A Ladakhi podcast spurs conversations about wildlife and conservation | Mongabay
Morup Namgail and Padma Rigzin launched the “Ladakh Si Podcast” to raise awareness about wildlife and conservation in Ladakh, using the local Ladakhi language to discuss topics like ecology, climate change, and human-wildlife conflicts. The podcast aims to engage the local community and younger generation, emphasising grassroots conservation efforts and cultural understanding. The second season will explore diverse environmental issues, including the Forest Rights Act and waste management.
Wave a hello: Gujarat's dolphin count jumps 200% in two years | Times of India
The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin population along the Gujarat coast has increased by 200%, reaching 678 from 221 in 2022. This rise has prompted plans for dolphin tourism, particularly around Okha and Mithapur. The forest department is launching conservation campaigns and proposing a task force to protect these vulnerable species, which is in line with the Project Dolphin initiative.
Radio telemetry study taken up in Mysuru district finds Russell’s vipers are active during sowing and harvesting seasons | The Hindu
A radio telemetry study in Mysuru district found Russell’s vipers are most active during the sowing season in May-June and the harvesting season from late October to mid-December, which aligns with their breeding and mating periods. The study was conducted by the Liana Trust and Humane Society International/India to understand the snakes' behaviour and movement patterns to reduce human-snake conflicts, particularly in agricultural areas where snakebites are common.
Arunachal Pradesh: New Plant Species Discovered In Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary | Sentinel Assam
Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India have discovered a new plant species, Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii, in Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh. This discovery, along with another recent find of Petrocosmea arunachalense in the Mandala region, underscores the region's rich biodiversity. The findings highlight the need for continued exploration and conservation efforts in Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, a new species of forest-dwelling horned frog was recently discovered in Tale Wildlife Sanctuary by the Zoological Survey of India.
Indian leopard suspected to have decreased by 24.5% over last 3 generations: IUCN | Down to Earth
The Indian leopard's population has declined by 24.5% over the last three generations, primarily due to habitat loss, poaching, and declining prey, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN also reports that other leopard subspecies face similar declines, with some, like the Indochinese and Arabian leopards, classified as Critically Endangered. The leopard has disappeared from North Africa, highlighting the species' global vulnerability.