Dia Mirza Instagram – This year’s #ClubNature CEO’s forum was at Periyar National Park. An annual intervention started by @wildlifetrustofindia @vivek4wild to take CEO’s into the wild (of which i am a founder member).The experience of the wild helps CEO’s transcend board room conversation to wide ranging efforts in conservation of the wild. Mother nature does the best job in helping people understand that we cannot survive without her. Her well being is our well being. The Periyar Tiger and Elephant Reserve is a protected area encompassing 925 km2, of which 305 km2 of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. The park is a repository of rare, endemic, and endangered flora and fauna and forms the major watershed of two important rivers of Kerala: the Periyar and the Pamba. There are 35 species of mammals recorded in the park, including many threatened species. It is an important tiger and elephant reserve. About 266 species of birds can be seen in the park, including migrants. Endemic birds include the Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, blue-winged parakeet, Nilgiri flycatcher, crimson-backed sunbird, and black-necked stork. 130 butterfly species, fish, amphibians and reptiles make this park a rich biodiversity haven. The park is made up of tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests, grasslands, stands of eucalyptus, and lake and river ecosystems. The forest is protected by green soldiers #VanRakshaks who endure a three day journey by foot to reach the core region of the forest. During this three day trek they contend with leeches, wade and swim through streams that are neck deep in places carrying their rations on their head. This apart from contending with many other forms of threat to life. My deepest respect, awe and gratitude for them 🙏🏻💚 I always learn a lot and my understanding of conservation efforts, deepens each time i go a forest with @vivek4wild. Thank you for making this visit to Kerala truly memorable. The heavy unseasonal rains were a matter of concern but didn’t stop us from going into the wild 🐯🐘💚 Thank you WildLife Trust of India for strengthening my purpose. Periyar Tiger Reserve – Thekkady