Jezebel, joker and baronet may sound like characters from a play. But in reality are the names of butterflies categorised at the books and photographs exhibition organised to mark the end of Wildlife week celebrations at Bishop Heber College on Thursday.
The display arranged by the P.G and Research Department of Social Work in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Sciences, the College Library and the Nature Club offered an opportunity to pause and ponder over the rich flora and fauna in the country.
Around 250 photographs neatly classified into mammals, reptiles and rare species captured birds and animals in their natural environs. Nature Club members supplied interesting trivia to eager school students who flocked around the pictures. Earlier, District Forest Officer Mani inaugurated the exhibition and spoke on student's role in wildlife conservation.
Stressing on the need for protection and conservation of wildlife, the display showcased photographs of endemic species alongside those on the verge of extinction. A glimpse of the long eared hedgehog, black napped hare, Nilgiri tahr, sloth bear and ant eater was provided. Wildlife unique to the Orient region like the Asiatic lion, the musk deer and the flying squirrel were presented in their natural habitats.
For avian enthusiasts, there were a variety of bird species including a number of hill and water birds and close up shots of the fairy blue bird, the tailor bird and the whistling thrush, besides a view of different bird nests and egg clusters. A sample of the weaver's nest with dual chambers designed to deceive preying reptiles was intriguing. Photographs of snakes, turtles, calotes were on view flanking entire sections dedicated to insects and butterflies.
For an interesting browse, were a collection of reference books on songbirds, freshwater fishes and beekeeping among scores of illustrated volumes. For sale were two books authored by Nature Club members titled ‘Birds of Bishop Heber College' and ‘Butterflies of Bishop Heber College'. Vital information supplemented with vivid photographs makes the book an ideal guide for bird watchers.
A. Relton, Head of the Department of Social Work, said the staff and students of Nature Club had contributed most of the photos taken at wildlife sanctuaries across India. Around 40 schools were invited to participate in the one-day exhibition.
