#siwaliks

[dynamoterror1011]

So, I just found out that late Pleistocene India had a now-extinct species of Reduncine antelope (specifically a close relative of the Kob and Puku), and I’m flabbergasted that I haven’t seen any mention of it before. Sivacobus sankaliai was the last of a lineage of Asian Kobus-like antelope, apparently the only Reduncines outside of Africa, and its fossils are specifically from a fairly rich fossil site in Gujarat that was likely an inter-dune desert wetland very near to the coast. I’ve made a rough sketch of S. sankaliai based on a picture of the known skull material and photos of living Kob antelope. https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-vertebrate-paleontology/volume-35/issue-4/02724634.2014.943399/First-Asian-Record-of-a-Late-Pleistocene-Reduncine-Artiodactyla-Bovidae/10.1080/02724634.2014.943399.short

https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-vertebrate-paleontology/volume-35/issue-4/02724634.2014.943399/First-Asian-Record-of-a-Late-Pleistocene-Reduncine-Artiodactyla-Bovidae/10.1080/02724634.2014.943399.short

[travelwithsunjae]

History And Origin of Nepal: A journey through time

Lying right in the middle of the Himalayas between India and China, Nepal is a country that is full of a whole of history. The story it tells is of myths, legends, dynasties, and influences that flowed on the waves of both the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan plateau. The origin of Nepal seems to be completely intertwined with geographical elements, religion, and cultural heritage. In this blog, one is introduced to the historical journey of Nepal and formation of Himalayas, from its root to the formation of a modern nation.

Mythological Beginnings: Legends of Nepal's Formation

The history of Nepal opens with mythological accounts about the origin. Ancient legends say that Kathmandu Valley was once a huge lake, inclusive of what today is considered the cultural and historical heart of Nepal. According to this, a Buddhist saint called Manjushree, coming from China, saw a lotus flower falling in the middle of the lake and wanted to reach it. At Chobar, he cut a gorge with his sword thereby allowing it to drain the water so that the valley could be habitable. Thus, the fertile land of the Kathmandu Valley came into being. This mythical event is symbolic of the birth of Nepal. Another popular legend describes how the god Vishnu, in the avatar of a boar, or Varaha, raised Nepal out of the waters. These myths said much not only about how the people of Ancient Nepal viewed their land but also revealed the deep religious meaning always permeating Nepalese culture.

Unification of Nepal: The Rise of the Shah Dynasty

Nepal’s political landscape changed dramatically in the 18th century with the rise of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the ruler of the small principality of Gorkha. He embarked on a campaign to unify the various fragmented kingdoms and principalities of the region. After several attempts, Prithvi Narayan Shah successfully conquered the Kathmandu Valley in 1768, marking the beginning of the Shah dynasty and the creation of modern Nepal. Prithvi Narayan Shah's unification campaign laid the foundation for a strong, centralised kingdom. He strategically kept Nepal independent from both the expanding British Empire in India and the Qing Dynasty in China by maintaining a policy of isolation and diplomacy.

The Collision of India and Eurasia: Birth of the Himalayas

Nepal is home to Himalayas: the home to world's highest peaks, including Mt. Everest.The story of the Himalayas really started when the Indian subcontinent, shortly after it broke away from Gondwana around 100 million years ago, began its drift northward. There laid between the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate at that time the Tethys Ocean. In this process, the Indian plate was submerged underneath the Eurasian plate, and it is both slow and powerful. These movements created strong geological forces which pushed up the sedimentary rocks of the Tethys Ocean, hence creating the Himalayan mountain range. The impact of the collision caused the Earth's crust to fold, that formed the towering peaks of the Himalayas. The immense pressure created large thrust faults, which caused the land to rise vertically. Over time, these processes built some of the highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest (8,848 meters) and Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters), both of which are located in the Nepalese Himalayas.

Geological Zones of the Nepal Himalayas

The Nepalese Himalayas were divided into a number of distinct geological zones, which reflect their complex history of formation. These include the following:

Terai Plains: This is a flat, fertile region situated on the southernmost part of Nepal, marking the northern edge of the Indo-Gangetic plains. They actually were formed by sediments deposited by the rivers flowing down from the Himalayas.

