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(March 20, 2023) WCS-India kickstarted a two-day Vision retreat on World Wildlife Day. Most of the staff from the organisation´s 14 thematic programs, including the board members and external invitees, came together for the first time to co-develop the organisation's shared Vision and Mission. WCS-India´s work focuses on the conservation of a diverse range of ecosystems and species, from community conservation work in the Thar desert to tigers in the Eastern Ghats and dholes in the Western Gha...

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(March 17, 2023) Indian state to open new Asiatic lion sanctuary as numbers soar | The Guardian India's Gujarat state is opening a new sanctuary for its increasingly abundant Asiatic lion population, as the Gir National Park has been overcrowded for years. With around 400 lions in Gir and 300 in other parts of the state, conservationists have called for some of them to be relocated. The Gujarat government has now agreed to move some lions to another sanctuary within the state, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. Re...

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(February 24, 2023) Despite efforts and funds, human-wildlife conflict in Uttarakhand is not contained | Mongabay Wildlife attacks in Uttarakhand, including leopards, tigers, and elephants, occur monthly. Leopard attacks on humans are typically the most frequent and severe. To tackle the issue, the 'Living with Leopards' programme was launched in four forest divisions over the past six years. While successful in Tehri and Pithoragarh, it has failed to significantly impact Pauri, a hotspot for leopard...

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(February 09, 2023) India needs strategy for conserving landscapes humans, wildlife share: Study | Hindustan Times A new study by eighteen scientists led by Bengaluru's NCBS and other conservation NGOs, including WCS-India, and academic institutions conducted a study that found that India needs a biodiversity strategy that includes conserving landscapes that humans and wildlife share since only 15% of the country's top conservation priority areas are covered under the protected area network. The scie...

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(February 07, 2023) Counter Wildlife Trafficking Newsletter November - December 2022 In Focus 13 seizure incidents involving illegal trade in exotic wildlife were reported from India between November and December 2022. Recovered animals included non-native and exotic primates such as the white-lipped Tamarin and Panamanian white-faced Capuchin, snakes such as the Kenyan sand boa and corn snake, reptiles such as iguanas and tegu lizards, tarantulas, and parrots. Access the media reports here: B...

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(February 03, 2023) Rare species seen during Asian Water Bird Survey 2023 in Kawal Reserve | The New Indian Express WCS-India, in collaboration with HyTiCoS, the forest department, and various volunteer groups, conducted the Asian Water Bird Census (AWC) 2023 in the Kawal Tiger Reserve. More than 340 birds of different species were identified during the census, including the rare peregrine falcon. Other birds spotted include lesser whistling ducks, Indian spot-billed ducks, northern pintails, open-billed sto...

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(January 27, 2023) Less Than 150 Great Indian Bustards And 700 Lesser Floricans Remain: Report | Deccan Herald There are less than 150 Great Indian Bustards (GIB) and less than 700 lesser floricans left in the wild. According to The Corbett Foundation, India needs to take urgent measures to prevent the extinction of these endemic bustards. Bustards need agro-pastoral landscapes and grassland ecosystems for their survival. The TCF explained in its annual report that deaths could only be prevented if upcoming...

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(January 13, 2023) Endangered 35 feet long whale shark rescued off Goa coast | Times of India A 35 feet-long whale shark survived a four-hour-long ordeal after getting entangled on a fishing net off the Goa coast recently. The crew on board cut the nets to set the endangered big fish free. "When they get entangled in a fishing net, they try to move way from rescuers, making the task a little difficult," said Dr. Anant Pande, Programme Head for marine megafauna at WCS-India. Read more here. ...

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(December 23, 2022)   Karnataka: Elephant Task Forces formed in Kodagu to address man-animal conflict | New Indian Express To address the issue of wild elephant conflict, Karnataka has formed Elephant Task Forces in four affected areas – Madikeri, Virajpet, Somwarpet, and Thithimathi. The task force aims to scientifically tackle the increased movement of wild elephants. The forest department officials, along with forest guards, forest watchers, and a Rapid Response Team make up the task fo...

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(December 09, 2022) Rajya Sabha clears Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill | The Indian Express The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 has been passed in the Rajya Sabha. The bill seeks to strengthen the protection of endangered species and enhance punishment for illegal wildlife trade. According to the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill, it was enacted to enhance the protection of wildlife and ensure the ecological and environmental security of the country through better management of P...

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