The Union ministry of environment and forest announced last week that 17 species of animals and birds that are listed as endangered are being considered for recovery from the ‘Endangered species list’ of the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The list includes Asiatic Lions whose population is visibly increasing and other species like the Indian bustards and snow leopards that are known to be struggling to survive.
WWF-India Discovers Rare Mammal in Arunachal Pradesh
The high altitude areas of India’s north-eastern states are a nature lover’s paradise but many of the area remain unexplored because of the difficult terrain. It is therefore no wonder that some wild creatures still remain hidden in the vast landscape of these inaccessible lands. WWF-India recently discovered one such creature that was never before reported to be found in India – the rare black Pika.
Uttarakhand Captures its First Snow Leopard on Camera
The elusive snow leopard was always heard to be roaming around the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Uttarakhand. Villagers claimed that had seen the animal. Pugmarks and faeces also gave evidence of its existence but it was only recently that a camera placed in the reserve finally captured an image of the beast and gave definite proof of its existence in the state’s Himalayan ecosystem.
Indian Army asked to help Protect Snow Leopards
Seeking help from the Armed forces of India, the Environment Ministry asked the Indo Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) to help protect the Snow Leopard – a rare and scarce species of the high altitudes and an endangered animal.