Siwalik Hills: Lying just north of the Terai, Siwalik Hills are the youngest part of the Himalayas that were uplifted about 10 to 20 million years ago. It is a folded and faulted rock area which has been uplifted relatively recently.

3.The Mahabharat Range: This range lies north of Siwalik, much older, loftier, and with steeply descending slopes enclosing profound valleys. Metamorphic and sedimentary rocks common in this region bear the telltale presence of the gradual uplift that has occurred here over millions of years.

4.Lesser Himalayas: This zone lies north of the Mahabharat Range and consists of a series of hills and ridges that rise up to about 4,000 meters. The Lesser Himalayas are made up of older rocks, mainly sedimentary and metamorphic uplifted during the early phase of collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.

5.Greater Himalayas: Higher or Greater Himalayas forms the central backbone of this mountain and contains all the highest peaks including Mt. Everest and Kangchenjunga. Ancient metamorphic rocks, mainly schist and gneiss, are dominant in this zone, which has undergone extreme heat and pressure for millions of years.

6.Tibetan Plateau: The Tibetan Plateau forms the northern boundary of the Greater Himalayas, and is rightly called the "Roof of the World." This high-altitude plateau, in turn, had been raised as the Indian plate moved northward and was thrust underneath the Eurasian plate.

Thus, the history of Nepal represents a tapestries history with myths, conquests, cultural achievements, and political upheavals. Starting from the mythological beginnings down to its present-day status as a republic.The history of the Himalayas in Nepal is a long geology that has taken millions of years to unfold. From the first collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates to the towering peaks that now define the region, the Himalayas remain a living testimony to the dynamic forces shaping our planet. That spectacle of beauty and grandeur, yet at the same time a grim reminder of the immense power of nature and the precarious balance between the geological processes of Earth and the fragile ecosystems which find life in their shadow. Nepal's journey through history has taken a path no less dramatic than the landscape it inhabits. As the nation continues to grow, its past shapes its future, guided by the aspirations of the people that populate it.

[verecunda]

Four types of horse were identified [at Newstead/Trimontium], modern Exmoor and Shetland type forest ponies, Arab-like ponies possibly imported from Spain or North Africa, 'Siwalik' horses comparable to modern racehorses, and cross breeds. [....] Zooarchaeological research indicates that that Romans supplemented local supply with foreign imports and sought to improve local stock-breeding. [Footnote: There is a long established tradition of quality racehorses bred on the Tweed. Medieval documents indicate origins before 1200 AD [...] The presence of racehorses at Newstead prompts speculation as to the age of this tradition. Did the Selgovae (hunters) specialize in horse breeding for the chase and provide a potential source of recruitment for the Roman cavalry or did the Romans import racehorses to Newstead? [...] It has been estimated that the Roman army in Scotland required a minimum of five hundred and twenty mounts each year in the late first century AD.] - Roman and Native in the Central Scottish Borders - Allan Wilson

I just had Sword at Sunset flashbacks reading this. 😂 HORSES. HORSES EVERYWHERE.

[cmp-geo-world]

Himalayas: Physical Features-2

The Himalayan ranges can be grouped into four parallel longitudinal mountain belts of varying width, each having distinct physiographic features and its own geologic history. They are designated, from south to north, as the Outer, or Sub-, Himalayas (also called the Siwalik Range); the Lesser, or Lower, Himalayas; the Great Himalaya Range (Great Himalayas); and the Tethys, or Tibetan, Himalayas.…

[adventurelandnepal]

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan literally means “heart of the jungle”. The popular Inner Terai valley gets its name from Chitrasen, the Tharu King, who once ruled here. In the southwest corner of Bagmati Province, Chitwan lies between foothills of the Himalaya, the Mahabharat and Siwalik ranges. The region called Chitra Ban in earlier references used to be dense forest abounding in wild animals and resorted by recluse…

[thesanamposts]

