Last week we were in the thriving, bio-diverse rainforests of Agumbe (in the Western Ghats of Southern India). My newly-minted 16 year-old was doing her summer internship with Kalinga foundation, at the Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology (KCRE).
These dense forests have a bustling population of reptiles and amphibians. That’s an adventure that will unfold in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, sharing a sneak-peak of our heart-thumping experiences from the rain drenched climes, of Agumbe.
The flora sparkled an emerald green, awash with rains. The colonies of frogs chanted together in a rhythmic symphony, as the crickets and cicadas broke out into a jarring, intermittent medley. At dawn and dusk, the Grey Hornbills crooned a medley, atop the giant tree canopies; camouflaged by the pregnant monsoon clouds.
Steam walk
The Areca fruits turn orange-yellow once ripe, and the seed/nut is used for consumption. Betle nut is a common chewing nut, popularly known as Supari, in India. It is extensively used by a decently large population of people, and also comes handy in religious ceremonies.
Peak Walk in Agumbe
The orchids of Agumbe are just beginning to bloom with the first flush of rains. Very soon they shall adorn the landscape in all their glorious splendour.
Night Walk by the Stream
#FactCheck: The Malabar pit viper, a beautiful venomous snake, is an ambush predator. Its hunting strategy is to patiently wait at one place for the prey to come to it, rather than actively chasing it down. They are mostly spotted in the rainy season and disappear into the tree tops, or canopies as the weather gets dry. They usually come in green and brown morphs.
Was lucky to spot both the morphs and found them beyond stunning.
Photo credits: The 16 year-old.
Into the Dense Rainforests
These tall trees literally kissed the skies. They have planked buttresses, that extends into layers (as you will see partially, in the first image and this one too). The thick roots, spread out widely above the ground.
They kept reminding and communicating to me in my interspecies communication lingo,
“Spread your roots far and wide, and while staying grounded. Reach for the skies”
*Rudraksha: Rudraksha is the dried seeds of the fruit of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree. The seeds are associated with the Hindu deity, Shiva and are commonly worn for well-being, protection and for chanting mantras.
Back to the Stream walk
#DidYouKnow: A group of all the fungi present in a particular region is known as mycobiota. We spotted multiple species of fungi in different hues, shapes and sizes.
I’m no expert, therefore couldn’t identify the names.
If you know what these are called, do shed some light.
Areca Plantation Walk
So long!
It’s a wrap-up for today, till I drop a two-part post of our adventures and learnings from rainforests of Agumbe. This one unboxes and showcases a whole new horizon of learning, especially on reptiles, amphibians and rain forest ecology.
Have you ever visited a rainforest?
If yes, what do you find fascinating about them?
What do forests in general do to your being?
Would you like to tell me, which image/moment did you like the best here in this post from the rainforests of Agumbe?
Waiting to hear from you.
Till then, adios, amigos!
Live, laugh and love.
Natasha
Feature image: A handsome Golden Backed frog (Indosylvirana aurantiaca) Credits: The 16 year-old.
Such a relevant song.