Did you expect to see a Bengal Tiger lurking on the border
of Goa near Surla or Bioluminescent fungi that is present in Sattari? How about
a Grey Jungle Fowl strutting majestically in the forests of Sanguem and The
Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin playfully jumping out of the water on the coast
of Goa? All these animals and birds besides a whole lot of other species are
featured marvellously in The Wildlife Map of Goa. The map has been commissioned
by Mrugaya Xpeditions, a responsible travel company focussing on wildlife based
in Goa and run by four partners, Shraddha Rangnekar, Omkar Dharwadkar, Shivdas
Dessai and Parag Rangnekar.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the map, Parag says,
“The genesis of the project was possibly our travels through the airport, where
you see hoardings and advertisements of varied stuff but our natural spaces and
its flora and fauna find no representation. That got us thinking and we decided
that we will create something that will represent the wildlife and biodiversity
of Goa along with its landscapes.” The map includes the various landscape features
of the State such as the forests, the coasts, the plateaus etc. It also
includes the Protected Area network within the state and its flora and fauna.
To set this map apart from the regular tourist related maps
of Goa, the team decided to create one that was visually appealing.
“Illustrated maps appeal not only to youngsters but also to elderly. The
artist, Rohan Chakravarty, has his unique style of creating caricatures which
makes the map even more interesting,” adds Parag.
The map is designed by cartoonist, illustrator, and
naturalist, Rohan Chakravarty, who was completely in his element as he took on
the challenge of best representing Goa’s natural wonders in a limited space. As
the author of illustrated books like ‘Green Humour for a Greying Planet’,
‘Naturalist Ruddy: Adventurer. Sleuth. Mongoose’, ‘Bird Business: Illustrated
Peeks Into the Daily Lives of Indian Birds’ and ‘Making Friends with Snakes
(But from a Distance)’,
Rohan did his job wonderfully.
How was Parag’s interactions with Rohan? He explains, “Rohan
is not just an artist with a unique style but is very knowledgeable about the
natural landscape of the country. He has visited Goa and has explored it quite
a bit so communicating with him was easy.”
Since Goa is a small state, it was challenging to place the
flora and fauna within the set parameters and the team says that it was not
easy coming up with the final list. After a lot of debates and discussions, the
discussions still continue. “But we chose representative species for various habitats,
focussed on state symbols, threatened and endemic species as well species that
have been described from the State,” he says.
Though the team went through six months of brainstorming for
the map, this project required their years of on field experience. Parag has
been working in this field for over two decades. Collectively as a team,
Shraddha, Omkar and Parag have a cumulative experience of over five decades.
They are part of various organizations and initiatives within the state such as
the Goa Bird Conservation Network. Parag also has the honour of serving on the
Goa State Biodiversity Board and Goa Tourism Board as an expert member.
Some of the important species in the map are the Window-pane
Oysters, the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin, Olive Ridley Turtle, Grey Slender
Loris, the Goa Caecilian, the Goan Shadowdancer (Dragonfly), Asian Small Clawed
Otter, Amboli Bush Frog, Indian Pangolin and of course the larger ones such as
the Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard etc.
When it comes to butterflies and dragonflies, the map has
the Malabar Tree Nymph, which is the State Butterfly; the Southern Birdwing,
which is the largest in the country; the Grass jewel, which is the smallest. It
also has two dragonflies, the Goan Shadowdancer and the Yellow-paddled Clubtail,
both of which Parag and Omkar had the privilege to describe from the State.
“The map has huge educational value. The specific objective
is to see this map in public spaces such as airports, sanctuaries, places of
tourism importance so that both the local community and the visiting tourist
are acquainted with the side of Goa that we seem to neglect. Goa has amazing
diversity not only in its protected area but all around us. If the visiting
tourist goes back with a little more knowledge and respect for our natural
spaces, I think it will be a job well done,” informs Parag.
Through the map, the team would also like to bust the myth
that Goa is not only about sun, sand and sea. It is much more. Also within the
sun, sand and sea narrative, Goa does have wildlife which needs to be
understood and protected.
“It was a very satisfying experience not only when we saw
the final results but more so after the feedback that we have received from
people from all walks of life and from overseas too. The positive response from
the people in my opinion has been the most satisfying part of the exercise,” he
shares.
The map will be available as prints in A3, A2, A1 and A0
sizes. But it also can be printed in larger sizes up to 8 feet in height. The
maps will soon be printed and the team thanks Bookworm-Goa for accepting to
keep the prints for sale at their Mala, Fountainhas office.
There is a lot of optimism in the air too when it comes to
Goans getting educated and aware about the diversity of Goa’s flora and fauna
over the years. “With many organizations being active in Goa, especially in the
sphere of environment education, we see many youngsters being well informed and
sensitive about wildlife and natural spaces. This is a positive change and the
results will be seen a few years down the line,” concludes Parag.