No-fuss approach to food helps golden jackals thrive | Mongabay
A study on golden jackals reveals their adaptability through a diverse diet helping them survive in varied habitats and higher altitudes. This adaptation is influenced by climate change and the availability of food. Scat analysis in Kashmir’s Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary highlights their reliance on animal matter and human leftovers, emphasising their ecological role and the need for research on interactions with other meso-predators.
Dunlin, a Near Threatened species, spotted during Kerala Bird Race | The Hindu
Birders recorded 192 avian species, including the Near Threatened Dunlin, during the Kochi edition of the Kerala Bird Race, with sightings at Puthuvype beach. The annual event, coordinated by the Cochin Natural History Society and partners, also noted a decline in individual bird counts compared to 2023. Other notable sightings included the Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, Eurasian Sparrow Hawk, and Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher.
The missing tigers of Ranthambore | Mongabay
Ranthambore National Park reported 25 missing tigers, leading to an investigation into gaps in tiger monitoring and management. Conflicting reports from officials highlighted a lack of coordination, with some tigers later confirmed present. Conservationists have raised concerns over terminology and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines for categorising "missing" or deceased tigers. Wildlife experts emphasised the need for clear protocols and robust data analysis.
Exotic Pet trade needs a stronger crackdown | The New Indian Express
The exotic pet trade has surged post-pandemic, with households acquiring animals such as iguanas, kangaroos, and rare birds. Frequent seizures at South Indian airports, particularly in Chennai, expose a thriving illegal network driven by organised crime and social media. Experts have highlighted significant risks, including zoonotic diseases and invasive species, and emphasised on the need for stronger legal measures to address the existing gaps in wildlife laws.
Study Uncovers Diverse Earthworm Species in Bengal's Wildlife Sanctuaries | Times of India
A Zoological Survey of India study identified 22 earthworm species across five wildlife sanctuaries in Bengal, highlighting their ecological importance as "ecosystem engineers" for soil health and nutrient cycling. Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary recorded the highest diversity and harbours an endemic species, shedding light on its relatively undisturbed ecosystem. The research emphasises using native earthworms for sustainable vermiculture to prevent the proliferation of invasive species.