Most people will agree that the river bodies of India like the Ganga and Yamuna are today a shrunken image of their past glory. With everything from industrial effluents to bodies dumped in these rivers; apart from canals, dams, hydro power projects, drinking water usage drastically altering river beds, it is surely a surprise to […]
Himalayan Brown Bear Loosing Home in Himachal Pradesh
The Himalyan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) some believe is the source of the legend of Yeti or the Abominable Snowman. It is perhaps its ability to walk upright that has given this subspecies of the more famous American brown bear this title. Sadly though experts fear the large scale destruction of its habitat is […]
Snow Leopards becoming Victim of Fashion
For the first time, a fashion symbol not directly related to an animal, has been found to create hurdles for its survival. Cashmere sweaters and products a fashion statement known globally for thousands of years is a new threat to snow leopard according to latest research. Made from the choicest of fuzzy and soft winter […]
Great News for Great Indian Bustards: Spotted in New Habitats
Great Indian Bustard (GIB), one of the rarest birds on Earth, has found new home in the State of Rajasthan. The Critically Endangered birds were seen in a new habitat in the grasslands of Salkha area, 45 km from Jaisalmer district. Also boosting the conservation efforts, the state of Madhya Pradesh too is planning to […]
Will a Poacher have the Last Laugh?
If there is a face of terror in the animal world, it has to be that of Sansar Chand, a wildlife poacher whose lists of lifetime accomplishments include killing 250 tigers, 2,000 leopards, 5,000 otters, 20,000 wild cats, 20,000 wild foxes and hundreds of other unaccounted wildlife. Dubbed Verappan of the North, the 55 year […]
Rare Sangai Deer numbers Increase in Manipur
What makes the Indian Eld’s deer(Rucervus eldii eldii) one-of-a-kind? It is not just the fact that it is only found in one particular region in Manipur,India, but also that this habitat is unique natural showcase in every way. One of the rarest deers on Earth, the Eld’s deer or more commonly known Sangai deers live […]
Baby Rare Indian Skimmer Spotted at National Chambal Sanctuary
80 chicks of the rare bird, Indian skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) have been seen on the banks of river Chambal in the past few days. Authorities at the National Chambal Sanctuary are delighted to note the presence of the baby birds in such large numbers. The Indian Skimmer is a beautiful bird found in India, Pakistan, […]
Hornbills Feeding Bread and Biscuit to their Chicks!
What does an Indian Grey Hornbill eat? Ask a bird expert and he’ll tell you their meal consists of fruits of various trees like that of the Ficus species and also insects. But a first time study reveals how with changing times even these birds are being forced to change their food habits, with rotis […]
Lion Bones now Substitute Tiger Bones in Traditional Medicines
Lions are known as majestic creatures, however, off late their numbers have been dwindling thanks to the princely sums their bones are collecting in the international illegal wildlife market. Lion bones are being sold between $300 and $500 for a kilogram, as a substitute for tiger bones says a new report. Traditional Chinese medicines use […]
Conversation with the Gooty Tarantula
Who am I? My name is Gooty Tarantula. What are some of the other names given to me? I am also called, 1. Gooty sapphire ornamental tree spider, 2. Gooty sapphire, 3. Parachute peacock spider 4. Metallic tarantula 5. Peacock tarantula 6. Salepurgu …phew! Scientists call me – Poecilotheria metallica What is a tarantula? A […]
Natural Disaster or Cost of Ecological Sins?
I was visiting Uttarakhand exactly after a year. As the distant hills became visible and the anticipation of once again breathing the fresh mountain air grew, the heart plunged forward – already trekking up the slopes, hugging the Deodars, pines and oaks like a long lost friend. But the rendezvous was not exactly as I […]