Saturday, December 29, 2012

Wheelchair Accessible Cabins on P&O

As most family’s with disabled family members know, it is extremely hard to go on holiday . Organising the airlines to allow wheelchairs, staying at hotels which say they have ramps and disability facilities and finding out that are not adequate. P&O Cruises can cater for anyones needs be it Gluten/Lactose intolerant a halal diet or wheelchair accessible cabins. So to make it a little easier I thought it would be nice to write about the facilities and how to make and organise a wheelchair cabin for your family holiday.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Wildlife Sanctuaries In India

WildlifeIndia boasts of a rich wildlife reserve and the wildlife Sanctuaries in India are its ideal showcase. The diverse variety of wildlife in India, ranging from the majestic tigers, beautiful peacocks and the mammoth elephants find a secure asylum in the wildlife sanctuaries in India. There is no dearth of Indian wildlife sanctuaries. Almost all the major Indian states have them and some are also involved in the commendable task of conserving and preserving the endangered animal species. If you are too much into facts and figures, then it will help you to know that there are 80 National Parks, 441 sanctuaries and 23 tiger reserves that have been set up across India with the active support and direct involvement of the Government of India. If you have a suppressed desire to embark on India Wildlife tours and are wondering where to hunt for the authentic inputs, then wildlife tour operators in India will serve as a ready help.
If you are a person driven by an adrenalin rush, then the Wildlife sanctuaries in India will give you the much sought-after thrill and excitement. The sanctuaries not only offer a fascinating diversity of flora and fauna but you will also be left speechless by the diversity in the topography. Wildlife in India is varied and the best places to appreciate this diversity are the wildlife sanctuaries in India. These sanctuaries not only rank high as the ideal getaways for the wildlife enthusiasts but are veritable lures for the nature lovers as well. Kerala, in particular, boasts of a good number of sanctuaries among which mention must be made of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuaury, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Bird Sanctuary and the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary impresses with its amazing array of wild animals that comprise of Elephants, Bison, Sambhar, Deer, Wild Dogs, Jungle Cats, Tiger, Wild Boar and reptiles such as Cobra, Viper and Krait. Among the birds, you can spot such varieties as the Jungle Fowl, Myna, Bulbul, Kingfisher and Woodpecker. A mix of the tropical, a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen trees, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for the overwhelming presence of mammals, birds, reptiles, ambhibians, fishes and birds.
Karnataka should ideally be the next in choice when it comes to the best Indian wildlife sanctuaries. The best part about the wildlife sanctuaries here is that they are in perfect harmony with the unspoilt beauty of Nature. There are sanctuaries that serve as secure havens for wide ranging mammals, whereas others, like the Nagarhole National Park, are reputed for the Cobras, crocodiles, kraits, pythons, vipers, and several species of lizards that they shelter. If you are more inclined towards bird viewing then you will just have to grab hold of a binocular to spot bird species like common babbler, bee-eater, bulbul, dove, crested serpent, hornbill, Malabar pied, alexandrine, peacock, woodpecker, warbler, great Indian reed, eagle, crested hawk, golden-back parakeet, and the southern tree pie.
Your India wildlife tours are likely to remain inconclusive without touring the other major wildlife sanctuaries that include the Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, The Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary in Haryana and the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary in Orissa.
Wildlife in India is varied and the best places to appreciate this diversity are the wildlife sanctuaries in India. These sanctuaries not only rank high as the ideal getaways for the wildlife enthusiasts but are veritable lures for the nature lovers as well.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Wildlife Tours in India - Rendezvous With Adventurous Indian Wildlife

With AdventurousIndia is a land known for its amazing geographical and bio-diversity. Tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from all around the world visit India to rub shoulders with the exotic wildlife species that dot the length and breadth of the Indian jungles. Wildlife Tours in India offers ample opportunities to explore these wildlife sanctuaries which showcases the real world of Indian jungles and put on view some rare and endangered wildlife species that are fast becoming extinct.
Wildlife tours packages in India offer an adventurous trail across renowned wildlife sanctuaries of India with ample opportunities to discover and explore the amazing diversity of flora and fauna species. India is home to some of the best wildlife parks that features in almost all Indian wildlife travel packages and provide chances to catch the glimpse of elusive and endangered species like Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, Nilgiri Tahr and Elephants. Some of the popular wildlife sanctuaries and national parks which tourists should visit during their wildlife vacations are as follows:
Corbett National Park
Nestled in the Nainital and Pauri district of Uttarakhand, Corbett National Park is one of the oldest and finest wildlife reserve in India and a perfect destination for wildlife tours in India. It houses around 110 tree species, 50 species of mammals, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species and acts as a protected area for highly endangered Bengal tigers. You can enjoy the best views of wildlife species through exciting jeep safari.
Ranthambore National Park
Located in the deserted state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India and also the park with highest probability to spot the elusive tigers. It is known for housing the highly endangered royal Bengal Tigers. Other species of wildlife animals includes leopard, Nilgai, wild boar, dhole, sambar, sloth bear, hyena and chital. There are various resorts and hotels located within or outside this wildlife sanctuary which may also offer wildlife safaris for free.
Sariska National Park
Located in the Alwar district of the state of Rajasthan, Sariska is another popular wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserves in India. Travelers can enjoy the best views of wildlife by an exciting jeep safari and elephant safari inside the park. There are several other breathtaking attractions housed in Sariska tiger reserve such as Sariska Palace, Kankwari Fort and Shiva temple which adds up to your wildlife tour in India.
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is one of the major wildlife sanctuaries situated in Madhya Pradesh. It is an ideal spot for spotting tigers and has been an inspiration for great many writers such as Rudyard Kipling who is said to have taken inspiration from this wildlife sanctuary for writing "The Jungle Book". One of the major attractions of this place is Bamni Dadar, the sunset point of Kanha which enhances the pleasure of wildlife holidays in India.
To say that wildlife tours in India offer great opportunity to behold the rich and diverse flora and fauna will not be an overstatement. Besides some rare and endangered wildlife species, these parks are home to an amazing range of foliage. The best period to visit most wildlife sanctuaries is from November to May when the weather is mild and you can see animals wandering out in the open without any discomfort.
 

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Wildlife Tours in India - Destinations to Visit

Wildlife ToursThere are a number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the country of India. Nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and wildlife adventure seekers from different parts of the world visit India to explore its fascinating, exhilarating and exotic wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Have a look at some popular destinations for wildlife tourism India.
Ranthambhore - Located in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore is among India's finest, largest and most famous national parks. It is known for big population of endangered royal Bengal tigers. It is home to a variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, trees and plants. Jeep safari and elephant safari are must enjoyable activities inside the jungle of the Ranthambhore National Park and Tiger Reserve. The park is also among sites of India's largest banyan trees. Ranthambhore Fort, Tigers, Jeep Safaris, etc are attractions of Ranthambhore wildlife tourism in India.
Sariska - Sariska is one another national parks and tiger reserves in the state of Rajasthan. Tigers, leopards, panthers, leopard cats, jungle cats, langurs, sambar, deer, dhole, birds, reptiles, etc are commonly seen attractions in the park. Travellers can enjoy best of Sariska by an exciting jeep safari or elephant safari inside the forest of Sariska wildlife sanctuary & tiger reserve. Sariska Palace is also a worth place in Sariska.
Corbett - The Jim Corbett is among India finest national wildlife parks. It situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and a perfect destination for wildlife holidays in India. Corbett is very famous among travellers who are coming for enjoying marvelous charm of exotic wildlife in India. Tigers are prime attractions of the parks. You can enjoy best of Corbett forest with exciting jeep safari.
Kanha and Bandhavgarh - Kanha and Bandhavgarh are two famous national parks of India situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh. They are very ideal destinations for wildlife tours in India or Madhya Pradesh. Pench and Panna National Park are other wildlife parks in Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh was home to white tigers. Besides Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Panna; there are many other wildlife sanctuaries & parks in Madhya Pradesh appealing wildlife enthusiasts. Kanha and Bandhavgarh offer travellers excellent accommodation facilities.
Periyar - Periyar is a small town and protected area located in the Indian state of Kerala, God's Own Country. It is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of India. It is known for lush green beauty and lots of wildlife attractions. The region is covered with evergreen or semi-evergreen rain forest. It is an ideal place for jungle trek, Indian wildlife safari, and wildlife viewing. A boat cruise over Periyar Lake provides travellers a wonderful opportunity to relish best of Periyar Sanctuary. There are around 62 different kinds of mammals found in this park including tigers and elephants. Elephants are most viewed wild animals in the park.
Know more about wildlife holiday packages in India, wildlife adventure, wildlife tours in India, Indian National Park and many more adventurous wildlife destinations.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Wildlife Tours and Tourism in India

