(June 28, 2024) Lakshadweep worst-affected by coral bleaching on India’s coastline, scientists tell DTE | Down to Earth Lakshadweep has been the worst affected by the current global coral bleaching event, with 84.6% of its reefs experiencing bleaching due to elevated sea surface temperatures. This event is part of the fourth global coral bleaching event, the most severe on record, impacting over 70.7% of the world's coral reefs since January 2023. While the monsoon has slightly reduced water temper...

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(June 21, 2024) To save the vulnerable fishing cat, protect its threatened wetland habitat | Mongabay The fishing cat, adapted to wetland habitats across South and Southeast Asia, faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. Conservation efforts, including initiatives like Fishing Cat February and community projects, aim to protect the species and its wetlands. Despite the challenges, such efforts highlights the importance of conserving wetlands for both fishing cats and overall ecological h...

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(June 14, 2024) Clouded leopard and leopard cat occupy same habitat but differently, shows study | Mongabay A study in Assam's Manas National Park reveals that leopard cats and clouded leopards exhibit different behaviours to coexist peacefully, despite sharing the same habitat. Conservation efforts for large carnivores, like tigers, benefit these smaller cats by maintaining balanced ecosystems. The study emphasises the need for habitat protection, managing human disturbances, maintaining prey population...

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(June 07, 2024) Odisha’s elephant population grows by 122 over seven years | The Hindu Odisha's elephant population grew by 122, increasing from 1,976 in 2017 to 2,098 in 2024, with a 40% rise in tuskers, creating a healthy male-to-female ratio. Significant population increases were observed in divisions such as Angul, Athagarh, and Baripada, despite declines in other areas due to changing movement and foraging patterns. The census also noted that 584 elephants were counted in the state's three...

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(May 31, 2024) Respite for Gulf of Mannar’s coral reefs as marine heatwave subsides | The New Indian Express The marine heatwave in the Gulf of Mannar has subsided, with sea surface temperatures dropping by 3°C, providing some respite for the coral reefs. However, officials fear significant damage has already occurred, with mass bleaching reported in mid-April. An underwater survey will soon assess the extent of the impact. Despite annual bleaching during summer, the region's corals are known ...

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(May 27, 2024) Endangered Gangetic dolphins found in most tributaries of Ganges, prompting urgent conservation | Mongabay A recent study has identified the presence of endangered Gangetic dolphins in multiple tributaries of the Ganges River, designating 620 kilometres as critical conservation areas. Experts emphasise that coordinated efforts involving local fishing communities, NGOs, and government stakeholders are essential to mitigate threats such as pollution, overfishing, and dam construction, thereby e...

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(May 17, 2024) Leopard cat sighted in Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve for first time | ThePrint A leopard cat has been sighted for the first time in Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve, identified through camera trapping near Narahar village. This discovery, marking the species' first recorded presence in central India, underscores the importance of studying animal distributions for comprehensive conservation efforts. Leopard cats are known for their 'adaptive flexibility' and are rest...

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(May 10, 2024) Saving Asia’s fishing cat means protecting threatened wetland habitat | Mongabay The fishing cat, uniquely adapted to life in wetlands, faces a range of threats across Asia including habitat loss and hunting, leaving it vulnerable. Conservation efforts aim to raise awareness, mitigate threats, and fill knowledge gaps linking its protection to equally threatened wetlands. Initiatives like the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance foster collaborations to safeguard both the cat and its vital ...

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(May 09, 2024) On 7th May 2024, WCS-India was invited to Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru to host a session titled "BlueMAP-India: Marine Museum, Awareness, Policy for Conservation Outreach". The speakers touched upon WCS-India's science communication efforts, and highlighted India's marine life, habitats, and conservation policies through interactive quizzes. Anukriti Shaw (Social Media Coordinator, Communications and Outreach) talked briefly about ...

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(May 09, 2024) WCS-India's Counter Wildlife Trafficking team members Kritika Balaji, Priya Poonia, and Aristo Mendis attended the United for Wildlife India Chapter Launch from 22nd  -  24th April 2024. The event aimed to bring together key stakeholders from the finance and transport sectors, NGOs, and law enforcement to coordinate efforts against wildlife trafficking. The United for Wildlife (@unitedforwildlife) regional network in India aims to combat Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT). By faci...

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