Sankari Uttarakhand- A Complex Geological Trekking Destination

Sankari Uttarakhand

Sankari Mountain Peak is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is part of the Bandarpunch mountain range and has an elevation of 6,398 meters. Sankari Mountain is considered a challenging peak for mountaineers and a Complex Geological field. It is located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, which is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including musk deer, snow leopards, and Himalayan black bears. The Sankari Mountain region is also a popular trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts. The trek to the summit of the peak involves traversing through high-altitude meadows, crossing streams, and navigating steep ascents and descents. The trek also provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Sankari Uttarakhand Geology

Sankari is a part of the Greater Himalayan Range. The geology of this region is dominated by the presence of several geological structures, including the Main Central Thrust (MCT), the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS), and the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT). The area around Sankari is primarily composed of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, which were formed due to the collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The sedimentary rocks include shale, sandstone, and limestone, while the metamorphic rocks include gneiss and schist. The Main Central Thrust (MCT) is an important geological structure in this region, which separates the Higher Himalayan Crystalline rocks from the Lesser Himalayan Sedimentary Sequence.

The South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS) is another important geological structure in the region, which separates the Indian Plate from the Tibetan Plateau. The Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) is a major geological structure in the region, which separates the Lesser Himalayan Sedimentary Sequence from the Siwalik Group. The MBT zone is characterized by intense thrusting and folding, which has led to the formation of several ridges and valleys in the region.

Sankari Uttarakhand weather

The weather in Sankari, Uttarakhand can vary depending on the time of year. Sankari is located in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, so it experiences a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. Summer months (April to June) are the best time to visit Sankari, as the weather is mild and the skies are clear. The daytime temperatures during this time range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, while the nighttime temperatures can drop to 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. The winter months (December to February) in Sankari are cold, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius. during the day, and dropping to sub-zero temperatures at night. The region receives snowfall during this time, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Also read- Joshimath Uttarakhand-A Sacred Place in Nanda devi valley

Har Ki Dun valley

Har Ki Dun is a scenic valley located in the Uttarkashi district, at an elevation of approximately 3,566 meters above sea level. The valley is situated in the western Garhwal Himalayas and is surrounded by towering peaks, including Swargarohini and Bandarpunch. The valley is also home to the Har Ki Dun river, which originates from the Jaundhar glacier and flows through the valley. Har Ki Dun valley is known for its natural beauty, with lush green meadows, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks. The valley is also home to several high-altitude villages, including Osla, Taluka, and Gangad.

The valley is a popular trekking destination and attracts thousands of trekkers and nature enthusiasts every year. The trek to Har Ki Dun is a moderate trek, which takes around 6-7 days to complete. The trek passes through several scenic locations, including Sankri, Taluka, Osla, and Kalkatiyadhar. Along the way, trekkers can also witness several waterfalls, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

Kedarkantha

Kedarkantha is a mountain peak located in the Uttarkashi district at an elevation of approximately 3,810 meters above sea level. The peak is situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and is surrounded by several other mountain peaks, including Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and Black Peak. Kedarkantha is a popular trekking destination and attracts thousands of trekkers and nature enthusiasts every year. The trek to Kedarkantha is a moderate trek, which takes around 4-5 days to complete. The trek passes through several scenic locations, including Sankri, Juda Ka Talab, and Kedarkantha base camp. Along the way, trekkers can witness several waterfalls, streams, and dense forests of pine and oak trees.

Things to do around Sankri

Sankri is a popular destination in Uttarakhand, India, located in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is known for its scenic beauty, trekking routes, and cultural heritage. The best thing to do around Sankri is Trekking.  It is the base camp for many treks in the region, including the Kedarkantha trek, Har Ki Dun trek, and the Bali Pass trek. These treks offer stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys of the Garhwal Himalayas. Sankri is a beautiful and peaceful village located amidst the mountains. It is known for its traditional architecture, temples, and friendly locals.

The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Sankri and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and snow leopards. The Juda Ka Talab is a scenic lake is located about 5 kilometers from Sankri and is a popular spot for picnics and photography. Sankri is known for its colorful and vibrant festivals, including the Phool Dei festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring, and the Bikhauti Mela, which is held to honor the goddess Ganga. Himalayan Trout House is an eco-friendly farm located in Sankri and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices and try local cuisine. Sankri is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and rivers. It's a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Delhi to Sankari Uttarakhand

Sankari is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, and is approximately 442 kilometers from Delhi. The nearest airport to Sankari is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 208 kilometers away. You can take a flight from Delhi to Dehradun and then hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sankari. The nearest railway station to Sankari is the Dehradun railway station, which is around 195 kilometers away.

