The tiny pores under the surface of the leaves called stomata are primarily responsible for the intake of carbon dioxide that plants need for photosynthesis. During the daytime, the pores are open to allow the maximum intake of the gas in the presence of sunlight so that plants can produce their food. But what happens […]
This Interactive Map Documents Animal Extinction Risks Worldwide
How do you understand the extent of damage done to biodiversity easily? One way is to look at the number of species extinct or endangered over the years primarily due to human actions. A new Animal Endangerment Map has used data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and WWF to show which […]
Extent of Deforestation shows why Human-Elephant Conflict increasing in the Western Ghats
Extent of Deforestation shows why Human-Elephant Conflict increasing in the Western Ghats What has been the extent of deforestation in the Western Ghats elephant habitat in the last 40 odd years? A new study has mapped a total area of over 47,000 sq km across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala to find that it is […]
A Command for Conservation
Noted ornithologist Harsh Vardhan recently played a key role in helping army officers create a bird park in Jaipur, Rajasthan. He believes this is the first such effort by the army and was impressed by the pace at which the plan was executed. Here is an account in his own words, What has the army […]
Gujarat Govt Tells Court About Actions Taken to Prevent Lion Deaths
The Government of Gujarat submitted its response on the actions taken to prevent lion deaths in Gir forest to the court following a report by amicus curiae Hemang Shah raising nine core issues affecting the Asiatic Lions of Gir. India’s Endangered had reported in detail the 9 core issues affecting the safety of Asiatic Lions […]
Revealed: Why Animals Eat, What they Eat
A deer eats grass, a tiger eats deer, a human is capable of eating both plants and meat. This basic lesson in the eating habits of animals is something we are all generally aware of. But have you ever wondered why? Why does the deer munch on leaves but not bones. Or why does the […]
Camera Traps Capture Images of Rare Fauna in Tirumala Tirupati Hills
Our verdant forests have always been known to be the thriving ground for exotic flora and fauna. And sometimes these elusive fauna are better seen when captured unawares, albeit on a camera. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), the busiest temple shrine in the world, installed infrared cameras in the Tirumala hills in Seshachalam biosphere; known […]
These Dogs are India’s Newest Wildlife Heroes
Villagers around the Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana State live in fear of one animal – Cheetah. They know that if he gets their scent, no poacher is safe until he is nabbed by the forest department. Cheetah is none other than a German Shepard who is part of the wildlife dog squad deployed in […]
Giant Freshwater Animals Headed Towards Extinction
There is grim news about freshwater animals. According to the first comprehensive study on big river animals, populations of the great fauna that once dominated the world’s rivers and lakes have crashed in the last 50 years. Over 126 species spanning 72 countries in Europe, Asia and North Africa, were assessed by scientists, and found […]
Our Neighbourhood Otters Need Saving From the Global Fur Trade
Their silky fur is considered diamonds of the fur business. Velvety and thick, the smooth, silk pelage of the smooth-coated otter is sold for 350 Chinese yuan or more in Tibet and for 90-100 dollars in Thailand leather factories. Nobody knows exactly how many of these otters are left in India or South east Asia. […]
After Lions, Canine Distemper Virus Threatens Tigers of India
On International Tiger Day this year, India announced the increase in number of tigers in the country to 2,967. This does not mean however that the threats to tiger population which existed earlier do not persist – loss of habitat, poaching and a decline in prey; continue to pose problems. In addition to these, a […]