Nature Mates

Nature Mates Nature Club is deeply involved in wildlife research and conservation efforts. Its focus encompasses well-structured research on wildlife, ecology, and the management of wild animals in both natural and modified environments. This research aims to apply scientific findings to enhance wildlife conservation, improve management practices, and kindle public concern for biodiversity. Nature Mates seeks to inspire the next generation of students interested in wildlife research and conservation biology by sharing its knowledge. It collaborates with academic institutions and Government bodies on various projects, including butterfly diversity studies, insect biodiversity surveys, and studies on hornbills, waders, butterflies, and lesser cats in different regions of West Bengal. Additionally, it works on mitigation plans for human-leopard conflicts in North Bengal Forest Divisions in partnership with the Forest Department.

Nature Mates Nature Club specializes in butterfly conservation. It creates conservatories serving as butterfly habitats, promoting biodiversity with a ripple effect on other species. Its mission extends to urban, rural, and forest communities, fostering awareness and engaging students and underprivileged individuals in conservation efforts. The ultimate goal is to establish an uninterrupted butterfly corridor. Nature Mates manages several conservatories, including Kulik, Rajabhatkhawa, Eco Park, Ramsai, Eden Gardens, Banabitan, and Garpanchakot. They also oversee a Bird Conservatory named Pakhibitan, which aims to improve bird habitats in urban areas. Notably, it has contributed to the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project, enhancing saltwater crocodile breeding through scientific measures. Its dedication to wildlife and environmental preservation involves extensive collaboration and public involvement, guided by the mantra, 'Save Butterflies to Save the Tigers.'

Nature Mates Nature Club is actively engaged in wildlife rescue and release. It responds to calls from concerned citizens reporting injured or distressed wild animals. In collaboration with the forest department, Nature Mates' skilled and trained team takes charge of the entire process, ensuring the animals are rescued and safely returned to their natural habitat.

Nature Mates Nature Club is actively involved in ecological restoration, emphasizing habitat creation and restoration through collaborative conservation efforts. It advocates Urban Biodiversity Gardening, using butterflies as ambassadors. This approach involves planting native species to support caterpillars and pollinators, with ongoing monitoring. It documents urban park biodiversity and collaborates with authorities for conservation. Nature Mates creates specialized gardens with indigenous and adapted plants, fostering local wildlife. It prioritizes wetland restoration, revitalizing vulnerable habitats like Santragacchi Jheel, Purbasthali Lake, and Bikramgarh Jheel, and integrating wetlands into development projects. It excels in tree transplantation, with a 70% success rate, mitigating environmental damage from development and storms.

Nature Mates Nature Club actively engages in diverse conservation activities. They've contributed to wildlife census projects in collaboration with forest departments, such as the Tiger Census in Sundarbans, Waterfowl Census in West Bengal, and Crocodile Census in Sundarbans, among others. Additionally, they offer Environmental Impact Assessment services, evaluating the environmental impacts of projects to ensure sustainable resource use. Nature Mates also emphasizes the importance of documenting flora and fauna diversity for conservation initiatives, conducting surveys for government and private entities. Moreover, they've undertaken studies on creeks and canals in the Sundarbans to bridge the gap between remote sensing data and ground reality, ultimately aiding in better management planning. Their work showcases their commitment to environmental conservation and preservation.