RESEARCH: In a ground breaking news, a group of scientists announced the successful completion of the full genome sequencing of the tiger. The data collected from the tiger genome will now form the basis of all future genetic studies related to conservation of the highly endangered species of big cats. The complete genome sequencing of […]
200 Endangered Birds Seized in Kolkata: Illegal Trade Continues to Flourish in India
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE: The only reason pet bird trade continues to flourish is because many of us continue to buy caged birds. It is at times when the illegal and inhuman practices of pet traders are brought to light that a few pause to ponder over the plight of these unfortunate winged creatures. In one […]
Pod of Rare Indus River Dolphins Spotted in Punjab
RARE SPECIES SIGHTING: In exciting news for dolphin lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the officials of Harike Wildlife Sanctuary in Punjab reported spotting 12 Indus dolphins (Platanista gangetica minor) in a single sighting. This is the first time that a complete pod of the endangered dolphin species has been sighted near the sanctuary, which lies about […]
Tourism At Nature’s Expense: Marine Turtle Populations At Risk
CONSERVATION CONCERN: Tourism is undoubtedly an important sector of the Indian economy. However, when tourism begins to take a toll on our country’s natural heritage, it’s time we realign our priorities. One such tourist destination, where the effects of over-tourism are clearly visible, is the 60 km long coastline of East Midnapore in West Bengal, […]
India’s Second Special Tiger Protection Force formed in Simplipal
CONSERVATION ACTION: Indian forests, which were once home to a healthy population of tigers, might soon miss the majestic roars. These awe-inspiring animals are currently on the verge of extinction, and in such crucial times, any new measure by the government to further ensure the protection of these big cats is welcome news. One such […]
Defence Ministry Says No to use of Drones in Kaziranga
CONSERVATION CONCERN: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) more popularly referred to as drones, are successfully being integrated for forest and wildlife surveillance across the globe. However, the apprehensions of the Indian defence ministry are proving to be a major hurdle for the induction of UAVs by the country’s forest department. Recently, the defence ministry turned down […]
New Fish Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
NEW SPECIES SIGHTING: In a world that is striving to save its numerous endangered species from extinction, the discovery of a new species is a welcome sign of hope. Whenever a hitherto unknown species is discovered in some remote part of the globe, scientists and environmentalists as well as the community of nature lovers are […]
Man-made Wetland in Karnataka becomes Haven for Birds
Habitat destruction is a commonly uttered word today. Most animals and wildlife are threatened in the modern world because their habitats are rapidly vanishing leaving them homeless thanks to human activities. But visit Malyady (also known as Malyadi), a small town about 22 kilometres from Udupi in Karnataka and you will notice not habitat destruction, […]
Invasive Species Eating Away Forest Cover Of Andaman Islands
The tropical rainforests of Andaman Islands are facing a bizarre ecological as well as economic crisis, due to the no-hunting policy of the Indian Government. Invasive species such as deer and elephants are fast eating into the pristine forest cover of these islands as there are no natural predators to keep their numbers in check. […]
Elephant Calf Rescued and Reunited with its Herd
An elephant calf was recently rescued and reunited with its natal herd after it had fallen into a ditch in the Numaligarh Tea Estate in Golaghat district of Assam. Prompt action by the Forest Department officials, and the local people saved the month-old calf from being displaced. The incident occurred last week when the herd […]
Almost Extinct Turtles Facing Difficult Times in their Last Home
The black soft-shell turtle (Nilssonia nigricans) thought to be extinct in the wild and found only in few temples in India and Bangladesh, might soon join the woolly mammoth and the sabre-toothed tiger in the list of extinct species unless tangible measures are taken to protect the rare species. The turtles, popularly known as Bostami […]