Understanding the role of local communities in the conservation of critically endangered rhino rays | Mongabay
A recent study by scientists from Ashoka University and the University of Oxford published in January this year examines the socio-ecological status of rhino rays using local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishing communities in the coastal state of Goa. Guitarfish and wedge fish make up 17 species of rhino rays, of which 15 are critically endangered. However, these are not protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act. Currently, fisherfolk are not compensated for releasing rhino ray bycatch. Experts note that local ecological knowledge should be used to supplement scientific knowledge to develop best conservation practices.
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A hill town in Nilgiris district pays the price for poor waste management | Mongabay
The Kotagiri town in the mountainous Nilgiris district is witnessing increasing reports of human-wildlife interactions. The forest department's and local authorities' preparedness to deal with the issue is questioned when humans and wildlife jostle for space in expanding towns. A commonly heard grouse of the Kotagiri residents is the lack of a solid waste management system. There are several open dump sites near these residential layouts. Wild animals are attracted by food waste and are often seen lingering around or rummaging through the waste, leading to unwarranted interactions.
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Nat'l wildlife board nod to divert forest land in Kawal tiger corridor | TOI
The National Wildlife Board in India has granted approval to divert 21 hectares of forest land in the Kawal Tiger Corridor. The decision allows for the construction of a railway line across the corridor, which connects the Kawal and Tadoba-Andhari tiger reserves. The move has raised concerns among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts who fear that it could disrupt the crucial tiger habitat and result in human-wildlife conflicts. The project's proponents argue that it is necessary for meeting the region's power demands and that adequate measures will be taken to mitigate the impact on wildlife.
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Conservation Efforts Bear Fruit As Survey Finds Record Gharials In Bihar's Gandak River | Outlook India
Conservation efforts by the Bihar government in the Gandak river have started showing results with 217 gharials being sighted in a recent survey, up from 30 in 2014, officials said on Sunday.
A survey was conducted along the 284-km stretch of the Gandak river, between the Gandak barrage and Rewa ghat, from February 21 to February 28. During the survey, 217 gharials of all sizes were sighted, Chief Wildlife Warden PK Gupta said.
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India begins regulating captive breeding of exotic animals through license system | Hindustan Times
Those who breed exotic species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and listed in Appendix 1 of Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act 2022 can now obtain Breeders of Species Licence under the Breeders of Species Licence Rules, 2023 notified on April 24 by the Union environment ministry.
Appendix 1 of Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act 2022 has species of various bears and pandas such as the Red Panda, various species of dogs, wolves, cats, apes, chimpanzees, gibbons, lemurs, squirrels, armadillos, various birds including Hornbills, Macaws, Parakeets, Owls, various reptiles among others.
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Elephant population estimation to be done in 4 southern States from May 17 | The Hindu
A synchronised elephant population estimation will be conducted from May 17 to 19 in the forest areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. In the run-up to the population estimation, all those involved will be given formal training by experts, according to the Forest Department. A manual has been prepared and sent to all the divisions on the procedures to be followed for the estimation, which will be conducted through different methods on each day. Training will be imparted to field staff, volunteers and members from the NGO Kenneth Anderson Nature Society on May 13 at the Hosur forest office.
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