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Inside the eerily quiet streets of Kazakhstan's 20-year-old capital city, where futuristic skyscrapers tower over the grasslands of a former prison camp

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table center"><div><div class="image on-image">Tomer Ifrah</div></div></div><ul><li>Astana was named the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997, and has undergone a massive transformation since then.</li><li>The city is filled with futuristic skyscrapers that resemble a science-fiction movie.</li><li>But Astana's streets are suspiciously clean and quiet, leading some to comment on its eerie atmosphere.</li></ul> Twenty years ago, Kazakhstan's president Nursultan Nazarbayev made a radical move by moving his country's capital to a little-known town in the middle of barren grassland.He renamed the town "Astana," meaning "capital," and hired a world-famous Japanese architect to plan every aspect of the city, from its eye-popping skyline to its grandiose government buildings. Today, the city is compared to other planned capitals like Canberra, Brasilia, and Washington, DC.Yet between Astana's architectural marvels are streets that are perfectly manicured and eerily quiet, contributing to a surreal atmosphere that permeates the city. CNN <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2012/07/13/world/asia/eye-on-kazakhstan-astana/index.html">called Astana</a> "the world's weirdest capital city," while the Guardian <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/08/astana-kazakhstan-space-station-steppes">called it</a> "the space station in the steppes."Israeli photographer <a href="http://www.tomerifrah.com/">Tomer Ifrah</a> recently documented life in Astana, from its nearly empty and suspiciously clean streets to its futuristic skyscrapers that look like something out of a science fiction movie.Read on to see what life is like in Astana, a planned city like no other.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I've been traveling for years but never encountered a place like Sri Lanka before.</li><li>Sri Lanka has much of what Bali has to offer and more, but with a fraction of the tourists.</li></ul>Imagine a tropical island with unspoiled beaches. Towering palm trees dot the shore, and ornate Hindu and Buddhist temples beckon you inward.You can embark on a jeep <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/budget-vs-luxury-safari-africa-private-game-reserves-2024-3">safari to spot big game</a> and, on the same day, lay down a towel on white-sand beaches and bask in the sun.This is Sri Lanka, a tiny island nation alone in the Indian Ocean that looks like a tear falling from continental India. But although Sri Lanka is called India's teardrop, I think it's really its gem.The country is emerging out of a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/25/world/asia/sri-lanka-economic-crisis.html">dark past with political turmoil and economic crises</a>, and its tourism industry is just taking off. In December, Sri Lanka recorded more than <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/destinations/tourism-in-sri-lanka-rebounds-as-revenue-reaches-18-billion-in-2023-18532291.htm">a million tourist arrivals</a> — the first time <a target="_blank" href="https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/sri-lanka-has-unprecedented-tourism-surge-after-long-crisis/">over a million arrivals</a> have been recorded there in four years.In my seven years of traveling to 60 countries — including most countries in Southeast Asia — I have rarely been anywhere as wild and diverse as Sri Lanka. Here, you can see beaches, jungles, and mountains in a small space.Like Bali, Sri Lanka is a tropical island with rainforests, beaches, thieving monkeys, sacred Hindu and Buddhist temples, vibrant surfing communities, and roads with more motorcycles than cars. But above all, it hasn't been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/overrated-things-not-to-do-in-bali-i-lived-there-2024-4">harmed by overtourism the way Bali has</a>.<h2 id="ac8fb70e-10ac-4a91-abb8-2e2e52bb35db">There's a lot to do in Sri Lanka</h2><div type="image" title="A Sri Lankan elephant in Yala National park" height="4016" width="6016" msid="112110880" hostid="261" sizebytes="2604350"></div>One of the main advantages of Sri Lanka is its size.Although the country is smaller than New York state, it packs a diversity of environments, cultures, and activities into one place.Within this small strip of land, there are trendy surfing villages that host famed competitions, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/munnar-most-beautiful-place-india-mountains-bucket-list-2024-4">sacred mountain towns</a> with glittering golden temples, historic tea plantations, ancient ruins of forgotten empires, safari camps, and tropical beaches with calm waters and cocktail bars.Because of its size, Sri Lanka is also relatively easy to get around. You can ride colonial-era trains through the heart of the country or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/motorbike-vietnam-ha-giang-loop-dangerous-roadtrip-worth-it-2023-9">rent a motorbike</a> and drive yourself around.The local buses are also useful, but they can get a bit packed with people and are not the most comfortable, in my experience. However, a scenic, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/luxury-bus-ride-thailand-better-than-us-sombat-tour-review-2024">five-hour bus journey</a> will only cost you between $3 and $6, and it's quite an adventure.<h2 id="48cf3df5-f0c2-4902-9996-c972135be51b">The wildlife is also incredible</h2>In my opinion, the best thing about Sri Lanka is its incredibly diverse ecosystems, which offer great opportunities for wildlife watching.Its national parks are teeming with wildlife, and its safaris are similar to those available in sub-Saharan Africa but at a fraction of the price.On these safaris, you can climb into a jeep at sunrise and race over bumpy dirt roads through dry grasslands to spot elephants, leopards, water buffalo, sloth bears, crocodiles, and rare birds.If you're more of an ocean person, you can swim with black-tip reef sharks, snorkel with dolphins, and go whale watching in Trincomalee.If you prefer jungles, there's even a tropical rainforest — Sinharaja — where endangered species of monkeys and giant squirrels leap through the forest canopy.<h2 id="74e64651-04ba-491b-aa70-4679fbe24a95">For history and culture buffs, Sri Lanka is also a must-visit country</h2><div type="image" title="Author Kate Cline at a Buddhist temple" height="4055" width="6082" msid="112110877" hostid="261" sizebytes="832394"></div>Sri Lanka is also rich in history and culture. Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka was once home to the Kingdom of Kandy until it was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Sri-Lanka/British-Ceylon-1796-1900">taken over by the British</a> in the 1800s.You can view the relics of that empire in the country's many national museums. Historic Portuguese, Dutch, and British forts also line the coastline from the different periods of colonization.But if food is more your cultural interest, don't worry — Sri Lanka has got you covered. The traditional dinner consists of four types of curries and a giant serving of rice in a pile that you can dig into with your hands. And it always comes with a side of coconut sambol, grated coconut mixed with chopped chiles.During my travels, I've also met some of the kindest, most hospitable people in Sri Lanka. It's truly a special place, and I recommend checking it out.