Wildlife ToursIndia is a globally famous tourism destination in South Asia with many tourism options. Being one of the most popular tourism destinations in South Asia, India is a beautiful country to be relished. With the boom in tourism industry of entire world, India has emerged as a very ideal destination for vacation and tourism. The country offers various kinds of tourism options to suit every taste and pocket. And wildlife tourism here is a latest form of India tourism. A well-organized trip to Indian wildlife destinations will provide travellers a wonderful opportunity to explore the diverse & rich flora and fauna of this beautiful country. Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts from all over the world visit India to enjoy fabulous wildlife tourism.
Wildlife tourism in India is the latest addition to the list of various tourism options in India. It is designed basically to promote and display the rich flora and fauna of the country in front of global society. Gifted with vast expanse of geographical area India is home to many wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and dense forests. The lush green area of Indian wildlife sanctuaries & parks and forests has no shortage of diverse & rich flora and fauna. Many of them are confined to India only. According to an estimate, there are about 350 species of mammals, 2100 kinds of avifauna (both domestic & migratory), 350 species of reptiles and countless species of insects found in the land of India which is comprised of forests, desert, mountains and swamplands. That's why wildlife enthusiasts and adventure fans from all over the world embark on
The diverse country of India has many wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserve and parks. These wildlife parks provide shelter to several kinds of endangered wildlife species. There are about 441 wildlife sanctuaries, 80 national parks and 15 tiger reserves in India. For examples, some popular wildlife destinations are Corbett National Park (India's first national park), Ranthambhore Tiger Sanctuary, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Desert National Park, Kaziranga and Sunderbans National Park, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Pench Wildlife Park, Gir Lion Sanctuary, Nanda Devi & Flowers Of Valley National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Dachigram National Park, etc. These wildlife parks attract wildlife, nature and adventure enthusiasts from all over the world for India wildlife tours and provide them cheerful and thrilling experience.
To attract wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world, India Tourism Ministry has planned many exciting wildlife travel packages to choose from. You can choose a wildlife travel package to enjoy the ultimate charm on wildlife tourism in India. A well-designed India wildlife tours package makes travellers to explore the famous wildlife parks of India in most organized and systematic way. So, whenever you are in India, don't forget to engage yourself in wildlife tourism.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

The Thrilling Wildlife of Orissa

WildlifeIndia is a haven for the lovers of wildlife and nature. Most of the Indian states have excellent wildlife. Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu...there are many Indian states that entice the travellers to visit them and explore the many wonders of their deep jungles.
The coastal state of Orissa located in the eastern part of India especially is one such state which is rich in flora and fauna and which has an excellent wildlife. The state's wonderful wildlife is much on display in its many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
Besides having exceptional wildlife in its several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, Orissa has a rich wildlife in its many tribal belts also. No wonder, the wildlife of Orissa much attracts the wildlife lovers.
Among the many national parks of the state, Bhitarkanika, Simlipal, Nandankanan, Balpakram and Bandhavgarh are much famous. And among the wildlife sanctuaries, Chilika, Sunabeda, Satkosia Gorge, Kotgarh, Debrigarh and Baisipalli are renowned and frequently visited by the many wildlife enthusiasts.
The pride of Orissa--the Chilka Lake-is, perhaps, the state's biggest wildlife attraction. Chilka Lake, the largest brackish water lake of Asia, is rich in wildlife and marine life. Every year more than thousands of migratory birds visit the lake from the distant parts of Asia, and add to the beauty of the region that's much renowned the world over for many other wildlife attractions as well.
Simlipal is another famous wildlife region of the state and is every wildlife enthusiast's delight. This main attractions of this national park situated in the Mayurbhanj district is its 150-odd tigers, more than 230 species of birds, and the mammoth mugger crocodiles.
The Badrama (Usakothi) wildlife sanctuary--another famous wildlife region of the state--has many varieties of wild animals including tiger, leopard, sambar, elephant, and bison. The presence of many watch towers at vantage points inside the sanctuary enables the visitors to enjoy good views, and they observe the many inhabitants of the wilds easily and clearly.
The Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, yet another wildlife attraction of the state, is famous for huge crocodiles and the Olive Ridley Turtles, and is frequented by the wildlife lovers in great numbers.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Trading Your Day Job For a Wildlife Job

WildlifeMany people would like to chuck their day job and begin a career working with wildlife. Many people would like to, but few people ever get to. Why? Because many of the positions are filled before they are even posted by someone inside the organization. They may also be filled quickly because a tip was passed along to a friend about the upcoming opening.
So, you would think you are at a dead end, right? Not necessarily. Wildlife positions can still be found if you are clever enough to be persistent and patient.
But what if you want to work with wildlife and don't want to work for the government? Private industry has positions in the environmental disciplines. There are air monitoring technicians, waste water testing specialists and many other positions. But that still doesn't get you any closer to working with wildlife now does it?
Another position you should consider is that of a nuisance wildlife management professional. What's that? A nuisance wildlife management professional is actively involved daily working with wildlife! Yes...actually working hands on with wildlife!
Working with wildlife is an extremely thrilling career choice. The variety of wildlife and the unusual circumstances that a nuisance wildlife management professional finds it in creates a fun and varied work environment.
Wildlife managers are in high demand. As our countries population grows, wildlife managers will be in more demand. When humans and wildlife clash, the nuisance wildlife manager will be called upon to resolve this conflict. It's our job to return the wildlife back where it belongs...in the wild.
Do you need a degree to become a nuisance wildlife manager? No. A wildlife biology or wildlife management degree is helpful, but not necessary. Hunting and trapping experience is also very helpful but not absolutely necessary either. Training for this career is available and can transform you into a wildlife manager in a very short time!
With the proper training, equipment and knowledge, a successful career awaits you. A career that will be filled with challenges and one that you can't wait to get to on Monday morning! Imagine a job that you can't wait to get to!
What are you going to do with that spark of interest?
You can do one of two things:
You can throw a bucket of water on it or you can throw a can of gas on it! Get out the gas and start pouring!
Visit the links below to learn more about this incredible opportunity...an opportunity of a lifetime doing the work that you would love to do.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Explore Indian Wildlife With India Wildlife Tours

