172 incidents of seizures of red sand boa recorded from 2016 to 2021: WCS-India report | The Hindu
A report by WCS-India reveals 172 incidents of illegal red sand boa trade in India from 2016 to 2021. The red sand boa is now acknowledged as one of the most traded reptile species due to its demand in the pet trade, as well as for use in black magic. Most incidents of trade were documented in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Social media, especially YouTube, plays a role in facilitating the illegal trade, with up to 200 videos advertising sand boas for sale in 2021.
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Reroute railway track running through Assam gibbon sanctuary, suggest scientists | The Hindu
The western hoolock gibbon, an endangered species in India, is threatened by habitat destruction and fragmentation due to a railway track that passes through the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam. While initiatives like artificial canopy bridges and habitat restoration are in progress, impending track electrification and expansion plans pose challenges to conservation efforts. Rerouting the railway track outside the sanctuary is proposed as a crucial step in gibbon conservation.
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In A First, Marine Fossils Unearthed In Ladakh Region | Times of India
While conducting groundwater exploration in eastern Ladakh, a geologist found a collection of marine fossils, including gastropods (snail-like molluscs), bivalves (shellfish), and foraminifera (normally microscopic but here were up to 2cm long). The findings shed light on the geological history of the area and provide insights into the paleoenvironment.
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‘State of India’s Birds’ Report: Long-Term Trends Of Species Show 60% in Decline | The Wire
The State of India’s Birds 2023 report, based on 30 million observations from citizen scientists, reveals that 60% of bird species have shown long-term declines, with 40% declining in recent years. The report recommends actions for 178 bird species classified as "High Priority" for immediate conservation, including migratory wetland birds and resident species.
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Kerala fishermen get laurels for whale shark conservation efforts | New Indian Express
The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) will honour fishermen involved in whale shark conservation in Kerala. This initiative, part of the Whale Shark Conservation Project, aims to raise awareness and reduce accidental entanglements in fishing nets. The campaign, which began in 2018, has successfully freed seven whale sharks ensnared in nets along the Kerala coast and will enter its second phase, covering coastal regions in Kerala and Lakshadweep.
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