I've visited 60 countries. Skip the crowds in Bali — visit this lesser-known gem in South Asia instead.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I moved from Venezuela to the US two years ago. </li><li>I miss Venezuela a lot, but the US has taught me many valuable lessons. </li></ul>As an immigrant who <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/13-ways-venezuelans-try-to-live-normally-as-their-country-falls-apart-2019-4">moved from Venezuela</a> to the US less than two years ago, longing has become a constant part of my daily life. After college, I had to leave my country for personal reasons, not to mention the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/venezuela-reportedly-has-less-than-1-billion-in-cash-2020-1">political and economic instability</a> there. The decision was not easy; it meant leaving behind my family, friends, and the culture that shaped me.I deeply miss Venezuela — the warmth of my grandparents' home every Sunday, the streets filled with people I know, and the community I simply felt part of. This move has highlighted the cultural differences between my home and my new environment, reminding me of the memories that keep me connected to my country.It's all so different here — but these are the biggest differences between Venezuela and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/surprising-things-about-vermont-after-moving-from-south-photos-2022-6">Vermont</a>. <h2 id="00c51e65-02f9-4137-8cc7-d069d3421882">I learned to appreciate the weather</h2>Due to my limited travel experiences, I didn't know the privilege of having sunshine slip through my window every morning until I moved to Vermont in an autumn week. I was born in Los Llanos, a region in Venezuela known for its grasslands and ranches, rich folklore, and sunny climate. Even during the rainy season, the days are generally hot with only brief interruptions of heavy downpours — that was my winter.I went to a more urban town to attend college, surrounded by mountains, buildings, and universities. However, even in the city, the weather remained stable, with a light breeze and plenty of sunshine. The climate was still nothing compared to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vermont-town-closes-scenic-road-after-influx-of-influencers-vistors-2023-9">cold and snowy winters of Vermont</a>.I learned to appreciate the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-fall-foliage-in-us-photos-winter">changing fall leaves</a> and prepared myself with thicker knit sweaters in advance, but adjusting my body and mind to this weather is a work in progress. I like to think about how seasons represent a much-needed change in life every few months. It's nice to structure the year knowing you can only sled around Christmas, and the beach only looks inviting during a hot July weekend.<h2 id="a28f866e-a8e0-4564-bcba-299fc29368c6">I have more career opportunities in the US</h2>I was impressed by the range of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/33-high-paying-jobs-for-people-who-dont-like-stress-2019-3">career opportunities</a> available and the freedom to explore different industries. In Venezuela, I had the expectation to follow a linear career trajectory, I felt pressured to stick to my planned career path and become a clinical psychologist, and deviating from that path felt like I'd be failing my plan. Living in Vermont has allowed me to reconsider my professional goals. Here, I've discovered opportunities in fields I had never thought of before, such as my current role in a local B2B SaaS company.I used to hold myself to high standards, believing that success meant sticking to a single, well-defined career. However, embracing a more <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dream-job-in-office-work-full-time-flexibility-benefits-2024-3">flexible perspective</a> has helped me to seek out workplaces that align with my values, and it has made my professional journey much more fulfilling.<h2 id="a651ce7d-888c-4b4c-a7b5-c28221c309c8">It's been hard to make friends here</h2>In Venezuela, I was part of a community where I truly felt I belonged, even as a shy girl. From my family in my small town to my friends in college, I was familiar with my surroundings and the cultural norms that were part of my identity. Social bonds were a regular and easy part of my life, providing inclusion and support.Here in the US, I've had to build connections in different ways, appreciating the independence that characterizes the community. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-friends-as-adult-moving-cities-nyc-la-2023-9">Making friends wasn't as easy</a> as meeting a friend of a friend. Instead, I've turned to Facebook groups and Bumble BFF, besides work, to get to know people. While I've had my ups and downs, this experience has made me more empathetic toward others experiencing similar feelings of displacement.<h2 id="f53e42a1-a366-45b0-aeea-833d1f456834">I'm more independent now</h2>Moving to the US introduced me to a culture that highlights independence and self-reliance, whereas in my small town, nuclear families were the norm. This shift required me to rethink my understanding of support and connection. It still feels isolating not to have the same level of familial involvement in daily decisions and activities here in the US.Over time, I've come to value the empowerment of autonomy. Yet, this doesn't mean disconnecting from my roots. Instead, it means maintaining regular communication with my family, seeking their advice and emotional support while also making my own decisions and navigating my life independently.Adapting to a new culture requires constant self-evaluation. Slowly but surely, I've become more patient with myself and more appreciative of the small victories along the way.

I moved from Venezuela to Vermont 2 years ago. I have more career opportunities but it's hard to make friends.

<keyword id="6355554" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Madhya-Pradesh" source="Orion">Madhya Pradesh</keyword>, located in the heart of India, is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, natural wonders, and historical significance. From ancient temples to wildlife sanctuaries, the state offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Here are 10 must-do activities to make the most of your visit to Madhya Pradesh: 1. Discover the <keyword id="4671756" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Temples-of-Khajuraho" source="Orion">Temples of Khajuraho</keyword> Begin your journey in Madhya Pradesh by exploring the famous temples of Khajuraho. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are renowned for their stunning architecture and intricate sculptures depicting various aspects of life and spirituality. Marvel at the exquisite carvings that adorn the temples and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region. 2. Witness the Majestic <keyword id="696879" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mahakaleshwar-Temple" source="Orion">Mahakaleshwar Temple</keyword> Make a pilgrimage to the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Experience the spiritual aura of this ancient temple and witness the mesmerizing rituals performed by devotees. Don't miss the opportunity to attend the Bhasma Aarti, a sacred ritual where ash from the cremation grounds is offered to Lord Shiva. 3. Explore the Wildlife at <keyword id="168827" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bandhavgarh-National-Park" source="Orion">Bandhavgarh National Park</keyword> Embark on an adventurous safari through Bandhavgarh National Park, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger. Explore the dense forests, grasslands, and rocky terrain of the park as you encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including leopards, deer, wild boars, and over 250 species of birds. 4. Experience the Serenity of <keyword id="143656" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sanchi-Stupa" source="Orion">Sanchi Stupa</keyword> Visit the ancient Buddhist site of Sanchi and explore the magnificent Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Marvel at the intricate carvings and ornate gateways that adorn the Stupa, and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 5. Cruise Along the <keyword id="21016447" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Marble-Rocks-at-Bhedaghat" source="Orion">Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat</keyword> Experience the natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh with a boat ride along the Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat. Sail through the towering cliffs of marble as the Narmada River meanders through the gorge, creating a breathtaking spectacle of light and shadow. 6. Trek to the Dhoopgarh Peak in <keyword id="488513" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pachmarhi" source="Orion">Pachmarhi</keyword> Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a trek to the Dhoopgarh Peak, the highest point in the Satpura Range. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forests as you make your way to the summit, where you can witness a mesmerizing sunrise or sunset. 7. Marvel at the Architecture of Gwalior Fort Explore the historic Gwalior Fort, an imposing hilltop fortress that has stood for over a thousand years. Admire the intricate architecture of the fort's palaces, temples, and monuments, including the iconic Man Singh Palace and Teli Ka Mandir. 8. Experience Rural Life at <keyword id="248532" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chanderi" source="Orion">Chanderi</keyword> Immerse yourself in the rustic charm of <keyword id="4844225" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-Madhya-Pradesh" source="Orion">rural Madhya Pradesh</keyword> with a visit to Chanderi. Explore the narrow lanes lined with ancient havelis and temples, and witness the traditional art of handloom weaving, for which Chanderi is famous. 9. Attend the Tribal Haat at <keyword id="6355556" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bhopal" source="Orion">Bhopal</keyword> Experience the vibrant culture of Madhya Pradesh's tribal communities at the weekly Tribal Haat in Bhopal. Browse through stalls selling traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and artifacts, and witness colorful cultural performances showcasing tribal music and dance. 10. Indulge in Culinary Delights No visit to Madhya Pradesh is complete without savoring the delicious local cuisine. Sample mouthwatering dishes like poha, dal bafla, bhutte ka kees, and more at local eateries and street food stalls across the state. Madhya Pradesh offers a plethora of experiences for travelers, from ancient temples and historic forts to breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant cultural traditions. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this enchanting state. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

