(June 28, 2024) 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 temper...

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(June 21, 2024) To save the vulnerable fishing cat, protect its threatened wetland habitat | Mongabay The fishing cat, adapted to wetland habitats across South and Southeast Asia, faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. Conservation efforts, including initiatives like Fishing Cat February and community projects, aim to protect the species and its wetlands. Despite the challenges, such efforts highlights the importance of conserving wetlands for both fishing cats and overall ecological h...

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(June 14, 2024) Clouded leopard and leopard cat occupy same habitat but differently, shows study | Mongabay A study in Assam's Manas National Park reveals that leopard cats and clouded leopards exhibit different behaviours to coexist peacefully, despite sharing the same habitat. Conservation efforts for large carnivores, like tigers, benefit these smaller cats by maintaining balanced ecosystems. The study emphasises the need for habitat protection, managing human disturbances, maintaining prey population...

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(June 13, 2024) The following content is collected from public information and does not represent the views of WCS-India.   Important Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) news from India:  1. The Odisha Forest Department seized a tiger nail, two bear nails and 202 pangolin scales from Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary during a raid. Two people were arrested. Link   Photo Credit: Kalinga TV   2. The Mizoram Police Department seized 24 exotic wild animals which included 18 snake species, f...

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(June 07, 2024) Odisha’s elephant population grows by 122 over seven years | The Hindu Odisha's elephant population grew by 122, increasing from 1,976 in 2017 to 2,098 in 2024, with a 40% rise in tuskers, creating a healthy male-to-female ratio. Significant population increases were observed in divisions such as Angul, Athagarh, and Baripada, despite declines in other areas due to changing movement and foraging patterns. The census also noted that 584 elephants were counted in the state's three...

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