[kuhuchan]

H e l p

Sivapithecus (lit. 'Shiva's Ape') (syn: Ramapithecus) is a genus of extinct apes. Fossil remains of animals now assigned to this genus, dated from 12.2 million years old[1] in the Miocene, have been found since the 19th century in the Siwalik Hills of the Indian subcontinent as well as in Kutch. Any one of the species in this genus may have been the ancestor to the modern orangutans.

The first incomplete specimens of Sivapithecus were found in northern India in the late 19th century. Another find was made in Nepal on the bank of the Tinau River situated in Palpa District; a western part of the country in 1932. This find was named "Ramapithecus". The discoverer, G. Edward Lewis, claimed that it was distinct from Sivapithecus, as the jaw was more like a human's than any other fossil ape then known,[2] a claim revived in the 1960s. At that time, it was believed that the ancestors of humans had diverged from other apes 14 million years ago. Biochemical studies upset this view, suggesting that there was an early split between orangutan ancestors and the common ancestors of chimpanzees, gorillas and humans. Meanwhile, more complete specimens of Ramapithecus were found in 1975 and 1976, which showed that it was less human-like than had been thought. It began to look more and more like Sivapithecus, meaning that the older name must take priority. It is also possible that fossils assigned to Ramapithecus belonged to the female form of Sivapithecus.[3] They were definitely members of the same genus. It is also likely that they were already separate from the common ancestor of chimps, gorillas and humans, which may be represented by the prehistoric great ape Nakalipithecus nakayamai. Siwalik specimens once assigned to the genus Ramapithecus are now considered by most researchers to belong to one or more species of Sivapithecus. Ramapithecus is no longer regarded as a likely ancestor of humans. In 1982, David Pilbeam published a description of a significant fossil find, formed by a large part of the face and jaw of a Sivapithecus. The specimen bore many similarities to the orangutan skull and strengthened the theory (previously suggested by others) that Sivapithecus was closely related to orangutans. In 2011, a 10.8 million-year old (Neogene period) upper jawbone of Sivapithecus was found in Kutch district of Gujarat, India. The find also extended Sivapithecus' southern range in Indian subcontinent significantly. The species can not be identified.

i found your ancestor in my zoology module-

help no way why have I never seen this in bio-

@shanti-ashant-hai @musaafir-hun-yaaron @yehsahihai @sum-filius-noctys @kuhuchan

[impapu]

How the concrete gravity dam of Govind Sagar reservoir facilates many habitations in North India through the Satluj river... Really incredible! 2nd time at Bhakra-Nangal dam #bhakranangal #bhakranangaldam #himachalpradesh #bilaspur #concretegravitydam #govindsagar #satluj #satlujriver #westernhimalayas #himalayas #thegreathimalayas #siwalik #incredibleindia🇮🇳 #travel #instaphoto #instatraveling #instagram #places #placestovisit #nokia #nokia5 #maayaexplorer (at Bhakra Dam, Himachal Pradesh, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxp5kk5hpAd/?igshid=16p6qizbb1h3p

[yashtourblog]

Amazing places to visit near Udaipur

Have you ever wondered of the beautiful natural places that you can see from Udaipur? If your answer is yes, then we will have a beautiful list of amazing and marvelous places to visit in and around Udaipur. These are some of the beautifully depicted natural places which would give you unforgettable moments and a feeling of pride during your trip with family. Yash Tours is leading Taxi Services in Udaipur.

Udaipur is the beautiful historical city of Rajasthan in India. It has been devoted to the royal Maharanas for years, there are lots of things that make this city famous like a lake, palace, and gardens are a major attraction. This city is also popularly known by its nickname: The City of Lakes. Even a large number of tourists come to visit Udaipur every year. Get the best Udaipur Taxi Service from Yash Tours.

