THE TIGERS' FOREST
Drawing for the Planet’s The Tigers’ Forest project, in partnership with international wildlife charity Born Free, Bombay Natural History Society, Wildlife SOS, and Singapore Wildcat Action Group celebrates the iconic Bengal tigers of India and the majestic Malayan tigers of Peninsular Malaysia. Through the drawings of over a thousand children, the project raises awareness of endangered tigers and the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit their landscapes and raises funds for tiger conservation organisations.
Led by artist and Drawing for the Planet founder Jane Lee McCracken, children from the UK, the USA, India, and Singapore are invited to learn about tigers and create ballpoint pen drawings in workshops delivered by Jane, Born Free, and project ambassador Ayan Kamath Mehra, a Born Free Youth Ambassador and The Tigers' Forest Project Ambassador.
Scroll down to view the complete page or click on the section links below:
THE PROJECT
OVERVIEW
Launched in 2024, The Tigers' Forest project includes the Amazing Tigers virtual and on-site tiger education and drawing workshops delivered to children from the UK, the USA, India and Singapore. Drawing for the Planet is raising funds so that children living in the buffer zones of tiger reserves in India can participate in the project. Drawing for the Planet is also planning to continue the project beyond 2025 so that children from other tiger inhabited countries can participate.
As part of the project Jane will create The Tigers’ Forest montage featuring a selection of children’s drawings from all four countries. Drawing for the Planet will seek to install large printed murals of the artworks in public spaces in India, the UK, the USA and Singapore.
She is also creating individual montages for each school featuring drawings by all participating children—Drawing for the Planet will present prints/or murals of the artworks to the schools. Scroll down to The Artworks section.
Learn about enchanting species that inhabit tiger landscapes illustrated by project drawings. Scroll down to The Wildlife section. Meet some of our Tiger Champion artists. Scroll down to The Artists section.
Born Free/DftP will create a free legacy educational resource of Amazing Tigers workshops which will be available for teachers to download from our websites.
Since May 2024 over 1500 children from Singapore (May 2024), the UK (May 2024), the USA (November 2024) and New Delhi, India (January 2025) have participated in the workshops making drawings of over 160 Indian and Malaysian species including 300 tiger drawings, double the population of wild Malayan tigers.
EDUCATION WORKSHOP
In the Amazing Tigers education workshops delivered by Laura Eastwood Born Free's Head of Education, Laura focuses on tiger facts, their rainforest habitats in both India and Malaysia, why non-human animals are important to forest, the impact of deforestation and poaching and the Illegal Wildlife Trade, and how we can help protect tigers and other wildlife.
This is followed by a presentation by Ayan Kamath Mehra, a Born Free Youth Ambassador and The Tigers' Forest Project Ambassador where children learn about his passions for wildlife and art and how he raises funds through his art for wildlife conservation.
DRAWING WORKSHOP
In Jane's ballpoint pen drawing workshops young artists choose photographs of tigers or other species from their landscapes as inspiration for their drawings.
Jane asks the artists to draw the animal only and not include any background present in the photograph. This approach emphasises the beautiful form of the animal. It also symbolises that habitat loss is one of the greatest threats to wildlife.
Jane encourages each artist to imagine what the animal in the photograph has seen with its eyes and to form emotional connections with the animal while making their drawing—if we want to save wildlife, it is vital to make emotional connections with animal species; if we care, we want to conserve.
She also encourages the artists to express themselves, enjoy transporting their minds through drawing, celebrate their own unique drawing style, and embrace the fact that everyone can draw!
PROJECT AIMS
The Tigers’ Forest aims to:
- Raise awareness of endangered tigers and why keystone species are vital to global ecosystems and need to be protected.
- Create an artistic and educational legacy through the drawings of a global generation of young people.
- Build a network of awareness throughout tiger inhabited countries by sharing The Tigers' Forest artistic and educational legacy with the aim of providing more children and communities with the opportunity to participate in workshops and create art for the project.
HOW TO SUPPORT THE TIGERS' FOREST
RAISING FUNDS FOR TIGERS AND CHILDREN
DftP is raising funds to donate to the following tiger conservation organisations to support their vital work protecting tigers:
- Bombay Natural History Society
- Wildlife SOS
- Singapore Wildcat Action Group
- Born Free’s tiger conservation work through the Satpuda Landscape Tiger Partnership (SLTP)
DftP is also raising funds so that underprivileged children—including children that live in tiger-inhabited areas in India—can learn about tigers in Born Free’s workshops and take part in Jane’s drawing workshops.
To support this project and help protect tigers, and give the gift of art and environmental education to children and communities please DONATE via our donate page and add in the form comments "THE TIGERS' FOREST" for your donation to go directly to this project:
drawingfortheplanet.org/pages/donate
PROJECT ORIGINS
Butterfly Lover 2014 © Jane Lee McCracken
Jane's journey to Drawing for the Planet and The Tigers' Forest began in Edinburgh in the 1970s, when, at age eight, she read in a wildlife magazine that the Caspian tiger had been declared extinct and made a promise to help tigers and endangered wildlife. Read more here: drawingfortheplanet.org/pages/our-story
Since 2014, Jane has worked in partnership with Born Free—in 2023, Born Free contacted her with an inquiry from Ayan, who was keen to get involved in a Drawing for the Planet project. Ayan, a high school student in Singapore had previously written an illuminating post, Sketching a Solution, about art and wildlife as a guest blogger on DftP's blog.
Like Jane, Ayan is passionate about the natural world and art and has raised funds for wildlife conservation through his art, including drawings of tigers. Jane saw this as an opportunity written in the stripes to celebrate their passion for tigers!
Jane said:
"I've long dreamt of developing a project to honour the alluring animal that has been a glowing presence in my mind and heart since childhood—the tiger! The Tigers' Forest is a dream come true, and it is a privilege to partner with Born Free, working with Laura, Ayan, and the Born Free team on the project. A gifted artist, Ayan's tireless dedication and his advocacy for wildlife are inspirational. He is a tremendous asset, and we are immensely proud that Ayan is our project ambassador."
TIGERS
Panthera tigris
Conservation status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: Global: ~3,726-5,578 individuals, with a best estimate of 4,485 (~2,608-3,905 mature individuals, with a best estimate of 3,140); last assessed by IUCN in 2021. India: ~3,682 tigers are found in India; according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s Status of Tigers: Co-Predators and Prey in India 2022 report.
ABOUT TIGERS
Information courtesy of Born Free:
Tigers are a keystone species, meaning they have a significant impact on the environment that they live in.
As top predators, they help to maintain herbivore populations, reducing disease and preventing overgrazing. As they need so much space, protecting tigers and their habitats means that we can protect many other species.
Tigers are the largest cat on earth. There are six surviving subspecies, the Siberian tiger, the Southern China tiger (although possibly extinct in the wild), the Indochinese tiger, the Malayan tiger, the Sumatran tiger and the Bengal tiger. They are agile, with flexible bodies designed for running, jumping and climbing. Heavily muscled forelimbs, retractable claws, powerful jaws, sharp teeth and acute senses make them incredible hunters.
Tigers have a reddish-orange to yellow-ochre coat with a white belly and black stripes and their distinctive markings blend into the colours and shadows of their habitat, providing excellent camouflage. Although tiger size varies widely between subspecies and where they live, male tigers tend to be much larger than females. Read more here: bornfree.org.uk/animals/tigers
THREATS TO TIGERS
Habitat Loss
Tiger populations are on the brink of extinction in many countries in South East Asia, due, largely, to habitat loss. This is the result of rapid human population expansion and the related increases in mining, logging, farming, palm oil plantations, settlements, roads and railways. As tiger habitats have split and separated, inbreeding has become more common, which also contributes to the decline in numbers.
Human-tiger Conflict
Throughout their range, tigers find themselves in conflict with farmers that persecute them for killing their livestock. People have also been attacked and killed by tigers, which has further fuelled retaliatory killings and low tolerance for the animals. Many large tracts of forest are now empty of wild prey and livestock are, increasingly, competing with tigers and their prey for habitat, further driving tiger numbers down.
Poaching and the Illegal Wildlife Trade
Poaching and the exploitation of tigers in tiger farms for their skins as luxury rugs and home décor, and for their bones which are used to make traditional Asian medicines and health tonics, is a significant threat. Indiscriminate snaring and poison traps, often set for hunting small animals for bushmeat, inevitably end up injuring or killing tigers, contributing to their decline.
Captivity
Tigers are also exploited and abused in captivity – in circuses, zoos, tiger farms and in people’s private collections of wild animals as pets.
THE ARTWORKS
The following The Tigers' Forest montages created by Jane feature drawings of India and Malaysia's remarkable wildlife by participating children from Singapore and the UK. Montages featuring drawings by children from India will be created and added to the online gallery following completion of the workshops in 2025. A selection of the drawings illustrate species information in The Wildlife section—scroll down to learn about many of the animals children championed through their beautiful drawings. The montage above features a selection of drawings of 97 species by 129 young artists from Gosforth Central Middle School, UK. The diamond pattern formed by the tiger drawings reminds us that each of these species is a precious jewel we are fortunate to share Earth with.
USA
826LA
On November 9, 2024, the project team delivered a workshop at 826LA's Mar Vista venue, Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles. 826LA is a non-profit writing and tutoring organization dedicated to unlocking and cultivating the creative power of writing for students ages 6 to 18. 15 children and 6 volunteers created drawings of 23 species including red-headed vulture (critically endangered), sloth bear (vulnerable) and great hornbill (vulnerable). EL MORRO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
On November 8, 2024, Grade 3 children from El Morro Elementary School, Laguna Beach participated in workshops. 55 children and K-5 Visual and Performing Arts ToSA, Cama Stevens's drawings of 41 species including Asian elephant (endangered), greater one-horned rhino (vulnerable) and fishing cat (vulnerable) are included in the montage.
TOP OF THE WORLD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
On November 12 and 14, 2024, Grade 3 children from Top of the World Elementary School, Laguna Beach participated in workshops. 101 children and teachers including K-5 Visual and Performing Arts ToSA, Laguna Beach Unified School District, Sarah Wolsey's drawings of 73 species including lion-tailed macaque (endangered), leopard (vulnerable) and Indian star tortoise (vulnerable) are represented in the montage.
LAGUNA ART MUSEUM
On November 11, 2024, children and adults participated in workshops at Laguna Art Museum. They created drawings of 17 species including superb large fan-throated lizard (critically endangered) and Myristica lowland tree frog (endangered).
COAST FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL
On November 15 and 16, 2024, children and adults participated in workshops at the Coast Film & Music Festival. They created drawings of 21 species including black-necked stork (vulnerable) and Indian crested porcupine (least concern).
SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL
The project team worked with Mr Koltusky, Art Teacher, Singapore American School. High school students participated in an onsite/virtual workshop on 8 May, 2024. The workshop was organised by Ayan, Project Ambassador, assisted by Dharma, Vihan, and Priyali, DftP volunteers. The montage features drawings by children, staff and parents of 13 species including Malayan tiger, Malay tapir and common palm civet.
UK
SOUTH GOSFORTH FIRST SCHOOL
Year 4: Snowy Owls
The project team worked with Mrs. Dibb, Art Lead and Reception Teacher, South Gosforth First School, Newcastle-upon Tyne where Nursery-Year 4 children participated in workshops between 13-15 May, 2024. The montages feature drawings by all participating children. The school raised funds for The Tigers' Forest through print sales of the artworks.
Year 4: Eagle Owls
Year 3: Kestrels
Year 3: Red Kites
Year 2: Kingfishers
Year 2: Doves
Year 1: Starlings
Year 1: Goldfinches
Reception: Puffins
Reception: Robins
Nursery: Ducklings
GOSFORTH CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
Class 5EF
The project team worked with Mrs. Jobling, Acting Assistant Head (Inclusion), Head of Art & Technology and Patrick Quilliam, Year 5 Art Teacher, Gosforth Central Middle School, Newcastle-upon Tyne and delivered workshops to over 600 children from Year 5-Year 8 between 20-22 May, 2024. The following composite artworks feature drawings by all children with parental/guardian permission for drawing inclusion in the project. The school is raising funds for The Tigers' Forest through print sales of the artworks.
Class 5JW
Class 5LP
Class 5RD
Class 5RL
Class 6CG
Class 6EZ
Class 6JK
Class 6MH
Class 6RM
Class 7AM and 7KH
Class 7GW
Classes 7MF and VW
Class 8CWi
Classes 8DL and 8JW
Classes 8KT and 8MJ
THE WILDLIFE
Each of the species from India and Malaysia, illustrated by drawings created for The Tigers' Forest, plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Like humans, they live their lives according to their needs. Imagine what their eyes have seen in the forests of the Bengal and Malayan tigers.
Many of these beautiful animals are threatened with extinction. It is up to all of us to protect and cherish them. Learn more about each species with information provided by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and other sources:
INDIAN WILDLIFE
Explore the magical species of the Bengal tigers' forest, including the dhole, the Sri Lankan giant squirrel, Indian peafowl and the peacock tarantula illustrated by children from the UK, the USA and India.
MAMMALS
BENGAL TIGER
Population: 3,726-5,578 (includes all tiger subspecies), with a best estimate of 4,485 (~2,608-3,905 mature individuals, with a best estimate of 3,140); Indian population: 3,682
Drawings: Children from Gosforth Central Middle School (UK), South Gosforth First School (UK), Top of the World Elementary (USA), Amar Public School (India)
"Bengal tiger, (subspecies Panthera tigris tigris), subspecies of tiger (Panthera tigris) inhabiting the hot and humid forests, and wetlands of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. The Bengal tiger’s appearance is distinguished from other tiger subspecies by its orange coat accented by prominent brownish-to-black stripes; a rare white-coated variant of the subspecies (the white tiger) also exists. The Bengal tiger rivals the larger, thicker-furred, cold-climate Siberian tiger in size, and most experts consider the Bengal tiger to be the world’s second largest tiger... The largest male Bengal tigers can grow up to about 3.2 metres long (including a 1-metre long tail)... Females are smaller, the largest ones measuring about 2.7 metres long... They are solitary hunters, preying primarily on ungulates (including deer and antelope), gaurs, and wild boars."
ASIAN ELEPHANT
Drawings: Lottie and Gurneesh, Year 5 and Raghad, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Elisa, Year 5 and Ada, Reception, South Gosforth First School; Kirsten, 826LA; Keshar and Ayush, Amar Public School
"Many forests in Asia depend on elephants for seed dispersal and creating trails and clearings through which seedlings can grow. With vegetation growth, more carbon can be sequestered, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change. The habitats created by Asian elephants also help support numerous species... Elephants are highly social animals with extremely complex behaviours. Asian Elephants live in herds, typically of around 8-12 individuals although this number can be much higher, that are presided over by a dominant female, known as the matriarch. The matriarch, using information passed on by her mother, guides and protects the family, which consists of her sisters, daughters, female cousins and calves. The matriarch’s knowledge of the home range and traditional water sources is vital to the herd’s survival." Read the complete description: bornfree.org.uk/animals/asian-elephants
WILD WATER BUFFALO
Population: 2,500, DECREASING
Drawings: Hugo and Daniel, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School
Thai National Parks/Wild Water Buffalo:
"The wild water buffalo, also called Asian buffalo and Asiatic buffalo, is a large bovine native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia...They rank alongside the gaur as the heaviest living wild bovid species, as both attain similar average if not maximum weights, although, with their stockier, shorter-legged frame, wild water buffalo are somewhat less in length and height than the gaur... Wild water buffalos occur in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, and Cambodia, with an unconfirmed population in Myanmar." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/wild-water-buffalo
LION-TAILED MACAQUE
Population: 2,400-2,500, DECREASING
Drawings: Mrs Wolsey, Top of the World Elementary; Mrs Stevens and Carter, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary Eamonn, Year 4, South Gosforth First School
Centre for Wildlife Studies India/Lion-tailed Macaque:
"Lion-tailed macaques are shy, relatively small monkeys known for their pitch-black bodies and contrasting silver-white manes. These fruit-eating primates were once a common sight in the rainforests of Southern India. In the last century, however, they have steadily declined, causing scientists to declare them endangered... In Karnataka, lion-tailed macaques are locally known as Singalika which literally translates to “Lion-like”. Their distribution is confined to the tropical wet evergreen forests of the Western Ghats of India. Endemic to the States of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, these arboreal mammals have evolved to occupy a specialised ecological niche." Read the complete article: cwsindia.org/the-rediscovery-of-lion-tailed-macaques-in-karnataka
DHOLE
Drawings: Thomas and Stefan, Year 4, South Gosforth First School; Amy, Year 7 and Alice, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School; Eden, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary
"The Dhole, otherwise known as the Asiatic Wild Dog, Whistling Dog or Red Wolf, has been described as a canid which combines the characteristics of the Grey Wolf and the Red Fox. The Dhole has rust-coloured fur with a paler throat and underbelly, amber eyes and a dark tail. Compared to the African Wild Dog, it has a long backbone and short legs, but it shares rounded, rather than pointed, ears with its African relative. The name Whistling Dog comes from one of its many types of vocalisations, a distinctive whistle used to reassemble pack members in their dense forest habitat. They live in packs and are highly sociable, resembling African Wild Dogs in social structure with less of a dominance hierarchy than Grey Wolves. However, the packs regularly split off into small clans of 3-5 individuals for hunting, which is optimal for catching fawns during the spring season." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/dhole
INDIAN PANGOLIN
Drawings: Tanner, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary; Isolde, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary, Lila, Year 8, Maya, Year 7, and Lucia, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
"Pangolins are mammals with plate-like scales all over their bodies, except their faces and underbelly. When threatened, they roll up into a ball and their scales form an armoured exterior. Pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails, and the scales harden as they reach maturity... Pangolins are the world’s most trafficked mammals. Historically they’ve been hunted for their meat, bile, scales and claws, and their scales are used in traditional medicine in China and Vietnam. High levels of hunting and poaching for the illicit trade in their meat and scales – for traditional medicines in Asia – mean there has been a dramatic decrease in pangolin populations over the last 15 years." Read the complete description: bornfree.org.uk/animals/pangolins
NILGIRI TAHR
Drawings: Florence, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School; Alton, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
"Tahr [are] any of three wary and sure-footed wild goatlike mammals of the family Bovidae, native to Asia. Tahrs live in herds and frequent steep, often wooded mountainsides. They range in shoulder height from 60 to 106 cm (24 to 42 inches), depending on the species... The Nilgiri tahr, or Nilgiri ibex, of southern India, is dark brown with a grizzled saddle-shaped patch on its back; its body size is comparable to that of the Himalayan species." Read the complete description: britannica.com/animal/tahr
GAUR
Drawings: Delisa, Year 3, South Gosforth First School; Zac, Year 6 and Natalie, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Jake, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary
"Gaur, or Indian Bison, are a close wild relative of domestic cattle... Gaur are strong and mightily built, with a high grey ridge on their forehead between their horns, which curve upwards from the sides of the head." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/gaur
GREATER ONE-HORNED RHINO
Drawings: Abhiraj, International Delhi Public School; Mia and Rosie, Drawing for the Planet ambassadors; Lucy, 826LA; Jed, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary; Victoria, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
"Indian rhinoceros, [also known as the Greater One-horned rhino] is the largest of the three Asian rhinoceroses. It stands 2 metres high at the shoulder and is 3.5 metres long. The Indian rhinoceros is more or less equivalent in size to the white rhinoceros of Africa and is distinguishable from the Javan rhinoceros by its greater size, the presence of a large horn, tubercles on its skin, and a different arrangement of skin folds. The Indian rhinoceros occupies the world’s tallest grasslands, where at the end of the summer monsoon in October grasses reach 7 metres (23 feet) tall. They are primarily grazers, except during the winter when they consume a larger proportion of browse. The Indian rhinoceros fights with its razor-sharp lower outer incisor teeth, not with its horn." Read the complete description: britannica.com/animal/Indian-rhinoceros
SLOTH BEAR
Drawings: Jay, Year 4, South Gosforth First School; Laila, 826LA; Reuben, Year 6, and Stewart, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School
"When one hears the name “Sloth bear” for the first time, it can be quite puzzling to imagine what this animal looks like... It was in 1791 that European zoologist George Shaw came across this bear and may have misunderstood its characteristics to be more akin to that of a Sloth’s as opposed to a bear’s, hence giving it the name “bear sloth”... Sloth bears are one of the eight bear species found across the world, and they mainly inhabit the region of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and presumably Bhutan. They have long, shaggy dark brown or black fur and curved claws, which are the longest out of any of the bear species. Long claws were another reason that made Shaw assume that these bears were a part of the Sloth family. However, unlike Sloths, these bears use their claws for digging rather than an aid to hang on trees." Read the complete description: wildlifesos.org/sloth-bears-animals/what-is-a-sloth-bear
FISHING CAT
Drawings: Holly, Year 4, and Ayla, Year 3, South Gosforth First School, Maggie, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary
Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance:
"The fishing cat, is a highly elusive wild cat species found primarily in wetland and mangrove habitats with some populations in Sri Lanka having even been recorded in highly urbanised landscapes and montane forests... Unlike most felines, fishing cats love water and are known for their expert hunting skills in aquatic habitats. Habitat loss and fragmentation, conflict with humans over poultry and livestock, as well as the demand for bushmeat and trade for captive wildlife are causing fishing cat populations to decline." Read the complete description: fishingcat.org/the-fishing-cat
LEOPARD
Drawings: G, International Delhi Public School; Chanel and Marcelo, Year 3, Top of the World Elementary; Samuel, Year 2, South Gosforth First School; Ben, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School
"Leopards are some of the top predators in their environment and they play an important role in controlling the populations of herbivores and other small animals that they may prey on. Without predation, herbivore populations could increase to unsustainable levels, negatively impacting the abundance and diversity of vegetation. Due to leopard’s space requirements, they are considered to be an ‘umbrella’ species, meaning that by protecting leopards and their habitat, we are helping to protect many other species that live alongside leopards." Read the complete description: bornfree.org.uk/animals/leopards
BONNET MACAQUE
Drawings: Ayden, Year 3, Top of the World Elementary; Matthew, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
World Land Trust/Bonnet Macaque:
"Bonnet Macaques are grey-brown Old World monkeys with wrinkly faces, large ears and a comical mop of centre-parted hair on their heads. There are two subspecies: the dark-bellied Bonnet Macaque and the pale-bellied Bonnet Macaque. Like other macaques, the Bonnet Macaque is very sociable. They communicate with an interesting range of gestures and facial expressions. Amongst other uses, these establish dominance, and certain expressions and behaviours are used by low-ranking macaques to submit to the high-ranking individuals. For instance, a low-ranking macaque may offer a hand to the dominant individual for them to mock-bite. They also take part in social grooming, which calms tensions and strengthens social bonds..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/bonnet-macaque
SAMBAR
Drawings: Emmeline, Year 2, South Gosforth First School; Diwa, Abigail, and Ellie Year 6, and Evie, Year 7, Gosforth Middle Central School
"Sambar Deer have many subspecies which vary in size and appearance, but it is known as the largest Oriental deer with some adult males reaching 550kg in weight. They have a thick coat of long, coarse hair which forms a dense mane around the neck, especially in males. The males can be distinguished by their antlers, as well as being slightly larger and darker than females and young. Sambar Deer are quite elusive and are most active at dusk and at night. They are predated by Indian Leopard, Bengal Tiger and Dhole, which makes them an important component of the ecosystem. Although their first instinct is to freeze when disturbed, they will confront predators with loud alarm barks, stomps and the mane will erect to make them appear more intimidating..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/sambar-deer
SMOOTH-COATED OTTER
Drawings: Isabelle and Isabel Year 2, South Gosforth First School
Thai National Park/Smooth-coated Otter:
"As its name indicates, the fur of this species is smoother and shorter than that of other otters...Smooth-coated otters are found in areas where fresh water is plentiful — wetlands and seasonal swamps, rivers, lakes, and rice paddies. Where they are the only species of otter, they may be found in almost any suitable habitat, but where they are sympatric with other species, they avoid smaller streams and canals in favour of larger bodies of water. They have adapted to life in an aqueous habitat, but are nonetheless comfortable on land, and may travel long distances overland in search of suitable habitats..." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/smooth-coated-otter
RUSTY-SPOTTED CAT
Drawings: Idris, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School; Arantika, ID Public School
Wildlife SOS/Rusty Spotted Cat:
"Weighing a mere 2 pounds (almost 300 times smaller than a tiger)—the Rusty-spotted cat is one of the smallest cat species in the world. However, what they lack in size, they make up for in being fierce hunters! The Rusty-spotted cat is endemic to the dry deciduous forests, scrubs and grasslands of India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Their population in India is fragmented as intensive irrigated agriculture has negatively impacted their prime habitat. There is still much to learn about this elusive species but studies confirm that they are nocturnal and are considered terrestrial with arboreal tendencies. Their diet primarily consists of rodents, birds, lizards, frogs, and insects. Due to their size, speed and agility, Rusty-spotted cats are often referred to as the “hummingbird of the cat family.” Read the complete description: wildlifesos.org/chronological-news/turning-the-spotlight-on-the-elusive-rusty-spotted-cat
TUFTED GRAY LANGUR
Drawings: Joey, Year 8, Will, Daniel, Ethan and Alexander, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School
"This species is found in tropical dry evergreen forest, riparian, dry deciduous forest, coastal forest, gardens, around temples in Sri Lanka and cultivated areas. It is found in India up to 1,200 m and in Sri Lanka up to 500 m. It is arboreal, semi-terrestrial, folivorous and frugivorous, and diurnal. In southern India, these langurs are not very commensal with humans except in areas like Doddabetta-Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur, Horsley Hills, Tirupathi, Kurnool, and Chinnar. Interestingly, troop size in these areas are high exhibiting multi male societies. The Sri Lankan population is restricted to the dry zone in the north." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/167546892/17942964
SRI LANKAN GIANT SQUIRREL
Drawings: Hugo, Year 4, South Gosforth First School; Tabitha, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School
Conservation India/Grizzled Giant Squirrel:
"The [Sri Lankan giant squirrel also known as the] grizzled giant squirrel is the smallest of all giant squirrels. It is found in the riparian forests of Southern India and Sri Lanka. Unlike their cousins, grizzled giant squirrels prefer riverine or riparian forests, which grow next to rivers. They are called ‘grizled’ due to the white flecks of hair that cover their greyish-brown body. Like all giant squirrels, they are arboreal. They are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) and spend most of their time foraging in the canopy. They consume fruits, bark and seeds of many plant species, thus aiding in their dispersal and help improving native floral biodiversity. Like its larger cousin, the Malabar giant squirrels, grizzled giant squirrels also build a nest from leaves and twigs where they raise their pups." Read the complete description: conservationindia.org/gallery/grizzled-giant-squirrel-cauvery-wildlife-sanctuary
LESCHENAULT’S ROUSETTE
Drawings: James, Year 3, South Gosforth First School; Benjamin, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Red List/Leschenault's Rousette:
