On October 20th Aurovanam, the nature lab of SVARNIM Puducherry, Sri Aurobindo Society organised an evening exploring nature in the TDEF bioregion. This nocturnal wildlife walk was conducted through the enchanting Aranya Forest Sanctuary in Auroville's green belt.

A diverse group of 26 participants, including a few young nature enthusiasts, ventured into this tropical dry evergreen forest paradise. The walk was guided by Kishore Kumar, accompanied by Mr. Sarvanan, the steward of this 40-hectare sanctuary. Ecologist Arunkumar P. provided insights into the tropical dry evergreen forest ecosystem. Arachnologist, Atharva Kulkarni from Maharashtra Institute of Technology who discovered 3 new species of spiders drew us into a fascinating world of a wolf spider and other arachnid species.

The forest's dense foliage and winding mud path created an immersive atmosphere. As we ventured deep into the forest, the sounds of nature came alive. The musical croaking of frogs filled the air, while the flickering lights of fireflies were a sight.

Our walk led us to two impressive canyons, carved by nature over time. These unique geological formations are home to a variety of flora and fauna adapted to this arid environment. The man-made water bodies within the canyons attract birds, fish, amphibians and aquatic insects.

As it became dark, the forest revealed its nocturnal inhabitants. We learned about the elusive creatures that call this sanctuary home, including jungle cats, small Indian civets, Asian palm civets, jackals, owls, monitor lizards, and various snakes, including all four venomous species.

The Nocturnal Wildlife Walk was an enriching experience, offering participants a glimpse into the hidden wonders of Aranya Forest Sanctuary as a pocket of the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest Bioregion.