Bhopal: Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhopal organized a power point presentation cum lectures on “Reptilian Biodiversity of Madhya Pradesh” and “Traditional Conservation of Biodiversity” on 23 May, 2019 under Summer Nature Study Programme – Green Teen.
Scientist-B & In-charge of the museum Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma delivered the lecture on “Reptilian Biodiversity of Madhya Pradesh”.
He told that Reptiles are tetra pod animals in the class Reptilian. Dr. Sharma explained about causes of threats on reptiles like habitat loss, pollution, illegal poaching, myths, illegal trade etc.
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma detailed about the reptiles likes Lizards, Crocodiles, Ghariyal, Fan throated lizard, Monitored lizards, Star tortoise, poisonous & non-poisonous Snake etc. He appealed to the participants to save the wild animals including reptiles.
Coordinator of the Programme and Scientist-B, Shri Manik Lal Gupta delivered the lecture on “Traditional Conservation of Biodiversity”. During the lecture Shri Gupta defined a belief of person passed from one generation to another generation becomes “Tradition”.
Manik Lal Gupta explained to participants about the nature and natural resources. He told that plants, animals, landscape and product of earth are called Nature and resources that exist without action of humankind i.e. magnetic, gravitational, electrical properties and water, sunlight, atmosphere, land minerals, flora & fauna are called Natural Resources.
Manik Lal Gupta informed the participants about ecosystem services of Elephant, Monkey, Wild Boar, Cow, Ox, Snake and Lion etc. and told that probably for this reason our ancestors called them as Lord Ganesha, Hanuman, Varah, Go-mata, Nandi, Nag devta etc. since we respect our god and will conserve these god species.
During the lecture Gupta detailed that probably medicinal property as well importance of Tulsi, Banyan, Peepal, Neem, Amla, Bel, Coconut, Areca nut, Ber, Turmeric, Durva, Paddy, Barley, Chandan, Sesame etc. were the reason for which our ancestors decided to offer these things to God for our peace and prosperity.
He also told that in same way probably the ecosystem services of Peacock, Rat, Ashok, Owl, Mute swan, Kadamb, Mango, Semal etc. were the main reason to associate these species with various gods and goddesses. Manik Lal Gupta concluded his lecture with the statement that our ancestors wisely associated most of the flora and fauna with God to conserve Nature and Natural Resources for the Sustainable Development of future generation.He also made an appeal to “Keep Conserving Nature” to the participants.