wildlife | Citizen Matters, Chennai

Madras Crocodile Bank needs your help to tide over COVID-19

June 3, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

The city’s famed attraction, the Madras Crocodile Bank, has been engaged in conservation of endangered species for four decades. The lockdown has cut off revenue channels, and here is how you can help.

Parrots in Chennai? This man knows thousands of them…

November 14, 2019 Lata Ramaseshan

Meet the indefatigable Sekar, the birdman of Chennai, who feeds thousands of parrots on his rooftop. The birds keep their appointment with him every single day!

Zooming into the environmental problems of a growing Chennai

April 19, 2019 Amirtharaj Stephen

A look at the environmental issues that Chennai faced since the 2014 national elections, through the camera lens.

Enter the jungle: Where in this busy city would you find 150 species of birds?

April 12, 2019 Seetha Gopalakrishnan

The Guindy National Park is not just a critical green lung in the heart of Chennai, but also an excellent space to showcase urban forest conservation. Let this photoessay take you on a visual stroll through the park with its marvellous display of flora and fauna.

Why Chennai’s green brigade stood up against a run to save the Olive ridley

March 1, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Chennai’s beaches are a popular draw, often used for conducting events to sensitise the general public about various issues. This one sought to promote conservation of an endangered species. But was the run posing a larger threat to the environment and ecosystem at large?

Why do we see fewer migratory birds in Pallikaranai?

February 22, 2019 R Sonia

Unabated dumping of garbage in the waters of Pallikaranai and rampant encroachment by the Chennai Corporation as well as the people have dealt a big blow to the biodiversity of the area.

In this year of scanty rains, how are Chennai’s winged winter tourists doing?

January 25, 2019 Mariayn Jennifer

Every winter, hundreds of birds arrive in Chennai and set up haunts around its marshlands and waterbodies. An avid bird watcher shares his insights on the trends, habits and the observations this year.

Inside Nanmangalam Reserve Forest, Chennai’s lesser-known natural gem

September 8, 2018 Seetha Gopalakrishnan

Did you know that Chennai has two reserve forests within its metropolitan limits? One among them is the last remaining natural forest of the landscape.

Walking along the Chennai beach to a career in conservation

February 2, 2018 Karthikeyan Hemalatha

For 30 years now, between January and March, student volunteers of the SSTCN walk along two stretches of beaches during Olive Ridley nesting season. For many, it’s the start of a passion of a lifetime.

There’s a jackal out there in the heart of Chennai, did you know?

September 12, 2017 Balaji Pattabiraman

400 acres of pure green and 300 species of fauna is what the Adyar Eco Park will treat you to. But it’s more than just another biodiversity hot spot, it’s a tale of what well-spent public funds and hard work can achieve.

Embracing all creatures great and small

July 18, 2017 Meenakshi Ramesh

Not even threats to personal safety can thwart him off his chosen path of saving animals. Meet Chennai’s 16-year-old animal rescuer who imparts strong lessons in compassion in an increasingly cruel world.

Learning to live with snakes…in the city!

April 29, 2017 Meenakshi Ramesh

While sudden encounters with snakes are not uncommon in Chennai, few know the right steps to take in these situations. Reptile conservationist Shravan Krishnan has some tips.