#clouded leopard conservation

[hope-for-the-planet]

Endangered Species Sightings from This Year

This is thought to be the first time in over 20 years that a blue whale was spotted off the Coast of Massachusetts.

I highly recommend watching the video and listening to the reaction of the people on the whale watching boat--the cheers and emotion in some of their voices, especially the woman saying "I'm trying not to" when someone jokingly tells her not to cry.

This is the first time ever that a mother clouded leopard with two cubs has been spotted on a game cam!

"After being considered regionally extinct for over a century, giant anteaters have been spotted roaming once again in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state. Scientists have concluded these returned natives ventured over from Argentina's Ibera Park, where conservationists have released around 110 rescued and captive-bred anteaters since 2007."

Over 100 years and the anteaters are finally coming home!

[bumblebeeappletree]

In South Sumatra, conservationist Pungky Nanda Pratama is dedicating his life to conserving what is left of Sumatra’s rainforest.

He is thrilled to hear the call of the rare white-handed gibbon, a species that mates for life, which he describes as “super romantic”.

To show how many endangered species live in this rainforest, Pungky and some friends set up a camera trap project to photograph passing animals. Their footage includes the Sumatran Clouded Leopard, Sun Bears, and Asian Golden Cats.

Indonesia’s iconic wildlife relies on the health of these tropical rainforests.

The area where he is walking is supposed to be protected but already there are signs of open canopy due to illegal clearing, probably for coffee plantations. Palm oil and rubber is also grown in this region.

Pungky is working with local government agencies to collect protected flora from cleared land. Head of conservation for Region I, Martialis Puspito Khristy Maharsi of the Natural Resources Conservation Centre (BKSDA), says extinction is a real threat for some species.

Another threat is poaching for the flora and fauna itself.

Rescued plants are transferred to a large, purpose-built greenhouse. Here it is rehabilitated and propagated. There are about 5,000 specimens here, including hoyas, orchids, aroids, nepenthes and ferns. There are also ant plants (Myrmecodia tuberosa), which have a symbiotic relationship with ants: they provide habitat for ants to nest in their bulbous roots and receive protection from the ants who attack predatory insects.

Orchids such as the critically endangered primrose-yellow slipper orchid are often poached by orchid hunters, despite being protected by law internationally. By propagating through tissue culture, the team hopes to reduce pressure on the plant and return them to the wild.

The urge to collect exotic plants has fed this illegal trade in rare plants.

To help empower local communities on the front line of habitat loss, he works in schools to teach children about the plants and animals living in nearby rainforests. He teaches in 9 schools, some a six-hour walk from the nearest road. He says conservation is not a one- or two-year plan, but a lifetime plan to get communities involved and help find other ways to support their families.

He hopes that people will come to understand that humans depend on nature more than nature depends on us.

Featured Species:

White-handed gibbon (Hybolates lar)

Mitered leaf monkey (Presbytis melalophos)

Featured Plants:

Bulbophyllum sp.

Ant plant (Myrmecodia tuberosa)

Swain’s Coelogyne (Coelogyne swaniana)

Primrose-yellow slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum primulinum)

[watching-constellations]

I've worked with animals my entire life, and I've been bitten by so many things. Here's my chomp list (this is not all-inclusive): Cat, dog, horse (three times), goat, ostrich, emu, rabbit, rat, hamster (dwarf and syrian), gerbil, mouse, guinea pig, cockatiel, military macaw, hahn's macaw, sun conure, green cheek conure, little corella (cockatoo), budgie, kakariki, curl-crested aracari (tiny toucan with a neat hairdo), red-rumped parakeet, ringneck dove, lovebird, chicken, duck, clouded leopard (it's a long story, and DO NOT seek out big cats to pet), California king snake, Honduran milk snake, ball python, and probably like so many random species of other birds that I'm forgetting right now. I think maybe a keel-billed toucan? Not entirely sure.

The horse bites have been my least favorites. The worst one was when I was turning off a hose near this really ill-tempered gelding's stall, and for some reason he decided to reach over and try to take a chunk out of my arm. He managed to break skin through my four or five layers of clothes, and I ended up with a hematoma that didn't go away for months. That one was definitely not my fault.

I've taken some bird bites that were my fault for not reading the animal well enough. The snake bites have been mostly random and not a big deal. Snake bites sting for a second, and then you promptly forget about them.

