Aranyakam Nature Foundation2023-09-20T13:44:15+05:30

Rediscovery of the Elusive Cardamom Earth-Snake by a Research Team after 130 Years

The Cardamom Hills Earth-Snake, also known as the Cardamom Shieldtail and scientifically named Rhinophis fergusonianus, was rediscovered by a research team in various parts of the Western Ghats after 130 years. Initially discovered in 1896 by Belgian-British zoologist George Albert Boulenger in the then Travancore cardamom forests, it was named in honour of HS Fergusson, a renowned zoologist [...]

National Wildlife Week 2023: Fungal Fascinations Quiz

Fungi: The Mysterious Organisms Beneath Our Feet Fungi are omnipresent, forming an invisible network that weaves through our environment. From the deepest layers of the earth's soil to the bark of ancient trees, from the food we consume to the very surface of our bodies, fungi thrive and spread. These remarkable organisms defy [...]

National Wildlife Week 2023: Snakes and Snakebites Quiz

Previous Quiz | Main Quiz Page  The Serpentine Landscape of IndiaSnakes have been an integral part of Indian culture, folklore, and ecosystem for centuries. Revered in mythology and often misunderstood in reality, these creatures create a world of mystery and surprise. Beyond the myths and fears, snakes play a crucial ecological role, maintaining the [...]

Global Amphibian Assessment Reveals Climate Change Threatens Amphibian Survival

Amphibians, frequently heralded as key indicators of freshwater health, are confronting significant challenges. A recent study published in the esteemed journal Nature reveals that a staggering 41% of amphibians are on the brink of extinction. This alarming statistic makes amphibians the most endangered group among vertebrates, surpassing mammals (26.5%), reptiles (21.4%), and birds (12.9%). Primary threats [...]

  • SNAKES AND LIZARDS OF THE SKY ISLANDS OF THE WESTERN GHATS(Free PDF)

    This book is a preliminary summary of some aspects of our research and fieldwork in the southern Western Ghats over the past few decades. National Geographic Explorer project provided support for field surveys to document the diversity and compile this field guide. Add to the cart and checkout to download your FREE copy of the book.

Researchers Illuminate the Ecological Wealth of South Wayanad

SOUTH WAYANAD — A pioneering amphibian and reptile census has just culminated in the South Wayanad Forest Division, revealing an astonishing array of biodiversity. The expedition spanned from September 1-5, meticulously covering 296 square kilometers across 17 specialized camps. Spearheaded by the Kerala Forest Department, the South Wayanad [...]

September 10, 2023|

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Breaks New Ground with Comprehensive Amphibian and Reptile Survey

An ambitious, ground-breaking survey encompassing both amphibians and reptiles has just been successfully completed at the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. This pioneering endeavor was made possible through the collaboration of a diverse team of over 100 researchers, students, naturalists, and forest guards. Unlike previous studies that exclusively targeted amphibians, this [...]

August 2, 2023|

International Day of Forests Webinar: Conservation Importance of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is an enchanting vista with steep mountains, undulating hills and valleys spreading over Thodupuzha and Peermedu taluks of Idukki district in Kerala. It lies along the Idukki dam reservoir and is isolated from the main tract of high range forests. The sanctuary is home to [...]

Life of Ants – കുഞ്ഞനുറുമ്പുകളുടെ വലിയലോകം – Dr. Kalesh Sadasivan

Wildlife Talks Life of Ants – കുഞ്ഞനുറുമ്പുകളുടെ വലിയലോകം Dr. Kalesh Sadasivan Dr. Kalesh Sadasivan, a member of the Ants Research Group at Travancore Nature History Society(TNHS) and one of the founders of TNHS. Dr. Kalesh did extensive studies of ants in the Western Ghats and published the checklist [...]

Rediscovery of the Elusive Cardamom Earth-Snake by a Research Team after 130 Years

The Cardamom Hills Earth-Snake, also known as the Cardamom Shieldtail and scientifically named Rhinophis fergusonianus, was rediscovered by a research team in various parts of the Western Ghats after 130 years. Initially discovered in 1896 by Belgian-British zoologist George Albert Boulenger [...]

Global Amphibian Assessment Reveals Climate Change Threatens Amphibian Survival

Amphibians, frequently heralded as key indicators of freshwater health, are confronting significant challenges. A recent study published in the esteemed journal Nature reveals that a staggering 41% of amphibians are on the brink of extinction. This alarming statistic makes [...]

Ranipuram Revealed: 45 Reptiles and 53 Amphibians are found during the survey

RAJAPURAM - The biodiversity of Ranipuram has been thrust into the limelight following a comprehensive survey that uncovered about 100 rare species of reptiles and amphibians. Orchestrated by a trifecta of organizations—the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department, the Ranipuram Vanasamrakshana Samithy, [...]

Science News

A Tribute in Microscopic Dimensions: New Marine Tardigrade Named After Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

In the sun-soaked waters off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, researchers from the Cochin University of Science and Technology have made a minuscule discovery with a monumental tribute. A newly identified species of marine tardigrade has been named in honour of [...]

  • SNAKES AND LIZARDS OF THE SKY ISLANDS OF THE WESTERN GHATS(Free PDF)

    This book is a preliminary summary of some aspects of our research and fieldwork in the southern Western Ghats over the past few decades. National Geographic Explorer project provided support for field surveys to document the diversity and compile this field guide. Add to the cart and checkout to download your FREE copy of the book.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Breaks New Ground with Comprehensive Amphibian and Reptile Survey

An ambitious, ground-breaking survey encompassing both amphibians and reptiles has just been successfully completed at the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. This pioneering endeavor was made possible through the collaboration of a diverse team of over 100 researchers, students, naturalists, [...]

Herpetofaunal Survey of Trivandrum Division completed with recording of 67 amphibian and 81 reptile species

The survey of herpetofauna(amphibians and reptiles) has been completed in protected areas under Trivandrum Wildlife Division, including Neyyar, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Agasthyavanam Biological Park. Though surveys have previously been conducted separately in each of these protected [...]

Photography workshop conducted for field biologists at Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Aranyakam Nature Foundation conducted a photography workshop for field biologists in collaboration with Idukki Wildlife Division at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad from 16 to 18 September 2022. The workshop aimed to equip field biologists with [...]

Chairman’s message

About Us

Aranyakam Nature Foundation is a group of individuals driven from diverse
areas of life bound together by our love for nature. Our strength is derived from
the knowledge we bring from different backgrounds and we strive continuously
to gift a better world to the next generation.

Our vision

A land that is rich in biodiversity.

Our mission

To spread our love for everything in the wild and in the process creates a
community aware of the natural treasures that have been bequeathed to us.

Our Motto

To empower the people by identifying the lacunae in our collective knowledge
on biodiversity and systematically filling these and using these data to work
towards conservation.

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