World Nature Conservation Day: How ARAI Hills conserve Pune's Bio-diversity

Earth has about 8.1 billion people inhabiting it. To live a comfortable life all these people need food, shelter and clothes. But to sustain these three resources of livelihood and even life itself, the most important resources are that which are given to us by nature. Life on Earth is only possible through the presence of water, sunlight, minerals, fertile soil and fossil fuels.

And these very crucial resources are only found in nature which eight billion people make use of everyday. So to spread awareness about sustainable consumption and conservation of these resources, every year on July 28th we celebrate World Nature Conservation Day.

Maharashtra is also a hotspot of bio-diversity and natural resources with the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) surrounding it. Pune as a district has also been blessed with mountains, forests and lakes. One of the most importance contributors are the ARAI Hills.

Famous as a hiking and picnic spot, these hills are home to many rare birds. In a recent it was found that ARAI, aka Vetal Tekdi, is home to over hundreds of unique species which are not found in the city.

Due to optimum temperature, adequate rainfall and presence of pollinators, the quarry ponds of ARAI an enriching habitat for 150 species of invertebrates. The presence of invertebrates in the eco-system indicates how healthy the condition of inhabitation is. Invertebrates also pollinate and disperse seeds, recycle soil nutrients, act as food for wild-life and clean water. Thus, the ARAI hills and these animals share a special symbiotic relationship. The hills provide them with good living conditions and in return the invertebrates keep the ecosystem of the hill healthy, clean and beautiful.

A bird-watcher's dream is what ARAI Hills looks like. With 100 different species of birds inhabiting this land, the forest is a bird haven.

Many of the sky-soarers even come to migrate in the wetlands of Pune. Such as the Baillon's crake which is "Near Threatened" species and comes from Russia to the hills in winter. One of the commonly spotted birds in the region are different types of kingfisher. You can even spot the rare pied kingfisher during summers.

There is also a raptor point in ARAI Hills, which is home to raptors also known as birds of prey. These are the kinds of birds which are fast, agile and hunt animals as food. Hence falcons, eagles and hawk are a common sight at this point.

Butterflies are one of the most significant indicators of bio-diversity given their acute sensitivity towards even the slightest of change. They are also a good source to find out the pollination process and growth of nectaring plants of a region. Therefore, the abundant presence of these creatures in the hillocks of ARAI not only beatifies it, but also indicates how well the ecosystem is sustaining itself. In a research 87 varieties of butterflies were found in the wetland.

Charity begins at home, and our home is this place called Pune. We might not be able to save and conserve the whole world, but we can start from our home. So on this World Nature Conservation Day make sure to marvel at the bio-diversity that the city has to offer and do your due diligence to conserve it for you and for those after you.