Those who have read Jungle Book are not unfamiliar with Balu, the black bear, Mowgli’s friend, philosopher and guide. You might have sometimes even wished that you too had such a friend. But while we all can’t turn into Mowgli, one family in Lakhpada did get lucky when they adopted a stray black bear and made him a member of their loving family.
Abandoned Turtles Saved at Foster Homes
Dr Shirish Jani (name changed) is a foster parent from Surat in Gujarat. But what makes his act of parenting unusual is that he cares for no human kids but 25 abandoned turtles that were once living as pets in different homes.
A Birder’s Paradise: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Tucked away near the eastern border of Rajasthan state and adjacent to the Banganga River is a large & shallow concave wetland – The Keoladeo Ghana National Park, more commonly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Being home to over 350 species of birds, it is this place that is every bird lover’s favourite destination.
Rise in Livestock Numbers Once again a Problem at Gir
When Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat the last bastion of the Asiatic Lion was first recognized as a protected reserve in the 70s it was impertinent that the homes of the pastoral community living within the forest be shifted. Many such villages were thus moved further away from the core area. Over the years, the gradual increase in lion population proved that the decision to minimize human interference, helped protect a rare species. But now, some experts say that as the lions number increase, once again competing population of livestock and wild ungulates in and around Gir is overcrowding the area.
Only Rhino in Man-made Forest Killed by Poachers
For the last 30 years, Jadav Payeng has been the lone warrior who created a forest in a barren land in Assam. Jadav’s relentless crusade was rewarded when wildlife including a rhinoceros made the forest its home. But the happiness was short lived. Last Wednesday poachers killed the adult rhino for its horn leaving Jadav in despair and the forest department failing to save a rhino yet again.
New Bird discovered in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
A team of scientists from the Zoological Survey of India, have discovered a new bird species in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The new bird species named ‘Great Nicobar Crake’ is said to be from the Rallina family of birds and is the first new bird species to be discovered in India since independence.
Elephant Mother and Baby Rescued from Deep Pit
A mother elephant and her calf were rescued from a 20 feet deep pit last week by forest officers near Vadattupara in Kothamangalam in Kerala. The duo was in the pit for more than 24 hours before they could be rescued.
Scientists Find Cancer Treating Properties of Rare Plant
A rare plant species found in some parts of the Himalayas may become a key medicine for treating cancer. Researchers from India and other countries found the roots of the herb Angelica, to contain chemicals that can aid in cancer treatments.
Arunachal Villagers Surrender Guns to Stop Hunting
In a rare display of realization of past mistakes, five villagers of Arunanchal Pradesh, surrendered their air guns to the District Forest Officer (DFO) saying they now know the worth of their natural surroundings.
Jumbo Ferries Saving Marooned Villagers
Jumbos of North Bengal have become the only means of transportation for people of flood-hit villages near Gorumara National Park under Jalpaiguri Forest Division with most villages having turned into a watery island.
After Tigers, now ban on Hangul Tourism
Just days after the Supreme Court banned tiger tourism in all core areas of tiger reserves, the Jammu & Kashmir government too has taken a strict stance to conserve the Kashmir Stag by banning tourism inside the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary.