The continual decline in the population of a species poses a major threat to biodiversity. On the flip side, the unhindered and rapid multiplication of species also brings forth its own set of problems. It is this rise in the population of the elephants in West Bengal that has led to increased man-animal conflict, say […]
World’s First Mangrove Zoo to be opened in West Bengal
In case you are planning a trip to West Bengal in future, do include in your travel itinerary – a trip to the “Mangrove Zoo”. According to official sources, the world’s first mangrove zoo, a dedicated facility accommodating the fauna of the Sundarbans, is to open in Jharkali, South 24- Parganas district West Bengal soon. Jharkali […]
Twin Tragedy for Elephants in Bengal
These are trying times for elephants of West Bengal. Two members of the species lost their lives in two separate incidents last month. While one jumbo became victim of a poaching incident, a train accident led to the loss of another’s life. Victim of Poaching As the outcome of a gruesome poaching incident, the carcass […]
Sundarban Tigers Closely Related to Tigers from Central India
RESEARCH: India is home to the largest wild tiger population in the world. The Indian tigers are sometimes also known as the Royal Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) also found in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Burma. Found in fragmented pockets all across the country, there has been speculations however that the tigers of Sundarbans […]
Sea Rising in East Sundarbans – Growing threat to Tigers.
Regions in the eastern part of Sundarbans – world’s largest mangrove forest and key tiger habitat, are under threat of going underwater as the sea level continues to rise in these parts. A recent study by the World Bank and Institute of Environmental Studies and Wetland Management (IESWM) has suggested immediate measures to ensure the […]
200 Endangered Birds Seized in Kolkata: Illegal Trade Continues to Flourish in India
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE: The only reason pet bird trade continues to flourish is because many of us continue to buy caged birds. It is at times when the illegal and inhuman practices of pet traders are brought to light that a few pause to ponder over the plight of these unfortunate winged creatures. In one […]
Tourism At Nature’s Expense: Marine Turtle Populations At Risk
CONSERVATION CONCERN: Tourism is undoubtedly an important sector of the Indian economy. However, when tourism begins to take a toll on our country’s natural heritage, it’s time we realign our priorities. One such tourist destination, where the effects of over-tourism are clearly visible, is the 60 km long coastline of East Midnapore in West Bengal, […]
Kolkata’s New Resident: Rare Baby Gangetic Dolphin!
Kolkata’s Hooghly river has just become home to the newest member of one of the rarest mammals of the world – The Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista Gangetica). Born to a resident Gangetic dolphin couple, the baby seems to be loving all the attention it is getting from the locals as it jumps in an out of […]
Life Threatening Railway Tracks
A railway line that may connect Sikkim with the rest of India more easily is currently under construction between Sevoke in West Bengal and Rangpo in Sikkim. But the track might threaten the lives of many wild animals, especially elephants that frequent the same path, triggering more accidental deaths if the train movement starts.
In the Bird Garden: Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary
Bored of the mundane daily routine with pollution and traffic? The stress and pressure of modern lifestyle catching up with you? What better solution then, than to visit a green area in your city to soothe your senses and rejuvenate your spirits. So if you happen to be in Kolkatta, Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary is just the place for you.
Interview: Tiasa Adhya, Fishing for the Fishing Cats
The mangroves of Sundarban are known to be home to one of the most popular wild cats of India- the Royal Bengal Tiger. But there is another wild cat that lives in the same marshy land which sadly does not enjoy the same repute as the tiger, but is a fantastic animal none the less. We are talking about the Fishing cat, a feline much like the domestic cat in appearance but twice the size and with a more masculine body. Naturalist Tiasa Adhya has committed herself to study this particular animal hoping that her research gives voice to an endangered wild cat that not many know about.