Kolkata, May 22 (UNI) A recent survey of the fauna and flora of Eco Park in New Town, near Kolkata has given a lot of hope for environment-lovers.
This popular weekend getaway, also called Prakriti Tirtha, as named by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is a majestic nature paradise in an urban space.
The survey at the 480-acre park was conducted by the Forest Department and HIDCO, the government organisation which is responsible for the upkeep of the park.
Spotted deer, barking deer, fishing cat, more than a dozen species of birds, around 100 varieties of butterflies and several species of rodents and insects have made Eco Park their home.
More than 50 deer – spotted deer or chital and barking deer – are housed in a 12-acre enclosure.
Both of these species prefer grasslands interspersed with trees, and their habitat has been recreated at the park.
The fishing cat, Bengal’s state animal, lives on the banks of the 112-acre waterbody at the centre of the park.
Fishing cats thrive in swamps and marshy areas and prey on fish, frogs and crabs. They are shy animals that slink away at the sight and smell of humans and usually hunt at night.
The lake also has 17 varieties of fish, including several types of carp.
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