Exploring Madhya Pradesh: 10 Must-Do Activities

Situated in the northernmost part of <keyword id="28504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala" source="Orion">Kerala</keyword>, India, lies the picturesque district of <keyword id="6364104" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kasargod" source="Orion">Kasargod</keyword>. Often overshadowed by its more renowned counterparts like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, Kasargod quietly preserves its natural beauty, rich heritage, and cultural diversity. From serene beaches to historic forts, and lush hills to tranquil backwaters, Kasargod offers a unique blend of experiences for every traveller. Let's go on a journey to uncover the hidden treasures of this enchanting destination. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Weather Around the Year in Kasargod" comment="subhead" text="Weather Around the Year in Kasargod">Weather Around the Year in Kasargod</cmsannotation> Kasargod enjoys a tropical climate year-round, characterised by hot and humid weather. The region experiences three distinct seasons: Summer (March to May): Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The weather can be sultry, especially during April and May. Monsoon (June to September): Kasargod receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which rejuvenates its lush greenery. The southwest monsoon brings significant precipitation, making this period ideal for experiencing the region's natural beauty in full bloom. Winter (October to February): Winter is the most pleasant time to visit Kasargod, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The weather is cool and comfortable, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rich Cultural Heritage" comment="subhead" text="Rich Cultural Heritage">Rich Cultural Heritage</cmsannotation> Kasargod is a melting pot of cultures, influenced by its proximity to Karnataka and the coastal heritage of Kerala. The region is renowned for its Theyyam performances, a traditional ritual art form unique to Northern Kerala. Theyyam, with its vibrant costumes, elaborate makeup, and rhythmic music, provides a fascinating insight into the local folklore and religious customs. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bekal Fort" comment="subhead" text="Bekal Fort"><keyword id="21507523" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bekal-Fort" source="keywords">Bekal Fort</keyword></cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Bekal Fort" msid="110031734" hostid="261" sizebytes="73130" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Bekal fort is the largest fort in Kerala and one of the most popular travel destinations.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>One of the most iconic landmarks of Kasargod is the majestic Bekal Fort, situated along the Arabian Sea coast. This centuries-old fort, with its towering walls, secret tunnels, and observation towers, offers panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. A visit to Bekal Fort is a journey through time, where history whispers tales of conquests, trade, and cultural exchanges. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Serene Beaches" comment="subhead" text="Serene Beaches">Serene Beaches</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Beaches" msid="110031790" hostid="261" sizebytes="83356" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt; children play football in the sandy beach of Bekal in Kasargod.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Kasargod boasts a coastline dotted with pristine beaches, offering solitude and tranquillity away from the bustling crowds. <keyword id="14328440" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bekal-beach" source="Orion">Bekal Beach</keyword>, with its golden sands and swaying palm trees, is a popular spot for sunset strolls and water sports enthusiasts. Other hidden gems include Kappil Beach, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, and Pallikere Beach, where you can unwind nature's splendour. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Scenic Backwaters" comment="subhead" text="Scenic Backwaters">Scenic Backwaters</cmsannotation> The backwaters of Kasargod offer a serene escape into nature's embrace. The tranquil network of rivers, lagoons, and canals meandering through lush greenery creates a picturesque setting for houseboat cruises. Glide along the tranquil waters of Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba Backwaters, witnessing the simple joys of village life and marvelling at the breathtaking landscapes. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Wildlife Sanctuaries" comment="subhead" text="Wildlife Sanctuaries">Wildlife Sanctuaries</cmsannotation> For nature enthusiasts, Kasargod is home to several wildlife sanctuaries teeming with diverse flora and fauna. The Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary, Located in the Western Ghats, is a haven for trekkers and birdwatchers. Explore the dense forests and grasslands of this sanctuary, and you may encounter species like elephants, deer, and various avian wonders. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Unforgettable Cuisine" comment="subhead" text="Unforgettable Cuisine">Unforgettable Cuisine</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Food" msid="110031820" hostid="261" sizebytes="173076" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;South Indian cuisine: Dosa, Idli, Medu vada&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>No visit to Kasargod is complete without indulging in its delectable cuisine. Influenced by Malabar, Mangalorean, and Tuluva traditions, the local fare tantalises the taste buds with its rich flavours and aromatic spices. From sumptuous seafood delicacies to mouthwatering vegetarian dishes like Puttu and Kadala curry, Kasargod promises a culinary journey like no other. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Offbeat Experiences" comment="subhead" text="Offbeat Experiences">Offbeat Experiences</cmsannotation> Beyond its popular attractions, Kasargod offers a plethora of offbeat experiences for intrepid travellers. Explore the quaint villages of Nileshwar and Kanhangad, where time seems to stand still in rustic charm and hospitality. Engage in traditional activities like coir making, pottery, and weaving, and immerse yourself in the authentic rural life of Kerala. Kasargod is a <keyword id="8708883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hidden-gem" source="Orion">hidden gem</keyword> waiting to be discovered by discerning travellers seeking authenticity and tranquillity. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, Kasargod offers a truly immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. So, pack your bags and take on a journey to unravel the secrets of this enchanting destination, where every moment is a memory to cherish forever. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Frequently asked questions" comment="subhead" text="Frequently asked questions">Frequently asked questions</cmsannotation> 1. What is the best time to visit Kasargod? The best time to visit Kasargod is during the winter months, from November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for exploring the outdoor attractions such as beaches, forts, and backwaters. 2. How do I reach Kasargod? Kasargod is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, approximately 60 kilometres away. Kasargod also has its own railway station with regular trains connecting it to major cities like Kochi, Bengaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram. State-run and private buses ply between Kasargod and neighbouring cities and towns. 3. What are the must-visit attractions in Kasargod? Some of the must-visit attractions in Kasargod include Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandragiri Fort, and Ananthapura Lake Temple. Each of these places offers a unique experience, blending history, nature, and spirituality. 4. Is Kasargod safe for solo travellers and families? Kasargod is generally considered safe for solo travellers and families. The local population is known for its hospitality and friendliness towards tourists. However, as with any destination, it's advisable to take standard precautions regarding personal safety and belongings. 5. What are the local delicacies to try in Kasargod? Kasargod offers a delectable array of culinary delights influenced by Malabar, Mangalorean, and Tuluva cuisines. Some must-try dishes include seafood specialties like Meen Curry (fish curry), and Karimeen Pollichathu (spicy fish preparation), as well as vegetarian dishes like Puttu and Kadala Curry, Pathiri, and Ney Pathal. Don't miss out on savouring the authentic flavours of Kasargod during your visit.

