Ganges river dolphin tagged for the first time in India | The Hindu
A male Ganges river dolphin from Assam's Kulsi River has been tagged for the first time under India's Project Dolphin to study its migratory patterns, range, and habitat use. The initiative, led by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with Aaranyak and the Assam Forest Department, uses lightweight Argos satellite-compatible tags designed to minimise interference with dolphin movement. The initiative aims to address knowledge gaps and inform evidence-based conservation strategies.
Studies gain pace while the identity of Kashmir’s langurs remains gray | Mongabay
The Kashmir gray langur’s taxonomy remains uncertain, with studies highlighting low genetic diversity and fragmented populations across the northwestern Himalayas. Researchers have estimated around 1,496 individuals, stressing the importance of conservation as climate change and habitat loss continue to threaten their survival. Calls for genetic, ecological, and behavioural studies aim to clarify its identity and guide effective conservation strategies.
India’s stray dog crisis threatens the survival of vulnerable migratory birds | Down to Earth
India’s growing stray dog population threatens both humans and wildlife, including migratory species like the Demoiselle crane. These free-ranging dogs have caused local extinctions of vulnerable birds such as the Great Indian Bustard and disrupted breeding grounds of the Black-necked Crane. Migratory birds face compounded risks upon arrival, underscoring the urgent need to address this crisis to protect fragile ecosystems.
Urban wildlife syndrome catching up in monkeys: Wildlife NGO head | The Tribune
Urbanisation and deforestation have forced monkeys like rhesus macaques and grey langurs into human settlements, leading to conflicts and harmful behavioural changes. Experts highlight issues such as stress, hormonal imbalance, and dependency on human-provided food, which harm the primates' health. They emphasise coexistence and urge public cooperation in reporting distressed monkeys. Addressing habitat loss is crucial to mitigating human-primate conflict.
Why do dung beetles matter to climate change? | Mongabay
Dung beetles recycle nutrients, improve soil fertility, control pests, and reduce methane emissions from cattle dung. A recent study in India discovered three new species and a new distribution record, highlighting their role as ecological indicators. They help monitor environmental health and mitigate climate change, but habitat loss and insufficient research funding threaten their conservation.