Re-using items saves the natural resources and energy needed to manufacture new ones - as well as saving money.

4. Skip the Bottled Water

Opt for a reusable water bottle to save money and help the environment. Install a water filter in your home or use a Brita filter. Besides, tap water is already stringently monitored by the government, so bottled water  isn’t necessarily safer.

5. Compost Your Food.

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There are many benefits for environment composting. Not only do you reduce the amount of food going into the landfill thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions, you also can use it to help grow your own sustainable garden.

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Biodigester technology

Biodigester technology 

Human waste disposal in innocuous form is an ever growing problem leading to aesthetic nuisance, threat of organic pollution & several infectious diseases in epidemic proportions due to contamination of ground water and drinking water resources in highly populated and developing countries, like India. Less than 30% of Indians have access to the toilets. In rural areas about 10% of houses have toilets and rest of the people go to open defecation. Population in the cities although have better access to the toilets but only to the tune of ~70%. Untreated waste is responsible for several diseases like, dysentery, diarrhoea, amoebiasis, viral hepatitis, cholera, typhoid etc. taking the life of lakhs of children annually.

Biodigester technology has been developed by Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) for resolving the problems of un-decomposed human waste. The innovation degrades and converts the human waste into usable water and gasses in an eco-friendly manner. The generated gas can be utilized for energy/ cooking and water for irrigation purposes.

The process involves the bacteria which feed upon the faecal matter inside the tank, through  process which finally degrades the matter and releases methane gas that can be used for cooking, along with the treated water.

What is a biodigester?

A biodigester is a system that biologically digests organic material, either anaerobic (without oxygen ) or aerobically (with oxygen). Microbes and other bacteria break down organic materials in a biodigester. 

WHY IN NEWS

Biodigester Technology' was recently in news as Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will install its eco-friendly bio-digester units across the facilities operated by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MAHA-METRO), which help conserve water and protect the environment.

Biodigester technology is an indigenous technology developed by DRDO for resolving the problems of un-decomposed human waste. The innovation degrades and converts the human waste into usable water and gasses in an eco-friendly manner. The generated gas can be utilized for energy/ cooking and water for irrigation purposes. The process involves the bacteria which feed upon the faecal matter inside the tank, through anaerobic process which finally degrades the matter and releases methane gas that can be used for cooking, along with the treated water. in a biodigester.

Durgam Cheruvu

 

Durgam Cheruvu

Durgam Cheruvu Lake situated 15 km off Hyderabad, also called the Secret Lake as it is hidden between Madhapur and Jubilee Hills. It is a 63-acre retreat or oasis surrounded by granite from all sides and hidden by rock formations.

The lake dates back to millions of years ago and is Hyderabad’s most picturesque spot, away from the noise, crowd, and concrete jungle of the city.

The lake used to provide drinking water to the Golconda Fort inhabitants during the regime of Qutub Shahi Dynasty

IMPORTANT POINTS

It is a freshwater lake located in Rangareddy district, Telangana.

• It is also known as Raidurgam Cheruvu.

• It served as the drinking water source for the residents of Golkonda fort under the rule of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.

The lake is also known as the 'secret lake', as it was naturally hidden between rocks, with Jubilee Hills on one side and Madhapur on the other.

COAL BED METHANE (CBM)

Coal Bed Methane

• Coal bed methane (CBM) is a form of natural gas which can be recovered from coal deposits. It is an important unconventional gas occurring naturally in coal beds, and is increasingly being used for industrial and utility purposes. Especially in industries such as in cement, rolling mills, steel plants, and methanol production. In recent decades it has become an important source of energy in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries. India has fifth-largest proven coal reserves in the world.

  
  

  Process of Extraction

  • A steel-cased hole is drilled into the coal seam and the underground (produced) water is pumped out through tubing.
  • Removal of produced water helps reduce the hydrostatic pressure within the coal bed, causing the gas to be desorbed from its surface.
  • As production occurs, the change in pressure alters the porosity and permeability of the coal bed.
  • The recovered gas is sent into a natural gas pipeline or air compressor system

• Challenges in Extraction of CBM

  • Viability issues: Assessing the economic cost and environment risk impact factors makes CBM a comparatively less attractive energy source option.
    
    • Coalbed methane wells often produce at lower gas rates than conventional reservoirs, typically before CBM production peaks, it can have large initial costs.
  • Risk of increasing greenhouse emission: In extraction of CBM there is risk of large amounts of methane escaping into the atmosphere. Hence, it may contribute to increasing global warming.
    
    • Global methane emissions from coal mines are projected to account for a significant amount of total global methane emissions.
    • Methane is rated as having 72 times the effect on global warming per unit of mass than CO2.
    • Even burning of coalbed methane releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.
  • Pollution by produced water The produced saline water brought to the surface as a byproduct of gas extraction varies greatly in quality from area to area.
    
    • It may contain undesirable concentrations of dissolved substances such as salts, naturally present chemicals, heavy metals and radionuclides which may pollute the soil and sources of water nearby.
  • Depletion of groundwater: Water withdrawal for CBM extraction may depress aquifers over a large area and deplete groundwater resources.
    
    • For example, in Australia, it is estimated that in CBM production 126,000 million litres of groundwater is extracted per year.
  • Greater accident potentials: As the depth of CBM exploitation increases, it increases the concentration of extraction interrelated risks to persons and property.
    
    • There is great risk of ignition and methane explosion threatening lives and property around the mining area.

  Conclusion

  Thus, Methane from CBM is an environmentally safe and clean gas. It would help in increasing the domestic gas production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But measures like environmental impact assessment and cost benefit analysis should be adopted and implemented carefully before looking at CBM as alternative fuel in the long run.

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

A large black drongo with a notched tail and long, racketlike outer tail streamers, a glossy neck, and an obvious crest that curves backwards. Juveniles are duller and often lack the tail streamers. Prefers woodlands and forests where it may be found associating with mixed flocks, other drongos, and birds such as treepies and babblers. Similar to other drongos when without tail, but combination of notched tail, crest on forehead and medium-sized bill set it apart. An accomplished mimic with variety of vocalisations including metallic jingling sounds.

IMPORTANT POINTS

iN SHORT 

Racket Tailed Drongo

●Greater Racket-tailed Drongo bird gets its name from the distinctive elongated outer tail feathers with webbing restricted to the tips, making them look like rackets. 

●The bird is glossy black with a prominent crest. 

●It is found in broad-leaved forests and is largely restricted to the Western Ghats in Karnataka. 

●These birds are diurnal but are active well before dawn or late at dusk.

●If you are staying in a wooded area in the Western Ghats, you are very likely to be woken up by the metallic calls of this bird.

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