CONSERVATION: Endangered species are animals and plants whose number in their natural habitat is so limited that they might get extinct if proper measures are not taken to save them. However, more often than not, it is lack of comprehensive information related to these species that makes planning their protection or conservation difficult. It is […]
Another Rhino Death in India Scars World Rhino Day
POACHING: Today is World Rhinoceros Day; a day to celebrate a magnificent animal that evolved about 50 million years ago from the first mammals that developed hooves. But the animal bestowed with natural armour has little to feel good about especially in its home continents of Africa and Asia. Even as the day makes the […]
Vanishing Medicinal Plants of Kashmir Himalaya
RED ALERT: The practice of using local herbs as medicinal remedies for a variety of health conditions is widely known in India. It is a knowledge that has been acknowledged by the world as India’s Ayurvedic medicine tradition. Even as modern drugs gain popularity, the tradition of using herbs to cure a headache, a cough, […]
3 year old Tiger Bitten by Rabid Dog
SPECIES WATCH: In a rather bizarre incident, a three-year old tiger cub was attacked by a rabid dog at Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh causing much concern to park authorities and veterinary doctors. The dog charged at the tiger cub in Hinauta range on September 10. Unfazed initially, the tiger walked away. However on […]
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, […]
Lovely Lantana Spelling Doom for Tigers
RED ALERT: Can a plant become a problem for the tigers? A new study shows, it can. Lantana (Lantana camara), a perennial flowering shrub, bearing multi coloured flowers has become a problem for tiger reserves across the country. A report finds the invasive species that has high adaptability is causing havoc to biodiversity in tropical […]
A Tiger’s Growl to keep Elephants Away
CONSERVATION ACTION: Wild elephants are usually not a tiger’s prey. But the calves are still threatened by the wild cat and to keep a herd safe, the jumbos need to stay alert. Now researchers believe they can utilise the keen predator sensing skills of elephants to avoid crop raiding and other elephant-human conflict. A study […]
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 […]
Sikkim becomes the Greenest State of India
PEOPLE FOR PLANET: Sikkim, has added yet another feather to its cap, this time green in colour. The second smallest and least populous state of India has emerged the foremost in green cover among the states. The forest cover has increased from 43.95 percent in 1993 to 47.34 percent in 2013; the only state to […]
Shadow Puppetry Spreading Awareness about Medicinal Plants
CONSERVATION: Mixing education with entertainment, the Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to take the help of shadow puppetry to supplement its efforts in creating awareness about the importance of conserving medicinal plants in the state. Using a dying art to spread word about at risk plants is an innovative idea that can now help both […]
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 […]