WildlifeIndia is known for its rich bio diversity and therefore, India wildlife offers plenty of exploration possibility for wildlife enthusiasts. If you are a true aficionado of India wildlife, the best way to come close and understand it thoroughly is by arranging wildlife tours to India. Indian wildlife tours are specially designed for wildlife sightseeing in India. The tours take wildlife enthusiasts through a completely birds eye view of wildlife of India.
Right from migratory birds to exotic mammals, reptiles and beyond, India wildlife tours set forth unique temperament amidst natural and verdant reclines. The special Tiger Safari India tours are offered as an integral part of India wildlife tours and you will be charmed to catch the real sightings of Asiatic Lion and Royal Bengal Tiger.
Some of the popular glimpse of animal speches that India wildlife tours provide includes the following:
Royal Bengal Tiger - Royal Bengal tigers are prominently seen in rainforests and grasslands spread in India, China, Burma, Bangladesh and many other places. Tiger is amongst largest living species of Felidae family.
Asiatic Lion - The Indian Lion which is quite commonly found in Gir Forest of Gujarat, India. It is amongst 5 major cats, the other ones being the Indian leopard, the snow leopard, clouded leopard and the Royal Bengal tiger.
Indian Cobra - It is native to Indian sub continent, primarily showing its presence in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Indian Cobra commonly feeds on rodents, toads, frogs, birds and other species of snakes. Cobra has most powerful known venoms.
Indian Elephant - Indian elephants primarily inhabit the moist deciduous, evergreen, semi-evergreen forests, grasslands and dry deciduous forests. Indian elephant is usually friendly in nature.
Indian Rhinoceros - These rhinos are quite popular in riverine grasslands in the foothills of the Himalayas as well as Terai regions of Nepal.
There are a lot of wildlife sanctuaries and parks in India. You'll simple fall in love will all such destinations if you are fond of wildlife exploration. Popular destinations cover Corbett National Park, Ranthambhore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, Bandhavgarh National Park and many more. Further, you may experience your India wildlife holidays by exciting jeep or elephant safari to the wildlife sanctuaries and parks.
Get ready to hire an affordable India wildlife tour and take the ride and explicit view of wildlife of the country. For quick reservation, prefer arranging India wildlife tour package online and get started for your dream trip right away.
Take ride to the explicit view of wildlife of the country by booking wildlife tour packages at IndiaWildlifeResorts.com. This is known to provide best India wildlife information to world-wide travelers. For more information or to book India wildlife tour please visit the site.

Human-Wildlife Conflicts On The Rise in The United States!

WildlifeHuman-Wildlife Conflicts -Economic Impacts/Statistical Number of NWCO's/Federal, State & Local Agencies - White Paper
September, 2007
o1. Overall Problem
¤ Implementation of protective game laws and science-based wildlife management had their intended result: wildlife populations soared to levels not seen since colonial times. These increasing wildlife populations, in turn, had unexpected consequences as a movement of wildlife into urban areas began and wildlife damage intensified. (Brandt 1997)
o2. Economic Impact to Households
¤ 61% of the 100 largest metropolitan centers in the U.S. reported that they or their household had a problem with one or more wildlife species during the prior year and suffered a mean loss of $73 in damage.
Almost half (42%) of all urban households reported that they tried to solve a wildlife damage problem in the prior year and spent an average of $38 in the attempt. Unfortunately, 52% reported that their efforts to solve the problem were unsuccessful.
When these results are extrapolated to the 60 million metropolitan households in the U.S. (160 million residents), metropolitan households suffered $4.4 billion a year in wildlife damage despite spending $2.3 billion and 268 million hours trying to prevent these problems (Conover 1997b).
If we conservatively value people's time at the minimum wage ($6.15 in 2000), the total labor cost would be $1.6 billion. Hence the total cost of wildlife damage (actual damage plus money and time spent to prevent the problem) to metropolitan residents equals approximately $8.3 billion.
An additional 34 million households (92 million residents) live in smaller cities, towns and rural areas. (U.S. Bureau of the Census 1992). Because wildlife populations should be higher in rural areas, I assume that these households suffer at least as much from wildlife problems as do people living in large metropolitan areas. This could mean that the total annual cost of wildlife damage to rural households (damage plus time spent to prevent the problem) would conservatively amount to $4.2 billion.
Total Economic Losses Due to Wildlife Damage in the U.S.
¤ Damage to automobile, aircraft, agriculture, timber and households costs $22 billion annually. These figures do not include economic losses from human illnesses or injuries caused by wildlife.
Estimated Number of Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCO's)
¤ It has been estimated that there are 10,000 NWCO's in the U.S. But you should note that this number includes those involved only part time and occasionally. Conservative estimates would suggest that there are 5,000 full time operators. This would equate to 1 NWCO for each 60,400 in population. (Based upon Census Bureau 2007 population)
State Government Agencies - Fish & Game Dept., Animal Control, State Police, Sherriff & Local Police
¤ Government agencies normally do not engage in Human-Wildlife conflict resolution. These agencies are understaffed, untrained and uninsured for wildlife control activities. Animal Control Agencies do not have legal authority to handle wildlife problems.
Federal Government Agencies - Animal Plant Health Inspection Service
¤ This agencies primary duty include education. Wildlife control activities are principally related to the agricultural industry.
Summary
¤ Wildlife conflicts continue to rise across the U.S. while Federal, State and Local agencies budgets continue to shrink. With the current number of NWCO's, there remains a shortage of operators to meet current wildlife control needs. Private sector assistance for rural residents is especially lacking. Private NWCO's will be more in demand as wildlife and human populations continue to rise. It is not uncommon for a client to experience a 2-3 week wait time for service during peak wildlife control times further indicating the lack of NWCO's.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Wildlife Art - Its History and Development

