Lakshadweep worst-affected by coral bleaching on India’s coastline, scientists tell DTE | Down to Earth
Lakshadweep has been the worst affected by the current global coral bleaching event, with 84.6% of its reefs experiencing bleaching due to elevated sea surface temperatures. This event is part of the fourth global coral bleaching event, the most severe on record, impacting over 70.7% of the world's coral reefs since January 2023. While the monsoon has slightly reduced water temperatures, the long-term recovery of the corals remains uncertain.
Prey animal density in Similipal Tiger Reserve rises over 8 years | Times of India
The Similipal Tiger Reserve saw a significant increase in prey animal density from 5.99 to 31 animals per square kilometre between 2014 and 2022, supporting tiger and leopard populations. The rise includes a significant growth in chital and wild boar numbers due to the development of meadows. Experts recommend introducing female tigers from central India to the reserve to prevent inbreeding and enhance the gene pool.
The hispid hare’s habitat in Himalayan grasslands is shrinking fast | Mongabay
The hispid hare, native to the grasslands of the Himalayan foothills in Nepal, India, and Bhutan, faces significant threats from climate change, habitat loss, and land cover changes. A recent study highlights the hare's shrinking habitat, predicting its confinement to small, isolated patches if trends continue, increasing their risk of extinction. The study recommends habitat restoration, improved protection, and coordinated conservation efforts between the countries to conserve the species.
Project Nilgiri Tahr is helping T.N. Forest Department better conserve ecology of Mukurthi National Park in Nilgiris: experts | The Hindu
Project Nilgiri Tahr is enhancing the conservation of the species and the Shola-grassland ecology in Mukurthi National Park. The project has improved understanding of the Tahr's diet and the region's endemic flora, helping in the removal of invasive species like wattle. These efforts have led to increased habitat availability for wildlife and positive ecological impacts, although ongoing maintenance is needed to prevent the regrowth of invasive species.
Protecting 1.2% of Earth would prevent most extinctions, study says | The Hindu
Setting aside an additional 1.2% of the world's land as nature preserves could prevent most predicted plant and animal extinctions, and would cost about $263 billion, according to a study. This would add 1.6 million square km of Protected Areas, primarily in tropical forests, and is crucial for meeting the global goal to protect 30% of the world by 2030. Global policymakers will discuss these plans at a United Nations summit in October.