A Look at Mumbai’s First Interactive Biodiversity Map

This will gladden the hearts of both Mumbai residents and visitors to the city.

The Ministry of Mumbai Magic (MMM), a collective of citizens and environmental organisations, has launched an interactive biodiversity map of Mumbai illustrated by cartoonist Rohan Chakravarty (@greenhumour).

View the interactive map here

The map, with clickable features of species, their habitats and their conservation status, covers the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and water bodies like Thane Creek, Mahim Bay, Vasai Creek and even the surrounding Arabian Sea.

It highlights about 17 species of flora, 78 species of fauna and showcases the interdependency of indigenous communities like Adivasis and Kolis and their impact on local ecology. 

READ: Mumbai To Get Its First Treetop Walkway At Malabar Hills

MMM is a collective of Mumbaikars and environmental organisations like Waatavaran and Project Mumbai. The MMM team says that the map will come in use to educate children in local schools, and to enable citizens to reconnect with the ecosystem in the city. Along with information on biodiversity, the map will also include information on volunteering opportunities in local conservation organisations such as the Mangrove Foundation of Maharashtra, Bombay Natural History Society and Vanashakti.

READ:  Shaw And Tell: A Chat With The Creator Of Odisha Wildlife Map

According to MMM’s Creative Lead Suma Balaram, “The interactive map helps you learn about the unique species of flora and fauna found in and around Mumbai like the White Chippi mangrove, Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin, Bombay Sea Slug, and Mugger crocodile. Showcasing these through detailed illustrations and photos from local photographers has brought to life the bibrant bio-diversity of this region.”

Here’s a bit about the guy who has worked on the super illustrations – cartoonist Rohan Chakravarty has been known for his illustrations on nature and conservation. He mentions how the motive was to create “at a glance” visual resources for the city with popular articles and scientific research papers in one place. He has also participated in similar projects for other cities like Kochi, Gangtok, Panjim, Nagpur and an upcoming project in Hyderabad under the International Council For Local Environment Initiatives (ICLEI).