Kumbhalgarh

Kumbhalgarh Fort (the Great Wall of India) is one of the very few forts in India with a complete wall. The wall surrounding the fort is nearly 21 km long, 20 meters high, and 10 meters wide. This fort is known for its historical importance - because of its massive size and attractive location. This monument has been highlighted as one of the most magnificent forts. Get top Taxi Service in Udaipur from Yash Tours.

Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Fort, the dominant feature of Chittor, is an iconic citadel that rises majestically above the surrounding rocky ridges. It is an impressive feat of early medieval military architecture in Mewar, Rajasthan. The fort stands high on an outcrop that divides the flat plains of Mewar from the rolling hills of Marwar. Many tourists come to visit the historical city of Chittorgarh in India. The city is located on the southern edge of a plateau in northwestern India and 113 km southeast of Udaipur. It is part of the Siwalik Range. Its proximity to Mewar makes it an important trade center, as well as a tourist attraction.

Mount Abu

Mount Abu, located in the Rajasthan province of India is probably less famous as a travel destination than it should be. But like so many other places in India, it is blessed with stunningly beautiful landscapes and architecture. It is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, one of those magical places you know you will remember forever. Mount Abu is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India which we Indians love to visit at least once incomplete lifetime especially during the summer season.

Eklingji Temple

Eklingji Temple is a unique temple that makes Udaipur, Rajasthan, together with its extraordinary glory, charm, and magnificence more striking. It is a fine example of the architectural mastery of the Mewar Kingdom of bygone days which was based on practicality, utility, and aesthetic values. Yash Tours provides a leading Taxi Service in Udaipur.

Nathdwara Temple

Nathdwara Temple is situated in the holy city of Rajasthan, Udaipur district. It was built by Maharaja Krishna Devaraya who made important improvements and additions to it. The place is a tourist attraction among the Hindu devotees in India. Temple in Nathdwara can be called an exquisite example of Indian temple architecture.

[kunalbansalchandigarh-blog]

Kunal Bansal Chandigarh 10 Best Places to Visit in India

Kunal Bansal Chandigarh presents a list of best places to visit in Chandigarh. India is a gigantic and various goal. Flanked by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar, also the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, implies that there are a wide range of sides to the nation. In excess of 20 official dialects, numerous religions and an assortment of foods exist inside India's outskirts. To really encounter the broadness of Indian culture and history, travel is critical. Make a beeline for the same number of these best places to visit in Indias as your agenda permits.

Mysore

In the southern tip of India, you'll discover the city of Mysore. Kunal Bansal Chandigarh feels that it is one of the best places to visit. When the capital of the Wodeyar tradition, Mysore is best known for lodging the sublime Mysore Palace. The royal residence is the embodiment of lavishness, and a visit through the structure will uncover upscale contacts like cut rosewood entryways, roofs enhanced in ivory and incalculable works of art on the dividers. In case you're in Mysore, you won't have any desire to miss the mind blowing Devaraja Market, an open air understanding on Dhanwanthri Road where you can get some chai tea and after that peruse slows down offering produce or sandalwood carvings.

Amritsar

In the northern region of Punjab is Amritsar, a sacred city and a central hub for the Sikh religion. The primary fascination in Amritsar is the Golden Temple, otherwise called the Harmandir Sahib. Kunal Bansal Chandigarh says constructed over 400 years back, this sanctuary genuinely is brilliant, and it is constantly pressed with Sikhs visiting from around India and whatever is left of the world. You can visit the Golden Temple paying little heed to religion, yet you should indicate regard by covering your head and expelling your shoes. Enter the sanctuary through the Ghanta Ghar, the primary passage, and respect the Amrit Sarovar, a pool encompassing the sanctuary where pioneers bathe.

Ladakh

In northernmost India, in the vigorously questioned Kashmir locale, is the sloping goal of Ladakh. According to Kunal Bansal Chandigarh, this area is extensive, however it has a low populace thickness and various migrant inhabitants. Amazing, perfect landscape is a noteworthy attract to the zone, yet essentially all voyagers will likewise invest energy in the town of Leh. The town is situated at a high height, and it is additionally home to the seventeenth century Palace of the King of Ladakh. Buddhist culture is likewise noticeable in Leh, and you may wish to investigate a portion of the numerous Buddhist cloisters and sanctuaries in the Old Town.

