African openbill stork makes a rare visit to Kerala’s kole fields | The Hindu
The African openbill stork has been officially added to India’s bird species, increasing Kerala's avian diversity to 558 species. Spotted by birdwatcher Subin K.S. in the Kanjani Kole fields, this marks the first recorded sighting of the African openbill in Kerala. Native to Africa, the species was previously recorded in Oman and Saudi Arabia within the Asian subcontinent, but its presence in India was confirmed through a study published in Indian Birds journal.
Madhya Pradesh gets its eighth tiger reserve in Ratapani | The Indian Express
Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is now the state's eighth tiger reserve, spanning 1,271.4 sq km with a 763.8 sq km core area. The designation secures NTCA funding for conservation, eco-development, and ecotourism. Located near Bhopal, it includes teak forests, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, and integrates nine villages into the buffer zone without affecting residents' rights.
Deviated flight route of Demoiselle crane sets new expeditionary record, sparks curiosity | Down to Earth
A geo-tagged Demoiselle crane from Siberia set a new record by deviating from its traditional route through Nepal, instead flying via Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan before reaching Khichan village, Rajasthan. Covering 3,676 km, the crane's altered path highlights climate-induced changes affecting species behaviour. Habitat loss and unsustainable agriculture remain major threats to these migratory birds.
Wildlife Institute of India begins study of Himalayan shrines' carrying capacity in Uttarakhand | The Telegraph
The Wildlife Institute of India is conducting a study on the carrying capacity of Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib shrines in Uttarakhand to assess infrastructure, environmental compliance, and waste management amid rising pilgrim numbers. The study will also evaluate the impact on fragile Himalayan ecosystems and address concerns about equine welfare along pilgrimage routes.
Economic drivers for communities, co-benefits of abandoned cattle for lions behind delicate human-lion co-existence in Gujarat, finds new study | The Indian Express
A study in Conservation Biology reveals that human-lion coexistence in Gujarat is supported by economic benefits like wildlife tourism and cultural acceptance, despite conflicts. High tolerance in conflict areas usually stems from economic incentives and pride in lions. The study recommends revising compensation schemes and using geofencing to mitigate conflicts.
Over 30 tiger poaching cases reported in last three years in India | Deccan Herald
India recorded 32 tiger poaching cases over the past three years, with Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra reporting the most. Poaching rose from 8 in 2021 to 12 annually in 2022 and 2023, while overall tiger mortality spiked to 181 in 2023. Challenges like poaching, natural deaths, and high infant mortality threaten India’s tiger population of 3,682, per the 2022 census.