"[Leschenault's rousette] is found in a variety of habitats ranging from tropical moist forest to urban environments. Roosts have been predominantly found in caves and abandoned buildings. It feeds on fruit, flowers and leaves. Additionally, it has been shown to occasionally feed on small fish..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/19756/22001287
PAINTED WOOLLY BAT
Drawings: Ashtyn, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary; Yassin, Year 2, South Gosforth First School; Apurbo, Amar Public School; Jack and Henry G, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School
Thai National Parks/Painted Woolly Bat:
"The painted bat is a species of vesper bat in the family Vespertilionidae. It is found in Bangladesh, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. It is found in arid woodland and is fairly uncommon but widespread... Kerivoula picta is bright orange or scarlet, with black wings and orange along the fingers. As in other species of Kerivoula, K. picta possesses long, woolly, rather curly hair, a small, fragile form, large funnel-shaped ears and 38 teeth... Older males are brighter than females... The bright and broken coloration of these bats may be a form of camouflage to protect them, as they have been reported to blend in with dried leaves and flowers when they roost. Hunting flights last around 1–2 hours..." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/kerivoula-picta
GREY SLENDER LORIS
Drawings: Emily, Year 1, and Philip, Year 3, South Gosforth First School; Levi, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary; Zac, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School
"Loris, [are]... tail-less or short-tailed South and Southeast Asian forest primates. Lorises are arboreal and nocturnal, curling up to sleep by day. They have soft gray or brown fur and can be recognized by their huge eyes encircled by dark patches and by their short index fingers. They move with great deliberation through the trees and often hang by their feet, with their hands free to grasp food or branches... The two species of slender lorises (the red slender loris [Loris tardigradus] and the gray slender loris [L. lydekkerianus]) of India and Sri Lanka are about 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) long and have long slender limbs, small hands, a rounded head, and a pointed muzzle. Slender lorises feed mostly on insects (predominantly ants) and are solitary..." Read the complete description: britannica.com/animal/loris-primate-subfamily#ref1083609
MADRAS HEDGEHOG
Drawing: Diana, Year 8, Gosforth Middle Central School
Conservation India/Madras Hedgehog:
"The Madras hedgehog also known as the bare-bellied hedgehog, is a small-sized insectivorous mammal endemic to the dry scrub forests and grasslands of southeastern India. It is one of the 17 species of hedgehogs found in the world. Although locally common in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, very little is known about the Madras hedgehog’s ecology and population status. Hedgehogs are hunted for medicinal purposes and traded in the illegal pet trade. At the same time, they face habitat loss due to the collection of fuel wood, logging, agriculture, and urbanization..." Read the complete description: conservationindia.org/gallery/conservation-of-the-madras-hedgehog-in-rural-tamil-nadu
CHITAL
Drawings: Henry, Year 4, South Gosforth First School; Amelia, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary; Annie, Year 5, Gosforth Middle Central School; Eliza, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary
"Chital are attractive spotted deer ranging from golden to rufous in colour... Males are much larger than females and grow large, lyre-shaped antlers. They have white fur on their abdomen, rump, throat, ears and on the inner side of their tails... Chital often occur in the company of Common Myna, Sambar and Grey Langurs. They have a commensual relationship with the Common Myna, a common bird belonging to the starling family, who benefit from the insects disturbed by browsing deer. The relationship with Sambar and Grey Langurs is more mutualistic, as both species benefit from the extra vigilance of larger numbers and will both react to alarm calls of the other species. From their high vantage points, Grey Langurs make good sentinels, and chital also benefit from food dropped or dislodged by the foraging monkeys." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/chital
SMALL INDIAN MONGOOSE
Drawing: Alexander, Year 8, Gosforth Middle Central School
"Mongoose [are] small bold predatory carnivores found mainly in Africa but also in southern Asia and southern Europe. Mongooses are noted for their audacious attacks on highly venomous snakes such as king cobras..." Read the complete description: britannica.com/animal/mongoose N.B. The small Indian mongoose species, once native of Iraq and Northern India has been introduced to many countries including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Fiji, French Guiana, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Tanzania, United Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, United States (Hawaiian Is.); Virgin Islands, British; Virgin Islands, U.S.
NILGAI
Drawings: James, Year 7, Gosforth Middle Central School; Kyle, 826LA volunteer
"Nilgai, [is] the largest Asian antelope. The nilgai is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, and Hindus accord it the same sacred status as cattle (both belong to the subfamily Bovinae). Accordingly, the nilgai is the only one of the four Indian antelopes that is still abundant. Nilgai is the Hindustani word for “blue cow,” which describes the blue-gray of adult bulls. (Cows are orange-brown.) The nilgai’s conformation, however, is more horselike than cowlike: it has a long neck with a short upright mane, a bony narrow head, a barrel-like chest, strong legs, and high withers sloping back to the croup..." Read the complete description: britannica.com/animal/nilgai
GOLDEN JACKAL
Drawing: Dimple, International Delhi Public School
"The Golden Jackal is a medium-sized canid which mainly inhabits dry, open habitats, and is less likely to be found in wet, evergreen forests. They are mainly nocturnal in habits, but may be observed early morning or late afternoon: during the heat of the day they tend to shelter in the cool of their burrows. Their call is described as a series of whines and yelps, which may be heard just before dawn or just after dusk. In parts of India they may form large packs, but in Southeast Asia they are generally solitary or travel in pairs. Typical family groups comprise a male, female and four to five pups.Their prey mainly comprises small vertebrates, for example rodents, lizards and frogs, but they will also consume carrion and the remains of animals killed by larger predators. Their size distinguishes them from the much larger Dhole Cuon alpinus and from typical feral 'domestic' dogs..." Read the complete description: ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/golden-jackal
SMALL INDIAN CIVET
Drawing: Joel, Year 2, South Gosforth First School
Ecology India/Small Indian Civet:
"The Small Indian Civet, or Little Civet, inhabits non-forest areas such as grassland, secondary scrub and disturbed, agricultural areas. It is mainly nocturnal and generally terrestrial, but can climb well if needed. It has a broad, omnivorous diet which includes small vertebrates (reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, birds), invertebrates (large insects) and some fruits and roots. In comparison with other civets in the region, this species is medium in size, being somewhat larger than the mainly arboreal Small-toothed Palm Civet, but smaller than the Malay Civet and other species of the genus Viverra..." Read the complete description: ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/small-indian-civet
INDIAN HARE
Drawings: Arjun, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School; B, International Delhi Public School
"The Indian Hare can be found in wide variety of habitats such as short grasslands, barren agricultural fields, crop fields, and forest roads. The species can be seen in forests of many types other than the mangroves and tall grassland habitats... The Indian Hare is characterized as a shy species. It exhibits activity during crepuscular and nocturnal hours." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/41282/45188041
RUDDY MONGOOSE
Drawing: Miranda, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
"The ecology of Ruddy Mongoose remains little known. Most records are from open forest, including dry forests, dry thorn areas, and disturbed forests, although there are also records, albeit fewer, from anthropogenic open dry areas and secluded rice paddy fields... Ruddy Mongoose is perhaps partly crepuscular, although there are many records by day and some by night. It climbs in trees at least occasionally, but evidently spends most of it time at ground level." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/41617/45208195
STRIPE-NECKED MONGOOSE
Drawing: Peter, Year 4, South Gosforth First School
As its name suggests, this mongoose has a stripe that runs down its neck. Inhabiting southern India, the stripe-necked mongoose feeds on birds, small mammals, frogs and reptiles.
RHESUS MONKEY
Drawings: Arthur, Year 4, and Johnny, Year 3, South Gosforth First School; Laila, 826LA; Shaly, International Delhi Public School; Brody, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary; Omar, Year 8, and Bobby, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School
Thai National Parks/Rhesus Monkey:
"The rhesus macaque...is native to South, Central, and Southeast Asia and has the widest geographic range of all non-human primates, occupying a great diversity of altitudes and a great variety of habitats, from grasslands to arid and forested areas, but also close to human settlements... They are regular swimmers. Babies as young as a few days old can swim, and adults are known to swim over a half mile between islands, but are often found drowned in small groups where their drinking waters lie. Rhesus macaques are noted for their tendency to move from rural to urban areas, coming to rely on handouts or refuse from humans. They adapt well to human presence, and form larger troops in human-dominated landscapes than in forests." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/rhesus-macaque
NORTHERN PLAINS GRAY LANGUR
Drawing: Jaspar, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
IUCN Red List/Northern Plains Gray Langur:
"This species is mainly terrestrial, folivorous, and diurnal. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including close to human habitations at elevations up to 400m..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/39832/17942050
GREATER MOUSE-TAILED BAT
Drawings: Kiran, Year 5, and Florence, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
Thai National Parks/Greater Mouse-Tailed Bat:
"The Greater Mouse-tailed Bat...is found in Algeria, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sudan, Thailand, Tunisia, the Western Sahara and Yemen. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland... According to a recent research published in Royal Society of London, the species is found to be hibernating at the unusually warm and constant temperature of 68°F in caves in Israel's Great Rift Valley. From October to February, these bats were discovered semi-conscious, breathing only once every 15-30 minutes, with extremely low energy expenditures." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/greater-mouse-tailed-bat
GREATER SHORT-NOSED FRUIT BAT
Drawings: Nuria, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School; Manish, International Delhi Public School
Thai National Parks/Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat:
"The greater short-nosed fruit bat or short-nosed Indian fruit bat is a species of megabat in the Pteropodidae family. It is found in South and Southeast Asia, where it is known as තල වවුලා (thala wawulaa) by Sinhalese people in Sri Lanka... These bats have a relatively long snout. Their upper parts are brown to grey-brown with paler under parts. The fur is very fine and silky... [They are most] common in tropical forests and areas where fruit crops are cultivated. They can also be found in grassland and mangrove forests. They typically nest high in palm trees. The bats chew the fronds of the palms to construct fairly simple tents. These bats are also known to construct tents by closely interweaving the leaves and twigs of creeping vines which cover buildings, but such nests are constructed only when palms are not available... These bats are important dispersers of date palm seeds, and pollinate many night blooming flowers." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/greater-short-nosed-fruit-bat
INDIAN GIANT SQUIRREL
Drawings: Everly, Year 2, South Gosforth First School; Mattia, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Natalie, Drawing for the Planet youth volunteer; Oliver, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary
Nature in Focus/Giant Squirrels of India:
"Also known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel... [it] is characterised by its rufous-brown/purple colour and its ability to quickly jump from one tree to another. The tree-dwelling squirrel is rarely found on the ground and can leap over impressive heights of about 6 metres—a skill that comes in handy when a leopard is on the prowl. Malabar Giant Squirrels feed on flowers, fruits, bark and nuts, often stretching themselves to reach the source of sustenance, and leaving a messy trail all around." Read the complete article: natureinfocus.in/animals/bite-sized-facts-about-the-giant-squirrels-of-india
MADRAS TREESHREW
Drawing: Anonymous, Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Red List/Madras Treeshrew:
"The species occurs in scrub jungle, dry and moist deciduous forests and in montane sholas (wet evergreen forests)." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/39593/22278758
JUNGLE CAT
Drawing: Estelle, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
Thai National Parks/Jungle Cat:
"The jungle cat, also called reed cat and swamp cat, is a medium-sized cat native to the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia and southern China. It inhabits foremost wetlands like swamps, littoral and riparian areas with dense vegetation. The jungle cat has a uniformly sandy, reddish-brown or grey fur without spots; melanistic and albino individuals are also known. It is solitary in nature, except during the mating season and mother-kitten families. Adults maintain territories by urine spraying and scent marking. Its preferred prey is small mammals and birds. It hunts by stalking its prey, followed by a sprint or a leap; the ears help in pinpointing the location of prey... Kittens begin to catch their own prey at around six months and leave the mother after eight or nine months..." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/jungle-cat
LESSER DOG-FACED FRUIT BAT
Drawings: Alper, Year 4 and Eleanor, Year 1, South Gosforth First School
Ecology Asia/Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat:
"Also called the Short-nosed or Common Fruit Bat, this species is common and abundant throughout most of its range. It occurs in a range of habitats from lowland primary and secondary forests to mangroves, cultivated areas, and parks and gardens. By day it roosts under shaded trees, sometimes underneath the protective cover of epiphytic ferns, or near the entrance of caves. It can be identified by the pale edges of the ears and the whitish wing bones. It feeds on small fruits, figs and nectar. The species ranges from Sri Lanka, through Myanmar, Thailand and Indochina to Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia.." Read the complete description: ecologyasia.com/verts/bats/lesser_dog-faced_fruit-bat
INDIAN FLYING FOX
Drawings: Eli, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School; Jaayan, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary; Ronan, Year 2, South Gosforth First School; Ewan, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Red List/ Indian Flying Fox:
"This species roosts in large colonies of hundreds to thousands of individuals on large trees in rural and urban areas, close to agricultural fields, ponds and by the side of roads. It feeds on a wide variety of fruits and flowers, both wild and cultivated..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/18725/194134899
INDIAN GIANT FLYING SQUIRREL
Drawing: Charlie Smith, Cruise Control Contemporary
World Land Trust/ Indian Giant Flying Squirrel:
"The Indian Giant Flying Squirrel is one of the largest flying squirrels, similar in size to the Red Giant Flying Squirrel found in East Asia at about 43cm long with a 50cm tail. They have a rufous coat, grey underparts, and large, round eyes. Their flying membrane extends from their wrists to their ankles, which enables them to glide from tree to tree. These squirrels are most active just after dusk, when they forage in the canopy on plant materials from species such as Madhuca and Bahera trees. They tend to consume the pith of the plant, but will also feed on twigs, leaves, bark, flowers, fruits and seeds...." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/indian-giant-flying-squirrel
FIVE-STRIPED PALM SQUIRREL
Drawing: Pratham, International Delhi Public School
Also known as the Northern palm squirrel, this species is not only found in forests and scrublands but has adapted to well urban habitats.
INDIAN CRESTED PORCUPINE
Drawings: Kelly, Coast Film & Music Festival; Sydney, Grade 3, Top of the World
With long quills and stocky body, this species of porcupine is far ranging and can be found from southwest to central Asia. These noctural animals feast on plants, intects and small vertebrates.
HONEY BADGER
Drawings: Jenny, Coast Film & Music Festival; Lindsay, Pacific Marine Mammal Center
This solitary species is wide ranging from Africa to Southwest Asia. Feisty in nature, these badgers have few natural predators. These badgers dine on honey, insects, reptiles and small mammals.
INDIAN WOLF
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN
Drawings: Bethan, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School; Mack, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary; Nathan, Coast Film & Music Festival
Nature Conservation Foundation/Indian Wolf:
"The Indian grey wolf occupies a top predator niche in arid and semi-arid open plains and grasslands of India. It faces a series of threats including loss of grasslands to agriculture and industrial expansion, modification of habitats, depletion of its natural prey, retaliatory killing, and disease spread through feral dogs..." Read the complete description: ncf-india.org/western-ghats/the-lone-wolf-new-distribution-update-of-the-indian-greywolf-canis-lupus-pallipes-in-southern-india
BIRDS
WHITE RUMPED VULTURE
Population: 4,000-6,000, DECREASING
Resident countries: Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; India; Myanmar; Nepal; Pakistan (extinct Malaysia)
Drawings: Lena, Year 2 and Matthew, Year 3, South Gosforth First School
Like other vulture species, white-rumped vultures are scavengers feeding on carrion. Vultures play a vital role as nature's waste disposal experts, keeping disease at bay. Over the last forty years the white-rumped vulture population has plummeted from several million to around 6,000. One of the main reasons for the catastrophic loss of many vulture species populations in India is due to the use of diclofenac and other drugs given to livestock which causes kidney failure in vultures. Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/22695194/204618615
INDIAN VULTURE
Population: 5,000-15,000, DECREASING
Resident countries: India and Pakistan
Drawings: Mazen, Year 8 and Aaron, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
With their long bills and semi-bald heads that have little feathers, Indian vultures live alongside white-rumped vultures. Its range originally stretched to Indochina but it is now extinct in south east Asia and can only be found in central and southern India—these vultures are perilously close to extinction. Indian vultures are a keystone species and like other vultures play a vital role as nature's waste disposal experts, keeping disease at bay. Like white-rumped vultures they too are at risk from the use of diclofenac and other drugs given to livestock. Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/22729731/204672586
RED-HEADED VULTURE
Population: 2,500-9,999, DECREASING
Resident countries include: Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; China; India; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Myanmar; Nepal; Viet Nam (possibly extinct Malaysia; Thailand)
Drawings: Taylor, Year 7 and Mohamed, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School; Will, 826LA
Thai National Parks/Red-headed Vulture:
"The red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), also known as the Asian king vulture, Indian black vulture or Pondicherry vulture, is an Old World vulture mainly found in the Indian subcontinent, with small disjunct populations in some parts of Southeast Asia...It has a prominent naked head: deep-red to orange in the adult, paler red in the juvenile. It has a black body with pale grey band at the base of the flight feathers. The sexes differ in colour of the iris: males have a paler, whitish iris, whilst in females it is dark brown. This gaudy-faced vulture was historically abundant, range widely across the Indian subcontinent, and also eastwards to south-central and south-eastern Asia, extending from India to Singapore. Today the range of the red-headed vulture is localized primarily to northern India..." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/red-headed-vulture
GREAT HORNBILL
Population: 13,000-27,000, DECREASING
Resident countries include: Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Myanmar; Nepal; Thailand; Viet Nam
Drawings: Amrit, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Josette, 826LA; Brody, Top of the World Elementary; Satyam, International Delhi Public School
Thai National Parks/Great Hornbill:
"The great hornbill also known as the concave-casqued hornbill, great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill, is one of the larger members of the hornbill family. It is found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its impressive size and colour have made it important in many tribal cultures and rituals. The great hornbill is long-lived, living for nearly 50 years in captivity. It is predominantly frugivorous, but is an opportunist and will prey on small mammals, reptiles and birds. The great hornbill is a large bird...with a 152 cm wingspan...Like other hornbills, they have prominent "eyelashes". The most prominent feature of the hornbill is the bright yellow and black casque on top of its massive bill...Male hornbills have been known to indulge in aerial casque butting, with birds striking each other in flight...The wing beats are heavy and the sound produced by birds in flight can be heard from a distance. This sound has been likened to the puffing of a steam locomotive starting up." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/red-headed-vulture
BLACK-CAPPED KINGFISHER
Drawings: Adhiyagua and George Year 5, and Nancy Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
Thai National Parks/Black-capped Kingfisher:
"The black-capped kingfisher is a tree kingfisher which is widely distributed in tropical Asia from India east to China, Korea and Southeast Asia. This most northerly of the tree kingfishers is resident over much of its range, but northern populations are migratory, wintering south of their range in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo and Java. It is distinctive in having a black cap that contrasts with the whitish throat, purple-blue wings and the coral red bill. The species is mainly found in coastal and mangrove habitats but can sometimes be found far inland...The large bill and legs are bright red...The call of this kingfisher is a cackling ki-ki-ki-ki-ki..." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/black-capped-kingfisher
GREEN AVADAVAT
Drawing: Justin, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
With green and zebra striped plumage, the green avadavat is a species of finch. Sadly, due to its beautiful appearance this species is trapped for the cagebird trade which has impacted its population.
BLACK-NECKED STORK
Drawing: Mia, Drawing for the Planet youth ambassador
Thai National Parks/Black-necked Stork:
"The black-necked stork is a tall long-necked wading bird in the stork family. It is a resident species across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia with a disjunct population in Australia. It lives in wetland habitats and certain crops such as rice and wheat where it forages for a wide range of animal prey. In Australia, it is sometimes called a jabiru although that name refers to a stork species found in the Americas. It is one of the few storks that is strongly territorial when feeding..." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/black-necked-stork
LESSER ADJUTANT
Population: 5,000-15,000, POPULATION TREND UNKNOWN
Drawings: Chloe, Year 3 and Maya, Year 4, South Gosforth First School; Jennifer, Coast Film & Music Festival
Thai National Parks/Lesser Adjutant:
"The lesser adjutant is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. Like other members of its genus, it has a bare neck and head. It is however more closely associated with wetland habitats where it is solitary and is less likely to scavenge than the related greater adjutant. It is a widespread species found from India through Southeast Asia to Java...The lesser adjutant stalks around wetlands feeding mainly on fish, frogs, reptiles and large invertebrates. They rarely feed on carrion. They may also take small birds and rodents particularly during the breeding season. They are solitary except during the breeding season when they form loose colonies...." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/lesser-adjutant
ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET
Drawings: Seb, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Akamsha and Ginni, Amar Public School; Rose, Year 3, South Gosforth First School
Thai National Parks/Alexandrine Parakeet:
"The Alexandrine parakeet, also known as the Alexandrine parrot, is a medium-sized parrot... It is named after Alexander the Great, who transported numerous birds from Punjab to various European and Mediterranean countries and regions, where they were prized by the royalty, nobility and warlords...The Alexandrine parakeet is one of the largest parakeets, measuring 56 to 62 cm from the top of the head to the tip of the tail...Adult males have a black stripe across their lower cheeks and a pink band on their nape. Adult females lack both a black stripe across their lower cheeks and a pink band on their nape..." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/alexandrine-parakeet
RED-HEADED FALCON
BLACK-BACKED DWARF KINGFISHER
"The Oriental dwarf kingfisher, also known as the black-backed kingfisher or three-toed kingfisher, is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. A widespread resident of lowland forest, it is endemic across much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia...This is a small, red and yellow kingfisher, averaging 13 cm in length, yellow underparts with glowing bluish-black upperparts. The preferred habitat is small streams in densely shaded forests. In the Konkan region of southwest India..." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/oriental-dwarf-kingfisher
INDIAN PEAFOWL
"The Indian Peafowl is hailed as the National bird of India. Although this bird is commonly called a peacock, technically, only the male bird is a peacock. The females are referred to as peahens. Both sexes are together known as peafowl. The male peafowl wears the hues of blue, green and golden yellow with royal pride, and is a delight to watch. Peacocks have a resplendent trail which has a design of multiple eyespots. When the bird opens out its tail feathers, the sight sure is one to behold! The male peafowl has been a recurring figure in Indian mythology and folklore, and a muse to artists and writers across several cultures throughout history...As omnivores, peafowl feed on plants, seeds, invertebrates, reptiles, and even amphibians." Read more: wildlifesos.org/know-all-about-the-extravagant-peafowl
WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER
GREY-CAPPED EMERALD DOVE
Population: UNKNOWN, DECREASING
CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE
RED JUNGLEFOWL
"The red junglefowl is a tropical bird in the family Phasianidae. It ranges across much of Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia. Red junglefowl are the primary ancestor of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus); the grey junglefowl, Sri Lankan junglefowl and green junglefowl have also contributed genetic materials to the gene pool of the chicken. Evidence from the molecular level derived from whole-genome sequencing revealed that the chicken was domesticated from red junglefowl about 8, 000 years ago, with this domestication event involving multiple maternal origins...Flight in these birds is almost purely confined to reaching their roosting areas at sunset in trees or any other high and relatively safe places free from ground predators, and for escape from immediate danger through the day..." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/red-junglefowl
MALABAR BARBET
GREY JUNGLEFOWL
Drawing: Olga, 826LA volunteer
With its beautiful plumage, the grey junglefowl is a wild ancestor of the domestic chicken and endemic to India. Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/22679203/263721096
COMMON HILL MYNA
"The common hill myna, sometimes spelled "mynah" and formerly simply known as the hill myna or myna bird, is the myna most commonly seen in aviculture...It is a member of the starling family (Sturnidae), resident in hill regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia...The common hill myna is a popular talking bird. Its specific name may allude to the practice of teaching mynas to repeat prayers...It is overall green-glossed black plumage, purple-tinged on the head and neck...The bill and strong legs are bright yellow, and there are yellow wattles on the nape and under the eye...The common hill myna is often detected by its loud, shrill, descending whistles followed by other calls. It is most vocal at dawn and dusk, when it is found in small groups in forest clearings high in the canopy..." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/common-hill-myna
COMMON MYNA
"The common myna or Indian myna, sometimes spelled mynah, is a member of the family Sturnidae (starlings and mynas) native to Asia. An omnivorous open woodland bird with a strong territorial instinct, the common myna has adapted extremely well to urban environments...The common myna is readily identified by the brown body, black hooded head and the bare yellow patch behind the eye. The bill and legs are bright yellow. There is a white patch on the outer primaries and the wing lining on the underside is white...The calls includes croaks, squawks, chirps, clicks, whistles and 'growls', and the bird often fluffs its feathers and bobs its head in singing...Before sleeping in communal roosts, common mynas vocalise in unison, which is known as "communal noise"..." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/common-myna
RED-WHISKERED BULBUL
"The red-whiskered bulbul, or crested bulbul, is a passerine bird found in Asia. It is a member of the bulbul family. It is a resident frugivore found mainly in tropical Asia. It has been introduced in many tropical areas of the world where populations have established themselves. It feeds on fruits and small insects. Red-whiskered bulbuls perch conspicuously on trees and have a loud three or four note call. They are very common in hill forests and urban gardens within their range...." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/red-whiskered-bulbul
PAINTED STORK
"The painted stork is a large wading bird in the stork family. It is found in the wetlands of the plains of tropical Asia south of the Himalayas in the Indian Subcontinent and extending into Southeast Asia. Their distinctive pink tertial feathers give them their name. They forage in flocks in shallow waters along rivers or lakes. They immerse their half open beaks in water and sweep them from side to side and snap up their prey of small fish that are sensed by touch. As they wade along they also stir the water with their feet to flush hiding fish. They nest colonially in trees, often along with other waterbirds. The only sounds they produce are weak moans or bill clattering at the nest... Like other storks, they are often seen soaring on thermals..." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/painted-stork
LOTEN'S SUNBIRD
The Loten's sunbird has a long curved beak and measures up to 13cm long. It is endemic to India and Sri Lanka. Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/22717862/263795350
RED AVADAVAT
INDIAN PITTA
GREATER RACQUET-TAILED DRONGO
COPPERSMITH BARBET
Drawings: Eva, 826LA
Thai National Parks/Coppersmith Barbet:
"The coppersmith barbet, also called crimson-breasted barbet and coppersmith, is an Asian barbet with crimson forehead and throat, known for its metronomic call that sounds similar to a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer. It is a resident bird in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It carves out holes inside a tree to build its nest. It is predominantly frugivorous, but has been observed eating insects, especially winged termites...." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/alexandrine-parakeet
BROWN-HEADED BARBET
Drawings: A, Aditya, and Inderjeet, International Delhi Public School
This species of barbet frequents gardens and woodland. It has a streaked brown head and a yellow patch on its head.
