Wildlife Photography Unveiling the Lens: The Journey of Shivang Mehta by In-house Editor March 25, 2024 written by In-house Editor From the hustle and bustle of the corporate world to the tranquil embrace of nature’s wilderness, Shivang Mehta’s journey is one of profound transformation. A journalist turned PR professional, Shivang’s love affair with nature eventually led him to exchange the comforts of the corporate office for the untamed beauty of the field. Driven by an insatiable passion for wildlife photography, Shivang embarked on a quest to capture the essence of India’s diverse flora and fauna. His love for the forests of Kumaon drew him to Corbett, where he found himself immersed in the captivating allure of the wilderness. Over the years, Shivang’s lens has traversed the length and breadth of the Indian subcontinent, capturing the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes and the elusive charm of its wildlife. His photography workshops, numbering over 200, have not only honed the skills of aspiring photographers but have also served as a platform for fostering a deeper connection with nature. As an official trainer for Canon India, Shivang’s expertise extends beyond the realm of photography, offering invaluable insights into the intricate dance of light and shadow that brings images to life. His workshops, conducted in association with Canon across India, Sri Lanka, and Africa, have inspired countless individuals to embark on their own photographic journeys. But Shivang’s passion transcends mere photography. A wordsmith at heart, he has lent his pen to tales of travel and conservation, weaving narratives that echo the rhythms of the natural world. His freelance work as a journalist has graced the pages of national and international publications, offering glimpses into the hidden wonders of the wild. Today, Shivang stands at the helm of Nature Wanderers, India’s premier photo tour company, where he continues to lead enthusiasts on immersive journeys into the heart of India’s wilderness. Specializing in Indian wildlife and camera trap photography, Nature Wanderers under Shivang’s guidance has become synonymous with excellence in the field of wildlife photography. As a Canon Photo Mentor and a tireless advocate for conservation, Shivang’s legacy is not just captured in the frames of his photographs but in the hearts of all those whose lives he has touched. His unwavering commitment to the preservation of India’s natural heritage and his unparalleled skill behind the lens make him a true luminary in the world of wildlife photography. In honoring Shivang Mehta as the Best Wildlife Photographer during the Wildlife Tourism Conclave and Awards 2024, held at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai , we celebrate not just his extraordinary talent but also his dedication to capturing the soul-stirring beauty of our planet’s most precious treasures—the wonders of the wild. March 25, 2024 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Article World Hippo Day: Celebrating the Mighty Hippopotamus and Its Evolutionary Odyssey by In-house Editor January 19, 2024 written by In-house Editor Introduction: World Hippo Day, observed on February 15, is a tribute to the remarkable hippopotamus and a call to action for its conservation. Despite their initial classification alongside pigs, hippos share a surprising evolutionary connection with whales, dolphins, and porpoises. This semiaquatic mammal, native to sub-Saharan Africa, has a rich history that spans millions of years, marked by migrations, adaptations, and the challenges posed by environmental changes. The Evolutionary Journey: Hippos trace their origins back to Whippomorpha, a group of semiaquatic animals that diverged into two branches around 54 million years ago. One branch evolved into the fully aquatic cetaceans, including whales and dolphins, while the other became anthracotheres, close ancestors of the common hippo. Approximately 35 million years ago, the ancestors of hippos migrated to Africa, establishing themselves as one of the earliest large mammals on the continent. Pliocene Epoch and Hippopotamidae: During the Pliocene Epoch, over two million years ago, the anthracotheres faced extinction, except for those that evolved into Hippopotamidae. Kenyapotamus, an ancient hippo ancestor, thrived in Africa between 16 and eight million years ago. The evolution of the modern hippo can be traced to Archaeopotamus, which lived in Africa and the Middle East between 7.5 and 1.8 million years ago. European and Mediterranean Hippos: Ancestors of hippos were present in Europe and the British Isles before the last glaciation, with species like Hippopotamus antiquus, Hippopotamus major, and Hippopotamus gorgops. However, these European hippos went extinct, possibly due to unknown factors, with hypotheses suggesting human influence. Mediterranean islands hosted species like the Cyprus dwarf hippopotamus, Hippopotamus pentlandi, Hippopotamus melitensis, and Hippopotamus creutzburgi, but they, too, became extinct between 50,000 and 16,000 years ago. Hippos in the Americas: While anthracotheres existed in North America over 23 million years ago, there is no evidence of hippos on the continent. Despite various attempts to introduce them, hippos only made an unauthorized entry to the Americas when Pablo Escobar imported four of them to Colombia in the late 1980s. This population has since grown to approximately 100, highlighting the unexpected twists in the history of hippos. Conclusion: World Hippo Day invites us to appreciate the ancient and diverse history of hippos, emphasizing the need for their conservation. As we celebrate these mighty creatures, it is essential to recognize the challenges they face and work towards ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and hippos in the years to come. January 19, 2024 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
