WilD Camp 2017 (Young Naturalists in the Wilderness)

The two nights and 2 days WilD camp 2017 from October 6-8,2017 at Thalayanai Base Camp in the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve was an exhilarating experience for the thirteen active student members of Evans Nature Club, Nagercoil under the leadership of Mr. Joseph from three schools (Evans School of Excellence, Evans Matriculation Higher secondary school, Nagercoil and RMS International School, Panagudi). The camp organized and led by the fully resourced ATREE team headed by Dr. R. Ganesan and Dr.M. Soubadra Devy offered a practical experience of life in the laps of nature and an exposure to its magic. The program started with the Ice breaker session comparing each wildcampers themselves to an animal and the reason for the comparison. The Folk story teller (Mathiazhagan)’s ‘Poovey… Pooo’ (musical story on indigenous flower) and Trees captivated the hearts of everyone. The call of owls and nightjars, the lazy fluttering night beauties ‘moths’, scorpions (Buthus tamulus), Geckoes, wild Boar (Sus scrofa) and lot more entertained our silent moonless nights. A wonderful introduction to the biodiversity and KMTR by Dr. Ganesan, Mr. Naveen Joseph’s presentation on snakes and the myths, Mr. Thalavaipandi’s talk which turned our boys behind the butterflies, the dreamy presentation and the short film on canopy ecology by Dr.M. Soubadra Devy and the inspirational speech of Mr. Elango, Former DD of Kalakad ensures an exciting and meaningful learning experience for the students. The demo on Canopy tree climbing using Single-rope Technique (SRT) presented by Thamizhazhagan attracted the students as well as the visitors to thalayanai. Sighting of a Cat Snake, a Tortoise, Indian Giant Squirrel and Monitor Lizard made our camp checklist longer. The campers unwillingly departed home after a thrilling half-day riverine trek witnessing the unique floral and faunal richness of KMTR and swimming carrying loads of memories to last a lifetime.