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Exploring Siruvani Hills during Official Coimbatore Forest Survey 2019
With determination, after exploring foothills around
11.30 am, we said lets try ghat section where usually,
we sigh rarities. With thick undergrowth and deep
potholes, the ghat section was punishment to drive. To
make things worse there were 4 landslide zones, slushy
red soil and water logging tested both the driving skill
and vehicle ability to negotiate the terrain. Somehow
with 4 wheel drive, we managed to cross all but the
final landslide just before the grass hill almost eroded
the road and it was end of journey. We decided not to
risk ourselves and explored the area around us. We got fulvous pied flat, Nilgiri Grass yellow and few other
common species. Considered to be a real hot spot turned out to be a empty terrain. With heavy heart and
disappointment, we decided to descend down to filtering plant again hoping mud puddling activities would have
started. But the day turned out to be a normal day, not much of wow moments.
Having said that, we did not go home empty handed. We ended up day 1 with few notable species like Nilgiri Grass
yellow, Short Banded sailer, Blue Admiral, Peacock Royal, Slate Flash, Plain puffin and Bush hopper along with
common species. If my memory is right we ended up close to 80 species.
We were determined, if sun shines on day 2, we will compensate day 1 deficit. With good food and sleep day 2
started with big hopes and expectation. Not always, things works to our advantage. Day 2, we went to Kovai
Kutralam. It was worst outing in my life, from morning 6 am till 9.30 am, we would sight only 3 species, in the so
called butterfly hot spot. We still were determined to make good of available 2 hrs to call it for the day. Hard work
paid off, we managed good number of species in the remaining 2 hours, 30-35 but all common. Went to elephant
camp, river side but we were unfortunate. We came back to camp, declaring end of the day, but luck favours the
brave, we sighted Common Imperial in our camp along with few other common butterflies. It was like, wow. With
good memories, we consolidated our report, 102 species of butterflies was recorded, the highest number by any
team in the survey. What ever be the climate or terrain, if we have determination and patience, the end result will
always be fruitful. Lesson re-learned. We said bye bye to Siruvani and headed back to forest college auditorium for
closing meeting.
PATTAMPOOCHI
A TNBS MAGAZINE
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