As for the clouded leopard... That happened when I was doing a study abroad program to learn about clouded leopard conservation in Thailand. The program was connected to an AZA accredited zoo in the states, and I had the opportunity to go because the zoo in the states was partnered with my school. The one that bit me was a very young cub and he wasn't trying to hurt me, so he didn't do any damage. Still, this does mean I get to say I've been bitten by a leopard. Obviously this is a very abridged version of the story, but I want to state that I do not endorse messing with endangered wildlife for funsies. Please do not try to pet clouded leopards or other big cats, and don't go to places that advertise doing so as an activity.

And yes, I am the champion of two truths and a lie.

If you said yes to the first 3 please explain in the tags what animal it was and what was the damage

[local-hellhound-steals-spaghetti]

Okay, so I'm gonna contribute to the discourse as someone who did research at both Khao Khaew and the now demolished Dusit Zoo, both part of the Zoological Parks Association Under Royal Patronage (ZPA). And as someone familiar with the workings of AZA zoos as a contrast.

I will concede that on one hand, standards and practices leave a lot to be desired. Unfortunately part of it is connected to the same social norms that have allowed JJ Market to continue the exotic pet trade, animal cafes and roadside zoos to proliferate, and people to own trendy dog breeds that clearly don't belong in Bangkok. And it's what leads to a lot of stereotypic and distressed behaviors passed off as cute (including but not limited to Moo Deng); this is before the toxic element of social media is added to the mix.

There's also economics. Yes, Thailand is technically an industrialized country, but in the same way that Indonesia and Vietnam are (contrast with Singapore, which is proportionately ahead of most Western countries). It's important to see what's between those gleaming skyscrapers. And that is a contributing factor to a lot of resource shortfalls for the zoos themselves; that's not getting into COVID and the ripple effect of closing Dusit Zoo without an alternative in place.

In that regard, the damning thing is that the standards of ZPA zoos are actually leaps and bounds ahead of not just the country but the region (minus Singapore; I would argue that it's actually unproductive to bring its zoo up as a comparison). Like look at Pata and the now defunct Tiger Temple; places that Westerners reveled in as late as the 00s. At least in ZPA case, they have also done essential conservation work; especially for clouded leopards, hornbills, and sun bears.

That doesn't make it any less WTF when I see a lot of clout-chasing vids that

Still part of me can't help but get defensive at the manner of fixation from a primarily western crowd. Both from those who use Western/Industrialized zoos as a way to contrast, as well as the PETA-types.

I do *not* think you yourself are being racist. If anything it's paternalistic to assume that a zoo in Thailand can't be held to higher standards. *However*, I have found a very patronizing mentality among many other western critics that does veer into racism frequently. You are already familiar with the way anti-zoo folks will take something out of context to fit their agenda; now force that through an othering lens.

At the same time, I will concede Thais are glossing over issues and practices when they rush to defend KKZ. Considering the context of how they are approached, I empathize with why they are defensive. But many do downplay and refuse to tackle the aforementioned social norm in how animal husbandry is viewed by wider populace.

TLDR: KKZ and the other ZPA branches have a ton of issues, a lot of those issues are socially systemic, and there should be pressure to reform. At the same time, it shouldn't get canceled, especially considering the important bts work it does and especially the immediate alternatives. And that pressure to reform should be accompanied by resources.

Hey there I really appreciate you sharing your research into the facilities! My intention of the posts has never been to "cancel" the zoo or to dictate their protocols. I don't believe in any sort of western dictation to other countries.

Honestly, I completely understand the defensiveness towards criticism of the handling of Moo Deng - she's an icon, she's brought in millions of dollars into the Thailand economy and the zoo's profits. Tourists are travelling all around the world to see her!

Although it has gotten to the point where their defensiveness is veering into delusion, with people insisting that pygmy hippos love it when you smack them and chase them around so it's fine actually... but I digress...

And I'm sure that the keeper thinks what he's doing is completely fine and not an issue. And if it generates clicks and views, that's good for the zoo, right? So why would they see any point in changing their practises?

I guess my hope is that maybe they might use those millions of dollars to improve conditions for the animals and the staff, provide resources for collaboration with zoos like Singapore Zoo and give keepers more resources to review and improve current pracises.

But they won't do that if their current poor animal husbandry practises are reinforced with clout and feverant defense of the keepers (it's actually kind of amazing how loyal people are to this one keeper!)

