June 18, 2025 | Santiniketan | Wildlife & Environment News | Brikkho Foundation Desk
Surprise Visitor at Brikkho Foundation Sparks Biodiversity Conversation

In an unexpected yet enlightening encounter, the Brikkho Foundation team discovered an Indian Black Scorpion (Heterometrus spp.) crawling quietly inside their Santiniketan office earlier this week. While it sparked initial concern, the incident quickly turned into an educational moment for the team — and now, for the broader community.

“We were surprised, but not alarmed. This experience reminded us how deeply connected we still are to nature, even in our workspaces,” said Somnath Ghosh, founder of Brikkho Foundation.

🦂 Know Your Neighbour: The Indian Black Scorpion

The Indian Black Scorpion, belonging to the Heterometrus genus, is one of India’s most commonly found scorpions, especially in tropical and semi-urban regions like Santiniketan. Despite its menacing appearance, the species is non-lethal to humans.

✅ Key Information:

• Scientific Name: Heterometrus spp.

• Size: Can grow up to 10–15 cm

• Venom Level: Mild — similar to a bee sting

• Habitat: Moist soils, under rocks, old wood piles, and now, even buildings

• Ecological Role: Natural pest controller, feeding on insects like cockroaches and crickets

Far from being dangerous, these arachnids are actually beneficial to human environments, acting as natural pest regulators.

🌿 Urban Biodiversity: Nature Thrives Where We Let It

The incident is a strong reminder of the growing importance of urban biodiversity — the wild life forms that live among us, often unnoticed. As green spaces shrink and chemical use increases, these species face threats that go unaddressed.

Brikkho Foundation urges everyone to be aware, informed, and compassionate toward all living creatures. The presence of species like the Indian Black Scorpion signals a healthy, pesticide-free ecosystem — something that should be preserved, not feared.

“If we want trees, clean air, and safe food, we must also protect the tiny workers of our ecosystem,” added Ghosh.

📍 Location of Sighting: A Safe Haven in Santiniketan

The scorpion was safely photographed and gently relocated to a nearby wooded area near the Sonajhuri Forest, where it can continue playing its role in the natural food chain without human interference.

This location, long protected by Brikkho Foundation’s reforestation and clean-up drives, has become a biodiversity hotspot. From butterflies and birds to reptiles and now scorpions — it proves that nature returns when invited.

🌱 Brikkho Foundation’s Broader Mission: More Than Trees

While Brikkho Foundation is widely known for its tree plantation and adoption initiatives, its work extends to promoting eco-awareness, wildlife education, and sustainable living.

By sharing moments like this, the foundation hopes to reframe how people view lesser-known wildlife, especially in urban and semi-urban areas like Santiniketan, Bolpur, and beyond.

💚 Support the Mission — Donate to Protect Life in All Forms

Your support helps us:

• Plant trees across barren and fire-prone lands

• Organize eco-awareness and wildlife education programs

• Protect biodiversity hotspots like Sonajhuri Forest

• Build safer, greener urban ecosystems

🎁 Make a difference today:
👉 Donate Now
🌳 Or Adopt a Tree in someone’s name – it’s a living gift that grows.

📸 Captured Moment

Photo Credit: Brikkho Foundation Team

🧠 Final Thought: Fear Fades When We Learn

Encounters like this challenge our fear of misunderstood creatures. The Indian Black Scorpion is not a threat — it is a teacher, a guardian, and a quiet reminder that nature still survives alongside us.

We don’t just share the Earth with trees and tigers — we share it with creatures under stones, behind cupboards, and even under our desks. Let’s protect them all.

🔗 Stay Connected

📬 Email: team.brikkho@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://adoptabrikkho.org
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