Trash disposal key to curb wildlife from straying into residential zones in Pune: Experts | TOI
Experts suggest that an effective garbage disposal system is needed in fringe areas around Pune to prevent leopards and other wildlife from straying into residential zones while searching for prey. Piles of garbage attract hungry stray dogs and other animals. WCS-India's Director Dr. Vidya Athreya has suggested that the FD needs to reassess its capture and release policy, as animals are often released in new areas where they struggle to find prey, water, and safe shelter. Working with local communities, municipal councils, and corporations is essential.
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New species of gecko found in Gujarat named after Vindhya hills | Hindustan Times
India has become a hotspot of gecko diversity, with more than half of the geckos reported/described from the country in the past three decades. A new species of naked-toed gecko (Cyrtopodion vindhya) has been discovered in the Dahod and Panchmahals districts of Gujarat, India. The discovery was made by a team of wildlife researchers who published their findings in the journal Zootaxa. The newly discovered species is the fifth endemic reptile species found in the state of Gujarat in the last fifteen years. The gecko is named after the Vindhya hill ranges.
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46 One-Horned Rhinos Sighted in Uttar Pradesh's Dudh-wa National Park During Rhino Survey | The Weather Channel
46 one-horned rhinos were sighted during a recent survey conducted by forest officials and experts at Uttar Pradesh's Dudhwa National Park. The survey was carried out by dividing the area into grids, and seven teams on elephant backs conducted the counting work. The exercise was led by officials from the DNP, WII, and WWF. The rhinos were sighted in the rhino rehabilitation area-one and area-two. The gender of the six rhinos could not be ascertained. WII experts took DNA samples from the rhinos for molecular analysis.
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Why whale-shark poaching off the Gujarat coast has authorities worried | India Today
Gujarat's forest department and the Indian Coast Guard have arrested ten fishers involved in a whale shark poaching racket off the Porbandar coast. During the raid, 22 dolphin and four bull shark carcasses were found. Dolphin meat was used as bait to catch the sharks, protected under Schedule-I of the WLPA. Although India banned shark fin hunting in 2015, the illegal practice continues, as the fins command high prices in international markets, particularly in China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. On the other hand, there is no market for dolphin parts.
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India lost 668,400 ha forests in 5 years, 2nd highest globally: Report | Down to Earth
India has recorded the highest rise in deforestation in the last 30 years, ranking second after Brazil in average deforestation of 668,400 hectares (ha) between 2015 and 2020, according to a report by UK-based Utility Bidder. India has seen a difference of 284,400 ha in forestry loss between 1990 and 2020. The leading cause of global deforestation was cattle rearing, followed by oil seeds cultivation and logging. Brazil and Indonesia have largely reduced their rate of deforestation, but India's figures have only increased significantly.
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Nature trail: Tamil Nadu gets its 18th wildlife sanctuary at Erode | TOI
TN has established its 18th wildlife sanctuary, the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Erode. It will serve as the last protected link between the Nilgiris biosphere reserve and the South Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Spanning 80,567 ha, the sanctuary is home to 21 species of mammals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and rare honey badgers, 136 species of birds and 118 species of butterflies. The state hopes to secure more funding for projects such as documentation and ecotourism.
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