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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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(May 10, 2024) Saving Asia’s fishing cat means protecting threatened wetland habitat | Mongabay The fishing cat, uniquely adapted to life in wetlands, faces a range of threats across Asia including habitat loss and hunting, leaving it vulnerable. Conservation efforts aim to raise awareness, mitigate threats, and fill knowledge gaps linking its protection to equally threatened wetlands. Initiatives like the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance foster collaborations to safeguard both the cat and its vital ...

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(May 09, 2024) On 7th May 2024, WCS-India was invited to Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru to host a session titled "BlueMAP-India: Marine Museum, Awareness, Policy for Conservation Outreach". The speakers touched upon WCS-India's science communication efforts, and highlighted India's marine life, habitats, and conservation policies through interactive quizzes. Anukriti Shaw (Social Media Coordinator, Communications and Outreach) talked briefly about ...

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(May 09, 2024) WCS-India's Counter Wildlife Trafficking team members Kritika Balaji, Priya Poonia, and Aristo Mendis attended the United for Wildlife India Chapter Launch from 22nd  -  24th April 2024. The event aimed to bring together key stakeholders from the finance and transport sectors, NGOs, and law enforcement to coordinate efforts against wildlife trafficking. The United for Wildlife (@unitedforwildlife) regional network in India aims to combat Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT). By faci...

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(May 09, 2024) On 13 March 2024, WCS-India in partnership with Christ University (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, hosted a workshop titled "Bridging Science and Society for Conservation." Vanishree Naik (Intern, WCS-India and ATREE Master’s Programme) talked about the role of radio collaring and camera trapping in wildlife research, shedding light on significant projects and discoveries. Virat Singh (Consultant, WCS-India and ASAR) touched upon the importance of sensitive media reporting t...

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(May 03, 2024) Tamil Nadu, Kerala to count Nilgiri tahrs in first synchronized survey from April 29 | The Hindu The Forest Departments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are jointly conducting a synchronised census to assess the population of the Nilgiri tahr using advanced survey techniques. This extensive initiative engages 700 individuals and aims to provide valuable baseline data for conservation efforts. The survey covers contiguous habitats in both states, focusing on areas with significant tahr populations, wi...

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