Might be of interest.
For YETI
Debabrata Phukon
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Nirmal Kulkarni <ophidian_nirmal@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2019, 10:18 pm
Subject: GARO HILLS BIODIVERSITY EXPEDITION 2019
To: meet.yeti@xxxxxxxxx <meet.yeti@xxxxxxxxx>
Hi,
Please do share widely and see if anyone wishes to join.
regards
Nirmal
* First announcement*
*GARO HILLS BIODIVERSITY EXPEDITION 2019.*
*The Expedition-*
The Garo Hills Biodiversity Expedition 2019 will focus on biodiversity
components of the renowned Garo hills mountains of Meghalaya and its
surrounding areas.
We will focus on an array of biodiversity including herpetofauna, Insects
and Birds, plant life and their habitats. An additional emphasis will be on
the culture and cuisine that is characteristic of the region.
The team will also get a chance to interact first hand with local
community elders and interact with NGO’s and individuals working at
grassroots level in the area.
*The Region-*
The north-eastern state of Meghalaya is situated in the Indo-Burma
biodiversity hotspot. Along with protected areas, the presence of large
stretches of old growth and secondary forests that are community owned has
helped preserve the immense faunal and floral bio-diversity of this region.
Meghalaya has three primary hill ranges-Jaintia Hills to the extreme east,
Garo hills to the extreme west and Khasi hills sandwiched in between. We
will visit the Garo hills landscape as part of our expedition.
A more detailed itinerary will be circulated when you confirm your
participation for the expedition.
*Who should join?*
For those who wish to undertake a memorable journey into the forests of
North East India as part of a photo documentary and biodiversity survey
expedition through North East Indian forests, can adjust to seasonal
climate variations at picturesque locales and are game on experiencing
local community culture and natural diversity, this trip is meant for you.
Our expedition will take us through protected areas as well as community
forests and village settings in typical North East forest landscapes over a
period of 7 days in the company of conservation scientists, photographers
and naturalists.
*What you can do*
You will help us conduct opportunistic surveys on trails and forest tracks
guided by local naturalists and trained ecologists while understanding the
diversity yourself. An array of opportunity to absorb and photograph the
diversity of the region that presents itself in every nook and cranny. One
can also observe and catalogue human wildlife interactions that are unique
to the Garo hills landscape and sample the cultural uniqueness of the
region. The opportunity to traverse through exquisite forests, connect with
a local grassroots NGOs there and experience some memorable
*Essentials*
Essentials include basic physical fitness and ability to adjust to climatic
challenges of the North East state of Meghalaya. Basic experience in forest
terrains travel and stay in field conditions in forest areas is essential.
Familiarity of working as a team and affinity for lesser-known biodiversity
and local tribal cultures would be an added advantage.
*Resource Person and Team Lead*
Nirmal U Kulkarni- Nirmal Kulkarni is a herpetologist and nature
photographer with over two decades of field experience in India’s wilds. He
has to credit 6 new species discoveries of amphibians, two research
stations in the Western Ghats and a range of awards for his work in
conservation science and eco tourism. He is Expert Member Goa State
Biodiversity Board and Member, IUCN Viper Specialist Group.
*The Team*
Team strength will be restricted to 8 members only.
*Dates – 7thth April (Sunday) 2019 (departure from Guwahati) to 13th April
2019 (Back in Guwahati). 6 nights and 7 days. *
*Fees – Rs. 60,000/- only (Guwahati to Guwahati)*
Includes transport from Guwahati to Garo hills and back to Guwahati, stay
at field camp sites/inspection bungles/home stays on twin or three sharing
basis, guide and expert fees, resource material, community and park entry
fees and all camp meals.)
This does not include airfare to Guwahati and back from there. (We suggest
you book air tickets soon as they are inexpensive now.
Ensure that you reach Guwahati by 12.00pm in afternoon on the 7th April and
book tickets to depart on 13th April by afternoon or evening from Guwahati.
The entire amount has to be paid in advance and is non-refundable so please
confirm your participation after due consideration and deliberation.
*Please deposit the entire amount at *
HERPACTIVE- 611404010000031.
Account type- OD- General account.
IFSC Code is UBIN0561142.
Union Bank of India,
Dhuler Mapusa Branch, North Goa. 403507.
Send us a transaction id as soon as you deposit the amount.
*For details contact **ophidian_nirmal@xxxxxxxxxxx*
<ophidian_nirmal@xxxxxxxxxxx>* or call on 9326107079.*
Nirmal U Kulkarni
Herpetologist | Wildlife Photographer | Artist.
Member, Goa State Biodiversity Board.
Member, Goa State Wildlife Advisory Board.
Member Viper Specialist Group IUCN
6 Hiru Naik Bldg, Dhuler, Mapusa, Goa- 403507, India.
www.wildernest-goa.com
www.mhadeiresearchcenter.org
www.angriyacruises.com
www.herpactive.com
