Arunachal Pradesh’s Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival gears up for its 9th Edition | Down to Earth
The 9th Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, from January 18-20, highlights hornbill conservation by celebrating the Nyishi community's shift from hunters to conservationists. This year's theme, "Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh" in Nyishi language, emphasises the critical need to conserve hornbills. The festival features activities like bird-watching, cultural programs, and discussions on environmental issues.
With 27% increase in waterbirds, Kaziranga among India's top 5 habitats of resident & winter migratory birds | MorungExpress
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in India, known for its one-horned rhinos, reports a 27% increase in waterbirds during its fifth census, with 84,839 birds recorded. The park is now among India's top five habitats for waterbirds, featuring significant bird presence in its wetlands. Home to over 2,600 one-horned Indian rhinos, Kaziranga sustains diverse habitats, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important bird area with more than 500 avian species.
Invasive species removed from over 356 hectares in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve | The Hindu
In Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, 356.5 hectares of invasive Senna spectabilis, introduced for coffee plantations, are being cleared by the Forest Department. Mandated by the Madras High Court, the removal is a collaboration with Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited, aiming to restore biodiversity and promote the growth of native species. The cleared trees will be used as pulpwood for paper mills.
No food in forests: Invasive species and altered habitats in Karnataka’s Western Ghats are creating a food crisis | Down to Earth
Invasive plant species in Karnataka's Western Ghats are causing a food crisis for wildlife, leading animals to venture into human settlements. The non-native plants, such as Lantana, disrupt the natural habitat of prey species, triggering conflicts between communities and wildlife. Loss of habitat and traditional fruit-bearing trees contribute to the imbalance, prompting conservation initiatives in rainforest complexes like Nagarahole and Kudremukh National Park to restore ecological balance.
Government sanctions ₹ 19.5 crore for rescue, treatment and rehabilitation centre for wildlife near Coimbatore | The Hindu
The Tamil Nadu government has allocated ₹19.5 crore for the establishment of the state's first Rescue, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Centre (RTRC) for wildlife near Coimbatore. The RTRC in Sirumugai, spanning 53 hectares, will focus on treating and rehabilitating injured wildlife, emphasising rewilding. This initiative aims to set protocols for addressing human-animal conflicts.
The protected Andaman wild pig gets a new lease on life with captive breeding programme | Mongabay
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands' forest and tribal departments have successfully bred 24 Andaman wild pigs through a captive breeding program, offering hope for the species' restoration. The initiative, crucial for the Jarawa tribe's cultural practices, focuses on genetic diversity, incorporating pigs from various areas and ensuring a natural habitat and diet for captive pigs.