Despite efforts and funds, human-wildlife conflict in Uttarakhand is not contained | Mongabay
Wildlife attacks in Uttarakhand, including leopards, tigers, and elephants, occur monthly. Leopard attacks on humans are typically the most frequent and severe. To tackle the issue, the 'Living with Leopards' programme was launched in four forest divisions over the past six years. While successful in Tehri and Pithoragarh, it has failed to significantly impact Pauri, a hotspot for leopard attacks. The programme has not yet been introduced in Almora. To reduce human-wildlife conflict, the Uttarakhand Forest Department has been working with two NGOs - WCS-India and Titli Trust.
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‘Welcome king to our jungle’: Tiger spotted in Himachal’s Simbalbara National Park for first time | The Indian Express
For the first time, a tiger has been sighted in Himachal Pradesh's Simbalbara National Park located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmaur district. The Shimla Wildlife Division, which manages the conservation of zoos, national parks, and sanctuaries in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts, shared a photo on Twitter captured on a camera trap. The officials confirmed that it is the first-ever camera trap image of a tiger recorded in Himachal Pradesh.
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Kerala, TN and Karnataka to begin the first synchroni-sed vulture survey on February 24 | The Hindu
The Kerala Forest and Wildlife department, along with its Tamil Nadu and Karnataka counterparts, are collaborating to conduct the first-ever synchronised vulture survey in selected areas of the Western Ghats. Previously, the three states conducted separate surveys at different times, leading to the duplication of data. By synchronising their efforts, they hope to eliminate this problem.
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Over 1,000 pangolins poached and trafficked in India between 2018 and 2022 | The Hindu
Pangolins are among the most trafficked wild mammals globally - including in India, which is home to two species of these scaly anteaters. Between 2018 and 2022, over 1,000 pangolins were poached and trafficked in India. According to TRAFFIC, an international non-profit organization, live pangolins were involved in 50% of seizures, while pangolin scales, which are used in traditional medicine in China and Southeast Asia, were involved in 40% of seizures.
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Experts call for habitat restoration of Central Indian Landscape for well-being of people, wildlife | Times of India
Experts at the fifth Central Indian Landscape (CIL) symposium in Kanha have called for urgent efforts towards habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation for ecological, water, and livelihood security due to the growing human population and sustainable development needs in the landscape. The symposium brought together members of the community, civil society organizations, researchers, and government officials to discuss advancing human well-being and wildlife conservation. Topics covered included forest restoration, carbon markets, connectivity, and coexistence.
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