Wildlife Art
Summary
Some of the earliest of all known art (pre-historic cave and rock art) features wildlife. However, it might be more properly regarded as art about food, rather than art about wildlife as such.
Then for a lot of the rest of the history of art in the western world, art depicting wildlife was mostly absent, due to the fact that art during this period was mostly dominated by narrow perspectives on reality, such as religions. It is only more recently, as society, and the art it produces, frees itself from such narrow world-views, that wildlife art flourishes.
Wildlife is also a difficult subject for the artist, as it is difficult to find and even more difficult to find keeping still in a pose, long enough to even sketch, let alone paint. Recent advances such as photography have made this far easier, as well as being artforms in their own right. Wildlife art is thus now far easier to accomplish both accurately and aesthetically.
In art from outside the western world, wild animals and birds have been portrayed much more frequently throughout history.
Art about wild animals began as a depiction of vital food-sources, in pre-history. At the beginnings of history the western world seems to have shut itself off from the natural world for long periods, and this is reflected in the lack of wildlife art throughout most of art history. More recently, societies, and the art it produces, have become much more broad-minded. Wildlife has become something to marvel at as new areas of the world were explored for the first time, something to hunt for pleasure, to admire aesthetically, and to conserve. These interests are reflected in the wildlife art produced.
The History and development of Wildlife Art...
Wildlife art in Pre-history.
Animal and bird art appears in some of the earliest known examples of artistic creation, such as cave paintings and rock art
The earliest known cave paintings were made around 40,000 years ago, the Upper Paleolithic period. These art works might be more than decoration of living areas as they are often in caves which are difficult to access and don't show any signs of human habitation. Wildlife was a significant part of the daily life of humans at this time, particularly in terms of hunting for food, and this is reflected in their art. Religious interpretation of the natural world is also assumed to be a significant factor in the depiction of animals and birds at this time.
Probably the most famous of all cave painting, in Lascaux (France), includes the image of a wild horse, which is one of the earliest known examples of wildlife art. Another example of wildlife cave painting is that of reindeer in the Spanish cave of Cueva de las Monedas, probably painted at around the time of the last ice-age. The oldest known cave paintings (maybe around 32,000 years old) are also found in France, at the Grotte Chauvet, and depict horses, rhinoceros, lions, buffalo, mammoth and humans, often hunting.
Wildlife painting is one of the commonest forms of cave art. Subjects are often of large wild animals, including bison, horses, aurochs, lions, bears and deer. The people of this time were probably relating to the natural world mostly in terms of their own survival, rather than separating themselves from it.
Cave paintings found in Africa often include animals. Cave paintings from America include animal species such as rabbit, puma, lynx, deer, wild goat and sheep, whale, turtle, tuna, sardine, octopus, eagle, and pelican, and is noted for its high quality and remarkable color. Rock paintings made by Australian Aborigines include so-called "X-ray" paintings which show the bones and organs of the animals they depict. Paintings on caves/rocks in Australia include local species of animals, fish and turtles.
Animal carvings were also made during the Upper Paleolithic period... which constitute the earliest examples of wildlife sculpture.
In Africa, bushman rock paintings, at around 8000 BC, clearly depict antelope and other animals.
The advent of the Bronze age in Europe, from the 3rd Millennium BC, led to a dedicated artisan class, due to the beginnings of specialization resulting from the surpluses available in these advancing societies. During the Iron age, mythical and natural animals were a common subject of artworks, often involving decoration of objects such as plates, knives and cups. Celtic influences affected the art and architecture of local Roman colonies, and outlasted them, surviving into the historic period.
Wildlife Art in the Ancient world (Classical art).
History is considered to begin at the time writing is invented. The earliest examples of ancient art originate from Egypt and Mesopotamia.
The great art traditions have their origins in the art of one of the six great ancient "classical" civilizations: Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, India, or China. Each of these great civilizations developed their own unique style of art.
Animals were commonly depicted in Chinese art, including some examples from the 4th Century which depict stylized mythological creatures and thus are rather a departure from pure wildlife art. Ming dynasty Chinese art features pure wildlife art, including ducks, swans, sparrows, tigers, and other animals and birds, with increasing realism and detail.
In the 7th Century, Elephants, monkeys and other animals were depicted in stone carvings in Ellora, India. These carvings were religious in nature, yet depicted real animals rather than more mythological creatures.
Ancient Egyptian art includes many animals, used within the symbolic and highly religious nature of Egyptian art at the time, yet showing considerable anatomical knowledge and attention to detail. Animal symbols are used within the famous Egyptian hieroglyphic symbolic language.
Early South American art often depicts representations of a divine jaguar.
The Minoans, the greatest civilization of the Bronze Age, created naturalistic designs including fish, squid and birds in their middle period. By the late Minoan period, wildlife was still the most characteristic subject of their art, with increasing variety of species.
The art of the nomadic people of the Mongolian steppes is primarily animal art, such as gold stags, and is typically small in size as befits their traveling lifestyle.
Aristotle (384-322 BC) suggested the concept of photography, but this wasn't put into practice until 1826.
The Medieval period, AD 200 to 1430
This period includes early Christian and Byzantine art, as well as Romanesque and Gothic art (1200 to 1430). Most of the art which survives from this period is religious, rather than realistic, in nature. Animals in art at this time were used as symbols rather than representations of anything in the real world. So very little wildlife art as such could be said to exist at all during this period.
Renaissance wildlife art, 1300 to 1602.
This arts movement began from ideas which initially emerged in Florence. After centuries of religious domination of the arts, Renaissance artists began to move more towards ancient mystical themes and depicting the world around them, away from purely Christian subject matter. New techniques, such as oil painting and portable paintings, as well as new ways of looking such as use of perspective and realistic depiction of textures and lighting, led to great changes in artistic expression.
The two major schools of Renaissance art were the Italian school who were heavily influenced by the art of ancient Greece and Rome, and the northern Europeans... Flemish, Dutch and Germans, who were generally more realistic and less idealized in their work. The art of the Renaissance reflects the revolutions in ideas and science which occurred in this Reformation period.
The early Renaissance features artists such as Botticelli, and Donatello. Animals are still being used symbolically and in mythological context at this time, for example "Pegasus" by Jacopo de'Barbari.
The best-known artist of the high Renaissance is Leonardo-Da-Vinci. Although most of his artworks depict people and technology, he occasionally incorporates wildlife into his images, such as the swan in "Leda and the swan", and the animals portrayed in his "lady with an ermine", and "studies of cat movements and positions".
Durer is regarded as the greatest artist of the Northern European Renaissance. Albrecht Durer was particularly well-known for his wildlife art, including pictures of hare, rhinoceros, bullfinch, little owl, squirrels, the wing of a blue roller, monkey, and blue crow.
Baroque wildlife art, 1600 to 1730.
This important artistic age, encouraged by the Roman Catholic Church and the aristocracy of the time, features such well-known great artists as Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Rubens, Velazquez, Poussin, and Vermeer. Paintings of this period often use lighting effects to increase the dramatic effect.
Wildlife art of this period includes a lion, and "goldfinch" by Carel Fabrituis.
Melchior de Hondecoeter was a specialist animal and bird artist in the baroque period with paintings including "revolt in the poultry coup", "cocks fighting" and "palace of Amsterdam with exotic birds".
The Rococo art period was a later (1720 to 1780) decadent sub-genre of the Baroque period, and includes such famous painters as Canaletto, Gainsborough and Goya. Wildlife art of the time includes "Dromedary study" by Jean Antoine Watteau, and "folly of beasts" by Goya.
Jean-Baptiste Oudry was a Rococo wildlife specialist, who often painted commissions for royalty.
Some of the earliest scientific wildlife illustration was also created at around this time, for example from artist William Lewin who published a book illustrating British birds, painted entirely by hand.
Wildlife art in the 18th to 19th C.
In 1743, Mark Catesby published his documentation of the flora and fauna of the explored areas of the New World, which helped encourage both business investment and interest in the natural history of the continent.
In response to the decadence of the Rococo period, neo-classicism arose in the late 18th Century (1750-1830 ). This genre is more ascetic, and contains much sensuality, but none of the spontaneity which characterizes the later Romantic period. This movement focused on the supremacy of natural order over man's will, a concept which culminated in the romantic art depiction of disasters and madness.
Francois Le Vaillant (1769-1832) was a bird illustrator (and ornithologist) around this time.
Georges Cuvier, (1769-1832), painted accurate images of more than 5000 fish, relating to his studies of comparative organismal biology.
Edward Hicks is an example of an American wildlife painter of this period, who's art was dominated by his religious context.
Sir Edwin Henry Landseer was also painting wildlife at this time, in a style strongly influenced by dramatic emotional judgments of the animals involved.
This focus towards nature led the painters of the Romantic era (1790 - 1880) to transform landscape painting, which had previously been a minor art form, into an art-form of major importance. The romantics rejected the ascetic ideals of Neo-Classicalism.
The practical use of photography began in around 1826, although it was a while before wildlife became a common subject for its use. The first color photograph was taken in 1861, but easy-to-use color plates only became available in 1907.
In 1853 Bisson and Mante created some of the first known wildlife photography.
In France, Gaspar-Felix Tournacho, "Nadar" (1820-1910) applied the same aesthetic principles used in painting, to photography, thus beginning the artistic discipline of fine art photography. Fine Art photography Prints were also reproduced in Limited Editions, making them more valuable.
Jaques-Laurent Agasse was one of the foremost painters of animals in Europe around the end of the 18th C and the beginning of the 19th. His animal art was unusually realistic for the time, and he painted some wild animals including giraffe and leopards.
Romantic wildlife art includes "zebra", "cheetah, stag and two Indians", at least two monkey paintings, a leopard and "portrait of a royal tiger" by George Stubbs who also did many paintings of horses.
One of the great wildlife sculptors of the Romantic period was Antoine-Louis Barye. Barye was also a wildlife painter, who demonstrated the typical dramatic concepts and lighting of the romantic movement.
Delacroix painted a tiger attacking a horse, which as is common with Romantic paintings, paints subject matter on the border between human (a domesticated horse) and the natural world (a wild tiger).
In America, the landscape painting movement of the Romantic era was known as the Hudson River School (1850s - c. 1880). These landscapes occasionally include wildlife, such as the deer in "Dogwood" and "valley of the Yosemite" by Albert Bierstadt, and more obviously in his "buffalo trail", but the focus is on the landscape rather than the wildlife in it.
Wildlife artist Ivan Ivanovitch Shishkin demonstrates beautiful use of light in his landscape-oriented wildlife art.
Although Romantic painting focused on nature, it rarely portrayed wild animals, tending much more towards the borders between man and nature, such as domesticated animals and people in landscapes rather than the landscapes themselves. Romantic art seems in a way to be about nature, but usually only shows nature from a human perspective.
Audubon was perhaps the most famous painter of wild birds at around this time, with a distinctive American style, yet painting the birds realistically and in context, although in somewhat over-dramatic poses. As well as birds, he also painted the mammals of America, although these works of his are somewhat less well known. At around the same time In Europe, Rosa Bonheur was finding fame as a wildlife artist.
Amongst Realist art, "the raven" by Manet and "stags at rest" by Rosa Bonheur are genuine wildlife art. However in this artistic movement animals are much more usually depicted obviously as part of a human context.
The wildlife art of the impressionist movement includes "angler's prize" by Theodore Clement Steele, and the artist Joseph Crawhall was a specialist wildlife artist strongly influenced by impressionism.
At this time, accurate scientific wildlife illustration was also being created. One name known for this kind of work in Europe is John Gould although his wife Elizabeth was the one who actually did most of the illustrations for his books on birds.
Post-impressionism (1886 - 1905, France) includes a water-bird in Rousseau's "snake charmer", and Rousseau's paintings, which include wildlife, are sometimes considered Post-impressionist (as well as Fauvist, see below).
Fauvism (1904 - 1909, France) often considered the first "modern" art movement, re-thought use of color in art. The most famous fauvist is Matisse, who depicts birds and fish in is "polynesie la Mer" and birds in his "Renaissance". Other wildlife art in this movement includes a tiger in "Surprised! Storm in the Forest" by Rousseau, a lion in his "sleeping Gypsy" and a jungle animal in his "exotic landscape". Georges Braque depicts a bird in many of his artworks, including "L'Oiseaux Bleu et Gris", and his "Astre et l'Oiseau".
Ukiyo-e-printmaking (Japanese wood-block prints, originating from 17th C) was becoming known in the West, during the 19th C, and had a great influence on Western painters, particularly in France.
Wildlife art in this genre includes several untitled prints (owl, bird, eagle) by Ando Hiroshige, and "crane", "cat and butterfly", "wagtail and wisteria" by Hokusai Katsushika.
Wildlife art in the 20th Century, Contemporary art, postmodern art, etc.
Changing from the relatively stable views of a mechanical universe held in the 19th-century, the 20th-century shatters these views with such advances as Einstein's Relativity and Freuds sub-conscious psychological influence.
The greater degree of contact with the rest of the world had a significant influence on Western arts, such as the influence of African and Japanese art on Pablo Picasso, for example.
American Wildlife artist Carl Runguis spans the end of the 19th and the beginnings of the 20th Century. His style evolved from tightly rendered scientific-influenced style, through impressionist influence, to a more painterly approach.
The golden age of illustration includes mythical wildlife "The firebird" by Edmund Dulac, and "tile design of Heron and Fish" by Walter Crane.
George Braque's birds can be defined as Analytical Cubist (this genre was jointly developed by Braque and Picasso from 1908 to 1912), (as well as Fauvist). Fernand Leger also depicts birds in his "Les Oiseaux".
There was also accurate scientific wildlife illustration being done at around this time, such as those done by America illustrator Louis Agassiz Fuertes who painted birds in America as well as other countries.
Expressionism (1905 - 1930, Germany). "Fox", "monkey Frieze, "red deer", and "tiger", etc by Franz Marc qualify as wildlife art, although to contemporary viewers seem more about the style than the wildlife.
Postmodernism as an art genre, which has developed since the 1960's, looks to the whole range of art history for its inspiration, as contrasted with Modernism which focuses on its own limited context. A different yet related view of these genres is that Modernism attempts to search for an idealized truth, where as post-modernism accepts the impossibility of such an ideal. This is reflected, for example, in the rise of abstract art, which is an art of the indefinable, after about a thousand years of art mostly depicting definable objects.
Magic realism (1960's Germany) often included animals and birds, but usually as a minor feature among human elements, for example, swans and occasionally other animals in many paintings by Michael Parkes.
In 1963, Ray Harm is a significant bird artist.
Robert Rauschenberg's "American eagle", a Pop Art (mid 1950's onwards) piece, uses the image of an eagle as a symbol rather than as something in its own right, and thus is not really wildlife art. The same applies to Any Warhol's "Butterflys".
Salvador Dali, the best known of Surrealist (1920's France, onwards) artists, uses wild animals in some of his paintings, for example "Landscape with Butterflys", but within the context of surrealism, depictions of wildlife become conceptually something other than what they might appear to be visually, so they might not really be wildlife at all. Other examples of wildlife in Surrealist art are Rene Magritte's "La Promesse" and "L'entre ed Scene".
Op art (1964 onwards) such as M. C. Escher's "Sky and Water" shows ducks and fish, and "mosaic II" shows many animals and birds, but they are used as image design elements rather than the art being about the animals.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Wildlife and Sport Hunting

