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(February 16, 2024) Critically endangered turtle species sighted in Cauvery | The New Indian Express In a breakthrough, researchers discovered a breeding population of 31 critically endangered Leith's soft-shell turtles (Nilssonia leithii) in the Cauvery River, Tamil Nadu. The elusive species faced declining sightings due to poaching, habitat issues, and human activities. The findings emphasise the urgency of in-depth research, conservation efforts, and potential captive breeding to ensure the sustainability...

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(February 12, 2024) In collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, WCS-India's Counter Wildlife Trafficking team organised a three-day workshop at D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in Pasighat, in December 2023. The workshop witnessed active participation from the Forest Department and members of the Eco Development Committee. The first two days of the workshop covered the basics of Wilderness First Aid, which was led by experts Mr. Vinay Sirsi and Mr. Kuldeep Singh. The third day of t...

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(February 09, 2024) Himalayan wolf listed as 'vulnerable' in IUCN, prompts concerted conservation efforts | Mongabay The Himalayan wolf has been designated as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List, with a population of 2,275 to 3,792 remaining in the wild. Threats include habitat loss, human conflict, feral dog competition, and illegal hunting, emphasising the need for conservation efforts such as grassland preservation, unplanned development monitoring, feral dog population management, and improved ...

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(February 05, 2024) Dr. Anant Pande, Program Head – Marine Megafauna, gave a talk on marine mammal conservation and interacted with IFS officer-trainees at Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, who were attending the compulsory one-week training course on Marine Biodiversity Conservation organised by Central Academy for State Forest Service (CASFOS), Coimbatore. The talk was attended by 19 IFS officers from 11 state cadres.  

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(February 02, 2024) Bangladesh, India to work together to prevent wildlife trafficking: Saber | The Business Standard Bangladesh and India plan to jointly combat wildlife trafficking and strengthen efforts in tiger conservation and Sundarbans preservation. They will also collaborate on climate change initiatives, including the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan, and work together in marine biodiversity conservation and ecotourism. The Indian envoy highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation in environmental and ...

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(January 25, 2024) Gangetic dolphin rescued in Odisha, may be indicator of more freshwater dolphins in river | Down to Earth In Odisha's Balasore district, a rare Gangetic dolphin was rescued by forest officials after being caught in fishing nets. The dolphin, blind by birth, is a critically endangered species slated for release into the Budhabalang river, suggesting the potential presence of more freshwater dolphins. This incident underscores the need for conservation efforts like 'Project Gangetic Dol...

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(January 23, 2024) The Counter Wildlife Trafficking programme of WCS-India, in collaboration with the Goa State Biodiversity Board, conducted a one-day workshop on the topic ‘Understanding the acceptance of alternatives to Bengal Monitor Lizard skins for use in Ghumats by artisans and players of Ghumats in Goa’ on 17th, November 2023. Over 64 participants from diverse backgrounds participated, including artisans, ghumat makers, music stalwarts, and officials from the Directorate of Art & Cul...

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(January 19, 2024) Arunachal Pradesh’s Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival gears up for its 9th Edition | Down to Earth The 9th Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, from January 18-20, highlights hornbill conservation by celebrating the Nyishi community's shift from hunters to conservationists. This year's theme, "Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh" in Nyishi language, emphasises the critical need to conserve hornbills. The festival features activities like bird-watching, cultural ...

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(January 17, 2024) The marine team at WCS-India participated in Sagar Mahotsav 2024, hosted by Aasamant Benevolence Foundation, Tarun Bharat, and MahaMTB at Gogate-Jogalekar College, Ratnagiri, from January 11 to 14, 2024. This event brought together a diverse community of ocean experts, educators, and students specialising in fisheries science, zoology, and botany. Dr. Anant Pande, Program Head for Marine Megafauna, delivered a talk on marine mammal conservation during the event, drawing an audience of app...

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(January 12, 2024) T.N. tests five survey methods in pilot study of Nilgiri Tahr population estimation | The Hindu The Tamil Nadu government conducted a pilot study to estimate the Nilgiri Tahr population using five survey methods in a conservation project launched by CM Stalin. The preliminary results suggest the drone survey method is promising, overcoming challenges, but mist conditions are a limitation. The final survey method will be chosen after statistical analysis, aiming to understand Tahr distribution...

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