India gears to use eDNA to identify, track wildlife | Mongabay
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is pioneering the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to assess biodiversity, offering a promising tool for measuring wildlife, studying flora and fauna, and identifying hard-to-find species. This innovative approach also holds potential for providing crucial data on invasive alien species in India, with ZSI initiating a pilot project to explore the applications of eDNA in wildlife monitoring.
Paws Up | Kishtwar emerges as key habitation for endangered Snow Leopards in India | Greater Kashmir
A recent survey highlighted the significance of Kishtwar, India, as a critical habitat for endangered Snow Leopards, revealing around 20 breeding individuals. With the second-highest density of Snow Leopards in India after Ladakh, Kishtwar emphasises the urgency of conservation and offers potential for responsible ecotourism, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts for population protection.
Domestication trials in Bihar aim to mitigate farmer-nilgai conflict | Mongabay
Bihar is undertaking trials to domesticate the nilgai, aiming to mitigate conflicts with farmers and crop damage caused by these large antelopes. Initial observations suggest that domestication could be viable, offering potential economic benefits through nilgai-derived products such as milk, meat, and manure. The initiative comes in response to the classification of nilgai as vermin in Bihar, leading to the culling of around 5,000 of these animals from 2016 to 2020.
Named after their habitats, three new frogs add to Arunachal's biodiversity | Mongabay
Arunachal Pradesh's Kamlang-Namdapha landscape, a biodiversity hotspot, has unveiled three new-to-science frog genera named after their habitats. With around 470 amphibian species recorded in India, the researchers aim to inspire habitat conservation as climate change and human disturbances contribute to a global decline in amphibians.
Maharashtra’s indigenous Warlis teach a lesson about peaceful coexistence with leopards | Down to Earth
The Warli community near Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Maharashtra, India, peacefully coexists with leopards, revering them as the Waghoba or leopard deity rather than fearing them. The indigenous tribe follows traditions of worship, safeguards children and pets during leopard activity hours, and perceives any loss of poultry or pets as their own lapse, highlighting a unique and harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife.