Poaching of rhinos ‘shows encouraging decline but remains an acute threat’ | Independent
Experts explain that the poaching of rhinos has witnessed an "encouraging" decline. However, it continues to remain a significant threat. A new IUCN report shows that conservation efforts and strengthened law enforcement has helped increase the populations of the Indian rhino and Javan rhino since 2017. In Africa, Global lockdowns and pandemic restrictions drastically reduced poaching in 2020.
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Gangetic river dolphins in Assam decline in the wake of anthropogenic pressures | Mongabay
Brahmaputra's tributaries Kulsi and Subansiri in Assam are strongholds of the endangered Ganges river dolphin. Researchers and local communities, however, have noticed declining populations owing to persistent sand mining on the banks. Moreover, dams in many regions are cutting through dolphin habitats, limiting access to prey. In the Barak river system, dolphins are nearly extinct.
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MH govt hikes compensation in man-animal conflict cases | The Hitavada
The Maharashtra government has increased financial assistance to victims of negative human-wildlife interactions. The Maharashtra Minister of Forests explained that conservation efforts have boosted wildlife populations but have also increased negative incidents. The family of a person who lost their life during wildlife encounters will now receive Rs. 5 lakh more. The compensation for livestock loss or injury has been increased as well.
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‘Charismatic’ dugong sea mammal declared functionally extinct in China | The Washington Post
According to conservationists from the Zoological Society of London and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has significantly decreased near China, largely due to human activity. A new study shows that they are 'functionally extinct' in China, and no sightings have been recorded since 2008. Fishing, ship strikes, and human-induced habitat loss were the main reasons for its extinction.
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Gharials, most distinctive of crocs, are most in need of protection, study shows | Mongabay
A new study suggests that critically endangered gharials are in the most need of conservation action. This is because they are the most distinctive of the world's crocodiles. The authors of the study scored all 28 crocodilian species on their functional distinctiveness and threat to create a metric, which suggested that up to half of crocodilian functional diversity could be lost across the century.
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New crab species found near Karnataka's Yellapur is India’s 75th | The New Indian Express
A new bicoloured species of crab 'Ghatiana dwivarna' has been discovered in Yellapur in Uttara Kannada, making it India's 75th crab species. The crab is endemic to Yellapur. Photographer Gopal Krishna Hegde and Forest Guard Parashuram Bhajantri photographed it and suspected it to be a new species. Sameer Kumar Pathi of ZSI confirmed the finding, published a scientific paper, and established the new species.
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Calls to identify and protect habitats of Great hornbills in the Nilgiris | The Hindu
Around 40-50 great hornbills were spotted at an undisclosed location recently. Conservations have called on the forest department to conduct detailed studies and identify hornbill roosting and nesting spots to ensure protection. Many nesting sites of hornbills neighbour human settlements. Conservationists also stress the need to sensitise people to minimise human impact on hornbills.
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