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(December 23, 2022)   Karnataka: Elephant Task Forces formed in Kodagu to address man-animal conflict | New Indian Express To address the issue of wild elephant conflict, Karnataka has formed Elephant Task Forces in four affected areas – Madikeri, Virajpet, Somwarpet, and Thithimathi. The task force aims to scientifically tackle the increased movement of wild elephants. The forest department officials, along with forest guards, forest watchers, and a Rapid Response Team make up the task fo...

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(December 09, 2022) Rajya Sabha clears Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill | The Indian Express The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 has been passed in the Rajya Sabha. The bill seeks to strengthen the protection of endangered species and enhance punishment for illegal wildlife trade. According to the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill, it was enacted to enhance the protection of wildlife and ensure the ecological and environmental security of the country through better management of P...

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(December 02, 2022) First survey on Golden Jackal in Mumbai Metropolitan Region initiated | Deccan Herald ​​The Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation & WCS-India will conduct a novel scientific study in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The study will document the presence of golden jackals and other small carnivores in mangrove habitats using sign surveys and camera traps, understand the jackals’ diet and study interactions between jackals, domestic dogs and humans. Nikit Su...

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(November 28, 2022) Counter Wildlife Trafficking Newsletter October 2022 In Focus Four seizure incidents involving illegal trade in exotic wildlife were reported from India in October 2022 - From Assam, Maharashtra, Mizoram and Tamil Nadu. Notably, recovered animals included non-native felines, primates, and marsupials. Other recovered species include non-native birds and reptiles, such as snakes, tortoises and turtles. Access the media reports here: Mizoram: 140 Exotic Birds And Animals Res...

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(November 25, 2022) Telangana’s first overpass eco-bridge for wild animals coming up on NH-63 | Telangana Today The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is constructing Telangana’s first overpass bridge for wild animals on NH-63. The 1 km long bridge will help to increase connectivity in the Kaghaznagar forest while reducing the risk of collision with vehicles. The project will cost Rs. 30 crore and is estimated to take six months to complete.  Read more here. How preserving f...

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(November 18, 2022) Tiger movement spotted in Chilla-Motichur corridor of RTR after 2 decades | Hindustan Times The Uttarakhand forest department spotted a tiger moving through the Chilla-Motichur corridor of Rajaji Tiger Reserve after two decades. Successful conservation efforts will allow animals to move from the Eastern part of the reserve to the west, where the number of tigers had dropped to one in the past. Read more here. India Calls for Action at COP27 as Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary Sh...

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(November 11, 2022) Tamil Nadu notifies Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary as state’s 17th wildlife sanctuary | The Indian Express Reserve forests in the Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts of Tamil Nadu have been declared as the Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary. The 68,640 hectares is home to 35 species of mammals, 238 species of birds, as well as the endemic Leith’s soft-shelled turtle. The sanctuary will also act as an important corridor between Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu an...

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(November 04, 2022) The planet has lost 83% of its freshwater aquatic life in 50 years, finds report World Wildlife Fund reports an 83% decline in freshwater species populations in the last 50 years. The report uses data from almost 32,000 populations of 5,230 species compiled by the Zoological Survey of London. Asian countries, including India, have seen a 55% decline in wildlife populations. The most significant decline (94%) has been observed in Latin America and the Caribbean region. The results highligh...

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(October 27, 2022) Counter Wildlife Trafficking Newsletter September 2022 In Focus Three seizure incidents involving illegal trade of exotic wildlife species were reported from India in September, last month. Notably, the recovered species include primates such as orangutans, spider monkeys, lemurs among others. Other recovered species include, wallabies, and several other exotic species of tortoises, turtles and birds. Access the media reports here: Two baby orangutans, suspected to be smugg...

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(October 13, 2022) WCS-India Marine Program participated in a multi-stakeholder Dugong Conservation Workshop organized jointly with the Thanjavur Forest Department, OMCAR (Organization for Marine Conservation, Awareness and Research) Foundation, and Wildlife Institute of India on the 15th of September 2022. The workshop focused on discussing the next steps in the management of the recently notified Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu. About 70 participants from the Tamil Nadu State Forest De...

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