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(September 01, 2023) 172 incidents of seizures of red sand boa recorded from 2016 to 2021: WCS-India report | The Hindu A report by WCS-India reveals 172 incidents of illegal red sand boa trade in India from 2016 to 2021. The red sand boa is now acknowledged as one of the most traded reptile species due to its demand in the pet trade, as well as for use in black magic. Most incidents of trade were documented in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Social media, especially YouTube, plays a role in facilitating the illeg...

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(September 01, 2023) Dr. Aaron Savio Lobo, Senior Technical Advisor of our Marine Programme, recently participated in a Policy Lab on "Integrating Equity and Reframing Urban Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in South Asian Cities.” held in Colombo on the 21-23 Aug. Participants came from major South Asian cities and included a diverse set of backgrounds including academics and practitioners from urban planners, architects, ecologists, govt. and NGO´s.  Dr. Lobo facilitated a group discussion ...

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(August 31, 2023) The report, compiled by the Counter Wildlife Trafficking team at Wildlife Conservation Society-India, attempts to document and understand the illegal trade in red sand boas (Eryx johnii) in India using information collected from media articles on seizures. The report uses 172 red sand boa seizure incidents between 2016- 2021, which were reported in online media articles, to map and understand the trade. The report also has a partial ‘Crime Script’ that examines the different stages o...

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(August 25, 2023) Conservationists fear elevated corridor over Bannerghatta National Park will harm wildlife | The Hindu The State Wildlife Board's approval of an elevated corridor through Bannerghatta National Park has raised concerns among conservationists due to its potential disruption of elephant habitat and exacerbation of conflicts. The corridor's construction over several years is anticipated to disturb the landscape and escalate existing conflicts, prompting calls for informed mitigation measu...

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(August 18, 2023) As Sundarbans Nears Tiger Carrying Capacity, Indian Authorities Want Cooperation With Bangladesh | The Wire A report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India estimates that the population density of tigers in the Sundarbans has reached 4.27 per 100 sq km – against the estimated carrying capacity of 4.68. Tigers may have to move into parts of the Sundarbans that fall under Bangladesh and require a cooperation between the two countries for succ...

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(August 07, 2023) The silent trade of elusive small cats in Mizoram | Mongabay A study focusing on illegal trade in rare small cat species along the Indo-Myanmar border found that as regulations on trading body parts of big cats like tigers and leopards have tightened, smaller felid species like clouded leopards, Asiatic golden cats, and marbled cats have been increasingly targeted. Efforts to combat this include raising awareness among communities and promoting alternative livelihoods to reduce hunt...

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(July 28, 2023) Despite Criticism, Forest Conservation Amendment Bill Gets JPC Nod | The Wire The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill clears all changes proposed to the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 despite heavy criticism from scientists, conservationists, and activists. Its implementation will open large tracts of forest land to different kinds of land use changes, including developmental activities such as tourism, without the need for forest clearances.  Read more here. High Court dir...

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(July 11, 2023) Arunachal: Hoolock gibbon conservation campaign conducted in Wakro village | India Today NE Aranyak, northeast India’s leading biodiversity conservation organisation, launched an education and outreach campaign aimed at educating the public on the importance of conserving the endemic Hoolock gibbon. The campaign was conducted in several schools in Wakro, Arunachal Pradesh.  Read more here. Wildlife Bureau issues ‘red alert’ against poachers, hunters in all tiger...

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(July 07, 2023) It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the untimely demise of Lokesh KS, a beloved member of our WCS-India family since 2006. Lokesh played a vital role in our Livelihood Support Programme and dedicatedly contributed to conservation efforts throughout the Mysore landscape. During this challenging period, our heartfelt condolences and sympathies are extended to Lokesh's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.  

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(July 01, 2023) Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary of Odisha records higher prey density | The New Indian Express Following the pre-monsoon sign survey in the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, a herbivore or prey density of 46 animals per sq km was recorded in the sanctuary here. Moreover, for the first time in many decades, a tiger has also been sighted in Debrigarh during Census. Reportedly, the sign survey was conducted by the Hirakud Wildlife Division from May 29 to June 3.  While 40-60 animals per sq. km. re...

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