Assam’s Barak Valley Will Soon Have Another New Wildlife Sanctuary
Between the Barak river and the Sonali river in Assam, Barak Valley is geared up to welcome its second Wildlife Sanctuary - the Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary. Spreading over 320 sq. km., the area is home to primates like slow loris, Assamese macaque, capped langur, hoolock gibbon and phayre’s leaf monkey.
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Herpetofauna survey records the presence of 60 species of amphibians, 74 reptiles
In six protected areas of Munnar's wildlife division, simultaneous herpetofauna surveys revealed the presence of 60 amphibian species and 74 reptile species. The four-day survey recorded 45 endemic amphibians and 20 threatened species, including a few critically endangered ones such as Resplendent Shrub Frog and Anamala Gliding Frog. Around 100 forest officers and 95 volunteers participated.
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Monitoring crossing structures in tiger reserves offer insights into species movement, behaviour
WII's recent study assessed the effectiveness of crossing structures in the Pench Tiger Reserve. The study found that 21 mammals, including tigers and dholes, were using them. Prey and smaller species were less frequent, and the varying features of the structures played a role in attracting or repelling different species. Long-term monitoring of animal behaviour and habitat enrichment around the structures is important.
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How religious worship is boosting conservation in India
India's ambitious plans to sequester over 2.5 billion tonnes of carbon by 2030 would require a massive increase in tree cover. India lost over 3.7 lakhs hectares of humid primary forest in the last decade. However, many groves remain intact because of religious practices that consider them sacred. Scientists say that traditions and community leadership is boosting conservation efforts, preserving nearly 150,000 sacred groves.
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Coimbatore to get rescue, treatment and rehabilitation centre for wildlife
A 50-hectare centre for wildlife rescue, treatment and rehabilitation will be established in Pethikuttai in Coimbatore. Forest officials explained that Pethikuttai's ease of access from the Sirumugai forest range, which is home to elephants, tigers, and leopards, is the reason for its selection for establishing the centre. Sick, injured and orphaned wildlife will be treated and rehabilitated here.
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India Lost 329 Tigers In 3 Years, Including 29 Due To Poaching: Centre
The Union Minister of State for Environment Ashwini Kumar Choubey presented data in the Lok Sabha that revealed that India has lost 329 tigers in the last 3 years due to poaching, natural and unnatural causes. The number of poaching cases has reduced over the years. The report also showed that 307 elephants died in the same period due to poaching, electrocution, poisoning, and train accidents.
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