Discovering Kasargod: Kerala's hidden paradise

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A Michelin-starred chef said he doesn't make much money from his restaurant.</li><li>Gareth Ward, chef-owner of Ynyshir, said he pays $100,000 in monthly wages alone.</li></ul>A Michelin-starred chef who runs the UK's best restaurant said he's not profiting much from it.Gareth Ward told the industry publication <a target="_blank" href="https://www.restaurantonline.co.uk/Article/2023/12/11/Gareth-Ward-on-why-his-Ynyshir-restaurant-in-Wales-should-probably-be-more-expensive">Restaurant</a> that his two-Michelin star restaurant, Ynyshir, in Wales, isn't "a money maker," despite charging at least £380, or $480, per head."I'm not sat here, like rolling in money. I'm not Scrooge McDuck," Ward said."Not a penny comes out of this place," he added. "Anything we make, which is not a lot, goes straight back into improving Ynyshir because I want to hopefully push it to be one of the best restaurants in the world one day."Ward chalked up his slim profits to using expensive ingredients, employing a large staff, and maintaining a sprawling plot of land.Some of the premium ingredients Ward uses at Ynyshir include blue-fin tuna and wagyu beef aged for almost 10 months in a Himalayan salt chamber, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/12/18/30-courses-cheap-michelin-chef-gareth-ward-wales-ynyshir/">The Telegraph</a>.In terms of staff, Ward told Restaurant that he employs 27 people for the 20-cover restaurant, adding that his wage bill is £80,000 a month. Ward also has 14-and-a-half acres of land, which he said "costs a lot to run," per Restaurant.However, Ward admits the slim profit margins are his doing. He told Restaurant that in pushing boundaries, he has inadvertently incurred costs."It's my fault, I have made it the way it is," Ward said. "I have wanted to push and push — use better ingredients, have more staff, being more extravagant in the things we do to give the most incredible experience when you come here. But, unfortunately, that comes at a cost. Someone needs to pay for it."Ynyshir is located in a jet-black cottage surrounded by grasslands in the Welsh countryside. According to its website, <a target="_blank" href="https://ynyshir.co.uk/rooms#">the restaurant also operates a 10-room guesthouse,</a> which starts at £290 a night. The restaurant offers a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.exploretock.com/ynyshir">30-course menu for dinner</a> — which runs for four to five hours.In 2022, Ynyshir became the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjL38HfmqKDAxVzjGMGHVOwDc8QFnoECCIQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fguide.michelin.com%2Fsg%2Fen%2Fceredigion%2Fmachynlleth%2Frestaurant%2Fynyshir&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GZeZzwnyKfP_Emmuvb4Ej&amp;opi=89978449">first restaurant in Wales</a> to notch two Michelin stars. It was also named the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.restaurantonline.co.uk/Article/2023/06/12/Ynyshir-in-Wales-claims-title-of-UK-s-Best-Restaurant-for-the-second-time">best restaurant in the UK </a>at The Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards in 2022 and 2023.It's not the first time Ynyshir made headlines for its extravagant prices. Two weeks ago, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjC1-SfnaKDAxUcUGcHHSMtBf8QFnoECAsQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.restaurantonline.co.uk%2FArticle%2F2023%2F12%2F01%2FThe-UK-s-best-restaurant-Ynyshir-has-created-a-special-menu-that-is-available-for-delivery-via-Uber-Eats&amp;usg=AOvVaw3uqvhRjbmJQTIXpNyO9a1M&amp;opi=89978449">restaurant launched a £200, 10-course takeaway on UberEats</a> that garnered <a target="_blank" href="https://www.standard.co.uk/going-out/restaurants/ynyshir-uber-eats-takeaway-review-b1125430.html">mixed reviews.</a>Ward did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment, sent outside regular office hours.

A Michelin-starred chef who runs the UK's best restaurant says he's not 'rolling in money' 

