RCB launches action group for ENDANGERED SPECIES
Its very well said that Once gone, they’re gone forever, and there’s no going back! Keeping this in mind, the Rotary Club of Bangalore has come forward to highlight the great importance of some endangered species to the world’s eco system. On October 27th the International Services Committee of RCB launched Rotary Action Group for Endangered Species (RAG -ES).
On a wonderful Thursday evening Mr. Mano; Kumar. Managing Director of Jungle Lodges and Resorts, spoke to a packed audience at Rotary House of Friendship.
He said “Healthy ecosystems depend on plant and animal species as their foundations. When a species becomes endangered, it is a sign that the entire ecosystem is slowly falling apart. Each species that is lost triggers the loss of other species within its ecosystem. Humans depend on healthy ecosystems to purify our environment. It’s a circle we are all part of.”
He continued with h a wonderful example to illustrate this, the example of the hornbill.
He said “Hornbills are a family of birds found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia, and Melanesia. They are characterized by a long, down-curved bill which is frequently brightly colored and sometimes has a casque on the upper mandible. The Indian subcontinent has 10 species of hornbills, of which 9 are found in India and adjoining countries, while the Sri Lanka gray hornbills are restricted to the island, The most common widespread species in the Indian subcontinent is the Indian grey Hornbill. A very unique feature of these birds is that when the male and female mate, the female creates a nest around herself for her and her eggs. Before incubation, the females begin to close the entrance to the nest cavity with a wall made of mud, droppings and fruit pulp. When the female is ready to lay her eggs, the entrance is just large enough for her to enter the nest, and after she has done so, the remaining opening is also all but sealed shut. There is only one narrow aperture, big enough for the male to transfer food to the mother and eventually the chicks. So as you see, the entire family Is dependent on the male for its survival. Now, when hunters shoot down the Male, we are not killing the male bird, but the entire family intern. With this small example it is important for us to understand. that we need to teach our children the very importance of these birds, the ecosystem they belong to etc so that together we can alI create a safe environment where we and nature live in harmony for the generations to come.”
After his amazing talk the RAG-ES was launched by Shri Manoj Kumar along with Rtn. Rash mi Tanksali, District Director, Rotary 3190, Rtn Raghu Allam, Chair RAG’s and Rtn, Sanjay Udani, President, RCB.
The RAG-ES is open to all, Rotarians and non-Rotarians. One can reach out to Rtn. Jayant Rudra, 9845034683 or Rt n. Sreekara, 9901499993 fr am RCB to participate in one of the many ways.
The current focus is on Elephant, Tiger, Blackbuck, Pangolin, Vulture and great Indian Bustard.
The RAG-ES team looks forward to having your active participation to ensure we all do our bit to prevent the extinction of the endangered species and make the entire world a sustainable ecosystem.
Rtn. Jayant Rudra & Rtn. Sreekara