WORLD BEAR DAY

Bears are carnivorous mammals of the family Ursidae and are categorized as caniforms or "dog-like" mammals. Large bodies with stocky legs, big snouts, small, rounded ears, and shaggy hair are common features of these mammals. There are just eight species (American black bear, Asiatic black bear, Brown bear, Giant panda, Sloth bear, Spectacled bear, and Sun bear) left in existence, and they may be found in regions including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The remaining six species are omnivorous with diverse diets, with the exception of the giant panda, which consumes almost exclusively bamboo, and the polar bear, which is primarily carnivorous.

Bears are usually solitary animals with an outstanding sense of smell. Throughout the beginning of time, bears have been hunted for their flesh and fur. Bears are under pressure now due to habitat destruction and illegal trafficking in bear parts, especially the Asian bile bear market. Six bear species are classified by the IUCN as vulnerable, endangered, or even least concerned species. In the context of Nepal among 3 species of Bears: the Himalayan Black Bear and the Sloth Bear are classified as Endangered (EN), and the Brown Bear under Critically Endangered (CR). Although illegal, worldwide trafficking in these most vulnerable populations' products continues.

Bears are a crucial component of many ecosystems around the world, from the grizzly bears of North America to the enormous pandas of China. Every year on May 24, there is a celebration known as World Bear Day. Its goals are to draw attention to the significance of bears around the globe, to the difficulties that bear in the wild confront, and to the necessity for conservation efforts to safeguard these incredible animals. Several civilizations have admiration for bears, with myths and traditions portraying them as mighty and majestic creatures. Despite their cultural importance, numerous bear species are in danger of going extinct due to a variety of problems.

Loss of habitat is one of the main risks to bears worldwide. Many of the natural habitats that bear rely on for food and shelter have been destroyed or fragmented due to the growing human population and urbanization. Their populations have decreased as a result, and it is now more difficult for them to find enough food and secure places to hibernate.

©Three-shots/ Pixabay

The availability of food and water supplies is being impacted by climate change, which is also having a substantial effect on bear habitats due to rising temperatures and altered weather patterns.

Poaching and illegal hunting represent significant threats to bears. The flesh, fur, and body parts of numerous bear species are pursued because they are thought to have therapeutic or spiritual value. Several species are now in danger of going extinct as a result of the fall in their populations.

 

It's vital to keep in mind that there are various ways that we can contribute to the protection of these incredible animals as we commemorate World Bear Day. Supporting conservation initiatives that strive to safeguard bear habitats and lessen conflicts between people and wildlife is one of the most crucial things you can do. Initiatives to lessen habitat loss, support ethical hunting methods, and increase conservation awareness can all fall under this category.

© David Mark/ Pixabay

Advocating for bear protection through legislation and policy is another strategy to help bear conservation. This can involve campaigning for stricter rules to safeguard bear habitats and advance sustainable development, as well as supporting laws that forbid the killing and poaching of bears.

© Waldkunst/ Pixabay

World Bear Day is a significant chance to spread awareness about the difficulties wild bears experience and the necessity for conservation activities to safeguard these beautiful animals and shed some light on the significance of bears and the value of protecting them through conservation efforts. We can ensure that these wonderful animals survive for many years by cooperating to safeguard bear habitats and lessen human-wildlife conflict.

World Sparrow Day

World Sparrow Day, celebrated on March 20th, is envisioned to increase public awareness of the sparrow's declining population and the significance of its conservation. In order to raise awareness of the predicament of these tiny birds and motivate people to adopt protective measures, the day was first commemorated in 2010.

©  Jirreaux Hiroé_ Pixabay

Sparrows are tiny in size, sociable birds that have long been connected to habitations by humans. Distributed well around the world sparrows are an essential element of our cities and towns since they are one of the species which have fit comfortably into urban settings.

Unfortunately, over the past few decades, due to a variety of issues, such as habitat destruction, haphazard urbanization, and pesticide use, their populations have been quickly declining.

© Angela_Pixabay

They are important in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem controlling bug populations and serving as food for other predator birds and animals. Most importantly, they assist in pollination and seed dispersal, which promotes the growth and variety of plant life. 