So now they have money and potentially more resources from this whole thing - but they're probably not going to use it to change practises that got them that money in the first place.

Anyway, I agree with your points and you've summed it up well!

[sitting-on-me-bum]

Conservationists are working to reintroduce the Scottish wildcat but face a massive numerical deficit and challenge. Lessons can be learned from its near demise, such as not waiting to conserve species until its nearly too late, the Scottish Rewilding Alliance’s Richard Bunting says.

Image by Charlie Marshall via Flickr (CC BY 2.0).

Small cats face big threats: Reasons to save these elusive endangered species

Researcher Philip Muruthi believes the serval (Leptailurus serval) could be an ambassador for African grasslands. With the ability to jump up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in the air, it helps control small mammal populations in its habitat. “Serval cat ecotourism is another possibility,” Muruthi says. “They can be hard to spot, but when you see one in the wild, you never forget it."

Image courtesy of Nancy Lewis/African Wildlife Foundation.

Like their big cat cousins, small cat species can have strong cultural ties to human communities. Anthony Gerardo Pino Charaja of the Andean Cat Alliance explains that in countries like Peru, the Andean cat was long closely linked spiritually to the protection of livestock such as alpacas and llamas and was also designated as a deity of water.

Image courtesy of Andean Cat Alliance.

Clouded leopards prey upon a range of species including wild pigs and ungulates, helping control forest populations.

Image by Charlie Marshall via Flickr (CC BY 2.0).

[tigerleopardlion]

While remote cameras often capture images of wildlife, it's funny to see wildlife capture a remote camera.

This curious lion in South Africa knows the importance of remote cameras and how they are vital for conservation efforts. With thousands set up around the world, these cameras help us conduct long-term studies on species like clouded leopards in Malaysia, tigers in Thailand, jaguars in Costa Rica and lions across Senegal.

Want to know about our carnivore studies in Senegal? Learn about Dr. Paolo Strampelli's efforts to cover Niokola-Koba National Park with remote cameras, in collaboration with Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management.

Southern Lion | Panthera

[renstriderthedragonrider]

Light Fury Lore

Just like my Night Fury lore post, this is my version of the Light Furies. They were too much of a stereotypical feminized ripoff of the Night Fury in the third movie so I've decided to flesh them out a bit more. I love the idea that they descended from Night Furies who adapted to super cold climates. They're basically the polar bears to the Night Fury's brown bears with some inspiration from porpoises. Let me know what you guys think!

~ ~ ~

AKA Snow Furies, Polar Furies, Tundra Furies, Arctic Furies

-Subspecies of the Night Fury that adapted to survive longterm in arctic climates. Instead of the night sky, they blend in with snow, ice, and clouds. Their scales reflect light, allowing them to become invisible against a white landscape. 

-Tidal/Strike Class hybrid

Semi-aquatic

Fin-like wings and tail to aid in swimming

Scales are smooth to allow for streamlined movement through both air and water, very hydrodynamic

Layer of blubber retains warmth in icy cold weather and water

Smaller and fewer ear nubs to conserve body heat (like polar bears and snow leopards)

Can close their nostrils while swimming (like seals and sea lions)

Rounder teeth in comparison to the Night Furies’ pointed fangs (think porpoise vs dolphin)

Head shaped like a porpoise, though males' heads tend to be wider and flatter

Webbed claws aid in walking on ice and swimming

Echolocation is used to hunt underwater

Predominantly white scales with pale gray, blue, pink, and/or purple markings; darker markings are unusual but not impossible

Males tend to have more vibrant and complex markings to attract mates

Uniquely reflective scales mimic the glinting of snow in the sun

Smaller and slimmer than Night Furies

Diet of fish, orcas, sharks, seals, polar bears, and reindeer

Follow migratory patterns similar to snowy owls

Diurnal rather than nocturnal

[ruggiethethuggie]

I used to want to be a veterinarian really bad, but it’s a lot of school and I’m impatient 😂 so I actually work as a surgical technician for a spay/neuter clinic now. But before that I was vet teching in general practice and working animal rescue (:

my personal opinions on ruggie’s cards that no one asked for

I am doing the English server since this is what I play on, but I will do the other cards as they come out on English server :)

Anyway.