WildlifeAlmost everyone in America seems to profess a love of wildlife in one form or another. However, it is very important to understand that just saying that you love wildlife is not enough to ensure the continuation of the various species.
Instead, an understanding of wildlife management and just what it is, is necessary to creating a healthy wildlife population.
Wildlife management is the science of managing the environment for the benefit of all of the kinds of wildlife in a given area. This management includes the management of human activities because everything that people do will affect the environment in one way or another.
Creation of proper habitat is critical to a healthy wildlife population because, without habitat, wildlife cannot survive and it is just as simple as that. Consequently, the wildlife manager of today is concerned constantly with the state of the habitat in a given area for the benefit of the wild population that the manager is trying to sustain or expand.
Like a carpenter building a house with his tools, so also does a wildlife manager have specific tools to build his wildlife population. Regulated sport hunting is one of the managers most important tools. To many people, this sounds like a contradiction, however, in our capitalist society, everything revolves around the dollar. So too, does wildlife management. It takes a lot of money to develop wildlife habitat.
In every state, a hunter is required to purchase hunting permits and wildlife stamps. It is this money that is used to develop critical habitat for wildlife. Almost always, state taxes are not used for direct wildlife management programs. Rather it is the licensed hunter that is the critical tool for habitat and consequently wildlife development.
Additionally, the licensed sport hunter pays a federal excise tax on the hunting equipment that he/she purchases. This money is then funneled back to the various state game departments for additional habitat development.
It is only because of the monies supplied by licensed hunters that America has any wildlife of note. Today, every state has thousands of acres of wildlife management areas that provide home for hundreds of species of wild birds and mammals. These species consist of both game and nongame wildlife. None of these areas would have been possible without the funding supplied by the hunters dollars.
When people profess a love of wildlife, that is a good thing, however, if one really does have a sincere interest in the wild creatures that share our planet with us, one of the best things that one could do to ensure the survival of wildlife is to simply purchase a hunting permit and wildlife stamp in the state where one lives. If people fail to do this over time, wildlife as we know it today will disappear.
Rick Seward is a veteran game warden for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He has an intense love for the wild creatures that he protects. Rick maintains a website that will showcase many types of engravings that he creates in his of duty time and invites everyone to look at [http://www.woodartist.info] His passion for being a game warden his love of wildlife comes out in every piece that he creates. People may email Rick at the address listed on the website.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

