Nature trail to Haffkine Institute, Parel

WWF-India, Maharashtra State Office organised a half day trail to Haffkine Institute, Parel. It is one of the Heritage Sites and still has good green cover. One of few green patches that Mumbai has.  The aim of the trail  was to observe the biodiversity of the campus. We are thankful to the authorities of the Institute - Dr. Abhay Chowdhary and Dr. Shashikant Vaidya for giving us permission, accompanying us on a trail. Also, for sharing valuable information on the research work and the great history of the institute. Haffkine has tremendous biological variety of plants and other lesser fauna. We really appreciate the enthusiasm of Dr. Abhay Chowdhary and Dr. Vaidya.

Pic by Rupali Gurav

About 20 participants attended the trail. Some of the plants that we saw includes -

Plants - Cycas spp, Mangifera indica, Kigelia pinnata, Roystonea regia, Polyalthea longifolia, Delonix regia, Putranjiva roxburghii, Creteva religiosa, Adenanthera pavonena, Caryota urens, Ficus benjamina, Ficus religiosa, Ficus glomerata, Streblus asper, kleinhovia hospita, Sterculia alata, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Ficus benghalensis, Terminalia catapa, artocarpus intergrifolia, Couroupita gyanensis

Insects and arachnids - Blue, emigrant, Striped tiger, great orange tip, psyche, grass yellow, Tent spider

Birds - Asian koel, coppersmith barbet, White throated kingfisher, Red vented bulbul, Common myna, Rose ringed parakeet, House crow, Blue rock pigeon, House sparrow, Greater coucal, Ashy drongo, Black kite

A small photographic trail through  Haffkine Institute ..........

Lets Know the history of Haffkine Institute from Direcetor Dr.Chaudhari

Observing Bio-diversity at Haffkine Institute 

The Great Darbar Hall-A Grade II Heritage site

The group. Photo courtesy: Akshay Talwalkar