Ruggie’s School Uniform : 6/10

I feel like if he was doing a different pose I would like it better xD

Ruggie’s PE Uniform : 8.5/10

I actually think he looks really adorable. But ngl, he looks like he is in prison because of the colors

Ruggie’s Gala Couture : 5.5/10

DON’T HATE ME. I know everyone thinks he is so adorable in this card, but I hate his outfit. I’m giving it as high as I can since his eyes look sweet and he has a flower crown

Ruggie’s Lab Wear : 10/10

the art is beautiful, he is beautiful. i waited so long to get this card, it was my last one for him. laundry sauce

Ruggie’s Ceremonial Robes : 7.5/10

Again, art is beautiful. And let us all appreciate how lean he is. I assume it is from all the running around Leona makes him do. I just wish they let his little ears out the hood

Ruggie’s Dorm Uniform : 9/10

Beautiful art. But only docking a point because the un-groovified card art is lacking in comparison to how adorable he is in the groovified

Birthday Boy Ruggie : 11/10

11/10 because this is the card that just solidified him as my favorite and I am okay with that.

The basic card art- Amazing, capturing his mischievous nature.

The groovy art- exquisite, I too love donuts Ruggie and will always share with you

*~* In conclusion, I am biased- I am sorry not sorry.

[asleepdeprivedbugnerd]

Daily wildcat (3)

Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

Name of animal: Clouded Leopard, also known as the Mainland Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Location: Nepal, Bangladesh, and Assam (eastern India) through Indochina to Sumatra and Borneo, and northeastward to southern China and formerly Taiwan

Lifespan: In the wild: 11 years; In captivity: up to 17 years

Size: 26 to 41 inches in length

Fun Fact: Clouded leopards have a hyoid bone so they can purr like small cats, but they cannot roar like other large cats!

[a-dinosaur-a-day]

Ohh I didn’t mean to imply There wasn’t too many mammals compared to reptiles/birds , I just thought pure species numbers wasn’t the best comparison

Also I sort of just see a bias to larger species almost inevitable?? Not good definitely, just almost inevitable. And when you control for that I don’t think theirs really that many artiodactylids vs other large mammals ( this isn’t directed at you, as much as others complaining about the pack)

Clouded leopards are basal to the big-cat group and snow leopards are I want to say closer related to tigers, Amur leopard is actually a leopard, as in a subspecies of leopard, which are closer to lions?, and finished of Panthera. Amur leopard made a name for itself as “ the worlds rarest cat” so it made sense for the conservation pack, its also fairly common in north American zoos I think? The zoo in the closest city to me has one. Still too many cats, just wanted to explain what I thought There thinking was on the leopards.

I mean, the thing with Planet Zoo is that they finally got around zoo-game large animal bias with the exhibit animals, and yet they still show biases in what animals they choose for that

And I guess re: all those cats, but its just excessive. Like obviously every individual animal can have a good reason for its inclusion, but the number of ferungulatans has gotten out of control

[animal-families-tournaments]

Felidae tournament, round 4: about a day left to vote before the finals!

Vote here :

Bobcat vs Colocolo

Leopard vs Mainland Clouded Leopard vs Snow Leopard

Some information and more pictures of the candidates under the cut:

Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Conservation status: Least Concern

Range: North America

Colocolo (Leopardus colocola)

Conservation status: Near Threatened

Range: South America

Leopard (Panthera pardus)

Conservation status: Vulnerable (on the whole, some subspecies are endangered or critically endangered)

Range: Africa and Asia

Mainland Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Range: Asia

Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Range: Asia

[nyastyaraspurrtina]

TRAIL CAMERA CAPTURING FOOTAGE OF A MOTHER CLOUDED LEOPARD AND HER CUBS ITS AMAZING AND I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS ARTICLE https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/borneo-clouded-leopard-mother-and-cubs-conservation/

[chocolatedetectivehottub]

Jungle Safari tours,

Jungle Safari tours,

For adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, few experiences compare to the thrill of a jungle safari. Whether you dream of spotting elusive tigers in India, observing herds of elephants in Africa, or marveling at the exotic biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, jungle safari tours offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature.

What is a Jungle Safari?

A jungle safari is a guided expedition through wildlife reserves, forests, or national parks. It allows travelers to explore rich ecosystems, observe animals in their natural habitats, and immerse themselves in the beauty of untamed wilderness. These tours can include jeep rides, walking safaris, or even boat rides depending on the location.