The Reasons Why Wildlife Art is So Popular

Wildlife art is now very popular and some of the artists that paint or photograph wildlife have become very famous due to their skill and technique in portraying birds and mammals in the wild.
Wildlife ArtIn fact, although there is now a great deal of wildlife art available, it is not always so easy to find what you want. Wild life art comes in many forms and styles. From painting, posters, prints, photographs and drawings to all kinds of wildlife sculptures. Whatever you want is probably out there somewhere, but knowing where to buy it may not be so easy to ascertain.
Wildlife Art is Easy to Find and Purchase Online
If you are currently in the market to buy some wildlife art but do not know where to start then you should go online and use a web search engine to find what you want. It may take some time and you may need to do several searches before you find something suitable, but this is definitely your easiest option.
Anyone who appreciates nature and the wildlife that it contains is likely to want some great images of this wildlife in their home. They may also be on the look out for other wild life art such as pictures, paintings and even sculptures of their favorite animals or birds to display at home.
Whatever wildlife you prefer whether it is birds, insects, fish, mammals or reptiles you will be able to find whatever you by searching on the Internet. These days almost everyone has access and once you find the page which has the art items for sale that you are interested in you will also find that it is easy to pay and have your wildlife art quickly delivered to your home. This means that art about wildlife is now so much easier to get and thus is making it more popular.
To find the best deals on all wild life posters, paintings, pictures, photos or sculptures then go to the bigger auction websites such as eBay. Here you will always find a good selection of discount wildlife art that will change almost daily. These items will be from many different sources including artists, painters, photographers, sculptors and galleries.
Wildlife Art in Your Home provides Real Benefits
Through wildlife art you can bring wildlife and the great outdoors right in to your own home. You can see images of the wildlife you love every day and this makes you realizing what you are missing by not being out in the countryside. This encourages people to get out and see more wildlife and take more exercise that will provide health benefits.
However the main benefit of wildlife art for those than cannot get outside very often or at all, is the fact that they can fully appreciate the natural world from the comfort of their armchair in their own home.
Whatever type of art you want to buy whether it is wildlife photos, paintings, pictures, posters, sculptures or any other form of wildlife art, you will always have a large choice to choose from. Thus you should also always be able to find what you are looking for. Anyone who enjoys wildlife will enjoy wildlife art wherever they find it and wherever they buy it.
Wildlife Art is Helping with Conservation
Today wildlife art is produced by many different wildlife artists and is often portrayed in many different and sometimes unique styles. Any collector of wildlife art has the opportunity to enjoy some great art created by some very talented artists. Wildlife art can be extremely inspirational and very enjoyable.
Wildlife art is now enjoyed by many art lovers worldwide all of them are probably also committed to conserving the natural world and the habitats of their favorite wild life. Unfortunately extinctions in the wild continue to increase species are now disappearing at an alarming rate.
When others see wildlife art, whether as paintings, posters, photography or other types of pictures or sculpture they are informed by what they see of what needs conservation and protection. Also many wildlife artists sell their art to raise money for conservation charities around the world and often a lot of well needed cash is generated.
This especially applies to wildlife art seen by children and other members of our younger generation. Seeing wildlife art on display can help create a much better appreciation of nature and the world of wildlife which could last for years to come. And that has to be a good thing for all our wildlife.
Dave Joa has been a wildlife photographer for many years and collected wildlife art for almost as long. For a wide choice of discount wildlife art he recommends you shop online for what you need, including cheap wildlife paintings, photography, pictures and prints.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Wildlife Tours to India - Famous National Parks in South India

Wildlife ToursIndia is also a very popular destination for wildlife tourism with a number of wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and national parks in India. Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over the world visit India to enjoy its rich flora and fauna in various wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and wildlife parks. And South India is home to many famous national parks. You can add these wildlife parks to the itinerary of Indian wildlife tours and travels. Periyar in Kerala, Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Nagarhole and Bandipur are some of famous destinations for wildlife tourism in India. Have a look at some national parks of southern India.
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Situated in the beautiful state of Kerala in South India, Periyar is one of the finest national parks in India. Known for fantastic nature beauty and exotic wildlife attractions, Periyar attracts a big number of wildlife enthusiasts and national lovers through out the entire world. The park is rich in its flora and fauna. The park is rich with trees like teak, sandalwood, rosewood, eucalyptus, etc. Animals found in Periyar wildlife sanctuary are elephants, langurs, monkeys, gaur, sambars, wild dogs, leopards, panthers, etc. There is a beautiful Periyar Lake situated in the centre of the park. Boat cruise in the lake is an ideal way to explore the beauty and attraction of Periyar national tiger reserve.
Nagarhole and Bandipur National Park
Both are situated in the state of Karnataka. Both are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that connects famous Mudumalai wildlife Park in Tamil Nadu and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. Nagarhole is also known as the Rajiv Gandhi wildlife Park. Elephants, langurs, tigers, leopards, deer, antelope, sloth bear, wild dogs, Malabar pied hornbills, eagles, hawks, etc are attraction of Nagarhole Park. Bandipur is separated from Nagarhole by the Kabini River Reservoir. It is home to big population of tigers. Elephants, leopards, gaur, sambars, wild dogs, mouse deer, wild boar, four-horned antelopes, hyenas, etc are attractions of Bandipur wildlife Park. You will enjoy lots Indian wildlife by explore Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka. Mysore is convenient point to access Nagarhole and Bandipur.
Mudumalai National Park
Mudumalai is one of the attractions of wildlife in India. Situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, this famous park of south India attracts a big number of wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from different parts of the world for exciting and thrilling wildlife tours and tourism in India. Tigers, panthers, leopards, wild dogs, langurs, monkeys, gaurs, antelopes, elephants, wild boar, deer, etc are attraction of Mudumalai Park. Jeep or Elephants Safaris are arranged in this famous wildlife park.
Besides these famous wildlife parks there are many more wildlife sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries and national parks in south India which you can explore on your wildlife tours to india. So come and enjoy wildlife tourism in south India.

