The Ruddy Turnstone

Meet the Ruddy Turnstone, a peculiarly happy-go-lucky wader! Comic from my column with The Hindu Sunday Magazine.

Endemism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a jewel in India's biodiversity crown. But unplanned development and pressures from tourism are threatening the endemic biodiversity of the islands. Here's the endemic Andaman Day Gecko's monologue from my column with Sunday Mid-Day.

Meet India's Bioluminescent Creatures this Diwali

Here are some of India's bioluminescent creatures wishing you all a happy Diwali. From my column with Pune Mirror.

The Edible Nest Swiftlet

Cave swiftlets are bat-birds among birds, in a sense that they're among the very few birds capabe of echolocation! One such bird is a native of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (and South-East Asia), the Edible-Nest Swiftlet. Harvesting of the birds' nest for the Oriental delicacy 'Bird nest soup' has led to a decline in numbers. But conservation efforts initiated by the legendary ornithologist, late Dr. Ravi Shankaran have ensured the species' survival.

Comic from my column with The Hindu Sunday Magazine.

The Nicobar Megapode

I can barely contain my excitement for my maiden visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for the Andaman Literature Festival, so here's a comic about the Nicobar Megapode from my column with Sunday Mid-Day. Megapodes are habitual composters. Are you?

A more detailed account of the Nicobar Megapode's nesting behaviour appears in my book Bird Business. 

Mysticellus

Meet Mysticellus, a new genus of frogs that was discovered earlier this year in Wayanad, Kerala. What makes the discovery remarkable is that a completely new genus has been found, and not just a species! Behind the discovery are anurologists Sonali Garg and SD Biju. Comic from my column with RoundGlass Sustain.

Read more about the discovery in my friend Aathira Perinchery's article in The Hindu.

21st Century Problems and the Vaquita

Numbering barely over 20, the Vaquita, found in the Gulf of California, is the world's most endangered marine mammal, threatened by gillnets used for fishing Totoaba. Comic from my column with The Hindu Sunday Magazine. 

Illegal Palm Oil

Redesigned logos of some companies sourcing illegal palm oil in Indonesia. Based on the findings of an investigation in Sumatra, Indonesia by Rainforest Action Network. Comic from my column with Sunday Mid-Day.

The Winter Visitor from the Caucasus

A 7 gram bird connecting two distant worlds. Isn't migration a truly wonderful phenomenon?

Do look out for that tiny green speck flitting about in your backyard tree this winter! A comic on migratory warblers from my column with Pune Mirror.

Gangetic Dolphin Mascot and Poster

Meet Muskaan the Gangetic Dolphin, India's national aquatic animal, and Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary's official mascot! Vikramshila is the only dolphin sanctuary in India. The poster explains some of the conservation threats the species faces in and around the sanctuary, and is being used for conservation awareness locally.

Thanks to the Forest Department of Bihar for commissioning me for the assignment!

New Environmental Cusswords

Some new environmental cusswords for your vocabulary to start the week with. Add your own! From my column with Sunday Mid-Day.

How some Creatures Cope with Climate Change

How some creatures cope with climate change. From my column with The Hindu Sunday Magazine.

Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary

(Click to enlarge)

Vikramshila, India's only dolphin sanctuary, is located on the holy Ganga in Bhagalpur, Bihar, and is one of the last remaining strongholds for the endangered Gangetic Dolphin. The sanctuary is also the breeding ground of the endangered Greater Adjutant (locally known and revered as Garuda), Smooth-coated Otters and several freshwater turtles; and is visited by a myriad migratory bird species in the winters.

Illustrated for the Forest Department of Bihar.