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(July 08, 2024) From fear to fascination: More research and awareness to protect India's misunderstood spiders | Mongabay Spiders in India are crucial for pest control and ecosystem balance, yet remain understudied due to limited funding and focus. Myths and misinformation perpetuate fear, but citizen initiatives and awareness programmes aim to change perceptions and highlight their ecological importance. Increased research and public engagement are needed to better understand and conserve these misunder...

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(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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(May 31, 2024) Respite for Gulf of Mannar’s coral reefs as marine heatwave subsides | The New Indian Express The marine heatwave in the Gulf of Mannar has subsided, with sea surface temperatures dropping by 3°C, providing some respite for the coral reefs. However, officials fear significant damage has already occurred, with mass bleaching reported in mid-April. An underwater survey will soon assess the extent of the impact. Despite annual bleaching during summer, the region's corals are known ...

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(May 27, 2024) Endangered Gangetic dolphins found in most tributaries of Ganges, prompting urgent conservation | Mongabay A recent study has identified the presence of endangered Gangetic dolphins in multiple tributaries of the Ganges River, designating 620 kilometres as critical conservation areas. Experts emphasise that coordinated efforts involving local fishing communities, NGOs, and government stakeholders are essential to mitigate threats such as pollution, overfishing, and dam construction, thereby e...

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(May 17, 2024) Leopard cat sighted in Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve for first time | ThePrint A leopard cat has been sighted for the first time in Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve, identified through camera trapping near Narahar village. This discovery, marking the species' first recorded presence in central India, underscores the importance of studying animal distributions for comprehensive conservation efforts. Leopard cats are known for their 'adaptive flexibility' and are rest...

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(May 15, 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 Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 400 live freshwater turtles in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. The van carrying the turtles was heading to West Bengal. In another related incident the Railway Protection Force (RPF) seized 117 live turtles from Utkal Express at Bhubaneswar railway station. ...

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