The Lesser Florican is one of the smallest bustards of the world and bird that prefers to live in grasslands. But latest census by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) sadly predicts that the birds are losing their home as well as their numbers in the country. From 238 of these birds recorded in 1999 in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh the number has dropped to merely 84.
India Second in the List of Shark-Catching Nations
The predator of the marine world may be much feared in the waters, but it seems the shark is the one that is living a fearful life in the coastlines of India. According to a report compiled by TRAFFIC, a global wildlife trade monitor and the Pew Environment Group, India has been ranked second in a list of top 20 shark catching nations of the world. Surpassed only by Indonesia, this is a ranking that will shame conservationists across the nation.
Ten New Frog Species Discovered in Western Ghats
Discovery of new frog species at the Western Ghats of India has further strengthened the claim that these Ghats are the heart of biodiversity. While frog species round the world are driven to extinction due to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change and of late, much sought frog legs, the discovery of new frog species is refreshing news. The expedition in the Ghats was carried out by biodiversity researches, voluntary researches and nature enthusiasts without any funding from agencies and they succeeded in discovering ten new frog species.
Passer bye Saves an Endangered Star Shelled Tortoise
P. Girish, a resident of Malkajgiri in Hyderbad, noticed an unusual animal on the roadside grass while on his way home. It was a star shelled tortoise. Girish brought the animal home and kept it safe for two days before handing it over to zoo officials on Sunday.
Past Week in Pictures: 1 Aug – 6 Aug
Indian animal volunteer Dharmeshbhai rescued two monitor lizards that are now safe at the Animal Care Charitable Trust in Ahmedabad, India. Monitor Lizards are categorized under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. Maneka Gandhi chairs organization People for Animals with a nationwide network of 2.5 lakh members, 160 units and 26 hospitals. PFA […]
Increased Frog Leg demand Threatening Amphibians to Extinction
Man’s increased preference for frog legs to satisfy his palate has been posing a great threat to the survival of amphibians round the world driving them to near extinction. The first ever comprehensive study on frog leg market reveals how their reduced numbers and extinction can have devastating effect on the environment and the natural ecosystems; the situation warrants immediate action by way of stopping use of frog species for international trade.
Tigers need more Space to Survive
The recent story of India’s rising tiger population is good news, but it is only half the picture. If the report submitted by the ministry of environment and forests is read fully and carefully, it also shows that while there are more number of tigers, their habitat has shrunk leaving the wild cats in a more vulnerable situation than ever before.
Indian Scientists plan to create a Virtual Fence to Save Forest Animals
Finally Wildlife of India is getting some high-tech attention. A team of scientists have planned to use surveillance technology and Information Technology for creating a ‘Virtual Fence’ to prevent wild animals from straying into human habitation. The proposal has a holistic approach intended to monitor poaching and illegal activities. It is also aimed to protect both man and wild animals
Finnish Woman set to become First Woman Mahout
When Laura Puukko visited Kerala last year she never thought that the trip would give an altogether new direction to her life. Smitten by the elegant Indian elephants, Laura is set to become the first woman to become a mahout in Kerala
Oxford Researchers to Map Religious Forests across the World Including India
A complete mapping of Religious forests in the world, India included, is being undertaken by Oxford researchers with an objective of identifying religious forests that are rich in biodiversity and having highest number of endangered species. The study envisages assessing these religious forests round the world, enabling scientists to work with religious and community groups […]
India’s Old Age Home for Tigers to come up in West Bengal
Old age is a cruel time for tigers. Because of the diminishing strength it becomes difficult for them to hunt and often the tigers venture into human habitations in search of easy prey in the form of livestock. The West Bengal government has come to the rescue of these aging tigers by setting up a reserve especially for the old tigers.