Chandigarh

Chandigarh, city and association domain of India. Situated around 165 miles (265 km) north of New Delhi, the domain is limited by the territory of Haryana on the east and by the province of Punjab on every single opposite side. There are a lot of places for shopping in Chandigarh as suggested by Kunal Bansal Chandigarh. It is arranged on the Indo-Gangetic Plain a short separation southwest of the Siwalik Range (Shiwalik Range), between two regular slope deluges, the Sukhna and Patiali streams. According to Kunal Bansal Chandigarh, the land is a level and fruitful tract of alluvial soils, and its provincial farmland delivers such yields as wheat, corn (maize), and rice. In the mid year months (April to June) temperatures may transcend 120 °F (around 50 °C), while in the winter months (November to February) temperatures may dunk into the mid-30s F (around 2 °C), with incessant rain showers. The storm season (July to September) is hot and damp.

[projectourworld]

“The launch of the first bird sanctuary in the country sends a message that local governments are equally committed to conserving biodiversity,” ornithologist Hem Sagar Baral told Mongabay. “This comes at a time when there are growing concerns that as conservation and protected areas fall under the ambit of the federal government, local governments would not take ownership of conservation efforts,” added Baral, who is also the Nepal country representative for the Zoological Society of London.

The Ghodaghodi complex, inscribed on the list of globally important wetlands under the Ramsar Convention, comprises a series of lakes, marshes and forest. It is situated on the lower slopes of Siwalik, the youngest hills in the Himalayan region. The complex provides a critical wildlife corridor between the southern plains and the Siwalik hills, and falls within the habitat of threatened species such as the Bengal tiger (Panther tigris), the red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga) and the Aerides odorata orchid. The religiously significant Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and rare wild rice (Hygrohiza aristata) have also been reported in the area

Nepal’s federal laws don’t have provisions for declaring an area a bird sanctuary, but the Sudurpashchim provincial government has prepared separate legislation to allow Ghodaghodi to be declared the first such site.

[sixlegnag]

Creature Feature #2: genus Sivatherium

Happy end of April, all. This month, we’ll touch upon some charismatic megafauna from the past.

[beautifully painted reconstruction (c) Jaime Chirinos]

A Genus of Gigantic Giraffes

Sivatherium. Maybe you’ve heard of them, maybe you haven’t, but if you saw any one of them, it would certainly check off all the boxes on the ‘classic Pleistocene megafauna’ criteria sheet. Massive? Yes. Ornate, and just otherworldly enough to raise the hairs on the back of your neck? Yes and yes.

The genus consists of three species: S. hendeyi, which only survived into the Pliocene and was found in South Africa, S. maurusium, which made it to the early Pleistocene and dwelled across a larger range in Africa, and the type species, S. giganteum, which hailed from the Himalayan foothills in India and survived up to the early Pleistocene as well.

A Unique Anatomical Bouquet

All three species were considerably more robust, and both shorter-necked and shorter-legged than the two modern giraffids. S. giganteum has been described as and indeed restored as moose-like in proportions, and its wide, flaring ossicones certainly encourage the admittedly outdated comparison. Unlike modern giraffids, which sport only modest anterior and posterior pairs of ossicones in both sexes, male sivatheres boast large, palmate or branching rear ossicones. Imagine the lovechild of and ox and an okapi wearing the ornaments of a deer, and you will have the gist of it. The gist of it does not do the genus justice, however. They were truly built like nothing which walks this earth today, a fact which has made determining their live weights difficult, an issue compounded by lack of fossil material to make inferences from. S. giganteum is known from cranial, cervical, and partial limb elements, while the other two are known from equally fragmentary remains. The three are told apart by geographic age and teeth.

Initially, it was believed S. giganteum could weigh as much as an elephant, but more recent estimates downsize it considerably. Conservative estimates place the weight at less than 1,900 kg, but a large bull would certainly have tipped the scales above that weight. Depending on the actual (but currently unknown) dimensions of the animal’s torso and true soft tissue bulk, it may have weighed more, but certainly not as much as any species of elephant. However, the minimum estimate still leaves S. giganteum as the most likely contender for history’s largest ruminant by weight. It loses the contest in height to other giraffids, but nevertheless, it stood over two meters high at the shoulder - no small animal. The world’s tallest horses hit the same numbers, but Sivatherium’s unique proportions leave it difficult to picture.