<ul class="summary-list"><li>North America used to be crawling with giant mammals, from dire wolves to big cats.</li><li>Horses and camels evolved on the continent while others, like bison, crossed over from Asia.</li></ul>Towering 13 feet tall and weighing a hefty 7 tons, the African elephant is the biggest land mammal on Earth. But that wasn't always the case.Tens of millions of years ago, shortly after the dinosaurs went extinct, mammals grew to epic proportions, dwarfing the animals we see today."There used to be cow-sized wombats in Australia, and there were armadillos the size of cars in South America," Emily Lindsey, an assistant curator at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, told Insider.Some evolved on these continents while others crossed the Bering Land Bridge, which once connected Asia and Alaska.<div type="image" title="A map in shades of brown and blue showing the Bering Land Bridge connecting Asia and Alaska." height="650" width="1300" msid="105218368" hostid="261" sizebytes="46194"></div>North and South America were home to woolly mammoths, mastodons, giant sloths, and much more.<h2>Columbian and woolly mammoths</h2><div type="image" title="People gather around the fossilized skeleton of a woolly mammoth at the QUADRAT museum in Germany" height="1500" width="2250" msid="105218370" hostid="261" sizebytes="275752"></div>Height: 12 to 13 <a target="_blank" href="https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/mammal/mesaxonia/elephantidae.php">feet tall</a> (Columbian mammoths); 9 to 11 feet tall (woolly mammoths)Weight: 10 tons (Columbian mammoths); 4 to 6 tons (woolly mammoths)When did they go extinct? 13,000 to 10,000 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/learn/nature/mammoth.htm">years ago</a> (Columbian mammoths); 4,000 years ago (woolly mammoths)Two types of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-pleistocene-park-mammoths-2016-3">mammoths</a> roamed North America. Both are members of the proboscidean family, which also includes modern elephants, and stem from a species that evolved in Africa 5 million years ago.The Columbian mammoth arrived in North America about 1.5 million years ago, traveling over the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/eighteen-thousand-year-old-stone-tools-among-oldest-found-us-2023-9">Bering Strait</a>, which once connected Asia and Alaska. They fanned out at least as far south as Mexico, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02724634.1997.10010985">possibly all the way</a> to Costa Rica.In North America, "you only get the woolly mammoths up in the north, starting around the Great Lakes," Lindsey said. They arrived later, roughly 100,000 years ago, and didn't venture as far south.One of the woolly mammoth's most distinctive features is its thick fur. The Columbian mammoth was far less shaggy.<h2>American mastodons</h2><div type="image" title="People look at the fossilized skeleton of an American Mastodon at the Natural History Museum" height="1500" width="2250" msid="105218373" hostid="261" sizebytes="309920"></div>Height: 8 to 10 feet tallWeight: 4 to 5 tonsWhen did they go extinct? Around 11,000 years agoA tad smaller than their woolly mammoth relatives, American mastodons were also more widely spread. Their fossils <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sdnhm.org/exhibitions/fossil-mysteries/fossil-field-guide-a-z/mastodon/">have been found</a> all over the continent, from Alaska to central Mexico.Some <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-bachelor-party-finds-rare-mastodon-fossil-in-new-mexico-2014-12">mastodon fossils</a> show them living in North America as far back as 16 million years ago. The forest dwellers likely fed on trees and shrubs.In addition to their smaller stature, mastodons had shorter, straighter <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mammoth-tusk-found-ocean-deep-sea-2021-11">tusks than mammoths</a>. But paleontologists mainly distinguish them by their teeth. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/boy-found-ancient-mammoth-tooth-grandmas-backyard-2023-5">Mammoth molars</a> are fairly flat. American mastodons have bumpier molars.<h2>Camels</h2><div type="image" title="Camelops and Hemiauchenia are shown next to each other in an artist's rendering" height="1500" width="2568" msid="105218377" hostid="261" sizebytes="71476"></div>Height: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-camels.htm">7 feet tall</a>Weight: 1,800 poundsWhen did they go extinct? 10,000 years ago"We think of camels as this very exotic creature that we associated with very different places, with sand dunes, but <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fossil-discovery-california-ancient-elephants-camels-dogs-2021-5">camels actually are native</a> to North America," Lindsey said.Its relatives evolved 44 million years ago during the Eocene period. Over time, Camelops made its way to the Canadian Yukon and Mexico, making its home in woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands.The Camelops was about a foot taller than modern camels, but it's difficult to tell from their fossils if they had a hump.These animals crossed the Bering land bridge into Asia 7 million years ago and gave rise to modern camels. More recently, they arrived in South America via the Isthmus of Panama, another land bridge that formed between North and South America 3 million years ago.Some of Camelops' ancestors went extinct, Lindsey said. Others continued to evolve. "Those are the llamas and guanacos that you see in South America today," she said.<h2>Horses</h2><div type="image" title="Several skeletons of ancient horses are lined up in glass cases at the Field Museum in Chicago" height="1500" width="2175" msid="105218378" hostid="261" sizebytes="281496"></div>Height: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/ancient-horse.htm">4.5 feet tall</a> (Equus scotti)Weight: 1,100 pounds (Equus scotti)When did they go extinct? About 10,000 years agoOver 50 million years ago, horses started evolving in North America. There were many species, all different from today's versions."When they start out, they're very small," Lindsey said, comparable to small dogs. Instead of hooves, they had five toes on their feet.Then, 15 million years ago, the landscape and climate started changing. It was drier. Grasslands emerged.Horses became larger, with longer legs and fewer toes. Some migrated to Eurasia, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ancient-horses-stripes-like-zebras-until-human-domestication-2016-1">becoming zebras</a> and wild Asian horses."Then they get wiped out in the Americas and brought back about 12,000 years later when the Spanish come," Lindsey said.<h2>Short-faced bears</h2><div type="image" title="A saber-tooth cat and a short-faced bear roar at each other in an artist's rendering" height="1500" width="2000" msid="105218381" hostid="261" sizebytes="471100"></div>Height: 11 feet tall when standing on their hind legsWeight: 1,500 to 2,200 poundsWhen did they go extinct? Between 12,7000 and 11,000 years agoHundreds of thousands of years ago, the Arctodus simus cast a looming shadow over boreal forests, plains, tundra, grasslands, and subtropical woodlands. Known as the short-faced bear, it ranged across the US and Canada, into Florida."The short-faced bears were huge," Lindsey said. They were far larger than 8-foot-tall grizzly bears and "would've been terrifying."Studies have shown that its muzzle was perhaps not as short as its name suggests. Some researchers <a target="_blank" href="https://iceage.museum.state.il.us/mammals/short-faced-bear-0">also think</a> the bear may have been an omnivore instead of solely a meat eater.<h2>Dire wolves</h2><div type="image" title="A reconstuction of a dire wolf with another dire wolf in the background at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum" height="810" width="1440" msid="105218383" hostid="261" sizebytes="90070"></div>Height: 3 feet tall at the shoulderWeight: 130 to 150 poundsWhen did they go extinct? An estimated 10,000 years agoDire wolves were big. "But they're not as big as they're shown <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/game-of-thrones-direwolves-original-plans-meaning-cut-2020-10">in 'Game of Thrones</a>,' I'm sorry to say," Lindsey said. She calls them the linebacker version of wolves, about 20% larger than gray wolves.Once <a target="_blank" href="https://tarpits.org/stories/our-evolving-understanding-dire-wolves">thought to be</a> the cousins of gray wolves, dire wolves evolved separately over 5 million years ago in North America. The finding came courtesy of ancient DNA.Lindsey said the news was surprising because they're so similar behaviorally and morphologically. For example, they likely lived in packs like modern dogs, wolves, and coyotes.Researchers know quite a bit about how dire wolves hunted, too. "Scientists have looked at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dire-wolf-and-sabre-tooth-cat-bones-show-what-prehistoric-hunts-were-like-2017-5">injuries in dire wolves</a>, as well as saber-tooth cats, that were found in the tar pits," Lindsey said.They found injuries to the fossils' paws and skulls. "That's consistent with the type of injuries we see in, say, wolves today that are chasing down animals on the landscape," Lindsey said. A wolf's prey might trample its toes or kick it in the head.<h2>Saber-tooth cats</h2><div type="image" title="A child crouches under a replica of a saber-tooth cat at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh" height="1500" width="2185" msid="105218387" hostid="261" sizebytes="219738"></div>Height: 3 feet at the shoulder (smilodon and scimitar)Weight: 300 to 500 pounds (scimitar cat); up to 750 pounds (smilodon)When did they go extinct? Roughly 10,000 years ago (smilodon); between 10,000 and 28,000 years ago (scimitar)You may have grown up calling them saber-toothed tigers, but the smilodon isn't a close relative of tigers. Their common name comes from their impressive canine teeth, which could be up to 7 inches long.Another genus of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dire-wolf-and-sabre-tooth-cat-bones-show-what-prehistoric-hunts-were-like-2017-5">saber-tooth cats</a>, Homotherium, is known as scimitar cats. Their teeth weren't as long as smilodon and were serrated like a steak knife. Like the smilodon, they lived in North America during the Pleistocene. The two cats were similarly widespread, from the Yukon to Florida.But these two predators had different prey, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(21)00434-6">a study</a> from a few years ago. While the smilodon went after tapirs (pig-like animals with trunks) and deer, scimitars preferred baby mammoths."Saber-tooth cats tend to get a lot of injuries in their lower back, which is consistent with this idea that they were ambush predators," Lindsey said. The smilodons would sit and wait before leaping onto a large animal and wrestling it to the ground."It's very easy to torque your back that way," Lindsey said. "And so they get a lot of lower back arthritis type of injuries."Lindsey was also part of <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=42246614699244699707dd7c242788d80d4a91432fafa7103792e8fe2d509dd0&amp;postID=654c1e6cb0b368bea7429e8a&amp;postSlug=extinct-giant-mammals-pleistocene-megafauna-ice-age-north-america&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs41598-021-99853-1">a study</a> that diagnosed a smilodon with hip dysplasia based on a CT scan of a fossil. "It's an animal that probably couldn't have survived to adulthood as it did without other animals taking care of it," she said. "So that indicates that these are probably social creatures. There's all kinds of amazing, fun things you can learn from bones."<h2>Giant sloths</h2><div type="image" title="Visitors look at a large skeleton of a giant ground sloth in a museum in Florida" height="1500" width="2250" msid="105218389" hostid="261" sizebytes="462358"></div>Height: 19.6 feet when uprightWeight: Up to 3 tonsWhen did they go extinct? 10,000 years ago or into the Late HoloceneFor most extinct Pleistocene megafauna — animals <a target="_blank" href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2019.2643">weighing more</a> than 100 pounds — there are still living analogs. Instead of mammoths, there are elephants. Camelops has its camel and llama relatives."But you don't have anything in the world that is even kind of like a 3,000-pound sloth," Lindsey said. "That's just something that is completely gone."Unlike their modern counterparts, these behemoths spent most of their time on the ground instead of in trees.North America had several species of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/giant-sloths-hunted-by-humans-bones-2019-3">giant sloths</a>. Among the largest were the Eremotherium, which have mostly been found in the southeast along Florida and the Gulf Coast, as well as in Central and South America."They like sort of the wetter, more tropical regions," Lindsey said. "They got to be about the size of elephants." While very large, the Eremotherium wasn't as big as the Megatherium — another species of giant sloth — which lived throughout South America.The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fossils-of-giant-sloth-found-in-sinkhole-2019-3">giant sloths</a> had a diverse diet, including being able to reach higher into the trees thanks to their stature and ability to stand on their hind legs. Exactly when they went extinct is disputed, but their adaptability may have helped them survive a bit longer than many other mammals they lived alongside.<h2>American lion</h2><div type="image" title="Three lions crouch drinking from a pond in an artist's rendering" height="480" width="960" msid="105218391" hostid="261" sizebytes="46584"></div>Height: 4 feet at the shoulderWeight: Up to 770 poundsWhen did they go extinct? Between 10,000 and 12,000 years agoSaber-tooths weren't the only big cats that made their home in North America. Panthera atrox was one of the largest members of the cat family ever."The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ancient-american-lion-fossil-found-in-dried-up-mississippi-river-2022-11">American lions</a> were huge," Lindsey said. "They're much, much bigger than modern lions."While fairly rare in the fossil record, there's evidence the big cats did make their way throughout North America. Scientists have found their bones and teeth from Canada to Mexico.Researchers <a target="_blank" href="https://phys.org/news/2010-05-scientists-american-lion.html">have debated</a> about whether these gigantic cats are more closely related to modern lions or jaguars. Its skull shares similarities with lions', but its jaw resembles those of jaguars and tigers.Due to its enormous size, the American lion was able to make meals out of bison and wild horses.<h2>Ancient bison</h2><div type="image" title="The mummified skull of an extinct bison behind a glass case at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History" height="1500" width="2218" msid="105218393" hostid="261" sizebytes="191042"></div>Height: 7.5 feet tallWeight: 3,500 poundsWhen did they go extinct? Roughly 10,000 years agoUnlike the Camelops and horses that evolved in North America, other big beasts migrated in. That includes ancient bison."They are the most recent arrivals into North America of all the Pleistocene megafauna," Lindsey said.The first bison species appeared around 3 million years ago in South Asia and China. Eventually, some crossed the Bering Land Bridge. They start showing up in the North American fossil record between 300,000 and 130,000 years ago.The ancient bison, Bison antiquus, was 25% larger than those living today. Their territories included grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands from Canada to Mexico.Another species of bison on the continent was the Bison priscus or steppe bison. A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1040618221002421">recent study</a> suggested modern bison — Bison biso — evolved from this species.<h2>Why did they go extinct?</h2>Was it the changing climate, human interactions, or a combination that caused so many large mammals to go extinct around 10,000 years ago?"That is something that scientists have been debating for about 70 years," Lindsey said. The climate was changing at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-earth-looks-like-during-an-ice-age-2014-5">end of the Ice Age</a> on a global scale. Humans were also spreading throughout the world."These two things are so closely tied in time, the climate changes and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/eighteen-thousand-year-old-stone-tools-among-oldest-found-us-2023-9">spread of human populations</a>, it's been really hard to say to what degree each of those factors was involved in the extinctions," Lindsey said.Humans may have more of an impact than just hunting, too. A 2023 paper tied <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fires-may-have-caused-la-brea-tar-pit-extinctions-thousands-of-years-ago-2023-8">fires started by humans</a> to some of the extinctions in what is now California.If that did have an impact on the animals in that region, the causes might vary for others. "Different ecosystems are going to have different parameters of what pushes them to the brink," Lindsey said. "But there is something about the combination of humans and an unstable climate or a rapidly changing environment that pushes ecosystems again and again towards tipping points."

