Remembering clean air & blue sky of Similipal

From Calcutta (Kolkata) we have come to Similipal to watch and count stars in the night. They were the tourists to Similipal for a night halt. Today- International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies https://www.academia.edu/32248449/Tourist_profile_in_Similipal_by_S_S_Srivastava_and_L_A_K_Singh |

Eublepharis hardwickii, The Kalakuta Gecko of Satkoshia Gorge Sanctuary (1984)

Today, some researcher was searching for my 1984 article at Google. It can be downloaded at: https://www.academia.edu/42253624/Kaalakuta_Eublepharis_Singh_L_A_K_1984_Eublepharis_hardwickii_Reptilia_Gekkonidae_The_Kalakuta_observed_at_Tikerpada_Orissa_J_Bombay_nat_Hist_Soc_81_3_708_709_1_image

Summary of the 1984 Paper on Eublepharis hardwickii (Kalakuta). Singh, L.A.K. (1984), JBNHS 81: 708–709. Copilot version (03 Sept 2026):

Synthesis: Why This Paper Remains Important

1984 note is still cited because it:

• Provided first behavioural and ecological documentation of E. hardwickii in Odisha.
• Recorded unique behaviour: cannibalism, dew‑licking hydration, movement‑triggered predation.
• Added ethnozoological context crucial for conservation education.
• Extended the species’ distributional knowledge in eastern India.
• Offered baseline natural‑history data that later studies built upon.

It remains a model of concise, field‑grounded natural history — exactly the tradition the researcher since 1970s championed throughout the career.

Abstract (Modern, 2026‑ready)

Eublepharis hardwickii, the forest‑dwelling “Kalakuta” (Odia, Kalakuta Saapa) gecko of eastern India, remains one of the least‑documented members of the genus Eublepharis. Singh’s 1984 field note from Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, Odisha, provides some of the earliest behavioural and ecological observations for the species. The paper records nocturnal surface activity, diurnal refuge use under rocks, and a wide range of colour morphs from reddish brown to near‑black. Unique behavioural insights include movement‑triggered predation, refusal to drink from containers, dew‑licking hydration, and a confirmed case of cannibalism in captivity. Reproductive data (1–2 eggs, ~20×10 mm) and ethnozoological information on local beliefs surrounding the “Kalakuta Sāpa” add cultural and biological depth. These observations remain valuable baseline data for present‑day herpetologists studying forest‑floor geckos, microhabitat dependence, and human–reptile interactions in eastern India.

Spoonbill Bird in Chambal River (1986)

 I get a good feeling on recollections, summarised here about Spoonbills in River Chambal and noted in our 1986 Study Report. Full report accessible at academia.edu.

In the 1986 preliminary report on Wetland Birds in National Chambal Sanctuary (R.K. Sharma & L.A.K. Singh), the details regarding the Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) include:

• Status & Classification: Listed as a resident wetland species exhibiting seasonal fluctuation in numbers.
  
  
• Seasonality & Phenology:
  • First Appearance: Recorded in the second half of January.
  • Period of Abundance: Second half of March to the first half of April.
  • Disappearance / Rarity: Recorded around the second half of June.
    
    
• Maximum Group Size: Recorded up to 37 individuals in a single group.
  
  
• Preferred Localities ("Good Population" defined as $10+$ individuals):
  • Tigri (210 km)
  • Pureini (225–230 km)
  • Devkapura (193 km)
  • Barwasin (185 km)
  • Nagar (175 km)
  • Dang Basai (170 km)
    
    
• Survey Count Summaries:
  • Pali to Rajghat (Feb 1985): 90 birds sighted (notably 65 in the Rahu ka Gaon to Batesura stretch and 25 from Pali to Gudla).
  • Pali to Rajghat (Feb 1986): 28 birds sighted (highest concentration of 11 between Batesura and Sarsaini).
  • Rajghat to Pachhnada (Jan 1984): 63 birds sighted (with counts across Pureini to Holapura, Holapura to Usedghat, Usedghat to Ater, and Ater to Barhi).
  • Rajghat to Pachhnada (Dec 1985): 95 birds sighted (predominantly 65 between Rajghat and Pureini).
  • Consolidated Annual Counts: Listed as 90 (Feb '85), 28 (Feb '86), 63 (Jan '84), 81 (Dec '84), and 95 (Dec '85).