India had a biodiversity boost in 2024, with scientists documenting 1,116 new species and records — 683 animals and 433 plants. The finds include reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, orchids, fungi, and lichens, many from biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats and Northeast India. Kerala led the discoveries, followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These species, some […]
Uttarakhand Reintroduces Rare and Endangered Plant Species into the Wild
In a landmark conservation initiative, the Uttarakhand Forest Department has launched India’s first Flora Rehabilitation Programme to revive rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) plant species native to the Himalayas. A Himalayan Blue Blossom Fights for Survival High up in the Garhwal Himalayas grows a delicate blue flower with a powerful medicinal legacy — Gentiana kurroo, […]
Rare Black Dhole Spotted in Maharashtra: First Sighting Since 1936
For nature enthusiast Digvijay Patil a visit to the Sahyadri Wildlife Reserve in Maharashtra turned into a once in a lifetime wildlife encounter. While exploring the buffer zone of the reserve Patil spotted a rare animal that looked like a dog. He quickly captured videos and photos and was delighted to find that the rare […]
New Animal, Insect, and Plant Species Discovered in India This June (2025 Update)
In June 2025, Indian scientists discovered over 10 new species across the country—from geckos in Tamil Nadu to jumping spiders in Karnataka and flowering plants in Rajasthan. These discoveries highlight India’s rich biodiversity and the importance of habitat conservation. 🦎 New Gecko Species Discovered in Tamil Nadu A new species of Gecko present only in […]
India Has 6327 River Dolphins, Finds National Survey
Quick Glance The Ganga river dolphin pops its head out on the river surface for a mere 1.26 seconds every 2 minutes before diving back underwater. Blink, and you’ll miss it. Even if you’re watching closely, staring at the same spot won’t help—these aquatic mammals are always on the move, and when they resurface for […]
Over 100 White-Rumped Vultures Spotted in Uttar Pradesh After 20 Years
Quick Glance It was a sight not seen in at least 20 years — a gathering of over 100 White-rumped Vultures spotted on April 2, 2025, feeding on a carcass near the Dudhwa Forest in Uttar Pradesh. With 99.7% of the vulture population wiped out just a decade ago, this rare sighting filled many hearts […]
Orchid Species Rediscovered After a 100 Years
Quick Glance In the year 1926, botanist A. D. Perry collected a single specimen of an orchid species from the Lushai Hills region of Mizoram, back then a part of Assam. This orchid was growing on moss-covered trees at an approximate height of 1500 metres. The unique species was classified as Malaxis parryae by Tang […]
The Indian Star Tortoise Has Lost Its Genetic Diversity, Finds New Study
The Indian Star Tortoise are found in two distinct geographical areas in India. Northwestern India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh) and eastern and southern India (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, eastern Karnataka, Odisha). There is also a third population found in Sri Lanka. The local environmental conditions play an important role in moulding the characteristics of […]
Rare Orange Bat Spotted in Chhatisgarh’s Kanger National Park
A rare orange coloured bat was seen in Chhattisgarh’s Kanger Valley National Park. The bat species is the Painted Woolly Bat/Painted Bat or what is commonly called the ‘Komola-badami Chamchika’ in Bengali because of its bright orange colours. This is the first time the species has been spotted in Chhattisgarh. Kerivoula picta as it is […]
Whale Sharks can Recover from Injuries in Weeks, Re-grow Fins
A new study has for the first time explored the extraordinary rate at which the world’s largest fish, the endangered whale shark, can recover from its injuries. The findings reveal that lacerations and abrasions, increasingly caused through collisions with boats, can heal in a matter of weeks and researchers found evidence of partially removed dorsal […]
Does the Ganges River Dolphin Benefit from the New Dolphin Safari?
There is a different Ganga for everyone. For the fisherman, it is his source of daily sustenance. For the septuagenarian, her gateway to Nirvana. From the washerman’s daily grime to the sins known only to the one eager to cleanse his soul, the River Ganga is at work 24×7 washing away the dirt and reviving […]