Dire wolves, camels, and other extinct giant mammals that used to live in North America

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A new type of wrongful death lawsuit has come out of the tragedy of the Maui wildfires.</li><li>Harold Wells, whose daughter Rebecca Rans died in the fires, sued large landowners and an electrical company.</li></ul>The father of a woman killed in this<a href="https://www.insider.com/lahaina-fire-survivors-guilt-hawaii-boat-2023-9"> summer's Maui wildfires</a> is suing landowners who he says grew grasses <a href="https://www.insider.com/maui-wildfires-before-after-photos-show-lahaina-destruction-2023-8">that could easily catch fire</a> and electrical companies who he says did not maintain power lines.According to the wrongful death lawsuit filed on September 4, Harold Wells' daughter Rebecca Rans <a href="https://www.insider.com/lahaina-fire-survivors-guilt-hawaii-boat-2023-9">died due to the wildfires</a> in Lahaina. Wells, in his lawsuit, has taken aim at the Hawaiian government, Maui County, and Kamehameha Schools, also known as the Bishop Estate, one of the largest landowners in Hawaii.The lawsuit alleges that the landowners irresponsibly let non-native grasses grow despite repeated warnings about flammability and claims that Hawaiian Electric failed to reinforce their power lines for the high winds.Wells is suing the defendants for negligence, landowner negligence, public nuisance, strict liability, and inverse condemnation in a lawsuit seeking damages. <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/novel-lahaina-wildfire-lawsuit-asks-when-is-wild-grass-inherently-dangerous-2023-09-20/#:~:text=Harold%20Wells%20of%20Arizona%2C%20whose,next%20to%20the%20historic%20town" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Reuters,</a> it's also the first lawsuit coming out of the disaster that makes the argument that the growing of non-native grass was an "inherently dangerous activity," like storing explosives. Hawaiian Electric has also been sued and blamed for the fires by Maui County in another lawsuit.The lawsuit references the 2018 wildfires in Maui, which destroyed 22 homes, and argued that the defendants did not adequately prepare for wildfires."Utilities did not harden the grid or develop de-energization policies to reduce the risk of electrical fires. Large landowners did not properly maintain, remove or replace flammable non-native grass and brush to reduce the fuel load for fire spread," Wells' attorneys wrote in the lawsuit. "When another hurricane approached the islands in August 2023, just five years later, none of these entities can claim that it was unforeseeable that electrical caused fires would be driven by the wind across large unmanaged grasslands into Lahaina."Maui County, Kamehameha Schools, and Hawaiian Electric did not immediately return Insider's requests for comment.Wells' attorneys claim that the defendants ignored multiple Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization reports from 2018 onwards that warned of the flammable threat of the non-native grass species during a time of increased wildfires.Wells' lawsuit says the toxic combination of negligence and liability directly contributed to his daughter's death, where she was burned to death a few blocks from her home while trying to escape, per the lawsuit."Her beautiful Hawaiian gold bracelet survived, identified as hers by the word 'KU'UIPO,' or 'sweetheart' in Hawaiian," Wells' attorney wrote. "Her left slipper was on and it was clear she perished trying desperately to escape the Lahaina Fire, which had already engulfed her home."An attorney for Wells did not immediately return Insider's request for comment.

A Maui fire victim's family sued landowners saying they let non-native grass grow wild, claiming they're liable for the deadly summer blaze

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A new species of snake in Peru has been named after Harrison Ford.</li><li>Ford, who has also inspired the name of an ant and a spider, called the discovery "humbling."</li></ul>Harrison Ford has added a new species of snake to his collection of namesakes.The copper-and-black reptile was discovered in Peru's Andes mountains and christened Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, per <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/harrison-ford-snakes-indiana-jones-new-species-1235566363/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Hollywood Reporter</a>.Although Ford described the discovery as "humbling," he also said he was confused by the name."These scientists keep naming critters after me, but it's always the ones that terrify children," he told THR. "I don't understand. I spend my free time cross-stitching. I sing lullabies to my basil plants, so they won't fear the night."Ford previously inspired the name of an ant, <a href="https://www.antweb.org/description.do?rank=species&amp;genus=Pheidole&amp;name=harrisonfordi&amp;project=worldants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pheidole harrisonfordi</a>, which is primarily found in Honduras, and a Californian spider, <a href="https://wsc.nmbe.ch/species/5848/Calponia_harrisonfordi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Calponia harrisonfordi</a>.The 81-year-old actor has long been an advocate for environmentalism and serves as vice chair of Conservation International. But he's best known for his roles as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and the titular hero in "Indiana Jones," who shares Ford's distaste for slithery creatures."Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?" he famously grumbles in "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark."<div type="image" title="harrison ford indiana jones" height="2035" width="4070" msid="102782030" hostid="261" sizebytes="241334"></div>"In all seriousness, this discovery is humbling," <a href="https://www.conservation.org/blog/had-to-be-snake-new-species-gets-famous-name" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ford said in a statement</a>. "It's a reminder that there's still so much to learn about our wild world — and that humans are one small part of an impossibly vast biosphere. On this planet, all fates are intertwined, and right now, one million species are teetering on the edge of oblivion. We have an existential mandate to mend our broken relationship with nature and protect the places that sustain life."He added: "The snake's got eyes you can drown in, and he spends most of the day sunning himself by a pool of dirty water — we probably would've been friends in the early '60s."The discovery was led by biology professor Edgar Lehr of Illinois Wesleyan University, according to Conservation International.Scientists from Peru and the US teamed up for the trek into Peru's Otishi National Park, where they found just one male snake of the Tachymenoides harrisonfordi variety, sunbathing in the little-explored grasslands.Despite encountering danger on their mission — including a near-encounter with narco-traffickers in the region known as "Peru's cocaine valley" — Lehr told Conservation International that it was all worth it."Discovering new species, including Harrison Ford's snake, is always worth it," he said.

