Pune based NGO Ela Foundation and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) have recently published a research paper that analyses the cause of drastic fall in the vulture population of India. While many believe the main reason for the deaths is use of Diclofenac, a chemical that is fatal to the birds, the research papers suggests other reasons too including electrocution.
Rare Pickle Mango Variety on Path of Resurrection
The appe midi mango varieties in India, know to be excellent for pickle making, are now being conserved by Bangalore University after different varieties were found to become rarer due to usage.
14 Tigers Die in Two Months in India
The tiger count in India was last recorded as approximately 1400. But this census was done in 2008 and in all likelihood the population of the national animal is far less than projected. This has become apparent after Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said on Tuesday that the new year has already seen 14 tiger deaths in the nation.
Turtles become the Most Endangered Vertebrates of the World
Out of all the endangered groups of vertebrates facing extinction the tortoise and fresh water turtle species are the most threatened. This was found by IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group in a study that revealed more than half of the total population under threat of extinction.
World Oceans Losing Big Fishes
What would happen if there were no tigers in the forest? The deer population would increase drastically eventually clearing up the whole forest. It is the same shocking scenario that has come into the forefront after University of British Columbia researchers found out that the number of big predatory fishes in the world oceans is depleting due to over fishing by humans. Small fishes on the other hand are thriving and over the last 100 years their numbers have doubled.
India to Host World Environment Day 2011
It is ‘Destination India’ for the World Environment Day 2011 (WED) which falls on June 5th, for “embracing the process of transition to a green economy”. This year’s theme ‘Forests: Nature at your service” emphasises that quality of life and the well being of forests and that of ecosystems are closely knit. For the first time, India is named as the host by the UNEP-The United Nations Environment Programme. The theme is also in support of United Nations International Year of Forests.
What is IUCN
IUCN stands for International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is the world’s leading organisation that deals with conservation issues.
Cricketer Zaheer Khan Adopts a Tiger
He may be a terror on the cricketing field owing to his fast pace bowls, but cricketer Zaheer Khan was himslef bolwed over by a tiger at the Mysore Zoo recently. The regal ‘Brahma’, a Tiger of the Jayachamarajendra Zoological Park in Mysore impressed the cricketer so much that he decided to adopt him.
Researchers Rediscover Five Lost Frog Species
The ‘Lost Amphibians of India’ was an ambitious project started out three months ago specifically to look for those rare amphibians who had not been traced in the wild or otherwise for many years. With a list of 50 to start with, the researchers have already succeeded in locating five of the lost frog species.
State Forest Minister wants to Auction Wild Animals!
It is a statement that is throwing every wildlife conservationist in a tizzy. The state forest minister of West Bengal said to the press that as West Bengal had wild animals ‘in excess’ he had a proposal to sell the animals to private owners, who could bid for their favorite animal.
Efforts made to Save Jerdon’s Courser – One of the World’s Rarest Bird
Jerdon’s Courser is a nocturnal bird found only in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It has been listed among the 50 rarest birds of the world. But sadly the number of this bird is diminishing and in a bid to save it from extinction, the Indian government has now included it in its Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ (IDWH) scheme.