Six more wetlands in T.N. get Ramsar recognition
Following the recent tagging of Pallikaranai, Pichavaram, and Karikili wetlands as Ramsar sites, six more wetlands in Tamil Nadu will now be protected by the Ramsar convention, an intergovernmental treaty. The state's total tally of Ramsar sites is ten. These wetlands are threatened by pollution and encroachment. Experts explain that an integrated plan and scientific measures are essential to ensure effective protection.
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Development and mangrove conservation can go hand in hand. A new Gujarat study offers proof.
A new study showed that infrastructure development and mangrove restoration could be balanced. The study explains that the key is to involve government agencies, local communities and the private sector. The case studies were based in Gujarat's coastal urban port of Mundra and a rural coastal area in Surat, where an estimated 5000 hectares of mangroves have been preserved through collaborative initiatives.
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Take fresh decision on declaring Hesaraghatta grasslands as conservation reserve: Karnataka HC
In January 2021, the Karnataka Wildlife Board rejected a proposal to declare Hesaraghatta as a Conservation Reserve, drawing opposition from environmentalists. After hearing petitions from environmentalists, the Karnataka High Court quashed the decision and directed the Board to reconsider the decision. The petitioners have stressed that the grasslands are of ecological significance, requiring protection.
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Lok Sabha passes Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021; What it means?
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021, was passed in the Lok Sabha recently. This bill amends the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to implement CITES and expand the number of species protected. The bill includes a new schedule for species listed under CITES and eliminates the one for 'vermin species'. The central government can now designate an authority which grants licences for specimens trade.
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World’s wildlife more at risk than realised, study says
The status of more than 147,000 plants and animals has been assessed; however, thousands remain under-assessed due to a lack of data. These species have not been included in the IUCN Red List. This data deficiency is concerning because it may indicate declining populations. Researchers suggest that out of the 7,699 under-assessed species, 56% may also face the risk of extinction.
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Call for hippos to join list of world’s most endangered animals
Ahead of the next CITES COP, 10 West African countries have proposed giving hippos the highest protection under CITES, under appendix I. Currently, they are listed in Appendix II. Hippos are threatened by habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade for body parts. If the proposal is approved, a total international ban on the trade in hippo body parts would be in order, helping the animal's recovery.
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