Harrison Ford doesn't get why scientists are naming animals that 'terrify children' after him: 'I spend my free time cross-stitching'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Tigers have personality traits similar to human extroversion and introversion, researchers found.</li><li>The traits are described as "majesty" and "steadiness." </li></ul>New research has identified two distinct personality groups among Siberian tigers. These are "majesty" and "steadiness," which loosely correlate to introversion and extroversion, as seen in humans."If I were to choose which of these human dimensions resemble our tiger dimensions most, I would probably compare majesty to extraversion and steadiness to the opposite of neuroticism," Abdel Abdellaoui, a joint-first author of the research from the University of Amsterdam, told <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/05/tiger-personality-traits-identified-new-study-majesty-or-steadiness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian.</a>Tigers that score higher on "majesty" are healthier, eat more live prey, have higher group status, and mate more often, according to the research published in the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.220957" target="_blank" rel="noopener">journal Royal Society Open Science</a>.Rosalind Arden, a joint-first author of the research from the London School of Economics, said it shows tigers "do tend to have some dispositions, just as in humans you get people who are very extrovert or very introvert."The findings came after Chinese researchers compiled a list of about 70 words to describe tigers' temperaments and created a tiger-personality questionnaire for feeders and vets that worked with 248 Siberian tigers — the largest tiger subspecies — in two wildlife sanctuaries in northeast China.An average of more than three people rated each tiger, and researchers found that the words fit into two clusters, which they called "majesty" and "steadiness." Tigers that scored high for "majesty" were highly rated on words including "dignified," "confident," and "fierce" and placed low on terms including "withdrawn" and "feeble." High ratings for "steadiness" in tigers were associated with words like "friendly," "gentle," and "loving" but ranked low for words such as "aggressive" or "cruel."Abdellaoui told The Guardian that the words were all initially Chinese, and some of their meanings might be harder to translate.The researchers also noted that all of the tigers studied were semi-captive and living in fenced-in swaths of forests or snowy grasslands in China, and that results could be different for tigers living in the wild.

Tigers have personality traits similar to human extroverts and introverts, researchers say

