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(July 18, 2024) The following content is collected from public information and does not represent the views of WCS-India. Forty-eight illegal wildlife trade incidents from various regions across the country have been collected using open-source intelligence (OSINT). The highest number of wildlife seizure incidents were reported from the states of Tamil Nadu (12), Odisha (6), and Uttar Pradesh (5). Some of the commonly reported wildlife species in seizures were Asian Elephant, Pangolin, Indian Softshell Turtl...

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(July 12, 2024) Central India's land-use patterns, roads fragmenting gaur & sambar populations, threatening genetic diversity | Down to Earth  A study by the National Centre for Biological Sciences revealed that land-use patterns and roads in central India are fragmenting gaur and sambar populations, threatening their genetic diversity. The research highlighted the need for evidence-based conservation efforts to maintain connectivity among fragmented populations and ensure the survival of these ...

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(July 08, 2024) From fear to fascination: More research and awareness to protect India's misunderstood spiders | Mongabay Spiders in India are crucial for pest control and ecosystem balance, yet remain understudied due to limited funding and focus. Myths and misinformation perpetuate fear, but citizen initiatives and awareness programmes aim to change perceptions and highlight their ecological importance. Increased research and public engagement are needed to better understand and conserve these misunder...

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(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 13, 2024) The following content is collected from public information and does not represent the views of WCS-India.   Important Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) news from India:  1. The Odisha Forest Department seized a tiger nail, two bear nails and 202 pangolin scales from Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary during a raid. Two people were arrested. Link   Photo Credit: Kalinga TV   2. The Mizoram Police Department seized 24 exotic wild animals which included 18 snake species, f...

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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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