New study reveals how lion-tailed macaque strategically uses its habitat amidst increasing human pressures | The Hindu
A new study in Silent Valley National Park shows that lion-tailed macaques adapt their movement and space use based on human presence. Troops in buffer zones remained in the mid-canopy to avoid disturbance, while core-area troops used the forest floor more often, revealing unexpected ecological flexibility. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating three-dimensional habitat use into conservation planning.
Protected on paper, forgotten by people, humpback dolphins struggle for survival | Mongabay
Despite being legally protected, the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin remains under-researched and threatened by unregulated tourism, fishing gear, and habitat degradation. Experts warn that without science-based conservation and cultural shifts in how people relate to marine life, these sentient mammals face a rising risk of extinction along India’s coast.
Fishing cat poop reveals plastic peril in Sundarbans | The Times of India
Researchers have found microplastics in fishing cat scat and environmental samples across the Indian Sundarbans, linking the contamination to unregulated tourism, discarded fishing nets, and industrial waste from Kolkata. The study highlights potential health impacts on the fishing cats, including gastrointestinal and reproductive issues, and calls for greater awareness through community outreach and clean-up drives.
Ladakh records world’s highest snow leopard density, study finds | Down to Earth
A new study records the world’s highest snow leopard density in Ladakh, estimating 477 individuals—nearly 68% of India’s total population. Researchers used intensive camera trapping and modelling to assess populations across 59,150 km², crediting community-led conservation, prey abundance, and cultural values for this success, while warning that inflated estimates could undermine long-term protection efforts.
Why the Little stint and the Kentish plover stick together | The Hindu
Little stints and Kentish plovers were observed sharing space at a saltern in Thaiyur near Kelambakkam in late April and early May 2025. Researchers attribute this association to similar feeding habits and overlapping migratory routes, which make the two species compatible wintering companions. Their co-occurrence highlights how ecological similarities can shape seasonal bird assemblages in shared habitats.