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A general briefing of participants before the Tree Walk. |
On 2 December 2018, Akshatra Pracy Fernandes, AERO’s in-house Botanist conducted a “Tree Walk” in the quite environs of Xeldem in Quepem, Goa attended by 25 tree lovers. During the walk 34 species of trees were identified and explained to participants with key features of identification. Extensive discussions took place about understanding their role in the ecosystem and the various interactions they have with other organisms. Discussions also happened about local names of trees and the traditional medicinal uses of trees in Goan culture.
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Akshatra explaining the use of a hand lens for plant taxonomy |
Learning to get a hold of the hand lens |
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Trying to take a closer look at leaf glands |
Understanding the difference between drupe and berry |
The “Tree Walk” also overlapped with the “Winter Tree Quest” a pan-India citizen science initiative spearheaded by the SeasonWatch team. The objective of the quest was to rapid-document and assess phenology of common Indian trees across the country. This information aggregation was facilitated by the SeasonWatch app which was used during the “Tree Walk” and its functionality explained extensively to the participants. Being able to use the SeasonWatch app and the concept of phenology also helped us to connect with participants at a level to encourage them to undertake regular observations rather than just casual observations.
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Harshada, explaining SeasonWatch app to participants |
Participants trying out the SeasonWatch app |
Everyone was all smiles at the end of the walk with many participants having learnt some new skills in identifying common trees around them. Walks like these are AERO's efforts to raise awareness amongst people of Goa, especially youngsters to help them connect with nature with an aim to instil the need to live a sustainable life which is closer to nature.
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The group all in smiles after an amazing morning of Tree Watching |
AERO always maintains detailed biodiversity lists of sightings from its various initiatives and believes strongly in the power of citizen science. While, species that are listed on SeasonWatch app were listed directly, we also documented all other tree species in the area which are listed below.
| S.No | Scientific Name | Common Name | Local Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tectona grandis | Teak | |
| 2 | Terminalia alata | Indian Laurel | Matti, Ain |
| 3 | Terminalia paniculata | Kindal Tree | Kindal, Kinjal, Quinzol |
| 4 | Terminalia bellirica | Baheda | Goting, Behada |
| 5 | Terminalia cattapa | Indian Almond | |
| 6 | Acacia auriculiformis | Earleaf Acacia | |
| 7 | Acacia nilotica | Tomentos Babul | Babul |
| 8 | Leucaena leucocephala | Wild Tamarind | |
| 9 | Anacardium occidental | Cashew | |
| 10 | Cassia fistula | Golden Shower Tree | |
| 11 | Peltophorum pterocarpum | Copper Pod | Gulmohar |
| 12 | Bombax ceiba | Silk Cotton Tree | Savar |
| 13 | Mangifera Indica | Mango | Āma |
| 14 | Artocarpus heterophyllus | Jackfruit | Phanas |
| 15 | Artocarpus altilis | Breadfruit | Neer Phanas |
| 16 | Moringa oleifera | Drumstick Tree | Shevga |
| 17 | Trema orientalis | Indian Charcoal Tree | Khargul, Kapshi |
| 18 | Ziziphus jujubaJujube | Jujube | Bora |
| 19 | Delonix regia | Flame Tree | |
| 20 | Spathodea campanulata | African Tuliptree | |
| 21 | Alstonia scholaris | Devil's Tree | Satvin |
| 22 | Ceiba pentandra | White Silk Cotton Tree | Samali |
| 23 | Ficus hispida | Hairy Fig | Kharvoti |
| 24 | Ficus benghalensis | Banyan | Vad |
| 25 | Ficus racemosa | Cluster Fig | Umber |
| 26 | Plumeria rubra | Frangipani | Chaempae |
| 27 | Plumeria alba | White Frangipani | |
| 28 | Azadirachta indica | Neem | |
| 29 | Melia azadirachta | Persian Lilac | Bakan-nimb |
| 30 | Psidium guajava | Guava | Pairr |
| 31 | Zanthoxylum rhetsa | Indian Prickly Ash | Chiphal |
| 32 | Bridelia retusa | Spinous Kino Tree | Asana |
| 33 | Buchanania cochinensis | Chironji Tree | Char |
| 34 | Annona reticulata | Netted Custard Apple | Raamphal |
