The silent trade of elusive small cats in Mizoram | Mongabay
A study focusing on illegal trade in rare small cat species along the Indo-Myanmar border found that as regulations on trading body parts of big cats like tigers and leopards have tightened, smaller felid species like clouded leopards, Asiatic golden cats, and marbled cats have been increasingly targeted. Efforts to combat this include raising awareness among communities and promoting alternative livelihoods to reduce hunting.
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India to home South Asia’s first-ever Center for Species Survival | News on Air
The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) has partnered with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) to establish the first-ever Center for Species Survival in South Asia, aiming to conserve and protect the region's rich biodiversity. The center will serve as a platform for conservation practitioners to share expertise, contribute to species assessments using the IUCN Red List, and enhance species recovery efforts.
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Improved tiger numbers come with hidden messages on invasives, habitat connectivity | Mongabay
India has achieved a new tiger population record, with at least 3,682 tigers now residing in the country, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). While this growth is lauded as commendable, the report also highlights challenges such as habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and limited funding for future conservation efforts. The data collection process has drawn some criticism for lack of transparency and adherence to statistical standards.
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Maharashtra mulls sterilisation of leopards to control their population | Hindustan Times
The Maharashtra state government is considering a proposal to sterilize leopards due to a rise in their population and increasing conflicts with humans. Maharashtra has the third highest leopard population in India, with forest officials noting a significant increase in recent years. The need for sterilization arises from a population exceeding the forest's capacity, as seen in western Maharashtra, where the forest cover is only 9%.
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Gamechanger for India’s vultures: Experts laud Centre’s move to ban aceclofenac, ketoprofen | Down to Earth
The decision by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of ketoprofen and aceclofenac, along with their formulations for animal use, has been welcomed by experts working on vultures. The move is seen as a significant step towards protecting India's vulture population, although the implementation remains to be seen. Experts emphasize that other raptors should also be protected from harmful drugs, and efforts to raise awareness and provide alternative livelihoods are necessary for effective conservation.
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