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(March 24, 2025) On the brink of silence: Sparrows' quiet flutter in face of oblivion | Down to Earth Sparrow populations have declined in recent years, especially in urban areas, due to habitat loss, reduced food availability, and changing farming practices. Conservation efforts now focus on creating bird-friendly environments to support their recovery. Sparrows play a key role in pest control and maintaining ecological balance. Glaciers in Eastern Himalayas see marked retreat | Mongabay Glaciers...

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(March 21, 2025) The following content is compiled from publicly available sources and does not represent the views of WCS-India. Reported species in seizure incidents may differ from actual occurrences due to challenges in verifying species identification, geographical differences, and varying levels of detail in local reporting. Please interpret this information within the newsletter with caution, as it may not always reflect precise or validated identification.  We collected and collated 45 illegal wi...

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(March 10, 2025) The WCS-India marine programme hosted a multi-stakeholder workshop themed “Balancing livelihoods and marine conservation through Fisheries cooperatives” in Mumbai on the 5th March. The workshop included key stakeholder representatives from fisheries cooperatives from coastal Ratnagiri district, along with the representatives from the Mangrove Foundation, the Maharashtra Forest Department and Fisheries department.   Image: Participants of the workshop gather for a gro...

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(March 07, 2025) Seagrass conservation key to global biodiversity and climate targets, studies show | Down to Earth Seagrass meadows are vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and coastal protection but are declining globally due to human activities, a recent review shows. Safeguarding 30% of seagrass by 2030 could support marine life, mitigate climate change, and sustain coastal communities. Since 2011, conservation efforts in India have restored 14 acres of seagrass habitat, with a remarkable 85-90% succes...

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(March 02, 2025) We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Ajith Kumar, a distinguished wildlife biologist, mentor, and researcher whose work has profoundly shaped conservation science in India. With decades dedicated to studying small carnivores, primates, and forest ecology, his research provided invaluable insights into India’s rich biodiversity. Beyond his scientific contributions, he was a passionate educator, nurturing generations of conservationists through his role at institutions like the Wildl...

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(February 28, 2025) Hesaraghatta grassland now declared a reserve | Hindustan Times The Karnataka government has declared the Hesaraghatta grasslands near Bengaluru as the Greater Hesaraghatta Grassland Conservation Reserve, recognising its rich biodiversity and role as a vital water catchment area. The reserve supports migratory birds, endangered species, and groundwater recharge, addressing both ecological and water security needs. The move is a significant step towards conserving grasslands, often overlooked ...

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(February 21, 2025) Leopards are adapting to central India’s urban jungle | Mongabay A study in central India examines how leopards in Indore and Jabalpur adapt to urban environments by modifying their habitat use and diet. Using camera traps, researchers identified key factors influencing leopard distribution. The study highlights the need for wildlife corridors, prey monitoring, and habitat preservation to minimise human-wildlife conflict. This dolphin sanctuary in Bihar is India’s first prote...

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(February 14, 2025) Global report stresses on role of wild animals, rewilding in wetland conservation | Deccan Herald The ‘Taking Animals into Account’ report highlights the critical role of wild animals in wetland conservation, biodiversity restoration, and climate resilience. A case study from India emphasises the Sarus crane’s ecological and cultural significance, noting its contribution to wetland health and small-scale farming. Conservation efforts in eastern Uttar Pradesh have safeguarded...

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(February 10, 2025) The following content is compiled from publicly available sources and does not represent the views of WCS-India. Reported species in seizure incidents may differ from actual occurrences due to challenges in verifying species identification, geographical differences, and varying levels of detail in local reporting. Please interpret this information within the newsletter with caution, as it may not always reflect precise or validated identification.  We collected and collated 65 illegal wi...

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(February 07, 2025) Drones take wildlife conservation to new heights | Mongabay Drones enhance wildlife conservation by aiding habitat surveys, animal tracking, and population estimation while reducing human effort and costs. Researchers highlight their role in studying elusive species and improving data accuracy. Challenges include battery limitations, high costs, and responsible usage to minimise wildlife disturbance. Tiger population in India increased by 30% over past two decades: NCBS study | The Hindu...

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