Top Destinations for Jungle Safaris

1. India: The Land of the Royal Bengal Tiger

Highlights: Ranthambore National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park

Best Time to Visit: October to June

Experience: India’s jungles are teeming with biodiversity, offering sightings of tigers, leopards, elephants, and various bird species.

2. Africa: The Iconic Savannahs

Highlights: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), Kruger National Park (South Africa), Masai Mara (Kenya)

Best Time to Visit: June to October (for the Great Migration in East Africa)

Experience: Witness lions, giraffes, zebras, and more on open savannahs. Africa’s safaris are famous for providing close encounters with the "Big Five."

3. Amazon Rainforest: The Lungs of the Earth

Highlights: Peru, Brazil, Ecuador

Best Time to Visit: May to November

Experience: Explore dense rainforests teeming with exotic species such as jaguars, macaws, pink river dolphins, and anacondas.

4. Southeast Asia: Mystical Forests

Highlights: Borneo (Malaysia/Indonesia), Chitwan National Park (Nepal), Taman Negara (Malaysia)

Best Time to Visit: Varies by region

Experience: Encounter orangutans, clouded leopards, and pygmy elephants in lush, tropical jungles.

Types of Jungle Safari Tours

Jeep Safaris: Perfect for covering large areas quickly. These provide a safe and comfortable way to explore the wild.

Walking Safaris: Ideal for adventurers seeking a closer connection to nature. These tours are guided by experienced rangers.

Boat Safaris: Great for exploring rivers and wetlands, offering unique perspectives on aquatic wildlife.

Night Safaris: Experience the nocturnal world and catch a glimpse of animals that are active after sunset.

Tips for a Successful Jungle Safari

Choose the Right Season: Wildlife sightings vary by season, so plan accordingly.

Pack Smart: Carry essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and appropriate clothing.

Follow Guidelines: Respect local rules and maintain a safe distance from animals.

Hire a Guide: Experienced guides enhance the safari experience with their knowledge of the terrain and wildlife.

Why Go on a Jungle Safari?

Reconnect with Nature: Escape the chaos of daily life and immerse yourself in serene wilderness.

Educational Value: Learn about ecosystems, conservation, and wildlife behaviors.

Photography Opportunities: Capture breathtaking moments and scenery.

Adventure and Thrill: The unpredictable nature of wildlife sightings makes every safari exciting.

Conclusion

Jungle safari tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness the raw beauty of the natural world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer, these experiences provide memories to cherish for a lifetime. So pack your bags, embrace your adventurous spirit, and let the jungle call you to its depths.

4o

[dhruv88tourism]

Adventure Travel: Top Destinations for Thrill Seekers

Adventure Travel: Top Destinations for Thrill Seekers

Adventure travel is an exhilarating way to explore the world beyond traditional sightseeing, offering unique experiences for thrill-seekers. From hiking through remote mountain ranges to diving into the deep blue of the ocean, adventure travel provides adrenaline-pumping activities that challenge the body and invigorate the spirit. Here are some of the top destinations for those looking for the ultimate thrill.

1. New Zealand: The Adventure Capital of the World

New Zealand has earned its reputation as the "adventure capital of the world," and for good reason. The country’s stunning landscapes, ranging from volcanic mountains to pristine lakes, provide a natural playground for adrenaline junkies. Queenstown, in particular, is a hotbed of adventure activities, including bungee jumping, skydiving, white-water rafting, and jet boating. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers a challenging hike with breathtaking views of volcanic craters and turquoise lakes. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced adventurer, New Zealand’s diverse terrain guarantees an unforgettable experience.

2. Costa Rica: A Central American Paradise

Costa Rica is a haven for adventure enthusiasts with its lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and pristine coastlines. It’s one of the best places in the world for zip-lining, especially in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you soar over the canopy for an exhilarating experience. Surfing is also popular along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, where the waves are perfect for both beginners and advanced surfers. For a truly heart-pounding experience, white-water rafting in the Sarapiquí or Pacuare Rivers offers adrenaline-filled rapids set against some of the most stunning natural backdrops. Costa Rica’s biodiversity and focus on conservation make it a must-visit for eco-adventurers.

