Myristica swamps have a special place in the earth’s history. They’ve been since the time of dinosaurs. These swamps are very unique due to the presence of a variety of tree species which cannot be found anywhere else. In summer these root systems provide a fertile ground for the growth of tall and dense forest. And a bent knee roots helps the trees in aeration and toxin removal. Today this ancient forest is under severe threat from human interventions in the region, which had remained unchanged for over 100 million years

Lying in the valleys of the Western Ghats, in lower altitude forests of Northern Karnataka is fragments of an ancient forest. This fresh water swamp forest have a primitive ecosystem and home to diverse plants and animals that are not found anywhere else. Protecting swamps can be a natural solution to migrate climate change. They have a higher potential to store carbon. Premium efforts should be given to conservation, say experts, suggesting that forest dwellers and farmers could earn carbon credits for preserving these ecosystems.

                                                       

The Malabar pit viper is a venomous snake, which is endemic to the western ghats mountains. It’s highly nocturnal and usually inactive during the day, sometimes seen basking on rocks or trees near streams during monsoon months. The species preys upon frogs, nestling birds, lizards, musk shrews and other small animals.

                                                     

Fireflies flash in patterns that are unique to each species. Each blinking pattern is used to help them find potential mates. Male fireflies typically fly through the air in search of a female by emitting a species-specific flashing pattern.

Anty activists: Ants keep their antennae clean and use it to smell, feel and touch what is ahead of or behind them as they crawl. They can also use the antenna to communicate with other ants using chemicals most often on their exoskeleton. These chemicals act as an identity card for the 🐜. They tell another ant about it’s colony of origin, caste (worker, soldier, queen) and food availability. 

                                                          

Snails' production of mucus is a crucial feature aiding their survival. This mucus serves multiple functions, including facilitating movement by creating a slippery trail, protecting their bodies from abrasions and dehydration, enabling respiration by keeping their skin moist, and even acting as a deterrent against predators through defensive toxins.

Ritual dance: Crane flies are very thin flies, form dense clouds dancing in the air in order to attract females. This ritual takes more than half of the day. Later they rest and feed on flower nectar, if they feed at all.

Lost in the embrace of ancient giants, where mountains span the metaphorical distance between heaven and earth, and clouds whisper secrets of the universe. 🏔️☁️ Here, we find a profound connection to the sacred, a reminder of the divine in nature’s beauty, and a glimpse of the eternal, connecting the lines between humanity and the divinity.✨