Mysterious Life Histories

As you might expect from their proportions, they were not dedicated browsers like either extant giraffid - they lack the long necks. Based on analysis of tooth wear, it appears that both African species were mixed feeders, whose diets were dictated by the seasons.S. giganteum looks to have been a grazer, like a modern rhinoceros.

Beyond that, little is known about the lives of sivatheres. Fossil deposits imply they lived in herds; S. hendeyi material has been recovered from sites that are consistent with mass death from sudden flooding. Restorations have included various soft-tissue add-ons in the form of small trunks, dewlaps, and long tongues, but evidence for any of these is lacking. Climate change likely signaled the curtain call for all three species. As sub-Saharan Africa dried and the grasslands expanded, the African sivatheres failed to adjust to the loss of leafy vegetation from their diet. While S. giganteum evolved to handle a high grass diet, it is likely that environmental changes relating to the tectonic upheaval throughout its range did away with it, too.

References

Basu C, Falkingham P L, Hutchinson J R. 2006. The extinct, giant giraffid Sivatherium giganteum: skeletal reconstruction and body mass estimation. Biol. lett. 12(1): np.

Churcher C S. 1974. Sivatherium maurusium (Pomel) from the Swartkrans austalopithecine site, Transvaal (Mammalia: giraffidae). Annals of the transvaal museum. 29(6): 65-70.

Franz-Odendaal T and N Solounias. 2004. Comparative dietary evaluations of an extinct giraffid (Sivatherium hendeyi) (mammalia, giraffidae, sivatheriinae) from Langebaanweg, South Africa (early Pliocene). Geodiversitas. 26(4): 675-85.

Geraads D. 1996. Sivatherium (giraffidae, mammalia) if the latest Pliocene of Ahl al Oughlam (Casablanca, Morocco) and the evolution of the genus in Africa. Palaontologische zeitschrifte. 70(3): 623-9. Translated by Duran J, 2005.

Khan A A, Khan M A, Iqbal M, Akhtar M, Sarwar M. 2011. Sivatherium (artiodactyla, ruminantia, giraffidae) from the upper siwaliks, Pakistan. J. anim. plant sci. 21(2): 202-6.

Klein R G. 1982. Patterns of ungulate mortality and ungulate mortality profiles from Langebaanweg (early Pliocene) and Elandsfontein (middle Plesitocene) south-western Cape Province, South Africa. Ann. s. afr. mus. 90(2): 49-94.

Robinson C A. 2011. Giraffidae. Paleontology and geology of Laetoli: human evolution in context. ed. Harrison T. 339-63.

[writingfevercommunity]

Hills of India : Siwalik Hills

Hills of India : Siwalik Hills

▪️Also known as Churia Hills

▪️In some Sanskrit texts, the region is called Manak Parbat.

▪️Sivalik region is home to the Soanian archaeological culture

▪️They have many subranges and extend west from Arunachal Pradesh through Bhutan to West Bengal, and further westward through Nepal (here known as Churia Hills) and Uttarakhand, continuing into Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir. 

▪️People…

[abhipedia]

Maharana Pratap Sagar Sanctuary, in Himachal Pradesh, is a picturesque abode of wildlife located over the snowy Himalayan ranges. The birds flocking around the sanctuary serve as its major highlight. Maharana Pratap Sagar , also known as Pong Reservoir or Pong Dam Lake was created in 1975, by building the highest earthfill dam in India on the Beas River in the wetland zone of the Siwalik Hills of the Kangra district of the state of Himachal Pradesh.

maharana pratap sagar dam

[nicetraveldestination]

North of the Greater Himalayas in western Nepal, ~6,100 metre Tibetan Border Ranges form the Ganges-Brahmaputra divide, which the international border generally follows.  South of the Greater Himalayas, Nepal has a High Mountain region of ~4,000 metre summits, then the Middle Hills and Mahabharat Range with 1,500 to 3,000 metre summits.  South of the Mahabharats, an outer range of foothills with ~1,000 metre summits is called the Siwaliks or Churiya Hills.