Sunderbans big cats get smaller

The scientists at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have found significant differences between the tigers found in the Sunderbans delta and those found in the rest of the country.

They feel that the “smaller and lighter” tigers of the deltaic region could have evolved into a sub-species of Royal Bengal Tiger, as the big cats have adapted to the ecological conditions of their habitat, which remains inundated by the tidal waves.

“The tigers found in the Sunderbans could be a different sub-species of Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), which is fouAnd all across the India,” said Dr Yadvendradev Jhala, a scientist at the WII who is examining the reasons that could have led to the tigers developing deviant features.

“There could be genetic or adaptive reason behind this. For a different species, it takes about one million years to evolve but for a different sub-species can evolve in 20,000 to 50,000 years,” said Jhala.

Source: Indian Express , 23-10-2010

Rare kingfisher sighted at Thattekad bird sanctuary

KOCHI: A three-toed Forest Kingfisher, one of the most colourful birds found in Kerala, was spotted at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad, last week.

Ornithologist Salim Ali had spotted the bird in the Ashambu Hills near Kanyakumari in 1933 at a height of around 2,000 ft. The spotting of the Forest Kingfisher ( Ceyx erithaca) was also recorded in his book ‘Birds of Kerala,' said R. Sugathan, ornithologist.

Ornithologists had identified the bird at the sanctuary in 1995. It was subsequently located near a stream close to the watchtower of the sanctuary two weeks ago. Ornithologists could photograph the bird last week, Dr. Sugathan said. It is probably a more colourful bird than the peacock. It can grow up to 13 cm in length from the bill to tail. It is also the smallest kingfisher found in Kerala.

The birds are mostly found near forest streams and locating them is not easy, he said.

As the bird was repeatedly located near the stream, there is the probability of finding it there again.

Studies could be carried out regarding its population and distribution, ornithologists said.

Source:The Hindu, 13-10-2010