Zoological Survey of India scientists discover new eel species in West Bengal
Scientists from the Zoological Society of India have discovered a new eel species in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal. Two specimens were collected from Petuaghat fishing harbour, and while marking them, one was found to be undescribed. It has been named Ariosoma Bengalense, connecting it to the state in which it was discovered.
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Why the famous Gir lion is hanging out by the beach
Lions prefer grasslands or deciduous forests and often stay away from water. However, lions in Gujarat are increasingly being spotted by the beach recently. The growing population of Asiatic lions may be the reason for this. Experts suggested that the Protected Areas within Gir are getting crowded, and lions are wandering out, especially to rest. In 2020, 674 Asiatic lions were recorded, as against 523 in 2015.
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Odisha STF seizes leopard skin, 1 held
In the Koraput district of Odisha, the Special Task Force of Odisha Police has seized a leopard skin and arrested one person for smuggling wildlife body parts. Leopards are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The arrested is being interrogated to understand if he was a part of an organised wildlife trophy smuggling racket. In the last 2 years, 45 leopard skins have been seized in Odisha.
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A new study from Karnataka evidences the impact of windfarms on biodiversity
A new study analysed bird and mammal responses to wind turbines. It found that species richness, abundance and uniqueness were relatively higher in areas without wind turbines. Chances of direct collision with wind turbines are high in raptors and bats. Ungulates and carnivorous mammals were less likely to occupy sites with many wind turbines. Wind energy and its impacts on biodiversity are understudied in India.
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Ranthambore tigers move closer to human habitats as numbers rise
With a 45% growth in big cat population in eight years in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, the space for tigers to mark their territories has reduced. Tigers are moving to the periphery, and this is concerning as it can increase the risk of poaching and human-animal conflict. Forest officials suggest the relocation of a few tigers to other reserves. Directions have been issued for continuous monitoring of these tigers.
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Soon, African cheetahs in India after deal with Namibia
On Wednesday, an agreement was signed in Delhi between the Indian government and Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia, to translocate eight cheetahs to Kuno National Park. The wild cats are expected to be flown in before the Indian Independence Day on August 15th, and will be part of a captive-breeding project to establish a metapopulation of cheetahs in India.
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'No tiger in Tamil Nadu's Dindigul forest range', says wildlife census
As a part of the All India Tiger estimation project, a week-long wildlife census revealed the lack of tigers in the Dindigul forest range. Volunteers scouted for direct sightings or signs, and none were found. However, there were signs of leopards, foxes, wild dogs, and slender lorises, among others. The full data will be compiled in a report.
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