Maharashtra is rich with varied biodiversity ranging from forests, to wetland, to grassland to coast to evergreen forest and Western Ghats. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Western Ghats is a treasure trove of biodiversity and is recognized as one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity. It is home to more than 30 per cent of all plant, fish, bird, and mammal species found in India and many of these species are endemic. According to WWF India, 50 per cent of India’s amphibians and 67 per cent of fish species are endemic to this region. Endemism refers to any species which is exclusively confined to a particular geographical area and occurs nowhere else in the world.

To safeguard its biodiversity Maharashtra has 6 national parks, 49 wildlife sanctuaries, and 6 conservation reserves as protected area networks (as per the India State of Forest Report, 2019). This International Day for Biological Diversity 2021 (22nd May), Maharashtra Tourism presents a few threatened species that are found in North Western Ghats, Maharashtra:

The soft-furred rat (Millardia kondana), commonly called the Sinhagad rat – These special rats are only found in a tiny locality in the northern Western Ghats, India. They are nocturnal and live in burrows on the Sinhgad fort. They are specialist rodents, are sensitive to change and need large patches of grasslands, their secure habitat.

Puntius deccanensis, critically endangered and found in Katraj lake in Pune is a critically endangered species of ray-finned fish in the genus Puntius. It is endemic to the Northern Western Ghats in India

Amboli toad (Xanthophryne tigerinus) found in Amboli – They are brightly coloured amphibians which make a seasonal appearance during the monsoon and remain in hibernation for the rest of the year. It is endemic to the Western Ghats of India and known only from the vicinity of Amboli in Maharashtra

Indirana phrynoderma, a species of frog found in Tamhini, Pune – A small sized frog, the skin of the back is covered with warts of different sizes, as well as short glandular folds.

Pseudophilautus Amboli frog found in Amboli, Sawantwadi district, Amba forest, Kolhapur and Sindhudurg district – Medium-large sized frog (length 27–34 mm in males and 37.5-mm in females). It is Snout pointed, snout length slightly longer than eye diameter.

Abutilon Ranadei is one of the critically endangered plant species of the Western Ghats. It is found in four districts of Maharashtra State. This endangered species was named after N. B. Ranade who was the keeper of the Herbarium at the College of Science, Pune. It is a shrub 3-5 ft tall characterized by 2 inch long bell-like hanging golden yellow flowers. The five petals are 4 cm long, orange yellow, veined with purple.

As confirmed by Dr. Mandar Datar, Researcher at Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, “In Maharashtra’s Sahyadri Ranges, we find 181 endemic flowering plants.”

Euphorbia panchganiensis – Succulent herb, with irregular tuberous to cylindrical root stock. It is found in south western plateau, near Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Satara District, Maharashtra State.

Dr. Raju Kasande (Ornithologist) Assistant Director, conservation education, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) said- “Endemic species play a vital role for ecological balance. Most biodiversity campaigns focus on well-known or beautiful animals and plants.  But the lesser attractive species need more care as their ecological importance is often overlooked. Endemism is extremely crucial and is a national heritage. It should be given utmost priority. We should work towards protecting natural habitats which is the only refuge for endemic species. BNHS has worked in conservation of Flamingos in Thane creek through community participation. We have also developed a butterfly garden in 10,000 sq ft area with 125+ species of butterflies. We feel conservation of endangered species should be everyone’s responsibility.”

Sharing similar thoughts, Dr. Aparna Watve, (Botanist) ICUN Western Ghats Plant Specialist, Red list coordinator said, “Currently our conservation work is focused on mapping the habitats of endemic species and identifying their environmental needs. We mostly find them in open plateaus and grasslands of Konkan, Vidarbha etc. We are not confining our work to identifying threats; we are also working with the forest department and locals, and developing immediate solutions for their conservation by legal as well as community oriented means. Organizations in Maharashtra such as Shashvat in Bhimashankar, Navrosji Godrej Institute etc. are working together for conservation and growth of endemic plants through ecological restoration. Conservation Tourism is also an emerging concept. Like it happened in Kaas Plateau, we can identify more places for tourism and sensitize them about endemic species. We are also trying to make propagation via nurseries, so that the species last long in the fight of survival. Why go abroad to see what is already here in the State?”

