Assam's Dehing Patkai plans extensive camera-trap study of five small wild cats in the region | Mongabay
Assam’s Dehing Patkai National Park has a rich diversity of eight wild cat species and is initiating a camera-trap study to evaluate populations and occupancy of the five species of small wild cats. Threats such as oil and coal mining, illegal hunting, and logging necessitate conservation efforts. The study aims to provide data for formulating effective conservation strategies.
Study busts myths around king cobra venom | Mongabay
A study in the Western Ghats reveals that while king cobra’s venom is as potent as spectacled cobra’s, it has a less complex composition. Current antivenoms in the market are ineffective, leading scientists to propose manufacturing small batches of king cobra monovalent venom to protect vulnerable populations and reduce fatalities.
Centre's nod sought to divert forest land for Mahadayi project | Deccan Herald
Karnataka has formally requested approval from the National Wildlife Board for diverting 26.92 hectares of forest land for the Mahadayi project, with 10.68 hectares falling in the tiger corridors of Kali and Sahyadri Tiger Reserves. The land is required for infrastructure development in Khanapur taluk. The proposal, backed by the Karnataka State Board of Wildlife, emphasises funding for a site-specific wildlife mitigation plan.
Big dams in Arunachal Pradesh identified as a threat to white-winged duck, Assam's state bird | Deccan Herald
Big dams being constructed for hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh pose a threat to the white-winged duck, Assam’s state bird. Fluctuation in the river flow caused by dam construction could impact breeding sites in Dibru Saikhowa and Nameri National Parks. An action plan for 2023-2030, requiring 12 crores, has been released by the Wildlife Trust of India and the Assam Forest Department to address the threats to the endangered species.
Fishermen rescue whale shark at Muthalapozhi | The Hindu
Fishermen at Muthalapozhi harbour in Kerala rescued and released a 20-foot long whale shark entangled in a purse seine net. The crew, consisting of 40 fishermen aboard the boat ‘Emmanual 2’, dedicated three hours to free the whale sharks, marking their eighth successful rescue along the Kerala coast. This incident underscores the positive impact of education and community involvement in conservation.