Kyasanur Forest Disease: A ticking health bomb in the Western Ghats | Mongabay
Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a tick-borne illness that poses a significant threat in the Malenadu region of Karnataka and neighbouring states along the Western Ghats due to conducive environmental conditions and human activities like deforestation. The withdrawal of KFD vaccine as the primary defence against the disease has left residents and health workers vulnerable to its spread, exacerbating the urgency of addressing this health crisis.
India must adopt holistic approaches to handle human-wildlife conflicts | Down to Earth
Due to habitat loss and encroachment, India faces a pressing challenge of human-wildlife conflict, particularly with tigers and elephants. Balancing conservation with community welfare through proactive measures like land-use planning and community-based initiatives is crucial for fostering coexistence. Urgent action is needed to mitigate conflicts and ensure the well-being of humans and wildlife in India.
Nilgiri tahr tracked one month after being fitted with radio-collar in Mukurthi National Park | The Hindu
A Nilgiri tahr fitted with a radio collar in Mukurthi National Park was tracked one month later by Tamil Nadu Forest Department officials, gathering valuable data on its movement and behaviour for conservation efforts. The radio collar, weighing less than one per cent of the tahr's body weight, has had no negative impact. This initiative aims to understand the species better, identify habitat restoration needs, and potentially reintroduce the tahr to parts of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The dietary habits of endangered vultures | Mongabay
A recent study investigated the dietary habits of four Gyps vulture species, which is crucial due to their vulnerability to veterinary drugs, which nearly drove them to extinction in India. The research revealed differences in diet between vultures in south and north India, highlighting the importance of ongoing efforts to eliminate harmful drugs and safeguard the future of these endangered birds.
AI-based surveillance system to check forest trespassing besides monitoring wild animals in Coimbatore | The Hindu
The Forest Department in Coimbatore has installed AI-based surveillance cameras to monitor wild animal movements and prevent forest trespassing. These cameras, located at strategic points, utilise thermal imaging and optical visuals to cover significant distances and have been focused on areas prone to human-wildlife conflicts, particularly elephant movements. The initiative aims to enhance early warning systems, protect wildlife, and prevent forest offences like poaching.