Visakhapatnam: The AP forests department has designed a biodiversity map to represent of the rich biological and cultural heritage of the state. The map has been prepared in English and Telugu.
The concept and design were made by Visakhapatnam district forest officer Anant Shankar, while an artist, Sudarshan Shaw from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, took up the drawing work of the map.
The state and the adjoining sea have about 60 endemic and rare species of flora and fauna according to the map
which highlights six major wildlife hotspots and six forest-dweller tribes.
All illustrations and the look of the map have been inspired by the Srikalahasthi style of Kalamkari, said Shankar.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Shankar said it is a visual language unique to the land that has resulted in several beautiful narratives including those of birds and animals to temples, homes and everyday lives of people for ages.
The biodiversity map is an attempt to generate not just awareness about local biodiversity among the people but also generate a strong relation and profound connection with wildlife.
The artist Sudarshan Shaw said AP is blessed in terms of forest resources and wildlife. He said he had done similar sketching for other states.
Anand Kumar Jha, additional principal chief conservator of forests, released the map at the Wildlife Week celebrations in the city.