GREEN-BILLED MALKOHA
Drawings: Hannah, Year 6 Gosforth Central Middle School; Oscar, Year 4, South Gosforth First School; Mateus, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
Thai National Parks/Green-billed Malkoha:
"The green-billed malkoha is a species of non-parasitic cuckoo found throughout Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The birds are waxy bluish black with a long graduated tail with white tips to the tail feathers. The bill is prominent and curved. These birds are found in dry scrub and thin forests. Green-billed malkoha is about 50–60 cm centimetres long and weighs 100–128 g. It often has a clear white boarder to the red face patch salty grey on the face and neck. Adult green-billed malkoha has dark grey with green gloss above, oily green wings." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/green-billed-malkoha
ROCK EAGLE-OWL
Drawings: Reuben, Year 4, South Gosforth First School; Jess, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School; Ali, Coast Film & Music Festival
Also known as the Indian eagle-owl, the rock eagle-owl is a large horned owl with a loud booming call. Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/22688934/264039943
BROWN WOOD-OWL
Drawings: Chloe, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary; Zachary, Year 2, South Gosforth First School
PAINTED SANDGROUSE
Drawing: Henry, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
With striking plumage, the aptly named painted sandgrouse is a sociable, ground-dwelling bird. Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/22693025/263652174
PLUM-HEADED PARAKEET
Drawings: Leonie and Michelle Year 5 and Elsa, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
This parakeet is found in flocks across the Indian sub-continent. Males have a plum-coloured head. They live in forests and can also be found in gardens. Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/22685481/264060594
MALABAR PARAKEET
Drawings: Toby, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Keira, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
Endemic to the Western Ghats of India, this colourful parakeet can be found in small flocks.
YELLOW-FOOTED GREEN-PIGEON
Drawing: Mani, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School
Thai National Parks/Yellow-Footed Green-Pigeon:
"The yellow-footed green pigeon, also known as yellow-legged green pigeon, is a common species of green pigeon found in the Indian subcontinent. It is the state bird of Maharashtra. In Marathi it is called Hola or Hariyal. The species feeds on fruit, including many species of Ficus. They forage in flocks. In the early morning they are often seen sunning on the tops of emergent trees in dense forest areas. They especially are found sitting in couples on tree branches." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/yellow-footed-green-pigeon
CRIMSON-BACKED SUNBIRD
Drawings: Savi, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary; Arjun, Year 2, South Gosforth First School; Amurag, Amar Public School
This tiny sunbird, measuring up to 8cm, feeds on nectar and is endemic to India. Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/22717785/94551846
LITTLE SPIDERHUNTER
Arachnothera longirostraDrawing: Kirsten, Drawing for the Planet treasurer
Thai National Parks/Little Spiderhunter:
"The little spiderhunter is a species of long-billed nectar-feeding bird...found in the moist forests of South and Southeast Asia. Unlike typical sunbirds, males and females are very similar in plumage. They are usually seen in ones or twos and frequently make a tzeck call and are most often found near flowering plants, where they obtain nectar..." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/little-spiderhunter
SRI LANKA BAY-OWL
Drawings: Josie, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Nina, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
Measuring up to 27cm, this nocturnal owl has a heart-shaped face. Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/22725132/264136963
INDIAN ROLLER
Drawings: Anishika and Pankhwi, Amar Public School; Carolina, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary; Joni, Laguna Art Museum
The Indian roller has striking dark blue, turquoise and pinkish plumage. Measuring up to 34cm long it is found in open woodland.
SPOT-BELLIED EAGLE-OWL
Drawing: Darius Legg, Coast Film & Music Festival
This large, long owl, measures up to 65cm and has long ear-tufts. It is known for its human-like call.
ASIAN EMERALD CUCKOO
Drawing: Eliannah, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School
Thai National Parks/Asian Emerald Cuckoo:
"The Asian emerald cuckoo is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae...Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. The Asian emerald cuckoo grows to a length of about 18 cm. The adult male has an iridescent dark green head, upper parts and upper breast, a white lower breast and a green barred belly. Bare skin round the eye is orange and the beak is orange/yellow tipped with black...The voice is a “chweek” uttered while flying, and various whistled twitters..." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/asian-emerald-cuckoo
GREATER PAINTED SNIPE
Drawing: Siddhi, Teacher, Amar Public School
Thai National Parks/Greater Painted Snipe:
"The greater painted-snipe is a species of wader in the family Rostratulidae. It is found in marshes in Africa, South Asia and South-east Asia...The painted-snipe is not related to the true snipes and differs from them in habits, flight and appearance, being far more colorful and having longer legs than the snipes. It is unusual in that the female is larger and more brightly colored than the male, with the sides of the head, neck and throat a rich chestnut brown, and a distinct black band across the breast; the male is paler and greyer..." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/greater-painted-snipe
ORIENTAL DARTER
Drawing: Janelle, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
Thai National Parks/Oriental Darter:
"The Oriental darter is a water bird of tropical South Asia and Southeast Asia. It has a long and slender neck with a straight, pointed bill and, like the cormorant, it hunts for fish while its body is submerged in water. It spears a fish underwater, bringing it above the surface, tossing and juggling it before swallowing the fish head first. The body remains submerged as it swims, and the slender neck alone is visible above the water, which accounts for the colloquial name of snakebird. Like the cormorants, it has wettable feathers and it is often found perched on a rock or branch with its wings held open to dry..." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/oriental-darter
PURPLE SWAMPHEN
Drawings: Aarav and Lucky, Amar Public School
The purple swamphen, also known as the Western swamphen is a large water bird that inhabits wetlands from Europe to Australasia.
RED-NAPED IBIS
Drawing: Shiva, Amar Public School
The red-naped ibis prefers to inhabit dry fields rather than wetlands. It is a large bird with a long curved beak and nests on top of palm trees.
ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET
Drawing: D, Amar Public School
This noisy, colourful and sociable parakeet is wide ranging from Africa to South Asia.
SRI LANKA FROGMOUTH
Drawing: Marius, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary; Poppy, Year 4, South Gosforth First School
This endearing nocturnal species with its wide mouth and large head, inhabits tropical rainforests. The female has rusty coloured plumage.
REPTILES
NORTHERN RIVER TERRAPIN
Population: 100, DECREASING
Drawing: Freya, Year 2, South Gosforth First School
People's Trust for Endangered Species/Northern River Terrapin:
"Northern river terrapins are freshwater turtles that were once found in many of the large rivers and estuaries of the coastal district of the Sundarbans region. The Sundarbans are well known wetland, famed for their wildlife, which span India and Bangladesh. Even though large areas of the Sundarbans are now protected, unfortunately the long history of exploitation and lack of enforcement in both countries has resulted in catastrophe for these turtles." Read the complete article: ptes.org/grants/worldwide-projects/northern-river-terrapins
ELONGATED TORTOISE
Population: UNKNOWN, DECREASING
Drawing: Harrison, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School
Thai National Parks/Elongated Tortoise:
"The elongated tortoise is a species of tortoise found in Southeast Asia and parts of the Indian Subcontinent, particularly Northeast India. [Its]Shell [is] considerably depressed, more than twice as long as deep...Typically, [it is] are around 30 cm (12 inches) long...The principal threats to this species are the mass harvesting of the remaining wild populations for the large and growing food markets in...East Asia. It is also incorrectly believed in [traditional medicine] that a mixture, made by grinding up the tortoise's shell, serves as an aphrodisiac. In addition, other threats are habitat destruction and illegal collecting for the pet trade." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/indotestudo-elongata
LEITH'S SOFTSHELL TURTLE
Drawings: Aidan, Year 4, South Gosforth First School; Hunter, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary; Tom, Year 8 Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group/Leith's Softshell Turtle:
"Leith’s Softshell Turtle, is a large turtle, known to attain at least 720 mm in carapace length (bony disk plus fibrocartilage flap), and possibly as much as 1000 mm. The species inhabits the rivers and reservoirs of southern peninsular India, replacing the more familiar Indian Softshell Turtle, N. gangetica, of northern India. The turtle is apparently rare within its range, even within protected areas, which is suspected to be due to a past history of exploitation. Fish, crabs, freshwater molluscs, and mosquito larvae are taken as food, and some numbers are kept in temple tanks, where they are often fed on Hibiscus flowers. At least two clutches of eggs, which are spherical, are suspected to be produced per year..." Read more: iucn-tftsg.org/nilssonia-leithii-075
GHARIAL
Drawings: Louis, Year 2, and Euan, Year 3, South Gosforth First School; Sterling, Laguna Art Museum
Wildlife SOS/Dammed to Extinction the Gharials habitat crisis:
"Gharial is a keystone species found in India’s freshwater river ecosystem. Interestingly, the etymology of the species’ common name can be traced to the Hindustani word ghara meaning earthenware pots due to the round protrusion adult males have at the tip of their snouts...Gharials were once widely abundant in the large river systems spanning five South Asian countries: India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. Today, these crocodiles are absent from over 94% of its historical range, leaving approximately 800 mature individuals in the wild that are confined to fragmented tributaries of the Ganga River in India and Nepal. Trophy hunters and traders of gharial skin would target these crocodiles on a large scale, which led to the establishment of a protected area in 1979 around the Chambal River passing India through three states: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Given a catastrophic population decline of 98% in under a century, gharials are listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species..." Read the complete article: wildlifesos.org/dammed-to-extinction-the-gharials-habitat-crisis
SUPBERB LARGE FAN-THROATED LIZARD
Drawings: Remy, Year 2, and Amilie, Year 3, South Gosforth First School; Caiden, Laguna Art Museum; Averie, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
"[In 2016] a team of scientists identified a species of fan-throated lizard (sarada superba) in Chalkewadi near Satara in Maharashtra. They confirmed that this species, which is blue, orange and black across its throat, is found only in Chalkewadi...The species is named after its dramatic displays and large dewlap skin hanging from the neck. ‘Superbus’ in Latin means ‘magnificent’...“Sarada superba is a species found only at high elevation plateaus in Chalkewadi. The dry arid landscape has perfect ecological conditions that ensure the species’ survival,” said Dr Varad Giri, curator, herpetology, NCBS, who was part of the study..." Read the article: hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/in-pics-on-world-environment-day-take-a-look-at-maharashtra-s-dragon-the-fan-throated-lizard
JEYPORE GROUND GECKO
Drawings: Rufus, 826LA; Jack, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary
IUCN Red List/Jeypore Ground Gecko:
"[This gecko is] [e]ndemic to the Eastern Ghats, India. The type locality is probably Patinghe (Potangi) Hill near Jeypore in Orissa. The species had not been collected since it was originally found in 1877, and there were fears that it might be extinct. However, it was recently recorded (September 2010) from Deomali, Jeypore in Koraput District, Orissa...Within this area, its occurrence appears to be highly restricted at the two known sites, with a recent two-day survey failing to locate it in nearby areas. While there are a small number of high elevation peaks in the intervening area where it may occur, it is known with certainty only from the two recent localities and is presumed to have been lost from the type locality, where no suitable forest remains..." Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/194100/218866954
YELLOW MONITOR
Drawings: Alexander and Eliza, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School; Sam, Year 2, South Gosforth First School
"This species is found in a number of humid habitats, including riverbanks, canals and rice fields, but predominantly in marshland. It is absent from dry grassland or hot steppe, areas in which it has erroneously been assumed to occur. It is mainly terrestrial, but is largely aquatic between June and October in the monsoon season. In the dry season animals (between November and February) to its own burrows, termite mounds or crevices and cracks in the earth. Its diet is known to include amphibian, reptile and bird eggs, insects and rodents. They also are specialized for feeding on crabs..." Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/22872/127899602
MUGGER
Drawings: Lucas, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Archer, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary
"Mugger [is a] species of freshwater crocodile known for its broad head and snout, robust body (which gives it a superficial resemblance to the American alligator, and use of tools to attract prey. Muggers inhabit freshwater streams, ponds, and marshes, as well as saltwater lagoons, in South Asia...The crocodile’s common name comes from magar, which translates loosely to “water monster” in the Hindi and Urdu languages..." Read the complete description: britannica.com/animal/mugger
KING COBRA
Drawing: Gerardo, 826LA
National Parks Thailand/King Cobra:
"The king cobra is a venomous snake endemic to Asia...It has an average length of 3.18 to 4 m. The species has diversified colouration across habitats, from black with white stripes to unbroken brownish grey...It preys chiefly on other snakes, including those of its own kind...The threat display of this elapid includes spreading its neck-flap, raising its head upright, making eye contact, puffing, hissing and occasionally charging. Given the size of the snake, it is capable of striking at a considerable range and height, sometimes sustaining a bite...Regarded as the national reptile of India, it has an eminent position in the mythology and folk traditions of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar..." Read more: thainationalparks.com/species/ophiophagus-hannah
INDIAN STAR TORTOISE
Drawings: Eilidh, Year 4 and Yusuf, Year 2, South Gosforth First School; Ferran and Harry, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School; Gunner, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary; Millie and Michael, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
IUCN Red List/Indian Star Tortoise:
[Indian] star tortoises inhabit a variety of dry vegetation types, including scrublands, grasslands, desert edges and agricultural landscapes of fields, hedgerows and plantations...Adult males typically reach up to 26 cm and adult females typically up to 32 cm in carapace length. Observations made from nearly 400 star tortoises from various parts of the country indicate that the female is larger and heavier than the male..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/39430/123815345
INDIAN ROOFED TURTLE
Drawings: Summer-Leigh and Daisy, Year 6 and Emi, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School; Sophie, Year 3, South Gosforth First School; Peyton, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary
IUCN Red List/Indian Roofed Turtle:
"[The Indian Roofed Turtle] mainly inhabits standing and slow-flowing waterbodies, though it is also encountered in flowing water. [It] basks on riverbanks, snags and vegetation and feeds almost exclusively on vegetable matter. Females reach 23cm carapace length, males remain much smaller..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/46370/3005714
INDIAN FLAPSHELL TURTLE
Drawings: Anmal and Chitakash, Amar Public School
IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group/Indian Flapshell Turtle:
"The Indian Flapshell Turtle, is a relatively small softshell turtle with a carapace length of up to 350 mm...Individuals are adaptable and durable, occurring in a variety of aquatic habitats, ranging from rivers and streams to reservoirs, marshes, ponds, lakes, and even salt marshes, rice fields, gutters, and canals in metropolitan areas...Lissemys punctata is omnivorous and can survive periods of drought by estivating for a long time on land. Nesting generally occurs in late summer and extends into the monsoon season, July through November...Despite extensive exploitation by man as a food source for many years, these turtles are still fairly common and seem to be holding their own, with populations relatively stable and not yet seriously threatened." Read the complete description: iucn-tftsg.org/lissemys-punctata-076
INDIAN ROCK PYTHON
Drawings: Megan, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School; B and Khushi, International Delhi Public School
Indian Biodiversity/Indian Rock Python:
"Indian Rock Python is one of the most famous and one of the largest growing snake of India. In most of the parts of country this is the largest species (excluding North-east where Burmese Python is found in place of Indian Rock Python). Most of the time it can be easily identified by checking its large size, dark irregular patches, pinkish head and slow locomotion...Indian Rock Python is a nocturnal species but can be seen in the day time also during basking and opportunistic foraging on prey animals. [It is] usually terrestrial but climbs well to good heights and can stay there for roosting. [Its] behavior [is] usually non-offensive and [it tries] to escape to hide in natural surroundings..." Read the complete description: indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/238884
ORNATE DAY GECKO
Drawings: Julio, 826LA; Summer, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
IUCN Red List/Ornate Day Gecko:
"Cnemaspis ornata is endemic to Western Ghats, India and is known from hilly regions of southern Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu." Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/172662/1361832
LONG-NOSED TREE SNAKE
Drawing: R, International Delhi Public School
India Biodiversity/Common Green Vine Snake:
[The long-nosed tree snake, also known as the] Common Green Vine Snake is the most widely distributed Ahaetulla species in India also the only species of genus in most of the parts of peninsular and northern India. [It is] one of the most common and ecologically significant species of Western Ghats. It can be identified easily by checking very thin and long body including tail, green dorsal, leaf or arrow like head with very pointed snout." Read the complete description: indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/238760
WESTERN RUSSEL'S VIPER
Drawing: Himanshi, International Delhi Public School
India Biodiversity/Russell's Viper:
"[Western Russel's Viper also known as] Russell's Viper is the most widely distributed viper family member which is infamous for its fascinating whistle and long fangs. This is one of the most bite and death causing venomous snake in Indian subcontinent and the member of Big Four of India. It can be easily identified by checking oval shaped hollow or solid spots in three rows in dorsal body and highly keeled non-shiny scales. However even with specific body patterns layman sometime assume it to be juvenile of Python..." Read the complete description: indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/238674
LARGE-SCALED FOREST LIZARD
Drawings: Ben, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School; Jack, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary; Noah, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
Conservation India/Large-scaled Forest Lizard:
"The Large-scaled Forest Lizard is an agamid lizard endemic to the forests of the central and southern Western Ghats of India. This species has lot of colour variation ranging from bright green, dull brown, red, sky blue to lemon yellow..." Read the complete description: conservationindia.org/gallery/large-scaled-forest-lizard-anamalais
SOUTHERN FLYING LIZARD
Drawings: Mrs Wolsey, Top of the World Elementary; Bhodi, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary
IUCN Red List/Southern Flying Lizard:
"Draco dussumieri is endemic to the Western and Eastern Ghats of India. It is known from many sites in the states of Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and southern Andhra Pradesh where it is widely distributed both in protected areas and reserve forests...Draco dussumieri is a diurnal and arboreal lizard which usually does not leave the tree tops except for egg-laying, living from about 2 m above the ground to the top of the trees. An accomplished glider being able to glide to a distance of 30m. It feeds primarily on ants but also feeds on different kinds of arthropods. It is found in plantations, secondary forests, in dry deciduous to moist evergreen forests..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/172625/1354495
COMMON GREEN FOREST LIZARD
Drawings: Janelle, 826LA volunteer; Millie, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
These striking, spiny lizards can measure up to 65cm (25.5inches) and are found in India and Sri Lanka. Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/172644/1357980
ASIAN CHAMELEON
Drawings: Asher, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary; Charlie, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Red List/Asian Chameleon:
"Chamaeleo zeylanicus is distributed in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In India, it is known from south of the Ganges and is widely distributed in both the Eastern and Western Ghats and in peninsular India... Chamaeleo zeylanicus is found in scrublands, dry deciduous and secondary forests. It ranges into desert areas, but is restricted to oases in these habitats... It is diurnal and arboreal, and feeds on termites, grasshoppers and other insects..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/172657/1360663
SPOTTED LEAF-TOED GECKO
Drawings: Summer, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary; Callum, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Red List/Spotted Leaf-toed Gecko:
"Hemidactylus maculatus is an Indian endemic. It is distributed in both the Eastern and Western Ghats and in some parts of peninsular India...This largely rupiculous gecko has been recorded from dry deciduous, moist deciduous and wet evergreen forests, but is occasionally recorded on trees in other habitats and in houses..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/172666/1362821
COMMON DOTTED GARDEN SKINK
Drawings: Yash and Vishn, International Delhi Public School
IUCN Red List/Common Dotted Garden Skink:
" This species of skink is distributed in Bangladesh, Nepal (Chitwan National Park), India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In India, this species is widely distributed and is found throughout much of the country. It occurs at elevations between 10 and 2,500m...This diurnal species inhabits hills and plains, where it has been found active on the surface of leaf litter. Animals have been found in tropical dry deciduous forests, moist evergreen forests and thorny scrub forests, near human habitation, in urban areas and in gardens. Its diet consists of small insects..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/172676/1364998
GIANT GECKO
Drawing: George, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School
"Hemidactylus giganteus is endemic to India and is known from numerous localities across central and eastern peninsular India...Historical reports describe this species as being found exclusively on trees. However the species is now considered to be largely rupiculous, only occasionally found on trees and among human habitation..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/172701/1369660
NILGIRI FOREST LIZARD
Drawing: Mason, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Red List/Nilgiri Forest Lizard:
"Calotes nemoricola is endemic to the Western Ghats, India. It has been reported from the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, but this is considered erroneous. This species occurs at elevations between 400 and 1,200m...Calotes nemoricola is a diurnal, semi-arboreal insectivore that prefers moist evergreen forested tracts in higher elevations and scrubland habitats..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/194083/2296808
SATPURA EYELID GECKO
Drawing: Julio, 826LA
These beautiful geckos have large green eyes and yellow bands on their bodies. They are endemic to India . Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/127936876/127937033
GIRI'S GECKOELLA
Drawings: Andromache, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Maverick, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary
IUCN Red List/Giri's Geckoella:
"This is a widely-distributed species found in scattered localities across western and central India...This species is found across a range of habitats including deciduous forest, scrub and agricultural land (plantations). It is found in human-modified landscapes, including open fields, beneath rock boulders and logs. It is known from sea level near Mumbai, Maharashtra, from up to around 350 m...-450 m, and from very close to the coast..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/127941420/127941423
SAW-SCALED VIPER
Drawings: Anshu, Roshan and Udit, Amar Public School
IUCN Red List/Saw-scaled Viper:
"This viper ranges from much of Iran (possibly Iraq) and parts of the Arabian Peninsula (United Arab Emirates and Oman) in the east of its range, and through much of South Asia...The species is present throughout Pakistan, exclusive of the Himalayan region. It has been recorded to at least 1,800m in Pakistan; and from sea level to 2,063m in Iran. In India, it is found throughout the country except West Bengal and Northeast, and reaches the lower Himalayan region...This adaptable species is found in both sandy and rocky desert areas with soft, sandy and alluvial soils, with vegetation ranging from sparse dry scrub to moderately dense grassland...Mainly nocturnal, will bask in the morning sun... The species is ovoviviparous; females give birth to up to 23 young..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/164694/1068235
COMMON LEOPARD GECKO
Drawings: Biya and Kinti, International Delhi Public School
IUCN Red List/Common Leopard Gecko:
"This is a nocturnal and terrestrial species...The species lives in colonies, and it can be found in large numbers on warm, humid nights in the wet season. It hibernates between October and February in much of its range, but may be active into November in warmer areas..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/164745/1072324
AMPHIBIANS
RESPLENDENT BUSH FROG
Drawings: Austin, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Mrs Piantoanida, Top of the World Elementary
IUCN Red List/Resplendent Bush Frog:
" This species was previously only known from Anamudi summit (2,695 m asl) in Eravikulam National Park, in Idukki District, Kerala State, India. It has now also been found in the Poovar region of Eravikulam National Park in Kerala, and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Anamalai Tiger Reserve and Munnar Forest Division. This species is associated with high-elevation grasslands, where it is found on moss-covered rocks in bamboo thickets with temperatures ranging from 30ºC to -3ºC. It is also known to inhabit grasslands at least 1 km away from the closest shola patch. Its micro-habitat requirement consist of grassy clumps among high-elevation grasslands..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/189814/86897335
NORTHERN DANCING FROG
Drawings: Finlay, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School
Mongabay/India's Dancing Frogs:
"Unlike most other frog species, dancing frogs of the family Micrixalidae don’t vocalize to attract mates. They live in fast-flowing streams that would drown out any croaking or ribbiting. Instead, they wave their legs to attract mates, flashing their feet to signal their breeding prowess." Read the complete article: mongabay.com/2016/03/researchers-unearth-the-surprising-secret-of-indias-dancing-frogs
Raorchestes theuerkaufi
Drawing: Jesse, Year 2, South Gosforth First School
IUCN Red List/Raorchestes theuerkaufi:
"This species is known from the type locality at Kadalar tea and cardamom estate near KFDC plantation, Idukki District, in the state of Kerala in India, at 1,393 m. It is also present in Valparai in Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, between 1,700–2,000 m...This species is found on leaf litter and rock surface within secondary forest, adjoining tea and cardamom plantations on either side of the forest...It is thought to tolerate a degree of habitat disturbance, but is unlikely to tolerate increased impacts associated to intensive farming practices such as disturbance and pesticide pollution..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/56041164/56041170
CROSS-BACKED BUSH FROG
Drawings: Lucy and Misha, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Red List/Cross-backed Bush Frog:
"This species occurs in the Nilgiri Hills of southern Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu State, India, and surrounding areas in Coonoor, Kothagiri, Naduvattam, Avalanche, Parsons Valley, Udhagamandalam, Ooty, Emerald, Mukurthi, many of which are in Mukurthi National Park. It has also been recorded from Silent Valley National Park and now also Vellarimala in Wayanad District, both in Kerala State.This is an arboreal species associated with tropical moist evergreen montane forest, although it can occur in modified areas. It inhabits shola vegetation, moss-covered earthen banks inside forest patches, human habitations, tea plantations and grassland. It is considered to tolerate a degree of anthropogenic disturbance but is elevation-dependent..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/58903/166107945
MUNNAR BUSH FROG
Drawing: Erica, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Red List/Munnar Bush Frog:
"This species when first described was known from its type locality, a tea estate close to Munnar at 1,500 m asl, along the Ghat road to Devikulam, as well as from Devikulam, both in the state of Kerala in the southern Western Ghats of India. It is now also known in Kerala from Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar, Kadalar, Mathikettan, Mattupetti, Upper Manalar and Vaguvarai in the Idukki District. Additionally it has also been recorded in Tamil Nadu State in Valparai within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and Meghamalai in Theni District. It is a canopy species, and has been found in primary forest, forest patches bordering tea plantations, and secondary vegetation adjoining the forest along the Ghat road. The type specimens were recorded in the fringes of natural vegetation near a tea plantation, always on leaves and twigs of Lantana thickets...It may tolerate a degree of habitat disturbance, but not severe habitat loss and disturbance It may require a larger area with good foliage for egg-laying due to its larger size...It is easier for it to be recorded from its calling rather than observations...." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/58914/166108306
MYRISTICA LOWLAND TREE FROG
Drawings: Joshua, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School; Owen, Laguna Art Museum
IUCN Red List/Myristica Lowland Tree Frog:
"The species is present in the western foothills of the Agasthyamalai Hill Range in Kerala State, India, where it has been recorded near Kulathupuzha Reserve Forest and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollam district, and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary in Thiruvananthapuram district. It is also known from Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Vazhachal Reserve Forest, which are both in Kerala...This species primarily inhabits lowland swampy areas dominated by Myristica forest, where it breeds on the muddy banks of small rivulets. It is unknown whether it can tolerate any habitat disturbance, but is unlikely to persist with the current threats that are occurring within its range..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/79095367/166116653
GÜNTHER'S BUSH FROG
Drawings: Elliot and Reuben, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
Gunther's Bush Frogs are noted for their unusual eyes which look like twinkling stars...
