Mangar Bani

Indian Gray Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsi)

"Greetings from Mangar Bani! I'm an Indian Gray Mongoose, and if you saw a blur of whiskered grey near here this morning, that was me. I was likely exploring the thorny bushes, nose to the earth, perhaps digging for beetles or a tasty lizard. We lead busy lives, you know, ever-searching, ever-alert! Did you know that while we're famed for our brave dances with serpents, it’s our lightning speed and sheer cunning, rather than any magical immunity, that sees us through? It's all about the quick footwork! To my fellow creatures, and to you who share this ancient, rustling forest with us, may your paths be fruitful and your days filled with the sun's gentle warmth."

No active fires nearby

"I am Mangar Bani, and my ancient roots breathe deep today. For two long days, the distant horizons have been clear, no angry red pulse on the satellite’s watchful eye, no ghost of smoke carried on the wind to prickle my leaves. The air, a cool, clean draught, fills my every branch, and my creatures stir in undisturbed peace. A quiet calm settles upon my slopes. Yet, my vigil never truly softens. I remember the sun's harsh kiss, the dry tinder waiting. My gaze spans far, my quiet heart forever listening, for I know fire's hungry spirit always sleeps nearby, a possibility even in this profound calm."

"My ancient leaves usually dance, breathing deep the crisp morning. But today, the air is not a friend. It hangs, a thick veil, heavy with unseen burdens. I feel the fine dust, a density of 208 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter, clinging to my every surface, dimming the sunlight that tries to pierce through. My ancient breath, usually so clean, feels stifled. I remember skies so clear, where distant mountains sharpened against a brilliant blue. Oh, to feel that pure embrace once more, to let my creatures breathe without this veiled dread."

clear sky

"My canopy stretches, a verdant dream beneath a clear, bright sky. The sun's warmth is a deep breath, 30.2°C in the air, yet I feel it radiating through me, a profound 35.2°C. A humid embrace, 70% of the very air, clings to my leaves, a heavy, muggy promise. No blessed drop falls, 0.0 mm this hour, leaving my roots to yearn for more than the 17% moisture in my warm soil, which holds a gentle 28.8°C. A soft sigh, a 7.2 km/h breeze, weaves through my ancient branches, a comforting whisper in this sun-drenched day. I stand, vibrant and waiting."

Laughing Dove

"Coo-roo-roo! Was that your friendly face I saw near Mangar Bani at Maruti Kunj on June 25th? My dear companion and I were simply enjoying the morning warmth, perhaps finding a few tiny seeds to share and sharing quiet moments. We love the peace your beautiful green spaces offer. Did you know our 'laughing' call, which gives us our name, is actually a comforting sound we use to greet each other and stay connected? It's our gentle way of saying hello to the world! What a joy it is to share your home, dear friends. We feel so welcome. Keep listening for our soft coos – they’re always a song of peace for your kind community."