3. Patagonia: The Ultimate Outdoor Playground

Located in the southernmost regions of Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is an untouched paradise for hikers, climbers, and outdoor lovers. The region’s dramatic landscapes are filled with glaciers, towering peaks, and sweeping valleys, making it a top destination for trekking. Torres del Paine National Park in Chile offers some of the best hiking in the world, with trails that take you past stunning granite towers, turquoise lakes, and wild, rugged terrain. Whether you’re tackling the famous W Trek or attempting to summit Mount Fitz Roy in Argentina, Patagonia offers some of the most breathtaking adventures on Earth.

4. Nepal: The Gateway to the Himalayas

For thrill seekers with a love for mountain climbing and high-altitude trekking, Nepal is a dream destination. Home to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, Nepal is the perfect base for an epic adventure. The Everest Base Camp trek is a challenging but accessible option for those who want to experience the majesty of the Himalayas without summiting Everest itself. For more experienced climbers, there are opportunities to attempt peaks like Annapurna and Lhotse. Beyond trekking, Nepal offers thrilling white-water rafting, jungle safaris in Chitwan National Park, and paragliding over the stunning Pokhara valley.

5. South Africa: Safaris and Extreme Sports

South Africa is a land of contrasts, combining extreme sports with iconic wildlife experiences. Cape Town is a hotspot for adventure travel, offering rock climbing up Table Mountain, cage diving with sharks, and paragliding off Signal Hill. The country’s diverse ecosystems also provide opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to embark on safaris in Kruger National Park or the Eastern Cape, where you can encounter the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, bungee jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge, one of the world’s highest bungee jumps, offers an unforgettable experience.

6. Iceland: Nature’s Playground

Iceland is a land of fire and ice, with its volcanic landscapes, glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls making it a dream destination for adventure seekers. The island is home to some of the most unique outdoor activities, such as ice climbing on glaciers, snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure between tectonic plates, and exploring lava caves. For a truly otherworldly experience, take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa surrounded by volcanic rocks, or trek across black sand beaches and frozen landscapes. Iceland’s dramatic scenery and adventurous spirit make it a top pick for thrill-seekers.

Conclusion

For those seeking adventure, these destinations offer experiences that are as diverse as they are thrilling. Whether you're conquering mountain peaks, diving into the deep blue, or navigating wild rivers, these locations provide the perfect combination of challenge and excitement. Adventure travel not only pushes you to your limits but also opens doors to unforgettable memories in some of the most stunning environments on the planet. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer, these destinations promise an adrenaline-filled journey that you won’t soon forget.

[ebelal56-blog]

I Discovered the Secret to Lawachara National Park's Biodiversity!

Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about lush green forests, vibrant wildlife, and the soothing sounds of nature? Well, let me take you on a little journey to one of the hidden gems of Bangladesh: Lawachara National Park. Nestled in the northeastern region of the country, this park is not just a place; it’s an experience that connects you with nature in a way that few other places can. Picture this: you step into the park, and immediately, the air changes. It’s fresher, filled with the earthy scent of damp soil and rich foliage. The towering trees, some over a hundred years old, create a living cathedral above you, filtering sunlight into a soft, dappled glow. It’s like stepping into a painting, where every brushstroke is a different shade of green, and every corner holds a secret waiting to be discovered. Now, you might be wondering, what makes Lawachara National Park so special? Well, it’s not just the breathtaking scenery. This park is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. More than 450 species of plants thrive here, including the majestic rubber tree and the rare and endangered trees that are vital to the ecosystem. And if you’re a bird lover, you’re in for a treat! Over 200 species of birds have been recorded in this park, including the stunningly beautiful Malabar pied hornbill and the elusive black-capped kingfisher. Imagine standing there, binoculars in hand, as a flash of color darts past you. It’s a moment that can make your heart skip a beat. But it’s not just the birds that will catch your eye. The park is also home to some fascinating mammals. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might just spot a shy hoolock gibbon swinging through the trees or a playful macaque family frolicking in the branches above. And let’s not forget the endangered species like the clouded leopard, which calls this forest home. It’s a reminder of how precious and fragile our natural world is, and why we must protect these incredible habitats. Speaking of protection, Lawachara National Park is more than just a pretty face. It plays a crucial role in conserving the biodiversity of the region. The park acts as a vital watershed, helping to maintain the water supply for the surrounding areas. It also serves as a carbon sink, playing a part in the fight against climate change. When you walk through those forest trails, you’re not just enjoying a beautiful day out; you’re participating in the preservation of our planet.