India, with its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity, offers a plethora of opportunities for nature and wildlife enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. From lush forests to pristine beaches, from towering mountains to expansive grasslands, India is a treasure trove of natural beauty. In 2024, these 10 must-visit places promise unforgettable experiences for those seeking to reconnect with nature and encounter its magnificent inhabitants. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Best 10 destinations for nature and wildlife lovers to visit in India" comment="subhead" text="Best 10 destinations for nature and wildlife lovers to visit in India">Best 10 destinations for nature and wildlife lovers to visit in India</cmsannotation> <ul><li><keyword id="94857" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jim-Corbett-National-Park" source="Orion">Jim Corbett National Park</keyword></li><li>Kaziranga National Park</li><li>Ranthambore National Park</li><li>Sundarbans National Park</li><li>Periyar National Park</li><li>Bandhavgarh National Park</li><li>Hemis National Park</li><li>Gir National Park</li><li>Keoladeo National Park</li><li>Andaman and Nicobar Islands</li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Jim Corbett National Park - Encounter the Majestic Tigers" comment="subhead" text="Jim Corbett National Park - Encounter the Majestic Tigers">Jim Corbett National Park - Encounter the Majestic Tigers</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="1" msid="109793109" hostid="261" sizebytes="1774180" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Encounter the regal Bengal tigers amidst the Himalayan foothills at Jim Corbett National Park&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Jim Corbett National Park is India's oldest national park and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Renowned for its population of Bengal tigers, the park offers thrilling safaris where you can catch a glimpse of these majestic predators in their natural habitat. Besides tigers, the park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers. How to Reach: Jim Corbett National Park is accessible from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun by road. The nearest railway station is in Ramnagar, which is well-connected to other cities in India. Things to Do: Wildlife Safaris, Birdwatching, Nature Walks Speciality: Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Elephants, Leopards, Birdlife Best Time to Visit: November to June, with the best wildlife sightings during the dry season from March to May. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Kaziranga National Park - Explore the Land of the One-horned Rhinoceros" comment="subhead" text="Kaziranga National Park - Explore the Land of the One-horned Rhinoceros">Kaziranga National Park - Explore the Land of the One-horned Rhinoceros</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="2" msid="109793123" hostid="261" sizebytes="2156827" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Witness the majestic Indian one-horned rhinoceros roam freely in the floodplains of Kaziranga&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Located in the northeastern state of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is famous for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, the park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot. In Kaziranga National Park you can embark on thrilling elephant and jeep safaris to spot rhinos, as well as tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species. How to Reach: Kaziranga National Park is accessible from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, by road. The nearest airport and railway station are both located in Guwahati. Things to Do: Elephant Safari, Jeep Safari, Birdwatching Speciality: Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Elephants, Swamp Deer, Water Buffalo Best Time to Visit: November to April, with the dry season (November to March) being ideal for wildlife viewing. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Ranthambore National Park - Witness the Graceful Big Cats" comment="subhead" text="Ranthambore National Park - Witness the Graceful Big Cats">Ranthambore National Park - Witness the Graceful Big Cats</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="3" msid="109793134" hostid="261" sizebytes="1860388" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Embark on a safari to catch a glimpse of elusive tigers amidst the ancient ruins of Ranthambore&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Ranthambore National Park is popular for its population of Bengal tigers and is one of the best places in India to spot these elusive predators. The park is also home to the historic Ranthambore Fort and a diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, and various species of birds. Visitors can enjoy exhilarating safaris amidst the rugged terrain of Ranthambore. How to Reach: Ranthambore National Park is located near the town of Sawai Madhopur, which is well-connected to cities like Jaipur and Delhi by road and rail. Things to Do: Tiger Safari, Fort Exploration, Birdwatching Speciality: Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Marsh Crocodiles, Birdlife Best Time to Visit: October to April, with the cooler months of October to March being the prime time for tiger sightings. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Sundarbans National Park - Navigate the Mangrove Wilderness" comment="subhead" text="Sundarbans National Park - Navigate the Mangrove Wilderness">Sundarbans National Park - Navigate the Mangrove Wilderness</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="4" msid="109793144" hostid="261" sizebytes="1968121" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Explore the mystical mangrove forests where Royal Bengal tigers reign supreme in Sundarbans&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>The Sundarbans, located in the delta region of West Bengal, is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sundarbans National Park is home to the iconic Royal Bengal tiger and other wildlife such as saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, and various bird species. Exploring the dense mangrove forests by boat offers a unique opportunity to witness the rich biodiversity of this extraordinary ecosystem. How to Reach: Sundarbans National Park can be accessed from Kolkata by road and waterways. The nearest airport and railway station are in Kolkata. Things to Do: Boat Safari, Birdwatching, Mangrove Exploration Speciality: Royal Bengal Tigers, Saltwater Crocodiles, Spotted Deer, Birdlife, Mangrove Ecosystem Best Time to Visit: December to February, during the cooler months when wildlife sightings are more frequent. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Periyar National Park - Discover the Wilderness of the Western Ghats" comment="subhead" text="Periyar National Park - Discover the Wilderness of the Western Ghats">Periyar National Park - Discover the Wilderness of the Western Ghats</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="5" msid="109793163" hostid="261" sizebytes="1248700" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Cruise along the tranquil waters of Periyar Lake as elephants roam the lush forests of Periyar&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Periyar National Park is a biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats of Kerala known for its picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is home to herds of elephants, as well as tigers, sambar deer, and endemic bird species. You can explore the park through guided nature walks, boat cruises on Periyar Lake, and bamboo rafting adventures, offering a close encounter with nature. How to Reach: Periyar National Park is located near the town of Thekkady, which is well-connected to cities like Kochi and Madurai by road. Things to Do: Boat Cruise, Nature Walk, Bamboo Rafting Speciality: Indian Elephants, Tigers, Sambar Deer, Lion-Tailed Macaques, Birdlife, Periyar Lake Best Time to Visit: October to February, with the winter months offering pleasant weather and good wildlife sightings. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bandhavgarh National Park - Unravel the Mysteries of the Jungle" comment="subhead" text="Bandhavgarh National Park - Unravel the Mysteries of the Jungle">Bandhavgarh National Park - Unravel the Mysteries of the Jungle</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="6" msid="109793173" hostid="261" sizebytes="2458703" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Unravel the mysteries of the jungle as you track Bengal tigers in the rugged terrain of Bandhavgarh&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is famous for its high density of Bengal tigers and is considered one of the best places in India for tiger sightings. The park's rugged terrain, ancient ruins, and lush forests create a dramatic backdrop for wildlife safaris. In addition to tigers, visitors can spot leopards, deer, langurs, and a variety of bird species. How to Reach: Bandhavgarh National Park is accessible from cities like Jabalpur and Khajuraho by road. The nearest railway station is in Umaria. Things to Do: Tiger Safari, Jungle Trekking, Fort Exploration Speciality: Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Langurs, Birdlife, Bandhavgarh Fort Best Time to Visit: October to April, with the dry season (October to March) being ideal for tiger sightings. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Hemis National Park - Explore the High-altitude Wilderness" comment="subhead" text="Hemis National Park - Explore the High-altitude Wilderness">Hemis National Park - Explore the High-altitude Wilderness</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="7" msid="109793179" hostid="261" sizebytes="2279669" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Embark on a snow leopard trek amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas in Hemis&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Hemis National Park is India's largest national park and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to elusive snow leopards, as well as blue sheep, ibex, and various species of migratory birds. Trekking through the rugged terrain of Hemis offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a chance to encounter the rare and elusive snow leopard. How to Reach: Hemis National Park is accessible from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, by road. Leh is connected to major cities like Delhi by air. Things to Do: Snow Leopard Trek, Birdwatching, Photography Speciality: Snow Leopards, Blue Sheep, Ibex, Himalayan Griffon, Tibetan Argali Best Time to Visit: December to March, during the winter months when snow leopards descend to lower altitudes in search of prey. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Gir National Park - Witness the Last Asiatic Lions" comment="subhead" text="Gir National Park - Witness the Last Asiatic Lions">Gir National Park - Witness the Last Asiatic Lions</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="8" msid="109793187" hostid="261" sizebytes="2365471" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Witness the last Asiatic lions roam freely in the wilderness of Gir National Park&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Situated in Gujarat, Gir National Park is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion and a symbol of conservation success. The park is home to a thriving population of lions, as well as other wildlife such as leopards, deer, and various bird species. Visitors to Gir can embark on lion safaris and nature walks to explore the diverse ecosystems of this unique habitat. How to Reach: Gir National Park is accessible from cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot by road. The nearest railway station is in Junagadh. Things to Do: Lion Safari, Nature Walk, Birdwatching Speciality: Asiatic Lions, Leopards, Indian Cobras, Indian Gazelles, Birdlife Best Time to Visit: December to March, with the cooler months offering better wildlife sightings. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Keoladeo National Park - Delve into the Wetland Paradise" comment="subhead" text="Keoladeo National Park - Delve into the Wetland Paradise">Keoladeo National Park - Delve into the Wetland Paradise</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="9" msid="109793203" hostid="261" sizebytes="1326583" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Immerse yourself in a symphony of bird calls as migratory birds flock to Keoladeo&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for birdwatchers. Located in Rajasthan, the park is home to over 370 species of birds, including migratory birds like Siberian cranes and painted storks. Exploring the park on foot or by cycle rickshaw offers intimate encounters with the diverse avian inhabitants amidst the tranquil wetlands. How to Reach: Keoladeo National Park is located near the town of Bharatpur, which is well-connected to cities like Delhi and Jaipur by road and rail. Things to Do: Birdwatching, Cycle Rickshaw Ride, Nature Photography Speciality: Migratory Birds (Siberian Cranes, Painted Storks, etc.), Waterfowl, Reptiles Best Time to Visit: November to March, with the peak birdwatching season from December to February. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Dive into the Pristine Marine Wonderland" comment="subhead" text="Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Dive into the Pristine Marine Wonderland">Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Dive into the Pristine Marine Wonderland</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="10" msid="109793208" hostid="261" sizebytes="1086038" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Dive into the vibrant marine world teeming with life in the crystal-clear waters of Andaman and Nicobar Islands&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, are a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, the islands offer unparalleled opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving, and underwater exploration. Visitors can discover the rich biodiversity of the Andaman Sea, including colourful coral reefs, exotic fish species, and even encounters with majestic creatures like manta rays and sea turtles. How to Reach: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are accessible by air and sea from cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. Things to Do: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Beach Exploration Speciality: Coral Reefs, Marine Life (Manta Rays, Sea Turtles, Reef Sharks), Mangrove Forests, White Sand Beaches Best Time to Visit: November to April, with the dry season (December to March) offering the best conditions for water activities and beach exploration. Whether you're seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, serene natural landscapes, or adrenaline-pumping adventures, these 10 must-visit places in India offer a diverse range of experiences for nature and wildlife enthusiasts in 2024. Visit these enchanting destinations and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of India's natural wonders. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Frequently Asked Questions" comment="subhead" text="Frequently Asked Questions">Frequently Asked Questions</cmsannotation> 1. What are the safety measures in place for visitors to wildlife parks and sanctuaries in India? Wildlife parks and sanctuaries in India prioritise visitor safety by implementing measures such as trained guides for safaris, designated viewing areas, and strict regulations regarding wildlife interaction. Additionally, visitors are advised to follow park rules, maintain a safe distance from animals, and refrain from feeding or disturbing them. 2. What types of accommodations are available near these natural and wildlife destinations? Accommodation options near natural and wildlife destinations in India vary from luxury resorts and eco-lodges to budget guesthouses and campsites. Visitors can choose accommodations based on their preferences and budget, with options ranging from rustic wilderness camps to comfortable lodges with modern amenities. 3. What should I pack for a trip to these natural and wildlife destinations? Essential items to pack for a trip to natural and wildlife destinations in India include lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for the climate, sturdy walking shoes or boots for outdoor activities, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), insect repellent, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and a camera for capturing memorable moments. 4. What are the transportation options available for getting to these destinations? Transportation options for reaching natural and wildlife destinations in India vary depending on the location. Most destinations are accessible by road, with options for private vehicles, buses, or hired taxis. Some remote destinations may require additional modes of transportation such as boats, jeeps, or domestic flights to nearby airports. It's advisable to plan transportation in advance and check for any travel restrictions or permits required for certain areas. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/webstories/8-best-places-in-india-to-spot-tigers/slidelist/109001417.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Best places in India to spot tiger</a>

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