The Green Paradise!

Well, I don’t feel I possess the vocabulary to articulate my gratitude, so my words won’t really do justice to the invaluable experience I had at ARRS. This has been my first volunteering experience ever and I couldn’t have hoped for a better start. Since the beginning I have had a leaning towards the field of wildlife and environment, ARRS has been my first hands on experience. My short volunteering experience has been highly insightful and enlightening in many respects. From learning how to escape the alert eyes of the lapwing to learning how to eat a jackfruit, through and through has been a one of a kind experience.

The first thing that hit me while walking towards the “Leopard cottage” with my large suitcase in hand, was the greenery, a beautiful amalgam of the different shades of green, enveloped in the sound of cicadas. Coming from the city, Agumbe was literally close to paradise. I couldn’t be more grateful to ARRS for letting me volunteer with the team.

My volunteering work began with assisting my mentor, Dhiraj, with his research work on the “Ecology of Yellow-wattled Lapwing (A bird endemic to Indian Sub-continent). Through this project I learned how to spot these birds that have the miraculous gift of camouflaging with the grasslands they live in. The parents are always alert and ready to drive away any predator. I helped with field observations. It was priceless to learn the ecology. Dhiraj has taught me a great deal of what I learnt during my visit.

Soon I had a project to work on, which was studying the nesting habitat and monitoring hatching success of Malabar Crested Lark (A bird endemic to the Western Ghats). Initially I learnt how to find the nest, then monitored the nests and then did habitat assessment. I learned how to use devices like the GPS, a quadrat and a ‘dracometer’.

A villager found Lark nest and we had to struggle to convince him to put the chicks back in the nest. He was happy at the end after we explained him about the study. Photos by: Dhiraj Bhaisare

Furthermore, Dhiraj suggested that in my spare time I should work on a project of my choice. I chose to study the activity pattern of butterflies found in Agumbe. I can now identify at least 20 different species of butterflies found in Agumbe. And I learnt the interesting mud-puddling behaviour.

Besides this, I had my list of duties for the day which involved cleaning fish tanks, I noticed that even the slightest growth in the population of a certain fish, leads to the decline in the ecosystem created in that tiny fish tank. It’s like the fish tanks are a microcosm of the entire ecosystem around us, and how that balance is necessary for the survival of all life. Even the smallest of small organisms can make the biggest difference.

How to be resourceful was another important part of my learning, for example making ropes out of areca nut leaves or making a compost pit as a method to discard organic kitchen waste.

As I mentioned before, it was a learning experience in more than just one respect. I learned a lot about the traditional and cultural rituals of the local people in and around Agumbe and how the forest plays a pivotal role in their livelihoods through the stories narrated by the Staff and team.

I never imagined that I would gain such a great knowledge in such a short time span. I don’t have words to express my thanks to the entire ARRS team.

I clearly remember my nervous feet, trying to keep up with, not just the pace of the others but also the bundle of the most intriguing facts that were being thrown my way. It’s not just about the work; ARRS has been an inspiration in many ways. I recall articulating a reply, thanking a student (in second grade) for their donation towards the King Cobra Project. He mentioned the fact that the students of his school have formed a club learning more about endangered animals. So it’s spreading the awareness that carries maximum impact.

Before I left, Sid and Molly told me that when they invite someone to volunteer with them, it is more like inviting them over to their house. Well I want to let you know that you guys are the most wonderful and cordial hosts I have ever met. I would love to volunteer again sometime. It was most definitely, an unforgettable experience!

Thank you all so sooo much!!!

Article by: Saudamini Marici, Bangalore

Volunteer: 15^th April to 14^th May, 2013