Biodiversity conservation is an important part of Maharashtra’s agenda. The State government has earmarked an area at Amboliin Western ghats in Sindhudurg district, the Glory of Allapalli in Gadchiroli district, Landor Khori Park in Jalgaon, Ganesh Khind in Pune, and Myristica swamp vegetation in Sindhudurg district as biodiversity heritage sites.

When everything felt uncertain, the only thing that remained constant in every individual’s life was social media. A platform where every cry for help was heard and shared, social media was everyone’s hero during the pandemic.

And while social media took centre stage during the pandemic. ‘Slacktivism’ was once termed as a self-deluded idea that by liking, sharing, or retweeting something you are helping out, became a boon in times of crisis.

From tweeting about leads on oxygen cylinders, hospital beds to raising funds for charity on instagram, we have. Pink City, Kunal Anil Tanna, Amaris by Prerna Rajpal, Drishti & Zahabia, ZWAAN and Vedika M share their thoughts and views on Slacktivism in 2021 and how social media has impacted us all during the pandemic.

Pink City

In the current scenario, the scale of help our nation needs is cumbersome. So, at this point any kind of attempt to give a boost to the requirements to those who are desperate to find hospital beds. Oxygen cylinders, medicines, and food for survival during COVID-19 is important. Having said that, verifying where funds are going/ if the sources are genuine. Is an imperative step that shouldn’t be avoided.

Slacktivism requires reasonable work, and every drop of effort contributes to the giant pool. Needed to get our country out of these unprecedented times. Every business owes a responsibility to make philanthropic efforts as a part of their business plan, no matter how hard it seems. No effort is too small, no contribution goes in vain. We recently witnessed the power of social media when we tried to raise funds to contribute to the selfless efforts of Hemkunt Foundation. 

Kunal Anil Tanna

Slacktivism needs to be obviously addressed with a relatively deeper and a more sincere purpose. Although there are several people with genuine efforts. There are many who have sadly been only following it blindly, because it is trending and makes the individual feel like some sort of an activist. But then they say, what matters is the outcome.

If that is resulting in something positive, then in my opinion slacktivism has made its mark. Any cause with a humble intention should use every possible platform to reach out to. And be able to help as many as it can. We recently were a part of a fundraiser with DI Public Relations, where the amount raised by the sale of various luxury products such as couture garments, accessories, etc. was given to two NGOs. A collective effort of promoting this fundraiser via various social media platforms. Did boost and result in encouraging support that helped achieve the intended goals.

ZWAAN

The thing about online activism is that every little thing, even as little as sharing or retweeting about something you believe in, makes a difference. It’s gotten a lot of negative connotation with words like ‘slacktivism’. But the truth is not everyone can give up their lives. And come on the streets to join protests or lead charities or movements.

I don’t like the term “slacktivism” because it discourages people from engaging with important issues in the first place. Every like, tweet, share, is important. Showing up and actively participating is definitely more important, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. We should encourage people to do the little they can and not disregard it with using words like “slacktivism”.

Vedika M

Today the power and reach of social media is massive. I feel, in recent times it has practically proved to be of great help to people in need all across the globe. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have successfully used our social media pages to raise funds for organisations doing some amazing work on ground for migrant workers. And COVID-19 affected regions in our country. I believe that would not have been possible for brands like us to do without the influence of social media.

I believe slacktivism can be looked at as a positive means of amplifying social causes and spreading awareness to the people directly impacted by it. Though the verification of such information is equally as important too.

Drishti & Zahabia

For us sharing social causes has never been about reaching any social media goals for the brand. We just feel that whoever is fortunate enough to have a certain kind of reach can always use it as an advantage to spread awareness. We have seen a lot of influencers and brands step forward. And are doing an exceptional job at helping people save lives by amplifying the leads.

Social media has definitely made slacktivism easy. We believe that it has become one of the most important platforms in today’s time considering the voices and opinions are being heard. We value the power it has, to make the impossible possible.

Amaris by Prerna Rajpal:

Social media has helped spread awareness during these difficult times. Given the current situation where we cannot be physically present to help one and another. Slacktivism through social media platforms has helped reach that goal. From social media influencers and stylists sharing leads on ICU beds, food provisions, etc to brands conducting fundraisers for charity, social media has helped spread positivity in many ways.