This article is written by Terence Lewis a eminent writer for travel and tourism related topics. Know more about wildlife tours to India, wildlife adventure, Indian wildlife, Indian National Park and many more adventurous wildlife destinations India.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Wildlife Conservation - Wildlife Art and Conservation Join Hands,

Wildlife ArtThis great country of ours is so blessed with rich landscapes and awe-inspiring terrain from the southern most tip of Florida to the northern tip of Alaska. Nowhere else in the world is there such a diverse array of grandeur, readily available for viewing, within short distances of almost any part of the country. Where once the land was almost barren of many species of wildlife, through wildlife conservation efforts, most of those species have been restored to a naturally healthy population.
Most of us probably think of radical, fanatical behaviorist when we hear the term wildlife conservation, but nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, there are those that take conservation much too far in trying to force their ideals on the rest of us. But true conservationist are concerned with the overall, long-range concept of conservation, not just protecting the lives of the immediate population. Only through proper wildlife management efforts is it possible to maintain a healthy population, no matter what the species.
There are many forms of wildlife conservation available in today's society. One of the most well-known organizations is Ducks Unlimited. Back in 1937, a group of sportsmen decided it was time to do something about the dwindling waterfowl population in North America. Their mission was then, and still today, is "wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever". According to a January 1, 2010 report from Ducks Unlimited, over 12 million acres of waterfowl habitat has been conserved as a result of the organization's efforts. These efforts keep waterfowl millions of acres of habitat on which to thrive.
The National Wildlife Federation is another greatly publicized organization responsible for protecting and defending wildlife and the wild places they need to survive; restoring the health of our natural habitats and ecosystems; and educating and inspiring Americans to care for and protect our natural heritage. The National Wildlife Federation works to build coalitions with affiliates, sportsmen, Native American tribes, scientists and state wildlife officials to protect and restore wildlife habitat. The Federation does all this with a critical focus on species already being adversely impacted by the effects of environmental changes, and human population encroachment. All across America, wild spaces are being populated, polluted, or destroyed, leaving wildlife with fewer places to call home.
These are but two of the many popular organizations that serve to protect America's wildlife. But there is another group of people in this country that is just as dedicated as any of the well-known organizations to wildlife conservation. Though they may not be as organized, and they may not have such a dynamic title, they are dedicated to the cause none the less. Who is this group? They are wildlife artists and through wildlife art, they are making a huge impact on conservation efforts.
Where do wildlife art and wildlife artists fit into the conservation scheme? Wildlife artists are some of the most dedicated people on the planet when it comes to the cause of conservation. Each artist truly loves the species they paint. They become intimately familiar with the habits, routines, habitat, and rituals of the species they love to portray in their art through in-depth study.
How does wildlife art contribute to wildlife conservation? There is an organization called Art for Conservation who sees the typical conservation campaign as a presentation of a bunch of facts and figures that, although critically important, gets really boring, really quickly. Art for Conservation believes this is where the power of imagery comes into effect.
Art for Conservation members believe that through partnerships with conservation photographers, artists and organizations, they create and market fine art prints in support of causes both large and small. To support that belief, the Art for Conservation organization pledged $509,810.00 to go to Ducks Unlimited through the sale of member's artwork. Members allocate a percentage of each sale of their artwork to go to their conservation efforts and nationwide, this amounts to huge benefits to wildlife in general.
Now comes the big question. How can you get involved in this monumental effort to conserve wildlife? Here are just a few ideas that will go a long way toward achieving the goal.
Get Involved With a Specialized Conservation Organization
If you're a hunter, join Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, or any of the other wildlife organizations aimed at conservation. Get involved with the goal in mind to make a difference.
Purchase Artwork Through an Organization That Supports Conservation
By purchasing your wildlife art through Ducks Unlimited, Art for Conservation, or other such organizations, a portion of your investment will go directly to wildlife conservation.
Make Donations
If you're not a hunter, you can make donations to any of the conservation organizations without having to join or otherwise get involved. Your dollars will make a difference.
With the combined efforts of all the available organizations aimed at wildlife conservation, we can all play a role in the effective conservation of this country's greatest natural wonders. So roll up your sleeves and let's get started.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Wildlife Expedition & Wildlife Holiday in India

Wildlife Expedition
India is one of the most sought after holiday destinations in Asia with tremendous & great tourism opportunity and excellent tourist facilities. The country is best known for its unique cultural and geographical features. The country offers a lot to its visitors. It attracts tourists and vacationers from all over the world with its rich culture & tradition, glorious past, rich cultural heritage monuments, natural sites, wildlife sanctuaries & national parks, tiger reserves, rich flora & fauna, beautiful beaches, picturesque hill stations, lovely lakes, fantastic forts & palaces, etc. One of the most popular tourist attractions in India is its exotic wildlife - rich flora & fauna. Rich wildlife of India attracts adventure enthusiasts, wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and special interest tourists from all over the world.
There are many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the country which are globally famous for wildlife expedition and wildlife holidays in India. Besides wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, there are also some bird sanctuaries, nature reserves, tiger reserves, biosphere reserves, etc in the country. Wildlife lovers, adventure buffs and nature lovers are often got mesmerized by the different national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Ranthambhore Tiger Sanctuary, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Periyar Wildlife Park, Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, etc are some known wildlife destinations in India appealing wildlife enthusiasts and adventure buffs through out the entire globe. Tourists and vacationers have wonderful opportunity to enjoy the rich & diverse flora and fauna of Indian wildlife parks and sanctuaries.
One of the major attractions of Indian wildlife is the royal Bengal tigers. There are many tiger reserves and national parks in the country offering natural habitat to tigers and different spices of animals, birds, reptiles and vegetations. Corbett, Kaziranga, Ranthambhore, Sariska, Sunderbans, Manas, Periyar, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Bandipur - Nagarhole, etc are some of popular national parks & tiger reserves in India where wildlife enthusiasts hunt for watching tigers and capture their sensational activities for treasure. You will surely love to these popular wildlife destinations on your wildlife tours in India. Ranthambhore, Sariska, Periyar, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, etc offer excellent tourist accommodation facilities. There are many wildlife resorts and lodges in these destinations offering excellent tourist facilities as well as opportunity to wildlife expedition and jungle safari. On your wildlife holidays in India you will surely love to explore these wildlife destinations.
There is a lion sanctuary in Gujarat called Sasan Gir National Park. Here you will have opportunity to Asian Lions. Kaziranga is very popular for one horned rhinoceros. Keoladeo is famous for migratory birds. Sunderbans is famous for tigers. Periyar is famous for elephants. Pench, Panna, Bandhavgarh and Kanha are famous for tigers. In fact, you will have choice of options to choose from. So, what for you are looking? Visit Indian wildlife destinations and full fill your desire of jungle safari and wildlife viewing. There are an exciting range of wildlife travel packages available to choose from. Just choose a right package according to your choice of destinations and treasure thrills and excitements.

