Journal of Environment and Sociobiology

Amit Ghosh ¹, N. C. Nandi ²

Affiliations
1 IPGMER, Kolkata, IN
2 SEBA, Kolkata, IN

Abstract

Mulkarkha Lake is located at the Himalayan foothills under Kalimpong Forest Range, Darjeeling district of West Bengal, few kilometer from Rhenock, Sikkim. This natural lake is surrounded by remote villages amidst dense forest consisting of trees like Himalayan pine, Himalayan fir, Japanese red-cedar, teak and others which are mostly common in rain forests. The forest is the home to a diverse kinds of birds, such as, yellow billed blue magpie, green magpie, rufous-winged fulvetta, green-tailed sunbird, blue whistling thrush, striated laughing thrush, white-throated laughing thrush, grey bushchat, verditer flycatcher, common rosefinch, scimitar-babbler and others. Mammals like Himalayan black bear, leopard and barking deer are also reported by the villagers. The lake and surrounding forest are protected by local people as it remains a part of native religious belief. The water body is dominated by ornamental fishes like gold fish, koi and other carps which are popular among aquarists. Fishing or hunting is not allowed in the lake. According to the local people the lake serves as indirect water source but direct use of water is strictly prohibited. Dry leaves and fallen parts of the forest trees also serve as primary as well as secondary energy sources to meet the need of daily life of the villagers. However, forest floor is the major source of decomposed leaves which are used as manure in cardamom cultivation that constitutes the major source of livelihood besides tourism among the locals. The use of leaves as manure and economics of cardamom cultivation by the villagers in the hill slopes adjacent to their respective residences is highlighted in this paper.

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Amit Ghosh ¹

Affiliations
1 IPGMER, Kolkata–700 020, IN

Abstract

Among the ecoregions in India, Kalimpong, an ecological hotspot, is located in the eastern Himalaya. It is an important district in the north Bengal region of West Bengal with an average elevation of 4,101 ft from sea level. Cinnamon, ficus, bamboo and cardamom are common hill side flora, while pine forest and ever green alpine forest are common at higher altitude. A wide range of temperate forests made up of oak, birch, maple is also very common in the range. These wide ranges of flora is a major source of nectar, caterpillar, different types of flies, various fruits including small berries which ultimately support diverse array of avian species. Various bird groups include different types of tree creepers, barbets, cuckoos, doves, malkohas, fantails, minivets, sunbirds, tits, finches, warblers, etc., are frequently seen in open forest areas whereas birds like owls, babblers, nuthatches, thrushes are secretive in nature and they are much common in dense part of the forests. Some species of flycatchers, sunbirds, tits and chats use human household resources regularly to meet their need of food and shelter. This extensive variety of avifauna maintains the web of forest ecosystem, crucial to sustain human civilization. However, it is mentioned that despite different conservation approaches taken by government, in last few years various reports have stated that overall diversity and number of birds are decreasing due to heavy deforestation, habitat loss, urbanization and other human activities.

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Amit Ghosh ¹, N. C. Nandi ²

Affiliations
1 IPGMER, Kolkata, IN
2 SEBA, Kolkata, IN

Abstract

Mulkarkha lake (Figs. 1-3), a natural lake situated at an altitude of 7300ft., is one of the few mountain lakes in West Bengal. It is located near a village also named as Mulkarkha close to the north east part of Bengal-Sikkim border in Kalimpong range, Darjeeling district, West Bengal. The lake is connected by a semi concrete road coming from south Sikkim, although villagers use a common trek route which is also popular among tourists. It starts from Lingsey through Jhusing, Tagathan and ultimately leads to Mulkarkha. The trek route to Mulkarkha lake is one of the most exciting trails of the Himalayan foothills. The lake is considered as sacred by the locals as they call it as ‘Wishing Lake’ or ‘Manokamana lake’. The most fascinating feature of this lake is the reflection of Mt. Kanchenjungha on its tranquil waters. Both locals and tourists are known to tie clean and colourful cloth pieces as a sign of their wishes towards this lake. The water body is surrounded by dense forest which consists of trees (Fig. 3.) like Himalayan pine, Himalayan fir, Japanese red-cedar, teak and others which are most common in rain forests. There are a number of worth seeing places like 200 feet waterfalls, enchanting views of Mt. Kanchenjungha, ageless Buddhist monasteries and remote villages with hundreds of bird species, butterflies and flowers.

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N. C. Nandi ¹, Amit Ghosh ²

Affiliations
1 Social Environmental and Biological association, Kolkata, IN
2 Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, CA

Abstract

Beside Bishop University, Sherbrooke in Canada, a wetland known as Peter Curry Marsh, is located near the Saint Francois River. This marsh was developed by Societe de transport de Sherbrooke (STS), while Bishop’s University in 1989 approached Ducks Unlimited Canada to establish a wetland conservation project on University ground with donation received from Mr. Peter D. Curry, a former student and longtime Ducks Unlimited Canada supporter, and perhaps so christened as Peter Curry Marsh. The project is mainly meant for breeding habitat conservation of Canada Goose (Branta canadensis), a large anatid ducks with black head and neck, white cheeks and brown body.

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