Saving Asia’s fishing cat means protecting threatened wetland habitat | Mongabay
The fishing cat, uniquely adapted to life in wetlands, faces a range of threats across Asia including habitat loss and hunting, leaving it vulnerable. Conservation efforts aim to raise awareness, mitigate threats, and fill knowledge gaps linking its protection to equally threatened wetlands. Initiatives like the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance foster collaborations to safeguard both the cat and its vital wetland habitats.
Coral bleaching grips Indian coasts; Lakshadweep, Andamans most affected | Down to Earth
Coral reefs along Indian coasts are showing signs of mass bleaching, particularly in the Lakshadweep and Andaman Islands, with visible impacts on coral species and associated marine life. While Goa reports bleaching annually, Tamil Nadu's forest department remains optimistic due to recent rains. The current mass bleaching event, attributed to high ocean temperatures and El Niño, threatens coral reefs globally, mirroring devastating occurrences in 1998, 2010, 2014, and 2017.
A new handbook recommends how to avoid elephant deaths on roads, rail tracks | Mongabay
A new handbook offers eco-friendly solutions to prevent elephant fatalities on roads and rail tracks in Asia, addressing disruptions caused by poorly planned linear transport infrastructure. Developed by two IUCN specialist groups, it emphasises mitigation hierarchy principles, prioritising avoidance over minimisation, mitigation, restoration, and compensation. The aim is to safeguard vital elephant corridors, reduce collisions, and mitigate fragmentation of herds and gene flow disruptions.
Maharashtra to translocate tigers to Sahyadri reserve: Role of wildlife corridors in tiger conservation | The Indian Express
Maharashtra plans to translocate tigers to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve to revive the dwindling population, relying on the Sahyadri-Konkan wildlife corridor for successful integration. Tiger translocations, though effective in some cases, require robust corridors and community engagement to mitigate conflicts and ensure long-term success. Wildlife corridors like the Sahyadri-Konkan one are vital for tiger conservation, facilitating genetic exchange and protecting against local extinctions due to habitat fragmentation.
First Record of Critically Endangered Lesser Floricans Spotted in Pench Tiger Reserve | Times of India
A critically endangered Lesser Florican, the smallest bird in the bustard family, was spotted for the first time in Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve. Two individuals were sighted by Avinash Bhagat, a renowned bird expert, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts. This first record in Pench adds to the few sightings in the region, highlighting the urgent need for habitat protection as the species faces extinction due to grassland destruction.
Forest department moots region-specific human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures | The Hindu
The Forest Department plans to devise region-specific measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in Kerala, drawing on global best practices. An expert committee including international experts convened to suggest strategies for conflict resolution in 10 identified hotspots. The approach includes community involvement, habitat improvement, eradication of invasive species, and the use of modern technology, emphasising safe coexistence between humans and wildlife.