Hyenas feed on rotting carcasses, and never leave decaying matter around to spread disease. These misunderstood scavengers are crucial to the health of Saswad’s grasslands
About the contributor
Mihir Godbole
is a wildlife photographer and filmmaker. He is also the founder of The Grasslands Trust, a Pune-based non-profit that works for the conservation of wildlife found in grassland and scrubland habitats.
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Species
Golden Jackal: Wandering Howler of Indian Jungles and Backyards
Malaika Mathew Chawla
The golden jackal, found in almost every habitat in the country, has inspired folk stories and songs, but also a few questionable practices that have led to poaching of the wild canid
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Leopards of Saswad: On the Edge of a Concrete Jungle
Mihir Godbole
Wolves have ruled the Saswad grasslands for years, but recently an uninvited guest has taken over– the leopard. Now, the city threatens to take over these grasslands. Will the leopard survive the onslaught of the urban?
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A Reign at Risk: The Indian Grey Wolf and the Grasslands of Saswad
Mihir Godbole
The Indian grey wolf is the apex predator of Saswad's grasslands, but defending its territory is not easy. It must chase away hyenas and aggressive packs of dogs. And now, a new challenger has shown up. Can the grey ghost of the grasslands retain its dominance?
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Saswad: In Harmony with Wild Neighbours
Mihir Godbole
In Saswad, locals and the wild have learned to live with each other — leopards and wolves polish off poultry carcasses, birds show up to feast on the seasonal crop, and the timid Bengal fox builds homes in cultivated farms
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Vultures: Scavengers of the Sky at Risk
Pradeep Hegde
Vultures are cleaners of our eco-system. Without them unattended carcasses would rot, pollute groundwater and spread diseases. But since the early 9Os, their populations have been plummeting. Are we doing enough to protect them?