People take part in various activities, such as bird watching, bird ringing, and developing awareness campaigns, to commemorate World Sparrow Day. These initiatives aim to raise awareness of the significance of sparrow conservation and motivate people to take action.

© Sergio Cerrato - Italia_Pixabay

Giving sparrows optimal nesting locations is one of the best methods to aid in their conservation. As sparrows prefer to nest in tiny cracks and crevices, you can build a nest box for them in your yard or balcony. Offering food and water sources can also encourage sparrows to flock in your backyard. The population of sparrows can be preserved by using fewer pesticides and artificial fertilizers. By eliminating the insects that the birds eat, these chemicals may harm the birds directly or indirectly.

© Gerhard_Pixabay

World Sparrow Day serves as a reminder of the value of safeguarding these tiny birds and their contribution to our ecology. We can help maintain their populations and contribute to the conservation of our planet's biodiversity by making simple changes, such as providing them with nesting locations and lowering the usage of hazardous pesticides.

"National Learn About The Butterflies Day 2023" - hiking to commemorate the day.

Every year on March 14th, National Learn About Butterflies Day is observed, and this year, in 2023, it falls on the same day. This day is dedicated to the study and observation of butterflies, their behavior, habitat, and environmental importance. It's a fantastic opportunity to teach people about the need of maintaining and protecting these magnificent species and their habitats.

Butterflies are interesting organisms that play an important role in the ecosystem. They perform an important role in pollinating flowers and crops, ensuring the survival of many plant species. They are also an important food source for many other creatures, including birds, small mammals, and insects. Butterflies have a distinct and extensive life cycle, making them a popular subject of study for both scientists and nature enthusiasts.

People are invited to learn more about these amazing insects, their habitats, and their significance in the environment on National Learn About Butterflies Day. There are numerous opportunities to watch these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, including visiting a butterfly garden or conservatory, participating in a butterfly count, or simply taking a walk in a nearby park or nature reserve.

In light of this, Bhaktapur Jaycees, Nature Conservation and Study Centre, and Butterfly Watchers Nepal held a trekking and butterfly-watching event on March 11, 2023, in collaboration with the Division Forest Office, Bhaktapur.

A butterfly specialist led the hike, which was accompanied by eight butterfly aficionados. Participants varied from novice butterfly observers to expert lepidopterists. The hike started at 7:15 a.m. from Suryabinayak temple and continued along the scenic trail until Mali Gaon, Sipadol via Doleshwor Mahadev temple. The trail was around 5 kilometers long and of moderate difficulty. The sky was partly cloudy, and the weather was mild. The hike came to an end around 2:15 p.m. Indian Tortoiseshell, Cabbage White, Indian Fritillary, Common Sailer, Indian Skipper, Bevan Swift, Banded Treebrown, Dark Clouded Yellow, Peacock Pansy, Chocolate Pansy, Pale Clouded Yellow, and Pale Grass Blue were among the 101 butterflies seen during the hike. The expert informed the audience about butterfly habitat, behavior, and lifespan. Furthermore, the group learned how to use an insect net to capture and observe butterflies up close without harming them.

Mr. Sanej Prasad Suwal, a butterfly expert, taught the participants basic butterfly identification techniques such as wing patterns, colors, and size. They also demonstrated how to use a field guide to identify various species. Participants were interested and engaged during the trek, asking questions and sharing their observations.

The hike and butterfly-watching program planned for National Learn About Butterflies Day 2023 was a big success. The participants had a great time learning about the diversity and significance of butterflies in the ecosystem. The program also promoted the conservation of these amazing insects by improving public awareness of their habitat and behavior. Such activities help to foster a love of the environment and its biodiversity in individuals, which is essential for a sustainable future.

Finally, National Learn About Butterflies Day is a fantastic opportunity to educate ourselves about the value of butterflies and their contribution to the ecosystem. We can learn more about these fascinating creatures and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world around us by participating in activities such as visiting a butterfly garden or conservatory, taking part in a butterfly count, or simply taking a walk through a nearby park or nature reserve. Let us use this day to recall the wonder and beauty of butterflies, as well as the significance of conserving and maintaining them and their habitats for future generations.