SAIIER 2014:Life Science Laboratory

Integral Education Teacher Training Program		Lilaloka
Life Science Laboratory

To be aware of our local wildlife, respect and preserve it is the basic objective of the Entity::Life Science Laboratory. We have built the Life Science Laboratory as a living center for wildlife protection, study and care.

Aquariums

The Life Science Lab maintains freshwater and saltwater aquariums. The aquariums are taken care of by the students. Great interest and interaction happens when children are encouraged to be responsible and observe living species in the aquariums. Responsibilities like daily feeding and regualar cleaning of the aquariums are taken extremely seriously by the students.

Freshwater Aquariums: 6 aquariums (the largest 5ft long); over 15 species of fish.

Seawater Aquariums: 6 aquariums; over 10 species of fish and crustaceans from our local coastal waters. These were mostly collected by the students.

Wildlife programs

Some of the favorite studies are:

• Reptile study
• Bird watching
• Aquarium maintenance & feeding the fish
• Eco-trips within our bio-regions
• Night walks to observe wildlife in dark

In the classes, projects like bird watching and reptile studies were the favorite topics. Learning to identify the local birds of Auroville and being part of regular surveys in the different months were encouraged.

The Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a worldwide event. GBBC 2014 took place on February 14-17. Birders from 135 countries took part, documenting over 4,000 species in more than 140,000 checklists. Indian birders have participated in the GBBC since the event went global in 2013. A record 1,131 birders from India took part, submitting over 3,000 lists, containing over 800 species.

Over 2 days of the GBBC (Feb 14 & 15) the students together identified in and around Deepanam School a total of 25 species of birds. This was really a very successful program. We wish to take part each year in the GBBC to be able to bring this awareness in the students.

Wildlife rescues

Along with discovering and studying our local wildlife we also have become the "rescue-team" for saving snakes that are often killed by people due to fear.

We bring awareness and educate people that snakes are our best friends as they feed on insects and rodents that would otherwise become real pests to us. We have been called upon at places including homes where snakes have been found, to catch them safely and take them away to be released somewhere safer in the greenbelt/forest areas of Auroville. Small groups of children are given this opportunity to take part in releasing the snakes for educative reasons.

This delicate ecological cycle needs to be understood and respected as we share this earth with many other living creatures. Together we make this world a better place - each has the right to be in their place.

Here are the details of our rescues:

• 23 snakes (8 venomous & 15 non-venomous) were safely removed from homes etc. and safely released in the forest areas.
• 5 birds found injured were brought to be looked after.
• 4 baby squirrels were taken care of.
• 1 civet cat which was caught in a wire fence was released back into the wild.