1,197 sq km of land in Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari declared as Agasthiyarmalai Elephant Reserve
The Union Environment Ministry has cleared a proposal, declaring 1,197 square kilometres of land in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari as Agasthiyarmalai Elephant Reserve. Once notified, the forest department will gain access to additional funding under the centrally sponsored Project Elephant. This will be Tamil Nadu's fifth elephant reserve.
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Dimming the glow of firefly festivals in Maharashtra
At the onset of the monsoon in Maharashtra, tourists gather after dark for firefly festivals to witness fireflies illuminate. Environmentalists have strongly opposed such festivals this year, citing light pollution and littering which harms the flies in their mating season and damages their habitat. Although a ban has not been imposed, festival organizers are open to following guidelines.
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Sports complex in Telangana's Tiger reserve sparks concerns
Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana is facing a new threat of concretisation due to the construction of a sports complex by the district administration of Nirmal. Fencing work for a five-acre plot is underway, making the state the first to plan a sports complex in the core areas of a tiger reserve. Forest department officials are opposing the construction of the complex.
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Rare albino Indian flap shell turtle rescued near Mahakalapada range in Odisha
A rare albino Indian flap shell turtle was caught in a fishing net near Gogua village in Odisha. On receiving information, forest personnel rushed to the site, rescued and released the turtle into the river. The Indian flap shell turtle is listed as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN Red List. The discovery of its rare albino version indicates that the natural habitat where it was found is still rich and should be conserved.
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A Whale Feeding Frenzy in Antarctica Signals a Conservation Success
Researchers came across the largest gathering of fin whales ever documented, with the ocean bubbling, making way for 150 fin whales swimming on the surface. This is a sign of successful conservation and management. Since the ban on commercial whaling 40 years ago, whale populations have rebounded. This is a huge success for the whales and the entire marine ecosystem.
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