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Reasons You Shouldn’t Get a Conure

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Conures are undeniably gorgeous—bright feathers, big personalities, and parrot energy packed into a smaller body. But owning one isn’t all rainbow feathers and Disney moments. From the ear-splitting calls to the decades-long commitment, conures can be a handful—way more than many expect. Here’s why you might want to think twice before inviting one into your life. 1. They’re loud. Painfully loud. Once, I was walking home and heard a very distinct “RIO!”—from an entire lane away. Conures aren’t just “chatty.” They scream . Their calls can cut through walls, neighbours, and your last shred of peace, especially at dawn and dusk. And it’s not just irritating—it can stress them out. When a conure realises loud noises get attention, they’ll double down. Breaking that cycle requires training, boundaries, and sometimes an avian behaviourist… which isn’t exactly beginner-friendly. 2. Not exactly beginner material Yes, they’re smaller than macaws or greys, but they need the same level of ca...

The Stray Dog Debate: Safety, Law, and What Really Works

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This article is in collaboration with IDA Indievets A recent Supreme Court directive has stirred a nationwide debate: all stray dogs in Delhi are to be removed from public spaces and shifted to shelters within the next six months. While the intention—addressing public safety and reducing human-animal conflict—is understandable, the ruling has raised significant concerns among veterinarians, animal welfare experts, and urban planners. Below, we break down what the ruling entails, why implementing it isn’t straightforward, and what a more sustainable approach could look like. The Ruling in Brief On August 11, 2025 , the Supreme Court of India issued a directive to authorities in Delhi and the wider NCR region, ordering the removal of all stray dogs from public areas and relocating them to newly established shelters. The ruling requires: Capturing and housing stray dogs in shelters within eight weeks Ensuring each dog is sterilised, dewormed, immunised , and not rel...

The Herp Index: Unveiling the Secrets of Reptile Behavior

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Reptiles are often misunderstood. Cold-blooded, slow-moving, and mysterious, they don’t wear their emotions on their sleeves (or scales) like mammals do. But make no mistake—these creatures have a rich behavioural repertoire. If you’ve ever watched a bearded dragon bob its head, a snake flick its tongue, or a turtle bask under a lamp, you’ve witnessed a complex language of instinct and adaptation. In this edition of The Herp Index , we dive into the fascinating world of reptile behaviour—decoding the why behind the wiggle, the stillness, and the sideways glances of our scaly friends. 1. Tongue Flicking: The Snake's Super Sensor  If you've ever held a snake, you’ve likely seen it flick its tongue rapidly in and out. This isn’t a sign of aggression—quite the opposite. Snakes use their tongues to “taste” chemical particles in the air and transfer them to Jacobson's organ (or vomeronasal organ) in the roof of the mouth. Why it matters: Frequent tongue flicking me...

From Nerves to Confidence: My PfA Internship Journey (collab. with IVSA India Magazine and PfA Bangalore)

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~ A young macaque at the centre ~ When I first came across the announcement for the PfA internship, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The notification spoke of a collaboration between IVSA India and People for Animals (PfA) Bangalore — a week-long internship crafted for some of the most passionate wildlife enthusiasts across the country. A mere seven days didn’t seem like much, but I was intrigued, slightly apprehensive, and undeniably eager to step into something unfamiliar. What I hadn’t anticipated was the sheer depth of experience and learning that would unfold over the course of that single week. Now, as I look back, it’s astonishing how much growth can be packed into just a few days. From reshaping my perspective to sharpening my skills, the journey left an impact far greater than I imagined. Here’s a glimpse into my seven-day whirlwind through one of the most remarkable wildlife-focused NGOs I’ve had the privilege of experiencing. ~ With the team at PfA Bangalore ~ ...