The Right Way to Resolve Wildlife Problems

Wildlife ProblemsResolving wildlife problems in a gentle and humane way is a challenge that we meet head on each day. With the threat of rabies and other diseases wildlife carry, a professional is your best choice for removing the source of the wildlife problem and returning your home to its former peaceful existence. An expert in wildlife removal and repair wants you and your family to enjoy the best protection against wildlife as possible.
It all starts with the inspection. A very thorough and comprehensive inspection is vital to the success of any wildlife control campaign. By using the most complete inspection process in the industry, a picture will be clear of how severe the problem is and what the best route to recovery is.
To ensure your family's protection, only the most current methods, equipment and technology should be used when resolving your wildlife problem. Taking special care of the wildlife and your home is a very important part of what we the expert should do for you! You have invested a lot of money, time and have pride in your home and want a professional who is concerned about the security and aesthetic appeal of the home the way you would be.
Your home deserves the best materials and craftsmanship possible to keep it looking its finest. Your wildlife expert should only be using quality materials from approved vendors to ensure the quality of repairs that will last a long time. Quality is important. Using inferior materials will allow wildlife to re-enter a home that has been repaired with low quality products. Wildlife such as raccoons, are very strong and can tear open cheaply repaired areas. When you do it right the first time, it saves you time and money.
If the wildlife in your home or building has left animal waste behind, choose experts that are trained to clean up these areas deodorize and re-insulate. Animal wastes carry diseases and this waste must be sterilized and removed. Other animals are attracted to the odors caused by this waste and will try to enter the area again. By removing the waste, you protect your health and help eliminate the possibility of other animal gaining entry somewhere else in the structure.
Through the best training programs, licensed, insured, courteous and conscientious wildlife experts will diagnose and remedy your most sophisticated wildlife conflicts. Ongoing training ensures that your wildlife expert stays on top of current trends and techniques to keep your costs of resolving the problem at a minimum.
You can live with wildlife in a peaceful co-existence. Birds, squirrels and other wildlife are enjoyable to watch feeding and going about their normal day to day activities. It enriches our lives to be able to view wildlife and spend time in nature away from the everyday stresses of life. Your property can be a great attraction to wildlife and your home protected from an invasion at the same time. We are the professionals that keep the wildlife where they belong.
A All Animal Control is a proud member of the following associations: Bat Conservational International, National Animal Control Association, National Wildlife Control Operators Association, National Pest Management Association and The Wildlife Society.
All articles may be freely re-printed or shared as long as the name of the author and their websites are included.
Mark Dotson, a 20-year Wildlife Veteran helps people interested in working with wildlife to fulfill their dream. Author of the soon to be released "King of Cages!" book and ebook. Sign up for a regular e-newsletter about working in the field of Wildlife Management at our website. Need help with a wildlife problem or want to start your own business, visit this site http://www.aallanimalcontrol.bom/franchise.cfm Need supplies to solve your own problem, check out this site [http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.net]

Saturday, July 14, 2012

My Top Ten Wildlife Spotting Experiences (So Far)

• One of my most unforgettable wildlife travel experiences has to be diving into the water to snorkel alongside giant whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef on the west coast of Australia. During my independent wildlife trip, I'll never forget watching these majestic creatures swim with their one meter wide open mouths coming towards me before they gently glided past. Then doing it again, and again, and again...
Wildlife• Having a personal encounter with the cutest 'three toed' and 'two toed' sloths at the Sloth Sanctuary in Cahuita, Costa Rica has to be one of the most memorable of my independent wildlife trips. The sloth sanctuary helps nurse baby orphans who would otherwise have died, whilst also taking care of sloths that have been run over or electrocuted since their natural environment has been encroached by tourism. I was lucky enough to visit them every month whilst working as a tour leader in Costa Rica and monitoring their progress was joyful. With their cute basin haircuts and permanent smiles, these adorable creatures made this wildlife trip one which I'll never forget.
• I enjoyed my 31st birthday in Namibia at Etosha National Park watching in awe as the rare white rhinos came to the watering hole followed by no less than 27 elephants of all sizes. Sipping red wine and watching this amazing social spectacle by two members of the Big Five, I enjoyed an unforgettable birthday on a wildlife adventure trip of a lifetime!
• A unique and truly remarkable independent wildlife experience for me was seeing the Giant leatherback turtles in Tortruguero, Costa Rica. These massive yet graceful 300kg creatures slowly come up the beach at night time, dig a hole with their flippers and lay a hundred eggs which they then cover over before heading back to the ocean leaving a distinct track in their wake. On a wildlife trip in Costa Rica such as this, you can also ride down the rivers, keeping an eye out for caiman, toucans, sloths, spider monkeys, poisonous red and black dart frogs, cane toads, herons, ibis, otters, iguanas and the Jesus Christ lizard aptly named because it walks on water!
• To add to this list of incredible independent wildlife trips, I can't miss out my snorkelling trip in Shark and Ray Alley just off the reggae island of Caye Caulker, Belize, with a frenzy of huge prehistoric looking sting rays and nurse sharks directly below me. In addition to spotting tese beautiful creatures during this amazing wildlife holiday, I was extremely lucky enough to be graced with the presence of two manatees (sea cows) and watch their "dancing" mating ritual.
• Penguins used to be my favourite animal before I discovered sloths and now they come a close second. My first out-of-zoo encounter was at Phillip Island near Melbourne in Australia. During an independent wildlife trip here, we sat in an outdoor stadium with special lighting and gasped with delight when they appeared through the waves and waddled up the beach upon return to their nests.
Punta Tumbo in Patagonia, Argentina was also a bit of a penguin fest because their eggs were hatching, so during this independent wildlife adventure, we were lucky enough to see the fluffy creatures slowly emerge. What's more, on a wildlife trip at Boulders Beach in South Africa you can actually swim with them (but apparently they have nasty bite which defies their adorability).
• Another of my favourite wildlife adventure trips has to be exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal buried deep in the steamy jungle in Guatemala. With so many colourful birds and swinging howler monkeys in the tree canopies, this really was an unforgettable independent wildlife trip. What's more, climbing the pyramids gives a bird's eye view of the keel billed Toucans and Aricaris. There are over 40 different types of Toucans with different coloured beaks, if you see one you normally see a few in succession. Once here, I ate a live termite because the guide told me it tasted of carrots and I didn't believe him but it was true!
• On an independent wildlife trip in Ubud, Bali, my travel partner was bitten by a very cheeky little monkey who actually drew blood as he reached for a yellow leaflet out of his rucksack which the monkey mistook for a banana. The white faced (capuchin) monkeys in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica may look innocent, but are actually quite aggressive. As a result of daft tourists continuously feeding them, they now take it upon themselves to delve into the bags of unsuspecting tourists to steal their food whilst they are swimming. You have to keep a sharp eye, as their adept yet naughty little fingers can open zips and locks!
• One independent wildlife trip that I'm not likely to forget anytime soon has to be on a wildlife tour in Monteverde cloud forest reserve, Costa Rica. I was shocked when the guide put his torch to a hole in the mud wall right near my head and out flew a bird; inside was a big fat hairy tarantula that had just had its lunch interrupted. And boy did I scream!
If you don't mind these creepy crawlies, then there are a few other places you can spot them. In the Pantanal, Brazil there were some dancing tarantulas, and in Belize they are large enough to spot crossing the road. In Cambodia they are a delicacy and served as road side snacks during long journeys. Here you'll find local girls carrying deep and crispy fried tarantulas in a bowl on their heads, with a real live one scurrying across their chests as an advertisement of what's on offer.
• On a wildlife trip in Laos near Luang Prabang, I was kitted out in stylish denims for men and stayed in the jungle to learn how to be a mahout (elephant trainer). We bathed the elephants, fed them and rode them (trying to remember all the commands to make them turn left or right). During this wildlife holiday, I discovered that the elephants liked to suck up the mud with their trunks and sprinkle us with dirt. They are surprisingly hairy with wire wool on their huge heads. During this particular wildlife adventure, I remember being absolutely petrified when getting on and off or as they got up and kneeled down in case I fell off.
• On an elephant ride during an independent wildlife holiday in Chitwan National Park in Nepal, I saw rhinos up close and one so close that I could see its armour like skin. On the same wildlife trip in Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, after hours of waiting in the freezing cold we saw a beautiful tiger, albeit in the distance.
• I can't miss out my unforgettable wildlife adventure trip in the heart of the Amazon river where I fished with live worms on the end of a bamboo rod in Northern Brazil for sharp-toothed piranhas, and grilled them later...delicious.
• Oh and then there was another time on a wildlife holiday in Australia on Fraser Island where i saw a Dingo...oh dear, I think I'm way past 10 now...oops!
I've had some incredible encounters with some fascinating creatures, but with so many amazing and memorable independent wildlife trips to choose from, a 'top 10 list' barely scrapes the surface!