Prakriti Observe, Appreciate and Conserve Prakriti Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 2, September 2003 Campus Wildlife Palm Civet or Toddy Cat (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) The Palm Civet is one of the most elusive animals found in our campus. Some of you would have seen this very shy animal, during a walk at night or when it accidentally entered your house. The name, toddy cat comes from the fact that, the palm civets are fond of freshly tapped sweet liquor (toddy) from the palm trees. The palm civet is a black or blackish- grey animal belonging to the Civet family, with long, coarse and shaggy hair. It looks like a cat with short legs and longer, mostly black face with white marks around the eye.  It has a long bushy tail. The back is always marked with three indistinct black or dark grey longitudinal stripes in the midline. The limbs are always black or dark brown. A fully grown palm civet weighs about 2.4 - 4.0 kg. Its body length is 48 - 59 cm and tail length is 44 - 54 cm. Like other civets, palm civets are mostly solitary, nocturnal and arboreal, although freely descending to the ground to cross open spaces.  It prefers forests, making its home in hollows of trees and between the fronds of palm trees. It also lives close to human habitation on roofs and in homesteads. It is an omnivore and feeds on rats, squirrels, lizards, small birds, insects like cockroaches and fleshy, soft fruits and berries. Usually, 3-4 young ones are born in the hollows or boulders of trees. Until they mature at the age of 11-12 months, they follow their mother.  When threatened they hiss and spit like cats. Plam Civets in the campus  face threats when the palm trees are cleared for fruits and leaves, which give them protection and food. Our Environment, our responsibility Have you ever wondered how Coke and Pepsi got the pesticides? It is mostly due to our actions. We use pesticides in farms and homes to keep insects away. A whole lot of pesticides like DDT and Gamaxine do not degrade after use. They stay in the soil and water for a long time. Through water and food, they reach our body. These chemicals can cause cancer and other genetic deformities. Next time, when you see a pesticide being used, think about the conseqences. Do You Know? Answer Open billed Storks roost on Prosopis trees stand- ing in the marsh between SAC and Oxidation Ponds. Presence of water, less disturbance and sturdy trees like Prosopis to roost make this place ideal. Birds can be seen from the ter- race of SAC. Children should be accompanied by parents or teachers. In August and September, we can see a large number of butterflies in IITM campus. About 45 different species are found here. Butterflies are mostly seen on wild plants and flowers. It is important to protect these wild plants along the roadsides and in the forest areas. Butterflies play their role in the web of life, by attracting birds and also by helping in the pollination of plants.  But, certain plants and trees are preferred by the butterflies. Can you identify the type of tree that is most favoured by butterflies and seen in different parts of our campus? Send your answers to prakriti_iitm@yahoo.co.in Rescue of a Blackbuck Sunday, 24 August 2003. Time:11 AM. Ankur from Ganga Hostel saw an adult, male blackbuck falling into an open, 25 feet deep well near the Gym. Immediately, a group of enthusiastic students, and few faculty members along with the timely support of the life-guards from the Swimming Pool sprung into one of the rarest rescue operations and brought the graceful antelope out of the well. Since the buck was not injured, he ran to his herd, who were waiting eagerly for his return. The buck could be saved because of the responsible action by the students. It is important to remember that wild animals in danger should not be panicked by noise and crowding. The enthusiasm shown by the first year students requires a special mention. The Institute Engineering Unit promptly covered  the well to avert future accidents. If you know of any such open wells or pits that can be a risk  to life, inform the engineering unit and get it protected. Visit our website:  http://www.geocities.com/prakriti_iitm Subscribe to our e-group : http://courses.ee.iitm.ernet.in/mailman/listinfo/prakriti Strictly for internal circulation Monthly Meeting Thursday, 2 Octo- ber,  5 PM Nandhinee Canteen Nature walk Sunday, 14 Septem- ber, 6 AM Assemble in front of CLT (For details: call 9228, 7-10 PM) Film show SILENT VALLEY by Shekar Dattatri CLT, 24  September, 5 PM