The Wildlife Map of Goa – a visual and educative treat

How can you show Goa’s wildlife and biodiversity in a single image? Mrugaya Xpeditions has created Goa’s first beautifully illustrated wildlife map, The Wildlife Map of Goa, which comes in different sizes and features numerous species of flora and fauna and even noted landmarks, all encompassed within the borders of Goa
The Wildlife Map of Goa – a visual and educative treat
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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.

Herald Goa
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