IUCN Red List/Gunther's Bush Frog:
"This species is a habitat-specialist, occurring in Ochlandra spp. bamboo. It is a nocturnal, arboreal species associated with the understorey of tropical moist evergreen forest; it can also occur be found in areas where the bamboo cut and alongside roads. It will tolerate a degree of disturbance, but not the complete removal of its bamboo habitat..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/58829/166106548
ORANGE BLACK TUBERCLED INDIAN MICROHYLID
Drawings: Amanda and Brandon, 826LA; Ivy, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
With colouration resembling a galaxy, this astonishing frog was rediscovered in 1997 and is very rare. It is a type of narrow-mouth frog and endemic to India...
IUCN Red List/Orange Black Tubercled Indian Microhylid:
"This species is endemic to the southern Western Ghats of India, where it was previously only known from Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary in the Agasthyamala Hills, Indira Gandhi National Park in the Anamalai Hills, Tamil Nadu; and Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala. It is now also known from Mathikettan Shola National Park, Marayoor Reserve Forest, Eravikulam National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary... This species is terrestrial and associated with leaf-litter, rocks and another ground cover of moist evergreen tropical forest... It is mostly found in high-altitude evergreen forest and shola forest. It is unlikely to tolerate habitat loss and disturbance, especially to the forest floor and as it requires canopy cover..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/172644/1357980
KALAKKAD TREE FROG
Drawing: Ella, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Red List/Kalakkad Tree Frog:
"This species was previously only known from southern Western Ghats of India in Kerala (Neyyar, Peppara, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve and Munnar) and Tamil Nadu (Kakachi, Upper Kodayar, Kannikatti in Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and Indira Gandhi National Park). It is now also known to be present in Kerala State at Shekkalmudi in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, and Tamil Nadu State in Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, and across Valparai, Anamalai Hills, Bonaccaud, Nelliyampathy Reserve Forest and Mathikettan Shola National Park. It is also known from Periyar Tiger Reserve... It occurs between 700-1,438 m asl (Jobin and Nameer 2012, V. Sankaraman and S. Das pers. comm. October 2020). This species is generally found along streams in montane tropical moist forest. An arboreal species, it may be found in both the canopy and understorey levels of the forest... It was also recorded among bushes near a water hole between an evergreen forest and tea plantation, and forest fragments near tea plantations and in coffee plantations. It can tolerate a degree of habitat disturbance, but it requires canopy cover so will not tolerate severe habitat loss and disturbance..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/58983/166109531
SMALL TREE FROG
Drawing: Lila, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Eva, Year 3, South Gosforth First School
This slender little tree frog has a striking yellow stripe along its body...
IUCN Red List/Small Tree Frog:
"This species occurs in central Western Ghats of India in Kerala (Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and its surroundings) and Karnataka...This species inhabits tropical moist evergreen forest and deciduous forest, and has been recorded from secondary (disturbed) forest, shola forest patches, near streams, and in coffee plantations. It is an arboreal species, which is believed to occur in the lower canopy and understorey levels of the forest. It will tolerate a higher degree of tolerance than its congener, Rhacophorus calcadensis, but still requires canopy cover (India Red List Assessment Workshop October 2020)..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/59000/166109633
ANAIMALAI FLYING FROG
Drawings: Grace, Year 1, and Georgia, Year 2, South Gosforth First School
These beautiful tree frogs have zebra striped patterns as juveniles. Females are larger than males measuring up to 72mm...
IUCN Red List/Anaimalai Flying Frog:
"This species was previously only known from the Indira Gandhi National Park and surroundings in Tamil Nadu, in the southern Western Ghats of India. It is now also known from the Anamalai Hills and Cardamom Hills in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala...This species is arboreal, occurring in the lower canopy and understorey levels of tropical moist evergreen forest. It also inhabits highly degraded and disturbed secondary forests habitats inside tea and cardamom plantations, and dammed pools with overhanging vegetation...It can tolerate a degree of habitat disturbance, but requires canopy cover..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/59016/166109863
MALABAR BUBBLE-NEST FROG
Drawing: Lavinia, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Red List/Malabar Bubble-nest Frog:
"This species was previously only known from the non-specific type locality of "Malabar" in the Western Ghats of India. It is now known from the evergreen forests of the western slopes of the Anamalai Hills including Grass Hills and Valparai in Anamalai Tiger Reserve, and High Ranges of the Western Ghats states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala including Eravikulam National Park and Kadalar...This species inhabits wet evergreen forest fragments, and trunks of forest trees from 2m to 4m above the forest floor, and has been recorded on the leaves of cardamom plants within cardamom plantations. It is a forest species, that is mostly found in forest plantation fringes rather than inside plantations..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/87739329/87721492
KERALA STREAM TOAD
Drawing: Keira, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
IUCN Red List/Kerala Stream Toad:
"This species was previously known only from the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala State in the southern Western Ghats of India. It is now also known from additional localities in the same region, including Mukurthi National Park in Tamil Nadu State, Mannarkad Forest Division, and may occur between these protected areas but is likely restricted to the Nilgiri Mountain Range...This species is restricted to tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest and sholas, and is associated with torrential streams and the forest floor. It is unlikely to tolerate any degree of habitat disturbance..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/54481/166096092
MALABAR RAMANELLA
Drawing: Anonymous, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Red List/Malabar Ramanella:
"This species was previously thought to be restricted to the southern Western Ghats, Ponmudi Hills (Kerala and Tamil Nadu States), Wayanad and the Silent Valley (Kerala States), and Saklespur, Hassan District (Karnataka State), India. It is now also known to occur north of the Palghat Gap in the states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu between 675–2,200 m...This species is found in tropical moist evergreen and deciduous forests, and coffee plantations with a natural canopy cover. It may also be found in abandoned eucalyptus plantations close to forest. It can be found in tree holes between two and four metres above ground level..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/57991/166098334
INDIAN BULLFROG
Drawings: Harry, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Nina, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary
India Biodiversity/Indian Bullfrog:
"Very bulky frog with long muscular limbs. External blue vocal sacs. Females are larger than males but males are more darker..." Read the complete description: indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/238399
INDIAN GLOBULAR FROG
Drawing: Harrison, Year 2, South Gosforth First School
This species of narrow-mouth frog is also known as the Indian balloon frog. It's all in the name - these frogs can inflate like balloons!
IUCN Red List/Indian Globular Frog:
"This fossorial species is found in open and closed-canopy mixed scrub forests with loose sand and soft gravel, stream-beds, forest borders, temporary pools and puddles in villages, farms and suburban areas, and roads passing through open or agricultural areas immediately after the first monsoon showers..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/58022/166098458
BEDDOME'S BUSH FROG
Drawing: Anonymous, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
IUCN Red List/Beddome's Bush Frog:
"This species is restricted to the hill ranges south of the Palghat Gap in the southern Western Ghats of India, in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu...This arboreal bush-dweller is found in the understorey of undisturbed tropical moist evergreen forest, moist forest patches, sholas and wayside vegetation and tea plantations; as microhabitat, it seems to prefer leaves 1.5 m above the ground..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/58822/166106450
MALABAR FLYING FROG
Drawings: Rosie and Mia, Drawing for the Planet youth ambassadors; Eva, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Ashley, 826LA volunteer
Measuring up to 10cm, these small but mighty frogs can glide up to 12m!
IUCN Red List/Malabar Flying Frog:
"This species is widely distributed in the Western Ghats of India, between 300–1,200m...It is an arboreal species of tropical moist evergreen forest, deciduous forest, secondary (disturbed) forest and coffee plantations. It is present in the lower canopy and understorey levels of the forest. It also inhabits Myristica swamp forests..."Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/59001/166109767
SRI LANKAN BULLFROG
Drawings: Rosie and Mia, Drawing for the Planet youth ambassadors; Eva, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Ashley, 826LA volunteer
Measuring up to 10cm, these small but mighty frogs can glide up to 12m!
IUCN Red List/Sri Lankan Bullfrog:
"This species is found throughout much of peninsular India and eastern and north-eastern India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. This semi-arboreal species inhabits a wide variety of habitat types including dry forests, plantations (coconut and rubber), mangrove forests, wetlands and areas close to human habitations..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/57858/156578441
INVERTEBRATES
MALABAR TREE NYMPH
Drawings: Jessica, Year 6 and Mimi, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School
The state butterfly of Goa, this large butterfly with a wingspan up to 15cm inhabits forests. Read more here: iucnredlist.org/species/10783/3215742
MALABAR BAMBOOTAIL
Drawing: Rhodes, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School
This dazzling azure and black damselfly is endemic to the Western Ghats. Read more here: iucnredlist.org/species/175151/7114038
GIANT CLUBTAIL
Drawings: Nathaniel and Nicholas, Year 1, South Gosforth First School
With flashes of yellow on its tail and body, and green eyes, this large dragonfly is endemic to the Western Ghats. Read more here: iucnredlist.org/species/175188/7119228
VAGRANT EMPEROR
Drawing: Kritika, Amar Public School
As its name suggests, this large and colourful dragonfly migrates to Europe, Africa and Southern Asia. Read more here: iucnredlist.org/species/59811/72310087
BLUE EMPEROR
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawings: Belle, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Jyoti and Neha, Amar Public School
These large and colourful dragonflies which measure up to 82mm long are known for their hawking behaviour, hovering and patrolling in search of prey. Read more here: iucnredlist.org/species/59811/72310087
GIANT ASIAN MANTIS
Population: UNKNOWN, INCREASING
Resident countries: Afghanistan; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Cambodia; Georgia; India; Indonesia; Iran, Islamic Republic of; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Myanmar; Nepal; Russian Federation; Russian Federation; Tajikistan; Thailand; Turkmenistan; Türkiye; Ukraine; Ukraine; Viet Nam
Drawings: Jenson, Year 3, South Gosforth First School; Arlo, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Kristin, Drawing for the Planet volunteer
This wide-ranging mantis occurs from Armenia to Indonesia. Females are larger than males and can grown up to 7.5cm. Read more: iucnredlist.org/species/118892125/118892175
SOUTHERN BIRDWING
Population: UNKNOWN, STABLE
Drawings: Aleisha and Isaiha, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Naimh, Year 2, South Gosforth First School
IUCN Red List/Southern Birdwing:
"This species is endemic to the Western Ghats, in Central Western, Southwestern and Central Eastern India, from Goa and southern Maharashtra to South Kanara, Coorg of Karnataka, throughout Kerala, and into the hills of Tamil Nadu...This species inhabits a diverse range of habitats: lowland evergreen forests (especially near the coast), mixed deciduous forests, thorn forest, dry scrub, scrub jungle and agricultural land, amongst others. Its ability to colonise agricultural land has been mentioned in the literature..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/91188957/91189028
BLUE PANSY
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawings: Anonymous, Year 5, Gosforth Central Middle School; Garima and Shreyast, Amar Public School
"This is an extremely widespread species of butterfly. It occurs across sub-Saharan Africa, into the Arabian Peninsula, eastwards through southern and South-east Asia and into Australasia. It occurs in open habitats, including scrubland, savanna, grasslands and agricultural land, although it can also be found in the forest zone in West Africa..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/62148749/222995422
BLUE CARPENTER BEE
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawing: Mrs Wolsey, Top of the World Elementary
Australian Geographic/The Blue Beauty with an Impressive Coat of Fuzz:
"[t]here’s something about that rich, bright cerulean that really sets the blue carpenter bee apart. Nature doesn’t often give us blue insects, so when it does, it’s hard not to be impressed. The blue carpenter bee is found throughout Southeast Asia, India, and Southern China, and they’re known for being large and heavy bees that live solitary lives, and are generally non-aggressive..." Read the complete article: australiangeographic.com.au/blogs/creatura-blog/2018/04/the-blue-beauty-with-an-impressive-coat-of-fuzz
ORCHID MANTIS
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawings: Jasmine, Year 8, and Olivia, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School; Mr Mel, Top of the World Elementary
The orchid mantis is a master of minicry, resembling parts of the orchid flower in order to ambush prey. It is found in the Western Ghats and Southeast Asia.
ATLAS MOTH
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawing: Molly, Year 3, South Gosforth First School
One of the largest moths in the world, the atlas moth has a wingspan of up to 24cm! It inhabits the tropical forests of Asia.
INDIAN LILY MOTH
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawings: Chiranshi and Hansika, Amar Public School; Jemima, Year 2 South Gosforth First School
This intricately patterned moth is found in India and Sri Lanka.
COMMON BANDED PEACOCK
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawings: Anshu and Sapnayadan, Amar Public School
India Biodiversity/Papilio crino:
"Papilio crino, also called the Common Banded Peacock, is a gorgeous black butterfly with green bands on its wings, found in India and Sri Lanka..." Read the complete description: indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/235838
PARIS PEACOCK
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawings: Aspen, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary; Oluomachukwu, Year 2, South Gosforth First School
India Biodiversity/Papilio paris:
"Papilio paris, commonly called Paris Peacock, is a highly restive, black and green Papilionid butterfly found in India..." Read the complete description: indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/235837
COMMON MAPWING
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawings: Ella, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School; Olivia, Year 4, South Gosforth First School
A cartophiles dream species, the common mapwing is so named for the patterns on its wings that resemble the longitude and latitude lines of a map. This species inhabits Southeast Asia.
GAUDY BARON
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawings: Sarah, Laguna Art Museum; Paige, Nursery, South Gosforth First School
This colourful butterfly is found from the foothills of the Himalayas to Southeast Asia.
INDIAN MOON MOTH
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawings: Ahmed and Ewan, Year 6, Gosforth Central Middle School
Also known as the Indian luna moth, this spectacular, large apple-green moth is found from India to Japan.
Saiva nodata
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawings: Mrs Wolsey and Xaia, Grade 3, Top of the World Elementary; Nuria, Year 7, and Dylan, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School; Maggie, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary
A marvel of nature, some species of lanternflies, including Saiva nodata have heads that resemble long noses! This species of lanternfly inhabits Karnataka in the Western Ghats.
Heterorrhina elegans
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawings: Mrs Cook and Charlie, Year 8, Gosforth Central Middle School
This emerald jewel is a species of scarab beetle that inhabits India and Sri Lanka.
Chrysochroa fulgens
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawings: Doosa and Alicia, Coast Film & Music Festival; Inaya, Year 7, Gosforth Central Middle School
With its spectacular coloration, Chrysochroa fulgens is one of the most beautiful beetles on Earth. It is a species of jewel beetle.
HOODED GRASSHOPPER
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)
Drawings: Hudson, Laguna Art Museum; Maggie, Year 4, South Gosforth First School; Carter, Grade 3, El Morro Elementary
With its distinctive hood, this species of grasshopper inhabits India and Sri Lanka.
CRIMSON ROSE
Drawings: Iksha and Shivam, International Delhi Public School
This large species of swallowtail butterfly inhabits India and Sri Lanka.
MALAYSIAN WILDLIFE
Explore the intriguing species of the Malayan tigers' forest, including the Malay tapir, the wrinkled hornbill and the marbled cat illustrated by children from Singapore. Some Peninsular Malaysian species are also resident in Singapore and India.
MAMMALS
MALAYAN TIGER
Panthera tigris jacksoni
Conservation status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (LOCALLY); ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: 150, DECREASING
Drawing: B, high school student, Singapore
Singapore Wildcat Action Group/Malayan Tiger:
"The Malayan tiger, Panthera tigris jacksoni, is named after renowned tiger conservationist Peter Jackson, in honour of his years of work for tigers. The sub-species, previously included as Indochinese tiger Panthera tigris corbetti is, now divided into two groups: one in northern Indochina and the other in the Malay Peninsula, which encompasses the southern end of Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia...This unique species has once roamed the land in Singapore, but is now locally extinct since 1930 due to direct human impact." Read the complete description: swagcat.org/malayan-tiger
MALAY TAPIR
Drawings: Ayan, high school student, Singapore (infant tapir); Mr Koltutsky, teacher, Singapore (adult tapir)
Malaysian Wildlife/Malay Tapir:
"The Malayan Tapir is one of the most iconic animals found in Malaysia. And it is the only surviving member of its species in Asia. Its distinctive ‘white coat’, from shoulders to stubby tail, make it a characteristic species throughout the Malaysian landscape. They have 14 toes in total: four on the front and three at the back. Hence, they are classified as perissodactyles (odd-toed ungulates), a group of herbivores that include horses, zebras and rhinos." Read the complete description: malaysianwildlife.org/animal-species/please-slow-down-for-malayan-tapir/
FLAT-HEADED CAT
Drawing: Ryann, high school student, Singapore
"The flat-headed cat is considered one of the most unique and unusual members of the cat family, with their long narrow head, flattened forehead, and eyes that are unusually far forward and close together. Thought to be most closely related to the leopard cat and fishing cat, they have a short, tubular body with relatively short, slender legs and a stubby tail. These felines come in various shades of brown with facial markings and banding on their legs and belly and soft dense fur..." Read the complete article: panthera.org/blog-post/small-cat-spotlight-flat-headed-cat
MARBLED CAT
Drawing: Jules, high school student, Singapore
Thai National Parks/Marbled Cat:
"The marbled cat is a small wild cat of South and Southeast Asia...The marbled cat was once considered to belong to the pantherine lineage of "big cats". Genetic analysis has shown it to be closely related to the Asian golden cat and the bay cat, all of which diverged from the other felids about 9.4 million years ago." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/marbled-cat
COMMON PALM CIVET
Paradoxurus hermaphroditus
Drawing: high school student, Singapore
Thai National Parks/Common Palm Civet:
The Asian palm civet is a viverrid native to South and Southeast Asia...In Indonesia, it is threatened by poaching and illegal wildlife trade; buyers use it for the increasing production of kopi luwak, a form of coffee that involves ingestion and excretion of the beans by the animal...The Asian palm civet's long, stocky body is covered with coarse, shaggy hair that is usually greyish in colour. It has a white mask across the forehead, a small white patch under each eye, a white spot on each side of the nostrils, and a narrow dark line between the eyes." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/asian-palm-civet
SUNDA FLYING LEMUR
Drawing: Vihan, high school student, Singapore
Thai National Parks/Sunda Flying Lemur:
"The Sunda flying lemur, also known as the Malayan flying lemur or Malayan colugo, is a species of colugo. Until recently, it was thought to be one of only two species of flying lemur, the other being the Philippine flying lemur which is found only in the Philippines...The Sunda flying lemur is not a lemur and does not fly. Instead, it glides as it leaps among trees. It is strictly arboreal, is active at night, and feeds on soft plant parts such as young leaves, shoots, flowers, and fruits." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/sunda-flying-lemur
BIRDS
WRINKLED HORNBILL
Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus
Conservation status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN, DECREASING
Drawing: S, high school student, Singapore
Thai National Parks/Wrinkled Hornbill:
"The wrinkled hornbill or Sunda wrinkled hornbill is a medium-large hornbill which is found in forest in the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo.The wrinkled hornbill is around 70 cm long, and has a very large bill that is fused to the skull. It has mainly black plumage, a blue eye-ring, and a broadly white or rufous-tipped tail. The male and female have different head and bill patterns. Males have bright yellow feathers on the auriculars, cheeks, throat, neck-sides and chest, but these areas are black in the female, except for the blue throat. The bill of the male is yellow with a red base and casque, and a brownish basal half of the lower mandible. The bill and casque of the female is almost entirely yellow." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/wrinkled-hornbill
LONG-TAILED PARAKEET
Belocercus longicaudus
Drawing: H, high school student, Singapore
Singapore Bird Group/Long-tailed Parakeet:
The Long-tailed Parakeet is a social bird found in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sumatra, Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. In Singapore it a common parakeet, easily recognised by its long tail and loud screeching..." Read the complete article: singaporebirdgroup.wordpress.com/tag/long-tailed-parakeet
GREEN BROADBILL
Calyptomena viridis
Drawing: high school student, Singapore
Thai National Parks/Green Broadbill:
"The green broadbill also known as the lesser green broadbill is a small bird in the family Calyptomenidae... The bird is about 17 cm long, plumaged in brilliant green with a black ear patch, widely gaped bill, rounded head, short tail and three black bars on each wing...It is often overlooked, as it sits motionless inside the canopy or just below, quickly flying to a new location if disturbed. Its foliage-green color provides excellent camouflage." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/green-broadbill
REPTILES
MALAYSIAN GIANT TURTLE
Drawing: N, high school student, Singapore
Malaysian Biodiversity Information System/Malaysian Giant Turtle:
"Malaysian Giant Turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in Southeast Asia. It’s native to Indonesia and Malaysia. It inhabits large lakes, swamps and slow flowing rivers. This species can be identified by the massive head, the mushroom-shaped vertebral scutes and the absence of greatly enlarged scales on the limbs." Read the complete description: mybis.gov.my/sp/21392
AMPHIBIANS
ABAH RIVER FLYING FROG
Population: UNKNOWN, DECREASING
Drawing: Priyali Kamath, Singapore
Thai National Parks/Abah River Flying Frog:
"Wallace's flying frog or the Abah River flying frog is a moss frog found at least from the Malay Peninsula into western Indonesia...Its limbs are very long, and its fingers and toes are webbed right to the tips. Together with a fringe of skin stretching between the limbs, this flying frog can parachute to the forest floor from high in the trees where it is normally found." Read the complete description: thainationalparks.com/species/rhacophorus-nigropalmatus
THE ARTISTS
Meet some of our amazing Tiger Champion artists from Singapore, the UK, and the USA who made beautiful drawings of tigers and wildlife from their landscapes. We would like to thank all participating artists for their substantial contribution to this project.
USA ARTISTS
SINGAPORE ARTISTS
UK ARTISTS
PROJECT PARTNERS
ABOUT DRAWING FOR THE PLANET
Read about Drawing for the Planet’s mission here:
drawingfortheplanet.org/pages/our-mission
Follow us here:
facebook.com/DrawingforthePlanet
instagram.com/drawingfortheplanet_org
twitter.com/DrawingftPlanet
Support our global projects, help protect wildlife and give the gift of art, education and nature, by donating or becoming a DftP member here:
drawingfortheplanet.org/pages/donate
drawingfortheplanet.org/pages/membership
ABOUT JANE LEE MCCRACKEN
Shh it's a Tiger! 2013 Biro drawing © Jane Lee McCracken
Jane Lee McCracken constructs intricate, multi-layered Biro drawings, sculptures, installations as well as product designs. Her work represents the beauty of life and its brutal realities, exploring the loss to both humans and animals caused by human destructiveness. She is the founder and CEO of Drawing for the Planet global art, environmental education and conservation charity.
Over the last decade, she has raised funds for conservation organisations through her art and delivered drawing and environmental education workshops to thousands of people across the world. In 2019 she founded the Where Did All the Animals Go? project in partnership with Born Free and in 2021 Drawing for the Planet. Explore Jane's art:
ABOUT BORN FREE
Born Free works tirelessly to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs. As a leading wildlife charity, they oppose the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and campaign to keep them where they belong – in the wild.
Born Free promotes Compassionate Conservation to enhance the survival of threatened species in the wild and protect natural habitats while respecting the needs and safeguarding the welfare of individual animals. They seek to have a positive impact on animals in the wild and protect their ecosystems in perpetuity, for their own intrinsic value and for the critical roles they play within the natural world.
Visit Born Free here:
AYAN KAMATH MERHA
The Tigers' Forest Project Ambassador
Ayan Kamath Mehra is a 10th grade student in Singapore, and a Born Free Foundation Youth Ambassador. For as long as he can remember, Ayan has loved nature and all wild things. In 2019, at the age of 11, he travelled to South Africa, where he was awestruck at the magical abundance of wildlife on safari. Yet, he noticed that rhinos – his favorite animal – were scarce. Through the book The Elephant Whisperer by renowned conservationist Lawrence Anthony, Ayan learned about the horrifying ways rhinos are being poached for their horns. From then on, Ayan has merged his passions for art and wildlife to create @ayansartforconservation, which raises awareness and funding for endangered species around the world through his writing, talks and art. Ayan said:
"I am excited to be the project ambassador for The Tigers' Forest, because art has the power to deeply connect human beings and the animals we draw. Art happens when observation and imagination take flight. As we observe animals, and imagine their futures, we bond more deeply with planet Earth and all its wonderful wild things. With my roots in India and Singapore, I am particularly excited to support the tiger, and all the animals that live in its magnificent ecosystem."
Visit Ayan's blog here:
ABOUT THE BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a pan-India wildlife research organization, has been promoting the cause of nature conservation since 1883.
BNHS Mission: Conservation of nature, primarily biological diversity through action based on research, education and public awareness
BNHS Vision: Premier independent scientific organization with a broad based constituency, excelling in the conservation of threatened species and habitats.
Visit the Bombay Natural History Society here:
bnhs.orgABOUT SINGAPORE WILDCAT ACTION GROUP
We are passionate about the conservation of all wildcat species and we have a special love for the Malayan tiger.
We believe in taking meaningful action that helps us achieve our mission of building grassroot support for wildcat conservation and to realize our goal of raising funds to protect the world’s remaining 200 Malayan tigers living in the wild.
We are a group of volunteers who joined forces in 2019 with a belief that together, we can multiply our efforts and compound our results.
Visit Singapore Wildcat Action Group here: