DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:44:49 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/himachal-breeds-record-number-of-golden-mahseer-in-captivity-640035.html Shimla Sep 22 In a first the Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department has succeeded in breeding in captivity a record 87000 golden mahseer fingerlings a popular freshwater sport and food fish at a farm and 34500 of them have been released into nature DirectorcumWarden of Fisheries Vivek Chandel said on Monday The fingerlings were raised in the Machhyal Mahseer Farm which was established in 2016 Since then its annual production had never exceeded 5000 Of the 87000 reared fingerlings 20000 were stocked in the Pong dam reservoir and 14500 in the Gobind Sagar reservoir The population of the golden mahseer being a game fish is declining in the state for various reasons including construction of dams barrages pollution indiscriminate fishing of brood and juvenile fish introduction of exotic species and habitat deterioration After releasing the fingerlings into nature the Fisheries Department says its population will prosper With pioneering efforts in conservation of the critically endangered golden mahaseer through a captive breeding programme the department has been honoured with the prestigious SKOCH Gold Award 2025 The award was presented on September 20 at a ceremony in New Delhi The golden mahaseer is the state fish of Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir Over the past decades the population of the golden mahaseer has declined alarmingly The Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department launched a major scientificallysupported captive breeding programe In 2023 a special campaign was launched to increase its production in collaboration with the ICARCentral Inland Fisheries Research Institute CIFRI in Bhimtal in Uttarakhand the only coldwater fisheries research institute in the country Chandel along with the nodal officer visited the ICARCIFRI Bhimtal to identify shortcomings The implementation of reforms produced remarkable results In 202425 the departments farm at Machhyal produced 87000 fingerlings Now the state government is planning to raise its fingerlings at the newly established fish farm in Sunni in Shimla district This step will not only mitigate immediate threats to the species in the wild but also provide a stable and reliable source for longterm revival efforts The golden mahaseer plays a vital role in maintaining species balance in the aquatic ecosystem It is also a highly soughtafter species among anglers In 202425 more than 3700 anglers visited Himachal Pradesh contributing to ecotourism The species is found in the coldwater stretches of the Beas the Sutlej and their tributaries as well as in reservoirs like Pong Gobind Sagar and Kol dams The fish also has high nutritional value and significantly supports the livelihoods of fishermen in the states reservoirs With the successful outcomes of the conservation program the department expects fingerling production to cross the one lakh mark this year Chandel said He said the fish production which was 1702597 metric tons in 202223 has increased to 1901983 metric tons in 202425 Similarly reservoir fish production rose from 54935 metric tons in 202223 to 74876 metric tons in 202425 The mahseer the longestliving freshwater fish is native to mountain and submountain regions It belongs to the Tor genus The Pong Dam reservoir around 250 km from the state capital Shimla and 190 km from Chandigarh supports an ample population of the golden mahseer Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishalgiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/himachal-breeds-record-number-of-golden-mahseer-in-captivity-640035.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/world-bamboo-day-marked-across-northeast-showcasing-bamboo-as-regions-green-gold-639340.html KohimaAgartala Sep 19 World Bamboo Day 2025 was celebrated across the Northeastern states highlighting bamboo as the regions green gold and stressing the need for its better utilisation The World Bamboo Day 2025 was celebrated at the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre at Chumoukedima under the theme Next Generation Bamboo Solution Innovation and Design Gracing the event Development Commissioner Temsunaro Aier described bamboo as the green gold of Nagaland and other states of the region highlighting its deep cultural ecological and economic significance She urged stakeholders to sustain this legacy with pride and responsibility noting bamboos role in food shelter craft art and livelihood Aier also stressed the need for sustainable practices citing bamboos rapid growth carbon absorption and soil conservation benefits making it a strong ally in the fight against climate change The official also commended the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency NBDA for promoting bamboobased enterprises training artisans and supporting selfhelp groups She noted that products such as handicrafts furniture incense sticks blinds mats and bamboo shoots are gaining recognition turning Nagaland into a hub for bamboo industries As part of the celebration Aier announced the upcoming stateoftheart Cane and Bamboo Technology Park at the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre which will serve as a Centre for research training and production A weeklong training programme was also launched for 26 artisans to enhance their skills in bamboo design manufacturing and value addition Certificates and machineries were distributed to the trainees and the Bamboo Entrepreneur Award was presented to Bukhaio Khiamniungan On the occasion a special publication titled Facilitating Ease of Doing Business in the Bamboo Sector in Northeast India Removal of Compliance Burdens was also released in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry CII The event featured a bamboo theme song by MusikA School and a keynote address by Kuko Mero State Mission Director NBDA who noted that with over 43 species of bamboo Nagaland has immense potential in bamboobased sustainable development He informed that NBDA has carried out block plantations covering 1506 hectares trained over 200 entrepreneurs and artisans and set up two Common Facility Centres generating employment for more than 500 people The Agency has also established processing units nurseries with 15 lakh saplings rural haats bamboo bazaars and upgraded the Nagaland Handicrafts Emporium in New Delhi and Kolkata under the brand Naturally Nagaland In Tripura at a discussion on the World Bamboo Day states Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma and Forest and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma interacted with the investors and industrialists over the significance of the bamboo resources According to Forest officials nearly 44 per cent of Tripuras geographical area is under bamboo coverage and the state government is exploring avenues for highvalue addition of bamboo including its use in renewable energy and bioethanol production Shailesh Kumar Yadav Mission Director of the Tripura Bamboo Mission said We are exploring potential investors interested in bioethanol One metric ton of good quality bamboo can produce around 200300 litres of bioethanol The central government already has a bioethanol policy for blending with fossil fuels like petrol and diesel and recently a bioethanol plant has been set up at Numaligarh Refinery in Assam He said that several private sector players along with local entrepreneurs are showing interest in bioethanol and biochar projects and the government is extending full support Yadav who is also Director of Industries and Commerce highlighting the market potential said that the global bamboo market stood at USD 67 billion in 2024 while Indias bamboo economy was valued at Rs 1300 crore in exports with the rest consumed domestically Notably incense sticks alone had a market worth Rs 13500 crore last year with a majority of round sticks imported from abroad China is currently the largest global producer and exporter of bamboo while India ranks third in production but tops as an importer because value addition in the sector is still limited Tripura probably has one of the largest bamboo resources in the country but we have lagged behind in engineered bamboo products mechanized largescale production of ply veneer and other valueadded items he admitted The official noted that while 2500030000 people are currently engaged in Tripuras bamboo sector it has the potential to provide livelihoods to at least one lakh individuals A master plan supported by the Asian Development Bank is already in place to systematically and sustainably exploit Tripuras bamboo resources for enhanced livelihoods and better financial returns The states bamboo sector presently has an annual turnover of Rs 8590 crore with handicrafts accounting for 2530 per cent of the share The World Bamboo Day 2025 was also celebrated in Mizoram and other Northeastern states IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/world-bamboo-day-marked-across-northeast-showcasing-bamboo-as-regions-green-gold-639340.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 01:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/probe-ordered-into-death-of-delhi-zoos-african-elephant-639284.html New Delhi Sep 18 Wildlife experts from Bareilly on Thursday joined a highlevel probe into the mysterious death of Delhi zoos African elephant Shankar an official of National Zoo Park said The 29yearold male African elephant showing signs of loss of appetite for a few days collapsed suddenly in its shed around 8 pm on Wednesday said the officialAn official statement said The postmortem is being conducted by a team of experts from IVRI Bareilly the health advisory committee and a representative of the Ministry for further investigation After the postmortem examination and taking required samples the carcass will be disposed of following due procedureZoo Director Sanjeet Kumar said Shankar was a symbol of strength wisdom and love and many members of the zoo community were emotionally attached to him The void left by his loss will be deeply felt by the zoo team visitors and the entire conservation communityShankar had been a valued member of the National Zoological Park family for 27 years having arrived in November 1998 from ZimbabweThe African elephant was admired by visitors and cherished by the zoo staff for its gentle nature and majestic presenceOn Wednesday morning it was observed that Shankar was consuming fewer leaves and grasses with slight loose motion but was taking concentrates fruits and vegetables normally The veterinary team of NZP provided treatment and animalkeeping staff maintained close observation said the statementAt approximately 725 pm on the same day Shankar collapsed and despite emergency treatment died No sickness or abnormal behaviour was reported until Tuesday said the statementThe Delhi zoo administered by the Central governments Environment Ministry has over 1300 animals from 130 different speciesOver 20 lakh nature lovers visit the premises spread over 176 acres every year IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/probe-ordered-into-death-of-delhi-zoos-african-elephant-639284.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/probe-ordered-into-death-of-two-tigresses-at-iconic-kolkata-zoo-637844.html Kolkata Sep 11 The Chief Wildlife Warden CWLW West Bengal has ordered a highlevel probe into the deaths of two adult tigresses at Kolkatas iconic zoological garden at Alipore in South Kolkata The two tigresses died within a period of 24 hours between the nights of Tuesday and WednesdayAlthough the state forest department has officially claimed that the deaths of both tigresses were due to their old age doubts are being raised over the short interval between the two deaths with many wildlife enthusiasts doubting that the deaths were unnaturalConsidering the controversy on the issue the CWLW West Bengal has ordered a detailed probe into the matter and the formation of a separate committee to investigateThe two dead tigresses are Payel and Rupa Out of them the latter was an albino tigress Payel died first on Tuesday night while Rupa died on Wednesday night At the time of their deaths Rupa was 21 years old while Payel was 17 years oldThe bodies of the tigresses have been sent for autopsy to determine the exact causes of their deaths Viscera tests will also be conducted said a senior official from the state forest departmentPayal was brought to the Zoo Alipore from Nandankanan in Odisha in 2016 A zoological garden insider said that for the last few months she had been suffering from agerelated ailments and her food intake had become irregularShe went through an ultrasound sonography test at that time and then went through a treatment process for some time She even started responding to the treatment However her conditions started deteriorating over the last few days and she ultimately died on Tuesday the Zoological Garden insider saidOn the other hand albino tigress Rupa was born in Alipore Zoo only Her mother was Krishna and her father was Anirban an albino tiger She was also suffering from agerelated ailments with one of her legs becoming paralyzed a few months back the zoological garden insider saidThe Alipore Zoo had been in the midst of controversy during the last few months for two reasonsThe first reason was over allegations of missing animals from there As per reports as many as 321 animals disappeared from the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata overnightThe second controversy was over allegations that the West Bengal government was illegally trying to sell land belonging to Alipore Zoo to private entrepreneurs at throwaway prices Last month a division bench of the Calcutta High Court ruled that the land of the said zoological garden could not be used for commercial purposes till further court ordersThe allegation that the West Bengal government was illegally trying to sell the land of the Alipore Zoo was first raised by the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari He alleged that an attempt was being made to sell 50 kothas of land in that prime place in the city against a meagre amount of just Rs 1000 crore IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/probe-ordered-into-death-of-two-tigresses-at-iconic-kolkata-zoo-637844.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/karnataka-govt-announces-rs-50-lakh-compensation-for-forest-martyrs-637912.html Bengaluru Sep 11 The Congressled Karnataka government has announced Rs 50 lakh compensation for 62 families of forest martyrs on the occasion of National Forest Martyrs Day Celebration 2025 programme Minister for Forests Eshwar Khandre made the announcement in this regard Speaking after inaugurating the National Forest Martyrs Day Celebration 2025 organised by the Forest Department held at the Malleswaram Forest Bhavan Bengaluru Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that human survival depends on the conservation of forests Therefore remembering the forest martyrs is the duty of every individualHe stated that as the green cover increases the forest area will also increase and forest wealth will grow Karnataka holds the top position in wildlife wealth among states If animals are provided with sufficient food and water within the forest humanwildlife conflicts can be preventedThe government has issued clear instructions to build railway barricades to prevent conflicts between wild animals and humans and to maintain them properly The Forest Department has sufficient funds and if necessary the government is ready to provide additional funds Therefore proper barricades must be constructed to prevent elephanthuman conflicts CM Siddaramaiah addedSenior officials should regularly visit forest areas and spend more time inside the forest Only then will the lowerlevel staff also stay in the forest and effectively perform their duties he saidSpeaking at the National Forest Martyrs Day programme Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has announced that a compensation of Rs 50 lakh will be provided to those who have died during operations against forest brigand Veerappan while chasing poachers combating forest fires or during humananimal conflictsKhandre stated that 62 people have sacrificed their lives These martyrs lost their lives during operations against Veerappan while chasing poachers controlling forest fires or during humanwildlife conflicts He assured that a compensation of Rs 50 lakh will be provided to the martyrs familiesHe added that climate change is becoming a major problem Sudden cloudbursts and excessive rainfall are occurring The situation is such that humanity is heading toward destruction Karnataka is also in the danger zone and landslides are taking place The only solution is to conserve forest wealth The state has rich forest resources The Western Ghats contain various biodiversity hotspots The power to modify monsoon winds and bring rainfall lies with the Western GhatsHe further said that 2 lakh acres of land have been encroached upon About 30 to 40 thousand acres of such land have been reclaimed and declared as protected areasExpressing sorrow over the deaths of five tigers Minister Khandre mentioned that even the Chief Minister had given strict instructions regarding this Humanwildlife conflicts have increased Karnataka holds the number one position in the country in terms of elephant population and the second position in tiger population While the number of animals has increased forest land is decreasing Therefore we are also studying various systems to address this issue he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/karnataka-govt-announces-rs-50-lakh-compensation-for-forest-martyrs-637912.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kaziranga-national-park-undertakes-multiple-initiatives-for-vulture-conservation-637003.html Guwahati Sep 7 Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR Indias seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site has undertaken multiple initiatives for vulture conservation an official said on Sunday KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that with technical and financial support from the Central Zoo Authority CZA and partnering agencies about 800 vultures are currently housed across eight conservation breeding centres in the country As such the Centre Assam government and the Bombay Natural History Society BNHS are considering releasing captivebred vultures into Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and currently the process and planning for the same is ongoing the KNPTR Director saidGhosh said that the CZA permissions come through it is proposed to release 30 whiterumped vultures and five slenderbilled vultures from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre Rani in Assams Kamrup district to the Nagshankar range under the 6th addition to Kaziranga National Park The aviary at the softrelease site is under construction and awareness activities such as these are being conducted with the local communities she saidAccording to the official vulture populations in India are gradually recovering from the catastrophic population crash that has occurred since the mid1990s The population crash was driven by unintentional poisoning by the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug NSAID diclofenac she saidThe KNPTR Director however said that the veterinary use of diclofenac has been banned in India and elsewhere in South Asia other vulturetoxic NSAIDs are available such as Aceclofenac Nimesulfide and Ketoprofen Through the consolidated strategy under Action Plan for Vulture Conservation in India 20202025 and the active intervention by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change MoEFampCC Assam Forest Department and the BNHS conservation breeding success has been achieved for three species of critically endangered vultures namely the whiterumped vulture longbilled and slenderbilled vultureGhosh said that on the occasion of International Vulture Awareness Day the KNPTR organised a Vulture Awareness Talk on Sunday at the Kaziranga office Bokakhat The programme witnessed the participation of 35 students from JDSG College and CNB College Bokakhat who engaged actively in the discussions The session was also streamed live on the official Facebook page of Kaziranga National Park enabling a wider audience to participate virtually and spread awareness about vulture conservationThe gathering was led by Gitartha Borah Biologist BNHS who delivered an interactive talk on the ecological importance of vultures their rapid population decline due to threats like diclofenac poisoning and the conservation efforts being undertaken in Assam and across India to revive these critically endangered species The event emphasised the crucial role vultures play as natures cleanup crew in maintaining ecological balance and public healthStudents also interacted with the resource person raising questions on vulture breeding habitat protection and the significance of safe zones such as the Vulture Safe Zone initiative in Assam By creating awareness among the youth this programme aimed at fostering responsibility and collective action for vulture conservationThe Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve and its adjoining landscape continue to be one of the most important strongholds for vulture populations in India and community involvement remains key to their survival Ghosh pointed out IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kaziranga-national-park-undertakes-multiple-initiatives-for-vulture-conservation-637003.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 19:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rajasthan-farmer-murdered-for-resisting-deer-hunt-in-jaisalmer-villagers-torch-shop-636291.html Jaipur Sep 3 A farmer was murdered in Dangri village under Sangad police station limits of Fatehgarh subdivision of Rajasthan after he resisted a group of miscreants attempting to hunt a deer The incident occurred late Tuesday night The farmer was found lying in a pool of blood in his fields early Wednesday morning and was rushed to a nearby hospitalAccording to police Khet Singh 50 was attacked with sharp weapons on the head while he was asleep Severely injured he lay unattended in the field the entire night After initial treatment he was referred to Barmer in critical condition where he succumbed during treatment Following the murder tension gripped the village Enraged villagers set fire to a tyretube shop belonging to the accuseds side around 6 pm on Wednesday Police immediately deployed additional force barricaded the area and appealed to residents to remain indoorsEntry of outsiders into the village has also been restricted Jaisalmer SP Abhishek Shivhare confirmed that police detained two accused Ladu Khan and Alam Khan while another Khete Khan is still absconding The vehicle used by the accused has been seized The SP said the primary motive behind the killing appears to be the farmers opposition to illegal hunting The situation is under control Police force is present in the village and villagers have been asked to stay at home SP Shivhare said In his police complaint the victims brother Swaroop Singh revealed that about 10 days ago Ladu Khan and Alam Khan had come to the village armed with guns to hunt deer When Khet Singh opposed them a heated argument broke out during which the miscreants allegedly attempted to take away one of his goats Swaroop Singh said the accused had threatened Khet Singh warning that they would take care of him On Tuesday night they allegedly attacked while Khet Singh was sleeping in his fieldThe murder has left the village in shock with the police maintaining tight security to prevent further escalation Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police has issued an appeal to the general public to maintain peace and harmony in the wake of the recent murder incident in the Sangad police station area The SP informed that all three named accused have been arrested in connection with the case Police have also seized the vehicle used in the crime ensuring that all key suspects are in custody SP Shivhare said that the police are adopting a zerotolerance policy in dealing with the case and assured the public that strict legal action is being taken Senior police officers remain present at the site to oversee lawful proceedings and to ensure the situation remains under control He urged citizens to keep faith in the police action and to cooperate in maintaining law and orderThe Superintendent of Police also issued a strong warning against spreading false or misleading information on social media He said that any post or comment that is baseless or has the potential to disturb communal harmony will invite strict legal consequences The police have reiterated their commitment to act firmly against those trying to disrupt peace in the region and appealed to the public not to fall prey to rumours IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rajasthan-farmer-murdered-for-resisting-deer-hunt-in-jaisalmer-villagers-torch-shop-636291.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 23:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-census-finds-891-lions-7-672-wild-asses-as-state-leads-in-biodiversity-636125.html Gandhinagar Sep 3 Gujarat marked National Wildlife Day 2025 by highlighting its growing biodiversity and conservation achievements from the steady rise of Asiatic lions to the protection of migratory birds wild asses dolphins and chinkaras According to the May 2025 census the states lion population has climbed to 891 including 196 males and 330 femalesThe survey covered 35000 sq km across 11 districts reaffirming Gir as the last natural habitat of the Asiatic lion The population has steadily increased from 327 in 2001 to 674 in 2020 reaching 891 this year The state also continues to serve as a sanctuary for migratory birdsThe Bird Diversity Report 202324 noted that 18 to 2 million birds arrive in Gujarat every year Dwarka district leads with 456 species followed by Kutch with 161 species and 45 lakh birds Jamnagar Mehsana Banaskantha and Ahmedabad were also identified as rich bird habitatsGujarats wild ass population found only in the Little and Greater Rann of Kutch has also registered growth The 2024 census recorded 7672 wild asses up from 6082 in the previous survey showing a 26 per cent increase The census also tracked nilgai chinkara jackal and desert fox populations Along its 1600 km coastline Gujarat has emerged as a key site for marine biodiversityA 2024 survey documented 680 dolphins across 4087 sq km from Kutch to Bhavnagar with dolphins increasingly becoming an attraction for ecotourism The states Karuna Abhiyan an annual rescue drive during the Uttarayan kite festival has also had a significant impact In 2025 over 17000 injured birds were treated with 15572 surviving Since 2017 the initiative has saved nearly 92 per cent of more than 112 lakh birds injured during the festivalOfficials noted that Gujarats conservation journey began with stricter wildlife protection measures introduced during Prime Minister Narendra Modis tenure as Chief Minister The initiatives have since been expanded under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and state Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera with increasing public participation IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-census-finds-891-lions-7-672-wild-asses-as-state-leads-in-biodiversity-636125.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/elathur-lake-in-erode-declared-tamil-nadus-third-biodiversity-heritage-site-635805.html Chennai Sep 1 Elathur lake in Erode district a haven for migratory birds and diverse wildlife has been formally declared Tamil Nadus third Biodiversity Heritage Site BHS The state government issued the notification under Section 371 of the Biological Diversity Act 2002 for the lake covering an expanse of 3742 hectaresThis new designation places Elathur alongside Arittapatti in Madurai which received the tag in November 2022 and Kasampatty in Dindigul notified in March 2025Officials described the move as a recognition of the lakes ecological fragility biological richness and cultural significanceBiodiversity Heritage Sites are recognised natural areas that conserve rare threatened and keystone species while protecting unique habitats They also highlight the deep cultural and traditional connections people share with such landscapesThe Elathur Lake has long been regarded as a critical habitat for both resident and migratory birds Its varied ecosystem includes deep and shallow waters marshland dry scrubland mudflats and rocky outcrops During peak migratory months the lake attracts nearly 5000 birds making it one of the important wintering and breeding grounds in the stateSurveys have identified 187 bird species at the site Among them are endangered species like the steppe eagle vulnerable ones such as the river tern and greater spotted eagle and nearthreatened birds including the Asian woollynecked stork and the blackheaded ibisBeyond its avian wealth Elathur supports 38 species of plants 35 butterflies 12 dragonflies 12 reptiles seven mammals and a variety of amphibians fish and invertebrates underlining its ecological diversityThe Erode Collector noted that the governments notification first issued on January 28 2025 ensures permanent protection for the lake and its surrounding landscapes He emphasised that the step would not only conserve the areas natural wealth but also preserve the cultural values and traditional practices associated with the community By securing BHS status for Elathur Lake Tamil Nadu has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding fragile ecosystems Conservationists believe this recognition will strengthen awareness and encourage local participation in protecting one of the states most vital wetlands for generations to come IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/elathur-lake-in-erode-declared-tamil-nadus-third-biodiversity-heritage-site-635805.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 23:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-forest-department-plans-to-trap-capture-leopard-straying-into-ooty-town-634677.html Chennai Aug 28 Authorities in the Nilgiris are moving to capture a leopard that has been repeatedly sighted inside Ooty town in Tamil Nadu over the last two months The proposal for the operation has been submitted to the Chief Wildlife Warden and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Rakesh Kumar Dogra and the big cat is expected to be shifted to a safer forest habitat once permission is grantedOnce clearance is received the Nilgiris North Range staff will set up a cage trap in vulnerable areasThe leopard a healthy adult male will then be relocated to the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve MTR in the stateThough the animal has not harmed humans so far residents of Gardenmund Glenrock Housing Colony CRL and the Collectors Bungalow near Tamilagam Road have been alarmed by its presenceThe forest officials have said the leopard typically roams close to habitations during the early morning hours and has attacked stray dogs but no incidents involving cattle or people have been reported so farWe have installed eight cameras to monitor its movement The leopard has not shown any aggression toward people but we are urging residents to avoid walking at night and to secure their pet dogs an official from the Nilgiris North Range saidOn public demand thermal drones were deployed on Monday to track the big cats nocturnal activityWe attempted to trace it in the bushes but could not get a clear sighting It may have strayed from the adjoining Doddabetta reserve forest the official explainedThe forest authorities have emphasised that the decision to trap and translocate the animal was taken mainly as a precautionary step to prevent panic in townOfficials added that such cases are not unusual in the Nilgiris where wildlife corridors often bring predators close to human settlements IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-forest-department-plans-to-trap-capture-leopard-straying-into-ooty-town-634677.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/animal-welfare-groups-oppose-baby-elephants-transfer-from-uttarkhand-to-tirunelveli-temple-634611.html Chennai Aug 27 More than 50 animal protection groups across India have urged the governments of Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand to immediately halt the proposed transfer of a baby elephant from Uttarakhand to the Arulmigu Nellaiyappar Arultharum Kanthimathiamman Temple in Tirunelveli The appeal addressed to Tamil Nadus Ministers for Forests and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments and to Uttarakhands Forest Minister warns that moving a wild calf of less than two years into temple captivity would cause lifelong suffering and violate multiple laws including the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 the Captive Elephant Transfer or Transport Rules 2024 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960According to enquiries the Uttarakhand Forest Department verbally confirmed that the elephant is a wild male calf The temples earlier elephant Gandhimati died in January 2025 after years of illness including diabetes and severe arthritis from confinement Chennaibased People for Cattle India PFCI one of the signatories has offered to donate a mechanical elephant to the temple as a compassionate alternativeThey noted that elephants in captivity are often broken through violent training chained for life and suffer isolation and abuse Male elephants in particular face cruelty during musth sometimes leading to fatal attacks on handlers or devoteesIn November 2024 elephant Deivanai killed her mahout and his relative in Tiruchendur while past years have seen similar incidents in Trichy and other parts of India The groups also cited a 2021 Madras High Court order that barred temples and private entities from acquiring new elephants except for medical treatmentThey urged that the calf instead of being forced into captivity should be rewilded with expert help or relocated to a sanctuary where it can live unchained among its species Advocating modern practices the coalition highlighted that at least 20 temples in South India already use mechanical elephants 11 of which were donated by PETA IndiaIn June this year actor Trisha Krishnan and PFCI gifted one such elephant Gaja to temples in Aruppukottai The joint appeal signed by animal welfare organisations from across Tamil Nadu Kerala Karnataka Uttarakhand Delhi and other regions called on authorities to prioritise compassion and conservation over outdated practices of elephant captivity IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/animal-welfare-groups-oppose-baby-elephants-transfer-from-uttarkhand-to-tirunelveli-temple-634611.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/will-fully-comply-with-sc-order-to-appoint-sit-vantara-634220.html New Delhi Aug 26 Vantara on Tuesday acknowledged the Supreme Court order to appoint a Special Investigation Team SIT to probe allegations against the Relianceowned wildlife facility in Gujarats Jamnagar It has pledged full compliance with lawWe acknowledge the order of the Honble Supreme Court with utmost regard Vantara remains committed to transparency compassion and full compliance with the law Vantara said in a statementOur mission and focus continue to be the rescue rehabilitation and care of animals We will extend full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team and continue our work sincerely always placing the welfare of animals at the heart of all our efforts it addedThe SC on Monday ordered the constitution of a SIT under the chairmanship of retired apex court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar to probe into alleged illegal wildlife transfers the unlawful captivity of elephants and other allegations against VantaraA Bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale was dealing with two public interest litigations PILs that levelled wideranging accusations not only against Vantara but also casting aspersions on statutory authorities and even courtsAs per the top courts order the SIT has been tasked to examine issues including acquisition of animals from India and abroad particularly elephants compliance with the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna CITES obligations standards of veterinary care and animal welfare allegations of creating a vanity or private collection misuse of water or carbon credits and allegations of financial irregularities and money launderingThe Justice Mithalled Bench clarified that the exercise is only to assist the Court as a factfinding inquiry and shall not be construed to have cast any doubt on the functioning of any statutory authorities or the private respondentVantaraWe request that the process be allowed to take place without speculation and in the best interest of the animals we serve Vantara saidThe PILs were filed just days after thousands of residents in Maharashtras Kolhapur staged protests against Vantara an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre managed by Anant Ambani the son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani and supported by Reliance Industries and the Reliance FoundationThe demonstrators called for the return of a 36yearold elephant named Mahadevi also known as Madhuri to her original home in Nandani village in the Karvir region of Kolhapur districtIn July Madhuri was transferred to Vantara in compliance with a SC orderIn an official statement Vantara had said the decision to relocate Madhuri was made under judicial authority and its role was limited to providing care veterinary support and housing as an independent rescue and rehabilitation centre IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/will-fully-comply-with-sc-order-to-appoint-sit-vantara-634220.html Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rajasthan-201-million-year-old-fossils-found-in-jaisalmer-634148.html Jaipur Aug 25 A fossil of a phytosaur species from the Jurassic period has been discovered in Megha village of Jaisalmer Scientists estimate its age at around 201 million years making it one of the oldest fossils ever found in the country and the first phytosaur fossil from Jurassic rocks in India The skeleton was found near a pond in Megha village of Fatehgarh subdivision after which villagers informed the administration on August 21Senior groundwater scientist Dr Narayan Das Inkhaiya inspected the site and confirmed it as a Jurassicperiod fossil Later Dr VS Parihar Dean of the Institute of Earth Sciences JNVU Jodhpur verified the find and is currently leading a detailed study with his team Dr Parihar said This fossil belongs to the phytosaur species of crocodileshaped reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic period older than dinosaurs Its length is about 15 to 2 meters Phytosaurs often called tree lizards were ancient reptiles that lived in dense forests near rivers By examining the spine researchers observed strong similarities to modern crocodiles The excavation site has been protected with fencing The Geological Survey of India will now carry out a full excavation and study of the fossil According to Dr InkhaiyaThis is a major discovery where a nearly complete skeleton has been found Further excavation may also reveal fossils of other creatures Jaisalmer has long been known for traces of prehistoric life Dinosaur footprints have been discovered near Thaiyat while 180millionyearold fossilised trees were found in Akal village now preserved in the Wood Fossil Park Three locations Jethwai hill Thaiyat and Lathi are even called the villages of dinosaurs because of the abundance of remains discovered there Mining in these areas once destroyed several fossils but the government has since stopped quarrying and secured the sites for protection IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rajasthan-201-million-year-old-fossils-found-in-jaisalmer-634148.html Mon, 25 Aug 2025 21:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/india-launches-first-ever-national-guidelines-for-animal-blood-transfusion-blood-banks-634169.html New Delhi Aug 25 In a major step forward for veterinary healthcare the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying DAHD under the Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying on Monday released Indias first comprehensive national guidelines and standard operating procedures SOPs for blood transfusion and blood banks for animals Blood transfusion is widely recognised as a lifesaving intervention for managing trauma severe anaemia surgical blood loss infectious diseases and coagulation disorders in animalsHowever until now India did not have a structured national framework for veterinary transfusion medicineMost transfusions were performed only in emergencies often without standardised donor screening blood typing or storage protocolsThe newly released guidelines aim to bridge this critical gap by providing a scientific ethical and structured framework for all aspects of veterinary blood transfusionThis includes donor selection blood collection component processing storage transfusion procedures monitoring and safety safeguardsThe guidelines were developed after extensive consultations with the Veterinary Council of India veterinary universities ICAR institutes state governments practising veterinarians and experts ensuring that Indias practices align with global best standardsUnder the new framework stateregulated veterinary blood banks will be established with biosafetycompliant infrastructureBlood typing and crossmatching will be mandatory to prevent incompatible transfusionsThe guidelines also define clear eligibility criteria for donors covering health vaccination status age weight and disease screeningEmphasis has been placed on voluntary nonremunerated donations with informed consent guided by a Donor Rights CharterThe guidelines integrate One Health principles to manage zoonotic risks and provide standardised SOPs forms and checklists for donor registration transfusion monitoring and reporting adverse reactionsThey also lay out a roadmap for creating a National Veterinary Blood Bank Network NVBBN featuring digital registries realtime inventories and an emergency helplineTraining modules for veterinary students postgraduate programmes and continuing education for practitioners are also includedLooking ahead the guidelines encourage innovations such as mobile blood collection units cryopreservation of rare blood types mobile apps for donorrecipient matching and advanced transfusion researchIndias livestock and companion animal sector is one of the largest in the world with over 537 million livestock and more than 125 million companion animalsThe sector contributes 55 per cent to the national GDP and over 30 per cent to agricultural GDP playing a key role in food security rural livelihoods and public healthWith growing demand for specialised emergency veterinary care these guidelines are expected to significantly strengthen clinical care save animal lives protect rural livelihoods and advance animal welfare across the countryAlthough advisory and nonstatutory the document is designed to remain dynamic evolving with new scientific evidence field experiences and stakeholder feedback while maintaining high standards of animal welfare biosafety and public confidence IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/india-launches-first-ever-national-guidelines-for-animal-blood-transfusion-blood-banks-634169.html Mon, 25 Aug 2025 23:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/bsf-troopers-thwart-animal-smuggling-attempt-along-india-bdesh-border-633776.html Kolkata Aug 23 The Border Security Force BSF has foiled an animal smuggling attempt along the IndiaBangladesh border in Nadia district of West Bengal an official said An African Serval Cat was rescued and handed over to the forest department The Serval is a rare wild small cat native to Africa It is widespread in subSaharan countries where it inhabits grasslands wetlands moorlands and bamboo thickets Across its range it occurs in protected areas and hunting it is either prohibited or regulated in range countriesThe Serval is a slender mediumsized cat that stands 5462 cm 2124 in tall at the shoulder and has a weight range of approximately 918 kg 2040 lb It is characterised by a small head large ears a goldenyellow to buff coat spotted and striped with black and a short blacktipped tail The serval has the longest legs of any cat relative to its body sizeIn the early hours of Friday troops of the 56 Bn BSF deployed at Border Outpost Natna Forward noticed a suspicious movement of 56 smugglers near the IBB They were attempting to cross over from Bangladesh into Indian territory Acting swiftly the BSF jawans challenged them and rushed forward On seeing the approaching BSF troops the smugglers panicked and fled back towards Bangladesh taking advantage of the dense vegetation a senior BSF official saidThe troops immediately launched a thorough search of the area During the search a rare wild cat suspected to be an African Serval Cat was found alive inside the wooden crate The rescued animal was taken into custody and handed over to the concerned forest department office for further action he addedCrossborder animal trafficking has turned into a major cause for concern for Indian border guarding troops Attempts are regularly made to smuggle exotic species across the international border These include all kinds of animals and birds Demand from private collectors promotes this illegal trade The price of a Serval in the Indian market can go up to Rs 600000The official commended the swift action by the troops that thwarted the smuggling attempt IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/bsf-troopers-thwart-animal-smuggling-attempt-along-india-bdesh-border-633776.html Sat, 23 Aug 2025 17:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rajasthan-flying-dinosaur-fossil-discovered-in-jaisalmer-633432.html Jaipur Aug 21 In a remarkable discovery possible fossil remains of a flying dinosaur from the Jurassic era have been unearthed in Megha village located in Jaisalmer Rajasthan This surprising find has drawn attention from scientists and palaeontology enthusiasts alike as it could shed new light on prehistoric life in the Indian subcontinentAccording to geologist Dr Narayan Das Inikhiya the fossilised remains appear to be around 7 feet long and exhibit features resembling feathers suggesting they may belong to a flying dinosaur species or a closely related creature from the Jurassic periodThe fossils were discovered during an excavation of a pond in the villageDr Inikhiya revealed that spinal and foot fossils were also found at the site Based on preliminary assessments he estimates the fossils to be approximately 180 million years old predating human existenceHe has shared images and video evidence of the fossils with senior geological authorities and emphasised the importance of further scientific research on this findingThis is a matter of great pride and scientific curiosity said Dr Inikhiya adding that the find could provide valuable insights into the prehistoric fauna that once roamed the Thar regionThis is not the first time Jaisalmer has made headlines for dinosaur discoveries Earlier scientists from the Geological Survey of India GSI and IIT Roorkee discovered fossil remains of a longnecked planteating dicraeosaurid dinosaur in the regionThat fossil named Tharosaurus indicus was determined to be around 167 million years old The name Tharosaurus pays homage to the Thar desert while indicus refers to its country of origin IndiaThe recent discovery in Megha village may prove to be another crucial piece in understanding Indias rich and ancient geological history If confirmed it could be one of the rare findings of flying dinosaur fossils in this part of the world IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rajasthan-flying-dinosaur-fossil-discovered-in-jaisalmer-633432.html Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/four-giraffe-species-officially-recognised-in-major-scientific-reclassification-iucn-report-633379.html Windhoek Namibia Aug 21 A groundbreaking assessment has officially recognised four distinct giraffe species overturning previous classifications of the worlds tallest land mammal as a single species The taxonomic review undertaken by the International Union for Conservation of Natur IUCN Species Survival Commissions Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group GOSG Taxonomic Task Force and made public on Thursday marks a major milestone in the giraffe taxonomy and reshapes how giraffe diversity is understood and conservedHistorically giraffe Giraffa spp have been classified as a single species with nine subspecies but they have long been the subject of taxonomic uncertaintyIn response to growing scientific evidence and the urgent need for clearer conservation planning the GOSG launched a Taxonomic Task Force in 2024 to comprehensively review the latest genetic morphological and biogeographical dataThis landmark taxonomic revision by the IUCN Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group reflects the best available science and provides a globally standardised framework to inform conservation said Michael Brown CoChair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group and Conservation Science Coordinator for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and one of the coauthors of the assessmentRecognising these four species is vital not only for accurate IUCN Red List assessments targeted conservation action and coordinated management across national borders The more precisely we understand giraffe taxonomy the better equipped we are to assess their status and implement effective conservation strategies Brown addedThe Task Force evaluated extensive genetic data from multiple peerreviewed studies many of which investigated giraffe genetics making giraffe among the most genetically wellstudied large mammal taxa in AfricaAnalyses of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA consistently revealed large differences between several giraffe lineages supporting the recognition of multiple speciesComplementing the genetic work the review also incorporated studies of morphological differentiation including notable differences in skull structure and bone shape across regionsBiogeographic assessments also considered the role of natural barriers such as major rivers rift valleys and arid zones that could have contributed to evolutionary isolationTogether these multiple lines of evidence provide scientific support for elevating certain giraffe populations to full species status reflecting their distinct evolutionary histories IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/four-giraffe-species-officially-recognised-in-major-scientific-reclassification-iucn-report-633379.html Thu, 21 Aug 2025 19:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/training-imparted-to-assam-forest-staff-to-boost-conviction-rates-in-wildlife-crime-case-633425.html Guwahati Aug 21 To further strengthen frontline enforcement against wildlife crime in Assam ambitious initiatives have been launched to provide comprehensive legal training to Investigation Officers IOs under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 officials said on Thursday Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that a sixday comprehensive legal training program for IOs under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 completed on Thursday in Kaziranga marking a major step in strengthening frontline enforcement against wildlife crime in AssamIn subsequent weeks this initiative will be carried forward to other wildlife divisions mainly in the Bishwanath and Nagaon area and represents a significant investment in capacity building for Assams frontline defenders of wildlife Ghosh addedShe said that by equipping forest staff with sharper investigative skills and stronger legal understanding the programme is expected to enhance conviction rates in wildlife crime cases and act as a stronger deterrent against poaching and illegal tradeThe success of this first batch demonstrates the value of integrating legal expertise into conservation practice creating a stronger shield of protection for Indias wildlife the KNPTR Director saidThe training held from August 16 to 21 at Kohora was designed to provide handson legal and procedural knowledge to forest frontline staff by simulating reallife situations encountered during investigationsAccording to Ghosh the first batch of this training successfully equipped 23 forest staff with indepth knowledge on critical subjects including the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 the Assam Wildlife Protection Rules 1997 procedures of seizure and evidence collection and framing of offence reportsThe programme also covered the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 ensuring participants are updated with the latest criminal law framework relevant to wildlife crime prosecutionThe training combined classroom sessions with practical exercises including preparation of seizure reports mapping of crime scenes and framing of offence reports based on hypothetical case studiesEach groups reports were reviewed by an external advocate in a mock courtroom exercise providing critical feedback on procedures and evidence handlingThis unique format gave participants firsthand exposure to the expectations of courts in wildlife crime casesLed by Bhupen Talukdar Bhaskar Choudhury Wildlife Trust of India WTI and other legal professionals the course provided both conceptual clarity and practical skillsThe initiative was collaboratively funded by WTI The Serenity Trust and Kaziranga Park authorities the Indian Forest Service official said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/training-imparted-to-assam-forest-staff-to-boost-conviction-rates-in-wildlife-crime-case-633425.html Thu, 21 Aug 2025 23:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/elite-marine-force-to-protect-chennais-turtle-beaches-fragile-habitats-633244.html Chennai Aug 21 The citys coastline is set to get a new line of defence with the launch of a specialised marine force tasked with protecting turtle nesting beaches and fragile marine ecosystems Equipped with boats surveillance gear and joint action squads the elite unit will crack down on poachers polluters and illegal trawlers operating within five nautical miles of the shorelineThe initiative comes at a time when marine ecosystems face rising threats from uncontrolled fishing pollution and habitat destruction According to State Forest Secretary Supriya Sahu the force will strengthen realtime responses to incidents involving stranded injured or dead marine animals It will also intensify patrolling during the olive ridley turtle nesting and hatching season which runs from November to April This initiative rests on strong interdepartmental coordination bringing together the coastal security group Indian Coast Guard fisheries department and fishermen associations to ensure effective enforcement Sahu said The model integrates marine protection with community participation she added The state government has sanctioned Rs 96 lakh for the forces first year of operations Of this Rs 20 lakh will be used to purchase deepsea boats while Rs 1980 lakh is allocated for salaries of marine watchers and boat drivers Another Rs 1620 lakh has been set aside for modern marine machinery and surveillance equipment and Rs 36 lakh will cover fuel expenses highlighting the intensive patrolling planned along the coast The force will operate through two dedicated teams each consisting of marine watchers and drivers with about a dozen personnel per boat The forest departments existing vessel will be modernised while a new boat will soon be inducted to strengthen operations Officials expect the enhanced patrolling to significantly reduce turtle mortalities deter poaching and curb destructive trawling practices The unit will also serve as a deterrent against other harmful activities threatening fragile coastal ecosystems Additionally systematic data collection by the teams will support research and longterm conservation planning Once fully deployed the specialised marine force is expected to bring tangible improvements in marine protection along the Chennai coastline creating a stronger shield for vulnerable habitats and the endangered olive ridley turtles IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/elite-marine-force-to-protect-chennais-turtle-beaches-fragile-habitats-633244.html Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/two-orphaned-asiatic-black-bears-released-in-assam-national-park-after-6-months-of-care-in-kaziranga-633137.html Guwahati Aug 20 Two orphaned Asiatic black bear cubs rescued from the Dissoi Reserved Forest in Jorhat were released in Dehing Patkai National Park after spending six months in care at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation CWRC in Kaziranga officials said on Wednesday The Dehing Patkai National Park spreads across Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of eastern AssamKaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that the two orphaned Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus cubs rescued from Dissoi Reserved Forest in Jorhat on February 26 2025 have successfully begun their new life with their translocation to Dehing Patkai National Park for eventual release in the wild This also marks an important milestone in Assams wildlife conservation journey she saidAccording to the KNPTR Director the cubs estimated to be between four and six weeks old at the time were spotted alone by a local youth and handed over to the NaKachari Beat Office under Jorhat Forest Division As subsequent surveys found no trace of their mother they were transferred to CWRC in Kaziranga for specialised careGhosh said that established in 2002 the CWRC in Kaziranga is a joint initiative by the Assam Forest Department the International Fund for Animal Welfare IFAW and the Wildlife Trust of India WTIThe official said that at CWRC the cubs were treated for mild dehydration and nurtured in the small mammal nursery under the close supervision of Dr Bhaskar Choudhury and his team They were reared on a canine milk replacer and gradually introduced to conditions that would prepare them for survival in the wildThe rehabilitation of orphaned Asiatic black bear cubs in CWRC followed the Asiatic black bear rehabilitation protocols of the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation CBRC Pakke Tiger Reserve Arunachal PradeshThe KNPTR Director stated that the rehabilitation process focused on ensuring proper nutrition maintaining natural behaviours and minimising human imprinting to enhance their chances of successful reintegration In line with best practices a scientific survey was undertaken to determine a suitable release site While the Dissoi Reserved Forest was considered its proximity to human settlements and high disturbance made it unsuitable for bear rehabilitationA systematic evaluation based on natural cover distance from habitation prey availability and local community awareness identified Dehing Patkai National Park as the most suitable release site Offering rich vegetation abundant natural resources minimal human interference and committed support from forest staff and local communities the park emerged as the ideal new home for the cubs Ghosh pointed outAfter getting approval from Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden Assam the CWRC team successfully translocated the cubs to Dehing Patkai National Park on Sunday August 17 giving them a genuine chance to thrive in the wildGhosh said that the journey of these Asiatic black bear cubs from their rescue in Jorhat to their care at CWRC and finally to their release in Dehing Patkai National Park stands as a powerful example of what sciencedriven rehabilitation ethical wildlife management and community involvement can achieve It reflects Assams growing commitment to protecting its wildlife heritage and ensuring that even orphaned animals are given a second chance at freedom the senior Indian Forest Service IFS officer said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/two-orphaned-asiatic-black-bears-released-in-assam-national-park-after-6-months-of-care-in-kaziranga-633137.html Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/after-troubling-cm-and-lop-toddy-cat-disrupts-kerala-hc-proceedings-632821.html Kochi Aug 19 Proceedings at the Kerala High Courts Chamber 1 were briefly thrown into disarray on Tuesday after an Asian Palm Civet locally known as the toddy cat or musang created a foul stench inside the courtroom The disruption occurred during the morning session presided over by Chief Justice Nitin Madhukar JamdarSoon after hearings began a strong odour spread through the airconditioned chamber The Chief Justice proceeded with urgent matters but as the smell worsened the court was forced to adjournCleaning staff were immediately deployed to trace and address the problemOfficials later suspected the source to be a civet cat that had slipped in through the airconditioning vents and taken shelter between the ceiling and the roofKnown for its pungent urine the animal often makes its presence felt in enclosed spacesThe Asian Palm Civet is a nocturnal mammal usually found near palm groves and fruitbearing trees In Kerala it is commonly spotted in tiled heritage houses and other old buildings where it takes refuge under roof structuresAlthough harmless and largely frugivorous its movements and smell often create a significant nuisance in human habitationsThe incident at the High Court follows similar complaints from Keralas top political leadersChief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier shared that civet cats at his official residence in Thiruvananthapuram were disturbing his sleep by scampering across the tiled roof at nightHe also complained that his clothes were frequently ruined due to the animals urinationLeader of Opposition VD Satheesan has faced the same issue at his official residence another old mansion in the capitalWildlife enthusiasts however caution that despite being troublesome in urban areas civet cats are under threat of extinction and play an important role in seed dispersal in forest ecosystems IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/after-troubling-cm-and-lop-toddy-cat-disrupts-kerala-hc-proceedings-632821.html Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-plans-to-introduce-ai-cameras-to-reduce-human-wildlife-conflict-in-valparai-forest-632500.html Chennai Aug 18 The Forest Department is considering the installation of Artificial Intelligence AIenabled cameras in Tamil Nadus Valparai to reduce incidents of humanwildlife conflict in the region The move comes as part of a broader effort to use technology to track animal movements and issue timely alerts to local residentsWe are exploring the use of AI systems to monitor leopards sloth bears and wild elephants Whenever there is an intrusion the system will generate a speciesspecific alert to warn the public and prevent potential conflict A detailed study is being carried out to identify locations where cameras need to be fixed the manpower required and the infrastructure needed said M Suresh Krishnan Forest Range Officer FRO Valparai RangeThe findings of this study will form the basis of a proposal to the state government along with an estimate of the financial requirements for implementationThe department has already had success with similar measures elsewhere An AIbased monitoring system set up along railway tracks in Madukkarai near Coimbatore has helped reduce elephant deaths caused by trainsEncouraged by those results officials now hope to extend the technology to foresthuman interfaces in Valparai where conflict has been a recurring issueAs part of earlier initiatives virtual fencing has been introduced to protect human settlements in vulnerable areasUnder the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives TANII scheme 1300 solarpowered smart fencing devices with thermal sensors were installed 700 in Valparai Range and 600 in the Manomboly RangeThese tenfoothigh smart fences can detect animal movement up to 100 feet away When triggered they activate sirens and flashing lights designed to drive animals back and simultaneously alert people nearbyResidents remain vigilant when the alarms go off especially during night hours which has greatly reduced accidental encounters a forest department staff member notedHowever recent attacks on children have occurred outside the zones covered by these fences underlining the limitations of the current systemIt may be recalled that two children of migrant tea workers were recently mauled to death by a leopard and a sloth bear in this areaOfficials believe AIenabled cameras could fill this gap by providing a wider surveillance network and realtime alerts thereby strengthening existing safety measures The proposed AI camera project is expected to mark a major step toward ensuring safer coexistence between people and wildlife in the ecologically fragile Valparai region IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-plans-to-introduce-ai-cameras-to-reduce-human-wildlife-conflict-in-valparai-forest-632500.html Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/will-look-into-cji-br-gavai-on-relocation-of-stray-dogs-in-delhi-ncr-631889.html New Delhi Aug 13 In what could be a ray of hope for the voiceless Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Wednesday said the Supreme Court will look into the issue of relocation of stray dogs in DelhiNCR The observation came after a lawyer mentioned a plea on the sterilisation and vaccination of community dogs in Delhi and referred to a 2024 apex court order passed by Justice JK Maheshwariled Bench that barred the killing of stray animals and emphasised compassion towards all living beings as an enshrined Constitutional valueResponding CJI Gavai said But the other judge Bench has already passed orders I will look into thisThe CJI was referring to the verdict delivered on Monday by a Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan which directed municipal bodies across DelhiNCR to immediately capture all stray dogs and relocate them to sheltersCiting serious concerns over public safety and the rising risk of rabies the Justice Pardiwalaled Bench described the situation as grim and emphasised that urgent action was necessary to ensure the safety of children women and the elderly on the streetsDirecting the NDMC New Delhi Municipal Council MCD Municipal Corporation of Delhi and civic agencies in Noida Gurugram and Ghaziabad to make the streets completely free of stray dogs the 2judge Bench of the apex court issued a stern warning that any organisation or group obstructing their removal would face strict legal actionIt ordered these civic agencies to begin picking up all stray dogs in their jurisdictions and move them to designated sheltersIf such shelters do not already exist the authorities have been asked to construct them without delay and submit a report on the infrastructure to the apex court within eight weeksThe latest verdict on the relocation of the stray dogs to shelters in DelhiNCR has sparked an uproar from several quarters of societyCongress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi termed the apex courts directives a step back from decades of humane sciencebacked policySeveral animal lovers from the entertainment industry voiced their displeasure over the Supreme Courts decision taking to social media to express concern for the voiceless IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/will-look-into-cji-br-gavai-on-relocation-of-stray-dogs-in-delhi-ncr-631889.html Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/eight-year-old-assam-boy-mauled-to-death-by-sloth-bear-in-tns-valparai-631604.html Chennai Aug 12 An eightyearold boy from Assam was killed in a sloth bear attack at Waverly Estate in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve ATR in Tamil Nadus Valparai said officials on Tuesday The attack happened on Monday night This is the second fatal incident involving a child in the reserve in the past two monthsThe victim identified as S Noor Islam was a Class 3 student living with relatives in the estates labour quarters while his parents remained in AssamForest department officials said the boy had gone to a grocery shop about 200 metres away from his quarters at around 730 pm to buy milk When he failed to return after 45 minutes worried relatives alerted estate staff and neighbours who began a search His body was eventually found about 500 metres from the quarters concealed in dense bushesThe childs face and body bore deep scratches and nail marks Initial speculation pointed to a leopard attack but forest officials later confirmed it was the work of a sloth bear based on the nature of the injuriesA senior forest official said the department had recently held a meeting with estate authorities and other stakeholders chaired by the District Collector to address rising incidents of humananimal conflictWe had instructed the estate management to clear overgrown bushes and provide adequate toilet facilities to reduce encounters with wild animals These measures were discussed soon after the death of fouryearold M Roshini Kumari from Jharkhand who was killed by a leopard at Pachamalai Estate on June 21 the official saidThe body was shifted to Valparai Hospital for postmortem examination The forest department has stepped up patrolling in the area and urged estate residents to remain vigilant especially during early morning and evening hours when wild animals are most activeOfficials said that the hilly terrain abundant forest cover and close proximity of labour settlements to wildlife habitats make Valparai particularly vulnerable to such encounters underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures and community awareness programmes IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/eight-year-old-assam-boy-mauled-to-death-by-sloth-bear-in-tns-valparai-631604.html Tue, 12 Aug 2025 08:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/huge-increase-in-whale-strandings-along-indias-southwest-coast-cmfri-631743.html Kochi Aug 12 Whale strandings along Indias southwest coast have surged tenfold in the past decade according to a study by the ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI raising urgent calls for regionspecific conservation strategies in the face of climate change The analysis covering data from 2004 to 2023 found that annual whale strandings jumped from just 03 per cent between 2003 and 2013 to three per cent during 20142023The increase is attributed to a combination of changing ocean ecosystems human activities and improved reporting through social media and citizen networks Kerala Karnataka and Goa emerged as key hotspots collectively accounting for the majority of casesFactors such as high vessel traffic intensive fishing noise pollution ship strikes habitat degradation and shallow coastal shelves were identified as major contributorsBrydes whales were found to be the most commonly stranded species with occasional blue whale cases also recorded The study also revealed genetic diversity within Brydes whale populations confirming two distinct forms in Indian watersThe trend reached a peak in 2023 when nine strandings the highest in recent years were documented mainly between August and NovemberThe study linked strandings to environmental indicators finding a positive correlation between chlorophylla concentrations and whale strandings during the southwest monsoonThis nutrient upwelling attracts whales closer to shore for feeding increasing the risk of strandingRising sea surface temperatures and converging currents were also found to play a role sometimes pushing weakened or dead whales onto beachesThe researchers stressed the need for predictive models using satellite data on chlorophyll levels wind patterns and sea surface temperatures to anticipate highrisk periodsRegionspecific conservation strategies are required to address this marine biodiversity threat in one of the countrys richest oceanic zones said Dr R Ratheesh Kumar lead author of the study published in Regional Studies in Marine ScienceDr Ratheesh Kumar is also the principal investigator of the national project on Marine Mammal Stock Assessments in IndiaRecommendations include realtime alert systems strengthening marine megafauna conservation networks training fishers and officials and expanding citizen science platforms for better data collectionThe findings the CMFRI warns highlight the urgency of building robust marine mammal conservation infrastructure to safeguard the fragile ecosystems of Indias southwest coast IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/huge-increase-in-whale-strandings-along-indias-southwest-coast-cmfri-631743.html Tue, 12 Aug 2025 22:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/bihar-tiger-attack-claims-farmers-life-in-bagaha-another-forest-worker-injured-631572.html Patna Aug 11 Panic has gripped the Ghoda Ghat village area in West Champarans Bagaha subdivision in Bihar after a tiger strayed from the Valmiki Tiger Reserve and killed a farmer on Monday A Forest Department worker was also seriously injured while attempting to track the big catThe deceased has been identified as 65yearold farmer Mathura Mahato who was working in his paddy field near Ghoda Ghat under the Govardhana Forest Range when the tiger attacked MahatoThe animal fatally mauled Mahato reportedly tearing open his abdomen and dragged the body into nearby sugarcane fieldsHe was my fatherinlaw He had gone to work in the field when the tiger suddenly attacked After killing him the tiger hid nearby keeping the body in its mouth The Forest Department team later managed to recover it said Renu Devi the victims daughterinlawUpon receiving information a team of forest workers arrived to track and push the tiger back into the forestDuring the search the tiger still near the body pounced on a tiger tracker clawing his thighThe animal retreated only after other workers shouted and created noise The injured tracker was rushed to the Community Health Centre CHC in Ramnagar where he remains in critical conditionWe had information that a tiger had killed a farmer When we reached Ghoda Ghat the tiger hiding in the sugarcane suddenly attacked one of our team We managed to scare it away and took our injured colleague to CHC Ramnagar said Ram Vinay Oraon a tiger tracker with the forest departmentThe incident has sparked widespread fear among villagers many of whom are now avoiding farm workForest ConservatorcumDirector of Valmiki Tiger Reserve VTR Neshamani K assured residents that efforts are underway to trace the tigers movementsHe urged people to stay away from forested areas until the animal is located and capturedAccording to official figures there are 54 tigers in VTR IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/bihar-tiger-attack-claims-farmers-life-in-bagaha-another-forest-worker-injured-631572.html Mon, 11 Aug 2025 22:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/will-work-for-safe-dignified-return-of-elephant-madhuri-after-courts-approval-vantara-630393.html New Delhi Aug 6 After weeks of public outcry and political interventions over the 36yearold elephant Mahadevi also known as Madhuri the Vantara wildlife rehabilitation facility on Wednesday stated that it will ensure her safe and dignified return following legal approval Mahadevi a female elephant was a resident of Swastishree Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswami Sansthan Math a Jain mutt at Nandani village in Karvir in Kolhapur district for over three decadesBut following a Supreme Court order she was in July relocated to Vantara an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre run by Anant Ambani son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani and supported by Reliance Industries Limited and Reliance Foundation in Gujarats JamnagarSubject to the Courts approval Vantara will provide complete technical and veterinary assistance for her safe and dignified return according to an official statement from VantaraThis comes after thousands of people in Kolhapur protested against this and demanded her return to the shrineThe protestors also boycotted Reliance Groups Jio mobile service and marched for 45 km from the shrine to Kolhapur city on Sunday even as politicians from across the spectrum announced their supportOn Tuesday Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a meeting comprising representatives of all political parties and officials on the matter He said that the state government will soon file a review petition in the Supreme Court to bring back the 36yearold elephant to Kolhapur DistrictWhile acknowledging the deep religious and cultural significance that Madhuri holds for the Jain Matha and the people of Kolhapur Vantara noted that it was acting strictly in accordance with the binding directions issued by the Honble Supreme Court and the Bombay High CourtThe decision to relocate Madhuri was taken under judicial authority and Vantaras role was to provide care veterinary support and housing as an independent rescue and rehabilitation centreAt no stage did Vantara initiate or recommend the relocation nor was there any intent to interfere with religious practice or sentiment the official statement saidVantara also proposed to establish a satellite rehabilitation centre for Madhuri in the Nandani area of Kolhapur in close coordination with the Jain Matha and the State GovernmentThe centre will include a specialised hydrotherapy pond for joint and muscular relief a second larger water body for swimming and natural movement a laser therapy and treatment room for physical rehabilitation among other facilities for better health of elephantsVantara also expressed Michhami Dukkadam sincere regret if the matter despite being carried out solely under court directions has caused any distress to the Jain community or the peopleof Kolhapur IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/will-work-for-safe-dignified-return-of-elephant-madhuri-after-courts-approval-vantara-630393.html Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tripura-to-set-up-six-eco-parks-to-boost-tourism-protect-forests-minister-630468.html Agartala Aug 6 In a bid to boost tourism and protect forests the Tripura Forest Department has decided to set up six ecoparks in the state state Forest and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma said on Wednesday The Minister said the proposed ecoparks would not only promote tourism and conservation but also help generate livelihood opportunities for local communitiesThe proposed six ecoparks would be developed in six of the states eight districts except Dhalai and South Tripura districts Around Rs 10 crore would be spent for this purpose Debbarma told IANS He said that the Joint Forest Management Group JFMG would govern these proposed ecoparksAccording to the Minister the Forest Departments main target is to create assets and aim to make the best use of its resources while making any plan that involves the forestsMinister Debbarma also said that the forest department would establish roadside small market zones and forest producers outlets to facilitate people to sell forest and agricultural products on roadsidesThe Forest and Environment Minister earlier said that the state government has been implementing three externally aided projects to protect the forests and also provide livelihood to forest dwellers Of the three externally aided projects one was funded by the Government of Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA as a soft loan The other was a grant from the Federal Republic of Germany through KFW and the third one is a World Bankfunded Rs 176494 crore projectThe World Bank is funding a Rs 176494 crore project called the Enhancing Landscape and Ecosystem Management ELEMENT Project in Tripura This project focuses on forest management community development and enhancing livelihoods in the state The project also aims to create jobs for the youth and women in particular by promoting forestbased entrepreneurship in the state IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tripura-to-set-up-six-eco-parks-to-boost-tourism-protect-forests-minister-630468.html Wed, 06 Aug 2025 20:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/over-7-300-pigs-dead-2-900-culled-due-to-african-swine-fever-outbreak-in-mizoram-since-march-630245.html Aizawl Aug 5 Mizoram has been battling a severe outbreak of African Swine Fever ASF since midMarch which has left over 7300 pigs dead and affected around 2800 families across 116 villages and localities in seven districts officials said on Tuesday A senior official of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department AHVD said that the spread of the highly infectious disease shows no signs of slowing downSo far the AHVD teams have culled around 2900 pigs in a bid to contain the outbreakSiaha district in southern Mizoram remains the worst affected with over 3300 pig deaths reported in 38 villages and localities affecting 1250 families A total of 945 pigs have been culled in the district as a containment measureBesides Siaha the other affected districts are Lawngtlai Khawzawl Hnahthial Lunglei Mamit and ChamphaiSeveral teams of AHVD are on a regular visit to the affected areas to monitor the situation closely and take immediate steps to curb the spread of the diseaseMizoram Governor General Vijay Kumar Singh retd held a review meeting with senior officials of the AHVD on Monday and discussed the ongoing ASF outbreak in the stateDeputy Director DIampE Dr Esther Lalzoliani giving a detailed overview of the ASF situation in Mizoram and its critical aspects said that the first ASF case in Mizoram was reported at Lungsen village in Lunglei district on March 21 2021Since then so far a total of 69411 pigs have died due to ASF with 52194 culled to prevent further spreadThe outbreak has affected 11382 households resulting in an estimated financial loss of Rs 98216 crore the official saidThrough the assistance to the state for control of animal disease and the state government Rs 1451915 lakh has been disbursed as compensation for culled pigs while an additional Rs 47708 lakh has been provided through the Mizoram Disaster Management and Rehabilitation DMampR Department for pigs lost to the diseaseIn Mondays meeting officials informed the Governor that ASF has become endemic in Mizoram making the implementation of a vaccination program the most viable solution for containment However as no ASF vaccine is available in India they raised the need to explore importing vaccines from Vietnam where they are being developedThe officials also highlighted challenges in securing funds from the Central government which has limited their ability to provide adequate compensationThe AHVD officials reported that Mizoram is among 14 states selected for the first phase of the Pandemic Fund Project to strengthen its Disease Diagnostic Laboratory with plans to achieve NABL accreditation upon completionAn official said that the Governor expressed grave concern over the devastating impact of ASF which has caused significant economic losses and disrupted livelihoods across Mizoram for the past four yearsHighlighting the departments limited capacity to manage the outbreak independently he called for enhanced collaboration with other government departments and increased public participation to strengthen containment efforts General Singh retd urged stakeholders to intensify measures to curb the spread of ASF and mitigate its severe socioeconomic consequences assuring full support for the challenges and proposals presented by the Veterinary Department the official added IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/over-7-300-pigs-dead-2-900-culled-due-to-african-swine-fever-outbreak-in-mizoram-since-march-630245.html Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/three-elephant-tusks-seized-in-tripura-suspect-on-the-run-629810.html Agartala Aug 3 Three elephant tusks have been seized from a village in Tripuras Unakoti district officials said on Sunday A forest official said that no one has been arrested so far in this connection as the owner of the house Mayub Ali from whose house tusks were seized managed to escape before the police and forest officials reached the areaActing on a tipoff about the smuggling of drugs police conducted a raid at the house of Ali at Sonapur village in Unakoti district on Saturday eveningDuring the search police found three elephant tusks in Alis house and they informed the forest officials who seized the elephant tusksWe were unable to arrest the house owner Ali as he managed to flee before the arrival of the police the official told the media adding that a case has been registered and a search is on to nab the accusedAssistant Wildlife Officer Kailashahar Subhankar Biswas said the tusks are not of adult elephantsIt is not yet known how Ali procured these tusks he saidBiswas said that the Forest Department in association with the police would take appropriate legal action against those involved in the caseRecently the police lodged a case after the carcass of an elephant with its few body parts missing was recovered from a forest at Pramod Nagar in Khowai districtAs per a report of the state Forest Department a few years ago Tripura had 102 elephants including 42 wild elephants and 60 in captivityMeanwhile Tripura Forest Department is trying to start an elephant safari for the tourists at the Teliamura area of Khowai districtIf the government approves the plan we will start the elephant safari from the next winter season a forest official said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/three-elephant-tusks-seized-in-tripura-suspect-on-the-run-629810.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 18:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/chennai-corporations-50-day-dog-vaccination-drive-from-august-7-to-combat-rabies-629733.html Chennai Aug 3 After a fiveyear hiatus in citywide canine vaccination the Greater Chennai Corporation GCC is set to roll out a massive 50day immunisation drive from August 7 targeting one lakh stray and pet dogs in a concerted effort to curb rabies and other canine diseases The civic body aims to vaccinate around 3000 dogs per day across various city zonesUntil now only sterilised stray dogs were routinely vaccinated at Animal Birth Control ABC centres However this special drive will extend coverage to unsterilised stray dogs and pet dogs with the goal of breaking the rabies transmission chainTo ensure Chennai is rabiesfree several steps are being taken including sterilisation and vaccination A recent survey found over 18 lakh stray dogs in the city Until now only those brought to ABC centres have been vaccinated This special mass vaccination camp starting August 7 will cover the remaining unvaccinated stray population said Dr J Kamal Hussain Veterinary Officer GCCThe drive will initially cover three zones and later expand citywide Ten specially trained teams will carry out the vaccinations with each team expected to inoculate at least 100 dogs per dayKamal Hussain further noted that the rabies shot will be administered as a fiveinone vaccine which also protects against canine distemper parvovirus adenovirus and leptospirosis In addition dogs will be treated with endectoparasiticide to prevent tick and parasite infestationsWe aim to cover at least one lakh dogs through this intensive campaign he addedChennai sees an estimated 20000 to 30000 dog bite cases annually During a recent council meeting several ward councillors raised concerns over the rising stray dog population and the need for regular antirabies vaccinationSterilisation alone doesnt prevent dog bites After surgery the dogs are released back into the same areas Without proper vaccination the risk remains high animal rights activist and social worker Christine Thomas saidHowever animal welfare activists have welcomed the GCCs move Had this vaccination drive been initiated earlier a larger section of the dog population could have been protected Still this is a muchneeded step to reduce humananimal conflict said C Rajeev an animal rights activist IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/chennai-corporations-50-day-dog-vaccination-drive-from-august-7-to-combat-rabies-629733.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 09:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kerala-man-fights-off-leopard-to-save-4-year-old-son-629587.html Thrissur Aug 2 A fouryearold boy was rescued after a leopard attacked him in the Veerankudy tribal settlement of Malakkappara in Keralas Trissur district in the wee hours on Saturday The childs father Baby bravely intervened confronting the leopard to save his son Rahul who suffered serious injuries to his headThe attack occurred around 215 am on Saturday while they were sleeping in their temporary hutThe leopard entered the shelter and dragged the child away according to local reports The fathers quick thinking and courage in pursuing the animal with a stone forced it to retreat into the forestRahul was initially rushed to a hospital in Malakkappara and after first aid was taken to Chalakkudy Taluk Hospital Since the injury was serious he was taken to the Government Medical College Hospital Thrissur for surgeryInterestingly the couples twoyearold daughter was also sleeping by them when the leopard entered the hut and dragged away RahulForest officials claimed that the leopard reached near the hut again after the attack on the boyTrissur Collector Arjun Pandian visited the family to assure them of the governments supportThis is the latest in a series of similar attacks in the state particularly in areas bordering dense forests and plantationsIn October 2024 a sixyearold girl was killed by a leopard in the Valparai tea estate near the KeralaTamil Nadu border That same year a male leopard was trapped by forest officials after terrorising villages in Kasaragods Kolathur in northern Kerala where it had been preying on pets and livestockEarlier in April 2023 a fiveyearold boy was injured in a leopard attack at Malakkappara itselfThe rising number of incidents including fatal attacks has created a sense of fear among residents who are demanding concrete action from authoritiesIn response to the crisis the Kerala Forest Department has initiated a 10point action plan including the formation of Rapid Response Teams and the implementation of a realtime monitoring system to track animal movementsThe government has also declared humanwildlife conflict a State Specific Disaster a move that is expected to facilitate faster administrative responses and compensation for victimsThe ongoing resettlement of 47 tribal families in Malakkappara an area prone to such attacks is another step towards mitigating the longstanding safety concerns of these vulnerable communities IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kerala-man-fights-off-leopard-to-save-4-year-old-son-629587.html Sat, 02 Aug 2025 12:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/elusive-leopard-finally-trapped-on-hyderabad-outskirts-629140.html Hyderabad July 31 A leopard which had created panic on the fringes of Hyderabad during last few days has been finally trapped on Thursday The elusive big cat was trapped in a cage in Manchirevula Eco Trek Park in Rangareddy district on the outskirts of Hyderabad The Forest Department will shift the animal to Nehru Zoological Park in HyderabadThe leopard was last sighted in Ibrahim Bagh Military Area near Golconda Fort on MondayThis had created a panic among residents in areas on the city fringes prompting the Forest Department to install eight trap cameras and four cages Authorities had advised people in surrounding areas to be on alertThe same leopard was believed to have been earlier sighted in Manchirevula village inside the sprawling campus of Greyhounds on July 21 Police personnel who spotted the big cat alerted the Forest DepartmentIt was also believed to have been earlier sighted in Narsingi sending panic among residentsThe Forest officials have installed trap cameras and cages at different locations in Greyhounds campus but the leopard apparently left the area without getting trapped and was now moving into the adjoining areaAt least four incidents of leopard sightings have been reported in the city fringes during JulyEarly this month two leopard sightings were reported inside the Research Centre Imarat facility of the Defence Research and Development Organisation in Raviryal Though the Forest officials initiated immediate steps to confirm the presence of leopards they did not find any traces The camera traps have also not captured any imagesLater another leopard was sighted in Chilukur near Himayatsagar reservoir Forest officials had confirmed the presence of the big cat and the same leopard is believed to have crossed over to the Greyhounds campus and later ventured into the Ibrahim Bagh areaIn May last year the Forest Department captured a leopard which had appeared on the premises of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad on the city outskirts IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/elusive-leopard-finally-trapped-on-hyderabad-outskirts-629140.html Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/king-cobra-hatchlings-released-in-andhra-forest-under-conservation-initiative-629072.html Amaravati July 30 Thirty King Cobra hatchlings were successfully released into the Eastern Ghats in what is claimed to be the firstofitskind communityled conservation initiative in Andhra Pradesh This reflects the power of collaboration between local communities NGOs and the Forest Department Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said in a post on social media platform X on WednesdayInsitu conservation of King Cobra nesting habitat was taken up by involving local tribal communities in Paderu Forest Division in North Andhra PradeshPawan Kalyan who is also the Forest and Environment Minister stated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Andhra Pradesh continues to make bold strides in inclusive sciencebased wildlife conservationHe conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to AK Naik Principal Chief Conservator of Forests PCCF and Head of Forest Force HoFF SS Sridhar Chief Wildlife Warden CWLW dedicated frontline staff and the Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society EGWS for this pioneering effortThis success sets the stage for the next big step a proposed 2400hectare King Cobra Sanctuary in the Eastern Ghats Once notified it would be the first of its kind in the world placing AP at the forefront of speciesspecific conservation Let this be a model of what can be achieved when communities and conservation go hand in hand added Pawan KalyanThrough an earlier post the Deputy Chief Minister directed Forest department officials to regularly alert people in areas where elephants are roaming He asked them to form WhatsApp groups with villagers to provide advance informationHe said the Forest department staff should conduct continuous monitoring in those villagesPawan Kalyan gave the direction to officials amid reports of elephants roaming in Chittoor and Tirupati districtsThe Deputy Chief Minister held a teleconference with the forest officials to review the movement of elephant herds destruction of crops and the recent death of a farmer in an attack by elephants in Chittoor district IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/king-cobra-hatchlings-released-in-andhra-forest-under-conservation-initiative-629072.html Wed, 30 Jul 2025 20:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/maha-govt-to-craft-policy-for-broad-citizen-participation-in-tiger-conservation-cm-fadnavis-628827.html Mumbai July 29 Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that the Maharashtra government will soon formulate a policy to increase the broad participation of citizens in tiger conservation CM Fadnavis was speaking at an event organised by the Maharashtra Forest Department and the Asiatic Big Cat Society on the occasion of World Tiger DayThe progress in tiger conservation in Maharashtra has become a model in the country as the number of the big cats in the state has increased due to the efforts of the forest departmentOn this occasion Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan Forest Department Additional Chief Secretary Milind Mhaiskar and others were presentThe trailer of Wild Tadoba a documentary produced by the Wildlife Wing of the Maharashtra Forest Department on the forest reserve was unveiled by the chief ministerAlso on behalf of the Asiatic Big Cat Society renowned wildlife filmmaker Subbiya Nallamuthu who has excelled in the field of wildlife conservation and awareness was presented with the Asiatic Big Cat Society National Award 2025Efforts made to increase the number of tigers in Maharashtra are being appreciated across the country Maharashtra is at the forefront in the field of tiger conservation The TadobaAndhari Tiger Reserve is not only getting national appreciation today but it is gaining recognition at the international level tooTourists and researchers from all over the country visit it As a result employment opportunities are available to the locals and a big economy has been created from it Now we can present this wealth of biodiversity to the world The project created on this Wild Tadoba will showcase the beauty and conservation work of Tadoba to the world said the chief ministerCM Fadnavis said that the most effective tiger conservation in the country has been done in Maharashtra as the Forest Department has implemented many good initiatives to increase the number of the big catsStating that this success was the result of the planned performance of the Forest Department he congratulated the department for its workA separate meeting will be held to resolve the problems of the employees of the Forest Department as conservation is not possible without their sustainable security he addedIn the future the lands near the forests which cannot be cultivated will be acquired so that it will create employment for the villagers said the chief minister IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/maha-govt-to-craft-policy-for-broad-citizen-participation-in-tiger-conservation-cm-fadnavis-628827.html Tue, 29 Jul 2025 21:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assams-kaziranga-home-to-one-horned-rhino-now-ranks-third-globally-in-tiger-density-survey-628642.html Guwahati July 29 Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR home to Greater onehorned Rhinoceroses now ranks third in the world for highest tiger density with 18 tigers per 100 sq km officials said on Tuesday KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that as per the latest report Status of Tigers in Kaziranga 2024 a total of 148 adult tigers were identified in Kaziranga Tiger Reserves KTR three divisions against 104 in 2022Of the total of 148 tigers 83 are females 55 are males and 10 with undetermined genderThis growth is particularly notable due to the firsttime sampling of the Biswanath Wildlife Division where 27 recorded tigers have contributed to the overall increase In the core Eastern Assam Wildlife Division the population grew from 104 in 2022 to 115 in 2024 while the Nagaon Wildlife Division maintained a stable count of 6 tigers the KNPTR Director saidShe said that methodology for the tiger count included the deployment of remotely triggered camera traps as per the Phase IV Protocol of the National Tiger Conservation Authority NTCA and the Wildlife Institute of IndiaAccording to the senior Indian Forest Service IFS official paired camera traps were systematically placed across 130749 sq km within three divisions of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve between December 2023 and April 2024 using a structured gridbased design to ensure comprehensive spatial coverageTrap sites within each grid cell were selected based on intensive sign surveys to maximize the probability of detecting tigers and copredatorsAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma while declaring the results of the tiger census said in the social media posts From Kaziranga to Manas Assam is not only limited to protecting the tiger but it is also playing an important role in restoring the tigers habitat With the thirdhighest tiger density in the world extensive forest cover and bold steps against infiltration the tiger the treasure of Assams forests is walking proudly and bravely todayKNPTR Director Ghosh said that the main drivers of this encouraging rise in tiger population are habitat expansion and protectionAn additional area of 200 sq km including 1282 sq km of encroachmentfree area has been added in recent years under BurhachaporiLaokhowa sanctuaries in Nagaon Wildlife Division bringing more habitats under the protection of the Tiger ReserveThis strategic extension has significantly expanded the landscape available to tigers allowing for increased movement breeding and dispersal opportunities across divisions the official pointed outIn addition the enhanced use of technology has revolutionized wildlife monitoring and protection she claimed and said that along with camera traps drones and infraredbased electronic surveillance systems Electronic Eye are now integral to daily operationsAccording to the KNPTR Director technological advancements have greatly improved antipoaching measures movement tracking and habitat monitoring leading to greater safety and better dataCrucially the integration of advanced technologies with meticulous efforts of the forest frontline staff including 113 trained Van Durgas the female frontline staff of the Tiger Reserve and the active support of civil society organisations and local communities has significantly helped fill historical data gaps she notedIn recent years Kazirangas tiger monitoring has produced genderwise segregation data offering a more accurate and detailed understanding of the reserves tiger demographyNoting that the rise in the tiger population is more than just a statistic Ghosh said that it signifies the health and resilience of the entire ecosystem within Kaziranga which supports a diverse range of flora and faunaThe thriving tiger population is a testament to our successful conservation effortsWhile we celebrate this milestone we also recognise the responsibility it brings It is crucial to continue investing in conservation initiatives strengthen community involvement and promote awareness about the importance of biodiversity the IFS official said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assams-kaziranga-home-to-one-horned-rhino-now-ranks-third-globally-in-tiger-density-survey-628642.html Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/bannerughatta-biological-park-calls-translocation-of-elephants-to-japan-unprecedented-achievement-thanks-centre-628498.html Bengaluru July 28 After the successful relocation of four elephants from Bannerughatta Biological Park BBP in Bengaluru to Japan AV Surya Sen Deputy Conservator of Forests and Executive Director of BBP said on Monday that the translocation is an unprecedented achievement and thanked the Union government In a firstofitskind international transfer four elephants from Bannerughatta Biological Park Suresh 8 Gauri 9 Shruti 7 and Tulsi 5 have been successfully relocated to Japan where they have begun a new chapter of their livesThe elephants were airlifted from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru to Kansai International Airport in Japans Osaka on July 24 aboard a Qatar Airways B777200F cargo aircraftAfter a journey lasting over eight hours they arrived safely in Japan on July 25 From there they were transported in specially designed cages by road to Himeji Central Park their new homeSurya Sen has issued a press statement in this regard The statement said The Bannerughatta Biological Park BBP in Bengaluru proudly announces that four elephants have been successfully translocated to Himeji Central Park in Japan an unprecedented achievement in its history and a milestone in international wildlife collaborationThis complex and delicate animal exchange programme was made possible through the collective efforts coordination and dedication of various departments institutions and individuals across India and Japan Surya Sen said Special thanks to the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services in Bengaluru and the Union governments Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying for conducting the complete health certification and quarantine inspections thereby ensuring the fitness of the animals for international travel he added We are grateful to the Embassy and Consulate of Japan in India for their diplomatic facilitation documentation support and cooperation throughout the process Their role was instrumental in ensuring smooth coordination between the two countries Surya Sen said This successful relocation demonstrates our shared commitment to wildlife conservation ethical animal management and international collaboration It sets a positive precedent for future partnerships aimed at conserving global biodiversity and fostering educational exchange across borders he addedWe express our gratitude to Sunil Panwar Indian Foreign Service Karnataka Zoo Authority Member Secretary Central Zoo Authority and the Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change for their timely approvals and permissions We also thank the Chief Wildlife Warden and the Karnataka Forest Department for granting the necessary permissions and for their unwavering support for the smooth translocation of the animals he noted We are sincerely grateful to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau for facilitating the issuance of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES permit to ensure full compliance with international wildlife trade regulations We appreciate the excellent logistical management of Goatrade Farming Co Ltd and Global Cargo Services for ensuring seamless transportation and timely cargo movement Our sincere appreciation also goes to the Kempegowda International Airport authorities and the airport authorities in Japan for their professionalism and meticulous handling of this special wildlife transport Surya Sen underlinedHe also said At the heart of this achievement is the dedicated team at Bannerughatta Biological Park our veterinarians mahouts kavadis and support staff whose tireless efforts ensured the health comfort and safety of the elephants at every stage We commend the Himeji Central Park team for their collaboration preparation and warm welcome of the animals upon arrivalEarlier the authorities had said This exchange in the planning stages since 2023 was made possible through collaboration between the Central Zoo Authority the Embassies of Japan and India and various other departments In preparation for the relocation the elephants underwent three months of specialised training A dedicated team comprising two veterinary officers four mahouts a supervisor and a biologist accompanied them and will remain in Japan for 15 days to help the elephants adapt to their new environmentThe park is expected to soon welcome rare species such as cheetahs jaguars pumas chimpanzees and capuchin monkeys in exchange of elephants from Japan offering wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to witness exotic animals in enriched habitatsBannerughatta Biological Park is a designated section carved out of Bannerughatta National Park BNP in 2002 Located near Bengaluru city within the hills of the Anekal range in Karnataka Bannerughatta National Park spans across two districts Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru South It was declared a national park in 1974The park is part of an important wildlife corridor for elephants connecting the BR Hills and the Sathyamangalam forests It is contiguous with the Talli Reserve Forest in the southeast and the Bilikal Forest in the southBannerughatta Biological Park is also notable for being the first biological park in India to establish a fenced forested elephant sanctuary In 2006 it became home to Indias first butterfly enclosure IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/bannerughatta-biological-park-calls-translocation-of-elephants-to-japan-unprecedented-achievement-thanks-centre-628498.html Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/leopard-sighted-in-hyderabads-ibrahim-bagh-military-area-628537.html Hyderabad July 28 A leopard was spotted in Ibrahim Bagh military area in Hyderabad on Monday police said The big cat was seen crossing the road in the military area under the Golconda Police Station limitsThe movement was recorded on a CCTV camera around 330 am and the police alerted forest officialsThe leopard is believed to have gone towards the Musi River behind Taramati Baradari a historic monument in the Ibrahim Bagh areaAuthorities have advised people in surrounding areas to be on alert There are several residential localities and gated communities in the areaOfficials believe that it was the same leopard sighted in Manchirevula village inside the sprawling campus of Greyhounds on July 21 Police personnel who spotted the big cat alerted the Forest DepartmentThe same leopard was also believed to have been sighted in Narsingi sending panic among residentsThe Forest officials have installed trap cameras and cages at different locations in Greyhounds campus but the leopard apparently left the area without getting trapped and was now moving in the adjoining areaAt least four incidents of leopard sightings have been reported in the city fringes during JulyEarly this month two leopard sightings were reported inside the Research Centre Imarat facility of the Defence Research amp Development Organisation in Raviryal Though the Forest officials initiated immediate steps to confirm the presence of leopards they did not find any trace The camera traps have also not captured any imagesLater another leopard sighting was reported in Chilukur near Himayatsagar reservoir Forest officials had confirmed the presence of a big cat and the same leopard is believed to have crossed over to the Greyhounds campus and later ventured into the Ibrahim Bagh areaIn May last year the Forest Department had captured a leopard which had appeared in the premises of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad on the city outskirts IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/leopard-sighted-in-hyderabads-ibrahim-bagh-military-area-628537.html Mon, 28 Jul 2025 22:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kerala-hc-accepts-proposal-to-set-up-interim-committee-to-curb-stray-dog-attacks-628540.html Kochi July 28 The Kerala High Court on Monday accepted the state governments suggestion for the formation of an interim committee by the high court to look into and curb stray dog attacks The state government suggested the Constitution of a Committee consisting Secretary of the District Legal Service Authority the District Medical Officer and the Joint Director of the Local Self Government Department LSGDN for dealing with the issueThe response came on a petition filed by a law student seeking implementation of Animal Birth Control Rules to tackle the multiple incidents of stray dog attacks that have taken place in the state in recent timesThe court further directed the state government to file an affidavit on the number of stray dog attacks in the state for the last year including the compensation paid to the victimsDuring the hearing the court orally observed We have to find a solution to the problem Both humans and animals should coexist It noted that exhaustive guidelines have been laid down on this issue from time to time but the number of stray dogs is increasing day by day and directed that sterilisation and vaccinations must be done by the authorities concerned regularlyIn another oral observation the court said If a human attacks an animal it is an offence similarly when an animal attacks the human the custodian is charged with an offence and for the stray dogs the Local Self Government Department can be considered as the custodianApart from accepting the suggestion by the state for the constitution of an interim committee the court has urged the state to come out with legislation for a permanent body to deal with the issue Euthanasia is not a remedy Euthanasia is allowed only when they are terminally ill it saidAmid observations on the payment of compensation for the victims of stray dog attacks the court wondered whether stray dog attacks can be brought within the ambit of the Disaster Management ActIt then asked the authorities concerned and the state to file an affidavit on the statistics of the number of stray dog attacks in the state in the previous year and added that this should include the number of deaths and the compensation paid for the victimsThe case has now been posted for hearing after 10 days IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kerala-hc-accepts-proposal-to-set-up-interim-committee-to-curb-stray-dog-attacks-628540.html Mon, 28 Jul 2025 22:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/human-animal-conflict-delay-in-implementing-power-fence-worries-tn-farmers-627510.html Chennai July 23 Two years after the Tamil Nadu government issued a Government Order GO to regulate the installation of power fences including solar fences aimed at protecting wildlife the corresponding regulation Tamil Nadu Power Fences Registration and Regulation Rules 2023 is yet to be implemented The delay has left both farmers and forest officials in limbo with growing concerns over safety compliance and recurring humanwildlife conflictsThe rules were designed to ensure that fences especially solarpowered ones meet safety standards to prevent electrocution of wild animals However the delay in implementation has led to confusion especially among farmers who have either installed or intend to install such fences to protect their crops from wildlife intrusionA forest range officer in Coimbatore said that under the proposed rules farmers are expected to use Bureau of Indian Standards BIScertified energisers and follow strict installation protocolsOver 20 farmers in this range have applied for permission to set up solar fences but many are concerned that adhering to the new norms would significantly increase their costs the officer saidAccording to sources more than 80 farmers across various ranges have submitted applications both under the new rules and the earlier framework for solar fence registration Yet there has been little clarity or progress from the authoritiesP Kandasamy General Secretary of the Farmers Association criticised the forest departments inconsistent approach There seems to be a lack of coordination between the forest department and Tangedco While we are equally concerned about wildlife the burden of responsibility cannot rest solely on farmers Its the duty of the forest department to protect wild animals he said calling for a permanent solution to the humananimal conflictFarmers also expressed frustration over the lack of response from the forest departmentA grower from Periyanaickenpalayam said he applied for registration under the new rules two years ago but has yet to receive any replyMeanwhile another farmer CMurugadas from Theethipalayam questioned the logic of limiting fencing to 240 metres How can I protect my 65acre banana plantation from elephants with just 240 metres of fencing he askedIve already spent Rs 45 lakh to install 1750 metres of fencing If the government can provide at least a 50 per cent subsidy many farmers like me will be better equipped to safeguard our cropsAs the delay drags on both the safety of wildlife and the livelihood of farmers remain at risk with no clear resolution in sight IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/human-animal-conflict-delay-in-implementing-power-fence-worries-tn-farmers-627510.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/jharkhand-bengal-elephant-corridor-turns-into-jumbo-death-trap-7-die-in-45-days-627028.html Jamshedpur July 18 The oncevital Elephant Corridor connecting Jharkhands Kolhan division to neighbouring West Bengal has turned into a deadly passage for the very creatures it was meant to protect In just the past 45 days seven elephants have died within a 100 km stretch These pachyderms are the victims of train accidents electrocution and even landmines The most recent tragedy occurred on the intervening night of July 1718 when three elephants including two calves and an adult were mowed down by the speeding Jan Shatabdi Express near Banstola railway station in West Bengals Jhargram district adjacent to Jharkhands Ghatsila subdivisionThe elephants were crossing the tracks when the train hit them around 1 am All three died on the spot Their mangled bodies lay on the railway tracks for hours causing a major disruption on the busy HowrahMumbai rail routeThe bodies were removed only later on Friday morning using JCB machines after which train traffic resumedThe herd had been seen in the Banstola forest for several days According to the forest department railway authorities were warned about the herds presence but no precaution was taken to reduce the speed of the trains On the night of the incident villagers and forest officials were trying to guide the elephants away from human habitation using torches when the tragedy struckJhargram Divisional Forest Officer DFO Umar Imam said the accident could have been avoided with timely intervention and better coordination If the train had slowed down as alerted the collision might have been averted he saidThis is just one in a series of fatal incidents in the JharkhandBengal Elephant Corridor On July 10 a wild elephant was found dead in the Serengasia valley of West Singhbhum district suspected to have died from electrocution by live wires laid in a farm fieldOn July 5 a sixyearold elephant named Gadru died in Saranda Forest days after being injured in an IED explosion planted by Maoists Despite efforts by the Forest Department and wildlife NGO Vantara from Gujarat to save him he succumbed to his injuriesOn June 24 a female elephant died of electrocution in Heaven village under the Chandil Forest range of SeraikelaKharsawan district She came into contact with an illegally electrified fence installed by a farmer Authorities have launched an investigationOn June 5 another elephant was found dead in a field near Ambeda in the same forest area reportedly also due to electrocutionThe death toll highlights a growing crisis in Kolhans forest landscape In the past three years over 20 elephants have died in various parts of the Kolhan division aloneEarlier five elephants died due to electrocution in Musabani East Singhbhum in November 2023 In July 2024 a female elephant was found dead in Bhadua village of BaharagoraAccording to data presented in Parliament 528 elephants have died from unnatural causes in India over the last five years Jharkhand alone accounts for 30 of those deaths due to electrocution IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/jharkhand-bengal-elephant-corridor-turns-into-jumbo-death-trap-7-die-in-45-days-627028.html Fri, 18 Jul 2025 19:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assam-critically-endangered-among-43-grassland-bird-species-spotted-in-kaziranga-626112.html Guwahati July 14 In a significant development a recent survey at the famed Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR in Assam recorded a total of 43 grassland bird species officials announced on Monday The 43 grassland bird species included one critically endangered two endangered and six vulnerable species along with several species endemic to the region as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN Red List KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that the survey conducted between March 18 and May 25 placed special emphasis on ten focal species that are either globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains These threatened or endemic species include Bengal Florican Swamp Francolin Finns Weaver Swamp Grass Babbler Jerdons Babbler Slenderbilled Babbler Blackbreasted Parrotbill Marsh Babbler Bristled Grassbird and Indian Grassbird The KNPTR Director said the first grassland bird survey report marked a significant milestone in the documentation and protection of grasslanddependent bird species in the Brahmaputra floodplains The extensive survey spanned the Eastern Assam Biswanath and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions she said adding that utilising a combination of point count surveys and passive acoustic monitoring the initiative represents the first dedicated attempt to assess grassland avifauna across this ecologically critical landscape Assams Environment Forest and Climate Change Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary expressed his deep satisfaction over the recording of 43 grassland bird species In a post on the X the Minister said Thrilled to share that Kazirangas firstever grassland survey has recorded 43 grassland bird species including one critically endangered two endangered and six vulnerable species plus several regional endemics He said The Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem boasts the highest diversity of grassland obligate birds in India reflecting the habitats robust health and effective protection Our commitment to sciencebacked management continues strong The KNPTR Director Ghosh said that the key highlight of the survey was to find the breeding colony of the endangered Finns Weaver Ploceus megarhynchus at Kaziranga This remarkable bird a lifer for many birdwatchers a master nestbuilder atop trees is a vital indicator of grassland health the senior Indian Forest Service officer said According to Ghosh these species serve as ecological indicators of the health and integrity of floodplain grasslands Another significance of the outcome of the study was the deployment of passive acoustic recorders enabling noninvasive and continuous monitoring even in inaccessible or highrisk areas she said Ghosh said that the report identifies several critical grassland habitats within Kaziranga that support significant populations of threatened and endemic species Notably the discovery of a breeding colony of the Endangered Finns Weaver in the Kohora Range marks a pivotal finding and reinforces the need for focused habitat protection and management The report is the result of a collaborative effort by a dedicated team of forest officials bird experts scientists and conservationists the official said The survey report was released by Environment Forest and Climate Change Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary in an event at Kaziranga The Minister appreciated the efforts of the Park authorities to document lesserknown aspects of biodiversity in the Park The KNPTR Director said that this report represents an important first step in the longterm conservation of grassland birds and emphasised the need for continued ecological monitoring and adaptive management to safeguard these fragile ecosystems This pioneering work reaffirms Kazirangas stature not only as a stronghold for charismatic megafauna but also as a critical refuge for avian biodiversity within the IndoBurma biodiversity hotspot she stated The KNPTR Indias seventh UNESCO World Heritage site comprises three forest divisions the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division Bokakhat the Bishwanath Wildlife Division Biswanath Chariali and the Nagaon Wildlife Division Nagaon Home to a remarkable population of the Big Five it comprises 2613 Greater Onehorned Rhinoceroses as of the 2022 census 104 Bengal Tigers in 2022 1228 Asian Elephants in 2024 2565 Wild Water Buffalos in 2022 and 1129 Eastern Swamp Deer also recorded in 2022 IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assam-critically-endangered-among-43-grassland-bird-species-spotted-in-kaziranga-626112.html Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/namibian-female-cheetah-nabha-succumbs-to-injuries-625795.html Bhopal July 12 In a poignant development from Kuno National Park a Namibian female cheetah named Nabha has died following injuries sustained during a hunting attempt within her Soft Release Boma Boma refers to an enclosure particularly in East and Southern Africa She was among the 20 Cheetahs who were transported from Namibia in the second phase of Indias ambitious Cheetah Reintroduction Project in two batches on September 17 2022 and February 2023The 8yearold cheetah had been under medical care for a week after suffering severe fractures in both the ulna and fibula on her left limb along with additional injuries a statement saidDespite the best efforts of veterinary teams Nabha tragically succumbed to her woundsDetails surrounding the incident will be further clarified upon the completion of the postmortem reportNabhas death marks a somber moment in the ongoing Cheetah Reintroduction Project a landmark initiative aimed at reviving the cheetah population in India after a 70year absenceBrought from Namibia as part of this ambitious conservation effort Nabha was among the first group of cheetahs to set foot in the countryFemale cheetah Nabha was badly injured a week back probably during a hunting attempt inside her soft release enclosure She had fractures in both ulna and fibula on the left side along with other injuries Cheetah Project Field Director Uttam Sharma said in a statementDespite this setback there is promising news from Kuno National Park The current cheetah population stands at 26 comprising 9 adults 6 females and 3 males and 17 cubs born in IndiaWildlife officials report that all animals are in good health with recent antiectoparasitic treatments successfully administeredNotably 16 of the cheetahs have now transitioned into the wild where they are adapting impressivelyOfficials note that they have learned to coexist with copredators and are engaging in regular hunting activities a critical benchmark for the projects successTwo male cheetahs stationed at Gandhisagar are also thrivingThe Field Director of the Cheetah Project emphasised that the overall condition of the cheetahs is encouraging especially the mothers Veera and Nirva who are caring for their newborn cubsAs the project progresses every success and every loss serves as a powerful reminder of both the promise and challenges of wildlife conservationKuno continues to be a vital landscape for Indias grand experiment in species restorationNabhas story underscores the delicate balance of nature and the enduring commitment of those working to protect itMadhya Pradesh Chief Minister has said on many occasions that more cheetahs will be introduced at other locationsEarlier this year he had released two cheetahs at Gandhi Sagar wildlife area near Neemuch west Madhya Pradesh IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/namibian-female-cheetah-nabha-succumbs-to-injuries-625795.html Sat, 12 Jul 2025 15:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/150-kg-of-sea-cucumbers-seized-in-nagapattinam-smuggling-bid-foiled-625828.html Chennai July 12 In a major crackdown on marine wildlife trafficking around 150 kilograms of illegally harvested sea cucumbers were seized near Keechankuppam in Nagapattinam district on Saturday The contraband valued at approximately Rs 4 lakh was discovered during a joint operation by forest officials and the Marine Police This is the third such seizure in the district within the month highlighting a troubling trend in the illegal trade of this protected marine species Acting on a tipoff enforcement teams raided a secluded area near the Salt Road in Keechankuppam adjacent to a local burial ground The sea cucumbers banned under Indian wildlife laws were found hidden in brinefilled containers concealed within a grave enclosure ready to be transported to Sri Lanka via Rameswaram Officials suspect the smuggling operation was orchestrated by Muruganandham a resident of Salt Road and a known repeat offender in sea cucumber trafficking He reportedly fled the scene upon spotting the approaching team leaving the contraband behind Sources in the Forest Department revealed that Muruganandham has been implicated in over 20 previous cases of attempting to smuggle sea cucumbers all following a similar route via Rameswaram Sea cucumbers considered a delicacy and used in traditional medicine in parts of East Asia are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act in India Their harvesting possession and trade are strictly prohibited The species plays a vital ecological role in maintaining the health of the seabed making their protection crucial for marine biodiversity The enforcement operation was led by Marine Police Inspector Ramesh Kumar and Forest Range Officer Adhilingam The seized marine animals were handed over to the Forest Department for further investigation and necessary legal action Officials have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on marine wildlife crimes and have intensified surveillance along the Nagapattinam coast particularly in known smuggling hotspots Investigations are ongoing to apprehend Muruganandham and trace his wider network of illegal trade The repeated seizures this month have raised concerns among environmentalists and authorities alike calling for stronger coastal monitoring and stricter enforcement of wildlife protection norms IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/150-kg-of-sea-cucumbers-seized-in-nagapattinam-smuggling-bid-foiled-625828.html Sat, 12 Jul 2025 19:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/crocodile-kills-woman-collecting-water-in-mp-river-625619.html Damoh July 11 In an incident of humanwildlife conflict in Madhya Pradesh a fatal crocodile attack has occurred in Kaniya ghat of Pati village in Damoh district On Friday morning 40yearold Malti Bai was sitting by the Vyarma River to bathe on the first day of the holy month of Sawan when a crocodile lunged from the water and dragged her inDespite desperate attempts by villagers to rescue her the reptile disappeared into the river with Malti still in its jaws One of the villagers managed to capture the harrowing incident on video which went viral and quickly alerted authoritiesThe Forest Department and the SDRF team rushed to the scene and launched a search operation After nearly an hour of combing through the area Maltis body was discovered tangled in the riverside bushes on the opposite bankOfficials from the Forest Department noted that the rise in crocodile populations in the Vyarma River had already prompted precautionary measures Warning signs were installed at several key locations and public announcements were made to caution residents However despite these efforts people continue to frequent the riverbanks putting themselves at riskAccording to a villager Malti had set out around 6 am with a companion to collect water While her friend waited on the riverbank Malti stepped into the Vyarma River to fill a container In a sudden and terrifying moment a crocodile clamped down on her leg and dragged her into deeper waters The rivers strong current made it impossible for nearby villagers to intervene and despite their frantic attempts she could not be rescuedThis tragedy is a similar incident from last year in Hatri village part of the same Gram Panchayat where an eightyearold boy named Krishna Singh was seized by a crocodile while bathing The reptile roamed the area for hours with the child trapped in its jaws before the rescue team found its lifeless body in distant bushesThese attacks have left the community shaken and fearful We are coordinating with the forest department to ensure a timely response and awareness People must avoid venturing near water bodies especially during early hours a police officer of the Damoh police station rural said adding the body of the woman has been sent for postmortemThe issue isnt confined to Kaniyaghat of Pati village alone Crocodile sightings have been reported in villages like Nohta Banwar Mala and Jujhar areas far removed from major riversIn some cases crocodiles have wandered into fields and residential zones prompting emergency rescues Forest officials believe that rising water levels and habitat disruption may be pushing these reptiles into human settlementsAuthorities are now considering stricter safety protocols and enhanced surveillance in highrisk zonesWhile the forest department continues its efforts to relocate crocodiles to safer habitats the community remains on edge mourning the loss of loved ones and bracing for what may come next IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/crocodile-kills-woman-collecting-water-in-mp-river-625619.html Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/four-elephant-deaths-in-35-days-raise-alarm-in-jharkhands-kolhan-division-625488.html Ranchi July 10 Once considered a sanctuary for wild elephants the Kolhan division of Jharkhand has turned into a graveyard for the majestic creature with four elephant deaths reported in just the last 35 days The recurring fatalities have raised serious concerns over wildlife safety and humananimal conflict in the regionThe latest incident occurred on Thursday in the Serengasia valley of West Singhbhum district where a wild jumbo was found dead under suspicious circumstances Locals claim the elephant may have died of electrocutionWe received information about an elephant carcass lying in the valley Our medical team rushed to the spot and a postmortem is underway The exact cause of death will be known only after the report comes in said Forest Division Officer Aditya NarayanThis comes just days after the death of a sixyearold elephant in the Saranda forest on July 5 The pachyderm affectionately called Gadru by locals had suffered injuries from an IED blast allegedly planted by Maoists on June 24 Though rescue and treatment efforts were launched with the help of Gujaratbased wildlife NGO Vantara the elephant succumbed within hours of treatmentIn another case on June 24 a female elephant died in Heaven village under the Chandil forest range in SeraikelaKharsawan district A postmortem later confirmed electrocution as the cause of death Investigations revealed that a farmer had illegally electrified his field to protect crops leading to the animals painful death An FIR has been filed against the accused and a manhunt is underwayEarlier on June 5 another elephant was found dead in a field near Ambeda under the same forest division The cause of death is still unknownOver the past three years Kolhan has witnessed the deaths of more than 15 elephants due to various causes Notably in November 2023 five elephants were electrocuted in Beniasai village under the Ghatsila subdivision of East Singhbhum In July 2024 the body of a female elephant was discovered in a field near Bhadua village in the Baharagora blockIn a written reply in Parliament this July the Union Environment Ministry revealed that 528 elephants had died due to unnatural causes in India over the last five years Of these 30 deaths occurred in Jharkhand due to electrocution alone IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/four-elephant-deaths-in-35-days-raise-alarm-in-jharkhands-kolhan-division-625488.html Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tearful-farewell-to-centenarian-vatsala-at-panna-tiger-reserve-625163.html Bhopal July 9 Panna Tiger Reserve PTR bid a tearful farewell to its most cherished resident and oldest elephant Vatsala believed to be over 100 years old who passed away on July 8 at 130 pm Vatsala had been ailing for some time and breathed her last at the Hinauta Camp where she had spent her final years surrounded by caretakers and fellow elephantsKnown affectionately as Dadi by forest staff and wildlife enthusiasts Vatsala was more than just an elephant She was a maternal figure in the reserve often seen nurturing calves and assisting in births with the care and wisdom of a seasoned midwifeHer gentle presence and deep bond with the herd made her a symbol of compassion and continuity in the wildChief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav expressed heartfelt condolences on social media calling her the silent guardian of the forests and a friend to generationsHe described her as a living embodiment of Madhya Pradeshs emotional and ecological heritage whose memories would remain etched in the hearts of all who knew herVatsalas journey began in the Nilambur forests of Kerala She was brought to Hoshangabad in 1971 and later transferred to Panna in 1993For a decade she played a vital role in tiger tracking operations contributing significantly to conservation effortsThough officially retired in 2003 she continued to care for young elephants offering them warmth and guidance Despite being widely regarded as the worlds oldest elephant her age could not be officially verified due to the absence of birth recordsPTR authorities had even sent her tooth samples for analysis but no conclusive results were obtainedThe current Guinness World Record for the oldest elephant remains with Lingwan of TaiwanVatsalas passing marks the end of an era at Panna Tiger ReserveField Director Anjana Suchita Tirkey Deputy Director Mohit Sood and wildlife veterinarian Dr Sanjeev Gupta were present for her final rites which were conducted with respect at Hinauta Camp IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tearful-farewell-to-centenarian-vatsala-at-panna-tiger-reserve-625163.html Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-asias-oldest-elephant-dies-at-panna-tiger-reserve-625090.html Panna July 9 Vatsala the Asias oldest female elephant who earned names Dadi Maa Nani Maa in her life journey of more than 100 years from Kerala to Madhya Pradesh died at the Panna Tiger Reserve PTR on Tuesday The oldest and most beloved elephant of Panna who suffered multiple organ failure and was under observation of the veterinarians took her last breath a senior forest official told IANSWith her death a chapter of love legacy and wildlife dedication came to an endKnown affectionately as Dadi and Dai Maa among forest staff and wildlife lovers Vatsala was more than 100yearsold and had been battling illness for a long timeVatsala was more than just an elephantShe was an institution within the Panna Tiger Reserve PTRFamous for her maternal instincts she became a lifelong caregiver to elephant calves and even served as a midwife assisting in the birth of new members of the elephant herdShe spent her final days at Hinauta camp where she was lovingly cared for by forest staffUpon her death PTR Field Director Anjana Suchita Tirkey Deputy Director Mohit Sood and wildlife veterinarian Sanjeev Gupta rushed to the siteHer last rites were conducted with solemn respect at the campBorn in the Nilambur forests of Kerala Vatsala began her journey as a working elephant in the timber tradeIn 1971 she was brought to Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh and later transferred to the Panna Tiger Reserve in 1993For a decade she played a critical role in tracking tigers in PTR contributing significantly towards conservation effortsShe retired in 2003 but her work never truly stoppedShe dedicated her remaining years to nurturing younger elephants offering warmth and companionship rarely seen in the animal kingdomVatsala was tourist favourite and undoubtedly she was acknowledged the pride of PannaShe was a key attraction for domestic and international tourists alikeHer gentle nature iconic presence and emotional bond with caretakers made her a symbol of PTRs commitment to ethical wildlife careSeveral tourists who had fond memories during their visit to PTR and especially with Vatsala shared those moments on social media along with video and photographs with herVatsalas passing away marks a profound lossnot just to Panna Tiger Reserve but to Indias conservation community at largeBJP MP from Panna Assembly constituency in Chhatarpur district Brijendra Patap Singh expressed his condolences on Vatsalas demise saying that her dignity and affection were embedded in Panna Tiger ReserveThe demise of the worlds oldest elephant Vatsala who had travelled a glorious journey of wildlife nearly for more than 100 years is an emotional moment for the people of Panna Singh wrote on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-asias-oldest-elephant-dies-at-panna-tiger-reserve-625090.html Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/maoist-landmine-claims-life-of-young-elephant-in-jharkhands-chaibasa-624706.html Chaibasa Jharkhand July 6 A landmine planted by Maoists in the dense Saranda forest of Jharkhands West Singhbhum district has claimed the life of a young male elephant Forest Department officials said on Sunday The sixyearold wild elephant affectionately called Gadru by local villagers sustained grievous injuries after stepping on an IED in the Digha area of the Saranda forest on June 24The powerful blast severely damaged the animals hind left leg which left it immobilised and bleeding Locals later found the wounded pachyderm collapsed near a streamVillagers then alerted the forest officials who subsequently located the elephant using drone surveillanceEfforts to rescue Gadru began immediately with forest personnel closely monitoring the animals condition for several daysFollowing a request from the Forest Department a specialised veterinary team from Gujaratbased wildlife rescue organisation Vantara arrived in Saranda on SaturdayThe team tranquillised the elephant and transported it to Jhariakela for treatment late on Saturday evening Despite roundtheclock medical intervention Gadru succumbed to its injuries on Sunday officials saidAccording to veterinarians a widespread infection had made recovery impossibleThe death of Gadru has cast a pall of gloom over the residents of Saranda and adjoining villages where the young elephant used to roam and had become a familiar figureSaranda forest is one of the most severely Maoistaffected regions in Jharkhand Security agencies have repeatedly warned that Maoist insurgents have placed landmines at every step to target police and paramilitary forces However innocent civilians and wildlife often fall victim to themIn the past two years alone IED blasts in the region have killed 14 civilians and five members of the security forces Wildlife casualties though less reported are becoming increasingly frequent raising serious concerns among conservationistsWildlife authorities are now planning increased surveillance and coordination in conflictprone zones to prevent such tragedies in the future IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/maoist-landmine-claims-life-of-young-elephant-in-jharkhands-chaibasa-624706.html Sun, 06 Jul 2025 22:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/intl-tiger-smuggler-convicted-after-9-yr-chase-interpol-applauds-mps-state-tiger-force-624250.html Bhopal July 3 The State Tiger Force of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has played a pivotal role in bringing international tiger smuggler Tashi Sherpa to justice culminating in a fiveyear prison sentence The conviction handed down by the trial court in Narmadapuram earlier Hoshangabad on May 9 stands as a landmark milestone in Indias ongoing battle against transnational wildlife traffickingSherpa a key figure in an organised network spanning India Nepal Bhutan and China was apprehended after a prolonged pursuit and a detailed investigation marked by the use of scientific and cyber forensic methodsInterpol headquartered in Lyon France sent a letter of appreciation to the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department commending the exemplary action of its State Tiger ForceThe global law enforcement agency also acknowledged its assistance in tracking and convicting Sherpa whose smuggling network extended into Nepal Bhutan and ChinaSherpas name had earlier appeared in red corner notices issued by Interpol alongside other fugitives linked to international wildlife crime syndicatesBoth Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Forest and Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav congratulated the Forest Department and praised the vigilance of the State Tiger ForceIn a post on social media the Chief Minister called the conviction a breakthrough and reaffirmed the governments commitment to intensifying efforts in forest and wildlife conservationOfficers who played key roles in the Sherpa case will be rewarded for their outstanding serviceThis case is considered the firstofitskind in the country wherein 28 individuals ranging from tiger poachers to couriers and intermediaries were arrested and convicted in connection with a single smuggling syndicateOne major accused kingpin JE Tamang alias Pasang Limi remains absconding though Interpol has issued a red corner notice for his arrestSherpa a resident of Tibet was apprehended on January 25 2024 from Siliguri West Bengal near the IndiaNepal border after evading capture for nearly a decadeActing on intelligence input and conducting a sustained manhunt the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department finally succeeded in nabbing himHis arrest came after a rigorous nineyear effort by the special task force established by the state government to combat poaching and wildlife smugglingEarlier the Supreme Court had rejected Sherpas bail application directing the trial court to expedite proceedings due to the gravity of the offenceThe prosecutions case was significantly bolstered by scientific and cyber evidence including results from brainmapping and polygraph tests and extensive digital data linking Sherpa to organised tiger trafficking operationsThe State Tiger Force formed under the guidelines of the Central government has been instrumental in unearthing several major interstate and international smuggling networksThis marks the fourth occasion on which the units work has been formally recognised by Interpol IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/intl-tiger-smuggler-convicted-after-9-yr-chase-interpol-applauds-mps-state-tiger-force-624250.html Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/australian-moths-master-long-distance-migration-using-starry-skies-622133.html Canberra June 20 Australian Bogong moths have been shown to use constellations and the Milky Way as a celestial compass to navigate annual migrations of up to 1000 km new research has revealed The research led by an international team of scientists marks the first time an insect has been proven to rely on stellar navigation for longdistance travel according to a release from the University of South Australia on ThursdayUntil now we knew that some birds and even humans could use the stars to navigate long distances but this is the first time that its been proven in an insect said coauthor of the study Eric Warrant of Lund University in Sweden who is also a visiting fellow at the Australian National University and an adjunct professor at the University of South AustraliaEach spring billions of Bogong moths migrate from southeast Australia to hibernate in the Snowy Mountains alpine caves returning in autumn to breed Lab tests confirmed they fly seasonally south in spring and north in autumn using stellar navigation said the researchers reported Xinhua news agencyWhen the night sky was rotated the moths reversed direction when star patterns were scrambled they lost orientation confirming their dependence on specific celestial cues said the study published in NatureWhen clouds obscured stars the moths switched to Earths magnetic field revealing a dual navigation system for reliability Specialized brain neurons fired strongest when facing south demonstrating sophisticated tinybrain navigation the release saidThe discovery is crucial for conservation as Bogong moths are now vulnerable protecting their migratory routes and dark skies is vital and the findings may inspire advanced navigation technologies it saidIts about how animals read the world around them The night sky has guided human explorers for millennia Now we know that it guides moths too said Warrant IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/australian-moths-master-long-distance-migration-using-starry-skies-622133.html Fri, 20 Jun 2025 20:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/170-nations-in-nice-commit-to-expand-marine-protected-areas-combat-pollution-621156.html Nice France June 14 The 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference concluded with more than 170 countries adopting an intergovernmentally agreed declaration committing to urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the worlds oceans The political declaration titled Our ocean Our future United for urgent action calls for concrete steps to expand marine protected areas decarbonise maritime transport combat marine pollution and mobilise finance for vulnerable coastal and island nations among othersThe declaration together with bold voluntary commitments by states and other entities constitutes the Nice Ocean Action Plan successfully concluding the fiveday conference with a boost to environmental multilateralismPledges made this week must be rigorously implemented tracked and scaled said United Nations UnderSecretaryGeneral for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua who served as the conference SecretaryGeneralThe momentum we have generated must carry us forward to COP30 global and regional ocean forums and national decisionmaking and translate into decisive national actionVoluntary commitments made during the conference include The European Commission as part of its Ocean Pact announced an investment of 1 billion EUR to support ocean conservation science and sustainable fishingFrench Polynesia pledged to create the worlds largest marine protected area to safeguard its seas covering its entire exclusive economic zone approximately 5 million square km 193 million square milesNew Zealand committed over 52 million towards supporting enhanced ocean governance management and science in the Pacific Islands regionGermany launched a 100 million EUR immediate action programme for the recovery and clearance of legacy munitions in the German Baltic and North Seas the first of its kindIndonesia the World Bank and other partners launched a Coral Bond a groundbreaking financial instrument designed to mobilise private capital to conserve coral reef ecosystems within marine protected areas in IndonesiaThirtyseven countries led by Panama and Canada launched the High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean the first highlevel political initiative to tackle ocean noise pollution on a global scaleItaly committed 65 million EUR to strengthen surveillance by the Coast Guard in marine protected areas and on oil platforms including through a satellite surveillance system capable of detecting potential oil spills in real timeCanada contributed 9 million US dollars to the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance to help Small Island Developing States and coastal developing countries increase their resilience to the impacts of climate change through naturebased solutionsSpain committed to creating five new marine protected areas that would allow protection of 25 per cent of its marine territoryA collective of United Nations agencies and global partners launched a codesign process for One Ocean Finance a bold new effort to unlock billions in new financing from oceandependent industries and blue economy sectorsA United Nations Ocean Conference report listing the voluntary commitments in an annex will be published after the summitIn a big step towards entry into force of the agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction BBNJ Agreement 19 more states ratified the agreement in the margins of the conference and 20 more signed it bringing the total number of signatures to 136 and ratifications to 50 states plus the European UnionTen more ratifications are needed for the agreement to enter into forceThe BBNJ Agreement adopted in June 2023 is a crucial legal instrument to protect marine life and ecosystems in the twothirds of the ocean that lie beyond any countrys jurisdictionFrom June 9 to 13 as many as 55 heads of state and government along with 15000 participants from civil society business and science participated in the UN Ocean Conference cohosted by France and Costa Rica including more than 450 side events to accelerate action and mobilise all actors to conserve and sustainably use the worlds oceansTen ocean action panels produced forwardlooking recommendations to guide implementation across key themes from marine pollution and naturebased solutions to the role of women youth and indigenous peoples in ocean governanceThe fourth UN Ocean Conference in 2028 will be cohosted by Chile and Korea IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/170-nations-in-nice-commit-to-expand-marine-protected-areas-combat-pollution-621156.html Sat, 14 Jun 2025 16:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/27-wildlife-sanctuaries-in-gujarat-closed-to-tourists-till-oct-15-620822.html Ahmedabad June 12 The Gujarat government has officially closed all 27 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the state to tourists for a period of four months from June 16 to October 15 This annual closure aims to protect wildlife during the crucial breeding season particularly mammals birds and reptiles by minimising human interference A notification was recently issued by the office of the Conservator of Forests in Gandhinagar following a directive from the Principal Chief Conservator of ForestsThe decision reiterates the states commitment to conservation by ensuring that the habitats remain undisturbed during this sensitive phase of the animal life cycleAs part of this closure popular destinations like Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in Sanand will also remain offlimits to visitors for the entire 120day period Tourist access will resume after October 15 2025 once the mating and nesting activities concludeGujarats wildlife sanctuaries are home to a diverse range of mammals birds and reptiles many of which rely on the monsoon months from June to October for breeding Among mammals iconic species such as the Asiatic lion in Gir wild ass in the Little Rann of Kutch sloth bear in Jessore leopard blackbuck chinkara and striped hyena can be found across various reservesThese species need undisturbed habitats for mating and nurturing their young The state is also a significant haven for birdlife with sanctuaries like Nalsarovar and Khijadiya attracting migratory and resident birds such as flamingos pelicans painted storks spoonbills herons and a wide variety of ducks and wadersRaptors like the crested serpent eagle and marsh harrier also breed in the protected zones Reptilian fauna in these areas includes mugger crocodiles Indian rock pythons monitor lizards and a range of turtles and snakes Many of these reptiles lay eggs or give birth during this season requiring quiet moist environments Closing the sanctuaries during these critical months helps maintain the delicate ecological balance and gives wildlife the space and safety they need for successful reproduction IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/27-wildlife-sanctuaries-in-gujarat-closed-to-tourists-till-oct-15-620822.html Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/three-youtubers-arrested-in-assam-for-killing-rare-birds-sharing-videos-online-619812.html Guwahati June 5 In a deeply troubling incident reported on World Environment Day three YouTubers were arrested in Assams Simen Chapori area in the Dhemaji district for allegedly killing rare wild birds and uploading graphic footage of the act to their YouTube channel in a bid to boost viewership Forest officials identified the accused as Munindra Mushahary of Hastinapur and Maheshwar Swargiary and Shiviram Swargiary of Lamka villageThe alleged bird killings took place in the Pitoni region and Kardoiguri village areas known for their rich avian biodiversity and home to species such as the Lesser Whistling Duck Water Crows and CormorantsAccording to authorities the trio used slingshots to hunt birds and also raided nests collecting eggs from protected nesting zones The disturbing footage posted on their nowdeleted channel JAKRUB drew widespread public condemnation with environmentalists and social media users expressing outrage over the cruelty and environmental harmActing swiftly the forest department in coordination with Simen Chapori Police arrested the individuals under the Wildlife Protection Act Though 33 incriminating videos were removed from the platform following the arrests officials confirmed that the content had already been archived for evidenceThis is especially disheartening coming on a day meant to promote environmental awareness said a senior forest official We are now planning education and outreach initiatives in local communities to ensure such incidents are not repeatedAuthorities have launched a fullscale investigation If convicted the accused face potential prison terms ranging from three to seven years under existing wildlife protection lawsNotably World Environment Day observed annually on June 5 is the United Nations flagship day for promoting global awareness and action for the protection of the environmentThe day serves as a powerful platform to engage governments businesses communities and individuals in addressing pressing environmental challenges from climate change and biodiversity loss to pollution and deforestationEach year World Environment Day focuses on a specific theme in 2025 the emphasis is on Ecosystem Restoration highlighting the urgent need to revive damaged ecosystems through reforestation conservation and sustainable practicesAcross the world people mark the occasion with cleanup drives educational campaigns treeplanting initiatives and policy dialoguesreaffirming a collective responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/three-youtubers-arrested-in-assam-for-killing-rare-birds-sharing-videos-online-619812.html Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-woman-killed-by-tigress-near-bandhavgarh-tiger-reserve-619984.html Bhopal June 6 In a tragic incident a woman was killed by a tigress near Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradeshs Umaria on Friday officials said The tigress attacked the woman in the Manpur buffer area resulting in her immediate deathThe victim identified as Galli Bai Yadav 40 a resident of Rakhi village had gone to relieve herself near a drain in the village when the tigress hiding in the bushes suddenly attacked her from behindThis is not the first case of humanwildlife conflict in the region Just four days earlier a bear attacked a young man who was gathering wood leaving him severely injured He is currently receiving treatment at the Shahdol government hospitalSpeaking to IANS Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests L Krishnamoorthy termed the Friday incident sad but said that there is no plan to shift the tigress from the area as of nowThis is the first incidence in the Rakhi village this place is far away from earlier places No plan to shift the tigress nowA Manpur officer said that Rakhi village is located approximately oneandahalf kilometres from the core zone of the reserve making it vulnerable to encounters with wild animals He however said the tigress jumped over the woman causing her death Since no part of her body was damaged it is believed that the tigress did not attack with the intention of huntingThe womans body was taken to the Community Health Centre in Manpur for a postmortem examination Her family was provided with Rs 10000 as immediate financial assistance with further compensation to be given according to government regulationsThis incident also raises concerns about sanitation facilities in the district Authorities claim that toilets have been constructed in every home and that the district is nearly Open DefecationFree However many villagers still resort to open defecation either due to habit or a lack of usable facilities The gap between official reports and the reality on the ground has led to dangerous encounters with wildlife The recent tiger attack is part of a disturbing pattern of fatal wildlife encounters in Umaria over the past two monthsOn April 12 a tiger attacked Vijay 14 in the forest of Dhamokhar area and her body was later found in a drain On April 2 Rani Singh a 25yearold woman from Kothiya village in Chansura beat of Panpatha core area was collecting mahua when she was attacked and killed by a tiger On March 23 a fiftyyearold shepherd grazing cattle in Uttar Paljha beat of the Panpatha buffer zone was attacked by a tigress resulting in his death IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-woman-killed-by-tigress-near-bandhavgarh-tiger-reserve-619984.html Fri, 06 Jun 2025 18:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-notifies-greater-flamingo-sanctuary-at-dhanushkodi-619792.html Chennai June 5 In a major step towards protecting migratory bird habitats and promoting biodiversity the Tamil Nadu government has officially notified a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the sanctuary via video conferencing on Thursday coinciding with World Environment Day celebrations organised by the Departments of Environment Climate Change and Forests in ChennaiThe newly designated sanctuary spans 5247 hectares covering both revenue and forest lands within Rameswaram taluka It forms a part of the ecologically significant Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve which supports diverse ecosystems including mangroves mudflats marshes and sand dunes These habitats are crucial for marine life nesting sea turtles and notably thousands of migratory wetland birdsThe sanctuary lies along the Central Asian Flyway a major migratory route used by birds travelling between Eurasia and the Indian subcontinentAccording to a 20232024 wetland bird survey the Dhanushkodi region recorded over 10700 wetland birds representing 128 species including herons egrets sandpipers and both Greater and Lesser FlamingosA Government Order GO issued on Wednesday by Additional Chief Secretary Environment Climate Change and Forests Supriya Sahu emphasised the areas ecological valueMangrove species Avicennia and Rhizophora dominate the Dhanushkodi lagoon acting as natural buffers against coastal erosion and serving as vital breeding grounds for wildlife The sanctuary is expected to promote responsible ecotourism generate local employment and increase public awareness about wetland conservation according to the GO The move also aligns with the states broader commitment to protecting fragile ecosystems amid the challenges of climate change and urban expansionThe World Environment Day event witnessed the participation of several key officials including Minister Thangam Thenarasu who holds additional charge of Environment Forest Minister RS Rajakannappan and ACS Sahu Also present were MSME Minister TM Anbarasan Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Srinivas Reddy and Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar DograThis declaration marks a significant milestone in Tamil Nadus conservation journey reinforcing the importance of preserving its unique coastal and wetland ecosystems for future generations IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-notifies-greater-flamingo-sanctuary-at-dhanushkodi-619792.html Thu, 05 Jun 2025 21:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/fresh-cases-trigger-fear-in-mps-barwani-as-villagers-grapple-with-unresolved-animal-attacks-619753.html Bhopal June 5 The mystery surrounding the recent unknown animal bite incidents appears to be nearing resolution with the discovery of a jackal carcass near Limbai village in Rajpur tehsil of Barwani district While this revelation may bring some clarity fear continues to grip Sendhwa village following a new wave of animal attacks on WednesdayResidents remain anxious about their safety despite medical confirmation that the latest incident involved a dog and not a wild animalEight persons were attacked and severely bitten four of whom were transferred to Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar Medical College and Hospital in Indore for further treatmentPhotographs of wounded children raise questions about whether a dog could have inflicted such severe injuries Four new patients have arrived in Indore for treatment following an animal attack in Kermala Varla tehsil of Barwani districtThe victims include Ritika aged four Kajal also four Rishika seven and Aarti 45 Their families describe the incident as deeply unsettling and an eerie silence now hangs over the village even during the dayAccording to relatives the attack occurred on Wednesday June 4 when an unidentified animal suddenly targeted the victimsThey were initially taken to Sendhwa hospital before being transferred to MY Hospital in Indore later that night for further medical careDr Jitendra Verma deputy superintendent of MY Hospital Indore confirmed that four new cases arrived on Wednesday all identified as dog bitesThree of the victims all children were discharged after receiving antirabies vaccinations and primary treatment while one Aarti remains under observation in a stable conditionDr Verma also reported that seven individuals had previously been admitted following the unknown animal attackTwo remain under medical supervision one succumbed to injuries during treatment and three have already been discharged Another patient opted for selfdischargeHe reassured that those still receiving care are stable and asymptomatic Despite these reassurances fear lingers among the villagersDr Ankita Singare civil surgeon of Barwani district hospital said that two patients from a previous attack were seen on Thursday both stable but complaining of weakness She confirmed that no new cases of unknown animal bites have been reported since May 5 when an unidentified animal attacked 18 people in Limbai villageSubdivisional magistrate Barwani Bhupendra Rawat emphasised that no fresh cases have emerged in Rajpur tehsilThe recent incidents in Varla village of Sendhwa were confirmed as dog bites yet the community remains on edgeHe reiterated that the animal responsible for the May 5 attack is dead and its body has been disposed of expressing hope that the fear will soon subside IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/fresh-cases-trigger-fear-in-mps-barwani-as-villagers-grapple-with-unresolved-animal-attacks-619753.html Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/after-plastic-found-in-dead-elephants-belly-tn-forest-division-flags-open-waste-dumping-619516.html Chennai June 4 After the death of a female wild elephant that ingested plastic waste the Coimbatore Forest Division in Tamil Nadu has issued a stern appeal to local bodies to immediately stop dumping garbage along forest fringes The elephant which was found dead near the Maruthamalai foothills recently had reportedly consumed plastic bags and leftover food from an open dump yardForest officials and wildlife activists have since blamed poor waste management practices by nearby civic bodies for drawing wild animals to human settlements thereby intensifying humanwildlife conflict in the region Open dumping is hazardous to animal health and increases the chances of dangerous humananimal interactions said a forest department officialLetters have been sent to the Block Development Officers BDOs of Periyanacikenpalayam and Thondamuthur urging immediate action to halt garbage disposal along forest boundaries and clear existing waste to safeguard wildlifeOfficials warned that once wild elephants locate dump yards as food sources they are likely to return repeatedlyLeftover food waste especially with high salt content poses serious health risks to elephants the official addedWhile the forest department has called for urgent corrective measures from civic agencies farmers in the region have voiced frustration over the departments inability to prevent wild elephants from straying into agricultural lands even those situated far from forest areasIn response forest authorities have intensified patrols in vulnerable zones We have deployed night staff to monitor and deter elephant movement near the old dump yard in Maruthamalai said a range officerAdditional surveillance is being carried out in areas including Pannimadai Veerapandi Varapalayam and Thadagam to prevent elephants from foraging in human settlementsThe department is also working alongside NGOs volunteers and staff from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments HRCE Department to launch awareness drivesA major antidumping campaign is scheduled for June 5 to coincide with World Environment Day Forest officials emphasised the need for a coordinated effort between civic bodies residents and wildlife authorities to prevent further loss of wildlife due to negligence and promote safer coexistence between humans and animals IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/after-plastic-found-in-dead-elephants-belly-tn-forest-division-flags-open-waste-dumping-619516.html Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/practice-of-feeding-pigeons-on-footpaths-in-delhi-comes-under-ngt-scanner-619373.html New Delhi June 3 The practice of feeding pigeons on footpaths pavements and traffic islands in Delhi has come under the scanner of the National Green Tribunal NGT The green tribunal has issued notices to Delhi government its Public Works Division PWD department the Municipal Corporation of Delhi MCD and the New Delhi Municipal Council NDMC after an application was filed before the NGT raising the issue of the adverse effect of dried pigeons droppings mix with the dustThe applicant law student Armaan Palliwal claimed that such droppings cause serious lung diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis which causes lung scarring and breathing difficultiesThe application said that feeding and proliferation of pigeons leads to pigeons dropping in the footpath pavements and traffic islands and when these feeding areas are broomed then the toxic particulates of dried droppings mix with the dust pollute the environment and cause adverse health effectsIn its order passed on May 29 a bench of Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel opined that the application filed before the NGT raised substantial issue relating to compliance with environmental normsIssue notice to the respondents authorities for filing their responsereply by way of affidavit before the Tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing through efiling ordered the NGT posting the matter for hearing on August 8It added that if any respondentauthority directly files the reply without routing it through their advocate then the said authority will remain virtually present to assist the green tribunal Applicant is directed to serve the other respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next date of hearing it further orderedUnder the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 the green tribunal is responsible for handling cases related to environmental protection and the conservation of forests and natural resources IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/practice-of-feeding-pigeons-on-footpaths-in-delhi-comes-under-ngt-scanner-619373.html Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/nocturnal-terror-toll-after-unknown-predators-attack-on-eighteen-mp-tribals-rises-to-six-619388.html Bhopal June 3 A mysterious creature launched a sudden and ferocious attack upon eighteen villagers of Limbai a tribal settlement in Madhya Pradeshs Barwani district on the night of May 5 and though the victims received immediate medical attention and were duly vaccinated against rabies six of them have succumbed so far Despite the efforts of healthcare professionals some of the victims succumbed to their injuries in Barwani 350 km from the state capital Bhopal while the others later died at Maharaja Yashwant Rao MY Hospital IndoreAs their conditions worsened on Saturday several individuals including Chain Singh 50 Sunil Nigwal 40 Manju Vijay 15 all from Limbai in Rajpur subdivision along with Kalu 35 and Ram Singh 48 residents of San village were urgently referred to the MY HospitalDespite receiving medical care Chain Singh passed away in the Indore hospital on SundayThat same day Nigwals family transferred him from MY Hospital to their village Limbai only for his health to deteriorate further On Monday he was rushed to Barwani Hospital where he too succumbedSubDivisional Magistrate Barwani Bhupendra Rawat told IANS that eighteen villagers had fallen victim to the unidentified beasts attack while sleeping beneath the open sky seeking relief from the summers relentless heatThe animal struck all of them in a single night targeting even their faces Though rabies vaccinations were promptly administered and proper protocols followed six individuals tragically died Curiously none exhibited hallmark symptoms of rabies such as hydrophobia leaving medical experts baffledIt must be a jackal or fox the SDM opinedThe identity of the animal assailant remains an enigma leaving the medical fraternity in Indore in a fixSurviving patients reported that victims hailed from Talwara Menimata Solyapura Limbai Ojhar Kakariya Davana and Sangaon villages Meanwhile two additional patients were retrieved from MY Hospital by their familiesBy Monday Muralidhar 65 and Dagdu 75 were also admitted to MY Hospital bearing wounds on their hands legs and faces At present two patients remain under close supervision at MY Hospital Indore However they hail from Sendhwa rather than Limbai They are asymptomatic and stable displaying no signs of hydrophobia or any other rabiesrelated symptoms the hospitals Deputy Superintendent Dr Jitendra Verma told IANSWe are unable to ascertain whether the attack was carried out by a dog fox or a jackal he added noting that the National Communicable Disease Control authorities have been informedAccording to the victims they had been peacefully asleep when the unknown predator struck biting them before vanishing into the darkness None could identify the creature responsible making efforts to determine its species from the bite marks exceedingly difficult Despite their uncertainty all have been vaccinatedOutrage erupted among villagers on Monday culminating in a road blockade on the state highway Angered by forest officials refusal to hunt down the elusive beast their frustration spilt out onto the streets However tensions eased as a post on an unverified X handle belonging to the Barwani District Collector said that Collector Guncha Sanobar personally visited Limbai extended her sympathies to the injured and bereaved families gathered crucial information from the villagers and assured them that the government would extend all possible assistance in the wake of the distressing incidentThe Collector remained unavailable for comment IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/nocturnal-terror-toll-after-unknown-predators-attack-on-eighteen-mp-tribals-rises-to-six-619388.html Tue, 03 Jun 2025 17:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assams-gaja-mitra-to-help-curb-human-elephant-conflict-619162.html Guwahati June 2 In a move to curb the escalating humanelephant conflict in Assam authorities have launched Gaja Mitra a dedicated initiative aimed at protecting both local communities and the states majestic elephants The programme is being rolled out across five of the most affected districts Goalpara Baksa Udalguri Sonitpur and Nagaon where frequent elephant incursions have led to crop damage property loss and sometimes tragic human and animal fatalitiesThe Gaja Mitra initiative takes a multipronged approach One of its core strategies is ecological focusing on the creation of greener more hospitable forests to ensure elephants have ample food and migratory corridors within the wild By restoring natural habitats officials hope to reduce the need for elephants to venture into human settlements in search of foodTechnology too plays a key role AIpowered camera traps have been deployed as silent sentinels throughout the forests capable of detecting elephant movement and sending realtime alerts to nearby villagesThis smart surveillance system aims to provide communities with enough time to prepare react or evacuate if necessary reducing the risk of surprise encountersTo protect livelihoods Gaja Mitra also emphasises Protecting Paddy by enhancing the procurement of crops in highrisk areas This ensures that farmers do not bear the financial brunt when elephants forage through their fieldsAdditionally trained Gaja Mitra teams comprising local volunteers will act as community liaisons These teams will raise awareness respond to alerts and serve as vital links between forest departments and villagers embodying the spirit of Jan Bhagidari or peoples participationWith a blend of ecology technology and community engagement Gaja Mitra signals a compassionate shift in conservation where coexistence not conflict takes centre stageAssam Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary recently said that more than 70 people and 80 jumbos on average die every year in humanelephant conflict in the stateAccording to an official when more people occupy the elephants natural habitats the animals are forced to leave their homes in search of food which results in confrontation with peopleHe said there are currently more than 5700 elephants living in the state IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assams-gaja-mitra-to-help-curb-human-elephant-conflict-619162.html Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/indigo-flight-makes-emergency-landing-in-ranchi-after-mid-air-collision-with-vulture-619221.html Ranchi June 2 An IndiGo flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Ranchis Birsa Munda Airport on Monday after a midair collision with a vulture triggered a safety concern All 175 passengers and crew members on board escaped unhurt officials said The Airbus A320 aircraft was operating on a PatnaRanchiKolkata route and was flying at an altitude of approximately 3000 to 4000 feet when it was hit by the bird prompting the pilot to initiate emergency landingFollowing the bird strike the aircraft remained airborne for nearly 40 minutes as the crew assessed the situation and prepared for an emergency landingThe pilot displayed calm and successfully brought the aircraft down safely at Ranchi airport around 2 pm on MondayPanic gripped passengers on board following the impact but the crew reassured them that the situation was under control and the flight was heading for a precautionary landingPassengers heaved a sigh of relief once the aircraft touched down safelyAirport officials confirmed that no injuries were reported and credited the pilot for the safe landingThe pilot acted swiftly and professionally under pressure All passengers are safe Our engineering team is currently inspecting the aircraft to assess the extent of the damage an airport official saidThe aircraft will be cleared for further operations only after a thorough safety check and approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation DGCAThis is not the first instance of bird strikes causing flight disruptions at Ranchi Airport On May 8 an Air India Express flight from Delhi to Ranchi IX 116 encountered a technical snag after a pigeon got stuck in its wingDuring postlanding inspection one dead and one live pigeon were found lodged in the aircrafts blades That flight was subsequently cancelled due to technical issues IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/indigo-flight-makes-emergency-landing-in-ranchi-after-mid-air-collision-with-vulture-619221.html Mon, 02 Jun 2025 19:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/indias-tiger-man-valmik-thapar-passes-away-in-delhi-618832.html New Delhi May 31 Indias most renowned tiger conservationist Valmik Thapar passed away at his Kautilya Marg residence in the national Capital on Saturday morning after battling cancer for a long time Widely known as Indias Tiger Man Thapar 73 was part of over 150 committees of both central and state governmentsThapar a major figure in Indias conservation efforts spent 40 years pushing for wildlife conservation and cofounded the Ranthambhore Foundation in 1988 a nongovernmental organisation focussed on communitybased preservation of wildlifeHe fought for stronger antipoaching laws and the preservation of natural tiger habitatsThe environmentalists father Romesh Thapar was a noted journalistThapar married theatre artist Sanjana Kapoor and they were blessed with a son HamirThe environmentalist was inspired by Fateh Singh Rathore a renowned Indian conservationist and a key member of the Project Tiger teamNotably Thapars famous relationship with Macchli a female tigress is documented in some of his worksThapar who served as a member of the Tiger Task Force of 2005 in the United Progressive Alliance UPA government had opposed the majority Task Force view which was optimistic about the coexistence of tigers and humansSoon after Thapars demise condolences started pouring inCongress leader and former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh expressed grief over his demise saying it is a great lossJairam Ramesh posted on the social media platform X Valmik Thapar a legendary figure in the world of conservation over the past four decades especially tigers has just passed away It is a great lossTodays Ranthambore particularly is a testimony to his deep commitment and indefatigable zeal He was uncommonly knowledgeable on a variety of issues relating to biodiversity and not a day passed during my Ministerial tenure without our talking to each other with me almost always at the receiving end During my tenure as chairman of the standing committee also he was also a constant source of many valuable suggestions and advice We had arguments but it was always an education to listen to him full of passion and concern he wrote on XThe Congress leader said Thapar was truly an unforgettable oneofakindExpressing grief over Thapars demise Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended condolences to his family friends wildlife enthusiasts and the conservation communityDeeply saddened to learn about the passing of noted conservationist author and naturalist Valmik Thapar A leading authority on Tiger conservation he was one of Indias most respected wildlife experts and was appointed a member of the Tiger Task Force of 2005 My deepest condolences to his family friends wildlife enthusiasts and the conservation community Kharges post on the social media platform X readThapar will be cremated at the Lodhi Electric Crematorium at 330 this afternoon IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/indias-tiger-man-valmik-thapar-passes-away-in-delhi-618832.html Sat, 31 May 2025 12:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/52-day-trawling-ban-in-kerala-to-start-on-june-9-618474.html Thiruvananthapuram May 28 A meeting chaired by Kerala Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian on Wednesday decided to enforce the annual trawling ban for 52 days from June 9 The trawling ban is enforced with the aim of ensuring the prosperity of marine stock as it is the spawning season of a wide variety of fishDuring the said time mechanised fishing boats will not be allowed to venture into the sea to carry out fishingHowever traditional fishing using inboard boats will be allowed during this periodAs is the practice during the 52day trawling ban period free ration would be distributed to fishermen who work in trawlers and other labourers who depend on them for their livelihoodAmong the other decisions that were taken is the authorities concerned the Coastal Police along with the district Collectors should ensure that all boats from other states leave the coast of Kerala before the start of the trawling banMeanwhile traditional fishermen have been asked to exercise caution while venturing into the seaThe Fisheries Department has stated that inboard boats should have all safety equipmentLike every year the meeting decided that stringent action would be taken against violators of the banIn order to ensure that the ban is not violated control rooms will be activated in coastal areas during the periodAlso members of the fishing community will be keeping a tab on if there are violations taking place and if so they will report the matter to the authorities who will take actionMeanwhile those who are engaged in fishing using traditional methods will have to carry their biometric cards as there will be checks undertaken during the ban periodIn Kerala there are around 105 lakh fisherfolk who are registered with the state Fisheries department IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/52-day-trawling-ban-in-kerala-to-start-on-june-9-618474.html Thu, 29 May 2025 00:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/chennai-corporation-to-launch-vaccination-sterilisation-drive-for-stray-dogs-after-five-year-gap-618393.html Chennai May 28 After a fiveyear hiatus the Greater Chennai Corporation GCC is gearing up to launch a largescale campaign to vaccinate and sterilise over 180 lakh stray dogs across all 200 city divisions The renewed initiative comes in the wake of mounting public complaints and rising incidents of stray dog attacks in the cityThe last such campaign was carried out in 2020 Since then the GCC has faced increasing criticism for failing to address the growing stray dog population and the associated public safety concernsThe planning is almost complete and payments have already been made for procuring vaccines and essential drugs needed for the Animal Birth Control ABC and AntiRabies Vaccination ARV programmes said J Kamal Hussain Veterinary Officer of the GCC We will outsource the manpower required to capture and vaccinate the dogs The campaign will begin within a monthAccording to official data Chennai recorded 31000 dog bite cases in 2023 and this year around 2500 new cases are being reported each monthVaccination and sterilisation remain our only effective tools to prevent such incidents Dogs suffering from other diseases or parasite infections will also be treated Hussain addedThe issue was also raised in a recent council meeting where opposition AIADMK councillors criticised the administrations handling of the situationThe State machinery is behaving like a sleeping giant Chennai is falling behind other Indian cities in controlling its stray dog population said J John AIADMK councillor from Ward 84In areas like East Avenue Road Korattur Station Road and Bajanai Koil Street stray dogs are seen in large numbers Of every ten dogs the civic body manages to catch only two the councillor saidResidents from areas such as Tirumalai Nagar in Kolathur echoed similar concerns Women and children are afraid to even walk on the streets said D Neelakannan president of the Tamil Nadu Alliance of Residents Welfare Associations ABC and ARV initiatives should be conducted frequently and without delayA resident of Janakiram Colony in Arumbakkam highlighted the risks faced by twowheeler riders At night dogs chase the headlights of vehicles startling unsuspecting riders Many now avoid interior roads as a precautionHowever animal rights activists urged a more nuanced understanding of the issue No dog attacks without provocation said one activistThe solution lies in regular and sustained vaccination and sterilisation drives The real question is whether these are being implemented consistently the activist saidExperts also stressed the need for scientific studies on canine behaviour Dogs are social but territorial animals The government must allocate funding for behavioural studies and strengthen ongoing ABC and ARV programmes the activist addedWith plans now in motion Chennai residents are hopeful that the upcoming campaign will offer a sustainable solution to the citys stray dog menace IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/chennai-corporation-to-launch-vaccination-sterilisation-drive-for-stray-dogs-after-five-year-gap-618393.html Wed, 28 May 2025 09:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/trapped-between-rocks-tigress-found-dead-in-kanha-tiger-reserve-618437.html Bhopal May 28 A tigress was found dead in Kanha Tiger Reserve located in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh said officials on Wednesday The body was discovered on Tuesday near the Sulkum river in the Mundidadar forest area of Kanha RangeThe tigress estimated to be between eight to ten years old was trapped between two rocks It is believed that she lost her life due to a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall a forest official saidThis incident marks the sixth tiger death in Kanha and its surrounding areas this yearIn previous months a twoyearold female tiger died in January followed by a 13yearold tigress in February a fiveyearold male tiger in March and a 15monthold tigress along with a sixmonthold cub in AprilOf these deaths five occurred within the park area while one was reported near the parkFollowing standard procedures immediate action was taken as per the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority NTCAA thorough examination of the surrounding area was conducted with the help of a dog squad Samples were sent for forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of deathThe body was cremated in the presence of forest department officials the tehsildar the local sarpanch and an NTCA representativeA forest crime case has been registered and an investigation is currently underwayThe continued deaths of tigers tigresses and cubs in Kanha National Park and its surrounding regions have raised concernsInitial findings suggest that all organs of the tigress were intact but forensic examination will be required to confirm the exact cause of death While a natural disaster appears to be the reason authorities continue to investigate to rule out any other possibilities officials saidThis recent loss adds to the toll on the tiger population in Kanha IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/trapped-between-rocks-tigress-found-dead-in-kanha-tiger-reserve-618437.html Wed, 28 May 2025 17:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tripura-cm-hails-birth-of-three-tiger-cubs-at-sepahijala-zoo-after-53-years-617498.html Agartala May 22 Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday expressed happiness over the birth of three tiger cubs at the states Sepahijala Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary the first in the zoos 53year history The Chief Minister in a social media post said Exciting newsFuture kings and queens of the forest arrive in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary A tigress in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary has given birth to three adorable cubs Lets give a warm welcome to these little bundles of joy and wish them a safe and thriving life in the wild Sepahijala Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary Director Biswajit Das on Thursday said that a tigress in the zoo enclosures gave birth to three healthy tiger cubs on May 11 and the mother tigress and her newborn cubs are doing well inside the enclosure He said that as part of precautionary measures the male tiger has been shifted to the other enclosure A dozen Closed Circuit Television CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the enclosure to monitor roundtheclock the behaviour and other activities of the firsttime mother and her cubsWhile talking to IANS Das earlier said that this is for the first time in the history of the Sepahijala Zoo a tigress in the enclosures gave birth to three tiger cubs after the zoo was set up in 1972 He had said that after the birth of the three cubs the number of big cats in Sepahijala Zoo increased to five The official said that under the animal exchange programme a pair of tigers was brought to the Sepahijala Zoo from West Bengal in February last year To prevent disturbance to the tigress and her cubs tourists and other wildlife enthusiasts are not being allowed to visit near the enclosure The Zoo Director had said that balanced and nutritious foods including fresh meat are being given to the tigress Healthy soups are being given to the new mother a number of times every day so that the cubs get enough milk from the tigress Forest Science and Technology and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma expressed his happiness over the birth of three tiger cubs in the Sepahijala Zoo Birth of three cubs is an optimistic indication for tiger conservation efforts at the zoo the Minister had told IANS and informed that his department has been making continuous efforts to make Sepahijala Zoo a worldclass animal conservation hub We need the support of the Central Zoo Authority to train our people and financial support from the Central government to further develop the zoo the minister said The Sepahijala Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary which covers an area of about 1853 square km and is located 35 km south of Agartala city is one of the important tourist destinations in the northeastern state In 202425 over 170 lakh tourists from the state and other parts of the country visited the Sepahijala Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary an official said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tripura-cm-hails-birth-of-three-tiger-cubs-at-sepahijala-zoo-after-53-years-617498.html Fri, 23 May 2025 01:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/proud-to-support-conservation-efforts-of-olive-ridley-turtles-says-karan-adani-617590.html New Delhi May 23 Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd APSEZ Managing Director Karan Adani on Friday said that they were proud to support conservation efforts of Olive Ridley as the population of the vulnerable sea turtle species thrives in Odisha The Olive Ridley turtle derives its name from its olivecoloured carapace the hard upper shellThe sea turtle is one of seven living marine turtle species classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN Red List Their distinct breeding patterns and growing threat from human activity make the species increasingly fragileWe are delighted that the Olive Ridley turtles are thriving in record numbers at Gahirmatha beach near Dhamra said Karan Adani in a post on social media platform X on the occasion of World Turtle DayWe are proud to support conservation efforts that protect them and their fragile ecosystems in Odisha he addedAdani Groups Dhamra port in Odisha is home to one of the worlds largest nesting populations of Olive Ridley turtlesThe Group has created a corpus of Rs 30 crore for the conservation and protection of the Olive Ridley turtlesIn a video posted on X Karan Adani listed some measures undertaken by Adani Ports for the conservation of the Olive Ridley turtlesThis includes dark sky lighting special lights installed to reduce sea glare and aid turtle movement turtle migration support providing trawlers to the Forest Department for patrolling during migration periods to ensure safety safe navigation port routes planned away from turtle congregation zonesOther measures include fishing zone marking buoys are placed to restrict fishing boats from entering turtlesensitive areas and community engagement partnering with Divisional Forest Officer Bhadrak to educate fishers on mangrove and turtle conservationIn the 202425 season about 689 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nested at Gahirmatha beach the company saidKaran Adani noted that APSEZ will continue to work on their conservation efforts for the marine speciesWorking with local communities and wildlife authorities we continue to safeguard these gentle marine creatures the Managing Director of APSEZ said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/proud-to-support-conservation-efforts-of-olive-ridley-turtles-says-karan-adani-617590.html Fri, 23 May 2025 15:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tribal-man-killed-in-second-tiger-attack-within-fortnight-in-mps-balaghat-616484.html Bhopal May 16 In a tragic incident another fatal tiger attack has been reported in Madhya Pradeshs Balaghat district within a span of a fortnight Early Friday morning a 35yearold man identified as Anil son of Anandan Singh Bhalawi was mauled to death in the Katangi police station area His severely mutilated body was discovered in the jungle near his native village KachharVijay Dabur Additional Superintendent of Police confirmed the attack and told IANS that the tiger had consumed the rear portion of the victims body suggesting he had been dragged deeper into the forest before being killedThe incident occurred near Sonewani forest an area known for its tiger population but lacking formal protection as a wildlife sanctuaryAccording to preliminary reports from Anils family he had ventured into the forest early in the morning to collect Mahua flowers and tendu patta leaves commonly used in rolling bidis and a source of supplemental income for tribal communitiesThe tiger after the attack escaped into the dense foliageSonewani despite its rich biodiversity and fairly good tiger population remains an unprotected reserve forest raising concerns over conservation effortsThis incident follows another attack on May 3 where a 50yearold tribal farmer Prakash Pane was fatally ambushed while working on his farm under the Tirodi police station areaEnraged villagers have staged protests accusing forest authorities of ignoring their repeated warnings about tiger sightings over the past two monthsWith fears escalating locals are demanding stricter safety measures to prevent further tragedies in the regionLater the tiger was rescued after the incident and relocated to Van Vihar National Park in BhopalIn the initial months of the year 2025 at least six cases of tigerhuman conflict have been reported Of them four occurred in Bandhavgarh and two in BalaghatA forest official told IANS that tigers frequently stray into human settlements due to a dwindling prey base in the area often attacking cattle or humans These big cats roam the PenchKanha corridor occasionally entering buffer zonesOfficials estimate that around 3035 tigers inhabit the region with the one responsible for Anils death likely being among them IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tribal-man-killed-in-second-tiger-attack-within-fortnight-in-mps-balaghat-616484.html Fri, 16 May 2025 17:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kochi-to-host-fourth-global-marine-symposium-616539.html Kochi May 16 The ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI will host the fourth International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems Challenges and Opportunities MECOS 4 on November 46 this year Organised by the Marine Biological Association of India MBAI in association with the CMFRI the symposium will specially focus on research and collaborative works on climate change amid a series of emerging threats to the marine ecosystems including rising sea temperatures and extreme weather eventsThe threeday event will bring together a global community of marine scientists researchers policymakers and industry experts to address the mounting challenges facing the marine fisheries and aquacultureCMFRI Director and MBAI President Dr Grinson George said the conference will develop a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable marine fisheries and innovative aquaculture methods to meet growing seafood demand and to protect the livelihoods of coastal communities who depend on the ocean for their sustenance and incomeThe increasing threat to marine ecosystems following global warming demands urgent attention and united actions Rising sea surface temperatures ocean acidification and extreme weather events threaten marine biodiversity and disrupt ecological processes he said adding that MECOS4 would discuss all these issues among other critical challenges and opportunitiesThe discussions would centre around ecosystem and biodiversity conservation sustainable fisheries and mariculture climate and environment resilience and products value chain and livelihoodResearch on marine mammals and sea birds will also get special attention at the conferenceThe meet will offer a big platform for emerging marine researchers and students from India to showcase their innovative works providing them with crucial opportunities for visibility and engagement Researchers below the age of 35 years have the opportunity to win five Young Marine Biologist Awards for presentation of their research in the eventMECOS 4 has also instituted five memorial awards named in honour of luminaries in marine fisheries research Dr S Jones Dr M Devaraj Dr NR Menon Dr R Reghuprasad and Dr PSBR JamesIt is expected to generate recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders to promote sustainable ocean management and conservation for future generations The event will also feature a fish agri and marine expo where research institutions and industries will exhibit their innovations and products Dr George added IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kochi-to-host-fourth-global-marine-symposium-616539.html Fri, 16 May 2025 23:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-approves-rs-47-crore-human-elephant-conflict-mitigation-plan-615947.html Bhopal May 13 To reduce the recurring conflicts between humans and elephants especially in southern Madhya Pradesh where these animals frequently traverse a specific forest corridor and raid farmland rural properties and houses in the state the government has come up with a Rs 47 crore HumanElephant Conflict Mitigation plan The state cabinet approved the plan on TuesdayAs part of this initiative local farmers and rural communities in areas prone to elephant encounters will be trained in effective strategies to handle sudden attacksThey will learn techniques to safely drive elephants away from farms and minimise losses related to crops property and livelihoods Urban Development Minister and government spokesperson Kailash Vijayvargiya saidAccording to forest officials over 150 wild elephants regularly inhabit the Bandhavgarh and Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserves These elephants often migrate from neighbouring Chhattisgarh and enter human settlements particularly tribal villages increasing the risk of confrontation crop losses property damage and safety concernsThe project combines traditional and innovative methods including chilibased deterrents citrus plantations trip alarms and beehive fencesLed by the Forest Department it promotes coexistence by reducing conflict while ensuring both human and elephant welfare A recent incident highlighted the urgency of managing this conflictSix months ago 11 elephants perished after consuming a fungusinfected Kodo crop allegedly cultivated by farmers In retaliation an enraged elephant trampled two individuals to death Following this tragedy the state initiated discussions on implementing effective elephant management strategiesThe state is implementing techbased measures such as radio bulletins WhatsApp alerts and a dedicated control room to inform villagers about elephant movements and guide them on handling encounters safely the Minister saidThe plan will also include the use of AI or satellitebased monitoring of elephant movements so that farmers can be alerted in advanceAdditional elephant populations have been identified in the forested regions of Rewa and Shahdol divisions further underscoring the need for proactive measures IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-approves-rs-47-crore-human-elephant-conflict-mitigation-plan-615947.html Tue, 13 May 2025 16:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/asiatic-lion-census-underway-in-gujarat-to-cover-35-000-sq-km-616016.html Amreli Gujarat May 13 A largescale Asiatic lion population estimation is currently underway across 11 districts in Gujarat covering an estimated 35000 square km of forests and surrounding regions The fourday operation which began on May 10 is being carried out in two phases and concludes on Tuesday May 13 as per official reportIn the Gir East forest division in Dhari 511 personnel including regional and zonal officers enumerators observers and volunteers have been deployed to collect data as part of the 16th lion censusStatewide more than 2900 individuals are engaged in the effort coordinated through eight regions 32 zones and 112 subzones spread across 58 talukas of districts such as Amreli Junagadh Gir Somnath Bhavnagar Rajkot Morbi Surendranagar Devbhumi Dwarka Jamnagar Porbandar and BotadThe census involves 24hour direct observation covering both forested beats and surrounding village clustersData is being recorded meticulously including time of sighting GPS location physical signs photographs and direction of movementAll information is being processed using geographic information system mapping and statistical software to ensure accurate analysis and visualisationThe final population data will be released after thorough verification and data integrationFirst conducted in 1936 the lion census has become a critical conservation tool held every five years by the Gujarat Forest DepartmentThe current survey is notable for its use of modern technologies and direct beat verification a method known for its near 100 per cent accuracy and minimal margin of errorThis method has proven effective in diverse terrains from forests to coastal areas and revenue lands for more than three decadesAccording to past data the lion population stood at 304 in 1995 increasing to 327 in 2001 359 in 2005 411 in 2010 523 in 2015 and a remarkable 674 lions in 2020Gujarat is the only state in the world that is home to the Asiatic lion Panthera leo persica a majestic and endangered species that once roamed from the Middle East to IndiaToday these lions are found exclusively in and around the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Saurashtra region of GujaratOver the years the lions have expanded their territory beyond the protected forest spreading across parts of Amreli Junagadh Gir Somnath Bhavnagar and even into the coastal regions of Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/asiatic-lion-census-underway-in-gujarat-to-cover-35-000-sq-km-616016.html Tue, 13 May 2025 22:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-four-month-old-infant-mauled-to-death-by-pet-rottweiler-in-ahmedabad-616022.html Ahmedabad May 13 A fourmonthold infant was mauled to death by a pet Rottweiler in the Hathijan area in Gujarats Ahmedabad on Tuesday An official said that the incident occurred at Radhey Residency when the Rottweiler reportedly broke free from its leash and attacked Hina Chauhan who was holding her infant niece Rishika in her lapThe dog snatched the baby and inflicted fatal injuries before residents could intervene Rishika was rushed to the hospital but doctors declared her dead on arrival Chauhan sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at LG Hospital CCTV footage capturing the horrific moment has gone viral intensifying public angerResidents allege that the dog had previously displayed aggressive behaviour and had attacked others in the society They submitted a written complaint to Vivekanandnagar Police Station demanding strict legal action against the pets owner Dilipbhai PatelAccording to witnesses Patel was distracted on a phone call when the dog slipped its leash and charged at the woman and the child Locals say previous warnings to Patel about the dogs behaviour had gone unheeded The same Rottweiler had reportedly bitten Chauhan in a separate incident and injured at least three othersThe Amdavad Municipal Corporation AMC confirmed that the Rottweiler was not registered with the civic body a mandatory requirement for pet ownershipOn Tuesday AMC officials along with police and a veterinary team visited Patels home but found it locked The dog was later traced to Memnagar where it was taken into custody and shifted to a municipal shelterLegal proceedings have been initiated against the pet owner for failure to register the dog and for endangering public safetyAMC officials said the case highlights the urgent need for responsible pet ownership and strict adherence to civic regulations concerning potentially dangerous breeds Ahmedabad has seen a growing population of both stray and pet dogs in recent yearsThe estimated stray dog population in the city exceeds three lakh driven by factors like urban expansion lack of sterilisation and food availability in public areas These stray dogs are often seen roaming around residential colonies markets and public spaces leading to public health and safety concerns especially related to dog bites and rabies transmissionWhile the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation AMC has initiated sterilisation and vaccination drives under the Animal Birth Control ABC program challenges persist due to limited resources irregular implementation and gaps in coordination with NGOs IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-four-month-old-infant-mauled-to-death-by-pet-rottweiler-in-ahmedabad-616022.html Tue, 13 May 2025 23:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tiger-mauls-woman-to-death-in-mp-615463.html Bhopal May 11 In another tragic and horrifying incident of humantiger conflict a woman lost her life to a tiger attack in Madhya Pradeshs Seoni district The incident occurred in the forest near Bichhua village in the Kurai area within the Rukhad buffer zone of the South General Forest Division on SaturdayConfirming the report a senior forest official told IANS the attack happened early in the morning when the victim ventured into the forest to pluck tendu leavesThe tiger estimated to be around four to five years old struck suddenly and fatally wounded the womanWe are working to rescue the animal but first we need to determine the reason behind its aggression Typically older or injured tigers seek out easy prey and sometimes attack humans out of desperation However in this case the tiger was not old the officer saidThe victim has been identified as 50yearold Hemlata DaharwalTendu leaves are used as a wrapper for beedi Fresh leaves are handpicked by the tribals in summer The activity generates additional income for them The State Government gives the license for the collection and processing of the tendu leaves through a tender every yearAccording to police the animal lunged at her sinking its claws and teeth into her neck and other parts of her body She died instantly The tiger then dragged her remains to few meters into a dense area of the forestWitnesses nearby responded quickly more than 50 villagers swarmed the scene upon hearing the commotion and loud cries startled the tiger forcing it to abandon the body and fleeUpon receiving the distressing news Forest Department officials and police personnel conducted an inspection documenting tiger footprints and evidence of the victims body being draggedA panchnama was prepared for further investigationThe bereaved family of Daharwal demanded compensation of Rs 25 lakh for their loss however an amount of Rs 8 lakh25 lakh is given to the family members as per the ruleAs per government regulations the Forest Department provided an initial relief amount of Rs 8 lakhThe Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria district has witnessed four attacks in April resulting in multiple fatalities Among the victims were a man a woman and a 12yearold childAnother woman remained hospitalised after suffering severe injuries IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tiger-mauls-woman-to-death-in-mp-615463.html Sun, 11 May 2025 15:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/54-leopards-in-mumbai-forests-credited-for-highest-density-in-world-614055.html Mumbai May 4 A survey by Wildlife Conservation SocietyIndia and the Maharashtra Forest Department has confirmed the presence of at least 54 leopards in Mumbais Sanjay Gandhi National Park SGNP and adjoining landscapes an official statement said on Sunday The release of the findings on May 3 World Leopard Day confirms one of the highest leopard densities recorded anywhere in the world The survey conducted between February and June 2024 spanned SGNP Aarey Milk Colony and the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary TWLSAnita Patil Conservator of Forests amp Park Director Sanjay Gandhi National Park Borivali said The continued presence of these magnificent leopards in such a densely populated urban region speaks volumes about natures resilience and the importance of conserving the green spaces they depend onScientific monitoring exercises like this are vital for understanding the status of our wildlife and planning informed conservation actions said PatilTeams deployed camera traps at 57 locations in SGNP and 33 locations in TWLS Forest Department staff were closely involved throughout with specialised training sessions conducted to build their capacity inThe project was funded and supported by the Maharashtra Forest Department among othersIn SGNP and Aarey Milk Colony 54 individual leopards were identified including 36 females 16 males and 2 undetermined individuals Four leopard cubs were documented during the survey In TWLS three adult male leopards were identifiedRemarkably three female leopards first photocaptured in 2015 were recaptured again in 2024 demonstrating over nine years of survival within SGNP said the statementCamera traps also recorded a rich diversity of mammals including chital sambar jungle cats and palm civets and rare finds like mouse deer and rusty spotted cats it saidDuring the exercise a significant incident highlighted the challenges faced by Mumbais leopards in navigating an increasingly urbanised landscapeA male leopard initially photographed inside TWLS travelled approximately 9 km across dense human settlements major highways and railway lines to reach Vasai Fort a testament to the adaptability and resilience of these big cats said the statementBeyond research the project also emphasised capacity building training more than 50 Forest Department staff in field deployment techniques ensuring that future monitoring efforts will continue to be communitydriven and locally sustained it said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/54-leopards-in-mumbai-forests-credited-for-highest-density-in-world-614055.html Sun, 04 May 2025 19:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/five-more-cheetah-cubs-born-in-mps-kuno-national-park-613228.html Bhopal April 28 In a groundbreaking global effort to protect the endangered cheetah a remarkable development has taken place in Madhya Pradeshs MP Kuno National Park KNP in Sheopur district Nirva a fiveyearold female cheetah has given birth to five cubs marking a significant milestone in the ongoing translocation projectDr Mohan Yadav the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh shared this news on his X platform stating Once again Kuno National Park has brought us great news Nirva a fiveyearold female cheetah has delivered five healthy cubs bringing the total number of cheetahs in the state to 31He applauded the dedication of the Kuno National Park team and credited the achievement to Indias biodiversity conservation efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra ModiUnion Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav also joined in celebrating the event sharing the update on X as wellEarlier in the month two cheetahs Prabhas and Pavak were relocated to Gandhisagar in Mandsaur as part of an intraregional translocation initiative reducing the cheetah population in KNP to 24 However with the birth of these five cubs the KNP cheetah population has now risen to 29Indias own Asiatic cheetah went extinct in the mid20th century with its survival limited to a small critically endangered population in Iran To reintroduce cheetahs to Indian wildlife eight Southeast African cheetahs a nonnative subspecies were brought from Namibia in September 2022Prime Minister Narendra Modi released them into enclosures at Kuno National Park on September 17 2022 This historic moment signalled the return of the cheetah to India Subsequently in February 2023 twelve more cheetahs were brought from South AfricaEfforts to reintroduce cheetahs in India date back to the mid20th century While proposals were made to Iran in the 1970s and Kenya in the 1980s they met with limited success By 2012 Indias Supreme Court had initially deemed such translocation projects illegal citing concerns about introducing a new species rather than restoring a native one However recent developments have revived this ambitious project which is now showing promising results IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/five-more-cheetah-cubs-born-in-mps-kuno-national-park-613228.html Mon, 28 Apr 2025 08:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/first-four-of-eight-cheetahs-to-be-brought-to-india-from-botswana-will-arrive-in-may-612083.html Bhopal April 19 As part of efforts to give a boost to the Cheetah Project the first four of the eight cheetahs to be brought to India from southern Africa will arrive in the country in May The eight big cats will be brought to India from Botswana in two phases media reports quoted officials as saying on Saturday This information was given by officials of the National Tiger Conservation Authority NTCA who took part in a review meeting of the cheetah project on Friday in the presence of Union Minister for Environment Forests amp Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan YadavEfforts are underway to bring more cheetahs from South Africa Botswana and Kenya to India Eight cheetahs will be brought to India in two phases There is a plan to bring four cheetahs from Botswana to India by May After this four more cheetahs will be brought At present consent is being developed on an agreement between India and Kenya stated a release from the Madhya Pradesh government quoting the NTCA officialsMeanwhile two cheetahs from the Kuno National Park KNP will be relocated to the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Friday that two cheetahs a male and a female from the KNP will be relocated to the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary on April 20The announcement was made after Bhupender Yadav and CM Yadavs meeting with senior forest officials in BhopalThe state government is committed to developing Kuno National Park as a model wildlife tourism destination Alongside KNP Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Mandsaur district will soon host cheetahs the Chief Minister saidCM Yadav said that plans are underway to enhance tourism at the Kuno National Park by improving direct road and air connectivity from GwaliorHe announced that Madhya Pradesh is undertaking extensive efforts to develop its ecosystemDuring the review meeting on the Cheetah Project implementation it said that cheetah cubs born in Madhya Pradesh have the worlds highest survival rateIn contrast cubs in other countries often struggle to adapt to local climates Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary offers an ideal environment for cheetahs prompting the state to introduce them there to enrich the sanctuary CM Yadav said in a statementMeanwhile CM Yadav announced plans to develop a paved allseason road from Gwalior to KNP and establish a tent city within the forest for touristsAn internationallevel veterinary hospital and rescue centre will also be set up in the Kuno area with central assistanceThis facility will serve cheetahs and support cattle care across the regionHe said the state government is also working to conserve king cobras gharials and rare turtlesIn the first phase 10 king cobras will be introduced to Madhya Pradesh to balance the population of venomous snakes in the states forestsKuno National Park currently has 26 cheetahs with 16 in the wild and 10 in rehabilitation enclosuresFemale cheetahs Jwala Asha Gamini and Veera have given birth to cubsThe state government has also sought Supreme Courts approval to launch a Cheetah Safari as safaris in forests or ecosensitive zones require judicial permission a forest official told IANS IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/first-four-of-eight-cheetahs-to-be-brought-to-india-from-botswana-will-arrive-in-may-612083.html Sat, 19 Apr 2025 09:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/61-day-fishing-ban-begins-in-tn-fishermen-urge-vigilance-against-illegal-trawling-611373.html Chennai April 15 The 61day annual fishing ban along Tamil Nadus coast began in the early hours of Tuesday and will continue until June 14 The ban implemented under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act 1983 is aimed at protecting marine biodiversity during the peak breeding seasonDuring this period mechanised boats and trawlers are prohibited from venturing into the seaAccording to the Ramanathapuram district administration nearly 1500 mechanised vessels across various coastal jetties have been anchored including 809 boats in Chennai aloneIn Thoothukudi district more than 550 mechanised boats at the Thoothukudi Tharuvaikulam and Vembar fishing harbours will remain ashoreFishermen leaders have urged the Tamil Nadu government to step up coastal surveillance to prevent illegal fishing during the banThey have called for the deployment of the Indian Coast Guard and the states marine police to monitor the waters and identify violatorsWe must ensure no unauthorised fishing takes place especially by boats from Kanniyakumari or Kerala The fisheries department must remain alert said Pugal Secretary of the Deep Sea Fishermen Welfare AssociationTraditional country boats however are allowed to operate during the ban in Tamil NaduHowever officials have warned fishermen not to venture into Andhra Pradesh waters where a complete fishing ban including on traditional craft is in effectThere have been past incidents where our fishermen were assaulted and their equipment confiscated by locals in Andhra Pradesh We must avoid such confrontations a state fisheries department official saidTo support affected fishermen the Tamil Nadu government has announced a financial relief of 8000 for each registered fisherman Boat owners can use this period for vessel maintenance and repairsMeanwhile there are growing demands from the fishing community to increase the compensation citing inflation and rising commodity pricesNJ Bose leader of the All Mechanised Boat Fishermen Association also reiterated the need for a resolution on the longpending Katchatheevu issue before the ban endsAhead of the ban fish prices surged at markets across the stateOn Sunday the Kasimedu fishing harbour in Chennai witnessed high demand and steep prices Seer fish vanjaram was sold at 9001000 per kg white pomfret vellai vavval at 1100 per kg red snapper sankara at 500600 per kg and sardines mathi at 100120 per kgWith local fishing suspended markets typically source fish from neighbouring states like Kerala and Karnataka Consumers are also expected to flock to coastal hamlets to buy directly from traditional fishermen as they return to shore with their catch IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/61-day-fishing-ban-begins-in-tn-fishermen-urge-vigilance-against-illegal-trawling-611373.html Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/two-kerala-tribals-die-while-fleeing-in-panic-after-seeing-wild-elephant-herd-autopsy-reports-awaited-611380.html Thrissur April 15 In the midst of a mananimal conflict in Kerala which has taken a heavy toll on people living in the forested areas there were reports of two more deaths on Tuesday morning According to reports two tribals lost their lives in Athirapally a picturesque tourist spot which lies in the forest areaThe dead have been identified as Ambika and Satish and according to reports the deaths occurred when they were running away in terror after seeing a herd of wild elephantsThe body of Ambika was recovered from the river while the body of Satish was found in the forest areaOnce the post mortem reports come in it will be clear whether the two were trampled to death by the wild elephants or died due to other causesOn Tuesday morning the local tribal community informed the forest officials about the tragic incidentLocal legislator Sanish Kumar Joseph said that these tribal families live inside the forested area and they go into the deep woods to collect forest produce for which they have permissionAccording to information some tribal people went into the deep forest to collect forest produce and seeing a herd of elephants they got rattled and they ran helterskelter and in the process they lost their lives said JosephIncidentally KM Jayachandran the local village council member of the area said these two deaths have come at a time when the tribal community was getting ready for the funeral of another person who was trampled to death by a wild elephant on Sunday midnightKerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran who is away in Mumbai has directed the Chief Forest Officer to prepare a report on the incidentThe state government is doing everything to ensure that the mananimal conflict is tackled through various measures and it is taking place also said SaseendranSince the beginning of 2025 around a dozen people most of them tribals have lost their lives due to attacks from wild animals and the maximum casualties have been reported from Wayanad districtThe wild animals that have been attacking people include elephants tigers and wild boarsDistricts like Wayanad Thrissur and Kannur are the tribal areas that have been the worst affected by the mananimal conflict IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/two-kerala-tribals-die-while-fleeing-in-panic-after-seeing-wild-elephant-herd-autopsy-reports-awaited-611380.html Tue, 15 Apr 2025 10:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-to-conduct-lion-census-across-expanded-habitat-in-may-611510.html Gandhinagar April 15 Gujarat is set to conduct a fullscale lion population census next month in the Saurashtra region in the first scientific and comprehensive count of the big cat since 2015 As per official data the upcoming survey will span approximately 35000 square kilometers an area that includes about 3400 villages and forest regions across 58 talukas in 11 districts This marks a significant expansion of the lions territory which covered around 30000 square kilometres during the last full censusOver the past decade the lions range has grown by nearly 5000 square kilometres reflecting both successful conservation efforts and the natural dispersal of the species Historically Gujarats lion population has shown a steady increase In 1995 the population was recorded at 304 By 2015 it had risen by 72 per cent to 523 If the 2020 estimate of 674 lions proves accurate it would mark a further 28 per cent rise in just five years The upcoming census will provide not only an updated population count but also crucial insights into the changing ecology and conservation needs of the regionIn 2020 due to the constraints of the Covid19 pandemic the state Forest Department conducted only a rough estimate of the lion population using a fullmoon observation method which is less scientific That estimation placed the lion population at 674 Now the department is returning to a more rigorous and globally recognised technique known as the Block Count Method also referred to as the Direct Beat Verification Method This method is considered the most reliable for large carnivore population assessments and will ensure greater accuracy in tracking the growth and distribution of lions in the region To carry out the census the state has been divided into 8 regions 31 zones 110 subzones and 3400 village beatsThe survey will involve around 3000 personnel including beat guards foresters forest rangers senior officers wildlife observers and trained volunteers organised into 650 to 700 teams Highresolution cameras will be deployed at the subzonal level to photograph lions from various angles minimising the chances of duplicate counting The preliminary count will take place from 2 pm on May 10 to 2 pm on May 11 followed by the final count from 2 pm on May 12 to 2 pm on May 13 IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-to-conduct-lion-census-across-expanded-habitat-in-may-611510.html Tue, 15 Apr 2025 23:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/fish-prices-surge-ahead-of-61-day-long-fishing-ban-in-tamil-nadu-611271.html Chennai April 14 With the annual 61day fishing ban set to come into effect from midnight on April 14 fish prices have skyrocketed at the Kasimedu fish market in Chennai Seer fish vanjiram is selling at Rs 1000 per kg red snapper shankara at Rs 600 per kg and pomfret vaaval at Rs 650 per kg reflecting high consumer demandThe fishing ban mandated under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fisheries Regulation Act 1983 and enforced in accordance with the Centres Deep Sea Fishing Regulation Act 2001 will remain in force until June 14 and applies to mechanised and trawl boats operating from Tiruvallur in the north to Kanyakumari in the southThe primary objective is to facilitate the breeding of marine species and ensure the conservation of fish stocksHowever traditional country boats and smallscale fishermen are permitted to operate within 5 nautical miles during the ban periodThere are an estimated 800 registered mechanised boats in the coastal districts of Chennai Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu During the ban these boats are required to remain dockedThe state government has announced financial assistance of Rs 8000 for each fisherman affected by the moratorium covering the entire 61day period while strict enforcement measures are in place under and violators who venture into the sea during the ban will face legal actionMeanwhile South Indian Fishermens Welfare Association President K Bharathi raised concerns about the timing of the banIn Tamil Nadu the fishing ban is observed from midApril to midJune which coincides with the summer season But fish generally breed during the rainy season On the western coast of India from Kerala to Gujarat the fishing ban starts in June aligning with the monsoon which is more suitable for breeding he told media personsBharathi urged the state government to reconsider the timing of the ban and align it with the actual breeding period He also called for an increase in the financial assistance provided to fishermen citing inflation and rising costs of livingDuring this period fishermen carry out maintenance work on their boats or temporarily migrate to other states for alternative employment Given the current economic conditions enhanced support from the state is essential he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/fish-prices-surge-ahead-of-61-day-long-fishing-ban-in-tamil-nadu-611271.html Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/another-big-cat-attack-on-human-in-mps-bandhavgarh-tiger-reserve-area-611174.html Bhopal April 13 The Dhamokhar buffer zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh has witnessed another harrowing tiger attack on the second consecutive day Rita Baiga a 38yearold woman from Simaria village was reportedly attacked by a tigress on Sunday morningShe had ventured into the forest to collect Mahua flowers when she was attacked by a tiger ambushed in the undergrowth The predator pounced on her inflicting deep claw wounds to the back of her headRita was rushed to the district hospital Umaria in critical condition where doctors administered fifteen stitches to her injuries before referring her to Jabalpur for advanced treatmentHer wounds were deep she was referred to Jabalpur Dr Kailash Chandra Soni the civil surgeon Umaria district hospital told IANSThis attack is the fourth humantiger encounter within the reserve in just twenty days a grim statistic that has already claimed three lives a man a woman and a twelveyearold boyThe Mahua season generates additional source of income for tribal and local communities Mahua flowers are collected during the summers Yet this pursuit has become fraught with danger as tiger attacks have surged in villages bordering the reserveOver a tenday period alone a woman and a fourteenyearold boy lost their lives in separate incidentsOn Sunday morning the tigress attacked the Mahua collector Rita near the reserve she was saved as villagers promptly rushed to scare the animal back into the forestAdditional Superintendent of Police Pratipal Singh Mahobia explained that the park is comparatively small coupled with an increasing tiger population It has forced these majestic predators into buffer zonesHe added that tigers are particularly active in the early morning hoursthe same time villagers collect Mahua flowers Among the most heartrending tragedies was the attack on twelveyearold Vijay Kol from PipariyaOn April 12 he accompanied his grandfather and uncle to the forest to gather Mahua flowersWithout warning the same tigress reportedly emerged from the bushes seized the boy in its powerful jaws and dragged him into the undergrowthVillagers and Tiger Reserve staff launched an immediate search but Vijays lifeless body was later discovered in a nearby pool IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/another-big-cat-attack-on-human-in-mps-bandhavgarh-tiger-reserve-area-611174.html Sun, 13 Apr 2025 21:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-govt-names-wildlife-sanctuary-after-b-r-ambedkar-611029.html Bhopal April 12 In a significant gesture to honour BR Ambedkar the legendary figure and architect of the Indian Constitution the Madhya Pradesh government has unveiled its latest wildlife sanctuary named after him On April 14 the country will celebrate the birth anniversary of the iconic figure of IndiaAmbedkar was born in Mhow now known as Ambedkar Nagar in Madhya PradeshThis marks the states 25th wildlife sanctuary covering a sprawling 25864square km area in the Sagar districtA true tribute was paid to Baba Saheb by issuing a notification declaring the 25864 square km reserved area of Sagar district as Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Sanctuary This new sanctuary will provide a new safe shelter to the wildlife This sanctuary dedicated to Baba Saheb will strengthen the ecological balance as well as give impetus to tourism and provide new employment opportunities to the local people This decision is a symbol of our reverence for nature respect for the Constitution maker and commitment towards inclusive development Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said in post on his X accountThe sanctuary now officially named Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Sanctuary covers the area of reserved forest land across North Sagar Forest Division including Banda Tehsil and Shahgarh forest zonesFalling under the jurisdiction of the North Sagar Forest Circle this protected area aims to conserve biodiversity strengthen the ecological food chain and boost tourism thereby generating employment opportunities for localsSet to be inaugurated before Ambedkar Jayanti in 2025 the sanctuary aligns with Madhya Pradeshs commitment to both honouring historical icons and preserving its natural heritageThe Forest department detailed this initiative in a recent notification and reiterated its goals for wildlife conservation and promoting sustainable ecotourismMadhya Pradesh is renowned for its rich wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves including Kanha Tiger Reserve in Balaghat and Mandla Pench Tiger Reserve spanning Seoni and Chhindwara Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria Satpura Tiger Reserve in Narmadapuram and Panna Tiger Reserve in the Bundelkhand region among othersThe newly designated sanctuary named after BR Ambedkar adds to this impressive collection offering yet another hub for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-govt-names-wildlife-sanctuary-after-b-r-ambedkar-611029.html Sat, 12 Apr 2025 17:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-govt-names-wildlife-sanctuary-after-br-ambedkar-611030.html Bhopal April 12 In a significant gesture to honour BR Ambedkar the legendary figure and architect of the Indian Constitution the Madhya Pradesh government has unveiled its latest wildlife sanctuary named after him On April 14 the country will celebrate the birth anniversary of the iconic figure of IndiaAmbedkar was born in Mhow now known as Ambedkar Nagar in Madhya PradeshThis marks the states 25th wildlife sanctuary covering a sprawling 25864square km area in the Sagar districtA true tribute was paid to Baba Saheb by issuing a notification declaring the 25864 square km reserved area of Sagar district as Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Sanctuary This new sanctuary will provide a new safe shelter to the wildlife This sanctuary dedicated to Baba Saheb will strengthen the ecological balance as well as give impetus to tourism and provide new employment opportunities to the local people This decision is a symbol of our reverence for nature respect for the Constitution maker and commitment towards inclusive development Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said in post on his X accountThe sanctuary now officially named Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Sanctuary covers the area of reserved forest land across North Sagar Forest Division including Banda Tehsil and Shahgarh forest zonesFalling under the jurisdiction of the North Sagar Forest Circle this protected area aims to conserve biodiversity strengthen the ecological food chain and boost tourism thereby generating employment opportunities for localsSet to be inaugurated before Ambedkar Jayanti in 2025 the sanctuary aligns with Madhya Pradeshs commitment to both honouring historical icons and preserving its natural heritageThe Forest department detailed this initiative in a recent notification and reiterated its goals for wildlife conservation and promoting sustainable ecotourismMadhya Pradesh is renowned for its rich wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves including Kanha Tiger Reserve in Balaghat and Mandla Pench Tiger Reserve spanning Seoni and Chhindwara Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria Satpura Tiger Reserve in Narmadapuram and Panna Tiger Reserve in the Bundelkhand region among othersThe newly designated sanctuary named after BR Ambedkar adds to this impressive collection offering yet another hub for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-govt-names-wildlife-sanctuary-after-br-ambedkar-611030.html Sat, 12 Apr 2025 17:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-to-conduct-ai-enabled-lion-count-across-11-dists-from-may-10-13-610765.html Gandhinagar April 10 The upcoming lion census in Gujarat will use Artificial Intelligence AI to count the majestic Asiatic lions heralding a new era of technological integration in wildlife conservation The exercise led by the Gujarat Forest Department will be held from May 10 to 13 spanning 11 districts including the iconic Gir National Park home to the worlds only population of wild Asiatic lionsForest Minister Mulu Bera announced the initiative on Wednesday calling it a significant step forwardThe lion census will take place not just in Gir but across all areas where lions are known to roam Our staff along with NGOs and dedicated volunteers will work round the clock in two 24hour phases Artificial Intelligence and other technologies will be used for better accuracy and efficiency he saidThe AIbased approach is expected to streamline the traditionally manual process which involved physically spotting lions recording details and mapping their movements using GPS and photographsNow with AIdriven data analysis image recognition and realtime tracking systems the census aims to deliver faster more reliable population estimatesOnce on the brink of extinction the Asiatic lion Panthera leo persica has made a remarkable recovery thanks to decades of conservation efforts most notably in Gir the species last natural habitatThe last official census in 2020 conducted through the Poonam Avlokan method recorded 674 lions a 29 per cent increase from the previous 2015 count of 523 lions The lions are not just Gujarats pride but a global symbol of successful conservationToday their range extends beyond Gir into parts of Amreli Junagadh Bhavnagar Botad Porbandar Rajkot Jamnagar and Surendranagar districtsOfficials confirm that lions have adapted to new landscapes including coastal regions and revenue areas outside protected forests raising both excitement and concerns about humanwildlife interactionThis years census holds particular significance While the exercise is usually held every five years the pandemic disrupted the 2020 fullscale count Instead the numbers released that year were based on a modified estimation methodAs such the 2024 census will be the first comprehensive lion count in nearly a decade providing muchneeded insights into population growth migration trends and habitat pressureWildlife experts emphasise that AI tools will not only aid in identifying individual lions through facial and stripepattern recognition but will also help assess their health movement patterns and possible conflict zonesIntegrating AI into the census could be a gamechanger It can process thousands of camera trap images quickly flag anomalies and reduce human error said a senior forest official based in JunagadhThe Gujarat government has consistently invested in lion conservation including habitat expansion prey base enrichment and veterinary care Additionally new lion rescue and interpretation centres have been established in places like Jasadhar and DevaliyaThe involvement of local communities who often coexist with the lions remains vital Many Maldhari families who graze livestock in and around the Gir forest have played a crucial role in protecting the big catsVolunteers and NGOs are also expected to play a vital role in this years census Their participation not only aids the state in data collection but also fosters awareness and conservationcentric tourismThe Forest Departments decision to adopt AI comes amid growing concerns around habitat saturation lion dispersal into human settlements and disease vulnerability such as the canine distemper virus that affected Girs lion population in 2018 Experts stress the need for realtime data to plan corridor connectivity and health monitoring IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-to-conduct-ai-enabled-lion-count-across-11-dists-from-may-10-13-610765.html Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/when-kannur-district-judge-and-collector-helped-rescue-sparrow-610664.html Kannur April 10 It was an unprecedented rescue operation never seen before in Keralas Kannur district when authorities toiled hard and people lent support The conclusion brought happiness all around and people thanked each other for the success The victim in distress was a sparrow caught in a glass showcase of a textile shop The shop at Ullikal near here was locked under the directions of the Kerala High Court following a legal tangle between a few people and has not been opened for the past six monthsAs per reports the desperate chirping of a bird had caught everyones attention and the matter reached Kannur District Collector Arun K Vijayan He immediately directed the Ullikal local body secretary to see what could be done to rescue the sparrowVijayan after getting to know the details spoke to the officials in the Kerala High Court on Thursday The High Court then passed on the information to the Kannur district judgeAt 1030 am the Kannur district judge Nissar Ahamed came to the spot along with local government officials and directed the shop to be openedIn a matter of 15 minutes the two locks were opened and then the glass door leading to the showcase was also openedThe rattled sparrow sensing some danger tried to flutter away as one of the rescuers caught hold of itAs the man came out of the shop the officials and the crowd roared and cheered The man then raised his hand and gently released the sparrow to its freedom The sparrow took to the skies and then sat on the branch of a treeI would like to thank the locals and then the media that brought this to the attention of authorities The authorities also acted quickly and this became a reality said AhamedReports said that it was first on Wednesday that the locals noticed that a small sparrow had got trapped in between the shutter and the glass showcaseFirst the locals spoke to the local Fire Force and then the Forest officials but since being entangled in a High Court directive both these agencies expressed their inability to lend helpLater the locals somehow managed to give water and foodgrains through the little space on a side of the showcase The locals pointed out a very small opening on one side of the shutter through which the sparrow had fallen in it and despite its best efforts it failed to come out through the same opening IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/when-kannur-district-judge-and-collector-helped-rescue-sparrow-610664.html Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-govt-installs-ai-powered-cameras-to-monitor-elephant-movement-in-dharmapuri-forests-609957.html Chennai April 6 In a major step to mitigate humanwildlife conflict the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has installed 12 AIbased solarpowered cameras across four key locations in the Dharmapuri forest range These smart cameras are designed to detect and monitor the movement of wild elephants especially in regions frequently impacted by elephant incursionsThe Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary which lies within Dharmapuri is known for having one of the highest rates of humanwildlife conflicts in the stateAccording to forest department officials each AIpowered camera costs around Rs 15 lakh Despite the cost the technology has significantly helped reduce confrontations between humans and wild elephantsOfficials explained that the AI cameras are capable of detecting the presence of elephants well in advance This early detection enables forest teams to take timely action to drive the animals away before they encroach on farmlands or residential areasThe cameras can zoom in on movement from up to one kilometre away and are connected to the Internet 24x7 Live footage is monitored from a centralised control room at the Dharmapuri Forest OfficeHigh elephant activity has been reported in areas falling within the elephant corridor particularly in Palacode Pennagaram and Hogenakkal Crop damage in these areas has become a frequent issueIn the fiscal year 202425 alone the Dharmapuri district recorded 827 humanwildlife conflict incidents prompting the government to disburse Rs 6267 lakh in compensationThe newly installed AIbased surveillance system has proven especially effective in Palacode where realtime alerts from the control room allow rapid response from forest personnelIn the next phase the forest department plans to install digital bulletin boards and speakers in nearby villages to provide realtime alerts on elephant movement enhancing community safetyHumanwildlife conflicts have been on the rise across Tamil Nadu The state recorded 80 human fatalities due to such encounters in 202425 the highest in five years Additionally the Forest Department documented 4235 cases of crop damage 259 livestock deaths 176 property damage incidents and 138 human injuries during the same periodAlthough Tamil Nadus forest cover is below the national average the states forests are rich in biodiversity The state currently has a stable wild elephant population of 3063 Its tiger population has also seen a significant increase rising nearly fourfold since 200506 to reach 306 as per the 202223 census IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-govt-installs-ai-powered-cameras-to-monitor-elephant-movement-in-dharmapuri-forests-609957.html Sun, 06 Apr 2025 11:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/prowling-leopard-gets-trapped-in-cage-on-tirupatis-sri-venkateswara-university-campus-609974.html Tirupati April 6 A leopard was trapped in a cage placed by the Forest Department in the Sri Venkateswara University SVU campus in Tirupati Andhra Pradesh on Sunday The leopard which was seen moving in the campus and in the vicinity for the last few weeks was trapped in one of the cages set up by the forest department to catch itVeterinary doctors examined the leopard and they found it healthy The big cat was later released into the forestFour cages were placed across the campus to capture the elusive leopard that had been making forays into the campus regularly from the abutting Tirumala forestsAccording to Forest Department officials the leopard was recently spotted near the SVU students hostel and at Devlok on Tirupati Zoo Park Road This sparked fear among students and others who demanded that the forest department catch the animalIn February the Forest Department had conducted perambulation across the sprawling SVU campus following suspicion over the presence of leopard cubsForest guards along with the universitys security personnel staff members NSS volunteers and students had conducted the exercise but no trace of any leopard cubs was foundLast month a leopard was sighted on the Alipiri walkway triggering panic among local shopkeepers and devoteesThe movements of a leopard were captured on CCTV footage in a shop and the shopkeeper alerted the officials of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam TTDThe TTD officials advised devotees to use the walkway only in groupsEarlier a leopard was sighted near Muggu Bavi on the walkway It had retreated into the woods The TTD security personnel had been providing security to devoteesThe TTD officials along with the Forest Department had put in place additional security measuresThe Alipiri walkway is used by hundreds of devotees every day to reach the Sri Venkateshwara temple atop Tirumala Hills The 9kmlong route has 3550 steps to reach the hill shrineIn January a leopard was sighted near Alipiri on the foothill of Tirumala Hills sending panic among the residents of Tirupati as well as the travellersA contract employee of TTDs Aswini Hospital was injured when he encountered a leopard while travelling on a bike on the AlipiriCherlopalli roadThe big cat jumped off the road median to cross the road towards the abutting forest Muni Kumar fell from the bike when he panicked on seeing the leopardLeopards have been making frequent appearances on this road during the last several months IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/prowling-leopard-gets-trapped-in-cage-on-tirupatis-sri-venkateswara-university-campus-609974.html Sun, 06 Apr 2025 13:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-retired-army-man-injured-in-stray-cattle-attack-in-chennai-609995.html Chennai April 6 In a disturbing incident that has once again highlighted the rising threat of stray cattle on city roads a retired army man was seriously injured by a stray cow in Ambattur on Sunday The retired army man who was walking along a street was attacked by an aggressive cow and suffered severe injuries He was rushed to a nearby hospital and is currently undergoing treatmentThe incident comes a few days after another stray cattle attack was reported from Balaji Nagar Kolathur A woman and her child were walking down the street when a cow accompanied by its calf turned aggressive and charged at themThe woman tried to shield her child but was gored by the cows horns sustaining serious injuries Locals quickly intervened chased the cow away and called for an ambulance Civic body workers later arrived captured the cow and took it awayAuthorities have launched an investigation to identify the owner of the animalThese incidents have sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the Greater Chennai Corporations GCC efforts to manage the stray cattle issueResidents have voiced concern over the growing menace and the lack of stringent action against negligent cattle ownersIn August last year an elderly man in Korukkupet suffered a fractured leg after being gored by a bullIn another alarming incident in June 2024 a 34yearold woman V Madhumathi from Tiruvottiyur sustained grievous injuries after being tossed and dragged for several metres by a stray buffaloThe police later arrested two individuals Kotteeshwara Rao and his son Vengalasai for letting the buffalo looseIn response to mounting incidents the GCC has announced a series of measures aimed at curbing the stray cattle problemThe civic body plans to construct new cow sheds in areas such as Shenoy Nagar Tondiarpet Madhavaram and Sholinganallur while renovating existing ones in Nolambur and KodungaiyurCattle owners will be required to pay a fee of Rs 10 per day for each cow housed in the shedsTo ensure better regulation the corporation also intends to register all cow sheds establish new Animal Birth Control Centres and recruit temporary workers to manage stray cattle on the roadsThere are also plans to set up designated cattle yards authorised enclosures for housing domesticated animalsThe GCC has earmarked a budget of Rs 12 crore for the construction and renovation of cow shedsCattle housed in these facilities will not be allowed to roam outside unless in emergencies or for medical reasonsWith the number of stray cattle incidents on the rise citizens are urging authorities to accelerate the implementation of these initiatives and enforce stricter penalties on negligent owners to prevent further harm IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-retired-army-man-injured-in-stray-cattle-attack-in-chennai-609995.html Sun, 06 Apr 2025 15:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/first-photographic-record-of-flying-squirrel-in-himachal-609902.html Shimla April 5 Himachal Pradesh Forest Department on Saturday said its Wildlife Wing has captured the photo of the woolly flying squirrel once considered extinct captured in the Miyar Valley of LahaulSpiti district The department said that this is the first photographic record flying squirrel This rare documentation was made during a camera trapping survey conducted from October to December last year A Forest Department spokesperson on Saturday said the woolly flying squirrel Eupetaurus cinereus endemic to the northwestern Himalayas was long believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994 after a gap of nearly 70 years Its confirmed presence in the state marks a noteworthy addition to the states mammal checklist and is considered a significant milestone in wildlife conservation efforts The spokesperson said the camera trapping survey was part of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India SPAI initiative was aimed at studying snow leopard populations and their habitat The survey followed SPAI protocols and involved the installation of 62 camera traps across strategic locations in the Miyar Valley This extensive exercise was carried out by the Wildlife Wing in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Foundation NCF He said the challenging deployment of camera traps across the rugged Himalayan terrain was led by a team of local youth from Kibber in Spiti who have been engaged in such conservation efforts since 2010 Their efforts were further supported by a committed wildlife and conservation champion from Lahaul The spokesperson said in addition to the woolly flying squirrel camera traps also recorded images of several other key species including the snow leopard the red fox the Himalayan wolf and the mountain weasel These animals were observed in rocky cliff zones and transitional habitats just above the tree line areas typically favoured by the woolly flying squirrel These findings not only show the rich biodiversity of the Miyar Valley but also provide crucial insights into the highaltitude ecosystems of Himachal Pradesh said the spokesman Such discoveries also show the importance of continued conservation research and the need to protect these fragile and unique habitats IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/first-photographic-record-of-flying-squirrel-in-himachal-609902.html Sat, 05 Apr 2025 19:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/two-killed-in-attack-by-wild-elephants-in-chhattisgarh-609355.html Raipur April 1 Two persons died in separate incidents of elephant attacks in the Balrampur district of Chhattisgarh officials said here The attacks happened on Monday evening in separate villages under the Ramanujganj police stationAccording to the police in ChhatwaFulwar village late Monday night a couple was severely injured when a woman attempted to save her husband from an attack by a group of elephants The Ramanujganj police station incharge Ramakant Tiwari confirmed the report and told IANS that the woman identified as Asmina 40 suffered serious injuries in the attack and later succumbed to her injuries during treatment on Tuesday morningHer husband Usman 45 remains in critical condition the police officer saidThe elephants first struck the woman uprooting one of her hands during the attack leaving her critically injured alongside her husband Both were initially admitted to the Community Health Center for primary treatment however she could not surviveThe villagers enraged by her death and the frequent incidents of elephant attacks staged a Chakka Jam on the ChhattisgarhJharkhand road accusing forest officials of negligenceThe situation is under control yet humanelephant conflicts are common in the area the police officer said furtherIn another incident on Monday night in Rampur village the officer further stated that a person identified as Durga Prasad 50 lost his life after being attacked by a group of elephants The incident occurred in the same police station areaBalrampur district shares its border with the dense forest areas of Jharkhand The forest is dominated by the presence of elephants which often roam in both states The area is naturally demarcated by the Kanhar RiverLast year a wild elephant also trampled a person Chamra Ram 60 to death in the Rajpur area of the Balrampur district Chamra Ram encountered a group of eight elephants near his house in the nursery adjacent to Chilma Forest Range The elephants crushed him leading to his death on the spot His family managed to save their lives by fleeing the scene This incident occurred as a group of 35 elephants roamed the area with eight elephants splitting from the herd IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/two-killed-in-attack-by-wild-elephants-in-chhattisgarh-609355.html Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rampaging-elephants-kill-seven-in-jharkhands-gumla-and-simdega--609061.html Ranchi March 30 A herd of wild elephants has unleashed havoc in Jharkhands Gumla and Simdega districts claiming seven lives in the past four days On Sunday an elephant trampled two people to death in Gumla while another individual sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospitalIn the latest attack 45yearold James Kujur who had gone to collect Mahua in the Derangdih Ambakona forest in the Raidih police station area was crushed to death early in the morning His mutilated body was later recovered by police and Forest Department officialsIn another incident an elephant wrapped 73yearold Climate Ekka in its trunk and slammed him to the ground near his house in Albert Ekka block He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuriesThe rampaging jumbo then moved to the neighbouring village of Jarmana where it trampled 50yearold Arvind Singh Rajawat who had gone to the fields early in the morning He sustained serious injuriesThe terror began on Thursday when a wild elephant killed three people in the Simdega district On that night Vikas Ohdar who was sleeping outside his house in Buruirgi Debotoli was trampled to deathOn Friday morning Sibiya Lugun 45 was killed in a similar attack in Jamang village in the Bano police station areaIn Gumla Christopher Ekka was killed in BardihDevgaon of Palkot police station area while he was out in the fields on FridayThe same day Hemvati Devi was fatally trampled in Tetartoli village while extracting lac from a plantAccording to villagers two or three elephants have strayed from their herd and have been rampaging through settlements in Gumla and Simdega districts for the past few days destroying homes and spreading panicDespite attempts to scare them away using torches and drums the pachyderms remain undeterred The Forest Department has been making public announcements urging people to stay alertDecisive action from authorities to control the situation is awaited IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rampaging-elephants-kill-seven-in-jharkhands-gumla-and-simdega--609061.html Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/over-510-pigs-killed-due-to-african-swine-fever-in-mizoram-608895.html Aizawl March 29 A fresh outbreak of African Swine Fever AFS has killed over 510 pigs in Mizoram officials said on Saturday An official from Mizorams Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department AHVD said that over 510 pigs died due to the ASF during the past two weeks in 13 villages and localities in two Mizoram districts Lawngtlai and MamitTwo teams of AHVD have culled around 100 pigs and piglets in the two districts so farThe fresh outbreak was confirmed on March 20 through tests in the Northeast Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory NERDDL in GuwahatiAccording to the officials earlier this month the fresh outbreak of ASF hit Lawngtlai district which shares unfenced international borders with Myanmar and BangladeshPig fatalities were also reported from the Mamit district which shares an interstate boundary with Tripura and international frontiers with BangladeshThe state government is monitoring the situation closely as efforts are being made to curb the spread of the deadly disease in the unaffected areasLast year Mizoram suffered a loss of Rs 33649 crore due to the outbreak of ASF which left 15000 pigs dead while around 24200 pigs were culled to prevent the spread of the diseaseAccording to AHVD officials over 15000 pigs died while over 24200 pigs were culled till December 31 2024 after the outbreak of the ASF on February 9 last yearThe outbreak of the contagious disease started in midMarch 2021 and since then the ASF has caused huge losses to the farmers and government farmsIn 2021 around 33417 pigs and piglets died and 12568 were culled due to infectious disease while in 2022 at least 12795 pigs and piglets died and 11686 were culled and in 2023 1139 pigs and piglets died and 980 were culledIn 2024 the first ASF case was reported on February 9 in Leithum village in Champhai district which shares unfenced borders with MyanmarThe northeastern state which shares unfenced borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh has incurred financial losses of Rs 89669 crore due to the disease since 2021In view of the death and culling of pigs and piglets due to the ASF outbreak Mizoram suffered a loss of Rs 33414 crore in 2021 Rs 21032 crore in 2022 and Rs 1577 crore in 2023 an AHVD official told IANSThe government has provided compensation to several hundred families for the loss of pigs due to the highly communicable disease she saidThe ASF which however does not affect humans is a highly infectious disease among pigs and poses a severe threat with a very high mortality rateAccording to experts the outbreak of ASF may have been caused by pigs or pork brought from neighbouring Myanmar Bangladesh and the adjoining states of the northeastMizoram shares a 510kmlong unfenced border with Myanmar and 318 km with BangladeshPork is one of the most common and popular meats consumed by both the tribals and nontribals in the northeastern regionWith heavy demand for pork in the northeast region its annual business is worth around Rs 800010000 crore with Assam being the largest supplier IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/over-510-pigs-killed-due-to-african-swine-fever-in-mizoram-608895.html Sat, 29 Mar 2025 16:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/first-1-000-fungi-on-iucn-red-list-reveal-growing-threats-608607.html Gland Switzerland March 27 The number of fungi species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has surpassed 1000 confirming that deforestation agricultural expansion and urban development are driving these species to decline worldwide Thursdays update also reveals that frankincense trees face an increasing risk of extinction and new Green Status assessments show the impact of conservation on species including the lionThe IUCN Red List now includes 169420 species of which 47187 are threatened with extinction The addition of 482 newly assessed fungi species brings their number on the IUCN Red List to 1300 of which at least 411 are at risk of extinctionFungi are the unsung heroes of life on earth forming the very foundation of healthy ecosystems yet they have long been overlooked Thanks to the dedication of experts and citizen scientists we have taken a vital step forward over 1000 of the worlds 155000 known fungal species have now been assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species the most comprehensive source of information on extinction risk Now its time to turn this knowledge into action and safeguard the extraordinary fungal kingdom whose vast underground networks sustain nature and life as we know it said Dr Grethel Aguilar IUCN Director GeneralRapid growth of agricultural and urban areas has replaced fungi habitats putting 279 species at risk of extinctionNitrogen and ammonia runoff from fertilisers and engine pollution also threaten 91 species These are serious threats in Europe impacting species that are wellknown in traditional countryside such as the vulnerable fibrous waxcap Hygrocybe intermediaAt least 198 species of fungi are at risk of extinction due to deforestation for timber production illegal logging and clearing for agriculture Clearcutting of oldgrowth forests is especially damaging destroying fungi that do not have time to reestablish with rotation forestryThirty per cent of oldgrowth pine forests across Finland Sweden and Russia have been cut down since 1975 pushing species such as the giant knight Tricholoma colossus to become vulnerable Climate change is impacting fungiOver 50 fungi species are at risk of extinction due to changes in fire patterns in the US which have drastically changed forests Firs have grown to dominate the high Sierra Nevada mountain woods since 1980 reducing habitat for the endangered Gastroboletus citrinobrunneusWhile fungi mainly live hidden underground and inside wood their loss impacts the life aboveground that depends on them As we lose fungi we impoverish the ecosystem services and resilience they provide from drought and pathogen resistance in crops and trees to storing carbon in the soil said Prof Anders Dahlberg Red List Authority Coordinator of the IUCN SSC Mushroom Bracket and Puffball Specialist GroupIt is important that more oldgrowth forests are protected Forestry practices should consider fungi for example leaving dead wood and scattered trees and proactive forest management can help manage fire intensityFungi constitute their own kingdom distinct from animals and plants They are the second biggest kingdom after animals with an estimated 25 million species of which around 155000 are named They underpin all ecosystems most plants partner with fungi to take in nutrients and therefore cannot exist without them and they make decomposition possibleMany are edible used in food and drink production including fermentation form the basis of medicines and support bioremediation efforts to clean contaminated sites IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/first-1-000-fungi-on-iucn-red-list-reveal-growing-threats-608607.html Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tiger-cub-disappears-in-mps-panna-reserve-authority-says-natural-608501.html Bhopal March 27 The disappearance of a tiger cub from Panna Tiger Reserve PTR has once again brought the reserve into the spotlight capturing the attention of park authorities and wildlife enthusiasts alike The missing cub belonged to tigress P141 who recently gave birth to her fourth litter of four cubs These cubs aged seven to eight months were often seen frolicking with their mother delighting tourists with their playful antics until about two weeks agoSpeaking to IANS over the phone Anjana Suchita Tirkey the parks field director explained that the cub is not necessarily missing as presumed She pointed out that tigresses in the wild may sometimes abandon or even kill weaker offspring as part of natures way of ensuring the survival of the fittestIt is a natural process normally a tigress rears its cubs till two years in wild Tirkey stated adding A team of field staff is searching for the cub and if it is found alive it would need to be kept in captivity and raised by the park authoritiesAccording to Tirkey the cub may have been abandoned a fortnight ago when it was last spotted in the parks tourist zoneVideos of the cubs regularly went viral on social media showcasing the thriving tiger population in the reserve a significant milestone for Panna which had faced the complete disappearance of its tiger population back in 2009However the joy of observing these cubs has now turned to concern as only three cubs remain by the tigresss side with the missing one unaccounted for over a fortnightThe incident has prompted an intensified response from the forest department Under Tirkeys directive a focused search operation is underway involving teams of forest officials supported by four elephantsThese teams are combing the grasslands of the park following pugmarks in hopes of locating the cubDespite their efforts no traces of the cub have been found thus far Experienced mahouts and forest personnel are steadfast in their efforts to locate the cub and ascertain the truth behind the cubs absenceAccording to the officer the park has 63 adult tigers The tiger census includes the tigers of two years or more Of them 30 are female IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tiger-cub-disappears-in-mps-panna-reserve-authority-says-natural-608501.html Thu, 27 Mar 2025 20:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/10-crore-saplings-to-be-planted-across-rajasthan-this-year-cm-sharma-607732.html Jaipur March 21 Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced an ambitious target of planting 10 crore saplings under Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modis Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign the government aims to plant 50 crore saplings In the financial year 202425 7 crore saplings were planted and this year in line with the 202526 budget 10 crore more will be planted he said while addressing the state level function at Rajasthan International Center Jaipur on the occasion of International Day of Forests on FridayHe said that nature is the basis of our life Trees nature and mountains are worshipped in our culture and Rajasthan has had a long association with environmental conservation he saidHe appealed that everyone should take a pledge to save forests and preserve biodiversity as well as make a green and healthy Rajasthan for the coming generationsCM Sharma emphasised Rajasthans deeprooted connection with nature and environmental conservation urging citizens to take an oath to protect forests and biodiversity for future generationsThe Chief Minister highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modis commitment to balancing forests the environment and climate action He praised Rajasthans conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard a critically endangered species and noted that the National Wildlife Board had recently announced a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action PlanReaffirming the states dedication to environmental conservation Sharma stressed the governments focus on the 3Rs Reduce Reuse RecycleHe also announced the Rajasthan Circular Economy Incentive Scheme 2025 introduced in the 202526 budget to promote waste management water conservation and resource efficiency In a significant move the government is also set to introduce an agroforestry policy for the first time in RajasthanOther key initiatives include One District One Species Promoting conservation of native flora establishment of Mother Forests across districts recruitment of forest guards and creation of a Gharial Rearing Center in Sawai Madhopurs Palighat for grassland and gharial conservationOn the occasion Chief Minister Sharma launched the DigiOneForest Stack app a firstofitskind initiative in India aimed at enhancing transparency in forest management through IT technologyHe also inaugurated ecotourism facilities in Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary and introduced golf cart services at Keoladeo National Park Bharatpur and Nahargarh Biological Park Additionally he unveiled the Forest Soil Health Card and the Climate Change Response and Ecosystem Service Enhancement CRESEP logoThe event also witnessed the foundation laying of the Forest Training and Management InstituteThe Chief Minister distributed kits to Vanmitras and honoured women personnel from the Forest Department for their outstanding contributionsSanjay Sharma Minister of State for Forest Environment and Climate Change acknowledged Prime Minister Modis vision in transforming tree plantation into a mass movementHe highlighted Rajasthans innovative monitoring system to ensure sapling survival and the ongoing registration of Forest Protection and Management Committees IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/10-crore-saplings-to-be-planted-across-rajasthan-this-year-cm-sharma-607732.html Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/australian-ecosystems-facing-multiple-threats-warns-report-607490.html Canberra March 20 Recordbreaking heat mass coral bleaching and biodiversity loss continue to threaten Australias ecosystems according to the latest Australias Environment Report published on Thursday The report produced annually by the Australian National University ANU and the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network TERN after analysing extensive satellite station and field data said Australias environment showed a slight improvement in 2024 marking the fourth consecutive year of aboveaverage conditionsHowever Australia experienced its secondhottest year on record after 2019 with sea surface temperatures reaching alltime highs which led to the fifth mass bleaching event in the Great Barrier Reef in under a decade and severe bleaching in Western Australias Ningaloo Reef the report saidHabitat destruction invasive species and climate change continue to endanger native ecosystems While 41 species were added to the threatened species list in 2024 down from a record 130 in 2023 it remains well above the longterm average of 25 per year it saidThe Threatened Species Index shows an average 58 per cent decline in threatened species populations since 2000 However report coauthor Tayla Lawrie from the TERN noted a slight recent improvement suggesting possible stabilisation for some species Xinhua news agency reportedIn 2024 Australias environmental score reached 77 out of 10 a significant recovery from the disaster years of 2019 and 2020 when scores ranged from 04 to 2 after the Black Summer bushfires damaged the countrys biodiversity the report showedDespite favourable rainfall improving vegetation and soil health ANU Prof Albert Van Dijk lead author of the report warns the environmental improvements of the last four years do not negate longterm concernsAs Australias per capita greenhouse gas emissions remain among the highest in the world Professor Van Dijk calls for investment in renewable energy stronger land management policies and enhanced biodiversity conservation efforts IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/australian-ecosystems-facing-multiple-threats-warns-report-607490.html Thu, 20 Mar 2025 20:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mystery-surrounds-death-of-20-crows-in-bihars-bhojpur-officials-rule-out-bird-flu-607238.html Patna March 19 Panic gripped Harhangi village in Bihars Bhojpur district after approximately 20 crows were found dead under mysterious circumstances over the past two days officials said Dr Dinkar Diwakar Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Officer of Bhojpur confirmed the unusual incident and stated that the carcasses were discovered in a teak plantation on the outskirts of the villageSpeaking to IANS he said We have collected samples from the dead crows and sent them to the Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory RDDL in Kolkata for further testing Initial inspections do not indicate symptoms of Avian Influenza bird flu Diwakar saidTo prevent any potential contamination the deceased birds were safely buried near the village Although officials have ruled out immediate health risks the sudden mass death has raised concerns among local residents about the possibility of an outbreakInterestingly there are no poultry farms within a 45 km radius of the affected area which officials say reduces the likelihood of bird flu transmissionDespite the absence of clear indicators of avian disease an expert team from the Animal Husbandry Department has visited the site and urged residents to remain vigilantThis incident comes in the wake of a similar occurrence last month On February 18 dozens of crows were found dead within the police lines premises in Jehanabad district raising alarm Subsequent testing of those samples confirmed the presence of Avian Influenza specifically the H5N1 strain which is known to be highly contagious and can potentially spread to humansThe confirmation of bird flu in Jehanabad prompted swift action from the district administration which issued warnings and precautionary measures to residents Health and animal husbandry authorities have since intensified surveillance and advised the public to report any unusual bird deaths immediately IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mystery-surrounds-death-of-20-crows-in-bihars-bhojpur-officials-rule-out-bird-flu-607238.html Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/elusive-tiger-shot-dead-after-tranquilizer-fails-in-keralas-idukki-606804.html Idukki March 17 A tiger that had caused panic among the locals in Gramby in Keralas Idukki district was shot dead after tranquilizer shots failed to subdue it The tiger even after two tranquilizer shots had attacked the special team which was on prowl to capture itThe officials said that after the first tranquilizer was fired the tiger became violent and a second shot made it more aggressive It jumped towards the Rapid Response Team RRT and in the process one member suffered injuries Seeing this the RRT officials who were armed opened fire and in that gunfire the tiger dropped downThe RRT officials lifted the tiger into a net and put it into a vehiclePictures now reveal that the tiger was dead when it was lifted into the net The RRT team had shifted the caged tiger to the Thekkady Wildlife Reserve It was after reaching there that the news came that the tiger was deadIncidentally a team of the Kerala Forest Department police and locals which has been on the lookout for the tiger for the past six days on Monday morning saw it in a tea estateWhen it was spotted a few days back the tiger seemed to be weak and was seen limping due to a possible injuryEarlier the Department had set up a cage near the Government LP School in Gramby to trap the animalHowever the attempt failed as the tiger was too weak to enter the trap prompting officials to focus on tranquillisation insteadAccording to official data as of February 28 Kerala has recorded 57 human fatalities due to wildlife attacks in the current financial year 202425This includes 15 deaths from elephant attacks eight from wild boar attacks one death from a tiger attack 32 deaths from snake bites and one death caused by a porcupine attackThe increasing number of human wildlife conflicts in Kerala is attributed to its vast forest cover which accounts for 291 per cent of the states total geographical areaMore than one lakh tribal residents live within these forests alongside nearly five lakh nontribal residents in nearby settlements and border areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/elusive-tiger-shot-dead-after-tranquilizer-fails-in-keralas-idukki-606804.html Mon, 17 Mar 2025 15:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/leopard-enters-jaipur-college-forest-department-begins-capture-operations-606852.html Jaipur March 17 A leopard entered the premises of Jaipur College on Monday triggering panic among students staff and others and efforts were on to locate and capture the big cat officials said The leopard entered the Birla Institute College in Jhalana and upon receiving the information police and Forest Department officials rushed to the scene Additional teams have been called in to assist with the rescue operation However the leopard has not been spotted for a long time According to forest officials a team is present onsite ready to tranquilise the leopard if necessaryA thorough search operation is underway but there has been no sighting of the animal for the past hour Authorities suspect that the leopard may be hiding somewhere within the college premises or may have returned to the forest through another routeDue to the proximity of Jhalana and Amagarh Leopard Reserves the sighting of leopards is common in Jaipur On December 7 a leopard roamed Vidyadhar Nagar for nearly four hours causing panic Leopards have also been sighted in Manbagh Jaisinghpura Khor Ashiana Greenwood Society Jagatpura Delhi Road Jamwaramgarh Malviya Nagar and JhalanaDuring these incidents leopards have attacked livestock and other wild animals Tragically a child was also killed in the Jamwaramgarh areaJaipurs leopard population has been steadily rising Currently around 75 leopards inhabit the Jhalana Amagarh and Nahargarh Safari areas Jhalana alone hosts approximately 45 leopards while Amagarh has over 20 Notably Jaipur is the first city in India to have two leopard safaris a lion safari a tiger safari and an elephant safariAuthorities are continuing to monitor the situation at Birla Institute College and rescue efforts are ongoing IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/leopard-enters-jaipur-college-forest-department-begins-capture-operations-606852.html Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-five-more-cheetahs-to-roam-in-wilderness-of-kuno-from-monday-606695.html Bhopal March 17 Five more members of the magnificent cheetah family is set to roam free in the wilderness of Kuno National Park KNP in Sheopur Madhya Pradesh on Monday Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav shared this update on his X handle announcing that a female cheetah named Gamini brought from South Africa will be released into the open wilderness of KNP on MondayGamini will be accompanied by her two male and two female cubs marking another milestone in the conservation efforts at the parks Khajuri tourism zoneThe Chief Minister highlighted that this rare opportunity to see cheetahs thriving in their natural habitat during safaris is expected to attract more visitors and significantly boost tourismDr Yadav reaffirmed the states commitment to taking wildlife conservation and tourism to greater heightsEarlier this year in February four cheetahs including a mother and her three cubs were released into the wild in Kuno National Park after spending a year in captivityThe release took place during a special event organised by the state Forest Department which was also attended by the Chief MinisterAccording to Kuno officials preparations for releasing cheetahs into the open forest were meticulously supervised by a steering committee and senior forest expertsThis will be the third time cheetahs will be released into an open boma enclosure at KNP Notably one of the cheetahs a fiveyearold female named Veera recently gave birth to two healthy cubsWith this latest release a total of seven out of twelve adult cheetahs at KNP will be living freely in the parkPreviously in December 2024 two male cheetahs Vayu and Agni were successfully released into the wildThe Chief Minister emphasised the positive ripple effect of these efforts noting that the growing cheetah population is fostering tourism and creating new employment opportunities in the stateWith the rise in cheetah numbers Madhya Pradesh is witnessing a surge in tourism opening new doors for livelihoods We remain steadfast in our dedication to wildlife conservation promotion and restoration Dr Yadav had saidIndias ambitious Project Cheetah began after cheetahs had been extinct in the country for 70 yearsOn September 17 2022 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the project by releasing the first batch of eight cheetahs from Namibia into KNPThe second group of 12 cheetahs followed in February 2023 arriving from South AfricaAlthough plans for a third batch of 18 cheetahs expected to arrive from South Africa in February 2025 it may face delays as authorities await progress reports the new group is anticipated to be relocated to both Kuno National Park in Sheopur and Gandhi Sagar in MandsaurThese efforts showcase Indias steadfast commitment to restoring the cheetah population and strengthening wildlife conservation IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-five-more-cheetahs-to-roam-in-wilderness-of-kuno-from-monday-606695.html Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/forest-department-resumes-efforts-to-tranquilise-tiger-in-keralas-idukki-606621.html Thiruvananthapuram March 16 The Kerala Forest Department resumed its efforts on Sunday to capture a tiger that caused panic among residents of Granby near Vandiperiyar in Keralas Idukki The animal which appears weak and injured has been roaming in the area for over five days causing panic among residentsTo facilitate the tranquilising operation a prohibitory order was enforced in Gramby Ward 15 of Vandiperiyar Panchayat on SundayA Rapid Response Team RRT was also deployed to assist in tranquillising and capturing the tiger Forest officials stated that the tigers presence was confirmed after it attacked two cattle belonging to residents Manikandan and EshayyaEarlier the Department had set up a cage near the Government LP School in Gramby to trap the animal However the attempt failed as the tiger was too weak to enter the trap prompting officials to focus on tranquillisation insteadVandiperiyar Panchayat Vice President Sreeraman M said the tigers presence sparked panic among plantation workersOfficials have urged residents to stay indoors and secure their livestock The tiger is believed to frequent a water source within a nearby tea estate he statedAccording to a Forest department official the search operation has been challenging due to heavy mist in the areaWhile the tiger is believed to be in the vicinity where it was last seen it continues to move around making tracking difficultTamil Nadu Forest Department officials are assisting in the search using drone cameras and pug mark tracking to monitor the animals movementsSpeaking to the media Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran stated The Department has a dual responsibility to protect wildlife and ensure human safety We are taking all necessary steps and aim to find a solution by todayAccording to official data as of February 28 Kerala has recorded 57 human fatalities due to wildlife attacks in the current financial year 202425 This includes 15 deaths from elephant attacks eight from wild boar attacks one death from a tiger attack 32 deaths from snake bites and one death caused by a porcupine attackThe increasing number of humanwildlife conflicts in Kerala is attributed to its vast forest cover which accounts for 291 per cent of the states total geographical areaMore than one lakh tribal residents live within these forests alongside nearly five lakh nontribal residents in nearby settlements and border areasRapid population growth and human encroachment into forested regions have intensified these conflicts leading to widespread destruction of crops loss of livestock property damage and in many cases human casualtiesIn the financial year 202425 alone over 50 wild elephant attacks have been reported across the state with a rising number of fatalitiesAuthorities are under increasing pressure to implement effective measures to mitigate these conflicts and ensure the safety of people living in and around forest areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/forest-department-resumes-efforts-to-tranquilise-tiger-in-keralas-idukki-606621.html Sun, 16 Mar 2025 15:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tripura-youth-sent-to-jail-for-brutally-killing-street-dog-606693.html Agartala March 16 A local court in Tripura on Sunday sent a youth accused of killing a street dog brutally to jail officials said An official said that the youth was arrested from Wak Shimalung Para village in Khowai district on Saturday for killing a street dog on March 11 The youth identified as Bador Jamatia has been booked under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita BNS and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960The police produced Jamatia in a court in Khowai on Sunday and the judge granted him bail But there was no bailer in favour of the accused When a bailer would come forward as his surety then he would be released from jail and until then he would remain in judicial custody the official saidThe police arrested the youth after Tipra Motha Party TMP supremo and royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma lodged an FIR with the police after noticing a video on social media where the youth was found engaging in an act of cruelty towards the animalJamatia was seen in a video brutally murdering a dog by beating several times until the dog died torturing it to death Debbarma said in his FIRThe Pawsome Tripuras first animal welfare organisation also filed a separate FIR at the Teliamura police station on the issue The video of Jamatias act was widely circulated on social media and triggered serious repercussions and widespread outrage across the state especially among animal loversAccording to the viral videos Jamatia brutally beat the dog and later hung it from a tree The accused had been absconding before he was arrested on SaturdayJamatia was reportedly accused earlier of several such killings of animals including street dogs the police said Tripura Animal Resources Development Minister Sudhangshu Das also strongly condemned the gruesome act and directed police to take immediate action to arrest the culprit without delay IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tripura-youth-sent-to-jail-for-brutally-killing-street-dog-606693.html Sun, 16 Mar 2025 23:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pinning-hopes-on-robinson-mp-has-yet-no-blueprint-for-nilgai-606333.html Bhopal March 14 Madhya Pradesh authorities yet again grope in dark and are at crossroad of an enduring battle with the wild animal Nilgai that shares suffix in its name with gai cow A menace for farmers since last several years the wild animal of antelope species not only damage the crop but destroy it too in various regions of the state All hopes now rest upon the Robinson R44 helicopter as the latest instrument in the war to protect crops from the ravages of this resilient antelope speciesOver the years measures such as Boma capture and relocate fladry fencing scarecrows and even fire have failed to yield substantial results while the more curious experiment of performing vasectomies on the Nilgai has not alleviated the problem eitherThe gravity of this challenge now rests upon the shoulders of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav The issue was again raised on Thursday in state Assembly to which Speaker Narendra Tomar concurred and said If Nilgais keep on increasing state farmers may face more problemDuring a general body meeting of the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Committee chaired by CM Yadav at his residence in Bhopal on Thursday officials revealed that though Robinson 44 helicopter had been chosen for the operation on charter basis but there are no takers for the taskAn etender process to secure both the aircraft and a skilled pilot has been initiated but despite three rounds of tender issuance the mission remains stalled due to the lack of suitable candidates Robinson R44 helicopters are best selling helicopters suitable for such operations and used worldwideA formal appeal has now been made to the Principal Secretary of Aviation to provide the required helicopter or its equivalent the Chief Minister was told The moment the aircraft is acquired the operation to capture and relocate these wild animals is set to proceed without delay thereby offering the beleaguered farmers some respite from their crop lossesDuring the discussion officials presented a detailed action plan aimed at safeguarding farmland from damage caused by the wild animal The plan centres on capturing Nilgai and blackbucks both notorious for wreaking havoc on agricultural land and relocating them to more secure habitats Despite appeals from aggrieved farmers in Neemuch who have long demanded culling as a solution former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had opposed the practice ostensibly for personal and political reasonsThe previous Chouhan government even went too far to rename the Nilgai to Rojad in 2016 to extricate it from the cowrelated sanctity gai tied to its name which had made culling a contentious issueInnovative though it was the 2017 attempt to sterilize male Nilgai through vasectomy proved to be an experiment of limited impact A team of veterinarians performed pinhole surgeries under sedation at Bhopals Van Vihar National Park hoping to control the animals rapid reproduction rates However the Nilgai with their prolific breeding habits remained a significant concernFemale Nilgai reach reproductive maturity at just 25 months and can live for 12 to 13 years which translates to exponential population growthThe situation is particularly grim in districts like Ratlam Mandsaur and Neemuch where farmers grow opium under state oversightNilgai have not only developed a liking for poppy consuming as many as 300 fruits in a single night if opium growing farmers of Mandsaur district are believed but also trample whatever crops they leave uneaten Traditional deterrents like thorny fencing scarecrows and colourful fladry strips have failed to curb their destructive foraysEfforts to relocate the Nilgai using the South African Boma technique which involves driving animals into enclosures for safe transport have proven exorbitantly expensive In one instance recorded in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly the state spent Rs 416 lakh relocating 27 Nilgai at an average cost of Rs 15 lakh per animal The massive operation in Mandsaur involved over 150 forest personnel 70 local villagers 30 horses and even a private helicopter to coordinate the effortCulling remains a legally viable option under Section 11 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 which allows the Chief Wildlife Warden to sanction the killing of animals deemed a threat to human life or property said a wellplaced senior official in forest department requesting anonymityYet deepseated cultural sentiments tied to the Nilgais name invoking sacred associations with cows have deterred many from pursuing this route In fact only one farmer sought permission to cull Nilgai over the past twelve years despite the significant damage they cause the official saidFarmers in regions like Mandsaur once went so far as to petition for the reintroduction of predators such as leopards arguing that their absence emboldened Nilgai herds which often number 40 to 50 individuals However the complexities of balancing ecological harmony with agricultural needs have made such measures difficult to implementMore recently the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department drafted proposals to simplify hunting rules for Nilgai and wild boars seeking feedback from legislators on the matter Under the draft policy licensed firearm owners would be required to obtain permits to shoot these cropdamaging animals However ethical concerns and public outrage most notably from an animal lover bigwig who criticized similar measures have kept this proposal in limboThe governments inclination now leans towards a trialanderror approach aiming to capture and relocate the animals rather than resorting to culling Advertisements have been issued to enlist individuals and organizations to aid in these effortsNilgairelated crop destruction remains pervasive in many districts such as Bhind Rewa Morena and Shajapur underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable resolution Yet the question persists how does one strike a balance between conservation and the wellbeing of those whose livelihoods hang in the balance The enduring plight of the Nilgai poses not only a challenge to Madhya Pradeshs agricultural stability but also a moral and political quandary for its leaders IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pinning-hopes-on-robinson-mp-has-yet-no-blueprint-for-nilgai-606333.html Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rajmata-will-be-first-tigress-of-rajasthan-to-be-honoured-with-installation-of-statue-at-sariska-606347.html Jaipur March 14 A lifesized statue of tigress ST2 who was also called Rajmata will be installed in the jungles of Sariska confirmed officials This statue is being crafted in Jaipurs Sarna Dungri and is being built using white marble from Banswara and red sandstone from Jaisalmer It will be positioned on a 12feetwide 5feethigh and 4feetdeep pedestal The tigress statue will measure 9 feet in length 4 feet in width and 4 feet in height resembling a tiger roaming in the wild Expected to weigh about 7 tonnes it is estimated to cost around Rs 7 lakh and is likely to be completed by the end of MarchSariska Tiger Reserves tigress ST2 played a crucial role in reviving the parks tiger population Nearly 20 years ago rampant poaching had wiped out tigers from SariskaThanks to a relocation effort tigers were reintroduced and today the reserve thrives with a growing tiger population In 2008 tigress ST2 and tiger ST1 were the first to be relocated from Ranthambore to repopulate Sariska Over the years ST2 contributed significantly to the reserves tiger family She became a mother twice in 2010 and 2014 giving birth to four cubs Three of them tigresses ST7 ST8 and ST14 and one tiger ST13 further expanded the lineageToday 18 of the 42 tigers in Sariska belong to ST2s family Due to her immense contribution the Sariska administration honoured her with the title Rajmata Queen Mother about a decade agoUnfortunately she passed away on January 9 2024 at the age of 19 after suffering from an infected tail She was moved to the Naya Pani Karnakabas Enclosure where a special team of veterinarians and officials monitored her health until her demise In fact when the Sariska administration learned about the tigresss condition she was immediately relocated to the Naya Pani Karnakabas Enclosure for treatmentA dedicated team of committee members officers and veterinarians appointed by the Chief Forest Conservator and Field Director of Tiger Project Sariska closely monitored her health Following her passing Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma visited Sariska to pay his respects During the final darshan he touched the tigresss feet as a mark of reverenceSariska was declared tigerless in 200405 despite previously being home to around 40 tigers The relocation project officially began on July 4 2008 with the introduction of ST1 and ST2 Their presence marked the beginning of Sariskas revival and today the reserve boasts a population of 42 tigers Tigress ST2s role in restoring Sariskas tiger population is unparalleled Her legacy will now live on through the grand statue serving as a tribute to her contribution in bringing back the roar of tigers to the reserve IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rajmata-will-be-first-tigress-of-rajasthan-to-be-honoured-with-installation-of-statue-at-sariska-606347.html Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/genetic-study-estimates-51-rare-asian-elephants-in-cambodias-northern-plains-606248.html Phnom Penh March 13 The firstever genetic study of endangered Asian elephants has been conducted in Cambodias northern plains estimating that the population of the mammals in the region was 51 said a Fauna amp Flora Cambodias press release on Thursday Conducted by Fauna amp Flora in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment the study was carried out during the 20202021 dry season and utilised noninvasive genetic sampling techniques across three key protected areas Prey Lang Preah Roka and Chhaeb Wildlife Sanctuaries the press release saidThe genetic research was performed at the Royal University of Phnom Penh with technical support from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland it addedThe researchers estimated a population of 51 elephants in the region larger than previous local estimates suggested the press release saidWhile smaller than Cambodias primary elephant populations in the Cardamom Mountains and Eastern Plains which support 200300 individuals the Prey Lang Extended Landscape population exhibits high genetic diversity a critical factor for longterm viability it addedListed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN Red List Asian elephants Elephas maximus are some of the largest mammals on the planetPablo Sinovas country director of the Fauna amp Flora Cambodia Programme said that in this study researchers combined molecular and spatial modelling techniques to assess the population size genetic diversity and habitat availability of an important yet imperilled group of Asian elephants in CambodiaDespite its small size this population retains high levels of genetic diversity an essential foundation for longterm survival he saidAlex Ball WildGenes conservation manager for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland said that having a high level of genetic diversity within a population is fundamental to its longterm future Xinhua news agency reportedWe now hope to expand this methodology across Cambodia and beyond helping to build a clearer picture of Asian elephant numbers which will inform how best we can work to help reverse the decline of these spectacular animals he saidIt is estimated that there are currently 400 to 600 Asian elephants in the wild in Cambodia the press release saidThe studys findings underscore the potential of the Prey Lang Extended Landscape to become a national stronghold for Asian elephants significantly contributing to Cambodias biodiversity conservation goals it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/genetic-study-estimates-51-rare-asian-elephants-in-cambodias-northern-plains-606248.html Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assams-elephant-girl-parbati-barua-shatters-gender-stereotypes-in-wildlife-conservation-605350.html Guwahati March 8 Known as Elephant Girl Hasti Kanya in Assam 67yearold Parbati Barua is Indias first woman mahout elephant keeper She was conferred the Padma Shri last year for her pioneering work in wildlife conservation and for breaking gender barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men Born into the Gauripur royal family in the Goalpara district of Assam Barua and her father Prakritish Barua caught their first elephant together when Barua was 14 years old in the Kachugaon woods of Kokrajhar districtThe last of the Rajas of Gauripur was Prakritish Barua Parbati Baruah spent a lot of time in the forests with her father and had a deep awareness of and fascination with elephants when she was a young childPrakritish Barua had forty elephants in his royal stables and was a quirky hunter with a mystical awareness of elephantsWith a vast entourage that included cooks attendants and a private teacher for his kids Barua would take his family on long excursions into the woodlands His family comprised of his four wives and nine childrenAccording to Parbati herself she somewhat developed her interest in elephants during these excursions Barua spent forty years reducing humanelephant conflicts and fighting against gender stereotypes in this professionHumanelephant confrontations have a long history in Assam and Baruah was instrumental in developing government regulations to keep them under control She developed into a master at taming wild elephantsHer expertise on the behaviour of elephants made her wellknown not just in Assam but also in nearby states like West Bengal and OdishaBarua also assisted the forest authorities in driving troublemakers back into the forests from agricultural fields Queen of the Elephants is the title of a book written about her by British travel writer and naturalist Mark Roland Shand published in 1996Later the BBC produced a documentary that was widely praisedFollowing at least 40 years of continuous service as a mahout Parbati committed her life to animal conservation and she is presently a part of the International Union for Conservation of Natures Asian Elephant Specialist Group IUCN IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assams-elephant-girl-parbati-barua-shatters-gender-stereotypes-in-wildlife-conservation-605350.html Sat, 08 Mar 2025 12:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/madhav-national-park-to-become-madhya-pradeshs-9th-tiger-reserve-soon-604793.html Bhopal March 5 The Madhav National Park MNP in Shivpuri district of GwaliorChambal region will soon become the ninth Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Wednesday CM Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh has not only retained the tag of Tiger State for having the highest number of tigers but taking a progressive step in the wildlife and tourism sectorWe have already eight Tiger Reserves in the state and Madhav National Park of Shivpuri is going to become the 9th one very soon I am congratulating to the people of the state in advance for this achievement the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister saidThe National Tiger Conservation Authority NTCA has already granted inprinciple approval for the designation of Madhav National Park as a Tiger ReserveThe approval was granted by the NTCAs Technical Committee on December 1 last year which also sanctioned the release of one male and one female tiger into the parkThis step will not only strengthen wildlife management in Madhav and Kuno National Parks but also bring the ecotourism benefits to local communities and aid in regional development Chief Minister Yadav saidWhen I am saying Tiger Reserves it includes tourism also All hotels resorts and other business establishments in the surroundings of all Tiger Reserve are attracting more and more tourists Yadav addedThe proposed Tiger Reserve Madhav National Park will span 1751 square km including a 375squarekm core area and a 1276squarekm buffer zoneNotably Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary located between Bhopal and Raisen districts was designated as the 8th Tiger Reserve a few months back and it was inaugurated by Chief Minister YadavWith this Madhya Pradesh now houses eight tiger reservesThe other tiger reserves are Kanha Satpura Bandhavgarh Pench Sanjay Dubri Panna and Veerangana Durgavati Ratapani and now Madhav National Park IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/madhav-national-park-to-become-madhya-pradeshs-9th-tiger-reserve-soon-604793.html Wed, 05 Mar 2025 21:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/leopard-sighting-on-alipiri-walkway-in-tirupati-sends-panic-among-devotees-604561.html Tirupati March 4 A leopard was sighted on the Alipiri walkway in Andhra Pradeshs Tirupati early on Tuesday triggering panic among local shopkeepers and devotees The leopard was sighted on the walkway near Galigupuram with its movements captured on CCTV footage in a shop around 1 amThe shopkeeper alerted the officials of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam TTDThe TTD officials advised devotees to use the walkway only in groups As a precautionary measure they also restricted access for children under the age of 12Two weeks ago a leopard was sighted near Muggu Bavi on the walkway It had retreated into the woods However the TTD security personnel had been providing security to devoteesAfter the latest incident the TTD officials along with the Forest Department have put in place additional security measuresAlipiri walkway is used by hundreds of devotees every day to reach the Sri Venkateshwara temple atop Tirumala hills The 9kmlong route has 3550 steps to reach the hill shrineIn January a leopard was sighted near Alipiri on the foothill of Tirumala hills sending panic among the residents of Tirupati as well as the pilgrimsA contract employee of TTDs Aswini Hospital was injured when he encountered a leopard while travelling on a bike on AlipiriCherlopalli roadThe big cat jumped off the road median to cross the road towards the abutting forest Muni Kumar fell from the bike when he panicked upon seeing the leopardLeopards have been making frequent appearances on this road during the last several monthsA sixyearold girl was mauled to death by a leopard on August 11 2023 She was walking to Tirumala on the Alipiri footpath along with her parents Her body was found behind the Narasimha Swamy temple the next morningIn another incident a threeyearold boy was also attacked by a wild cat The animal had tried to drag the boy into the forest but it was chased away by pilgrims and security personnelThe TTD along with the Forest Department had stepped up the vigil They imposed certain curbs on the movement of devotees trekking to the temple and installed CCTV camerasThey captured four leopards in a span of two months by setting up cages along the walkway IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/leopard-sighting-on-alipiri-walkway-in-tirupati-sends-panic-among-devotees-604561.html Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/stalin-urges-pm-modi-to-exclude-gulf-of-mannar-from-petroleum-gas-block-auction-604640.html Chennai March 4 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to exclude the ecologically sensitive Gulf of Mannar from the auction of petroleum and natural gas blocks In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister Stalin expressed strong opposition to offshore mining activities in the Gulf of Mannar citing the regions fragile ecosystem and rich biodiversityHe referred to the Open Acreage Licensing Policy OALP Bid RoundX issued by the Directorate of Hydrocarbons under the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on February 11 2024 and how the notification includes a 999096 square km area under the block name CYDWHP20241 located in the Cauvery BasinThe proposed auctioned area falls within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve close to Palk Bay and Wadge BankHighlighting the environmental risks Stalin warned that deepsea mining for petroleum and natural gas in the region could cause irreversible damage to marine habitats and degrade the overall health of the oceanHe noted that the Gulf of Mannar is home to diverse ecosystems including coral reefs seagrass beds mangroves estuaries mudflats islands and forests making it a critical marine biodiversity hotspot as he emphasised that mining operations would pose significant threats such as sediment plumes toxic waste discharge and habitat destruction which could disrupt marine life and impact thousands of fishermen who depend on these waters for their livelihoodHe noted the growing concerns among coastal communities regarding potential environmental disruptions Stalin reminded the Prime Minister that the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve which includes the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park was declared a protected area by the Centre on February 18 1989 The biosphere reserve consists of 21 islands and adjoining coral reefs covering 560 sq km off the coasts of Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi districtsAdditionally Tamil Nadu has taken conservation measures including the notification of Indias first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay September 2021 covering 448 square km in the Thanjavur and Pudukkottai coastal waters The dugong also known as the sea cow is an endangered marine species and mining activities could further threaten its survivalGiven the ecological and socioeconomic risks Stalin urged Prime Minister Modi to reconsider the decision and remove all biodiversityrich areas from the OALP auction listConsidering that the future of these fragile protected ecosystems is at stake I seek your personal intervention in this critical matter Stalin said in his letter to the Prime Minister His appeal underscores the need for a sustainable approach to economic development ensuring that marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods remain protected from industrial exploitation IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/stalin-urges-pm-modi-to-exclude-gulf-of-mannar-from-petroleum-gas-block-auction-604640.html Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pm-modis-love-for-animals-goes-back-a-long-way-and-they-love-him-back-604642.html New Delhi March 4 Prime Minister Narendra Modis affection for animals is wellknown and his love for them is not something new Even before assuming office as Prime Minister he had a deep bond with animals Recently Modi Archive X handle shared old photos of PM Modi with animals captioning them He loves animals and they love him right back The pictures show him sitting with a tiger feeding an animal and even holding a small animal in his lap highlighting how his love for animals has been a longstanding passionThis affection has been rejuvenated through his visit to Vantara in Gujarat on Sunday During his time at Jamnagars Vantara PM Modi spent some time with various wildlife playing with Asiatic lion cubs white lion cubs clouded leopard cubs and caracal cubs among othersPrime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vantara animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in JamnagarHe remarked Inaugurated Vantara a unique wildlife conservation rescue and rehabilitation initiative which provides a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare I commend Anant Ambani and his entire team for this very compassionate effortThe visit included memorable moments as PM Modi fed lion cubs and admired an okapi Vantara houses over 2000 species and more than 15 lakh rescued endangered and threatened animals Throughout the visit PM Modi displayed affection for several animals including feeding lemurs and engaging with sealsVantara spans 3000 acres and features advanced veterinary facilities with enclosures designed to replicate the animals natural habitats PM Modi also visited the wildlife hospital at Vantara which is equipped with MRI CT scans and ICUsDuring his visit the Prime Minister witnessed an Asiatic lion undergoing an MRI and also visited the Operation Theatre where a leopard was receiving lifesaving surgery after being rescued from a highway accident Vantara offers specialised care with various departments including Wildlife Anesthesia Cardiology Nephrology Endoscopy Dentistry and Internal Medicine IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pm-modis-love-for-animals-goes-back-a-long-way-and-they-love-him-back-604642.html Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/australian-state-ends-aerial-shooting-of-wild-horses-604439.html Sydney March 3 Australias New South Wales NSW has shifted the method of managing the number of wild horses at Kosciuszko National Park following the culling of thousands of brumbies through aerial shooting The use of aerial shooting is no longer necessary NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe told a budget estimates hearing on Monday The wild horse population is being controlled due to fears that they are endangering certain rare and native speciesLaunched in late 2021 the wild horse management initiative seeks to lower the brumbies population in the area to 3000 by mid2027 to safeguard the delicate mountain ecosystem and the heritage value of the brumbyIn late 2023 aerial shooting was introduced as an additional strategy to help reduce the feral horse population Reliable estimates suggested that more than 17000 horses remained there Early findings from the 2024 survey however indicated a significant decline in horse numbers which is currently in the range of 3000 to 4000Aerial shooting had paused for the time being in Kosciuszko National Park but could be reinstated if needed and remains in use elsewhere in NSW Sharpe saidProgrammes focused on capturing and relocating the animals will continue as authorities explore fertility management options to prevent extreme fluctuations in the horse population Sharpe saidAlternative approaches to managing the horse population in the park involve ground shooting humane capture relocation to processing facilities euthanasia sedation and adoption according to the report of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation ABC Xinhua news agency reportedAerial shooting was responsible for eliminating 5969 of the feral horses the ABC cited the NSW Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water as sayingEmma Hurst a representative of the Animal Justice Party has openly opposed the use of aerial shooting said the ABC report IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/australian-state-ends-aerial-shooting-of-wild-horses-604439.html Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pm-modi-to-visit-sasan-gir-in-gujarat-today-to-mark-world-wildlife-day-604320.html New Delhi March 3 On World Wildlife Day Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Sasangir a wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat on Monday This years theme Wildlife Conservation Finance Investing in People and Planet emphasises the importance of sustainable funding and community involvement in conservation effortsDuring his visit PM Modi will inaugurate the new veterinary hospital which is expected to provide critical care for the Asiatic lions Afterwards he will return to Singh Sadan to chair a meeting of the National Board for Wildlife NBWL where national wildlife conservation issues will be discussed The Prime Minister will also interact with women forest staff in Sasan further promoting gender inclusivity in conservation effortsGujarat home to the worlds last population of Asiatic lions has taken significant strides in the protection and preservation of these majestic creatures and the broader biodiversity of the regionCurrently Asiatic lions roam across 30000 square kilometres covering 53 talukas in nine districts of Gujarat To further strengthen conservation initiatives the state government has developed a National Referral Centre for Wildlife across 2024 hectares in Junagadh Additionally a hightech wildlife monitoring centre and a stateoftheart veterinary hospital in Sasan have been established to provide advanced care for these endangered animalsGujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi commended the collaborative efforts of the Gujarat Police and the Forest Department in ensuring the safety and growth of lion populationsIn 2024 the state recruited 237beat guards 162 men and 75 women to intensify surveillance and improve protection in the Gir Protected Area These efforts are part of a broader strategy to protect not only the Asiatic lions but also other endangered species in the regionThe states ongoing commitment to wildlife protection is also reflected in the successful launch of the Gir Samvad Setu initiative Over 300 such programs have been organised to address local community concerns and enhance their engagement in conservation Additionally nine breeding centres have been set up to conserve herbivorous species crucial to the Gir ecosystem IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pm-modi-to-visit-sasan-gir-in-gujarat-today-to-mark-world-wildlife-day-604320.html Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/lets-safeguard-species-future-for-generations-to-come-pm-modi-on-world-wildlife-day-604324.html New Delhi March 3 On the occasion of World Wildlife Day Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the central governments dedication to protecting and preserving the nations rich biodiversity Taking to X PM Modi shared a message emphasising the importance of wildlife conservation Today on World Wildlife Day lets reiterate our commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet Every species plays a vital role lets safeguard their future for generations to comeWe also take pride in Indias contributions towards preserving and protecting wildlife he addedAs part of his commitment to wildlife conservation the Prime Minister is visiting Sasan Gir Gujarat a region renowned for being the last abode of the Asiatic lionHis visit aligns with this years theme Wildlife Conservation Finance Investing in People and Planet which underscores the need for sustainable funding and community participation in conservation initiativesDuring the visit PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a newly established veterinary hospital in Sasan Gir aimed at enhancing healthcare facilities for the Asiatic lion populationFollowing this he will return to Singh Sadan where he will preside over a meeting of the National Board for Wildlife NBWL deliberating on key wildlife conservation strategies He will also engage with women forest staff in the region promoting inclusivity and encouraging greater female participation in conservation effortsGujarat has been at the forefront of lion conservation with dedicated measures to safeguard and expand the habitat of the Asiatic lionCurrently these majestic big cats inhabit nearly 30000 square kilometres spanning 53 talukas in nine districts of the state To bolster conservation efforts the Gujarat government has established a National Referral Centre for Wildlife over a 2024hectare area in JunagadhThe state has also introduced cuttingedge facilities including a hightech wildlife monitoring centre and a stateoftheart veterinary hospital in Sasan Gir ensuring advanced care for endangered speciesRecognising the importance of law enforcement in conservation Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi praised the coordinated efforts of the Gujarat Police and the Forest Department in safeguarding the states wildlifeIn 2024 the state government strengthened its conservation framework by recruiting 237 beat guards including 162 men and 75 women to improve surveillance and protection within the Gir Protected Area These efforts align with a broader strategy to not only protect Asiatic lions but also support the conservation of other endangered species in the regionGujarats commitment to wildlife preservation is further reflected in the success of the Gir Samvad Setu initiative which has facilitated over 300 community engagement programs to address local concerns and promote conservation awarenessAdditionally nine breeding centres have been established to preserve herbivorous species essential for maintaining the balance of the Gir ecosystem IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/lets-safeguard-species-future-for-generations-to-come-pm-modi-on-world-wildlife-day-604324.html Mon, 03 Mar 2025 08:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pm-modi-goes-on-jungle-safari-in-gujarats-gir-wildlife-sanctuary-clicks-pictures-of-lions-604389.html Gandhinagar March 3 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his Monday morning with a lion safari at the Gir wildlife sanctuary in Gujarats Junagarh districtnbspPM Modis visit to the Gir sanctuary coincided with the World Wildlife Day and comes on the last day of the threeday visit to his home state During the jungle safari PM Modi was accompanied by senior ministers as well as forest department officialsnbspPM Modi also took to X early on Monday morning to share his thoughts on the World Wildlife Day and called for preserving the biodiversity of planet EarthnbspToday on World Wildlife Day lets reiterate our commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet Every species plays a vital role lets safeguard their future for generations to come We also take pride in Indias contributions towards preserving and protecting wildlife he wrote in a post on XThis morning on WorldWildlifeDay I went on a Safari in Gir which as we all know is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM In the last many years collective efforts have ensured that the population of Asiatic Lions is rising steadily Equally commendable is the role of tribal communities and women from surrounding areas in preserving the habitat of the Asiatic Lion he said in another post on XnbspThe breathtaking pictures and videos of PM Modis lion safari at Gir sanctuary have taken the Internet by storm In the pictures the Prime Minister can be seen clicking photos of the lions in the openNotably Gir is the only place in the world outside Africa where lions can be seen in their natural habitat Gir is also described as the last remaining habitat of Asiatic lions The lions of Gir are majestic animals averaging about 275 metres in lengthnbspAt Sasan Gir the headquarters of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary PM Modi will also chair the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife NBWL After the meeting he is likely to interact with some women forest staffers at SasannbspNotably his governments role in revitalising the tiger population at Gir earned the sanctuary global acclaim Since his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister he has been involved in the conservation of Asiatic lionsnbspIn 2007 after a poaching incident the government established the Greater Gir Wildlife Protection Task Force to monitor wildlife crimes and strengthen conservation measuresnbspThe Greater Gir Conservation Model was introduced expanding lion protection beyond Gir National Park to 30000 sq km ensuring a safer habitat His tenure also saw the historic recruitment of women beat guards with 111 women currently working in the Gir regionIANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pm-modi-goes-on-jungle-safari-in-gujarats-gir-wildlife-sanctuary-clicks-pictures-of-lions-604389.html Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/international-elephant-health-care-workshop-held-in-kaziranga-604286.html Guwahati March 2 To provide quality medical treatment and maintain best practices in the diagnosis and care of elephants a twoday International Elephant Health Care Workshop was held in Assams Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR a UNESCO World Heritage site KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that the workshop provided an indepth understanding of elephant physiology anatomy behaviour disease management and practical medical procedures She said that the twoday workshop February 2728 was organised aiming to procure deep knowledge about practical applications in elephant conservation and health care The practical training camp at Kaziranga served as an extension of the workshop allowing participants to implement their learnings while treating the elephants the KNPTR Director saidShe said that positive reinforcement techniques that strengthen the bond between mahouts and their elephants were the key highlights of the practical training sessions Teams of veterinarians and experts examined both the departmental and private elephants at Kaziranga National Park to provide direct medical care while demonstrating best practices in diagnosis and treatmentGhosh said that this handson approach ensured the application of advanced veterinary techniques in diverse environments further strengthening conservation effortsDistinguished experts including Dr Susan K Mikota Director Veterinary Programmes and Research Elephant Care International USA Dr Willem Schaftenaar Research Associate Elephant Care International Netherlands performed the leading role in the workshop Dr N S Manoharan Additional Director Veterinary Service Retd Tamil Nadu and Dr Bhaskar Choudhury Manager and Head veterinarian Wildlife Trust of India WTI led the various treatment procedures on pain management wound care gastrointestinal issues and foot care to name a fewThe event was organised by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and attended by 28 veterinarians said Ghosh a senior Indian Forest Service officerEarlier three months ago in a first of its kind two elephant Mahouts of KNPTR attended the Gentle Training Workshop for elephant handlers owners and carers at National Elephant Institute Lampang Thailand Two elephant Mahouts Kasim Ali Kaziranga Range and Sanjeev Pegu Agoratoli Range attended the threeday training workshop from November 6 to 8 last yearThe threeday event was organised by the HumanElephant Learning Programs Foundation HELP and gave an introduction to the principles and practices aimed at advancing captive elephant welfare through an understanding of the most relevant scientific knowledge available and focused on positive reinforcement techniques The Thailand training event was also attended by Mahouts from Nepal Laos PDR Thailand and Sri LankaThe KNPTR measuring about 1300 sq km is home to more than 2613 onehorned Indian rhinos The worldfamous park is not just a home of rhinos but also to Asian elephants Royal Bengal tigers wild buffalos and many more animal species while it is also a habitat to thousands of birds of over 125 speciesIndias seventh fourth in natural UNESCO World Heritage site the KNPTR is spread across several districts of Assam including Golaghat Nagaon Sonitpur and Biswanath IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/international-elephant-health-care-workshop-held-in-kaziranga-604286.html Sun, 02 Mar 2025 19:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/another-tiger-found-dead-in-mp-fourth-death-in-a-month-604299.html Bhopal March 2 Another magnificent tigers lifeless body was discovered hidden within the underbrush in Balaghat forest area This latest tragedy marks the fourth loss of a tiger in just one month casting a shadow over the conservation and protection of the members of the big cat family in Madhya Pradesh which is known as Tiger state in India L Krishnamoorthy Additional Principal Chief Forest Conservator wildlife of forest Madhya Pradesh confirmed the grim discovery and informed IANS The tigers carcass was found in the Kodmi beat of the Mundiwara circle within the Katangi range on SaturdayAlthough the initial investigation dismisses poaching the matter is far from resolved The case is under investigation he saidPreliminary findings by wildlife officials and veterinarians point to starvation and dehydration as potential causes for the tigers deathIt was a male tiger It might have struggled as a sinister wire noose found around the neck of the carcass the official saidThe investigation reveals a harrowing tale as a noose found around its neck and the helpless animal inflicted grievous injuries ultimately rendering the tiger unable to eat leading to a slow and agonising deathThough the discovery of a snare reveals a more harrowing tale if insiders are believed the tiger became entangled in the snare normally poachers use to trap warthogs wild boars and other animalsThe tiger might have battled for life while attempting to break free Experts surmise the animal might have been ensnared for approximately 15 daysUnconfirmed reports also said a day before the tigers death the beat staff had seen the tiger in the same area but its dire condition went unnoticedTragically when forest staff set out to locate the tiger on Saturday morning they found its lifeless body concealed among the bushes Upon receiving the information range officers swiftly arrived on the scene Senior officials were notified and veterinarians conducted an onsite postmortem before disposing of the remainsThe nefarious wire snare found around the tigers neck is typically used by hunters at the forestfield border to capture wild boarsThe Forest Department currently theorises that the snare was intended for a boar and the tiger was an unintended victim Nonetheless the possibility of poaching cannot be entirely discountedIn a related incident the carcass of another tiger was unearthed in the Karakati area within the Pali range of Umaria districts Forest Division just two weeks ago However forest officials have ruled out poaching as all body parts of the animal were intact IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/another-tiger-found-dead-in-mp-fourth-death-in-a-month-604299.html Sun, 02 Mar 2025 21:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/man-dies-in-bee-attack-in-mps-shahdol-603747.html Bhopal Feb 27 In an unusual and tragic event an elderly man was killed and several others were injured when a swarm of bees launched a fierce attack on them in Gura village of Madhya Pradeshs Shahdol district officials said Gura village is located within the Vyohari police station area 75 km from Shahdol districts headquartersAccording to sources the incident occurred on Wednesday evening when a villager was performing a havan after returning from the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradeshs PrayagrajThe smoke rising from the havan apparently provoked the bees sending them into a frenzy The victim identified as 75yearold Premlal Kol was unable to escape and succumbed to the deadly stings before he could receive medical attentionWhile the cause of the bees agitation remains under investigation the Vyohari police stations investigating officer noted that Premlal due to his advanced age was unable to flee in timeThe officer further stated that Premlals body had been sent for a postmortem and a report was awaitedA postmortem report will make things clear the officer told IANS over the phoneMeanwhile several other villagers were also stung but are reported to be out of dangerAccording to sources the havan was underway and the smoke disturbed a beehive in a nearby peepal tree causing the bees to attack the gathered villagers The ensuing chaos led to a stampede with people frantically seeking refuge by jumping into water bodies or hiding in their homesIn the mayhem Premlal Kol ran towards a field but tragically fell and was severely stung by the bees leading to his immediate death Ten other individuals sustained injuries and have been hospitalisedAfter the bees dispersed the injured were taken to the hospital sources said but Premlal was missing His body was discovered four hours later lying in a field 200 meters away from the havan site IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/man-dies-in-bee-attack-in-mps-shahdol-603747.html Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/two-day-synchronised-vulture-census-begins-in-southern-states-603765.html Chennai Feb 27 A twoday synchronised vulture census has commenced in Tamil Nadu Kerala and Karnataka covering 106 locations across the three states The survey aims to monitor vulture populations in seven protected areas where these birds are known to existAccording to a statement from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden of Tamil Nadu the census is being carried out with the participation of forest department field staff vulture experts NGOs students and volunteersIn Tamil Nadu alone the survey is taking place at 33 locations with up to 220 individuals involved in the operationhead of the census preparatory meetings were held with field officers from the three states to discuss logistics locations and methodologiesThe survey follows two primary techniques the vantage point count and the nestcount methodVolunteers received training and orientation to ensure the accuracy of data collectionA synchronous vulture survey conducted in 2024 across the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve NBR which spans Tamil Nadu Kerala and Karnataka recorded over 300 vulturesThe survey covered key protected areas including Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Bandipur Tiger Reserve Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Tiger Reserve Nagarhole Tiger Reserve Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Nellai Forest DivisionThe MudumalaiSathyamangalamBandipurWayanad complex within the NBR accounted for more than 82 per cent of the vultures recordedIn the February 2023 census 246 vultures were identified However by December 2023 the number had increased to 320 indicating a positive trend in vulture conservation effortsThe highest concentrations were recorded in the Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserves in Tamil NaduThe December 2023 survey identified the following vulture species 217 critically endangered whiterumped vultures Gyps bengalensis47 longbilled vultures Gyps indicus 50 Asian king vultures Sarcogyps calvus four endangered Egyptian vultures Neophron percnopterus and two nearthreatened Himalayan griffon vultures Gyps himalayensisThe Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is home to three main vulture species whiterumped vultures longbilled vultures and Asian king vulturesWith vulture populations showing a steady increase the synchronised census will help in further conservation efforts and provide crucial data for protecting these vital scavengers of the ecosystem IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/two-day-synchronised-vulture-census-begins-in-southern-states-603765.html Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/australians-asked-to-collect-donate-dangerous-spiders-for-antivenom-programme-603426.html Sydney Feb 25 An Australian zoo on Tuesday urgently asked members of the public for more donations of one of the worlds most venomous spiders for its antivenom programme The Australian Reptile Park on the outskirts of the city of Gosford about 50 km north of Sydney asked the public to collect and donate funnelweb spidersIn a video posted on social media spider keeper at the zoo Emma Tenti said that it has been a slower than usual funnelweb season and that fewer spiders have been handed in for the zoos lifesaving antivenom programTenti said that high humidity and high rainfall across Sydney in autumn which starts on Saturday would be perfect conditions for the spidersNative to Australia the funnelweb spider is found almost exclusively on the countrys east coast and is among the most venomous spiders in the worldTenti said that no fatal funnelweb spider bites have been reported since the antivenom was developed in 1981Were the only place in Australia that collects venom for the antivenom program she said Xinhua news agency reportedEvery spider received could be the one that saves a life The venom program relies entirely on public donations of these spiders and without them the production of antivenom which has saved countless Australians would not be possible Tenti saidOnly male funnelwebs are milked for the antivenom program and Tenti said that it takes 150200 milkings to create one vial of antivenomAnyone who encounters a funnelweb spider has been asked to collect it by coaxing it into a jar with a long spoon and filling the jar with moist soil or cotton before sealing it and handing it in at one of several of the zoos donation points IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/australians-asked-to-collect-donate-dangerous-spiders-for-antivenom-programme-603426.html Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/vultures-provide-ecosystem-services-worth-18-billion-usd-annually-in-southern-africa-603430.html Nairobi Feb 25 The ecosystem services provided by vultures in the southern African region including sanitation and pest control are estimated at 18 billion US dollars annually according to a report launched in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Tuesday Compiled by BirdLife International a conservation lobby the report focuses on Botswana Zimbabwe and Zambia emphasising the role of vultures in maintaining ecological balance and promoting human healthThe African continent is home to 11 species of vultures with seven facing the risk of extinction and listed as vulnerable endangered or critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List of Threatened Species according to the reportAfricas vulture population says the report plummeted by 80 to 97 per cent over the last five decades and the main threats facing these majestic birds include poisoning and electrocutionThe report decries the widespread poisoning of vultures in southern Africa linked to cultural beliefs with habitat destruction climate change and electrocution by highvoltage transmission lines threatening their survivalIn 2019 mass poisoning led to the death of 500 critically endangered vultures in Botswana the report notes emphasising that the iconic birds play a vital role in boosting tourism in the southern African regionThe report warns that failure to protect vultures could lead to about 47 million dollars losses to the regions economy annually while conservation efforts could generate an estimated 30 million dollars every yearMatthew Lewis head of conservation in Africa at BirdLife International said the decline of vultures on the continent is concerning He emphasized the urgent need for key actors to step up their conservation efforts in the natural habitats and accrue myriad economic health and ecological benefits for communitiesThis groundbreaking study on the economic value of vultures in the southern African region is crucial in advancing conservation efforts Lewis said Xinhua news agency reportedLeeroy Moyo preventing extinctions program manager at BirdLife Zimbabwe a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of indigenous bird species underscored the importance of policy advocacy communityfocused awareness campaigns and innovative conservation strategies to secure a sustainable future for vultures IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/vultures-provide-ecosystem-services-worth-18-billion-usd-annually-in-southern-africa-603430.html Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/andhra-announces-rs10-lakh-each-for-kin-of-three-people-killed-by-elephants-603313.html Amaravati Feb 25 The government of Andhra Pradesh has announced Rs10 lakh compensation each for the kin of the three devotees trampled to death by a herd of wild elephants in Annamayya district in the early hours of Tuesday The state government also announced Rs5 lakh each for the two others injured in the incidentChief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed shock over the incident that occurred in the forest area near Gondalakona in Obulavaripalle mandalWild elephants attacked a group of devotees heading to a local temple for Mahashivratri celebrations around 2 amThree devotees hailing from Y Kota died on the spot while two others were critically injured The injured were shifted to a hospital where their condition was stated to be criticalThe Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment to the injured He assured all help to the families of the victimsPawan Kalya who holds the forest portfolio also expressed shock over the death of three devotees He spoke to senior officials of the forest department and Annamayya district about the incidentThe Deputy Chief Minister asked officials to make proper security arrangements for the devotees visiting temples in forests on the occasion of MahashivratriPawan Kalyan directed Kodur MLA A Sridhar to console the family members of the deceased and call on the injured to assure them of all support from the governmentIT Minister Nara Lokesh Roads amp Buildings Minister BC Janardhan Reddy and Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy expressed grief over the death of the three peopleJanardhan Reddy who is also incharge minister for Annamayya district spoke to District Collector Chamakuri Sridhar and enquired about the incidentRamnarayan Reddy enquired about the condition of the injured and directed officials to ensure the best possible treatmentFormer Andhra Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic incidentJagan Mohan Reddy conveyed his profound grief over the loss of lives in this unfortunate event describing it as deeply distressingHe emphasised that such an incident is highly regrettable and urged the government to ensure better medical care for those seriously injured in the attackJagan Mohan Reddy called upon the authorities to provide support and assistance to the families of the deceased to help them cope with their loss IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/andhra-announces-rs10-lakh-each-for-kin-of-three-people-killed-by-elephants-603313.html Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/elderly-tribal-couple-trampled-to-death-by-wild-elephant-in-keralas-kannur-602957.html Thiruvananthapuram Feb 23 In yet another tragic incident of mananimal conflict an elderly tribal couple was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Aralam Farm in Keralas Kannur on Sunday evening officials said The victims have been identified as Velli 82 and his wife Leela 74 residents of the 13th block of the farmWith their deaths the number of people killed in wild elephant attacks in the Aralam Farm area over the past six years has risen to elevenAccording to residents the couple was collecting cashew nuts from the farm at Karikkanmukku when the elephant attacked themForest Department officials said that the bodies were taken to the nearby government taluk hospital for postmortem However tensions escalated as locals blocked police from conducting the inquest procedures demanding the immediate presence of forest officials at the siteThe block panchayat President told the media that the victims bodies were found severely mutilated on the roadAngered by repeated wildlife attacks residents staged a protest with the mortal remains of the tribal couple refusing to release the bodies until the government provided a concrete solution to the issue Protesters alleged that despite frequent elephant incursions into their farms and residential areas the Forest Department had taken no effective actionForest officials and political representatives including MLA Sunny Joseph intervened to pacify the protesters After negotiations the bodies were shifted to Government Pariyaram Medical CollegeKerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran expressed condolences over the tragic deaths and termed the incident unfortunate He stated that Forest Department officials have been directed to take immediate measures to drive elephants away from human settlements The minister also announced plans for a meeting involving local representatives forest officials police district administration and residents to discuss longterm solutions to the issueIn recent months Kerala has witnessed a surge in fatal wild elephant attacks triggering growing protests against the Forest Department Residents demand urgent intervention to prevent further loss of lives and property damage in affected areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/elderly-tribal-couple-trampled-to-death-by-wild-elephant-in-keralas-kannur-602957.html Sun, 23 Feb 2025 22:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pm-modi-calls-for-wildlife-conservation-lauds-indias-rich-biodiversity-602875.html New Delhi Feb 23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to preserve and celebrate Indias diverse wildlife highlighting the countrys unique and vibrant ecosystem Addressing the 119th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat he underscored the deep connection between Indias fauna and its cultural heritageDo you know what the similarity between the Asiatic Lion Hangul Pygmy Hog and Liontailed Macaque is The answer is that all of these species are found only in India and nowhere else in the world We have a very vibrant ecosystem of flora and fauna and these wild animals are deeply embedded in our history and culture PM Modi saidHe noted how animals hold a sacred place in Indian traditions often revered as the vehicles of Gods and GoddessesMany tribes in central India worship Bagheshwar In Maharashtra there is a tradition of worshipping Waghoba Lord Ayyappa has a deep connection with the tiger and Bonbibi whose vaahan is the tiger is worshipped in Sundarbans Several folk dances like Huli Vesha in Karnataka Pooli in Tamil Nadu and Pulikali in Kerala also celebrate our bond with wildlife he addedPM Modi praised Indias tribal communities for their significant role in wildlife conservation citing the Soliga tribe in Karnatakas BRT Tiger Reserve as an exampleThe population of tigers has been rising continuously in this reserve and a lot of credit goes to the Soliga tribe who worship the tiger Thanks to them there is almost no mananimal conflict in this area Similarly the people of Gujarat have played a crucial role in protecting Asiatic Lions in Gir showcasing a beautiful example of coexistence with nature he saidAcknowledging Indias conservation success he noted the rise in populations of tigers leopards Asiatic lions rhinos and barasingha in recent yearsThe beauty of Indias wildlife diversity is truly remarkable While Asiatic lions are found in the western part of the country tigers inhabit East Central and South India and rhinos thrive in the Northeast Every part of India is not only sensitive towards nature but is also committed to wildlife protection he statedPM Modi also shared the inspiring story of Anuradha Rao a woman known as the Deer Woman in the Andaman and Nicobar IslandsFor three decades she has dedicated her life to protecting deer and peacocks Her efforts serve as an inspiration to all of us he saidWith World Wildlife Day approaching next month the Prime Minister urged citizens to recognise and support those working for wildlife conservationIt is heartening to see many startups emerging in this field Let us all encourage and appreciate the people dedicated to protecting nature he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pm-modi-calls-for-wildlife-conservation-lauds-indias-rich-biodiversity-602875.html Sun, 23 Feb 2025 13:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-another-tiger-found-dead-in-umaria-forest-area-602803.html Bhopal Feb 22 A tigers body was discovered under questionable circumstances in the Karakati area situated within the Pali range of Umaria districts forest division in Madhya Pradesh This is the third death of a member of the majestic cat family in the state within a fortnight This tragic scene unfolded in the revenue sector of Karakati beat in Beli forest circleAn official said that the Forest Department and staff responded to the information and reached the spot and found the carcass of a male tiger The officer further said fresh pugmarks of another tiger heightened suspicions of a possible clash between the two majestic creatures in the forest The definitive cause of death however awaits revelation through the forthcoming postmortem report the government officials said adding that the Forest Department summoned a medical team to examine if all body parts of the tiger are intact before the postmortem is performed He added that the forensic experts delve into the investigation aiming to exclude any foul play such as hunting or poisoning Recently a tigress was found dead in Kanha Kisli National Park in the Mandla district while another tigress was found dead in the same park a week agoThese puzzling tiger deaths underscore a growing concern for wildlife preservation Umaria district proximate to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is a vital sanctuary for tigers This incident has naturally put the forest department on high alertGiven the gravity of the situation a dog squad has been deployed intensifying the ongoing investigation While the pugmarks of another tiger close by raise questions of a conflict the true cause behind the tigers death will only come to light post the postmortem findings the official saidThe Forest Department has appealed to the local people to immediately inform the authorities if they see any suspicious activity in the surrounding areas At present the Forest Department and a team of doctors are working together to solve the mystery of the tigers death IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-another-tiger-found-dead-in-umaria-forest-area-602803.html Sat, 22 Feb 2025 20:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tigress-found-dead-in-kanha-tiger-reserve-second-in-a-fortnight-602121.html Bhopal Feb 19 Kanha Tiger Reserve has unfortunately lost a tigress within the park The park official found the carcass of a 1012yearold tigress in the Chimta Ghanghar circle in Kisli forest area of Kanha Tiger Reserve on Tuesday Confirming the report the Principal Chief Forest Conservator Wildlife L Krishnamurthy told IANS that the death of the tigress having the technical name T 58 was due to a territorial fight with other tigers This particular tigress appears to have succumbed to injuries sustained in a fight with another tigerThe forest officials disposed of the body after postmortem in the presence of four veterinary doctors and no evidence of poaching was found as all the body parts of the tigress were found intactTypically territorial conflicts occur between male tigers making the loss of tigresses even more unusualIn a similar incident another tigress died due to a territorial fight on January 29 this year A 2yearold tigress had injury marks on her head possibly due to conflict with another tigerKanha Tiger Reserve also known as KanhaKisli National Park is one of the worldfamous tiger reserves in India and the largest park in Central IndiaFollowing antipoaching drive and habitat protection the Kanha National Park has a population of 145 tigers including 115 adult ones and 30 cubsSprawling on an area of 940 square km in the two tribaldominated districts Mandla and Balaghat the park boasts of rich flora and fauna including tigers Indian leopards sloth bear Barasingha and dhole a species of wild dogIt is also the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot Bhoorsingh the BarasinghaKanha National Park was created on June 1 1955 and was designated a tiger reserve in 1973 IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tigress-found-dead-in-kanha-tiger-reserve-second-in-a-fortnight-602121.html Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/karnataka-minister-orders-enquiry-into-tigers-mysterious-death-in-shivamogga-602166.html Bengaluru Feb 19 Karnataka Minister for Forest Ecology and Environment Eshwar B Khandre on Wednesday ordered an investigation into the death of a male tiger in Shivamogga district The Minister directed the Principal Conservator of Forests and Wildlife authorities to conduct an enquiry and submit a report within 10 days He also stated that a bullet wound was found on the tigers bodyKhandre further mentioned that according to preliminary investigations the tiger had never been seen in the area where its body was discoveredAuthorities suspect that the animal was killed elsewhere and its body was dumped at the siteThe carcass of a male tiger estimated to be between 8 and 9 years old was found in the backwaters of the Ambaligola reservoir at Byrapura village in the Sagar Forest Division of Shivamogga district on Monday It was spotted floating in the water in the eveningOn February 10 a tiger was found dead at Ramadevara Halla near Belur in Hassan districtExperts had opined after preliminary examination that it must have died three to four days ago due to starvationThe residents spotted the carcass of the animal in a water body and informed the forest authoritiesA male tiger was found dead in a lake at Ganagoor forest neat Gonikoppa in Kodagu district on April 23 2024Officials suspected that the tiger died three days ago after suffering injuries in a fight with other animals and succumbed while it came to quench its thirst in the lakeIn a tragic incident a oneandhalfyearold male tiger died after being hit by a vehicle in Mysuru on January 28 2024The incident had reportedly happened near the Mysuru airport The tiger was knocked down by a speeding vehicle and the vehicle was later seized by the departmentThe young tiger belonged to a litter of four cubs that were regularly sighted with their mother near Nanjangud town The tiger sustained serious head injuries in the accidentWildlife activists charged that illconceived road infrastructure projects and other development work in protected areas and forest reserves are eating into wildlife habitats forcing animals to cross highways and getting killed by vehicles IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/karnataka-minister-orders-enquiry-into-tigers-mysterious-death-in-shivamogga-602166.html Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/australian-authorities-to-euthanize-90-stranded-false-killer-whales-602178.html Sydney Feb 19 About 90 surviving false killer whales will be euthanized after a pod of 157 became stranded on a beach in the Australian island state of Tasmania Authorities on Wednesday arrived at the beach on Tasmanias remote northwest coast and confirmed that 90 of the false killer whales were still alive after they were discovered by a member of the public on Tuesday eveningWildlife veterinarians and staff from Tasmanias Parks and Wildlife Service PWS and Marine Conservation Programme made several attempts to refloat two of the false killer whales on Wednesday but were unsuccessfulPWS Incident Controller Shelley Graham told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that the animals were continually restranding and that conditions were forecast to be very similar for two daysFollowing expert wildlife veterinary assessments we have made the decision to euthanize the animals she saidDeputy Incident Controller Kris Carlyon said that the animals would be euthanized by firearmHe described the remote location as possibly the trickiest for a stranding during his 16 years in the roleThe PWS estimated that the animals had been stranded for 2448 hours Xinhua news agency reportedPWS liaison officer Brendon Clark said at a press conference in the state capital of Hobart on Wednesday morning that it was the first recorded mass stranding of false killer whales in Tasmania since 1974 which involved about 160 animalsHorrible sight more than 150 small killer whales washed ashore in Tasmania This is the first time in the last 50 years that such an incident has occurred in the region the media reports Many of the mammals are reported to be still alive and struggling to survive The reasons why the killer whales washed ashore are unknown a local resident posted on social media IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/australian-authorities-to-euthanize-90-stranded-false-killer-whales-602178.html Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/2103-elephants-present-in-odisha-jungles-minister-602267.html Bhubaneswar Feb 19 As many as 2103 elephants are present in Odisha jungles as per the findings of the latest elephant census conducted in the state during November 2024 The Minister for Forest Environment and Climate Change Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia presented this information while replying to a question raised in the Assembly on WednesdayThe elephant census found the presence of 295 jumbos in Mayurbhanj district while Dhenkanal district has 291 elephants As many as 254 elephants are estimated to be present in Angul district of the state As per the information shared by the Forest Minister Singh Khuntia on average 81 elephants have died every year in the state during the last three years The primary causes of death of the elephants are poaching electrocution train accidents road accidents various diseases human revenge and other natural causes including quarrels falls from hills drowning old age etc The state government is taking various steps to check the humanelephant conflicts in the state resulting in human fatalities and the loss of properties Plantation of fodder trees for elephants in the forest development of grazing land creation of artificial reservoirs protection from forest fires antipoaching camps forest patrols monitoring of wildlife and poachers movements awareness etc have been made through the use of technology Singh Khuntia further noted that to protect crops orchards and other infrastructure from elephant encroachment a scheme called Jan Suraksha amp Gaja Raksha has been implemented in villages that are more prone to encroachment in which the government has made concessions for installing solar fences to protect them from elephant encroachment The state government has also taken several steps to prevent the intrusion of elephants by digging elephantproof trenches Through the Van Suraksha Samiti VSS and the Environment Development Committee EDC volunteers called Gaja Saathi are being identified in villages sensitive to elephant encroachment and alerting the villagers about elephant movements Singh Khuntia also revealed in the house that awareness is being created among the people To prevent the encroachment of wild animals the government is providing compassionate compensation for damage caused by encroachment as per the rules A simple and userfriendly portal called Anukampa has also been introduced for the prompt disbursement of assistance IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/2103-elephants-present-in-odisha-jungles-minister-602267.html Wed, 19 Feb 2025 23:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/jampk-asian-waterbird-census-to-be-conducted-across-25-wetlands-in-kashmir-602069.html Srinagar Feb18 The Department of Wildlife Protection in collaboration with the Wular Conservation and Management Authority WUCMA is set to conduct the Asian Waterbird Census AWC 2025 on February 19 an official said on Tuesday This annual initiative plays a crucial role in estimating the population of migratory birds visiting Kashmirs wetlands and assessing the ecological health of these vital habitats Ahead of the census an orientation program was conducted on Tuesday where volunteers received specialised training in bird identification population estimation techniques and data collection methods The session saw participation from scholars from SKUAST students from various colleges and members of prominent NGOs such as Wildlife Conservation Fund SRDE Wildlife SOS WRCF and SEEDS Also officials from the Forest Territorial Department Forest Protection Force Wildlife Department and WUCMA along with experienced birdwatchers and conservationists took part in the training the official said Regional Wildlife Warden elaborated on the migratory patterns of birds arriving in Kashmirs wetlands between November and March He highlighted the Central Asian Flyway a significant migration route used by birds travelling from Russia Siberia Europe and China and stressed the importance of Kashmirs wetlands as crucial stopover pointsMeanwhile Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir emphasised that the census is a key scientific exercise as bird migration serves as an essential indicator of wetland health He also noted that over the past two years more than 12 lakh migratory birds have been recorded in Kashmirs wetlands reaffirming their global ecological importance Wildlife Warden Wetlands Kashmir and Coordinator of Wular Conservation and Management Authority WUCMA also expressed satisfaction that most of Kashmirs major wetlands currently hold sufficient water levels to sustain migratory birds He highlighted that interventions such as the construction of regulatory gates at Hokersar in collaboration with the Irrigation and Flood Control Department have significantly improved water retention in the Hokersar wetland He further noted that Hokersars water levels are now higher than they have been in the past decade ensuring a more stable and suitable habitat for migratory birds The Asian Waterbird Census 2025 will cover 25 key wetlands including four Ramsar sitesHokersar Haigam Shallabugh and Wular Lakeeach serving as a critical habitat for thousands of migratory birds The census will be carried out under strict supervision by trained personnel from the Wildlife Department WUCMA Forest Protection Force and the Forest Department Teams of experts and volunteers will systematically record bird species count populations and document behavioural patterns to ensure accurate data collectionFollowing the field survey avian experts will analyse the collected data compiling a comprehensive report on species diversity population trends and overall wetland health Meanwhile the Coordinator of the Wular Conservation Authority also expressed gratitude to all participants emphasising that the census is directly linked to the longterm preservation of Kashmirs wetlands which play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/jampk-asian-waterbird-census-to-be-conducted-across-25-wetlands-in-kashmir-602069.html Tue, 18 Feb 2025 22:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/vulture-tally-begins-in-madhya-pradesh-today-601703.html Bhopal Feb 17 The rocky areas of high altitude in Madhya Pradesh will play host from Monday to an avian census like no other a roll call of the vultures The threeday census protocol for this grand counting of the feathery creatures includes visual surveys to catch the keen eye carcass monitoring to gauge their appetite and nest counts to peek into their homesThese methods are dovetailed together to estimate the states vulture population the guardians of the skies who once teetered on the brink of extinctionAt present the Panna National Park boasts a fair number of vultures and shines with over a thousand vultures a species reborn from near oblivion Forest department sources said this counting will now be a biannual affair and next will begin on April 29The counting will commence amidst the rocky highlands recording only the vultures in restful repose Madhya Pradesh even have vultures in busy towns like Bhopal and Indore and also in highly green areas like Kanha Tiger Reserve and Pench National ParkAn army of nearly 900 workers officers volunteers and wildlife enthusiasts shall gather their hearts and eyes trained in a rigorous programme held from January 2731 These vigilant experts will be the stewards of this avian tallyAccording to the forest department Madhya Pradesh is home to about 10000 vultures of various species Among them the largest congregation of these magnificent birds resides in Panna National Park a sanctuary also famed for its tigersThe vultures once imperilled by the deadly diclofenac a drug found in the carcasses of treated livestock faced a dramatic decline By the mid1990s their numbers plummeted from a staggering 50 million to near extinction due to this fatal nonsteroidal painkillerAmong Indias vulture species the whiterumped vulture Indian vulture and redheaded vulture have borne the brunt of this tragedy with populations falling by 98 per cent 95 per cent and 91 per cent respectively The Egyptian vulture and the migratory griffon vulture too have seen significant though less catastrophic decline IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/vulture-tally-begins-in-madhya-pradesh-today-601703.html Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-to-form-marine-elite-force-to-protect-olive-ridley-turtles-601471.html Chennai Feb 15 The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has decided to establish a new Marine Elite Force to prevent the deaths of Olive Ridley turtles a vulnerable species This initiative comes in response to reports that over 1308 Olive Ridley turtles have died along the Tamil Nadu coast after becoming entangled in fishing netsCurrently Tamil Nadu has two Marine Elite Force units that combat marine wildlife crimes such as poaching smuggling and illegal fishing particularly in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere and Palk BayHowever the alarming rise in turtle deaths has prompted authorities to set up an additional unit to strengthen conservation effortsThe primary cause of these turtle deaths is the use of trawl nets within five nautical miles of the coast a practice banned under existing regulationsThe worstaffected areas include the Cuddalore Nagapattinam and Chennai coastsTo enhance protection the Tamil Nadu State Wildlife Board has proposed designating specific turtle congregation sites as turtle conservation reservesThe department will also deploy volunteers to raise awareness among fishermen about sustainable fishing practicesAuthorities will enforce restrictions on artificial lights near beaches as these can disorient hatchlingsThe forest department will ensure the periodic removal of garbage from coastal areas The state government has also proposed procuring patrol boats for the Forest Department allowing independent surveillance alongside the Fisheries DepartmentCurrently the government allocates 80000 per month for renting boats but with hiring costs reaching 20000 per boat this approach is deemed unsustainableEnforcement actions have already begun with 342 fishermen found illegally fishing within five nautical miles using trawler boatsOf these 208 fishermen have been chargesheeted and their diesel subsidies worth 320 lakh have been revokedAs part of conservation initiatives the forest department has collected approximately 1 lakh Olive Ridley eggs from across the stateSo far 345 eggs have hatched with ongoing monitoring efforts in placeThe department is also working on protecting Green Turtles using telemetry technology which helps track their movements for better conservation planningThe Olive Ridley turtle is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN and is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CITESThese classifications have helped curb largescale commercial exploitation of Olive Ridley skins IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-to-form-marine-elite-force-to-protect-olive-ridley-turtles-601471.html Sat, 15 Feb 2025 15:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/27-year-old-who-survived-landslide-trampled-to-death-in-wayanad-600896.html Wayanad Feb 12 For the second day in succession the mananimal conflict has taken the life of a tribal man near Meppadi near here Since Tuesday night 25yearold Balan has been missing and his body was found in the morningThe place where the incident took place is near the area in the district where 254 people were killed in landslide in July 2024A local resident Balakrishnan said Balan was returning from the shop but he took a different routeThis morning I went to his place to call him for work and was told that he was missing Soon we started a search for him and we saw his body which was completely smashed and the head portion damaged said BalakrishnanThe body has now been covered and is lying at the same place where it was found We are waiting for the officials to arrive while the locals are up in arms against the inaction of the officials added BalakrishnanNousha Marikar the Wayanad District Panchayat President said the officials apathy continues and lives are lostWe strongly feel that had the officials acted on time by undertaking a patrol things could have been better This incident took place a few kilometres from the forest station There are no street lights as this area is known to be wild elephantinfested area said MarikarThe incident happened 24 hours after 45yearold Manu was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Sulthan Bathery in the districtThe mananimal conflict has gripped the hilly district of Wayanad On January 24 a woman who was going to pluck coffee beans was killed by a tigerBalans death is the 10th one in the past decade in Wayanad and the second one in two daysWayanad borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states and is surrounded by deep dense forests and is home to tigers wild elephants and wild boars which have left the people especially those living near the forest areas in perennial fear IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/27-year-old-who-survived-landslide-trampled-to-death-in-wayanad-600896.html Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/new-york-live-poultry-markets-shut-down-for-five-days-to-rein-in-bird-flu-600483.html New York Feb 8 New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that live poultry markets in New York City and Westchester Suffolk and Nassau counties would be shut down for five days to combat the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI Those markets have been ordered to sell down all inventory and complete cleaning and disinfection proceduresSeven HPAI cases were detected in markets in Queens The Bronx and Brooklyn boroughs during routine surveillance since January 31 according to a release by the New York State governmentWhile there is no immediate threat to public health and no known cases of HPAI in humans in New York State we support the Department of Agriculture and Markets latest proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease between animals and humans by temporarily closing live bird markets in New York City and surrounding counties said New York State Health Commissioner James McDonaldThose who have regular contact with livestock and wild birds should safeguard their health by wearing personal protective equipment when in contact with these animals according to McDonald Xinhua news agency reportedThere have been 67 human bird flu cases and one death from the virus in the US since April 2024 according to the US Centres for Disease Control and PreventionBird flu also known as avian influenza A H5N1 or highly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI is caused by a virus that can cause serious illness and death in birds and mammals Human infections with bird flu viruses are rare but they can happen when the virus gets into a persons eyes nose mouth or when inhaledPeople who are around birds or other avian flu virusinfected animals are at greater risk of getting sick This includes people who work in some of the following places according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Farms including backyard or hobby farms Zoos or other wild animal facilities IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/new-york-live-poultry-markets-shut-down-for-five-days-to-rein-in-bird-flu-600483.html Sat, 08 Feb 2025 13:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kuno-cheetahs-to-soon-roam-in-rajasthan-via-proposed-wildlife-corridor-600068.html Jaipur Feb 6 Cheetahs from Madhya Pradeshs Kuno National Park will soon be able to move freely into Rajasthan as a new wildlife corridor is in the works state Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma confirmed this to IANS A corridor will be developed to connect Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allowing free movement of tigers and cheetahs between the two states With this cheetahs from Kuno will be able to enter Rajasthan naturally Sharma saidThe project will be jointly monitored by both state governments with a memorandum of understanding MoU set to be signed soon in the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan YadavThe corridor spanning approximately 6500 square km will stretch from Dholpur to Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary facilitating a more natural habitat for the big catsIndias ambitious cheetah reintroduction program saw eight cheetahs brought from Namibia which Prime Minister Narendra Modi released into Kuno National Park on September 17 2022 marking the species return to the countryMeanwhile Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released five more cheetahs into the wild at Kuno on Wednesday Among them was Veera a female cheetah who gave birth to two cubs on February 4 The other released cheetahs included Asha and her three cubs Additionally two cheetahs Agni and Vayu have been roaming freely since their release on International Cheetah Day December 4 2024Officials confirmed that Rajasthan was originally considered as a site for the relocated cheetahs but due to logistical challenges they were moved to Madhya Pradesh instead However the upcoming corridor will now ease movement for the animals reducing the efforts required to track them as they frequently cross state bordersThis corridor will be a winwin for both the cheetahs and wildlife authorities ensuring a seamless and safer habitat for the species officials said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kuno-cheetahs-to-soon-roam-in-rajasthan-via-proposed-wildlife-corridor-600068.html Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/five-more-cheetahs-to-be-released-into-the-wild-at-knp-today-599843.html Bhopal Feb 5 Five more adult cheetahs will be released into the wild at Madhya Pradeshs Kuno National Park KNP on Wednesday Cheetahs would be released into the wild in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during a programme organised by the state Forest Department at KNP in SheopurAccording to Kuno officials the preparation for releasing cheetahs into the open forest has been done under the supervision of a steering committee and senior forest officialsIt would be the second time when cheetahs would be released into open boma enclosure at KNPOn Tuesday fiveyearold South African cheetah Veera gave birth to two healthy cubsWith Wednesdays release seven out of 12 adult cheetahs will roam freely into the KNPOn December 4 2024 two male cheetahs Vayu and Agni were released into the wildThe Chief Minister said the growing cheetah population will have a positive impact on the states tourism industryWith the increase in cheetah numbers tourism in Madhya Pradesh is getting a boost and opening new doors for employment We are always ready for the conservation promotion and restoration of wildlife Chief Minister Yadav addedNotably Indias ambitious project cheetah was introduced after 70 years of their extinction from the countryOn September 17 2022 Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first batch of eight cheetahs translocated from Namibia into KunoThe second batch of 12 cheetahs was brought from South Africa on February 18 2023Reports suggested that the third batch of 18 cheetahs scheduled to be relocated from South Africa to Madhya Pradesh in February 2025 may delayed as the authorities are awaiting the quarterly progress of Cheetahs to be transportedThe new batch of Cheetahs is expected to be relocated to Kuno National Park in Sheopur and Gandhi Sagar in Mandsaur IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/five-more-cheetahs-to-be-released-into-the-wild-at-knp-today-599843.html Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/madras-hc-bans-cruel-transport-practices-for-cattle-issues-guidelines-599722.html Chennai Feb 4 The Madras High Court has taken a strong stand against the inhumane treatment of cattle during transportation particularly the cruel practice of smearing chilli flakes on their eyes to keep them awake and prevent them from lying down This method was often used to pack as many animals as possible into vehicles during long journeys Single bench judge of the Madras High Court Justice M Nirmal Kumar has now issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure the humane transport of cattle Justice Kumar emphasised that cattle must have adequate space to move turn around and lie down comfortably during transit The court also insisted on proper safety measures while loading and unloading the animals Ramps and loading docks must be designed to prevent cattle from slipping or falling the judge stated Additionally the court mandated that vehicles used for transporting cattle must be wellventilated and maintain a suitable temperature During long journeys food and water must be provided at frequent intervals and the animals health should be assessed before transport Throughout the journey they must be periodically checked for signs of distress injury or illness the court said To prevent the spread of diseases the vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned before being used again Transporters are also required to carry all necessary documents including veterinary medical certificates confirming the distance and duration for which the animals can be safely transported The court issued these directives while dismissing two civil revision petitions filed by Abbas Manthiri Mariyappan and Thiyagarajan The three individuals had been booked by the Chengalpattu police last year for transporting 96 bulls and two calves in extremely cruel conditions The animals were being taken to Kerala and other locations allegedly for slaughter The petitioners argued that the cattle were being transported for farming and breeding purposes and sought the return of the seized animals However Additional Public Prosecutor APP A Damodaran refuted their claim pointing out that most of the cattle had been castrated making breeding impossible He further stated that the drivers had admitted to transporting the animals for slaughter The APP also noted that most of the seized cattle were under ten years old and that the drivers lacked proper documentation at the time of the seizure Senior counsel Satish Parasaran and advocate Madhumitha representing the complainants M Vignesh and R Raguram Sharmawho had originally reported the incidentstrongly opposed the petitioners plea After considering these arguments Justice Kumar ruled against returning the seized cattle to the petitioners The judge also praised advocate Madhumitha for her meticulous preparation and strenuous submissions during the case With these new guidelines the Madras High Court has reinforced the importance of humane treatment in cattle transportation ensuring that such cruelty is no longer tolerated IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/madras-hc-bans-cruel-transport-practices-for-cattle-issues-guidelines-599722.html Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/massive-whale-skeleton-main-crowd-puller-at-cmfri-fest-599518.html Kochi Feb 3 A massive whale skeleton on Monday became a centre of attraction for large crowds at the open house held at ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI as part of its 78th Foundation Day celebrations The event also offered a fascinating glimpse into the wonders of marine life with conservation efforts of marine mammals and other endangered species getting particular attentionThe exhibition turned out to be a powerful visual aid to create public awareness of whales and the CMFRIs ongoing research works on stock assessment and bycatch assessment of the marine mammals in Indian watersAimed at conveying the message of conservation illustrated stickers of 19 protected species such as whale sharks humphead wrasses and sea horses were distributed among the studentsThe CMFRIs national marine biodiversity museum which houses 2856 specimens laboratories the marine aquarium the library hatcheries and the agricultural technology centre were open to the public at the open house exhibitionA large number of students flocked to the institute to watch a ringside view of diverse marine life including fishes molluscs algae sea snakes crustaceans precious pearls and shell jewelleryThe exhibition illustrated the terrifying effect of marine litter through an art installation depicting ocean strataThis visual representation served as a reminder of the microplastic threat to the marine resources and delicate ecosystemA popular whale shark selfie point also drew attention educating visitors about the urgent need to conserve this gentle giantThe fisheries laboratories showcased a range of captured fishes such as sharks rays swordfish batfish and tunas along with shellfish varieties including prawns lobsters crabs and cuttlefishBig eye binoculars used for offshore marine mammal surveys oceanographic instruments for assessing physical ocean parameters seaweed cultivation methods and a range of marine technological advancements were exhibitedVisitors also got an opportunity to learn about the blacksoldier flybased waste management unitModels of cage fish farming integrated multitrophic aquaculture system IMTA recirculating aquaculture system RAS and biofloc farming were also demonstratedA scientiststudent interaction served as a platform for exchanging knowledge on the CMFRIs research works and technological innovations in the marine fisheries sector Laboratories related to molecular biology bioprospecting cell culture fishery biology environmental research climate change and ocean acidification were opened to the public during the programme IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/massive-whale-skeleton-main-crowd-puller-at-cmfri-fest-599518.html Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assam-over-1-lakh-migratory-water-birds-of-124-species-spotted-in-kaziranga-599347.html Guwahati Feb 2 A total of 112062 migratory water and wetlanddependent birds of 124 species the highest number for freshwater lakes in northeast India counted in Assams Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR officials said on Sunday KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that the sixth Kaziranga waterbird count exercise found 112062 migratory water and wetlanddependent birds of 124 species higher than the fifth round 202324 of bird count exercise when 88710 such birds were found against the fourth rounds 202122 66776 birds She added that out of 124 species 62 were winter migrants The results of bird count were announced on Sunday According to the IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature red list seven species are globally threatened and 15 are nearthreatened Out of three divisions Nagaon Wildlife Division recorded the highest number of species 107 Key sightings included the critically endangered Baers Pochard and the Endangered Pallass Fish Eagle The Barheaded Goose had the highest count at 20845 individuals while five other speciesKnobbilled Duck Baers Pochard Falcated Duck Whitetailed Eagle and Greater whitefronted Goose were observed for the first time said Ghosh a senior Indian Forest Service officer She added that compared to other freshwater and Ramsar sites in India Nalsarovar Gujarat Keoadeo Ghana National Park Rajasthan Kolleru Lake Andhra Pradesh Wular Lake Kashmir Loktak Lake Manipur Deeporbeel Assam Rowmaribeel Assam and Donduwabeel Assam significant number of water birds found in the KNPTR The twoday January 11 and 12 sixth Kaziranga Waterbird Count exercise this year saw the participation of five observers four coordinators and 93 enumerators belonging to various institutions and government and nongovernment organisations 62 volunteers from nearby local colleges and forest staff thereby continuing to be one of the largest Citizen Science Movement of the country since the recent years The bird count exercise not only aimed to gather valuable data on waterbird populations but also fostered community involvement and awareness regarding the importance of wetland conservation the KNPTR Director said The collaboration among various stakeholders highlighted the collective effort needed for effective wildlife conservation in Kaziranga The waterbird count was first initiated in the year 201819 by the management authority of KNPTR Over the years Kazirangas waterbird count exercise has evolved into an important tool for the management of wetlands of one of Indias premier tiger reserves Ghosh said that there was no disruption in regular tourism activities during the conduct of the census to sensitise the importance of sciencebased conservation in protected area management According to the official India hosts nearly 370 migratory bird species from three major flyways with 310 predominantly using wetland habitats The countrys diverse wetlands spanning 1526 million hectares provide critical habitats for more than 200 waterbird species The birds typically follow the Central Asian Flyway CAF and East AfricanEurasian Flyway EAEF using Indias wetlands as important refueling stations during their long journeys she said These sites are critical for the birds annual migration cycles offering suitable wintering grounds and essential resources Kaziranga and other wetlands in northeast India are important as they serve as wintering grounds for both the CAF and the EAEF flyways the KNPTR director said The KNPTR measuring about 1300 sq km is home to more than 2613 onehorned Indian rhinos The worldfamous park is not just a home to rhinos but also to Asian elephants Royal Bengal tigers wild buffalos and many more animal species while it is also a habitat to thousands of birds of more than 124 species Indias seventh fourth in natural UNESCO World Heritage site the KNPTR is spread across several districts of Assam including Golaghat Nagaon Sonitpur and Biswanath IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assam-over-1-lakh-migratory-water-birds-of-124-species-spotted-in-kaziranga-599347.html Sun, 02 Feb 2025 21:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-animal-welfare-fortnight-celebrations-to-continue-till-feb-13-599211.html Gandhinagar Feb 1 The Animal Welfare Fortnight celebrations in Gujarat organised annually by the state Animal Welfare Board will continue until February 13 extending the usual period to align with the Union governments recent initiative The celebrations began on January 14 and were originally scheduled to end on January 30 However in line with the Union governments decision to observe the period from January 14 to February 13 as Livestock and Animal Welfare Awareness month the state Animal Welfare Board has extended the Animal Welfare Fortnight event until February 13 This extension is in response to a nationwide effort aimed at increasing awareness of modern animal husbandry practices and promoting the welfare of livestockThe Union government launched this initiative through the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying to encourage the adoption of better practices for the welfare of animals across the countryAdditionally the Animal Welfare Board of India has designated February 2 marking the occasion of Vasant Panchami as Insect Welfare Day This day will be celebrated with the objective of highlighting the importance of insects in maintaining ecological balance and promoting their welfareDuring this extended period various programs workshops and awareness campaigns are being conducted across the state to engage the public and promote animal welfare These initiatives focus on educating citizens about modern animal husbandry practices the significance of the humane treatment of animals and the ecological importance of insectsGujarat ranks fourth in the country with 1689 gaushalas cattle shelters following Uttar Pradesh Rajasthan and Madhya PradeshGujarat is also home to a diverse range of insect species including 177 beetle species 84 species of butterflies and moths and 60 species of dragonflies and damselfliesThe state also hosts 67 species of insect pollinators with Hymenoptera being the most dominant order These insects play a critical role in agriculture particularly in pollination contributing to crop productivity and ecological balanceThe Directorate of Animal Husbandry in Gujarat oversees various aspects of animal welfare including vaccination programs treatment camps and artificial insemination services IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-animal-welfare-fortnight-celebrations-to-continue-till-feb-13-599211.html Sun, 02 Feb 2025 01:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/namibia-tracks-two-lions-outside-protected-areas-599287.html Windhoek Feb 2 Namibias Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism MEFT said it is tracking two lions that strayed from protected areas into farmland The first lion a female was spotted between Tsumeb and Oshivelo both towns in northern Namibia along a key route connecting the countrys interior to Etosha National Park a major wildlife conservation area MEFT spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said in a statement on SaturdayAccording to Muyunda the lioness is part of a pride with two adult lions and four cubs at Onguma Farm a private reserve bordering Etosha reports Xinhua news agencyWe believe that one female lion went out from the farm and was spotted and captured by travellers in the circulating video Muyunda said Our staff have tracked the spores of the lion to the Punyu farmThe affected area consists mainly of private farmland reducing the risk of direct encounters with people he said urging farmers and nearby communities to take precautions while officials work to return the lion to OngumaAnother lion was reported at Oromowa a farming area on the western periphery of Etosha National Park and is suspected to have strayed from the parkEqually our staff members are tracking the lion and caution communities in those areas to be vigilant and ensure the livestock are safe Muyunda saidThe ministry confirmed that no livestock losses property damage or attacks on humans have been reportedNamibia faces ongoing challenges in managing humanwildlife conflict as its growing population and expanding agricultural activities encroach on wildlife habitatsLarge carnivores such as lions and elephants often stray from national parks and conservancies into farming areas leading to livestock losses and property damage IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/namibia-tracks-two-lions-outside-protected-areas-599287.html Sun, 02 Feb 2025 13:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/snakebites-a-major-public-health-concern-in-assam-experts-598053.html Guwahati Jan 28 Snakebites remain a major public health concern in Assam and often lead to fatalities due to delayed medical intervention and lack of awareness on proper firstaid measures experts said on Tuesday Dr Surajit Giri who is a specialist in snakebite treatment in Assam said that on average there are around 35 000 snakebite cases per yearAssams Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh quoting government data told IANS that in 2024 there were around 11000 snake bites and 36 deathsA twoday capacitybuilding workshop on ethical snake rescue and snake bite prevention held on January 2728 at the Kohora Convention Centre in KNPTRThe event saw the active participation of 43 nature enthusiasts and forest officials from eight districts Kaziranga Nagaon Biswanath Sivasagar Golaghat Dibrugarh and TinsukiaThe workshop was jointly organised by the Assam Forest Department Help Earth Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and the Zoological Society of AssamSonali Ghosh said that this initiative represents a critical step toward developing a welltrained and informed network of nature enthusiasts and frontline forest personnel in AssamAssam with its rich biodiversity is home to numerous snake species including the King Cobra Roja Feti Monocled Cobra ChokoriFeti Banded Krait Goala sap various species of pit vipers some of which are highly venomous and contribute to the regions snake biterelated fatalities she saidThe KNPTR Director said that the state witnesses a high number of humansnake encounters particularly during the fourmonth JuneSeptember long monsoon season when rising floodwaters force snakes to seek shelter in human settlementsSnakebite remains a major public health concern often leading to fatalities due to delayed medical intervention and lack of awareness on proper firstaid measures the senior IFS officer saidThe core resource person for the workshop was Gnaneswar Ch Project Leader for Snakebite Mitigation at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology MCBTHis sessions provided indepth training on advanced techniques in safe snake rescue handling effective firstaid measures for snakebites community engagement strategies to reduce humansnake conflict conservation ethics and rehabilitation techniquesGhosh said that participants engaged in interactive sessions and practical demonstrations gaining handson experience with safe snake rescue methods and learning effective ways to respond to snakebite incidentsOne of the highlights of the program was the distribution of snake rescue kits ensuring that trained rescuers are wellequipped to carry out their work efficientlyThe official said that the success of this workshop reaffirms the collective commitment to reducing snakebite mortality promoting conservation and fostering humansnake coexistenceThe organisers expressed their hope that such capacitybuilding efforts would empower local rescuers and forest personnel to address snakerelated challenges more effectively With continued training awareness and collaboration Assam can move toward a future where both humans and snakes can thrive in harmony the KNPTR Director said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/snakebites-a-major-public-health-concern-in-assam-experts-598053.html Tue, 28 Jan 2025 19:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-to-use-drone-mapping-to-analyse-preserve-ecologically-sensitive-ramsar-sites-597680.html Chennai Jan 27 The Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to use drone mapping technology to analyse and preserve Ramsar sites across the state This initiative is part of the Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission which aims to restore 100 wetlands in the stateWetlands are critical ecosystems that play an imperative role in maintaining ecological balance supporting biodiversity and providing various ecosystem services essential for human survivalThe Ramsar Convention on Wetlands an international treaty established in 1971 provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands globallyCurrently Tamil Nadu has 18 Ramsar sites with 17 receiving international recognition after 2021The Tamil Nadu Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Corporation TNUAVC operating under the Higher Education Department will spearhead this effortTNUAVC has collaborated with the Tamil Nadu Wetlands Department to deploy drones equipped with advanced RGB and LiDAR technology for this purposeThe drones fitted with RGB sensors will capture highresolution images to create detailed 3D mapsAdditionally LiDAR technology will provide highly accurate data for better ecological analysisA senior official from the Higher Education Department stated that the initiative would also include Geographic Information System GIS analysis and surveys in 15 Ramsar sites such as Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Pichavaram Mangrove Longwood Shola Reserve Forest Nilgiris Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary Tirupur Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary Villupuram and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary AriyalurThe mapping process will prepare landuse and landcover classification maps for wetlands and their 300metre buffer zonesBathymetric surveys conducted pre and postmonsoon will analyse sedimentation patterns to identify high silt or sludge depositsThe initiative will include hydrological and water flow studies to evaluate evapotranspiration rates sedimentation groundwater interactions flood mapping and risk assessmentMachine Learning techniques will be employed to detect and monitor invasive species in the wetlandsBiodiversity assessments will also be conducted focussing on flora fauna vegetation health and biomass estimationTamil Nadus State Environment and Climate Change Department is already preparing integrated management plans for Ramsar sites such as the Pallikaranai marshland in ChennaiRamsar sites are crucial for biodiversity water purification groundwater replenishment and managing droughts and floodsTheir conservation is also vital for food security and supports the livelihoods and cultural practices of local communitiesAn official from the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority noted that many Ramsar sites near urban areas face threats from human encroachment and land grabbingThese sites will be prioritised for mapping and conservation effortsIn collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India the state government is developing comprehensive management plans for these wetlandsThe mapping data will support these efforts and contribute to the longterm preservation of Tamil Nadus ecological heritage IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-to-use-drone-mapping-to-analyse-preserve-ecologically-sensitive-ramsar-sites-597680.html Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/vadodara-to-relocate-150-crocodiles-amid-vishwamitri-river-development-project-597621.html Vadodara Jan 26 The Vadodara Municipal Corporation VMC has initiated a project to deepen and widen the Vishwamitri River as part of its flood prevention measures However since the project began multiple crocodile carcasses have been discovered in the river sparking outrage among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists Speculations abound regarding the causes of the crocodile deaths ranging from habitat disruption to possible water contamination To address these concerns and prevent further harm to the crocodile population authorities have decided to temporarily relocate approximately 150 crocodiles to safer locations Vadodara often referred to as the City of Crocodiles is home to a population of mugger crocodiles Crocodylus palustris The Vishwamitri River which traverses approximately 17 kilometres through the city serves as a primary habitat for these reptiles As of 2021 the crocodile population within the Vishwamitri River was estimated to have surpassed 300 individuals A comprehensive census conducted in 2021 revealed that the Vadodara district harbours over 1000 crocodiles across various water bodies marking a significant increase from previous years In July 2024 alone forest officials and wildlife volunteers rescued 21 crocodiles from urban areas within the Vadodara range Given the rivers importance as a habitat and the potential for humancrocodile conflicts during construction activities the decision to relocate the reptiles aims to mitigate risks to both the animals and the public According to officials the relocation process will involve the expertise of forest department personnel The primary objective is to ensure the safety of these crocodiles and avoid any untoward incidents said Shital Mistry Chairman of VMCs Standing Committee Plans are underway to house the relocated crocodiles in specially designed enclosures with water facilities at Kamati Bagh and Safari Garden Arrangements for cages required to safely capture the crocodiles have already been made The relocation is expected to commence around February 15 2025 and be completed by June 2025 Officials emphasised the need for careful execution to protect the ecosystem and maintain public safety during the Vishwamitri River project IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/vadodara-to-relocate-150-crocodiles-amid-vishwamitri-river-development-project-597621.html Sun, 26 Jan 2025 20:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-bird-census-at-nal-sarovar-sanctuary-on-jan-25-26-597269.html Ahmedabad Jan 24 The officials at Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat will conduct a preliminary census of waterbirds on January 25 and 26 an official said on Friday Approximately 100 ornithologists experts and volunteers will participate in the survey dividing the sanctuary into 46 zones for detailed countingThe census will cover the sanctuarys vast ecological zone spanning 12082 sq kmTo ensure the process runs smoothly without any disturbances public entry to the sanctuary has been restricted on these two daysThe restriction has been imposed under Sections 28 and 33 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 through a notification issued by the Chief Wildlife Warden of GujaratChief Conservator of Forests Dr Jaipal Singh has appealed to the public to cooperate fully with the local forest department during the census periodThis measure is aimed at safeguarding the birds and ensuring the accuracy of the survey processNal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is located approximately 64 km west of AhmedabadThe sanctuary spans about 12082 sq km and is primarily composed of a vast lake and surrounding marshesIt was declared a bird sanctuary in April 1969The sanctuary attracts over 210 species of birds during the winter monthsThroughout the year it harbors a variety of plants fish and animals including several mammalian species like the endangered wild ass and the blackbuckIts migratory bird population includes rosy pelicans flamingos white storks brahminy ducks and heronsNal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is home to over 210 bird species including notable migratory visitors such as Greater Flamingos Rosy Pelicans Common Teals Blackwinged Stilts Northern Pintails Eurasian Wigeons Northern Shovelers Blacktailed Godwits Yellow Wagtails and White WagtailsThese species grace the sanctuary during the winter months In addition to its avian residents Nal Sarovar supports a variety of aquatic life including fish and amphibiansIt is also home to occasional sightings of wild mammals such as the blackbuck and wild assThe surrounding areas host rich vegetation providing a habitat for diverse flora and fauna IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-bird-census-at-nal-sarovar-sanctuary-on-jan-25-26-597269.html Sat, 25 Jan 2025 00:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/man-trampled-to-death-by-wild-elephant-in-tamil-nadu-597308.html Chennai Jan 25 In a tragic incident a 37yearold man was trampled to death by an elephant in Gudalur located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu on Saturday The deceased has been identified as Jamshed 37 a local Youth Congress leaderAccording to TM Younis Babu a Congress leader and vice chairman of the Third Division Panchayat Jamshed was visiting his hometown from Bengaluru when the tragedy occurredLocal residents said Jamshed is survived by his wife and three childrenYounis Babu while speaking to IANS said Jamshed and a few locals had rushed to drive away the elephant that had entered the area and was destroying crops including plantains They were trying to scare the animal off by lighting crackers and making noise but the elephant suddenly turned around and trampled Jamshed to deathResidents reported that the Tamil Nadu Forest Department had dug a trench spanning five kilometres to prevent wild elephants and other animals from entering the Third Division PanchayatHowever the trench still needs to be extended by another three kilometres The elephant reportedly reached the village through this unprotected area leading to the fatal attackAccording to locals at least 20 people have lost their lives in the last five years in the Gudalur region due to humananimal conflictsOfficials from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department confirmed the incident and said the state government would provide immediate financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the family of deceasedThe Gudalur region falls under the Nilgiris Lok Sabha constituency represented by DMK Deputy General Secretary and former Union Minister A RajaYounis Babu also said that political parties in the Gudalur region have been demanding foolproof measures to protect people from wild animal attacksHe added that residents and all political parties except the DMK were planning a protest march to demand action against the recurring attacks in the Third Division PanchayatAs per data shared in Parliament by the Union Ministry of Environment 256 people were killed in Tamil Nadu due to humananimal conflicts between 2019 and 2024The year 202324 reported the highest casualties with 629 deaths followed by 605 in 202223 Habitat loss and fragmentation are cited as major reasons for humanelephant conflicts in India home to 60 per cent of the global pachyderm populationElephants have been declared a National Heritage Animal of IndiaThe country has the largest population of Asian elephants with nearly 30000 wild elephants and about 3600 in captivity IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/man-trampled-to-death-by-wild-elephant-in-tamil-nadu-597308.html Sat, 25 Jan 2025 11:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kerala-adivasi-woman-killed-in-tiger-attack-597146.html Wayanad Jan 24 With no respite in the mananimal conflict in Kerala a tribal woman who went to collect coffee beans was mauled to death near Mananthavady in Keralas Wayanad district The deceased was identified as Radha the wife of a temporary Forest WatcherState Minister of SCST OR Kelu who hails from Wayanad left for the spot where Radha was killedShamsad Marikar the Wayanad District Panchayat President said he has established contacts with people who have reached the spotThe people who have reached the spot have seen the body of Radha which according to them was dragged for a while by the tiger said MarikarOn Friday morning Radhas husband dropped her on the main road near the coffee estate owned by a private individualAs Radha was walking towards her workplace the tiger attacked herThe local police and forest officials have also reached the spot and soon the body will be taken to the staterun hospital at Mananthavady to conduct the postmortemIncidentally the issue of mananimal conflict across Kerala especially in areas bordering the forests has become a major issue and the latest incident took place a day after the Kerala Assembly witnessed a heated debate on this vexed problemLeader of Opposition V D Satheesan slammed Keala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for failing to rise to the occasion to handle this vexed issue and said during 201920 the number of mananimal conflicts which stood at 6341 rose to 9838 cases during 202324On Saturday Satheesan will embark on a 10day protest rally demanding the protection of hill district farmers rights to address their issuesSatheesans rally will start from the hilly area in Kannur and end in the state capital district IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kerala-adivasi-woman-killed-in-tiger-attack-597146.html Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kerala-close-relative-of-indian-cricketer-minnu-mani-killed-in-tiger-attack-597217.html Wayanad Jan 24 A 45yearold tribal woman aunt of Indian cricketer Minnu Mani was mauled to death by a tiger on Friday in Mananthavady of Keralas Wayanad district The deceased was identified as Radha the wife of a temporary Forest WatcherExpressing deep pain over the demise of her aunt Mani said she wished the killer tiger was taken to taskWayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed deep sadness over the incidentIn the last 10 years this is the eighth incident that a person has been killed by a tiger in the Wayanad districtAfter the news of the killing of Radha spread the locals were up in arms and began a protest after State Minister of SCST OR Kelu reached the placeFollowing detailed talks Kelu said a decision had been taken to kill the tigerA sum of Rs 11 lakh will be paid to the family of Radha as compensation of which Rs five lakhs will be paid on Friday itself said KeluFollowing the conciliation talks the protesters handed over Radhas body for postmortemThe incident occurred when Radhas husband dropped her on the main road near the coffee estate owned by a private individual As Radha was walking towards her workplace the tiger attacked her leading to her deathIncidentally the issue of mananimal conflict across Kerala especially in areas bordering the forests has become a major issue and the latest incident took place a day after the Kerala Assembly witnessed a heated debate on this vexed problemLeader of Opposition V D Satheesan slammed Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for failing to rise to the occasion to handle this vexed issue and said during 201920 the number of mananimal conflicts which stood at 6341 rose to 9838 cases during 202324On Saturday Satheesan will embark on a 10day protest rally demanding the protection of hill district farmers rights to address their issues Satheesans rally will start from the hilly area in Kannur and end in the state capital district IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kerala-close-relative-of-indian-cricketer-minnu-mani-killed-in-tiger-attack-597217.html Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-tableau-for-republic-day-to-showcase-success-of-cheetah-project-596915.html Bhopal Jan 22 Madhya Pradesh tableau at the Republic Day Parade will be centred on the theme Cheetah The Pride of India an official said on Wednesday He said that the tableau will showcase a glimpse of the historic reintroduction of Cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh Cheetahs had gone extinct in India 70 years ago and successive governments are doing everything to bring back the Cheetahs to the countryThe tableau will showcase the successful reintroduction of Cheetahs in IndiaAt the forefront it depicts a pair of adult cheetahs from Kuno National Park along with the cubs born in Kuno While the central part of the tableau features the flowing Kuno River surrounded by the forest cover and natural habitat of the national park portraying wildlife such as deer monkeys birds and cheetahs thriving in harmonyThis reflects Kuno Sanctuary as a model for biodiversity with the increasing number of cheetahsIn the rear section of the central part under a tree Cheetah Mitras Cheetah Friends are seen training local residents about cheetah conservationThe final section of the tableau depicts forest personnel monitoring cheetahs from a watchtower actively contributing to the success of the Cheetah ProjectOn both sides of the tableau LED panels display a film focused on Cheetahs in Kuno National Park Additionally dance troupes from the Sheopur district are seen performing the traditional Lahangi dance of the Sahariya tribeThe Kuno National Sanctuary located along the banks of the Kuno River in Madhya Pradeshs Sheopur district has become a new home for Cheetahs in the countryThe sanctuary provides an appropriate diet and natural habitat for the Cheetahs As a result of the successful reintroduction project a total of 24 cheetahs including adults and cubs are now roaming freely in the Kuno SanctuaryThe first batch of eight cheetahs transported from Namibia was released at Kuno by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of his birthday on September 17 2022 while the second batch of 12 cheetahs was brought from South Africa on Feb 18 2023Reports suggested that the third batch of 18 cheetahs scheduled to be relocated from South Africa to Madhya Pradesh in February 2025 may delayed as the authorities are awaiting the quarterly progress of Cheetahs to be transportedThe MoU signed on January 17 2022 specifies that Indias govt must submit quarterly progress reports on the Cheetahs translocated to India from South AfricaThe new batch of Cheetahs is expected to be relocated to Kuno National Park in Sheopur and Gandhi Sagar in Mandsaur IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-tableau-for-republic-day-to-showcase-success-of-cheetah-project-596915.html Wed, 22 Jan 2025 23:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/33-cranes-die-of-bird-flu-in-rajasthan-596646.html Jaipur Jan 21 A total of 33 cranes have succumbed to bird flu in Rajasthan till January 20 evening confirmed officials here on Tuesday On January 17 around 14 cranes died from bird flu in Jaisalmer collapsing midflight in a field near Bankalsar villageA report from the Bhopalbased National Institute of HighSecurity Animal Diseases NISHAD confirmed the presence of bird flu in two of the cranes tested establishing the cause of deathAdditionally a cuckoo and a Eurasian vulture were reported dead however their deaths were attributed to natural causes providing some relief to the administrationSince January 11 bird flurelated deaths have been reported continuously in Jaisalmer but the outbreak has been limited to Degrai Oran and Bankalsar No cases of infected birds have been identified in other parts of the districtAuthorities have adhered to strict protocols burying the carcasses of infected birds and spraying disinfectants at the affected sites to prevent the spread of the disease to other birdsDr Umesh Vargantiwar Joint Director of the Animal Husbandry Department explained that bird flu spreads more in winter due to reduced immunity in birds similar to humansBirds cannot be stopped from flying so preventing the spread of this infectious disease is challenging he saidTo contain the outbreak the government has mandated that dead birds be buried and disinfectant sprayed at the site to minimise further infectionsThe situation is expected to improve as winter wanes and temperatures rise reducing the diseases spread Like humans immunity in birds also decreases in winter Eventually this infectious disease spreads more among birds Birds cannot be stopped from flying However to prevent this disease disinfectants are sprayed wherever dead birds are found after burying them as per government instructions he addedThe NISHAD report has confirmed H5N1 Avian Flu Bird Flu in the carcasses of Demoiselle Cranes found dead in Jaisalmer The deaths of migratory birds commonly known as Kurjan among the locals have become a matter of concern in the district and teams of the Forest Department and Animal Husbandry Department are on alertThe bodies of the dead birds have been buried with all precautionary measures and the field officers of the Veterinary Hospital Medical Department Forest Department and Revenue Department have been put on high alert said officers IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/33-cranes-die-of-bird-flu-in-rajasthan-596646.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/myanmar-agriculture-project-benefits-over-5-000-farmers-596317.html Yangon Jan 19 Myanmars Agriculture and Rural Development Loan Project has disbursed over 247 billion kyats about 11761 million US dollars in financial assistance as of 2024 benefiting 5816 farmers the staterun Myanmar Radio and Television reported on Sunday The report said that the project not only benefits farmers but also strengthens the countrys agricultural sector Xinhua news agency reportedThe project launched in July 2017 offers lowinterest loans to support farmers in purchasing essential agricultural machinery the report saidThe repayment scheme includes threeyear shortterm and fiveyear longterm instalment options it addedAgriculture in Myanmar also known as Burma is the main industry in the country accounting for 60 per cent of the GDP and employing some 65 per cent of the labour force Burma was once Asias largest exporter of rice and rice remains the countrys most crucial agricultural commodity Other main crops include pulses beans sesame groundnuts sugarcane lumber and fish Moreover livestock are raised as both a source of food and labour The primary method for rendering arable land is the slashandburn method also known as shifting cultivation or swiddening This involves setting fire to areas of primary forest or secondary forest to create fields where crops can be cultivated After these fields are used for a time and the nutrients in the soil are used up the land is abandoned and allowed to grow freely Growth begins in the one to three years following the lands abandonment and within 10 to 20 years it is once again able to hold an established secondary forest Sometimes this arable land is converted into rice paddies a common agricultural technique in southern and eastern Asia In Burma the paddies are flooded only occasionally by rivers while a majority of the time farmers rely on the monsoon season for the necessary water The paddies have an impermeable subsoil on top of which is a saturated layer of mud and lastly around 46 inches of water Farmers in Myanmar raise livestock for both food and labour purposes This includes cattle water buffalo goats sheep oxen chickens and pigs Oxen and water buffalo are used as draft animals throughout the country while most cattle are raised in the dryer northern regions Goats are kept by farmers in pasture for their milk Farmers in Myanmar were affected by the outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu strand in Asia Initially the Mandalay and Sagaing regions of Myanmar were affected and this resulted in the culling of several thousand chickens quails and their eggs However as of 2006 the countrys livestock officials announced a plan to fund the restocking of birds and feed for the affected poultry farmsAs of at least 2024 Myanmar has the largest amount of cattle herding in southeast Asia Myanmars domestic beef consumption is not high because of religious reasons and because of cattles utility as a farm animal The 2012 Major Commodity and Service Law prohibited the export of live cattle although a lack of enforcement Myanmar meant that significant smuggling out of the country occurred In 2017 Aung San Suu Kyis government lifted the ban and began regulating cattle exports as a revenueraising measure IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/myanmar-agriculture-project-benefits-over-5-000-farmers-596317.html Sun, 19 Jan 2025 19:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/sanctuary-brings-hope-to-stray-animals-in-myanmar-596344.html Yangon Jan 19 The Golden Heart disabled animals rescue shelter founded in January 2014 by Hnin Si Myint was a sanctuary for stray animals across the country on the outskirts of Yangon Myanmar The shelter is home to 850 dogs 150 cats 13 cows and 10 goats rescued from various disturbing situations including car accidents knife attacks and cruel acts involving hot water or acid Xinhua news agency reportedWe are dedicated to healing not just their bodies but also their spirits providing them with the care and love they deserve Hnin Si Myint saidMy compassion for animals led me to start this shelter Many of these dogs are stray and rarely get medical care I want to ensure they receive proper nutrition and spend their last days with less pain she saidWith over 30 employees the shelter provides two nutritious meals per day along with regular cleaning A monthly expenditure for food amounts to approximately 60 million kyats about 28571 US dollars she said adding that most of the amount is covered by donations from generous contributorsIn addition to providing daily meals the shelter prioritised medical care for the animals This included neutering procedures treatment for skin diseases cancer care and vaccination against infectious diseases and rabies vaccinations she saidThe Golden Heart shelter thrives thanks to the dedication and compassion of its staff and donors who play a crucial role in ensuring the shelter operates smoothlyHaving worked at the shelter for nearly seven years Wai Lin Phyo 22 handles a wide range of responsibilities including cleaning feeding and assisting with vaccinationsAs for challenges such as being bitten by newly arrived dogs he had to remain vigilant and careful when treating and caring for the animalsMost of the dogs that arrived have suffered from serious diseases and severe conditions such as paralysis The dedicated team worked tirelessly to save these animals from lifethreatening situations providing them with medical attention and care they desperately needed he saidWitnessing their recovery is a rewarding experience and seeing them regain strength and improve in condition brought immense joy and fulfilment he addedI believe the shelter is a lifeline for stray and disabled dogs who would otherwise perish on the streets he saidA former taxi driver San Taw Moe 33 joined the shelter about four years ago initially inspired by his frequent trips transporting injured animals to the hospital a task refused by other drivers due to smellWith my car I have rescued hundreds of animals ensuring they receive the care and treatment they need he saidWorking here as a dedicated team member is a winwin situation I can earn a living while performing good deeds he addedThe shelter has conducted rabies vaccination in nearby streets and monasteries to prevent injuries or deaths caused by rabies along with neutering to control the stray animal population and fight the spread of rabiesWidespread participation in rabies vaccination and neutering initiatives can pave the way for a more compassionate and balanced world the founder of the shelter said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/sanctuary-brings-hope-to-stray-animals-in-myanmar-596344.html Sun, 19 Jan 2025 21:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gurugram-wildlife-dept-to-serve-notices-to-illegal-constructions-surrounding-sultanpur-bird-sanctuary-595979.html Gurugram Jan 17 The Wildlife Department will soon serve notices to over 100 illegal construction owners who built illegal structures in the restricted area of Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary in Gurugram The department has written a letter to Tehsildar seeking information about all the people who are doing illegal construction After getting the information notices will be issued to everyone to remove the illegal construction within 15 days After this a demolition drive will be conductedNotable any kind of construction work is banned within a 5 km radius of Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary located on JhajjarFarrukhnagar RoadDespite this builders and dealers have illegally built over 100 illegal constructions farmhouses and societies Last year a survey was conducted by the Department and it was revealed that over 100 construction projects have been done without the permission of the Ministry of Environment within the 5 km restricted area of Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary These include nine societies most of the farmhouses and a schoolThe Central government has declared Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary as an EcoSensitive Zone1 environmentally sensitive area In such a situation construction within a radius of 5 km has been completely banned The Town and Country Planning TCP Department has issued licenses to nine builders to build group housing societies The license has a condition that they have to obtain a no objection certificate NOC from the Ministry of Environment But without taking prior permission few builders made construction in the restricted zoneThe survey has also revealed the collusion of the officials of the concerned department Nine societies have been built within this area The TCP Department approved the maps of these societies without checking the NOC Occupancy certificates were even issued to most of the societies Now about 7000 families have started living in the flats built in these societiesHowever after the survey conducted by the Wildlife Department the construction work of the two societies has been stoppedThese societies are being built under the Affordable Housing Policy which has about 1500 flats These societies have been built in villages Dhorka Wazirpur and GopalpurAction will soon be taken against illegal structures built within five kilometres of Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary A letter has been written to the Tehsildar to find out the owner of these constructions Notice will be given after getting proper information about the concerned owners RK Jangra Wildlife Officer Gurugram said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gurugram-wildlife-dept-to-serve-notices-to-illegal-constructions-surrounding-sultanpur-bird-sanctuary-595979.html Fri, 17 Jan 2025 17:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/man-trampled-to-death-by-wild-elephant-in-tns-sathyamangalam-tiger-reserve-595536.html Chennai Jan 15 A resident of Kadatti tribal village in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve STR in Tamil Nadus Erode district was trampled to death by a wild elephant officials said on Wednesday According to Forest Department officials Madevappa 65 and three friends entered the forest on Tuesday to collect firewood When they were about 500 metres into the forest at the Boothalapuram beat they encountered a herd of elephantsWhile his companions managed to escape Madevappa was trampled by one of the elephantsThe others returned to the spot later and found Madevappas body They alerted the Kadambur police and the Forest DepartmentThe body was sent to the Government Hospital in Sathyamangalam for a postmortem examination and a case has been registeredThe Forest Department provided immediate relief assistance of Rs 50000 to the deceaseds wifeThe Department is planning to introduce thermal drones for nighttime surveillance to track wild elephants and prevent them from entering human settlements Officials believe these drones will enable forest staff to monitor elephant movements from a safe distance and alert residents in advance Elephants often leave the forest at night and venture into human habitations across forest ranges leading to conflictsWith the new system drones will detect elephant movements and announcements will be made from vehicles equipped with Bluetoothconnected speakers These vehicles will also emit loud noises to drive the animals back into the forestA senior officer revealed that several companies have demonstrated drone operations and a vendor will be finalised soonCurrently the system is being implemented in the Hosur Forest Division where it has shown promising resultsThe department is also planning to procure AIenabled cameras to further monitor elephant movements and reduce humananimal conflictsRecent data presented in the Lok Sabha highlights the urgency of such measures Over the past five years 256 people have died due to humanelephant conflicts in Tamil Nadu including 61 deaths in 202324 aloneFor instance on December 17 2024 a 62yearold man named Chandran succumbed to injuries sustained during an elephant attack at Gajam Mudi Estate in Valparai The attack which occurred on November 10 2024 injured four others including ChandranThe wild elephant population in Tamil Nadu has risen to 3063 according to the latest synchronised census conducted between May 23 and 25 2024 in coordination with neighbouring states Kerala Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh This marks an increase of over 100 elephants compared to the 2023 census Officials stated that Tamil Nadus forests can sustain an elephant population of approximately 3000 to 3500 and the current population is stable and healthy The Nilgiri Elephant Reserve and Coimbatore Elephant Reserve host the highest density of elephants among the five reserves in the stateThe Forest Department is optimistic that a combination of thermal drones AIenabled cameras and other measures will reduce humanelephant conflicts and ensure the safety of both humans and elephants IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/man-trampled-to-death-by-wild-elephant-in-tns-sathyamangalam-tiger-reserve-595536.html Wed, 15 Jan 2025 16:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gurugram-leopard-strays-into-residential-society-in-sohna-triggers-panic-594978.html Gurugram Jan 12 A leopard strayed into a residential society in Guragrams Sohna triggering panic The guard of the Ashiana Society spotted the feline on Saturday night and alerted his seniors who informed the Forest DepartmentA team from the Forest Department including Inspector Krishan Kumar Forest Officer Jyoti Kumar and wildlife social worker Anil Gandas reached the spot to rescue the big catThe big cat was captured without a tranquiliserThere was not much space where the leopard was sitting Due to this the animal could not escape The cage was kept at the gate and the leopard was captured without any problem Krishna Kumar saidWe received information around 2 am It was a male leopard and probably entered the residential society for food He was safely left in the Aravali at 6 am on Sunday Anil Gandas saidAshiana Society is located near the Aravalli hills Many times the animals wander into residential areas searching for food The leopard did not have any kind of injuryNotably the Haryana government will soon develop Jungle Safari in the Aravali reasonFor this the Forest Department officials will get complete information about five jungle safaris in the country as well as one jungle safari in Singapore They will find out what facilities are available thereAfter getting the information the work of developing the Aravali Jungle Safari will be started The government wants more facilities to be provided for the Aravali Jungle Safari than the jungle safaris developed at other places so that it can become a centre of attraction for tourists not only in the country but also abroadThe state government handed over the responsibility of the project from the Tourism Department to the Forest Department so that work on the project could be done faster IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gurugram-leopard-strays-into-residential-society-in-sohna-triggers-panic-594978.html Sun, 12 Jan 2025 14:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/s-korea-confirms-2-more-bird-flu-outbreaks-raising-seasons-total-to-23-594772.html Seoul Jan 10 South Korea reported two additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza AI bringing the countrys total number of outbreaks this season to 23 authorities said on Friday The new cases were detected on Monday at a broiler breeder farm in Dangjin 79 km south of Seoul and a meat duck farm in Buan 204 km south of Seoul according to the central disaster management headquarters for AI outbreaks Yonhap news agency reportedAuthorities are monitoring 69 poultry farms located within the quarantine zones of the two infected farms to prevent further spread the antidisaster office saidIn the recent past the highly pathogenic bird flu virus has caused mass mortality in chickens and wild birds worldwide The infections also spread to seals cats cattle and even from cattle to humans increasing the threat of a potential next pandemic virusEarly this week the US reported the first human death in the country due to bird flu or H5N1The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed in a news release that the patient had been hospitalised with the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza Xinhua news agency reportedThe patient was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions said the department adding that the patient contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a noncommercial backyard flock and wild birdsThe department noted that the patient remains the only human case of H5N1 in the southeastern US state and the departments extensive public health investigation has identified no additional H5N1 cases nor evidence of persontoperson transmissionWhile the current public health risk for the general public remains low people who work with birds poultry or cows or have recreational exposure to them are at higher risk state officials warned adding that the best way to protect people from H5N1 is to avoid sources of exposureAs of Monday there have been 66 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the US since 2024 and 67 since 2022Outside the US more than 950 cases of H5N1 bird flu have been reported to the World Health Organisation about half of those have resulted in death according to the CDCCDC pointed out that no persontoperson transmission spread has been identified The agency said it has carefully studied the available information about the person who died in Louisiana and continues to assess that the risk to the general public remains low IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/s-korea-confirms-2-more-bird-flu-outbreaks-raising-seasons-total-to-23-594772.html Fri, 10 Jan 2025 21:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assam-state-zoo-set-to-get-a-modern-outlook-as-govt-to-invest-over-rs-300-crore-593173.html Guwahati Jan 1 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday laid the foundation of a project to give a modern outlook to the Assam State ZoocumBotanical Garden involving an outlay of Rs 36204 crore officials said The project will include adding various facilities for animals and visitors to make Assam State ZoocumBotanical Garden a modern and stateoftheart centreIn his remarks on the occasion CM Sarma said that established in 1957 the zoocumbotanical garden is the only zoological and botanical centre in the entire North East which is a leading conservation centre for the regions rich biodiversity Set up in a sprawling area it is a centre where flora and fauna of several unique species exist togetherReminiscing his childhood memories of the zoo he said that once he became the Chief Minister he took the decision to make the zoo a modern one Therefore the decision to infuse Rs 36204 crore for its modernisationThe Chief Minister said that the state government has already planned to set up two more zoos at Dibrugarh and Silchar respectively Both the zoos are to be built in an open zoo model as Rs 259 crore and Rs 214 crore have been earmarked for them respectivelyHe also the state government has also decided to set up the Institute of Wildlife and Health for wild animals at Chabua He also said that though poaching has almost disappeared from the state the government has given responsibility to a Special Task Force of the Assam Police to deal with poaching cases involving elephants and tigers The Chief Minister also said that the state government has made 74115 bighas of forest land encroachmentfree which has also aided in increasing animal population and defeating poachingAt the function Sarma released a report on Elephant Population Estimation in Assam As per estimation the population of elephants in Assam has stood at 5828 It carries a positive image towards wildlife conservation in the state the Chief Minister addedState Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal MP Guwahati Bijulee Kalita Medhi and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assam-state-zoo-set-to-get-a-modern-outlook-as-govt-to-invest-over-rs-300-crore-593173.html Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wild-elephant-hit-by-speeding-train-in-tripura-succumbs-to-injuries-592870.html Agartala Dec 31 A 35yearold wild elephant critically injured by a speeding train in Tripuras Khowai district succumbed to its injuries late Monday night officials said on Tuesday Despite the best efforts of doctors from the state veterinary hospital the animal could not be saved The jumbo succumbed to its injuries late Monday night despite intensive medical care a senior forest official confirmedOn Tuesday three veterinary doctors in the presence of forest and wildlife officials conducted a postmortem before the elephant was buriedThe Tripura Forest Department filed an FIR with the Government Railway Police in Teliamura and lodged a formal complaint with the Northeast Frontier Railways Divisional Manager in Lumding The department accused the railway authorities of negligence stating that the train was traveling at an estimated speed of 50 kmh far exceeding the 20 kmh limit designated for elephant corridors in the areaThe incident occurred Saturday night when a local train traveling from Agartala to Dharmanagar struck the elephant in the Shalbagan area under the Teliamura Forest Division Both of the elephants hind legs were fractured leaving it immobile Forest officials arranged for medical treatment from Sunday but the injuries proved fatalThis is not the first such incident A similar tragedy occurred in February when another elephant was killed by a train in the same designated corridor Forest officials emphasized that Saturdays incident could have been prevented if the train adhered to the stipulated speed limitWildlife experts expressed alarm over such recurring incidents Elephants are classified as ScheduleI animals under the Wildlife Protection Amendment Act 2022 recognizing them as endangered species deserving the highest level of protection As Indias National Heritage Animal they command both respect and conservation priorityExperts advocate for stronger safety measures in designated elephant corridors This includes mapping out critical routes and collaborating with stakeholders such as the Railways the National Highways Authority of India NHAI district administrations and state public works departmentsThese measures are essential to prevent such tragedies and ensure the coexistence of infrastructure and wildlife one expert emphasized IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wild-elephant-hit-by-speeding-train-in-tripura-succumbs-to-injuries-592870.html Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/northeast-frontier-railways-steps-to-safeguard-railway-tracks-from-cattle-intrusion-592788.html Guwahati Dec 30 The Northeast Frontier Railway NFR which operates in the northeastern states 7 districts of West Bengal and 5 districts of north Bihar with more than 6400 km of tracks in its jurisdiction is taking various steps aiming towards preventing cattle collisions on railway tracks officials said on Monday NFR Chief Public Relations Officer CPRO Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the NFR is taking diverse steps in a bid to prevent cattle collisions on railway tracksHe said that in one such measure NFR has taken an innovative initiative involving local communitiesIn Yeabra village in Dima Hasao Assam between Daotuhaja and Wadrengdisa stations under Lumding Division the zone with the help of local villagers has successfully fenced both sides of the railway track with bamboo barricadesThis commendable effort is the result of sustained awareness programs and meetings conducted by the Railway Protection Force RPF led by the IPF team of NFR and the enthusiasm of the local communities who voluntarily undertook the task of fencing at their own cost Sharma saidThe CPRO said that this unique example of community policing highlights the importance of building trust and collaboration between the railways and local communities Such efforts are particularly vital in areas where unauthorised crossings and cattle trespassing pose significant challenges to railway operations and safety he saidSharma said that this approach not only addresses safety concerns but also sets an example for other regions to followNFR calls upon other villages along its network to emulate this model of cooperation to enhance the safety and efficiency of train operations and remains committed to enhancing safety through communitydriven solutions and fostering stronger ties with local populations the official stated Collisions of running trains with animals especially with the elephants and cattle are a regular phenomenon under the NFR zone IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/northeast-frontier-railways-steps-to-safeguard-railway-tracks-from-cattle-intrusion-592788.html Mon, 30 Dec 2024 22:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-forest-department-steps-up-to-find-solution-to-human-elephant-conflict-at-btr-592247.html Bhopal Dec 27 The Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh has stepped up to find a longterm solution for the growing humanelephant conflict in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve BTR Senior forest officials including Principal Chief Conservation of Forest Wildlife Subharanjan Sen and Additional Principal Chief Conservation of Forest Wildlife L Krishnamoorthy attended a brainstorming session organised at BTR on ThursdayDuring the meetings field officials deployed to track the movement and activities of elephants and other wild animals shared their experiences and suggested necessary actions on the ground from the forest department and other concerned authoritiesThe initiative came following the death of 10 elephants on the periphery of BTR a couple of months back which raised many questions for the states forest and wildlife department regarding the safety and security of wild animalsOn Thursday the Central bench of the National Green Tribunal NGT hearing a petition sought suggestions and remedial measures from the authorities on the growing humanelephant conflict in BTRIn its report submitted before the NGT the state forest department said that cyclopiazonic acid was found in autopsy samples following the death of elephants This was due to the consumption of fungusinfected Kudo millet which had resulted in the death of 10 elephants in the BTR peripheryFollowing the tragic death of elephants Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during a meeting with senior forest and wildlife officials expressed his anguish and directed to find a longterm solution to prevent humanelephant conflictMeanwhile the forest department has also started counting wild animals including tigers and leopards in the periphery of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve More than 1200 CCTV cameras have been installed to locate the movements of wild animalsThis is regular exercise is carried once in a year Around 650 areas have been spotted where CCTV cameras have been installed This process will go on for the next 25 days The final report will be sent to Wildlife Institute Dehradun a senior forest official in BTR told IANS IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-forest-department-steps-up-to-find-solution-to-human-elephant-conflict-at-btr-592247.html Fri, 27 Dec 2024 16:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/jumbo-menace-in-jharkhand-five-deaths-and-over-200-acres-of-crops-destroyed-in-december-591798.html Ranchi Dec 24 In a tragic turn of events angry elephants have unleashed death and destruction across Jharkhand this December killing five people and injuring several others The animals at the same time have damaged over 30 houses and destroyed standing crops of more than 200 acres as per compensation claims filed by affected villagers with various forest divisions On Monday night Gulab Yadav of Pindarkon village in Latehar districts Balumath police station area became the latest victim of angry elephants His body was discovered on Tuesday morning in a nearby forest sparking anguish among localsJust two days earlier on December 22 a herd of four elephants stormed Atki Panchayat in Giridihs Dumri block killing Sikra Manjhi by striking him with their trunksEarlier on December 13 Janaki Rana from Marangloiya village in Latehar district met a similar fate leading to a road blockade by villagers outraged over the governments apathyOn December 21 in Chapkali village of Garhwa district Gopal Yadav was crushed to death after stepping out of his house at night upon hearing the trumpeting of elephants He and his family tried to flee but the herd pursued him to deathEarlier on December 11 Lodro Barjo of Anandpur block in West Singhbhum was trampled by a herd of elephants in Dhodrobaru villageThe month of November also saw the casualties including Sitaram Mochi who was killed in Ramkanda block of Garhwa districtIn December alone elephants have terrorised over 100 villages across Jharkhands several districts including Chatra Latehar Khunti Hazaribagh Gumla Chaibasa Garhwa Giridih and Bokaro The damage particularly severe during the harvesting season has left villagers reelingJharkhand is home to approximately 600700 elephants according to a recent state government report These majestic yet often destructive creatures cause an annual loss of Rs 6070 crore in property and agricultural damage according to one estimateHumanelephant conflict continues to escalate fuelled by habitat encroachment and shrinking forest areas With elephants increasingly venturing into human settlements the toll on lives and livelihoods remains alarmingly high IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/jumbo-menace-in-jharkhand-five-deaths-and-over-200-acres-of-crops-destroyed-in-december-591798.html Tue, 24 Dec 2024 19:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/50-wild-elephants-electrocuted-in-sri-lanka-this-year-591631.html Colombo Dec 23 Around 50 wild elephants have so far been electrocuted by unauthorised electric fences or wires in Sri Lanka this year the Ceylon Electricity Board CEB said on Monday The CEB said that the wild elephants a symbol of the countrys biodiversity are increasingly under threat of extinction due to human activitiesAccording to the statement the CEB has already taken various appropriate measures regarding this illegal act and it expects public support to protect wild elephants Xinhua news agency reportedIn 2023 electrocution had claimed the lives of 72 wild elephants in Sri Lanka an increase from 50 such deaths reported in 2022 the Department of Wildlife Conservation saidAccording to the department the private construction of electric fences in areas affected by humanelephant conflict has resulted in such elephant deathsThe department has decided to take stern action against putting such electric fences and traps to kill wild elephants and action would be taken against the installation of substandard electric fencesA total of 400 elephants died altogether in Sri Lanka in 2023 and about half of the deaths have occurred due to humanelephant conflictsSri Lanka had earlier announced that it would deploy 4500 development officers to support elephant conservation effortsAccording to Sri Lankas environment ministry the number of elephant deaths has dropped by 50 per cent so far this year compared with the corresponding period last yearAccording to the ministry the number of human deaths due to the conflict with wild elephants has come down by 20 per cent during the periodThe statement said that the train timetable between midnight and 6 am has been changed for the transportation of goods to prevent wild elephants from being hit by moving trainsSteps will be taken to clear a 10 metre strip on both sides of railway lines so that engine drivers can see wild elephants to prevent future elephant casualtiesForeign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath who is also in charge of environment and wildlife conservation has stressed the need to protect both humans and wild elephants while at the same time emphasising on preventing damage to crops and properties IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/50-wild-elephants-electrocuted-in-sri-lanka-this-year-591631.html Mon, 23 Dec 2024 21:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wild-tusker-on-rampage-two-kumki-elephants-deployed-in-tns-nilgiris-591508.html Chennai Dec 23 The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has deployed two Kumki elephants from the Mudumalai Elephant Camp to handle a wild tusker that continues to damage human settlements in the Nilgiris The tusker nicknamed Bullet by locals has caused significant destruction in the tea estates of Nilgiris Mannan R 45 a tea estate worker in Cherambadi Nilgiris shared his harrowing experience with IANS He said The wild tusker Bullet has damaged several houses in our locality We narrowly escaped an attack on Saturday The elephant damaged seven houses and broke down the doors of many homesMannan added that household items including television sets were destroyed in the attackTo address the situation the forest department has deployed two trained Kumki elephants Bomman and Srinivasan to drive the wild tusker back into the forest Five forest department teams are monitoring the elephants movements using drones for surveillanceThe forest department plans to deploy thermal drones for nighttime tracking of wild elephants to prevent them from entering human settlementsOfficials believe these drones will allow forest staff to monitor elephant movements from a safe distance and alert residents in advance In addition to thermal drones forest department vehicles equipped with Bluetoothconnected speakers will make announcements and emit loud noises to drive the elephants back into the forestA senior officer stated that several companies have demonstrated drone operations and the department is in the process of finalizing a vendor Currently this technology is being implemented in the Hosur Forest Division where it has shown promising resultsThe department is also considering procuring AIenabled cameras to further monitor elephant movements and reduce humananimal conflictsHumanelephant conflicts remain a pressing issue in Tamil Nadu According to the data presented in the Lok Sabha 256 people have died due to such conflicts over the past five years in Tamil Nadu including 61 deaths in 202324 aloneFor instance on December 17 a man named Chandran 62 succumbed to injuries sustained during an elephant attack at the Gajam Mudi Estate in Valparai The incident which occurred on November 10 injured four othersThe synchronized elephant census conducted in May 2024 in collaboration with Kerala Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh recorded a population of 3063 wild elephants in Tamil Nadu This marks an increase of over 100 elephants compared to the previous census in 2023The states forests can sustain an elephant population of approximately 3000 to 3500 Officials have confirmed that the current population is stable and healthyThe Nilgiri Elephant Reserve and Coimbatore Elephant Reserve have the highest density of elephants among the five reserves in the state With the introduction of thermal drones AIenabled cameras and other measures the Forest Department aims to reduce humanelephant conflicts and ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wild-tusker-on-rampage-two-kumki-elephants-deployed-in-tns-nilgiris-591508.html Mon, 23 Dec 2024 11:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-receives-two-asiatic-lions-in-exchange-of-two-tigers-from-gujarat-591346.html Bhopal Dec 22 Madhya Pradesh received two Asiatic Gir lions one male and one female from Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Gujarats Junagadh on Saturday The lion couple has been kept at Bhopals Van Vihar Madhya Pradesh forest department said lions were brought from Junagarhs Zoological Park under the animal exchange programme between two neighbourhood states MP and GujaratThe lion and lioness reached Bhopals Van Vihar National after a travel of over 900 kilometres from Junagarh on Saturday evening and they have been kept in quarantine for care and medical examination under the monitoring of veterinariansThe age of both the lions is about three years They have been kept in quarantine for care and medical examination in Van Vihar At present there are two lions and three lionesses in Van Vihar National Park MP forest department saidAfter permission was received from the Central Zoo Authority under the exchange scheme a ninemember team went to Junagadh Zoo with a tiger and tigress from Van Vihar National Park on December 17 official saidUnder the exchange of animals programme Madhya Pradesh has provided two Bengal tigers from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve BTR spread over three districts Rewa Shahdol and Umariya in the Vindhya region in the eastern part of the stateIn exchange for the pair of lions a tiger Bandhavgarh2 and tigress Bandhani both aged six years have been given from Van Vihar National Park to Junagarh Zoo the MP forest department said in a statementWith having more than 785 out of a total 3 of 800 big cats across the country Madhya Pradesh retained its tag of Tiger State for the last few years according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority of India NTCAMadhya Pradesh is renowned for its six existing tiger reserves Kanha Bandhavgarh Panna Pench Sanjay Dubri and Satpura The Union Forest Department recently approved two more tiger reserves Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhopal and Madhav National Park in Shivpuri district IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-receives-two-asiatic-lions-in-exchange-of-two-tigers-from-gujarat-591346.html Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/central-school-in-bihars-bihta-shut-indefinitely-due-to-leopard-scare-591232.html Patna Dec 21 The Central School on the Air Force Station premises in Bihars Bihta town has been shut indefinitely amid a leopard scare in the area The wild animal has been spotted multiple times inside the Air Force Station Campus since October 25The school catering to around 1100 children was closed for an indefinite period to ensure safetyThe officials of the Air Force Station district forest and Wildlife Department have been making efforts to capture the big catStudents particularly those preparing for board exams of Class 10 and 12 are facing significant academic disruptionThe reliance on online classes has yielded average results in preboard exams raising concerns about their performance in the final board examsAlongside the leopard wild boars have been sighted near the school Wild boars are known for aggressive behaviour including fatal attacks on villagers further heightening fear among localsParents and residents are increasingly worried about the safety of their children and the academic future of studentsGaurav Ojha the Divisional Forest Officer DFO Patna said We have placed cages inside the campus premises to capture the wild animal A leopard approached the cage but avoided entering it We are planning to deploy expert wildlife teams with appropriate resources to capture the leopard and safely relocate itWe are using camera traps and drone surveillance to monitor leopard movements to set up targeted trap areas he saidThe leopard was sighted for the first time during the COVID19 inside the Air Force Station premises Despite this no successful capture has been madeThe Air Force Station area spread over 900 acres is a haven for wildlife due to dense vegetation This has resulted in frequent humanwildlife encounters and heightened risks for both animals and humans IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/central-school-in-bihars-bihta-shut-indefinitely-due-to-leopard-scare-591232.html Sat, 21 Dec 2024 15:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/man-elephant-conflict-tn-forest-dept-to-introduce-thermal-drones-to-track-wild-jumbos-591252.html Chennai Dec 21 The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is planning to introduce thermal drones for nighttime surveillance to track wild elephants and prevent them from entering human settlements Officials believe this system will enable forest staff to monitor elephant movements from a safe distance and alert residents in advanceAccording to officials elephants often leave forests at night and venture into human habitation across the forest ranges causing conflicts With the new system drones will detect elephant movements and announcements will be made from Forest Department vehicles equipped with Bluetoothconnected speakersThese vehicles will also emit loud noises to scare the animals back into the forestA senior official said that a few companies have already demonstrated drone operations and the department will soon finalise a vendorCurrently this system is being implemented in the Hosur Forest Division where it has shown promising resultsThe department is also planning to procure AIenabled cameras to monitor elephant movements further reducing humananimal conflictRecent data submitted in the Lok Sabha highlights the urgency of such measures Over the past five years 256 people have died due to humanelephant conflicts in Tamil Nadu including 61 deaths in 202324 aloneFor instance on December 17 a man named Chandran 62 succumbed to injuries sustained during an elephant attack at Gajam Mudi Estate in ValparaThe attack which occurred on November 10 injured four people including ChandranMeanwhile the wild elephant population in Tamil Nadu has risen to 3063 as per the latest synchronized census conducted between May 23 and 25 2024 in coordination with neighbouring states of Kerala Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh This marks an increase of over 100 elephants compared to the previous census in 2023Officials have stated that Tamil Nadus forests can sustain an elephant population of approximately 3000 to 3500 Currently the population is stable and healthyThe Nilgiri Elephant Reserve and Coimbatore Elephant Reserve hosts the highest density of elephants among the five reserves in the state The Forest Department hopes that the combination of thermal drones AIenabled cameras and other measures will reduce negative interactions between humans and elephants ensuring safety for both IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/man-elephant-conflict-tn-forest-dept-to-introduce-thermal-drones-to-track-wild-jumbos-591252.html Sat, 21 Dec 2024 17:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-reconstitutes-state-bird-authority-includes-wetland-authority-590689.html Chennai Dec 18 The Tamil Nadu government has reconstituted the State Bird Authority by including Tamil Nadu Wetland Authority and Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation AIWC Originally formed in 2023 the State Bird Authority is tasked with monitoring and improving bird sanctuaries enhancing nesting conditions for birds and developing ecotourism facilitiesAs per the governments latest amendment to its order dated June 21 2023 the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Director of AIWC along with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Wetland Authority have been inducted as members of the AuthorityThe Authority chaired by the Secretary of Environment Climate Change and Forests now comprises 11 members including representatives from departments such as Revenue and Disaster Management Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Public Works and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development CorporationEarlier this year the Bombay Natural History Society BNHS was also added as a memberTamil Nadu which is home to 18 bird sanctuariesincluding 14 Ramsar siteshas seen an increase in migratory bird arrivals this year due to heavy rains during the northeast monsoonMigratory species such as little stints flamingos painted storks pelicans crab plovers Heuglins gulls marsh sandpipers curlew sandpipers great knots red knots and little egrets have been spotted Most of these are water birds particularly wadersIn Vedaranyam taluk which has received moderate rainfall over the past few weeks the arrival of migratory birds has improved compared to last year when lower rainfall led to fewer bird sightings during the annual censusRajesh Kannan an avid bird watcher told IANS The increasing number of migratory birds arriving over the past few weeks is a good sign of a healthy migration season The rainfall near the sanctuary is still moderate which is encouragingResearchers suggest that bird visits could further improve by reducing human intervention in waterbodies near sanctuariesMeasures like limiting backwater fishing during the migration season along with compensating the livelihoods of local communities are being consideredMeanwhile the Forest Department has intensified patrolling in villages near sanctuaries to curb poaching which poses a threat to migratory birdsOfficials confirmed that patrols are being conducted regularly in highsighting areas to deter hunting IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-reconstitutes-state-bird-authority-includes-wetland-authority-590689.html Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pmmsy-cmfri-releases-three-million-short-neck-clam-seeds-into-kerala-lake-for-stock-enhancement-590438.html Kochi Dec 17 As part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Smpada Yojana PMMSY Blue Growth Project and to address the alarming decline in the short neck clam population the ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI launched a stock enhancement programme by releasing three lakh short clam seeds into Keralas Ashtamudi Lake on Tuesday According to CMFRI estimates recent annual catches have fallen below 1000 tones as against 10000 tones during the early 1990sThis clam species has substantial export potential as international demand for clams continues to rise offering significant economic opportunities for local communitiesThese seeds produced in the hatchery of Vizhinjam Regional Centre of the CMFRI were released into the Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam district where depletion of this species has been reportedThe ranching is a sustainable solution by replenishing the clam stocks and ensuring the continuity of this critical resource in the backwaters It is aimed at restoring the clam stocks ensuring sustainability supporting local fishermen and providing leverage for boosting export revenuesThe stock enhancement programme was made possible after the CMFRIs yearlong research efforts led to the successful development of captive breeding technology for this clam species enabling the production of seeds for the releaseMK Anil Principal Scientist at the CMFRIs Vizhinjam Regional Centre said the short neck clam is a treasured resource in Ashtamudi Lake with significant economic and ecological importanceHowever in recent years the fishery of this clam has witnessed a drastic decline threatening the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen who rely on this resource he saidCMFRI scientists pointed out that key issues such as environmental pollution invasion of nonnative species like the Charru mussel and the impacts of climate change including altered salinity and water temperature have significantly reduced the clam populationThe event also witnessed the launch of hatchery facilities to produce bivalves for enhancing sustainable aquaculture practices and meeting the growing demand for highquality seeds Mussel seeds were distributed to local farmers providing them with resources to strengthen their aquaculture operations and improve their livelihoods IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pmmsy-cmfri-releases-three-million-short-neck-clam-seeds-into-kerala-lake-for-stock-enhancement-590438.html Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mizoram-african-swine-fever-causes-killing-amp-culling-of-over-39-200-pigs-589559.html Aizawl Dec 13 Over 15000 pigs were killed and over 24200 pigs culled as the outbreak of African Swine Fever ASF continued in Mizoram since February 9 this year officials said on Friday A senior official of the Mizoram Animal Husbandry and Veterinary AHV Department said that after weeks of declining fatalities due to the infectious ASF the northeastern state witnessed a sharp increase in pig deaths and Culling this weekAccording to the official the deaths of pigs recently occurred in two districts Kolasib district along Assam and Lunglei district bordering BangladeshThe AHV Department official said that though the ratio of pig deaths due to ASF and culling has reduced after the summer season was over the outbreak of the infectious disease continues unabated in many districtsThe official referring to the unofficial estimates said that pig farmers and rearers in seven of the 11 districts in the mountainous bordering state have suffered huge losses due to the outbreak of this communicable disease since February this yearThe pigs both in government and private farms and homes in around 260 villages in seven districts Aizawl Champhai Kolasib Lunglei Saitual Khawzawl and Serchhip have been infected by the ASF outbreak so farThe official said that the 260 villages were declared infected by the veterinary departmentTo prevent the spread of the ASF virus the department has barred the supply of pigs piglets and pork from the infected areasThe state government also banned the import of pigs and piglets from neighbouring states and countries where often ASF infestations are being reportedOfficials said that the outbreak of ASF mostly occurs when the climate begins to warm up and premonsoon rain commences in the stateHowever this year the outbreak continued even after the winter season beganThe ASF outbreak caused huge losses to the farmers and government farms since midMarch 2021 the AHV officials said adding that this years first ASF case was reported on February 9 in Leithum village in Champhai district which shares unfenced borders with MyanmarIn 2021 33420 pigs and piglets died due to the contagious disease while 12800 pigs and piglets died in 2022 and 1040 in 2023Mizoram Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister C Lalsawivunga recently said in the state assembly that the pig farmers of the state incurred a loss of nearly Rs 800 crore following the outbreak of ASF in the state in 2021After the outbreak of ASF the AHV department following the central guidelines has declared various villages and localities in seven districts in Mizoram as infected areas under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Disease in Animals Act 2009The government has provided compensation to several hundred families for the loss of pigs due to the diseaseThe ASF which however does not affect humans is a highly infectious disease among pigs and poses a severe threat with a very high mortality rateAccording to experts the outbreak of ASF may have been caused by pigs or pork brought from neighbouring Myanmar Bangladesh and the adjoining states of the northeastMizoram shares a 510kmlong unfenced border with Myanmar and 318 km with BangladeshPork is one of the most common and popular meats consumed by both the tribals and nontribals in the northeastern regionWith heavy demand for pork in the region its annual business is worth around Rs 800010000 crore in the northeast region with Assam being the largest supplier IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mizoram-african-swine-fever-causes-killing-amp-culling-of-over-39-200-pigs-589559.html Sat, 14 Dec 2024 00:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/curfew-like-situation-in-jharkhands-chakulia-due-to-tigress-zeenat-589448.html Jamshedpur Dec 13 A curfewlike situation has gripped several villages in the Chakulia block of East Singhbhum Jamshedpur district over the past four to five days due to fear of a tigress named Zeenat The tigress originally from Odishas Simlipal Tiger Reserve has been spotted in the Chiyabandi forest but efforts to capture her have so far been unsuccessfulAccording to the Forest Department Zeenat is reportedly hungry raising concerns that she could attack humans if given an opportunityThe Ghatsila subdivision administration has imposed prohibitory orders in Chiyabandi Pandrasali Dhadika and Kharbandha villages restricting the movement of people in the area since December 11 to ensure public safetySchools in Chiyabandi have been closed while parents in neighbouring villages are refraining from sending their wards to school out of fearPanic has spread across a 20 km radius in the areaIn an attempt to capture the tigress the Forest Department tied a buffalo in the Chiyabandi forest on Wednesday as bait Early Thursday morning Zeenat attacked the buffalo but efforts to sedate her using tranquilizer darts failed when the shot missed its mark allowing her to retreat into the forestZeenat along with another tigress Jamuna was relocated to Simlipal Tiger Reserve from Maharashtras TadobaAndhari Tiger Reserve in OctoberNovember After spending 10 days in a soft enclosure Zeenat was released into Simlipal Norths core area on November 24However on Monday night she ventured out of the reserve crossing approximately 35 km to reach Jharkhands Chiyabandi forest via Gudabanda Chakulia Nayagram and RajabasaThe tigress is being tracked using a radio collar and GPS A team of 20 forest personnel has been deployed to monitor her movements and discussions are going on between the Jharkhand and Odisha governments to strategize her safe capture and return to SimlipalSTR Field Director Prakash Chand Gogineni confirmed that concerted efforts are going on to bring Zeenat back to her habitatThe forest departments of both states are working collaboratively to ensure her safety and mitigate risks to local communities IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/curfew-like-situation-in-jharkhands-chakulia-due-to-tigress-zeenat-589448.html Fri, 13 Dec 2024 18:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/around-857-elephants-died-in-odisha-in-last-10-years-minister-588786.html Bhubaneswar Dec 10 As many as 857 elephants died for various reasons in Odisha from 201415 till the end of November 2024 The Minister for Forest Environment and Climate Change Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia revealed this information in the state Assembly on TuesdayWhile answering a question by BJP MLA Prasanta Kumar Jagadev the forest minister said the maximum number of elephants died due to different diseases in the above period As many as 305 jumbos succumbed to various diseases during the last 10 years and till November this year SinghKhuntia further noted that natural causes such as sunstroke conflict with each other falling off hilltops etc are also responsible for the deaths of 229 elephants in Odisha jungles during the last ten years Similarly 149 pachyderms died in the state due to electrocution in the state from 201415 till November 2024Poachers killed 30 elephants while reasons behind the death of 90 jumbos were not ascertained As many as 36 jumbos were killed in train and road accidents during the last ten yearsThe Forest Minister also revealed that elephant censuses carried out in the state in May 2015 May 2017 May and November 2024 have recorded the presence of as many as 1954 1976 2098 and 2103 elephants in the forests across Odisha respectivelyAs per reports 26 people have recently been arrested in the state in connection with elephant deaths while two forest guards and one forester have been placed under suspension for dereliction of their duties Similarly 668 persons were killed due to attacks by elephants across the state during the last three years As many as 509 persons sustained serious injuries due to humanelephant conflict in the state during the above periodThe reports further revealed that elephants killed 139 domestic animals and damaged 10259 houses during the last three years in Odisha The jumbo herds also destroyed crops in around 73620 acres of land in the state in the same period IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/around-857-elephants-died-in-odisha-in-last-10-years-minister-588786.html Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/cmfri-to-join-hands-with-kerala-govt-to-improve-marine-infrastructure-588561.html Kochi Dec 9 The ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI is set to partner with the Kerala government to improve the states coastal infrastructure and marine development efforts The institute inked a pact with the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation KSCADC under the state governments Fisheries Department fostering collaboration in the construction and implementation of various developmental projects in the marine sector This collaboration aims to leverage the CMFRIs technical expertise to support the implementation of projects undertaken by the KSCADCA Memorandum of Understanding MoU was signed by CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George and KSCADC Managing Director PI Sheik PareethAccording to the MoU the CMFRI will provide technical guidance and support to the KSCADC in the planning design and execution of projects such as marine hatcheries marine aquariums offshore structures marine parks sea cages and artificial reefsThis partnership will enable the efficient utilisation of resources and ensure the sustainability of these projects CMFRI Director George saidThe linkage seeks to enhance fisheries infrastructure improve marine biodiversity conservation and promote preservation and restoration of marine habitats contributing to the growth of the fisheries sector in Kerala he saidHighlighting the importance of the partnership he added that CMFRIs scientific knowledge will be instrumental in conserving marine biodiversity and protecting delicate ecosystems while carrying out developmental works in the sectorFurther the collaboration also aims to create sustainable income opportunities for coastal communities in the state through improved coastal aquaculture and potential marine projectsThe ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute was established by the Centre on February 3 1947 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and it joined the ICAR family in 1967 During the course of over 75 years the Institute has emerged as a leading tropical marine fisheries research institute in the world IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/cmfri-to-join-hands-with-kerala-govt-to-improve-marine-infrastructure-588561.html Mon, 09 Dec 2024 21:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/migratory-birds-create-riot-of-colour-as-they-keep-tryst-with-kashmir-wetlands-588114.html Srinagar Dec 7 The evening cackle in the sky as a large flock of migratory birds start descending on the water surface announces the fact that these avian visitors are keeping their annual tryst with Kashmir Valley The kaleidoscopic view on the water surface inside the Hokersar bird reserve on the outskirts of Srinagar city proves beyond doubt that nature is the greatest painter of them allTeals Mallards Coots Wigeons shovelers Brahminy ducks Pochards Pintails Tufted ducks Shelducks and the Greylag geese are the major species of migratory birds that come to the Valley from Russian Siberia China Japan Eastern Europe and the PhilippinesThese visitors come to spend the winter months in the rather sanguine environs of the Kashmir winter to ward off the extreme cold of their summer homesRegional wildlife warden Tawheed Ahmad Deva told IANS that although the migratory bird arrivals are still not very large because of the long dry spell as the winter season brings rain and snow in the common days the bird arrivals will improve in the next 10 to 20 daysSay for example if we expected 100 bird species till now we have around 60 of them in our wetlands at the moment This is definitely going to improve as rain and snow occurs in the days ahead the wildlife warden saidLast year official data said the Valley hosted 8 to 12 lakh migratory birds while in 20212022 the number was 11 to 12 lakhIn addition to the migratory birds that make Kashmirs wetlands their winter home certain species of migratory birds called birds of passage spend some time in early winter and late spring in the Valley before moving to and out of the Indian plainsThese are the Sandhill cranes and Cormorants that spend just a few weeks in the Valley while on their way to and back from the Indian plainsThe first to arrive are the Coots and the Teals while the Greylag geese come towards the first week of DecemberThe famous migratory bird reserves of Kashmir are Hokersar Chatlam Shallabugh and Hygam while a large number of migratory birds also home in the Wular Lake Dal Lake and other water bodies in the ValleyBird poaching has been a major threat that the wildlife protection department facesWe have control rooms to supervise these bird reserves and to ensure that poaching is prevented Migratory birds are not only our guests that impart beauty and majesty to the local environment but these are also pointers to the health and wellbeing of our ecology said the wildlife wardenIt is a magnificent sight to watch the migratory birds fly high in the sky with the eldest of the flock leading the way If the eldest of the flock falls sick or dies it is the next in the hierarchy that takes overInstinct guides these birds to negotiate thousands of miles with arithmetical precision The flight to winter homes is so tough and challenging that a bird loses more than half of its body weight while flying from the summer home to its winter home said another wildlife protection officerIt is a wellknown tradition in Kashmir for elders to tell tales of the migratory birds to their children and grandchildrenDuring long winter nights the children in remote villages of Kashmir gather around parents and grandparents to listen to these Duck talesIt is hoped that the legacy of the migratory bird stories continues from generation to generation to create awareness about the health of the local water bodies and its bearing on the lives of humankind IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/migratory-birds-create-riot-of-colour-as-they-keep-tryst-with-kashmir-wetlands-588114.html Sat, 07 Dec 2024 09:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rare-wild-goat-markhor-seen-in-jampks-baramulla--588190.html Srinagar Dec 7 A large wild Capra goat called Markhor was found on Saturday in Jammu amp Kashmirs Baramulla district Officials of the Wildlife Protection Department started efforts to catch and relocate the rare animal Markhor capra falconeri is a large wild goat species native to South and Central Asia mainly Pakistan the Karakoram mountain range parts of Afghanistan and the Himalayas It is listed on the IUCN red list as near threatened since 2015Villagers in Noorkha of Boniyar area in Uri tehsil of Baramulla district found the wild goat near a waterfall this morningThe villagers promptly contacted the local police station and a team from Wildlife Protection Department came to capture and relocate the rare animalVillagers said that the wild goat is not found in the area and it has most likely crossed the line of control LoC from Pakistan and entered Baramulla districtMarkhor is the national animal of Pakistan where it is commonly called the screwhorned goat The word Markhor comes from Pashto and classical Persian language which means snakeeaterIt refers to an ancient belief that the Markhor kills and eats snakes The regional myth is believed to owe its origin to the snakelike horns of the male Markhor goatAlos in folklore the Markhor is believed to kill and eat serpents Thereafter while chewing the cud a foamlike substance comes out of its mouth that drops on the ground and dries This foamlike substance is sought after by the local people who believe that it is useful in extracting poison from snakebitesUnited Nations General Assembly has declared May 24 as the International Day of the MarkhorMarkhor are adapted to mountainous terrain and can be found between 2000 to 11800 feet altitudeThe animal inhabits shrub forests made up primarily of oaks pines and junipers They are diurnal in behaviour which means they are active mostly in the early morning and late afternoonTheir mating season is during winter when the males fight each other by lunging locking horns and attempting to push each other off balanceTheir gestation period lasts 135170 days and usually results in the birth of one or two offspring but occasionally threeMarkhors live in herds usually numbering nine animals composed of adult females and their young ones Adult males are largely solitaryAdult females and fawns comprise most of the markhor population with adult females making up 32 per cent and kids making up 31 per cent Adult males comprise 19 per cent of the populationTheir alarm call closely resembles the bleating of domestic goats During summer the males remain in the forest while the females generally climb to the highest rocky ridgesIn spring time the females stay closer to cliffs in areas with more rock coverage to provide protection to their offspring The males stay in higher elevated areas with more access to vegetation for foraging so as to improve their body condition IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rare-wild-goat-markhor-seen-in-jampks-baramulla--588190.html Sat, 07 Dec 2024 17:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mother-tigress-kills-her-cubs-in-bengal-zoo-588217.html Kolkata Dec 7 In a most unfortunate incident three tiger cubs housed at Bengal Safari Park at Siliguri in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal were killed on Saturday after being bitten by their mother tigress Rika Rika had given birth to the three cubs last week only The officials of the Safari Park had claimed that the accident happened while the mother tigress was sifting her cubs from one place to another During this process the three cubs were bitten by Rika following which they punctured Two of the three cubs died instantly while the third one died after some timeInitial investigation has revealed that the mishap happened because of the mistake of the mother tigress However a thorough investigation into the matter will be conducted It will also be seen whether there was any negligence on the part of the Safari Park authorities or not said a senior official of the state forest departmentThis is not the first time that such unfortunate deaths of tiger cubs at Bengal Safari Park have taken place In July last year mother tigress Kika gave birth to two cubs However one of them died on the very next day while the other survived However just a month after in August 2023 the second cub also died reportedly due to acute malnutrition The Safari Authorities came under scathing criticism from wildlife enthusiasts who accused the authorities of gross negligenceThe West Bengal Zoo Authority was also accused of giving a facesaving report into the matter Back then the zoo authorities had also held mother tigress Kika responsible for the death of two cubsAs per the report both the cubs since their birth on July 12 last year have been suffering from some geneticallyborne ailments which they inherited from their mother Kika the only albino tigress at Bengal Safari Park However the report mentioned that mother Kika was also negligent in taking care of her cubs and that negligence coupled with geneticallyborne ailments led to their deaths IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mother-tigress-kills-her-cubs-in-bengal-zoo-588217.html Sat, 07 Dec 2024 19:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/panic-grips-jaipur-as-leopard-enters-residential-area-captured-after-four-hours-588225.html Jaipur Dec 7 Panic gripped Jaipurs Vidyadhar Nagar for nearly four hours on Saturday when a leopard unexpectedly entered the residential area keeping the residents locked inside their houses Forest Department officials swiftly responded to the situation launching an operation to tranquilise and capture the animal Despite initial difficulties the leopard was successfully subdued around 522 PM after an intense effortThe incident started at approximately 1 PM when residents spotted the leopard emerging from a park in Sector 2 It then entered a nearby apartment and roamed the streets causing widespread alarm During its movement the leopard attacked three individuals heightening the fear among locals The Forest Department team worked relentlessly tracking the animal as it moved through gardens apartments and streets before finally capturing itDeputy Conservator of Forests DCF Jagdish Gupta said that the leopard was first seen near the government guest house and later found in the CPWD garden hidden behind plants He noted that Vidyadhar Nagars proximity to the Nahargarh forest area allows leopards to occasionally stray into residential zones in search of food or waterLeopard sightings are not uncommon in Jaipur due to its closeness to the Jhalana and Amagarh Leopard Reserves In the past leopards have been seen in areas like Manbagh Jaisinghpura Khor and Jagatpuras Ashiana Greenwood Society as well as Delhi Road and Malviya Nagar These animals have been known to prey on livestock and wildlife with some encounters tragically resulting in human casualties including the death of a child in JamwaramgarhJaipur is home to a thriving leopard population with around 75 leopards inhabiting the Jhalana Amagarh and Nahargarh forest regions The Jhalana reserve alone houses about 45 leopards while Amagarh forests host over 20 Notably Jaipur is the first city in the country to have two leopard safaris one lion safari one tiger and one elephant safari IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/panic-grips-jaipur-as-leopard-enters-residential-area-captured-after-four-hours-588225.html Sat, 07 Dec 2024 20:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/red-eared-slider-turtles-smuggled-from-malaysia-seized-at-chennai-airport-587731.html Chennai Dec 5 Customs officials at Chennai International Airport seized approximately 5400 redeared slider turtles on Thursday valued at around Rs 75 lakh These turtles often sought for their ornamental value were illegally brought from Kuala Lumpur MalaysiaCustoms officials said that these were discovered in the luggage of two passengers who had arrived from Kuala LumpurThe passengers were identified as Ramesh Akash 29 and Tamim Ansari Mohammed Rafique both residents of ChennaiUnder suspicion customs officials conducted a thorough inspection of their luggage uncovering large numbers of live redeared slider turtles packed in cardboard boxesThe redeared slider turtles typically found in regions such as Thailand Malaysia and parts of Europe are commonly kept as ornamental pets in private estates and decorative tanksIn addition to their ornamental value these turtles are also believed to possess medicinal properties fueling their illegal tradeOfficials from the Customs and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau WCCB raised serious concerns about the ecological risks associated with introducing these turtles into IndiaThey warned that the turtles could carry foreign pathogens harmful to Indias native wildlife birds and even humansMoreover their introduction could severely disrupt local water ecosystems and the broader environmentTamil Nadu Wildlife Department officials consulted with the Union governments WCCB and decided to return the turtles to MalaysiaThe two passengers were arrested and are under investigation for their involvement in the smugglingIt is to be noted that Chennai International Airport has increasingly become a hub for wildlife smuggling in south India particularly for species like star tortoisesTwo consecutive seizures of star tortoises at the airport have prompted the Tamil Nadu WCCB to heighten its vigilanceIn a recent operation air intelligence officials seized 3600 live star tortoises following a tipoff These tortoises were destined for Southeast Asia and Gulf countriesStar tortoises classified as endangered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES are often collected from areas like Madhanapalli and Chittoor in Andhra PradeshThe WCCB has been conducting random monitoring in these areas to apprehend smugglers and those involved in rearing tortoises for illegal tradeRecognising the growing problem of wildlife smuggling organisations like the World Wildlife Fund for Nature WWF and the United Nations Environment Programme UNEP are equipping customs officials with capacitybuilding toolsThese include software and training programmes designed to enhance their ability to identify and intercept smuggled wildlifeTRAFFIC a wildlife trade monitoring network affiliated with WWF conducted a study highlighting the alarming incidence of wildlife smuggling through Tamil Nadus airports particularly ChennaiThe study attributes the rise in smuggling to the growth of the aviation sector which facilitates the smooth transit of rare species to global destinationsIndias position in global wildlife smuggling ranks among the top 10 countries where the airline sector is frequently used for wildlife smugglingSpecies like the black pond turtle and star tortoise are among the most smuggled wildlife in the country with Chennai airport serving as a major transit pointThe Tamil Nadu Wildlife Department in a recent raid in Tiruvallur district bordering Andhra Pradesh discovered private farms rearing star tortoises for smugglingOfficials suspect that some local police officers may be complicit in facilitating the smuggling operationsThe International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN has categorised star tortoises as Vulnerable A proposal to elevate their protection status under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act from Schedule IV to Schedule I has been suggestedThis change would grant them the highest level of legal protection With support from WWF and UNEP law enforcement agencies at Chennai airport and other vulnerable locations in Tamil Nadu are better equipped to prevent wildlife smugglingThese measures are expected to significantly reduce the illegal trade of rare species like star tortoises black pond turtles and redeared slider turtles IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/red-eared-slider-turtles-smuggled-from-malaysia-seized-at-chennai-airport-587731.html Thu, 05 Dec 2024 17:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/migratory-birds-arrive-at-myanmars-wetland-sanctuary-for-winter-587183.html Yangon Dec 2 More than 2000 migratory birds from 29 species have arrived at the Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary in Bago region of southern Myanmar to spend the winter the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Monday The report citing an official from the sanctuary said that the migratory birds began arriving at the sanctuary in the last week of NovemberThe migratory birds have travelled to Moeyungyi Lake via East AsiaAustralian Central Asian and West AsiaEast Africa flyways the report added Xinhua news agency reportedThe migratory birds included blackheaded ibis northern pintail garganey Eurasian coot redwattled lapwing grey heron ruddy shelduck Pacific golden plover purple swamphen sandpiper river tern and lesser whistling duck it saidThe Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary covering an area of 25600 acres features 120 species of mammals 28 species of amphibians and reptiles among other species IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/migratory-birds-arrive-at-myanmars-wetland-sanctuary-for-winter-587183.html Mon, 02 Dec 2024 21:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/bihar-spotted-deer-dies-due-to-heart-attack-in-banka-district-584259.html Patna Nov 18 A Chital also known as spotted deer was rescued in critical condition in Bihars Banka district four days ago and eventually died during the treatment However the postmortem report has revealed that the wild animal died due to a heart attackDr Sanjit Kumar a wildlife expert expressed surprise noting that chitals have not been seen in the forests around Banka in recent yearsAn investigation would be conducted to determine how the chital ended up in the area The postmortem report later revealed that the animal died due to heart failure Kumar saidChital was rescued from a tribal area of Goda village under Fullidumar block Banka districtAccording to the investigation when a large crowd of locals gathered to see the chital the official said that the stress and excitement caused by the crowd led to heart failureThe pressure from the crowd led to the animals heart and kidneys damage leading to its unfortunate death he saidA forest team along with a medical staff took the chital to Bhagalpur where efforts were made to save it However despite the best attempts the animal could not be savedWhen any wild animal from the deer family is surrounded by a crowd it becomes susceptible to a disease known as fracture myopathy This disease related to muscle dysfunction causes the animals heart and kidneys to stop working he saidFracture myopathy is a muscle disorder that affects the animals muscles causing them to dry up swell and stiffen It disrupts muscle function and can lead to the failure of vital organs like the heart and kidneys ultimately causing death IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/bihar-spotted-deer-dies-due-to-heart-attack-in-banka-district-584259.html Mon, 18 Nov 2024 22:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/afghan-police-arrest-two-hunters-on-charge-of-killing-bear-584015.html Faizabad Nov 18 Police have arrested two persons on the charge of killing a bear in northern Afghanistans Badakhshan province The step was taken to ensure wild animals safety and natural beauty Provincial Director for Environmental Protection Qari Faiz Rahman Ibrahimi saidAfter killing a brown bear in the mountainous Darwaz district a week ago the killers took a picture with the dead animal and posted it on social media the official saidThe Afghan caretaker government has banned deforestation hunting wild animals and birds to protect the environment and natural beauty in the country Xinhua news agency reported IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/afghan-police-arrest-two-hunters-on-charge-of-killing-bear-584015.html Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/three-elephants-found-dead-in-sambalpur-in-odisha-584159.html Bhubaneswar Nov 18 Three elephants comprising two adults and a calf were found dead in the Buramal Forest area under the Naktideul forest range of Odishas Sambalpur district on Monday morning officials said The Forest Department is yet to declare officially the reason behind the deaths but preliminary reports suggest the jumbos died of electrocutionThe carcasses of the elephants were first spotted by the locals in Buramal village on Monday morning and Forest Department officials rushed to the spot after getting informationTerming the death of three elephants as extremely unfortunate Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Susanta Nanda said As per the initial reports received from the DFO and other field staff the pachyderms were electrocuted to death after coming into contact with electric wires laid there to trap wild boars Certainly there are lapses and negligence on the part of the elephant squad of the department patrolling in the area The death of three elephants is a very unfortunate incidentNanda added that the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests RCCF and the Joint Task Force JTF of forest and police personnel have been asked to reach the spot of the incident and conduct a thorough probe into the matter to find those responsibleThe top official said that this is the third such incident in the Rairakhol area of Sambalpur and asserted that stringent action will be taken against the officials whose negligence caused the unfortunate deaths of the animalsHe said that action should have been taken against the poachers by the staff in the area He also said that it was earlier decided to carry out joint patrolling in the area along with the Electricity Department officials and remove the electric wires laid to trap wild boars in the forestNegligence by Forest and Electricity Department officials caused the death of three elephants Nanda said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/three-elephants-found-dead-in-sambalpur-in-odisha-584159.html Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/giant-pandas-leave-south-australia-for-home-583454.html Canberra Nov 15 Australias only giant pandas have left the country for China after 15 years Wang Wang and Fu Ni left South Australia for China on a cargo flight just after 630 am local time on FridayThe pair arrived at the Adelaide Zoo in November 2009 and were the only giant pandas in the Southern HemisphereThey will be replaced at the Adelaide Zoo by female giant panda Yi Lan and male Xing Qiu both from Chengdu ChinaThe Bamboo Forest at the zoo was closed to the public from 5 pm local time on Wednesday as zookeepers prepared Wang Wang and Fu Ni for their journey Xinhua news agency reportedIn a video posted on social media earlier in November the zoos senior primate keeper Pij Olijnyk said he loved having the pandas greet him every morningThey greet you They verbally greet you and seem happy to see you and welcome you into that environment he saidRepeated attempts to produce a cub by mating Wang Wang and Fu Ni during their 15 years in Adelaide proved unsuccessfulFu Ni showed signs of pregnancy in 2023 following an attempt at artificial insemination but the zoo said that the giant panda had undergone either a pseudopregnancy or a loss IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/giant-pandas-leave-south-australia-for-home-583454.html Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/depraved-act-karnataka-youth-booked-for-attempting-to-rape-stray-dog-582111.html Chikkmagaluru Karnataka Nov 11 An FIR has been filed against a youth in Karnatakas Chikkamagaluru district for allegedly attempting to rape a stray dog police said on Monday The incident was reported from Jayapura police station limits in Chikkamagaluru town and a case has been lodged based on the CCTV footage obtained regarding the incident during the investigation The police have identified the accused as Shivaraja a resident of Kattimane area in ChikkamagaluruThe video of the disturbing incident has also gone viral on social media in the districtAccording to police the incident had occurred at the Jayanagar bus stop on October 18 but only came to light on November 9 after the video containing the vulgar act captured by the CCTV camera installed at a shop in the bus stop came into circulationIt shows the accused holding the dog in his hands to indulge in vulgar acts and torturing the caninePolice have taken up suo motu cognisance of the incident on a complaint lodged by the beat constableThe incident has created outrage among the public and animal loversThe police have stated that the accused will be secured and questioned regarding the incidentMore details of the incident are yet to emergeIn February 2022 a 23yearold youth the grandson of a former MP from Andhra Pradesh had deliberately run his Audi over a street dog named Lara in the limits of Siddapura police station in Bengaluru killing it The CCTV footage of the incident had gone viral on social media and created public outrage Later animal activists who lodged complaints in connection with the incident were threatened that they would meet the same fate as the killed stray dogThe police had arrested the accused and released him on a Rs 10 lakh bond They hadgiven him a stern warning that if he indulged in animal cruelty he would be put behind bars IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/depraved-act-karnataka-youth-booked-for-attempting-to-rape-stray-dog-582111.html Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/in-a-first-kaziranga-mahouts-get-training-in-thailand-582047.html Guwahati Nov 10 In a first of its kind two elephant Mahouts of Assams Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR attended the Gentle Training Workshop for elephant handlers owners and carers at National Elephant Institute Lampang Thailand officials said on Sunday KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that two elephant Mahouts Kasim Ali Kaziranga Range and Sanjeev Pegu Agoratoli Range attended the threeday training workshop from November 6 to 8 She said that the threeday event organised by the HumanElephant Learning Programs Foundation HELP gave an introduction to the principles and practice aimed at advancing captive elephant welfare through an understanding of the most relevant scientific knowledge available and focused on positive reinforcement techniquesThe key trainers and facilitators were Dr Andrew McLean Dr Portland Jones of the HELP foundation and Dr Bhaskar Choudhury of Wildlife Trust of India the KNPTR Director saidThe IFS official said that positive reinforcement means adding a stimulus to the environment to increase the frequency of behaviourAs the aim is to increase specific responses or behaviour positive reinforcement applies gentler and softer methods of training using reward systems Traditional elephant training tends to focus on correcting unwanted or undesired behaviours Positive reinforcement has a more constructive and rehabilitative psychological impact on the elephants and their relationship with their caregivers by significantly reducing stress pain and fear Ghosh pointed outNoting that learning begins for elephants the moment they start to interact with people and surroundings after birth she said that positive reinforcement has been used for generations of training animalsThe senior forest and wildlife official said that if it is introduced appropriately the learning experience for an elephant is improved drasticallyGhosh said that during the training a practical demonstration of a sequence of verbal and signal training was exhibitedDesensitisation was demonstrated in elephants as well as painful or fearful experiences which is useful for working with dangerous animals and conditions in later life she statedIn the Thailand training event was also attended by Mahouts from Nepal Laos PDR Thailand and Sri LankaThe KNPTR measuring about 1300 sq km is home to more than 2613 onehorned Indian rhinosThe worldfamous park is not just a home of rhinos but also to Asian elephants Royal Bengal tigers wild buffalos and many more animal species while it is also a habitat to thousands of birds of over 125 speciesIndias seventh fourth in natural UNESCO World Heritage site the KNPTR is spread across several districts of Assam including Golaghat Nagaon Sonitpur and BiswanathSujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitchakrabortynegmailcom IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/in-a-first-kaziranga-mahouts-get-training-in-thailand-582047.html Sun, 10 Nov 2024 22:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/indonesia-prepares-15-mn-hectares-of-land-for-dairy-beef-cattle-farming-investments-581353.html Jakarta Nov 8 The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture has prepared 15 million hectares of land for dairy and beef cattle farming to increase the countrys meat and milk production We hope this will attract investor interest to support the development of sustainable modern cattle farming in Indonesia said Agung Suganda director general of animal husbandry and animal health on ThursdayLivestock clusters will also be established bringing together corporations cooperatives and farmer groups Xinhua news agency reportedThis programme is also intended to support the free meals programme which will be implemented in January 2025 to boost public access to nutritious foodEarlier Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman announced that specific land areas have been set aside for dairy cattle farming in Central Sulawesi South Sulawesi and South KalimantanThis year Indonesias milk output is estimated at 1 million tonnes while demand is estimated at 47 million tonnesWith the imported dairy cows the government expects milk output in 2029 will reach 817 million tonnes the presentation showedPotential sources of dairy cows include Australia Brazil New Zealand the US and Mexico the Ministry saidMeanwhile Indonesia is also preparing more measures to boost purchasing power as a spate of factory closures and job cuts weakened consumption and slowed economic growth last quarterThe GDP expanded 495 per cent in the three months through September from a year earlier the countrys statistics agency announced on Tuesday This marks the slowest quarterly pace since the 494 per cent expansion posted in the same period a year agoPresident Prabowo Subianto is aiming to boost growth to as high as eight per cent during his fiveyear term at the helm of Southeast Asias largest economy He handpicked on Tuesday several veterans of previous administrations to act as his economic advisersExTrade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and exFinance Minister Chatib Basri will sit in the newly set up National Economic Council reporting to Luhut Pandjaitan a former senior Minister who drove Indonesias ambitions to become a battery and electric vehicle makerAfter the council meets with the president on Tuesday to discuss the latest GDP data Pangestu said that the government is planning policies to revive the purchasing power of the middle class that could be implemented this quarterFood prices are relatively high and we are worried that inflation will rise if oil prices increase she saidCoordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said that the fourthquarter growth print could be much better as the government plans to roll out incentives for investment into laborintensive sectors He reiterated that fullyear GDP growth would likely come in around five per cent IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/indonesia-prepares-15-mn-hectares-of-land-for-dairy-beef-cattle-farming-investments-581353.html Fri, 08 Nov 2024 02:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/madras-hc-allows-veterinarian-to-visit-infant-monkey-he-cared-for-ten-months-580812.html Chennai Nov 6 The Madras High Court on Wednesday granted permission to Coimbatorebased veterinary surgeon V Valliappan to meet an infant monkey he rescued and cared for over ten months after it sustained injuries from a stray dog attack This directive was issued as part of an interim order on a writ petition filed by Valliappan earlier this weekA singlejudge bench of Justice CV Karthikeyan directed Valliappan to visit the Arihant Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur Chennai on Saturday and submit a report on the interactionThe bench also instructed Tamil Nadu Forest Department officials to observe the interaction between Valliappan and the baby monkey and submit a report by November 14A decision regarding Valliappans plea for interim custody of the monkey will be made after the reports are reviewedAddressing Special Government Pleader T Srinivasan Justice Karthikeyan emphasised that cases involving humananimal bonds require sensitive handling The judge expressed an interest in knowing whether the monkey would still recognise Valliappan as it had been two weeks since their separationThis comment was in response to the petitioners lawyer R Sankarasubbu who argued that Valliappan had looked after the monkey from December 4 2023 to October 26 2024Justice Karthikeyan also requested that the government pleader provide the court with relevant rules and regulations concerning the granting of interim custody of animals to individual caretakersIn his affidavit Valliappan recounted how he first encountered the injured infant monkey during a dog sterilisation camp in Sholingur Municipality of Ranipet districtThe monkey had multiple dog bite injuries and was partially paralysed below the hip Since then he provided extensive treatment and nourishment but the animal was taken from him on October 26 and transferred to the zoological parkValliappan who initially requested interim custody of the monkey on October 28 stated that the animal still requires additional care to achieve full independence He argued that while the monkey might eat out of hunger it may not be able to ensure adequate nourishment on its ownCiting the bond he developed with the animal over months of caregiving he expressed concern that it could fall ill again without his supervision The veterinarian assured the court he would submit regular updates on the monkeys health if granted temporary custody and would allow Forest Department inspections as necessaryValliappan is affiliated with Prani Mithran an animal welfare organisation based in Madurai that offers free veterinary services throughout Tamil Nadu IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/madras-hc-allows-veterinarian-to-visit-infant-monkey-he-cared-for-ten-months-580812.html Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assam-4-rhino-poachers-arrested-in-darrang-arms-ammunition-recovered-580835.html Guwahati Nov 6 The Assam Police on Wednesday arrested four suspected rhino poachers at Orang National Park and recovered arms ammunition and other materials from their possession top police official said Assams Director General of Police Gyanendra Pratap Singh appreciating the personnel of Darrang district police said in a post on the X Four persons arrested by Darrang Police in connection with the planning for rhino poaching at Orang National ParkThe suspected rhino poachers were identified as Nur Hussain Abul Hussain Jaffar Ali and Nur IslamOne 303 Rifle with ammunition three mobile handsets five motorcycles and camping stores were recovered from their possessionThey were planning to go inside the park for poaching the DGP saidOn October 26 a rhino poaching attempt was thwarted through quick action by the police and forest department personnel in Assams Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR a UNESCO world heritage siteKNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that police personnel of Biswanath district and the forest department arrested two poachers identified as Rasidul Haque 28 and Sibe Ali 36Based on intelligence inputs regarding miscreants planning to hunt a rhino two individuals were arrested They were planning to hunt the rhino in collaboration with additional miscreants in Kaziranga National ParkAn investigation is underway to apprehend other culprits linked to the case she had saidAccording to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Kaziranga and other reserved and protected habitats of the onehorned rhino in Assam recorded an 86 per cent drop in poaching of the animal since 2016Sarma recently said poachers have killed 190 rhinos between 2000 and 2021As per Prime Minister Narendra Modis commitment to promoting and preserving animals the state government has made efforts to protect rhino an animal that has been synonymous to the identity of Assam the Chief Minister had saidMore than 2850 rhinos were recorded in various national parks and protected habitats during the last census of the animal in 2022The KNPTR measuring about 1300 sq km is home to more than 2613 onehorned Indian rhinos followed by the over 38 sq km Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary 107 and the 27983 sq km Orang National Park 101Indias seventh fourth in natural UNESCO World Heritage site the KNPTR is spread across several districts of Assam including Golaghat Nagaon Sonitpur and BiswanathThe worldfamous park is not just a home of rhinos but also to Royal Bengal tigers Asian elephants wild buffalos and many more animal species while it is also habitat to thousands of birds of over 125 species IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/assam-4-rhino-poachers-arrested-in-darrang-arms-ammunition-recovered-580835.html Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/veterinary-surgeon-petitions-madras-hc-for-custody-of-infant-monkey-580625.html Chennai Nov 5 A Coimbatorebased veterinary surgeon has filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking custody of an infant monkey he cared for over ten months after treating it for severe injuries caused by a stray dog Veterinary surgeon V Valliappan submitted the petition through his lawyer K Kesavan on TuesdayHe recounted that a forest guard brought him the twoyearold bonnet macaque on December 4 2023 after rescuing it from a stray dog attackDr Valliappan found the young monkey in critical condition suffering from multiple health complicationsAccording to him the initial examination revealed that the monkey was paralysed below the hip unable to control its excretory functions and had extremely dry skinAfter ten months of dedicated care the monkey showed some signs of recovery but remained dependent on him for feeding sleeping and other functionsOn October 26 officials from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department took the animal from Valliappan and placed it in the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur Chennai The veterinarian stated that he had requested interim custody of the monkey on October 28 hoping to provide additional care until it could survive independentlyIn his detailed affidavit Valliappan argued that while the monkey may eat when hungry it could not be expected to eat for proper nourishment on its own He claimed that his longterm care had established a bond with the animal making him concerned it might fall ill again without his supervisionThe petitioner also assured the court he would submit regular reports on the monkeys health progress and make the animal available to Forest Department officials for inspections as required Valliappan further noted that he is associated with Maduraibased animal welfare organisation Prani Mithran which provides free veterinary services across Tamil Nadu IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/veterinary-surgeon-petitions-madras-hc-for-custody-of-infant-monkey-580625.html Tue, 05 Nov 2024 23:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-leopard-kills-dog-at-home-stay-in-valparai-locals-demand-immediate-capture-580480.html Chennai Nov 5 A leopard killed a dog at a homestay in Valparai in Coimbatore district Tamil Nadu on Tuesday morning According to officials from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department the homestay owners woke up to the dogs cries only to find that the leopard had already killed itLocal residents have since demanded urgent action from the authorities calling for the leopard to be trapped and relocatedThis incident comes just days after a tragic attack in Valparai where a 6yearold girl was mauled to death by a leopardThe deceased identified as Apsara Khatun was the daughter of Nasiran Khatun and Atul Ansari migrant workers from Jharkhand employed at the Uzhimala estateThe leopard reportedly dragged the girl into the forest while she was at a local stream with her mother and other children Though local residents police and forest officers intervened and drove the leopard away the child succumbed to her injuries on the way to the hospitalThe Valparai region in Coimbatore has been experiencing increasing humanwildlife conflict with wild elephants leopards and wild boars frequently entering residential areasM Mariappan a social activist in Valparai expressing frustration said We have been informing the forest department about the presence of leopards and wild elephants here We demand stricter measures to prevent wild animals from entering human settlements and to avoid further tragediesWith the leopard still at large residents are fearful and have expressed their frustration with the forest department planning a protest to demand immediate action IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-leopard-kills-dog-at-home-stay-in-valparai-locals-demand-immediate-capture-580480.html Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/drone-technology-is-expected-to-revolutionise-indias-marine-fisheries-sector-580567.html Kochi Nov 5 From early detection of algal blooms to feed broadcasting in mariculture to rescue operations during emergency situations drone technology is expected to revolutionise Indias marine fisheries sector A joint effort of the Union Ministry of Fisheries National Fisheries Development Board NFDB and ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI is on to promote and popularise drone applications in the countrys marine fisheriesThis initiative aims to significantly enhance the efficiency of fisheries management sea cage farming disaster management and ecosystem conservationAn awareness workshop and drone demonstration for fishermen and fish farmers will be held at CMFRI on November 8 to showcase the prospects of drone applications for various purposes including aquaculture input dispensing live fish transportation rescue operation water sampling underwater imaging water body monitoring and mapping and marine mammal stock assessment among othersUnion Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian will inaugurate the workshop followed by a demonstration of potential drone applicationReferring to the prospects of drone applications CMFRI Director Grinson George said the technology will significantly enhance efficiency reduce labour costs and minimise environmental impactIt could be used in cage fish farming operations both in coastal and offshore waters for monitoring fish health assessing water quality parameters and optimising feed distribution Drones can also aid in early detection of algal blooms and other environmental threats to the farming he said adding that the technology could be used for monitoring paddy seedlings in Pokkali farmsAnother significant benefit of this technology is enabling fish farmers to get reasonable market prices for their highvalue cagefarmed fish Drones can efficiently transport live fish from remote aquaculture sites to markets according to requirements ensuring freshness and reducing transportation timeThe application of drones would also be helpful to improve marine mammal stock assessment and easy surveillance of their interaction including their strandings This technology could be used for deploying life jackets for rescue operations during emergency situations IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/drone-technology-is-expected-to-revolutionise-indias-marine-fisheries-sector-580567.html Tue, 05 Nov 2024 19:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-govt-increase-ex-gratia-for-people-killed-in-wild-animal-attack-to-rs-25-lakh-580138.html Bhopal Nov 4 The Madhya Pradesh government has announced to increase the compensation amount for families of those killed in wild animal attacks from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 25 lakh The state government made this announcement after the death of two people in elephant attacks in two separate incidents in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve BTR in Umaria districtThe tragic incident occurred days after 10 wild elephants died within the core area of BTR which prompted the state and Central governments to order inquiry into the matterThe first attack was reported in Devra village some 10 kilometres away from BTR where Ramratan Yadav 50 was crushed to death early on SaturdayThe second incident was reported in Brahe village in the buffer zone of BTR where a 35yearold Bhairav Kol was killed by elephants The injured person has been identified as Malu Sahu 32 in Banka village located just outside the BTRFollowing backtoback deaths of 10 elephants and then the death of two persons in BTR prompted Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to take stock of the situationYadav chaired a highlevel meeting with forest officials and the state wildlife board and issued instructions besides ordering an independent inquiry into the matterDuring the review meeting CM Mohan Yadav also ordered for suspension of two senior officials of BTR for lapses after a highlevel probe team submitted its reports in connection with the death of 10 elephantsBesides these the state government has also decided to form an elephant task force to safely accommodate them We will come up with a longterm plan comprising the best practices of other states including Karnataka Kerala and Assam that have huge jumbo populations We are going to send our officers to these states CM Yadav said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-govt-increase-ex-gratia-for-people-killed-in-wild-animal-attack-to-rs-25-lakh-580138.html Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/odisha-forest-minister-orders-probe-into-50-unnatural-deaths-of-jumbos-579935.html Bhubaneswar Nov 3 Expressing concern over the death of around 50 elephants this year Odisha Forest Minister Ganesh Ram SingKhuntia has ordered a detailed inquiry into the unnatural death of elephants in the state As per a press note issued on Sunday by the state forest department SingKhuntia has written a letter in this regard to the Additional Chief Secretary Forest Environment amp Climate Change Satyabrat Sahu and expressed concern over the death of around 50 elephants in the state in the current yearDescribing the matter circulated in the media as very alarming the forest minister also stated that additional care and protective measures are necessary to curb the issue SingKhuntia noted that the state government has been taking various steps to prevent the unnatural death of the jumbos which includes the deployment of Gaja Sathis and Rapid Action Teams etcBut more care and sincerity on the part of forest officials have become the need of the hour to ensure a safe environment with statutory protective measures for the safety of the elephants Priority must be given on the matter and errant officers must not be let scotfree emphasised the forest ministerHe further added that responsibilities will be fixed against the officers found negligent and inefficient in safeguarding the life of the jumbosSingkhuntia has ordered for divisionwise thorough investigation of the jumbo death incidents reported so far in 2024 He directed to take stringent action against those found responsible and to submit a report within a monthNotably the AllOdisha Elephant Census2024 report has revealed that as many as 2098 numbers of elephants were counted in 38 Forest Divisions across the state This includes 313 adult tuskers 13 adult makhna 748 adult females 148 subadult males 282 subadult females 209 juveniles and 385 calves There was no presence of elephants in 13 Wild Life Divisions IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/odisha-forest-minister-orders-probe-into-50-unnatural-deaths-of-jumbos-579935.html Sun, 03 Nov 2024 21:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/two-killed-in-attacks-by-elephants-in-madhya-pradesh-near-btr-579577.html Bhopal Nov 2 A group of wild elephants went on a rampage killing two persons and injuring another near the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve BTR in Madhya Pradesh officials said on Saturday The incident occurred days after BTR in Madhya Pradeshs Umaria district witnessed the death of 10 elephantsThe elephants that attacked the people are believed to be part of the same herd of which 10 jumbos died the official addedThe first attack was reported in Devra village around 10 km away from BTR where Ramratan Yadav 50 was trampled to death early on SaturdayThe second incident happened at Brahe village in the buffer zone of BTR where 35yearold Bhairav Kol was killed in an attack by elephantsThe injured person has been identified as Malu Sahu 32 a resident of Banka village located just outside the BTRAccording to official sources three surviving elephants from the herd were wandering in a radius of 15 km from the site where the 10 elephant deaths took placeFollowing the death of 10 wild elephants in BTR the forest department destroyed the standing Kodo millet crop in the surrounding area Forest staff of BTR took this step after autopsy reports hinted the possible role of mycotoxins in that cropInvestigating teams of forest staff had collected samples from the nearby agricultural lands paddy fields water bodies and from fields where the elephants consumed kodo millets the Forest Department said on ThursdayFour elephants died on Tuesday while another four on Wednesday and two were reported dead early on ThursdayThree other elephants were stated to be in normal condition and they are being continuously monitored by multiple teams of veterinarians in junglesOn Friday Chief Minister Mohan Yadav asked minister of state for forests Dileep Ahirwar additional chief secretary forest Ashok Barnwal and the states head of forest force HOFF Aseem Shrivastava to visit Umaria district and submit a report on the death of elephants IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/two-killed-in-attacks-by-elephants-in-madhya-pradesh-near-btr-579577.html Sun, 03 Nov 2024 00:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/new-zealand-uses-artificial-roost-boxes-to-protect-long-tailed-bats-579173.html Wellington Oct 31 New Zealand researchers have installed 80 bat boxes as artificial roosts on trees in southern Hamilton to protect a local population of longtailed bats a threatened species Researchers swabbed the entrances of the bat boxes for traces of genetic material to see who had been home and found longtailed bat DNA in a third of the boxes according to the research published on Thursday in the New Zealand Journal of ZoologyThe bat box eDNA survey detailed in this study provides a nonintrusive method to confirm bats roosting in bat boxes within two years of box installation said Fiona Davies technical director of natural resources at AECOM NZ an infrastructure consulting firm part of the studyStudies like these are essential to confirm the boxes are effective for bat conservation Davies said Xinhua news agency reportedThe results of the survey showed that the eDNA method was highly effective and longtailed bat DNA was detected at 34 percent of the boxes sampled and she confirmed they were using the boxes IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/new-zealand-uses-artificial-roost-boxes-to-protect-long-tailed-bats-579173.html Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/bird-conservation-in-sambhar-lake-must-be-safeguarded-says-rajasthan-official-579199.html Jaipur Oct 31 After over 40 migratory birds belonging to two to three different species were found dead in and around Rajasthans Sambhar Lake Jaipur District Collector held a meeting to discuss possible efforts for protecting birds who travel from across the world to visit the lake Jaipur District Collector directed the officials to ensure every possible effort for the care and protection of the birds coming to Sambhar Lake and the area around the lakeHe instructed the municipal officials to maintain the cleanliness system in the lake area and the surrounding area take immediate action on the drainage of dirty water in the lake area and the use of singleuse plasticHe further directed the SubDivisional Officer Sambhar to start the rescue work in coordination with all the departments promote tourism in the Sambhar area encourage bird lovers and seek their cooperation in the rescue workHe told officials of the Animal Husbandry Department to issue guidelines for the disposal of dead birds and to provide training as per the need to the personnel posted in the lake area regarding the disposal of dead birds and treatment of injured birds The officials of Sambhar Salt Limited were instructed to provide maximum resources in the rescue operation and the Forest Department officials were instructed to start the rescue work of birds and operate a temporary rescue centreThe District Collector has appointed the District Forest Officer as the nodal officer in charge of the conservation of birds in Sambhar Lake and has also directed the districtlevel officers to inspect the lake and the surrounding area once a week and the local officers to inspect it dailyDeputy Forest Conservator Additional District Collector along with officials from the Forest Department Urban Bodies Department Sambhar Salt Limited Pollution Control Board Animal Husbandry Department and other related departments were present during the meetingInitial examinations suggest that the birds may have succumbed to avian botulism a severe neuromuscular illness caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which thrives in lowoxygen environments Earlier in 2019 more than 18000 migratory birds from 13 to 15 species perished in the same region due to botulismSambhar Salt Lake is located 80 km southwest of the city of Jaipur and is Indias largest inland Salt Lake It is a recognised wetland of international importance and is a key wintering area for tens of thousands of birds IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/bird-conservation-in-sambhar-lake-must-be-safeguarded-says-rajasthan-official-579199.html Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/first-camera-trap-study-detects-108-wildlife-endangered-species-in-cambodia-579048.html Phnom Penh Oct 30 The firstever camera trap study of the Central Cardamom Mountains Landscape in Cambodia has recorded 108 wildlife and endangered species said a joint press release on Wednesday Twentythree of these species are listed as being at risk vulnerable or above on the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN Red List underscoring the significance of the region as a global stronghold for biodiversity and rare and threatened species the press release saidThe study documents 65 bird species 38 mammal species and five reptile species including the endangered dhole one of the last remaining predators in Cambodia and its abundant prey base including wild pig and northern red muntjac it saidThe study also detected other rare and elusive species including Asian elephant clouded leopard marbled cat Asiatic golden cat sun bear and Asiatic black bear it addedWith over 95 percent of its forests intact the Central Cardamom Mountains Landscape remains one of Cambodias least deforested areas the press release said adding that recognized as one of the Global 200 ecoregions the Landscape is home to nearly 4000 Chourng and Por Indigenous peoples and more than 500 speciesCambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth said the surveys result reaffirmed that Cambodian forests are not just a landscape but a vital sanctuary for Earths diverse species Xinhua news agency reportedIt reflects the positive result of the efforts that the Ministry of Environment has been putting through the Circular Strategy on Environment which focuses on biodiversity protection and habitat restoration he saidConservation Internationals research lead Thaung Ret said this survey confirmed the Central Cardamoms Mountains as a globally significant biodiversity hotspot and conservation priorityWhile the 108 species recorded by the camera traps are impressive they represent just a fraction of the animals present she said These cameras couldnt capture insects canopy habitat birds aquatic species like amphibians and fish IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/first-camera-trap-study-detects-108-wildlife-endangered-species-in-cambodia-579048.html Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/amur-falcons-to-be-tagged-with-satellite-transmitters-during-manipur-halt-to-study-migratory-routes-578865.html Imphal Oct 27 A senior Wildlife Institute of India WII scientist would tag Amur falcons in Manipurs Tamenglong district with satellite transmitters early next month to analyse the migratory routes of the raptors forest officials said These majestic birds Falco Amurensis known as Akhuaipuina or Kahuaipuina in Manipur and Molulem in neighbouring Nagaland embark on an incredible longdistance journey travelling up to 22000 km in a single year all the way from eastern Asia to South Africa and back during early autumnThe longdistance migratory birds a little smaller than the size of a pigeon belonging to the falcon family as in previous years have now landed in large numbers in the forestrich Tamenglong districtIn a bid to protect and provide support to the migratory birds Manipurs Noney and Tamenglong district authorities imposed a total ban on hunting catching killing and selling of the seasonal winged guests by anyone in the district and nearby surrounding areasBoth districts share borders with Assam and Nagaland which also serves as a crucial brief stopover for these birds before their subsequent journeyDehradunbased WII scientist Dr Suresh Kumar along with the transmitters imported from the United Kingdom would arrive in Tamenglong in the first week of November to carry out the tasks of tagging the falcons Tamenglongs Divisional Forest Officer DFO Kh Hitler Singh saidHe said that first the scientist would select a few Amur falcons and assess their health conditions adding that he would then pick two of the healthiest birds to tag with the transmittersThe flight patterns and migratory routes of the tagged falcons could be examined shortly after they are released said that forest officialConsidering the oneyear lifespan of the transmitters it is possible to study the tagged falcons whole migratory cycle during the period Singh addedA female falcon which was tagged with a transmitter in Tamenglong in 2018 had landed in Somalia after flying continuously for five days and eight hours and covering 5700 kmMeanwhile diverse measures to protect the falcons have also been taken up by the district authorities and animal lovers groups of the ZeliangrongNagadominated districtAmur falcons usually arrive in Manipur mostly in Tamenglong about 145 km from Imphal and parts of Nagaland during the first and second week of October from their breeding grounds in northern China and southeastern Siberia said wildlife expertsAfter roosting for a little more than a month they leave the state and fly towards the southern and eastern parts of Africa and again roost there a short time before flying towards their breeding groundsTo spread awareness among the people to protect the migratory birds the Forest Department supported by local clubs and animal lovers groups as in previous years will observe the Amur Falcon Festival in the first and second week of November Hitler Singh saidAnimal lovers in Tamenglong said the steppedup awareness and protection efforts for Amur falcons taken up by the forest officials and NGOs have significantly reduced the trend of hunting the falconsWith love we have warmly welcomed Amur falcons in our district We have seen many of them flying freely in the skies in some parts of the district headquarters one animallover addedThe firstever survey for population estimation of Amur falcons in the state was conducted last year at Tamenglongs Chiuluan bamboo forest near the banks of the Barak river and 141274 such birds were found thereIn Nagaland a forest official in Kohima said that the state also serves as a crucial stopover for these birds which at times number up to 100000 for rest and refuelling for a duration of three to four weeks during winterThe migratory birds presence in huge numbers holds immense ecological importance as they naturally regulate pest populations and participate in vital pollination activities the official said adding that the dedicated efforts of all concerned have significantly contributed to providing a secure passage to these avian species over the yearsThe Amur falcon has been granted legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972The Nagaland official said that hunting these birds or possessing their meat is a serious criminal offence punishable by imprisonment for up to three years under the provisions of the Act Nagas and other tribals known for their love for meat had for decades considered these birds as godsent when they had first arrived in 2012 Thousands of birds were caught and consumed every year before 2012 but massive efforts involving villagers to protect the migratory birds in Nagaland have resulted in nearzero casualties since 2013The conservation of Amur falcons and other migratory birds helped promote tourism in Nagaland as hundreds of tourists assembled along the lakes and water bodies in Wokha and adjoining districts adjacent to AssamSujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitchakrabortynegmailcom IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/amur-falcons-to-be-tagged-with-satellite-transmitters-during-manipur-halt-to-study-migratory-routes-578865.html Sun, 27 Oct 2024 21:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gurugram-kadipur-animal-hospital-to-be-made-veterinary-centre-of-excellence-578111.html Gurugram Oct 21 Kadipur Animal Hospital will be renovated and around Rs 100 crores will be spent to make the facility a modern veterinary hospital officials said on Monday Gurugram Deputy Commissioner said that an MoU was signed between the Animal Husbandry Department and Vedanta Company on 11 October so that pets and animals in the Gurugram district can get proper medical service at the right timeThe company has prepared a project report to make the government animal hospital in Kadipur a Veterinary Center of Excellence which will be implemented in two phases Soon this project will get approval from the Animal Husbandry Department and after thatt this work will be started after about a month he saidHe further said that a committee has been formed at the district level for this work This committee will monitor the work and services being done in the hospital During the meeting an official of Vedanta Group said that the building of Kadipur Animal Hospital is built on 178 acres of land This building has become old and now it needs renovation work In view of this the company has prepared a project report on renovation for the first phaseThe official said that under which general OPD medicine store private OPD reception lobby laboratory OT room postoperation care unit director room doctors room etc will be built afreshIn the second phase work will be done to get the new staff quarters and building renovated With the renovation of this hospital the livestock owners of Gurugram will be able to get much better facilities for the treatment of their sick animals he said A modern veterinary ambulance was also launched by Vedanta IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gurugram-kadipur-animal-hospital-to-be-made-veterinary-centre-of-excellence-578111.html Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-girl-mauled-to-death-by-leopard-in-front-of-horrified-parents-577824.html Chennai Oct 19 In a tragic incident a 6yearold girl the daughter of migrant workers was dragged and mauled to death by a leopard in front of her hapless parents at Valparai in Tamil Nadus Coimbatore district officials said The deceased girl has been identified as Apsara Khatun the daughter of Jharkhand natives Nasiran Khatun and Athul Ansari who worked at the Uzhimala estateThe child was dragged by the leopard into the forest while her parents looked on helplesslyPolice and forest officers reached the spot drove away the leopard and rushed the child to the hospitalUnfortunately the child was declared dead upon arrival at the hospitalThere have been several instances of humananimal conflict in the Valparai area of Coimbatore with wild elephants leopards and wild boars frequently entering human settlementsLocal social activist Mariappan M told IANS said We have been updating the Forest Department on the presence of leopards and wild elephants in the area We demand stringent action by the Forest Department to prevent the entry of wild animals into human settlements and to avoid such incidents IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-girl-mauled-to-death-by-leopard-in-front-of-horrified-parents-577824.html Sun, 20 Oct 2024 00:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-forest-department-intensifies-search-for-killer-leopard-577899.html Chennai Oct 20 The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has intensified its search for a leopard that killed a sixyearold girl in Valparai town of Coimbatore district as her horrified parents watched helplessly The child Absara Khatun was on Saturday near a stream along with her parents and several other children close to the Oosimalai Tea Estate when the leopard suddenly emerged from the nearby forest and dragged her awayUpon hearing the parents cries for help residents immediately alerted the police and forest department officialsThe personnel from the police and forest department quickly arrived and managed to drive the leopard away but the child was already critically injuredShe was rushed to the Valparai Government Hospital where she was pronounced dead Absara Khatuns family originally from Jharkhand had been living in the estate quarters as labourers employed at the Oosamalai Tea PlantationForest officials told IANS that trap cameras have been installed at six locations around the Oosimalai estate to monitor the movements of the leopard which is believed to still be in the areaA fortnight ago earlier a cow was killed by a leopard near the Oosimalai estate but despite a search at that time the animal could not be located As a precaution the forest department has begun clearing the dense bushes around the estate as leopards are known to seek shelter in such areasIn January 2024 a leopard killed two people including a threeyearold girl and a woman and injured four others in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu This incident led to widespread public outcry and after 15 days of intense monitoring with camera traps the leopard was finally captured by forest personnel using tranquillizers The animal was later transferred to the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Following that attack the forest department ramped up its efforts to capture the leopard after local traders called for a oneday bandh and the public blocked roads for 11 hours The protests affected transport services across Tamil Nadu Kerala and Karnataka as the Nilgiris district borders both neighbouring statesKR Mariappan a social activist from Valparai expressed concern over the current situation Speaking to IANS he said The forest department must capture the leopard immediately as anxiety among the people is growing Hundreds of children from the Oosimalai Tea Estate roam the area freely and if the leopard is not captured soon the public may be forced to take drastic measures including protests IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-forest-department-intensifies-search-for-killer-leopard-577899.html Sun, 20 Oct 2024 14:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mongolia-emphasises-snow-leopard-protection-577815.html Ulan Bator Oct 19 Mongolia organised a series of activities on Saturday to underscore the importance of protecting the rare snow leopard in anticipation of International Snow Leopard Day which is observed annually on October 23 The events organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature WWF Mongolia took place in Ulan Bator the capital of MongoliaActivities included a photography exhibition showcasing stunning images of snow leopards an informative quiz about these endangered animals a competition to imitate a snow leopard and public information sessions on the species role in maintaining ecological balance as well as the penalties for poachingAccording to the WWFMongolia Mongolia is home to the worlds secondlargest population of snow leopards following China It is estimated that around 1000 adult snow leopards inhabit the country covering an area of approximately 328900 square kilometers across the Altai Sayan and Khangai mountain rangesMajor threats to snow leopards in Mongolia include increasing poaching for their bones and conflicts with local herders who often retaliate against the cats for attacks on livestock Xinhua news agency reportedThe abovementioned activities aim to raise awareness about the urgent need for effective conservation measures to protect these magnificent animals and their habitats according to the organiser IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mongolia-emphasises-snow-leopard-protection-577815.html Sat, 19 Oct 2024 21:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/animal-sighted-near-hyderabad-metro-station-not-leopard-say-forest-officials-577730.html Hyderabad Oct 19 The animal sighted near the Miyapur Metro Rail station in Hyderabad was not a leopard but a jungle cat forest officials said on Saturday After analysing the pugmarks the forest officials concluded that it was not a leopardVijayanand Rao Divisional Forest Officer Shamshabad told media persons that there was no need for people to panicThe pugmarks are only 35 to 4 centimeters A leopards pugmark will be a minimum of seven centimetres he saidSince there is a green belt near the Metro Station the forest officials believe the jungle cat may have returned after being briefly sighted in the openPeople need not panic There is no chance of a leopard coming to the area even in the future he saidTwo teams of 10 forest officials assisted by the police started the search operation late Friday after a suspected leopard was sighted behind the Metro Station in the Miyapur area in KukatpallyAs a precautionary measure authorities had alerted people living in the areas close to be cautiousA short video clip of the animal walking on a pile of sand along a bushy patch was circulated on social mediaThe forest officials say that since the person zoomed in on the animal while taking the video it looked like a leopardIn May a leopard was caught near Rajiv Gandhi International Airport RGIA in Shamshabad on the city outskirtsAfter an operation lasting for five days the forest officials trapped the big cat in a cage when it approached the live bait tied insideThe threeyearold male leopard was shifted to Nehru Zoological Park and later released into forestsLater a leopard was also sighted near the International Crops Research Institute for the SemiArid Tropics ICRISAT at Patancheru near Hyderabad IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/animal-sighted-near-hyderabad-metro-station-not-leopard-say-forest-officials-577730.html Sat, 19 Oct 2024 13:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/fuel-train-derails-in-sri-lanka-after-collision-with-wild-elephants-577624.html Colombo Oct 18 A train transporting fuel derailed in Sri Lankas North Central Province after colliding with a herd of wild elephants on the railway track the Department of Railways reported Friday The accident occurred around 330 am local time on Friday while the train was en route from the Kolonnawa Petroleum Storage Terminal in Colombo to Batticaloa in the Eastern Province Xinhua news agency reportedAccording to the Department of Railways four fuel tankers derailed as a result of the collision causing significant damage to the railway tracksTwo elephants were killed and several others were critically injured in the accident local media reportedTrain services on the ColomboBatticaloa main line have been suspended temporarily due to the damage IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/fuel-train-derails-in-sri-lanka-after-collision-with-wild-elephants-577624.html Fri, 18 Oct 2024 18:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/dead-tigers-in-vietnam-test-positive-for-h5n1-577358.html Hanoi Oct 3 Two samples taken from dead tigers in Vietnam have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu virus local media reported Twenty tigers and one leopard have died since early September at Mango Garden ecoresort in Dong Nai provinceThe animals refused to eat showed fatigue and had fever after eating chicken meat and chicken heads provided by a local company Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Vietnam News AgencyPhan Van Phuc head of the Department of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control at the Dong Nai Center for Disease Control said it was likely that the deceased tigers were infected with the H5N1 virus from infected chicken meatAuthorities are tracing the origin of the chicken to determine the infection source he saidThe zoo has disinfected the enclosures and isolated the tiger zone to prevent further outbreaks according to VnExpressThe resort has been asked to restrict visitors and monitor the health of 30 people having close contact with the infected animalsThe Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has recently reported sporadic cases of avian flu among poultry in several localities IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/dead-tigers-in-vietnam-test-positive-for-h5n1-577358.html Thu, 03 Oct 2024 18:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/green-meghalaya-plus-scheme-launched-to-protect-enhance-forest-cover-577367.html Shillong Oct 3 Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday launched the GREEN Meghalaya Plus GMP scheme in Tura for conservation and enhancement of forest cover The GMP is a part of the state governments initiative Payment for EcoSystem Services PES under which incentives of up to Rs 20000 per hectare per year will be disbursed to communities and individuals for conservation and increase in forest coverOfficials said that the GMP envisages including additional expansion of 50000 hectares 500 sq km of forest cover under conservationEarlier this week the redesigned GMP scheme was launched in ShillongThe GREEN Meghalaya scheme was launched in 2022 So far over 3000 individuals have benefited from the scheme and conserved more than 54000 hectares of natural forestMeanwhile speaking at the launch of the scheme the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the beneficiaries from across Garo Hills who attended the programme to celebrate the collective effort of conservationIn the last seven years the government has laid the foundation and have initiated programmes that have benefited our people which have led to accelerated growth and development There is a huge turnaround in the size of our economy today Sangma saidCiting that development of different sectors is important which would push economic growth the Meghalaya Chief Minister said We have to be responsible towards the environment and work in harmony to balance nature and developmentHe said that the government spends on afforestation projects However Meghalaya has pioneered the Green MeghalayaPES model to conserve the natural forestWe are conserving the forest rather than wait to carry out afforestation projects in the future he addedIn the last two years the state government has spent over Rs 44 crore on conservation of forest cover and going forward with over Rs 200 crore being earmarked for conservation effortsThe salient feature of this scheme PES 20 is the increased area coverage for participationEarlier the scheme required a minimum of two hectares of forest but the new guidelines reduced this to just one hectare allowing smaller landowners and communities to take partSpeaking on the occasion Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma hoped that this scheme would further motivate and encourage people to protect and conserve forest coverTerming that Garo Hills has rich green coverage he said it is a boon and the governments initiative to provide financial assistance for conservation will surely be to the advantage of the peopleDuring the programme individuals and communities from different parts of the Garo Hills expressed their gratitude to the government for the launch of the Green Meghalaya scheme which has supported the community for conservation of natural forest IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/green-meghalaya-plus-scheme-launched-to-protect-enhance-forest-cover-577367.html Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wildlife-body-rejects-elephant-culling-plans-in-southern-africa-577097.html Lusaka Oct 2 Zambiabased international conservation body African Rivers voiced opposition to plans for culling elephants in southern African countries after a severe drought recently hit the region While acknowledging that climate change events have had negative impacts not only on human beings but wildlife as well the organisation said the proposal by some southern African countries to kill wild animals was not in the best interest of both humans and wildlife welfare Xinhua news agency reportedAfrican Rivers Chief Executive Officer Bobson Sikaala said that upscaling the act of culling wildlife would likely negate the ecological balance reduce animal population and disrupt the tourism industry in the long runAccording to Sikaala the organisation was ready to collaborate with respective governments and other stakeholders to implement innovative and sustainable measures that would save 95 per cent of elephants and other wildlife from being culled and feed about 60 per cent of people affected by the droughtHe revealed that African Rivers has developed a 20242025 regional project for immediate implementation aimed at saving elephants and other wildlife as well as supporting the feeding of people struggling with climatedriven hunger in the southern African regionThe project involves promoting climate resilience aid through the distribution of appropriate relief food packages for humans and wildlife mobilising water browser trucks and starting supplying water to the animals in the affected areas as well as supporting countries to drill boreholes and construct damns within the affected protected parks Sikaala notedDue to El Nino events many southern African countries have been battered by a severe drought during the 20232024 seasonData from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs suggested that many parts of southern Africa have endured the worst midseason dry spell in over 100 years marred by the lowest midseason rainfall in 40 years IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wildlife-body-rejects-elephant-culling-plans-in-southern-africa-577097.html Wed, 02 Oct 2024 14:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/monkey-business-four-simians-get-up-to-mischief-at-thiruvananthapuram-zoo-kochi-airport-576796.html Thiruvananthapuram Sep 30 Four monkeys got up to mischief at two different locations across Kerala on Monday When three grey langurs escaped out of their cage at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo another monkey created a scare at the Kochi airport when it ran into the runway At the Zoo three grey langurs were spotted on the trees at the huge and spacious compoundIncidentally last year two grey langurs brought from Andhra Pradesh had also gotten free and it was only after several days that the authorities managed to get them back into their cagesLearning from the experience of last year the zoo authorities this time adopted a different strategy Soon after realising that three langurs had escaped including one which had gone out last year also authorities asked the staff not to do anything which would make these monkeys angryWith this in mind the zoo employees remained calm and cool and were seen bringing them food and water which were placed at different places But so far their attempts to coax and cajole these monkeys have not yielded results yetHowever unlike last year these monkeys continue to remain perched on the huge trees inside the zoo whereas last time they escaped out of the zoo compound which scared the local populationMeanwhile the monkey at the Kochi International Airport was first spotted on the roof of the airport complex around noon After it was spotted staff and passengers tried to drive it away by making noise it turned angry and was seen running up and down and later it came before the main building As the forest staff also arrived the monkey was then seen on the runway giving the security staff and airport authorities a real hard timeOf late across the state monkeys have started to stray into towns and cities giving anxious time to the people and to authorities IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/monkey-business-four-simians-get-up-to-mischief-at-thiruvananthapuram-zoo-kochi-airport-576796.html Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/leopard-kills-woman-in-udaipur-shooting-orders-issued-576980.html Jaipur Oct 1 Rajasthan Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma on Tuesday said that shooting orders have been issued against a maneating leopard who mauled a woman in Udaipurs Gogunda town in Rajasthan The place where the leopard hunted on Tuesday will be marked and the area will be cordoned off The leopard is not only hunting people but also mutilating bodies The wild animal has become a maneater beast the minister said He added that after attacking the leopard moves about three km ahead and then hunts for new prey It is expected that the maneater leopard will be killed by this evening the minister saidThe Forest Department said that more than a dozen teams are preparing to shoot the leopard in the forest area of the Kelvon Ka Kheda villageThere are also drummers with the team who will chase the leopard by playing drums in the forest This will be done so that the shooters can shoot it an official saidHe added that before killing the leopard its correct identification will be ensured A report in this regard should be given to the committee and the Chief Wildlife Warden of Rajasthan he saidThe womans death identified as Kamla Kunwar 55 was the eighth death in the last twelve days in the area claimed by the wild animal On Tuesday the maneating leopard mauled Kamla Kunwar who was working in her house and killed her on the spot which led the Gogunda town residents to block the highway in protest She was working in the courtyard of her house when mauled by the leopard Hearing the womans screams other family members ran outside but the leopard ran away leaving her bodyEventually the Forest Department issued orders to shoot the animal dead Chief Forest Conservator Pawan Kumar Upadhyay said that the Forest Department has also caught four leopards by setting up cages in the last few days however the attacks are not stopping On Sunday the leopard killed temple priest Vishnu Giri 65 in Rathod Ka Guda of Badgaon police station areaThe first attack by the maneating leopard was reported on 19 September in Undithal of Chhali Panchayat of Gogunda when 16yearold Kamla Gameti became the victim IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/leopard-kills-woman-in-udaipur-shooting-orders-issued-576980.html Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kaziranga-national-park-reopens-for-tourists-after-5-month-monsoon-break-576986.html Guwahati Oct 1 After the fivemonth monsoon break the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR in Assam reopened on Tuesday for tourists focusing on enhancing visitor experience and safety Marking the beginning of the new tourism season a colourful ceremony in connection with the reopening of KNPTR took place at the Western Range Bagori and was attended by distinguished guests including local MPs and state ministersThe event commenced with a traditional Puja blessing the park and marking the start of the much awaited safari seasonOn this occasion Indian Oil Corporation Ltd presented an animal rescue vehicle to support the national parks ongoing efforts in wildlife rescue and rehabilitationA unique wildlife themed Eco Shop with over 50 products and souvenir items was also inaugurated at Bagori Range campusThe sale proceeds from this unique and one of its kind Eco Shop will support the forest staffs welfare society and the eco development committee around KazirangaAdditionally a medicinal plants sale counter was launched at Memorial Park Kohora under the Golaghat Social Forestry Division contributing to a more inclusive identity for forest ecotourismPark officials said that wildlife enthusiasts and tourists can now look forward to witnessing the parks iconic wildlife including the endangered onehorned rhinoceros tigers elephants and a variety of bird speciesNew activities such as hiking trekking and bird trails will enhance the visitor experience allowing deeper engagement with the parks natural wonders the official addedAdding to the significance of the day a book titled A Practitioners Guide to Photographic Monitoring of Asian Elephants for Science and Conservation authored by Dr Varun Goswami Dr Divya Vasudev and Parvathi K Prasad was launched providing valuable insights into the parks rich biodiversity and conservation journeyAssam Ministers Chandra Mohan Patowary Atul Bora Keshab Mahanta Lok Sabha member from Kaziranga Parliamentary Constituency Kamakhya Prasad Tasa among others were present in the reopening programmeLike previous years the recent flooding in Assam has claimed the lives of over 200 wild animals including 10 rhinos at the KNPTR despite the authorities taking multipronged measures to save the lives of animalsAccording to the KNPTR authorities flood intensity this year was the highest in the last 10 years in terms of area inundation and depth of the flood waterKNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that Kaziranga has witnessed alltime high floods this year with HFL Highest Flood Level recorded at 8747 metres on July 1 at NimatighatForest and wildlife officials have also rescued over 150 wild animalsThe wildlife casualties this year include 167 hog deer 10 rhinos two swamp deer and two sambars Fourteen wild animals including 10 hog deer died during treatmentWith the onset of monsoon the world famous park is closed every year in May at the onset of monsoonIndias seventh fourth in natural UNESCO world heritage site the KNPTR spread across several districts of Assam including Golaghat Nagaon Sonitpur BiswanathThe world famous park is not just a home of more than 2613 onehorned Indian rhinos but also Royal Bengal tigers Asian elephants wild buffalos and many more animal species while it is also habitat to thousands of birds of over 125 species IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kaziranga-national-park-reopens-for-tourists-after-5-month-monsoon-break-576986.html Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-bird-diversity-devbhoomi-dwarka-leads-with-456-species-kutch-records-456-lakh-birds-576661.html Gandhinagar Sep 30 Government of Gujarat has released Bird Diversity Report 202324 which reveals that the state is home to an estimated 18 to 20 lakh birds Forest and Environment Minister Mulu Bera announced the findings and spoke on Gujarats role as a paradise for bird conservation with an impressive variety of local and migratory speciesThe reports release coincides with Indias preparations for Wildlife Conservation Week which will be celebrated from October 2 to 8 This week highlights Gujarats ongoing efforts in wildlife protection and conservation Several state initiatives including the Karuna Campaign and mobile veterinary services have been launched to ensure the care and wellbeing of birds and other wildlifeKey findings of the report include the discovery that Devbhoomi Dwarka has the highest bird diversity recording 456 species while Kutch saw over 456 lakh birds from 161 species Nal Sarovar emerged as a critical bird hotspot with more than 362 lakh birds further emphasising Gujarats significant role in bird conservation Other important areas include Jamnagar Ahmedabad and Banaskantha all contributing substantially to the states bird populationMinister Bera praised Gujarats diverse ecosystems attracting bird enthusiasts from India and abroad From the stunning Rann of Kutch to the lush landscapes of Gir National Park Gujarats habitats serve as sanctuaries for birds including the thousands of Greater Flamingos that paint the white desert pink during migration Bera said These ecosystems provide yearround shelter and food for local and migratory birds further solidifying Gujarats reputation as a bird conservation hubThe report also highlighted the importance of Jamnagar Kutch and Ahmedabad as vital bird conservation regions Wetlands such as Nal Sarovar and Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary play essential roles in supporting bird populations Nal Sarovar hosts 362 lakh birds making it one of Gujarats most critical bird conservation sitesThe bird survey was conducted in collaboration with the eBird platform documenting more than 300 bird species based on data from 398 eBird checklists This extensive survey included contributions from NGOs universities and ornithologists ensuring thorough data collection across Gujarats regions and wetlandsThe report provides detailed data on bird populations across Gujarats districts For instance Kutch recorded 161 bird species with a total population of 456881 birds while Jamnagar had 221 species and 411552 birds Ahmedabad contributed significantly with 256 bird species and 365134 birds IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-bird-diversity-devbhoomi-dwarka-leads-with-456-species-kutch-records-456-lakh-birds-576661.html Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wild-elephant-tramples-man-to-death-in-tn-village-575838.html Chennai Sep 26 In a tragic incident a man was trampled to death by a wild elephant during the early hours of Thursday in Cherambady village of the Nilgiri district in Tamil Nadu The deceased was identified as Kunhimoideen of the same village Forest department officials told IANS that the incident occurred at 2 amOfficials said that Kunhimoideen had come out of his house on hearing the sound of a tree branch falling only to find a wild tusker standing in front of him Even before he could react the elephant attacked himAgitated local people blocked the OotyBatheri state highway Abdul Gafoor a local farmer told IANS that they were regularly facing attacks from wild animals including elephants and wild bores destroying the agricultural farms He said that they had complained to the forest department officials about the regular attacks but the officials did not take any actionIt may be noted that this area is a border of Wayanad in Kerala and the Nilgiris in Tamil NaduThere have been several instances of wild elephants entering human habitats leading to human and animal conflictsA farmer Raju was trampled to death by a wild elephant in July 2024 in Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad The tusker attacked him from behind while he was walking back home from his farm He was rushed to a private hospital in Kozhikode where he succumbed to deathTamil Nadu has also witnessed several humanelephant conflicts and the Coimbatore forest division which includes the Nilgiri region accounted for a maximum number of human deaths in wild elephant attacksThe Coimbatore forest division recorded as per the data available 147 deaths between 20112022The forest department officials attribute these deaths to the rise in the elephant population disturbances in migration paths changes in land use patterns and agricultural practices and linear infrastructure developmentsAs per a study on average 12 human deaths and 13 elephant deaths occur in the division in a year According to the department over 85 villages and small towns are severely affected due to the conflicts and incidents of elephants straying out of forests are constantly increasing IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wild-elephant-tramples-man-to-death-in-tn-village-575838.html Thu, 26 Sep 2024 08:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/drones-deployed-to-trace-movements-of-leopard-in-andhra-pradesh-575894.html Vijayawada Sep 26 Forest officials in Andhra Pradeshs East Godavari district have deployed drone cameras to trace the movements of a leopard whose presence near flower nurseries in Kadiyam for the last few days has triggered panic among villagers East Godavari incharge District Forest Officer S Bharani said the forest personnel have found pug marks of the leopard believed to be aged 34 yearsShe said nursery farmers along the banks of the Godavari River were being educated on how to protect themselves from possible attack by the leopardThe forest officials believe the leopard may moved towards Mandapeta and Alamuru in the adjoining Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema districtThe foresters were setting up CCTV cameras and trap cages and kept tranquilisers readyMeanwhile forest officials in Konaseema district said they were creating awareness among people in Edida and Mernipadu villages on precautions to be taken if the leopard enters the villages Announcements were being made over the public address systemIt is believed that the leopard reached Kadiyam nurseries after crossing a railway track and a stream in search of a new habitat given the route it has taken along the banks of the river since September 6The leopard a male was first sighted near the Diwancheruvu West Reserve Forest DWRF on the outskirts of Rajamahendravaram Rajahmundry cityAccording to forest officials it spent 18 days in the DWRF before it moved towards the nurseries of Kadiyam So far the leopard has not resorted to any cattle kill throughout its journey of about 30 kilometresThe forest officials have been sharing the inputs and signs left behind by the leopard with the experts of the Wildlife Institute of India WII Dehradun They are also receiving input from Punebased leading experts in the rescue of big catsThe officials engaged in the operation were taking all precautions as the leopard is said to be showing signs of aggressiveness in its behaviour IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/drones-deployed-to-trace-movements-of-leopard-in-andhra-pradesh-575894.html Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-gives-added-protection-to-asiatic-lions-with-184-lakh-hectare-eco-sensitive-zone-around-gir-575722.html Gandhinagar Sep 25 The Gujarat government on Wednesday declared 184 lakh hectares surrounding the Gir Protected Area as an EcoSensitive Zone ESZ This decision approved by the Centre aims to provide additional protection to Asiatic lions and other wildlife in the region while promoting sustainable development in the surrounding areasForest and Environment Minister Mulu Bera stated that the new ESZ includes 196 villages and 17 rivers from three districts Junagadh Amreli and GirSomnathThe zone covers over 24000 hectares of forest land and 159 lakh hectares of nonforest landThe buffer zone ranges from a minimum of 278 km to a maximum of 950 km around the Gir Protected AreaThe Gir region is the only home of the Asiatic lion in Asia and both the state and Union governments have been implementing innovative projects using advanced technology to ensure their protectionThis new ESZ declaration strengthens these efforts by expanding the protection zone beyond the 10 km bufferWhile safeguarding wildlife the new ESZ will also enable better planning for development in the areaAccording to the MoS Forest Environment and Climate Change Mukesh Patel the ESZ covers critical lion and river corridors essential for the big cat populations movementThe declaration follows a proposal by the Gujarat Forest Department which the Union government and the Supreme Court approvedMeanwhile earlier this month Bera directed the forest department to take immediate action against unauthorised private websites that issue permits for Gir Safari without approvalThe directive follows notices issued by the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission GSHRC which called on the department to address the growing menaceThe minister also urged the public to avoid using private portals and book their visits to Gir National Park Devalia Safari Park and Ambardi Safari Park only through the official government website girliongujaratgovinThis ensures that visitors are not misled or overcharged by unauthorised platforms he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-gives-added-protection-to-asiatic-lions-with-184-lakh-hectare-eco-sensitive-zone-around-gir-575722.html Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-gives-added-protection-to-asiatic-lions-with-184-lakh-hectare-esz-around-gir-575723.html Gandhinagar Sep 25 The Gujarat government on Wednesday declared 184 lakh hectares surrounding the Gir Protected Area as an EcoSensitive Zone ESZ This decision approved by the Centre aims to provide additional protection to Asiatic lions and other wildlife in the region while promoting sustainable development in the surrounding areasForest and Environment Minister Mulu Bera stated that the new ESZ includes 196 villages and 17 rivers from three districts Junagadh Amreli and GirSomnathThe zone covers over 24000 hectares of forest land and 159 lakh hectares of nonforest landThe buffer zone ranges from a minimum of 278 km to a maximum of 950 km around the Gir Protected AreaThe Gir region is the only home of the Asiatic lion in Asia and both the state and Union governments have been implementing innovative projects using advanced technology to ensure their protectionThis new ESZ declaration strengthens these efforts by expanding the protection zone beyond the 10 km bufferWhile safeguarding wildlife the new ESZ will also enable better planning for development in the areaAccording to the MoS Forest Environment and Climate Change Mukesh Patel the ESZ covers critical lion and river corridors essential for the big cat populations movementThe declaration follows a proposal by the Gujarat Forest Department which the Union government and the Supreme Court approvedMeanwhile earlier this month Bera directed the forest department to take immediate action against unauthorised private websites that issue permits for Gir Safari without approvalThe directive follows notices issued by the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission GSHRC which called on the department to address the growing menaceThe minister also urged the public to avoid using private portals and book their visits to Gir National Park Devalia Safari Park and Ambardi Safari Park only through the official government website girliongujaratgovinThis ensures that visitors are not misled or overcharged by unauthorised platforms he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/gujarat-gives-added-protection-to-asiatic-lions-with-184-lakh-hectare-esz-around-gir-575723.html Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pm-modi-reiterates-govts-efforts-to-protect-rhinos-urges-people-to-visit-kaziranga-575022.html New Delhi Sep 22  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that the government was committed to protecting rhinos and urged people to visit Assams Kaziranga National Park PM Modi also recalled his visit to the National Park and appealed to people to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site which is the largest home to onehorned rhinocerosTaking to microblogging site X PM Modi wrote Today on WorldRhinoDay let us reiterate our commitment to protect one of our planets most iconic species rhinos Compliments to all those involved in rhino conservation efforts over the last many years It is a matter of immense pride that India is home to a large number of one horned rhinosI also fondly recall my visit to Kaziranga in Assam and urge you all to visit there as well he addedPM Modi visited the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in March this year and he is the first Prime Minister of the country who stayed overnight in the park He took elephant and jeep safaris in the Kaziranga National ParkHe had posted on X then I am mesmerised with the beauty of Kaziranga I got some unforgettable memories and these will remain with me forever However during the previous governments regime this park lost its glory the Prime Minister saidKaziranga National Park is famous for its onehorned rhinos but earlier these animals were killed As many as 27 rhinos were killed in a very short period of time When our government came into power several measures were taken and in 2022 Assam recorded zero rhino poaching he further saidAccording to him because of collective efforts this feat could be achieved Kaziranga National Park is celebrating the golden jubilee year this time and I request people across the country to visit this UNESCO world heritage site PM Modi added IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/pm-modi-reiterates-govts-efforts-to-protect-rhinos-urges-people-to-visit-kaziranga-575022.html Sun, 22 Sep 2024 12:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tiger-kills-man-in-bihars-west-champaran--574060.html Patna Sep 17 A man was killed by a tiger in Bihars West Champaran district on Tuesday The incident occurred at Vanbairia village under Sahodar police station around 130 pm The deceased was identified as Indradev MahtoPradyuman Gaurav the Divisional Forest Officer of Valmiki Tiger Reserve VTR 1 confirms the incident He said that the victim was feeding a goat in an agricultural field when a tiger attacked himThe geographical setting of Vanbairia village with its proximity to both a river and a forest just 1 km away creates a natural corridor for wildlife including tigers This route which passes through farmland particularly sugarcane fields allows tigers to move between different sections of the forest The victim went there to feed his goat He was sitting near the sugarcane farmland when a tiger attacked him Gaurav saidWhen villagers learned about the incident they promptly chased the tiger which eventually ran towards the forest area after listening to the noise of a large number of people Gaurav saidThe officer said that the tiger had dragged the dead body of the victim for 200 meters before fleeing from the spotWe have recovered the dead body and sent it for the postmortem The forest department has a provision to compensate the victims family with Rs 10 lakh Gaurav saidHe added that the residents who have villages located in nearby VTR have been asked to stay alert and go to the agricultural field in groupsEarlier a male tiger was found dead in the Manguraha forest area in VTR a few weeks agoValmiki Tiger Reserve situated in the West Champaran district of Bihar serves as a vital natural habitat for tigers According to official reports the reserve is home to approximately 60 adult tigers This rich biodiversity makes the Valmiki Tiger Reserve an essential part of wildlife conservation in the region supporting efforts to protect and preserve these majestic predators and their natural ecosystemEarlier in 2022 a maneater tiger had killed nine people in villages located in the close proximity of VTR It was eventually neutralised by the authorities IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tiger-kills-man-in-bihars-west-champaran--574060.html Tue, 17 Sep 2024 21:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/man-held-in-pakistan-for-smuggling-cranes-573771.html Waziristan Sep 16 The wildlife department of Pakistan has foiled an attempt to smuggle 78 demoiselle cranes in the South Waziristan tribal district local media reported on Monday The cranes were seized at the Sikandar check post on the WanaGomal Zam Road leading Pakistani daily Dawn reported while quoting SubDivisional Wildlife Officer SDWO Ilyas Khan from Lower South WaziristanThe seized cranes would be transferred to the divisional office Dera Ismail Khan he addedThe demoiselle cranes were a distinct type among various crane speciesA hunter from Bannu Said Rehman was arrested on Saturday when he was caught transporting 78 demoiselle cranes in a singlecabin vehicle from the Gul Kutch area to WanaGomal Zam RoadKhan highlighted the Lower South Waziristans rich biodiversity calling it a paradise for migratory birdsHe emphasised that the Wana subdivision lies on the internationally recognised Indus Flyway a major route for migratory birds Each year thousands of these birds pass through the area during their journeys between Central Asia and the subcontinentHe further stressed that protecting preserving and managing biodiversity sustainably is a top priority for the local wildlife department Cranes in particular are known to migrate from Indias Rajasthan and the coastal regions of Sindh to Siberia and Central Asia flying over districts such as Zhob Dera Bannu South Waziristan and Kurram These flocks sometimes numbering up to 400 birds fly at altitudes of 16000 to 26000 feet IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/man-held-in-pakistan-for-smuggling-cranes-573771.html Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/temple-elephants-animal-activists-petition-tn-govt-to-end-practice-573787.html Chennai Sep 16 Animal protection groups of Tamil Nadu and elsewhere in South India and other parts of country have appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to end the practice of keeping elephants in temples The animal activists have petitioned Tamil Nadu Minister of Forests S Mathiventhan and state minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments HRampCE PK Sekar Babu against the practice of keeping elephants in templesThe animal rights groups raised the issue after a 54yearold elephant Subbulakshmi who was a temple elephant succumbed to her injuries after the roof under which she was kept caught fireSubbulakshmi was an elephant at the Sri Shanmughanathar Peruman temple in Kundrakudi in Sivaganga district of Tamil NaduIt may be recalled that concerns regarding Subbulakshmis physical and mental health were raised by animal rights groupsRequests for urgent retirement of the animal on compassionate grounds were raised by concerned activists as early as December 20 2021A representation was then submitted to the Chief Wildlife Warden of Tamil Nadu requesting to shift the elephant to a care facility for long term veterinary treatment and rehabilitationThe then wildlife warden of Tamil Nadu Shekar Kumar Niraj had constituted a committee of experts veterinarians and members of the animal welfare community to inspect four temple elephants in Tamil Nadu that included SubbulakshmiThe Committee had in its final recommendations recognised deprivation of social interactions with other elephants constant tethering obesity because of poor diet and lack of constant access to water for drinking and bathing as the great ills facing Subbulakshmi and the three other temple elephants it inspectedHowever it failed to recommend her retirement a move which would have saved her lifeThe committee in conclusion despite the entire exercise and recognition of facts showing abject poor welfare relegated the future fate of Subbulakshmi to the hands of the temple managementThe Madras High Court had in 2023 ordered that no temple or private person in the state could acquire any elephant and had directed the officials to inspect all temple as well as privatelyowned elephantsThe court had also asked the government to decide on shifting all these elephants to governmentrun rehabilitation campsThe animal protection groups have now demanded that the Tamil Nadu government end the practice of keeping elephants in temples IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/temple-elephants-animal-activists-petition-tn-govt-to-end-practice-573787.html Mon, 16 Sep 2024 20:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wolf-terror-continues-in-ups-bahraich-13-year-old-attacked-573686.html New Delhi Sep 16 In yet another wolf attack in Uttar Pradeshs Bahraich a 13yearold boy was attacked while sleeping on the terrace of his home The boy identified as Armaan Ali was attacked on Sunday night in Pipri Mohan village in the Mahsi area The boys neck was injured during the attack and was quickly rushed to a nearby Community Health Center for initial treatment before being referred to the Medical College in Bahraich for further careThis incident follows a series of wolf attacks that have gripped the regionOn Sunday Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Sisaiya Churamani village in Mahsi tehsil where he met with families affected by the attacks The CM expressed his condolences and assured the victims that the government was taking all necessary measures to prevent further incidents He stated that operations would continue until the area was fully safeThe wolf crisis began when a pack of six wolves started terrorising 50 villages in Uttar Pradesh While the forest department has managed to capture five wolves one remains at large These predators have already claimed the lives of 10 children and one woman while injuring 51 othersSince midJuly Bahraich has witnessed a series of attacks In response the Uttar Pradesh government has launched Operation Bhediya aimed at capturing the remaining wolfForest officials believe the last wolf could be the alpha of the packOver 165 forest personnel and 18 shooters have been deployed in the area utilising thermal cameraequipped drones and snap cameras to locate the wild animal The district administration and forest department have also installed solar and highmast lights in vulnerable areas to enhance safety IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wolf-terror-continues-in-ups-bahraich-13-year-old-attacked-573686.html Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/villagers-in-bihars-munger-scared-after-jackal-attacks-572975.html Patna Sep 13 The residents of Dariyapur Mandit Tola village in Bihars Munger district are terrified after a series of animal attacks which they claim are jackals In the past week around 15 people have fallen victim to jackal bites The incidents are concentrated in this village which lies near a forested area under the Haveli Kharagpur blockAccording to Raju Paswan a representative of the village head of Dariyapur the jackals are attacking villagers and then retreating into the nearby forest creating fear and unease among the locals The villagers have been on edge fearing further attacks which have caused them sleepless nightsSome of the victims are identified as Sunita Devi Durga Devi Johla Murmu Shekhar Kumar Ajay Hadsa and others The victims were treated at the common health centre in Haveli Kharagpur where doctors attended to their injuriesDr Ajit Kumar in charge of the Common Health Centre at Haveli Kharagpur said Four villagers suffering from jackal bites came here and we have given antirabies injections The villagers reported to us about frequent attacks by a group of jackalsMeanwhile the villagers have informed the forest department of Munger to capture what they believe to be jackals which may be contributing to the attacksIn response to the escalating jackal attacks in Dariyapur Mandir Tola village the forest department has not yet been able to capture the wild animals As a result local youths armed with batons are now patrolling the area around the clock to protect the villagers This has become necessary as the fear of attacks continues to growThe Haveli Kharagpur block is a remote area with many villages situated near forested regions making these kinds of animal encounters more common The wildlife department has acknowledged the attacks and is working on a solutionWe have planned to set up makeshift cages to capture the jackals an official saidSuch attacks are not unprecedented Earlier villagers in Maqsoodpur under Khizarsarai block in Gaya district also suffered from similar jackal attacks This situation highlights the need for immediate action by local authorities to ensure the safety of the villagers and address the growing problem of wild or stray animals IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/villagers-in-bihars-munger-scared-after-jackal-attacks-572975.html Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/coimbatore-dump-yard-to-be-enclosed-after-napkin-mask-found-in-wild-elephant-dung-571965.html Chennai Sep 10 After napkins and masks were found in the dung of wild elephants Coimbatore district administration has decided to fence the dump yard close to Maruthamalai forest in Somayampalayam panchayat Coimbatore district Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati has directed the Somayampalayam panchayath officials to either construct a wall around the dump yard or to erect an electric fence so that elephants from the Maruthamalai forest do not reach there and eat garbageR Manikandan of Centre for Policy and Development Studies a think tank based out of Chennai and Coimbatore told IANS that wild elephants have been regularly visiting the dump yard and eating plastic materials will have serious implications for the health of these wild animalsHe said The smell of garbage attracts these elephants and we have already petitioned the Coimbatore district administration to construct a compound wall or erect an electric fence to prevent elephants from entering the dump yardHowever panchayath officials told IANS that they have been taking precautionary measures including setting up elephantproof trenches to prevent elephants from entering the dumping yardA senior official of the Somayampalayam panchayath told IANS that they would soon erect an electric fence or construct a compound wall around the dump yard He added that the district Collector has already given instructions for itThe dump yard is spread across two acres of land and three tonnes of waste is daily dumped there The official also said that they are yet to decide whether a compound wall is to be constructed or an electric fence erected around the yard Constructing a compound wall costs Rs 70 lakh while an electric fence requires only Rs 20 lakh The officer however said that a decision would be made based on the effectiveness in preventing elephants entrySomaympalayam panchayath president R Ramadas told IANS that the panchayath would soon decide whether to construct a compound wall around the dump yard or erect an electric fence after studying in detail which would be more effectiveHe however said that the waste dumping in Somayampalayam yard was reducing as the panchayath has commenced segregating the waste and producing manure out of this wasteWildlife biologist Ramesh Somasundaram told IANS that studies have revealed that after the elephants eat leftover food from dump yards there has been a change in their behaviourHe said that around eight elephants target the kitchens of houses located in the surroundings of Somayampalayam Maruthamalai foothills Dhaliyur and Kembanur and this was due to the change in behaviour of these wild elephants after eating leftovers from the dump yard IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/coimbatore-dump-yard-to-be-enclosed-after-napkin-mask-found-in-wild-elephant-dung-571965.html Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kaziranga-national-park-to-reopen-for-tourists-on-october-1-571516.html Guwahati Sep 8 After the fivemonth monsoon break the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR in Assam would reopen for tourists on October 1 focusing on enhanced visitor experience and safety officials said on Sunday Announcing the park reopening schedule an official announcement said that in view of present road conditions and due to inclement weather the Park is partially opened only for Jeep Safari in three ranges Kaziranga Range Kohora Western Range Bagori and Burapahar RangeLike previous years the recent floods in Assam have claimed the lives of over 200 wild animals including 10 rhinos at the KNPTR despite the authorities taking multipronged measures to save the lives of animalsAccording to the KNPTR authorities flood intensity this year was the highest in the last 10 years in terms of area inundation and depth of the flood waterKNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that Kaziranga has witnessed alltime high floods this year with HFL Highest Flood Level recorded at 8747 metres on July 1 at NimatighatForest and wildlife officials have also rescued over 150 wild animalsThe wildlife casualty this year includes 167 hog deer 10 rhinos two swamp deer and two sambars Fourteen wild animals including 10 hog deer died during treatmentWith the onset of monsoon the world famous park is closed every year in May at the onset of monsoonIndias seventh fourth in natural UNESCO world heritage site the KNP amp TR spread across several districts of Assam including Golaghat Nagaon Sonitpur BiswanathThe famed national park is not just a home of more than 2613 onehorned Indian rhinos but also Royal Bengal tigers Asian elephants wild buffalos and many more animal species while it is also habitat to thousands of birds of over 125 species IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/kaziranga-national-park-to-reopen-for-tourists-on-october-1-571516.html Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/family-of-5-injured-in-wolf-attack-in-mp-571144.html Khandwa Madhya Pradesh Sep 7 Five members of a family in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh were attacked by a wolf officials said The incident took place at 230 am on Friday in Malgaon village in tribaldominated Khalwa tehsil nearly 20 km from the district headquarters Harsud SubDivisional Officer of Police SDOP Sandeep Vaskale told the mediaAfter the family started screaming neighbours and others arrived and chased away the wolf A woman has sustained wounds on her hands while four men have been bitten on the hands They are being treated in Khandwa Medical College Hospital the SDOP saidKhandwa Divisional Forest Officer DFO Rakesh Damor told media that the injured have been given rabies shots and medicinesIt was not known if the wolf has been capturedGoing by the purported video clip doing the rounds on social media it is too early to say about which animal it was In the video the animal looks like a jackal to me a bit smaller than a wolf the DFO saidAsked about the polices claim that it was a wolf Damor said he wont comment on it but added it was the forest department that deals with wildlifeInvestigations are on The victims have suffered bruises Patrolling in the area has been intensified he addedThe incident comes in Madhya Pradesh at a time when wolf attacks in Bahraich in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh have made national headlinesIn the last two months Bahraich district has recorded eight deaths including seven children in a series of attacks by wolves while around three dozen other people were left injured as per officials there IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/family-of-5-injured-in-wolf-attack-in-mp-571144.html Sat, 07 Sep 2024 06:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/australia-failing-to-protect-threatened-species-from-extinction-wwf-report-571256.html Canberra Sep 7 Australia is failing to protect its native plants and animals from extinction a report has found The Australian branch of the WWF on Saturday released its second Threatened Species Report Card to coincide with National Threatened Species Day Xinhua news agency reportedThe updated report scored Australia an F for funding recovery planning and improving the threat status of species at risk of extinctionIt said that 163 species have been added to the federal governments threatened species list since the first report card was released in 2022Nationally Australia scored a B for persistence the likelihood that species will become extinct while the grade for habitat protection improved from a D in 2022 to a CThe Northern Territory NT was the only state or territory to score better than a C on habitat protection and Tasmania the only one not graded an F for recovery planningThe federal government needs to urgently fix broken nature laws and boost funding for our threatened plants and animals Tracy Rout Science and Research Lead at WWFAustralia and coauthor of the report said in a media releaseOur existing laws allow the continued destruction of habitatShe said that only nine per cent of threatened species have received dedicated funding from the federal government in the last five years and only seven per cent have a current recovery planTanya Plibersek the Minister for Environment and Water on Saturday announced an 114 million Australian dollar 76 million grant program to better protect threatened plants and animalsTen research projects will share in the funding to improve existing conservation tools and technologiesWe all need to work together to find new and innovative solutions to stay ahead in the fight to protect our threatened species and biodiversity she said in a statementThreatened Species Day was first declared in 1996 to raise awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction It is held on September 7 every year to mark the anniversary of the death of the last Tasmanian tiger at Hobart Zoo in Tasmania in 1936 IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/australia-failing-to-protect-threatened-species-from-extinction-wwf-report-571256.html Sat, 07 Sep 2024 15:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-forest-dept-launches-probe-into-cheetah-pavans-death-activist-seeks-inquiry-of-knp-chief-570186.html Bhopal Sep 3 Days after Namibian Cheetah Pavan was found dead at the Kuno National Park KNP in Madhya Pradesh the Forest Department has initiated an inquiry into the death of the big cat The department has formed a threemember panel of senior Indian Forest Service IFS officers Pradeep Vasudev Shri Annagiri and Ritesh Sirothiya to prepare a report including the reason for the deathConfirming the development official sources told IANS that the threemember committee which was formed on Friday has been tasked to prepare a detailed report on the death of Pavan and the condition of other cheetahs living at the KNPAccording to KNP authorities the large cats body was found near the edge of a swollen nullah in the bushesPavan was the only Cheetah at KNP who was roaming free in the open forest was drowned in a swollen nullah however no external injuries were seen anywhere on the body KNP has earlier claimedThe wanderer Cheetah Pawan had fathered two litters of cubs three cubs born to cheetah Aasha on January 3 2024 and four cubs born to cheetah Jwala on January 22 2024 All the cubs have survivedPreviously named Oban Pawan was a wildborn grandson of a cheetah rehabilitated by the Cheetah Conservation Fund CCF at Erindi Private Game Reserve in Namibia As a secondgeneration cheetah born in the wild Pawan was an excellent hunter and had promising prospects for adapting to life in IndiaMeanwhile a wildlife activist Ajay Dube has lodged a complaint to the National Tiger Conservation Authority NTCA the nodal agency for the Project Cheetah raising questions over the death of PavanCheetah Pawan was fitted with a radio collar system because he was set to venture into the open forest However Pavans location could not be traced since August 17 and I had alerted through social media 10 days later Pavan was found dead Dube wrote to NTCAHe further requested the NTCA to conduct a separate inquiry on the role of current KNP chief Uttam SharmaHis role needs to be investigated because such incidents have occurred earlier too When Uttam Sharma was director of Panna Tiger Reserve a radio collar tiger had gone missing and was found dead few days later Dube saidUnder the translocation project 20 cheetahs were brought to India in two batches eight from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa last February of which seven have died until this January The adult cheetahs gave birth to 17 cubs of which 12 survived IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-forest-dept-launches-probe-into-cheetah-pavans-death-activist-seeks-inquiry-of-knp-chief-570186.html Tue, 03 Sep 2024 01:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/new-offences-introduced-for-interacting-with-crocodiles-in-australia-570294.html Sydney Sep 3 People in the Australian state of Queensland will face fines for unintentionally feeding and knowingly remaining close to crocodiles under new laws announced on Tuesday aimed at reducing attacks Leanne Linard Queenslands minister for the environment announced a government crackdown on feeding and interfering with crocodiles Xinhua news agency reportedUnder new laws that are effective immediately anyone who unintentionally feeds a crocodile by discarding food in a way that attracts them to a public place such as a boat ramp jetty or campsite will be fined a maximum of 43722Additionally anyone who knowingly remains near a crocodile on land will be fined up to 109305The existing fine for intentionally disturbing or feeding crocodiles in the state has been increased from a maximum of 43722 to 177293 and the maximum penalty for interfering with a crocodile trap has been raised from a fine of 131155 to 177293The state government has also given conservation officers the power to order people to move away from crocodiles to avoid any potential humancrocodile interactionsLinard said the reforms would help keep people safe in areas inhabited by crocodilesPeople may think feeding Crocs or interacting with them is fun or harmless but experience shows that doing so increases the risk to public safety she said in a statementThere have been three fatal crocodile attacks on humans in Australia in 2024 all in the countrys northDavid Hogbin a 40yearold doctor was dragged into a river by a crocodile while walking with his wife near the far north Queensland town of Cooktown in August His remains were found inside a 49metre male saltwater crocodile that was euthanised by authorities days laterIn the Northern Territory NT which shares a border with Queensland a 16yearold boy and 12yearold girl were killed by crocodiles in separate incidents in April and JulyA threeyear monitoring programme that ended in 2019 estimated that there were between 20000 and 30000 crocodiles in Queensland with most found in the states far northBob Katter a federal Senator representing Queensland has repeatedly called for crocodile populations in the state to be culled to prevent attacks IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/new-offences-introduced-for-interacting-with-crocodiles-in-australia-570294.html Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mongooses-eradicated-on-japans-world-heritage-island-570360.html Tokyo Sep 3 Japans Environment Ministry on Tuesday declared that nonnative mongooses have been eradicated from AmamiOshima Island a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in southwestern Kagoshima Prefecture The declaration decades after efforts to eliminate the invasive species that prey on native animals and damage the islands ecosystem was based on judgment by a group of experts on scientific grounds taking into account that the last time a mongoose was caught was in April 2018According to the ministry the eradication of an invasive species on such a large island measuring about 712 square kilometers is considered unusual Xinhua news agency reportedAround 30 small Indian mongooses which mainly live in South Asia were first introduced to AmamiOshima Island in 1979 with the aim of getting rid of poisonous habu snakes and rats on the island But the release had minimal effect as the mongooses which are active during the day rarely came into contact with the nocturnal snakesThe number of mongooses on the island surged to around 10000 by 2000 causing damage to crops and native faunaThe Japanese government began the fullscale extermination of mongooses in 2000 and designated them an invasive species in 2005 A specialized group formed to eradicate the mammals installed up to 30000 traps on the island and introduced the countrys first mongoosesniffer dog in 2007 IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mongooses-eradicated-on-japans-world-heritage-island-570360.html Tue, 03 Sep 2024 21:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/woman-hospitalised-after-tiger-attack-at-theme-park-in-australia-570038.html Sydney Sep 2 A woman has been hospitalised after being mauled by a tiger at a theme park in the Australian state of Queensland on Monday A spokesperson for the Queensland Ambulance Service said that paramedics were called to Dreamworld at 9 am local time on Monday following an incident involving a tigerThey said that an animal handler aged in her 30s suffered several deep cuts and scratches to her arm and was taken to a nearby hospital in a stable conditionLocated 50 km south of the state capital of Brisbane Dreamworld is Australias biggest theme parkThe Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that it is home to nine Sumatran and Bengal tigersA spokesperson for Dreamworld confirmed that the victim was trained in handling tigersDreamworlds immediate focus is on the support of the team member they said This was an isolated and rare incident and we will conduct a thorough review accordinglyFour people died at Dreamworld in October 2016 when a water ride malfunctioned The operator of the park was in 2020 fined 36 million Australian dollars 24 million after pleading guilty to safety charges over the deaths IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/woman-hospitalised-after-tiger-attack-at-theme-park-in-australia-570038.html Mon, 02 Sep 2024 13:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/new-zealanders-commence-voting-to-choose-bird-of-the-year-570065.html Wellington Sep 2 New Zealanders started to vote for the 2024 Bird of the Year title on Monday an annual event to raise awareness about the protection of native birds More than 80 per cent of New Zealands native birds are at risk or threatened with extinction according to Forest amp Bird New Zealands independent wildlife conservation organisation and the organiser of the event Xinhua news agency reportedThe campaign running for two weeks calls on Kiwis to vote for their top five birds with the winner to be announced on September 16Votes can be cast on the Bird of the Year website Around 60 volunteer campaign managers have signed up to advocate for 74 avian candidates in total said a statement by Forest amp BirdThe annual Bird of the Year contest was temporarily rebranded as Bird of the Century in 2023 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Forest amp Bird The puteketeke Australasian crested grebe won the Bird of the Century title in 2023New on the ballot in 2024 is the Adelie penguin backed by Antarctica New Zealand More than onethird of the global Adelie population live in New Zealands home in Antarctica the Ross Sea regionThese penguins not only wear the most adorable tuxedos but are also invaluable science ambassadors They can tell us so much about our climate and the Antarctic ecosystem said Annie Robertson from Antarctica New ZealandThe Adelie penguin will have tough competition from 2019 Bird of the Year winner Hoiho the yelloweyed penguin IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/new-zealanders-commence-voting-to-choose-bird-of-the-year-570065.html Mon, 02 Sep 2024 15:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rare-twin-elephants-born-in-myanmar-569889.html Yangon Sep 1 A rare occurrence of twin elephants a male and a female was recorded in southern Myanmars Bago region On August 26 a 21yearold elephant named Pearl Sandar gave birth to the twins at the Wingabaw elephant campThe first calf a female was born followed by a male calf about four minutes later Myo Min Aung a veterinarian at the camp told Xinhua news agency on SundayThe twin elephants were initially unable to drink milk from their mother for the first two days so they were fed with milk bottles By the third day the twins started consuming their mothers milk which is more nutritious and beneficial for them he said Xinhua news agency reportedThe birth of twin elephants is a rare event in Myanmar the 12th recorded case since 1960 he addedAt present there are nine elephants in the Wingabaw Elephant Camp including the new twins and the staff is committed to providing special care for them due to the rarity of this event he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rare-twin-elephants-born-in-myanmar-569889.html Sun, 01 Sep 2024 16:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/punjab-targets-30-lakh-artificial-inseminations-of-livestock-569933.html Chandigarh Sep 1 To boost milk production and enhance disease resistance in animals by improving the breed quality of livestock Punjabs Animal Husbandry Department has set an annual target of 30 lakh artificial inseminations across the state State Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said the state has two semen stations at Nabha and RoparA total of 93 bulls are housed at the Agrade semen station in Nabha for the production of the best quality semen to improve the genetic potential of dairy livestock This group comprises 60 Murrah buffalo bulls 10 Nili Ravi buffalo bulls seven Holstein Friesian HF cow bulls four HF Cross cow bulls three Jersey cow bulls and nine Sahiwal cow bulls the Minister addedAt the Bgrade semen station in Ropar 46 bulls are housed There are 26 Murrah buffalo bulls and 8 Nili Ravi buffalo bulls Additionally the station houses four Holstein Friesian cow bulls 1 HF Cross cow bull and seven Sahiwal cow bulls he saidKhudian added that the state has undertaken major progeny testing projects for Murrah Sahiwal and pedigree selection for Nili Ravi These projects focus on improving the genetic potential of Murrah Sahiwal and Nili Ravi breeds through the National Dairy Development Board NDDB under Rashtriya Gokul MissionStressing the importance of monitoring and recording systems the Minister said these projects are a significant step towards transforming the dairy sector by improving genetic potential increasing milk production improving quality and thus enhancing farmers incomeState Animal Husbandry Director Gursharanjit Singh Bedi said the department has established a system of proper monitoring and recording of various activities including breeding and milking of dairy animals to help make Punjab a centre of attraction in the upliftment of farmers and help them in increasing their income These projects will make the state a hub for dairy development IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/punjab-targets-30-lakh-artificial-inseminations-of-livestock-569933.html Sun, 01 Sep 2024 21:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/indian-scutigeromorpha-originated-in-gondwana-reveals-study-569618.html Hyderabad Aug 30 Indian Scutigeromorpha originated in Gondwana and continued to evolve within Peninsular India revealed a study by researchers at CSIRCentre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Hyderabad Peninsular India was believed to be part of the supercontinent Gondwana which consisted of presentday Africa Antarctica Australia and South America merged together approximately 200 million years ago Eventually Gondwana broke into parts and the Indian landmass drifted to its current positionAccording to the paper published in the Journal of Biogeography for more than 200 years evolutionary biologists have been on a quest to understand the origins of the Earths biodiversity The tremendous species richness of the peninsular region of India particularly within the Western and Eastern Ghats mountain chains have intrigued them This is even more so as the Peninsular Indian landmass is extremely oldUsing one group of animals Scutigeromorpha Dr Jahnavi Joshis lab at CSIRCCMB sought to answer the question Where do all the organisms found in Peninsular India come fromScutigeromorpha are longlegged fleetfooted centipedes often mistaken for spiders Using specimens from across the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats as well as a global dataset of genetic sequences they found that the Indian scutigeromorphs originated in Gondwana and continued to evolve within Peninsular IndiaThis is fascinating as most of Indias biodiversity has resulted from dispersal events into India from either from Asia or Africa across the last 65 million years Only a few other burrowing animals have also been found to have Gondwanan lineages notes Dr Joshi Senior Scientist at CSIRCentre for Cellular and Molecular BiologyThe current Australian biodiversity of Scutigeromorpha is also likely to have originated when the Indian ancestor dispersed from India within the last 100 million years IndoAustralian relationships are rare in the literature likely because India and Australia were connected more than 130 million years ago a date older than the origin of many studied taxa and today are separated by thousands of kilometers of land and ocean says Maya Manivannan the first author of the paperPerhaps the scutigeromorphs took a passage through India from Gondwana all the way to Australia she added IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/indian-scutigeromorpha-originated-in-gondwana-reveals-study-569618.html Fri, 30 Aug 2024 21:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/resident-dies-by-crocodile-attack-amid-vadodara-floods-569571.html Vadodara August 30 As floodwaters begin to recede in Vadodara a 30yearold man was killed in Gujarats Dabhoi after a crocodile dragged him into the Orsang River An official said that the victim Amit Poonambhai Vasava was a labourer from RajpuraAmit was attempting to set a fishing net when the crocodile attacked him and dragged him to the river the official said He added that despite efforts to escape Amit slipped and the crocodile dragged him into the waterVadodara is known for its significant crocodile population especially in the Vishwamitri River which flows through the city The crocodile population of Vadodara is comprised mainly of the mugger crocodile also known as the marsh crocodile Crocodylus Palustris These crocodiles have adapted to urban environments and can often be seen basking along the riverbanks or even within the city limitsMeanwhile at least 28 people have lost their lives due to floodsMinister Rushikesh Patel said that over 5000 people have been evacuated in Vadodara while 1200 were rescued from the floods in the cityOn August 29 MLAs and corporators in Vadodara also faced the wrath of residents after they visited floodaffected areas Many citizens expressed disappointment accusing their representatives of failing to provide adequate support during the crisis Some corporators ignored calls for help and their phones were switched off in some areas further exacerbating the publics discontent a local said MLA Manisha Vakil had to leave the Harni area after people were outraged by his presence Similarly BJP corporator Bandish Shah from Ward No 7 faced severe criticism from residents in the Salatwada area The public was angry with the Raopura MLA Balu Shukla and city BJP president Vijay Shah who were confronted by angry people during their visits to the affected areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/resident-dies-by-crocodile-attack-amid-vadodara-floods-569571.html Fri, 30 Aug 2024 16:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/anti-elephant-solar-fence-helping-assam-farmers-reap-good-harvest-569423.html Guwahati Aug 29 A lowcost solar fence that protects standing crops on three hectares of land from depredation by wild elephants in the Mirza area of Assams Kamrup district boosted paddy harvest by the local farmers in the last harvesting season The residents of Gosaihat village near the Maliata reserve of the Palashbari Range Forest in Mirza installed a lowcost seasonal solar fence in November last year to protect the vast crop field with technical guidance from Aaranyak and the World Wide Fund for Nature WWFExperts from Aaranyak a Guwahatibased biodiversity conservation organisation said the US Fish and Wildlife Service also supported the initiativeDue to the solar fences installed in the area crops are protected from wild elephants The system is also facilitating mananimal coexistenceThe solar fences give a very mild shock which does not affect the elephants or humans but once the pachyderms get the mild shock they go away from the site thus protecting cropsSenior Aaranyak official and solar fence installation expert Anjan Baruah said their team initially trained the local community of Gosaihat on solar fences management and operationEventually a lowcost communitymanaged solar fence was successfully installed on an experimental basisThe fence provided protection to the standing crop from wild elephant herds As a result the local farmers could harvest 90 per cent of the crop in the last season he saidBaruah added Previously when there was no solar fence the farmers could hardly harvest anything as wild elephants destroyed the standing cropThe solar fence power machine was installed in the residence of Sukleswar Boro a local farmer in GosaihatAfter harvesting the crop in the last season the local farmers led by Boro removed the entire fence including the solar fence machines solar panels etc and stored them for the next seasonAs per Boro they could protect their crops from wild elephants last season and thereby realise the utility of the seasonal solar fence They have also taken the responsibility to take care of the fence materialsAfter getting good result in the last harvesting season the local farmers this year have decided to install a seasonal solar fence covering a larger area which includes crop areas earlier left unused due to the threat of elephant attacksAccordingly the farmers of Gosaihat last week installed 1 km long lowcost seasonal solar fence using bamboo posts to protect around 10 hectares of crop land completing the process in two daysThis year the farmers are expecting to harvest 100 per cent of the crop with the help of the seasonal solar fence They no longer bother about crop being damaged by elephants outside the fence said BoroThe farmers have also left some space to facilitate the movement of wild elephants while installing the fenceBoro said the fence would be removed after harvesting the crop and stored for use in the next year as was done previouslyAaranyak in association with other organisations has so far facilitated the installation of 150 km solar fence across humanelephant conflict areas in Assams Goalpara Baksa Udalguri Tamulpur Tinsukia Majuli Nagaon Golaghat and the West Garo Hills district in MeghalayaThere is a persistent challenge of humanelephant conflicts in the northeastern states including Assam and Tripura where encounters between humans and tuskers frequently occur due to habitat encroachment and resource scarcityAccording to forest officials there have been hundreds of instances in the two northeastern states especially in Assam when wild elephants ventured outside the forest areas in search of food and water and attacked peopleAs precaution people who live close to the forests occasionally put up highvoltage electric fences which also result in elephant deathsSujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitciansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/anti-elephant-solar-fence-helping-assam-farmers-reap-good-harvest-569423.html Thu, 29 Aug 2024 20:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/us-wildlife-officials-finalise-plan-to-kill-nearly-half-million-invasive-barred-owls-amid-controversy-569307.html Los Angeles Aug 29 The US Fish and Wildlife Service announced a controversial strategy to kill nearly half a million invasive barred owls in the Pacific Northwest to prevent atrisk native spotted owls from extinction The management strategy is the first comprehensive tool developed to address the significant threat posed by nonnative and invasive barred owls to the survival of northern and California spotted owls in Washington Oregon and California the US Fish and Wildlife Service said on WednesdayThe principal federal agency dedicated to wildlife conservation in the United States said in a press release that the strategy calls for a stepbystep process relying on willing land managers and landowners management of barred owls Xinhua news agency reportedThe agency estimated that a maximum of about 450000 invasive barred owls or about 15000 per year could be removed over 30 yearsBarred owls are native to eastern North America but moved westward in the 20th century and now surpass spotted owls in numbers across most of Washington Oregon and CaliforniaNorthern spotted owl populations have been rapidly declining due to competition from invasive barred owls and habitat loss and are listed as a threatened species according to the press release adding that California spotted owls face a similar riskAs wildlife professionals we approached this issue carefully and did not come to this decision lightly said the Services Oregon Office state supervisor Kessina LeeSpotted owls are at a crossroads and we need to manage both barred owls and habitat to save them This isnt about choosing one owl over the other If we act now future generations will be able to see both owls in our Western forests Lee addedWildlife officials said the lethal removal of barred owls from identified management areas is the only population reduction method proven to reduce barred owl populations and improve spotted owl populationsAccording to the management strategy the killing would be done by trained professionals and occur in less than half of the areas where spotted and invasive barred owls coexist within the northern spotted owls rangeAlthough officials said that public and partner comments were considered in completing the strategy and making the decision the new plan remains controversial and faces backlash from wildlife protection and animal welfare organisationsLeading animal welfare and birding groups in the country including Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy charged in a joint statement on Wednesday that the US Fish and Wildlife Services plan is costly unworkable and inhumaneDespite the agencys attempts to demonise barred owls the animals are native to North America and protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Like hundreds of other avian species they have engaged in range expansion a process that is accelerating with human disturbances of the environment said the statementThe Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing the largestever plan to slaughter raptors anywhere in the world and by a country mile said Wayne Pacelle president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy in the statementThe agency is stepping onto a killing treadmill that it can never dismount The two outcomes likely to result from the plan are a massive body count of barred owls and no longterm improvement in the survival prospects of spotted owls Pacelle addedFormer US Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife biologist Kent Livezey estimated the cost of killing 450000 barred owls at more than 225 million making it one of the most expensive threatened or endangered species management projects ever according to the groupsIn the statement Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy pledged to urge US Congress to scuttle the plan but also promised to sue to halt the scheme in federal courtA total of 164 wildlife protection and animal welfare organisations urged US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in a letter last week to put aside the US Fish and Wildlife Services reckless plan to unleash hunters to implement a plan of mass sustained killing of barred owls across millions of acres of forested habitats in Pacific Coast statesThe organisations argued that the practical elements of the plan are unworkable and its adverse collateral effects would ripple throughout these forest habitats adding that the plan will cause severe disruptions to wildlife from the forest floor to its canopies producing an untold number of mistakenidentity kills of other native owl species including spotted owls IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/us-wildlife-officials-finalise-plan-to-kill-nearly-half-million-invasive-barred-owls-amid-controversy-569307.html Thu, 29 Aug 2024 11:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-namibian-cheetah-dies-at-kuno-national-park-569035.html Bhopal Aug 27 Indias ambitious Project Cheetah received yet another setback on Tuesday as one more feline Pawan died at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh the forest official said Pawan Indian name was among eight cheetahs brought from Namibia on September 1 2022 and they all were released at Kuno National Park KNP by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of his birthdayThe male cheetah Pawan was found lying near the edge of a swollen nullah amidst bushes without any movement at around 1030 AM on Tuesday as per a statement issued by the office of the Additional Principal Chief Conservation of Forest APCCF and Director of Lion Project Uttam SharmaNo external injuries were seen anywhere on the body The exact reason for the death of Cheetah Pawan would be known after the autopsy which is being conducted by a group of veterinarians is done he addedSources told IANS that Pawan was found lying in a drain located in Morena district Wildlife Activist Ajay Dube who posted the news of Pawans death on his social media account claimed that Cheetah Pawan was found dead in a drain earlier in the day however KNP did not disclose it for the next few hoursHe further said the death of the strongest cheetah Pawan has raised many questions about the KNP and has also raised concern about the safety of other felines living therePawan was the strongest and fittest among other cheetahs This was the reason he was set in an open forest to venture Its a big setback for the project which is part of the investigation Dube added There have been several stances when the forest officials had to struggle with his location as he used to move out beyond the enclosure set for the cheetahs at KNP Importantly this setback came at the time when some of the cheetahs especially those that had adopted the KNPs enclosure were set to be released into open forestThe National Tiger Conservation Authority NTCA which is the nodal agency for the Project Cheetah recently held a meeting with top wildlife and forest officials associated with Kuno National Park in New DelhiThe fitness of cheetah Pawan and his successful venturing into open forest areas was one of the main reasons the NTCA was planning to release some more big cats into open forests Pawan is the eight adult cheetah that died since 20 cheetahs were transported from Namibia and South Africa in two different phases between September 2022 and February 2023 Now there are 24 cheetahs at Kuno 12 adults and 12 cubs born at the national parkUnder the translocation project 20 cheetahs were brought to India in two batches eight from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa last February of which seven have died until this January The adult cheetahs gave birth to 17 cubs of which 12 survived IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/mp-namibian-cheetah-dies-at-kuno-national-park-569035.html Tue, 27 Aug 2024 23:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-samanatham-tank-to-be-converted-into-bird-sanctuary-568819.html Chennai Aug 26 Following Madurai Nature Cultural Foundation recommendations the Tamil Nadu Forest Department will convert the Samanatham Tank in the Madurai district will be converted into a bird sanctuary On July 22 the cultural foundation members submitted a letter to the Madurai District Collector saying that during their visit to Samanatham Tank they had documented 300 rare species of birds including Anhinga Melanogaster Mycteria Leucocephala Threskiornis Melanocephalus Pelecanus Philippensis Limosa Lapponica Sterna Aurantia and Pandion HaliaetusThey also also listed vulnerable species including Clanga Hastata and Clanga ClangaSivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts have bird sanctuaries Madurai doesnt have one It is important to declare the Samanatham Tank as a bird sanctuary to protect these birds Madurai Natural Cultural Foundation wrote in a letter to the District CollectorDistrict Forest Officer T Tharunkumar in his reply to Madurai Nature Cultural Foundation said the Samanatham Tank is being maintained by the Public Works Department PWDThe Forest Department found that there are 100 varieties of birds in and around the Samanatham Tank and the department is making all efforts to convert the Samanatham Tank into a bird sanctuary Tharunkumar saidNoted bird watcher and Director Ornithology Study Centre of South Tamil Nadu RK Manikumar told IANS that they hope that the Madurai district forest authorities take steps at the earliest to declare Samanatham Tank as a bird sanctuaryIf the step is taken it will give a big boost for the conservation of birds including rare birds Manikumar saidThere are 17 bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu 15 wildlife sanctuaries and four Tiger reserves IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tn-samanatham-tank-to-be-converted-into-bird-sanctuary-568819.html Mon, 26 Aug 2024 19:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/man-trampled-to-death-by-wild-elephants-in-andhra-568831.html Visakhapatnam Aug 26 In another case of humananimal conflict a man was trampled to death by wild elephants in Andhra Pradeshs Parvathipuram Manyam district on Monday The incident occurred in Vannam village in Komarada mandal when the man was returning home after taking a bath in a rivuletShivdi Naidu 62 did not notice a herd of elephants on a banana plantation He suddenly came under attack by the wild jumbos and died on the spotThe incident sent panic among villagers Forest Department officials went on alert and launched an operation to drive away the elephants into forestsThis is the latest in a series of manelephant conflicts in Andhra Pradesh Two weeks ago a herd of wild elephants created havoc in Vizianagaram district damaging crops and sending panic among peopleA herd of jumbos strayed into a couple of villages in Vangara mandal and damaged the crops Farmers were worried over the damage to their crops and have appealed to authorities to take immediate action to protect them from further losses Vizianagaram and Parvathipuram Manyam districts bordering Odisha and Chittoor district on the border with Karnataka have witnessed several such incidents in recent monthsIn May a farm worker was trampled to death by an elephant at a mango orchard abutting the Sarakallu forest beat of the Thavanampalle mandal in Chittoor In June an elephant trampled to death another farmer in Ramakuppam mandal in the same districtThe Andhra Pradesh government recently sought help from Karnataka to address humanelephant conflict Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on August 8 met Karnatakas Minister for Forest and Environment Eshwar Khandre in Bangalore and sought the help of the Karnataka Forest Department in dealing with the problemAt Pawan Kalyans request the Karnataka government agreed to provide eight trained Kumki elephants to manage drive away and capture wild elephants Kumki elephants are useful in taming wild elephants and thus keeping both animals and humans safe In May the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department officials had placed a request for Kumki elephants before their counterparts in Karnataka Karnataka is reported to have given 67 kumki elephants to various states In 202223 it provided 21 elephants to Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/man-trampled-to-death-by-wild-elephants-in-andhra-568831.html Mon, 26 Aug 2024 21:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rescuers-working-to-free-entangled-whale-in-sydney-harbour-568227.html Sydney Aug 23 Rescue crews have resumed efforts to free a juvenile humpback whale entangled in Sydney Harbour fishing nets As of Friday morning police and maritime authorities were tracking the whale and enforcing an exclusion zone near Bradleys Head a peninsula protruding from the harbours north shore as it dragged a line with buoys attached Xinhua news agency reportedA whalewatching group spotted the whale in distress on Thursday noon but initial attempts to detach the netting wrapped around it were suspended due to the failing lightRescuers led by volunteers from the wildlife group the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia ORRCA attached a GPS tracker to the whale on ThursdayHopefully the conditions are favourable the tracker works and the whale is freed nice and early in the morning ORRCA President Ashley Ryan told Nine Entertainment newspapers on Thursday nightHowever the tracker became dislodged shortly afterwards The whale was again spotted by authorities at 730 am local time on Friday after initial fears it had swum out of the harbour overnightORRCA on Wednesday asked for residents of New South Wales to help track three separate humpback whales spotted entangled in nets off the eastern states coast between the cities of Newcastle and Tweed Heads north of SydneyThe behaviour of entangled whales can be unpredictable and they can change directions of travel it said in a statement on social mediaFor decades humpback whale populations were hunted to the brink of extinction at one stage there were only an estimated 1500 of the animals left in Australian watersBut they are a rare conservation success story after global protections were afforded to the whales in 1965Humpback whale numbers now exceed 40000 a number close to prewhaling levels and the marine animal has since been removed from Australias threatened species list IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/rescuers-working-to-free-entangled-whale-in-sydney-harbour-568227.html Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tiger-escapes-from-sariska-reserve-attacks-five-in-rajasthan-566208.html Jaipur Aug 15 A tiger that escaped from the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthans Alwar has attacked at least five people including a railway employee in KhairthalTijara district of the state According to officials railway employee Vikas Kumar a resident of Basni village reached Ajarka KhairthalTijara railway station at around 5 am on Thursday He called his brother to pick him up from the railway station While Kumar was waiting for his brother the tiger ST 2303 suddenly attacked himHowever seeing a bike coming towards them the tiger fled from there Kumar was grievously injured in the attack and one of his hands was bitten off by the tigerAfter attacking Kumar the tiger went towards the nearby Darbarpur village Around 11 am the tiger also attacked three persons identified as Satish 45 Binu 30 and Mahendra 33All three have been referred to the Alwar District Hospital Earlier in the early morning the tiger had attacked another youth in the districtDarbarpur Sarpanch Veer Singh said that the people of the village are scared because of the tiger The government school has been closedIn the past as well tiger ST 2303 had fled the Sariska forest Nearly seven months ago the tiger was spotted in Haryanas Rewari The tiger had then attacked some forest workers at a village near the RajasthanHaryana borderThe tiger had also attacked a 75yearold farmer near Bhiwadi in KhairthalTijara district nearly 100 km away from the park in January this yearVillagers are advising people in the surrounding areas not to leave their homes IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tiger-escapes-from-sariska-reserve-attacks-five-in-rajasthan-566208.html Thu, 15 Aug 2024 18:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/centre-adds-3-more-bird-sanctuaries-to-ramsar-list-indias-wetlands-rise-to-85-565906.html New Delhi Aug 14 The Union government on Wednesday added three more bird sanctuaries from Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh to the prestigious Ramsar Site list taking Indias total tally of wetlands to 85 The latest Wetlands of International Importance added on the eve of Independence Day 2024 are Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Tawa Reservoir in Madhya PradeshAs the nation gears up to celebrate its Independence Day thrilled to share that we have added three Ramsar Sites to our network This takes our tally to 85 Ramsar Sites covering an area of 1358068 ha in India announced Union Minister of Environment Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in a post on social media platform XYadav said that the achievement reflects the emphasis Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid on establishing harmony with nature calling our wetlands Amrit Dharohars and working relentlessly for their conservationCongratulating Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh on the achievement Yadav said Let us pledge that Viksit Bharat is a Green BharatIn June India added two bird sanctuaries from Bihar Nagi and Nakti to the Ramsar Sites list equaling China in terms of Ramsar SitesBetween 2014 and 2024 the country added 59 new wetlands to the list of Ramsar Sites up from 26 from 19822013Currently Tamil Nadu harbours the maximum number of Ramsar Sites 18 followed by Uttar Pradesh 10The Nanjarayan lake is a large shallow wetland which majorly depends on weather conditions especially on heavy rain water flow from Nallar drainageIt is located on the TiruppurUthukkuli main road in Tamil Nadus Tiruppur DistrictThe lake which is also the 17th bird sanctuary of Tamil Nadu acts as feeding and nesting habitat for resident bird species and migratory birdsAbout 191 species of birds 87 species of butterflies 7 species of amphibians 21 species of reptiles 11 species of small mammals and 77 species of plants have been recorded in and around the lakeThe Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 51516 ha and was declared as the 16th bird sanctuary in Tamil Nadu in 2021The brackish shallow lake one of the largest wetlands in peninsular India is located on the Coromandel Coast in Villupuram District North of PondicherryThe lake includes estuaries with brackish water the Uppukali creek feeding the sea water and the Kazuveli basin with fresh waterThe Bird Sanctuary which lies in the Central Asian Flyway is an important stopover site for migratory birds and breeding ground for resident species of birds and fish It serves as a major recharge source for the aquifersThe Tawa Reservoir constructed at the confluence of the Tawa and Denwa rivers is situated near Itarsi townBuilt mainly for irrigation purposes it was later used for power generation and aquacultureThe reservoir is important for aquatic flora and fauna especially birds and wild animalsMany rare and endangered species of plants reptiles and insects are found hereIt is also an important habitat for many local and migratory birds IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/centre-adds-3-more-bird-sanctuaries-to-ramsar-list-indias-wetlands-rise-to-85-565906.html Wed, 14 Aug 2024 21:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wild-elephants-create-havoc-in-andhra-district-565302.html Visakhapatnam Aug 12 A herd of wild elephants created havoc in a few villages in Andhra Pradeshs Vizianagaram district damaging crops and sending panic among people A herd of jumbos strayed into a couple of villages in Vangara Mandal and damaged the crops officials saidThe elephants entered VVR Peta and Rajulagumada villages creating panic among the villagers who alerted the forest departmentForest officials rushed to the spot and began efforts to drive away the wild elephants They have advised the villagers and farmers to remain alertFarmers were worried over the damage to their crops and have appealed to authorities to take immediate action to protect them from further lossesThis is the latest in a series of manelephant conflicts in Andhra PradeshVizianagaram and Parvathipuram Manyam districts bordering Odisha and Chittoor district on the border with Karnataka have witnessed several such incidents in recent monthsThe Andhra Pradesh government has already sought help from Karnataka to address humanelephant conflictDeputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on August 8 met Karnatakas Minister for Forest and Environment Eshwar Khandre in Bengaluru and sought the help of the Karnataka Forest DepartmentThe Karnataka government agreed to provide eight trained Kumi elephants to manage drive and capture the wild elephantsIn May the Andhra Pradesh forest department officials had placed a request before their counterparts in Karnataka for Kumki elephantsKarnataka is reported to have given 67 kumki elephants to various states In 202223 it provided 21 elephants to Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh and MaharashtraKumki elephants are useful in taming wild elephants and thus keeping both animals and humans safeWild elephants have been entering villages in parts of Chittoor Parvathipuram Manyam and Vizianagaram districts They not only destroy agricultural and horticultural crops but also attack humans This has resulted in the loss of a few livesIn May a farm worker was trampled to death by an elephant at a mango orchard abutting the Sarakallu forest beat of the Thavanampalle mandal in Chittoor districtIn June an elephant trampled to death another farmer in Ramakuppam mandal in the same districtLast year in August a couple was killed and another person injured in an attack by wild elephants in Chittoor district And in May two persons were trampled to death in two separate incidents in the same district IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wild-elephants-create-havoc-in-andhra-district-565302.html Mon, 12 Aug 2024 12:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/compassion-joy-in-pinnawala-elephant-orphanage-in-sri-lanka-565424.html Colombo Aug 12 Under the guidance of elephant trainers dozens of elephants in Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka are crossing streets passing through alleys and slopes and finally wading into the Ma Oya River about 200 meters north of the orphanage for bathing That was the attractive scene welcomed by tourists in twostorey cafes nearbyThe number of elephants had drastically reduced in Sri Lanka due to hunting by colonialists as well as poaching for ivoryIn 1975 the Department of Wildlife Conservation established the elephant orphanage by adopting seven orphan baby elephants Over the past 40 years the orphanage has adopted injured and astray elephants and the number has increased to 69 elephantsPrimal a 43yearold elephant trainer sees the elephants as his best friends I have been guarding them for 22 years and I feel very happy and fulfilling he told Xinhua news agencyPrimal still remembered an elephant called Migara Have you seen Migara the elephant we sent to China more than 10 years ago It grew taller rightIn February 2007 fiveyearold Migara born in the orphanage was selected by the Sri Lankan president as a national gift to China to celebrate the establishment of 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries Now Migara lives at Beijing ZooAccording to Primal raising elephant is costly Fortunately apart from ticket revenues the elephants can make a living by themselvesOn average an adult elephant produces over 100 kilograms of dung daily and local paper companies use dung to make paperIn a workshop by the roadside elephant dung is made into paper and then into bookmarks greeting cards notebooks photo albums for touristsGuo Che an eightyearold boy from China had close contact with the elephants for the first time and was excited about the experience I love elephants so much I am so happy my parents brought me to Sri Lanka IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/compassion-joy-in-pinnawala-elephant-orphanage-in-sri-lanka-565424.html Mon, 12 Aug 2024 21:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/sri-lanka-to-conduct-countrywide-wild-elephant-census-565090.html Colombo Aug 10 Sri Lankas Department of Wildlife Conservation will conduct a countrywide census on wild elephants on August 17 18 and 19 the state media reported on Saturday Director General of the Wildlife Conservation Department Chandana Sooriyabandara said 3130 survey centres have been established for the census Xinhua news agency reportedStaff of the Department of Wildlife Conservation and other government agencies members of the security forces employees of various institutions in the private sector students of higher education institutions and voluntary participants will take part in the census he saidThe main objectives of the census are establishing new protected areas for elephants improving the existing protected areas preparing and updating strategic plans to curb the elephanthuman conflict and establishing the balance between development activities and conservation needs he saidThe countrywide census of the elephant population in 2011 estimated that the minimum number of elephants in Sri Lanka was 5879 state media reportedAccording to state media 5509 per cent of that population were adult elephants 2503 per cent were young elephants 1204 per cent were calves and 604 per cent were infants IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/sri-lanka-to-conduct-countrywide-wild-elephant-census-565090.html Sat, 10 Aug 2024 18:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/karnataka-agrees-to-send-8-kumki-elephants-to-andhra-564779.html AmaravatiBengaluru Aug 9 The Karnataka government has agreed to send eight Kumki elephants to Andhra Pradesh to mitigate manelephant conflict in parts of the state The Karnataka Forest Department will send the trained Kumki elephants as requested by Andhra Pradesh to overcome the havoc caused by wild elephants by damaging crops and attacking humans The decision was taken during the meeting between Andhra Pradeshs Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre in Bengaluru on Thursday Khandre said that Karnataka has already sent Kumki elephants to states like Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh Pawan Kalyan who holds the portfolio of Environment and Forest told media persons after the meeting that the two states agreed to work together for the protection of forests wildlife and red sander He said the two sides discussed seven points and reached a memorandum of understanding He said they discussed the handing over of red sander worth Rs 140 crore belonging to Andhra Pradesh and seized in Karnataka He was all praise for Karnataka forest officials for their honesty in declaring that the red sander seized by them belonged to Andhra Pradesh While red sander worth Rs 100 crore was seized in 2017 another Rs 40 crore worth of red sander was seized this year Both states discussed the problem of red sander cutting in the Sheshachalam forests of Andhra Pradesh Pawan Kalyan said he requested Karnataka forest officials to focus on efforts to check smuggling of red sanders to other countries He said that the red sander from Andhra Pradesh is being smuggled to Karnataka Tamil Nadu and other regions The officials of both states decided to prepare an action plan to use technology for the protection of forest produce They agreed to maintain strict vigil using satellite technology Both the states also agreed to tackle poaching with an iron hand Forest officials of both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh will work together to prepare an action plan to strictly enforce the ban They vowed to protect the wildlife in the forests in border areas between the two states Pawan Kalyan said they also discussed the opportunities in ecotourism They shared views on promoting safari and jungle tours The Deputy Chief Minister said both states will have mutual cooperation for the protection of forests and their Forest Departments will move forward in this direction with workshops and conferences He observed that there is also a need to create social awareness for the conservation of forests On the request of the Karnataka government to provide lands in Srisailam and Tirumala for building accommodation for pilgrims from Karnataka Pawan Kalyan said he would bring the issue to the notice of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu He said the state Cabinet would take an appropriate decision in this regard IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/karnataka-agrees-to-send-8-kumki-elephants-to-andhra-564779.html Fri, 09 Aug 2024 01:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wayanad-disaster-pet-dog-reunites-with-owner-after-six-days-564092.html Wayanad Aug 5 After a gruelling six days of separation owing to the devastating Wayanad landslide Tippu a pet dog joyfully reunited with his owner Vijay on Monday The Humane Society International Indias disaster response team discovered Tippu in a small house almost entirely submerged by floodwatersWe are incredibly relieved and happy to have found Tippu safe In times of such overwhelming disaster moments like these remind us of the incredible bond between pets and their owners said Hemanth Bytroy of the Humane SocietyHe said that Humane Society teams are committed to ensure that Tippu and hundreds of other stranded animals get the care they need Despite the dire conditions Tippus spirit remained unbroken He was found safe but in need of care food and waterTippu has been taken to an Animal Husbandry Department shelter where he will receive medical attention and spend a few daysVijays face lit up with relief and gratitude upon hearing the news of Tippus safe recovery This reunion serves as a poignant reminder of the deep bond between humans and their beloved pets and the resilience that shines through even in the darkest of circumstancesOn July 30 four villages of Wayanad were hit by a worstever natural disaster in which 402 people died while over 180 continue to remain missing IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/wayanad-disaster-pet-dog-reunites-with-owner-after-six-days-564092.html Mon, 05 Aug 2024 18:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/elephant-population-in-tn-increases-by-100-since-last-year-563755.html Chennai Aug 3 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday said that the elephant population in the state has increased by 100 compared to last year In a statement the Chief Minister said that in the elephant census report of 2023 the number of elephants in the forests of Tamil Nadu was 2971 while in 2024 the number of wild elephants were 3063The threeday synchronised elephant census comprising of Kerala Karnataka Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh was conducted on May 2324 and 25The statement said that in Tamil Nadu the population of elephants was conducted in 681 blocks spread across 26 forest divisions According to Tamil Nadu Forest Department 8652 sq km of forest land was covered on foot during the threeday censusThe threeday census had the participation of 2178 forest personnel including forest watchers guards rangers and volunteers drawn from wildlife NGOsThe Sathyamangalam forest division has the highest number of elephants at 372 followed by Coimbatore forest division with 336 elephantsThe synchronised census revealed that 40 per cent of the elephants are adults while 33 per cent are subadults There are 17 per cent juveniles and 10 per cent of the elephants are calvesAs per the synchronised census held previously in 2017 involving the four states the number of elephants in the forests of Tamil Nadu were only 2761 During this census conducted in 699 blocks across 25 forest divisions in the Tamil Nadu side it was found that the number of elephants has increased to 2971 IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/elephant-population-in-tn-increases-by-100-since-last-year-563755.html Sat, 03 Aug 2024 17:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/study-finds-widespread-sars-cov-2-transmission-to-wildlife-in-us-562715.html New Delhi July 29 SARSCoV2 the virus responsible for Covid19 was detected in six common backyard animals in the US with antibodies indicating prior exposure found in five species a new study found on Monday The six species were deer mice Virginia opossums raccoons groundhogs Eastern cottontail rabbits and Eastern red batsThe virus found in one opossum showed viral mutations that were previously unreported and can potentially impact how the virus affects humans and their immune response The exposure rates ranged from 40 to 60 per cent depending on the species said the study conducted by Virginia Tech UniversityThe study published in the journal Nature Communications reveals that the highest exposure to SARSCoV2 was in animals near hiking trails and hightraffic public areas suggesting humantoanimal transmissionGenetic tracking confirmed the presence of unique viral mutations closely matching human variants indicating crossspecies transmission The virus can jump from humans to wildlife when we are in contact with them said Carla Finkielstein an associate professor at Virginia TechThe research involved testing 798 nasal and oral swabs from animals including deer mice Virginia opossums and raccoonsThe researchers emphasised there is no evidence of the virus being transmitted from animals to humans mitigating concerns about typical interactions with wildlife They noted that the study fills a critical gap in understanding SARSCoV2s transmission among common backyard wildlife for a lot of studies to date have focused on whitetailed deer while what is happening in much of the common backyard wildlife remains unknownThe studys findings underscore the need for broader surveillance to monitor these viral mutations which could pose challenges for vaccine development because it is a widespread virus that can be transmitted very easily without prior knowledge making it much more dangerous IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/study-finds-widespread-sars-cov-2-transmission-to-wildlife-in-us-562715.html Mon, 29 Jul 2024 20:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tiger-population-on-the-rise-at-valmikinagar-tiger-reserve-562716.html Patna July 29 Theres good news for animal lovers as the number of tigers in the Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve VTR in Bihars West Champaran district has gone up to 54 including 16 cubs According to an official the population of tigers in 2006 was just 6 which reached 10 in 2010 the number had reached 28 in 2014 In 2018 the number of tigers was 31 and the number reached 54 in 2023VTR located in Valmikinagar block of West Champaran district provides a natural habitat for wildlife The reserve features ideal grasslands forest cover and several rivers creating a perfect ecosystem for both herbivorous and carnivorous animalsThis combination of resources ensures that food and water are readily available contributing to the thriving tiger population and the overall health of the reserveEfforts are being made to increase the number of carnivorous animals in the Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve to strengthen the ecological cycle Tigers of VTR known for their agility can hunt other animals in just 35 to 45 seconds said Neshamani the chief forest conservator of VTRA significant reason for the growing tiger population is enhanced security VTR situated on the BiharNepal border faces high risks of poaching However we have implemented adequate security measures to protect wildlife from poachers he saidTigers are territorial animals marking their area through urination and living in dense forests Of the eight types of tigers in the world three have become extinct highlighting the importance of conservation efforts at places like VTR to protect these majestic creatures IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/tiger-population-on-the-rise-at-valmikinagar-tiger-reserve-562716.html Mon, 29 Jul 2024 20:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/high-time-that-mangrove-forests-are-humanised-filmmaker-rohit-varma-562057.html New Delhi July 25 While mangrove forests are depleting globally and India does not have a different story its importance here has not been highlighted enough To counter the same wildlife filmmaker Rohit Varma is set to release his short film The Last Frontier on July 26 celebrated as the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove EcosystemWhile discussing the risk of habitat loss with Godrej amp Boyce GampB a manufacturing company pioneering biodiversity conservation in India he and his codirector Sara felt the need to highlight the importance of mangroves and shine a light on its preservationThe film was produced in the aspect ratio of 51 and premiered at Conscious Collective a threedaylong event curated by GampB Design Labs The platforms idea was to create awareness about the need for conscious living which was perfectly communicated by our film The original aspect ratio needed a large screen The 51 ratio wasnt fit for a digital release Sara and I worked on a 169 ratio so the film could reach a wider audience on digital platforms recalls VarmaAll of us have witnessed cyclones and subsequent destruction in urban landscapes especially in regions where mangroves have depleted he says adding The forests make up the last barrier between the sea and land Removing these barriers for construction activities will majorly impact people who stay close to the seaThe filmmaker who approached veteran actor Shabana Azmi to lend her voice to the film and the mangroves says the decision to humanise mangrove forests was a conscious call And to do so we needed an impactful voiceEven as the number of documentaries made on the environment in the West outshines Indian productions he says it would be unfair to say that Indian filmmakers are not focusing on environmental issues and that many films feature these issues in India tooI agree that not many mainstream films spotlight environmental issues That is probably because they are committed to the commercial angle and the former kind of films will always garner a limited number of viewers Varma addsBorn and raised in Balaghat a small town bordering Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh Rohit taking his passion for wildlife and photography ahead created Nature in Focus a media and production house that centres on natural world stories Today he is a cinematographer director amp producer and a part of various projects including Mysteries of Monsoon Project Tiger The Real Jungle Book The Last Frontier and Destination Wild IndiaOne has to be in nature to understand what it is and how it works and what it gives to us smiles VarmaWhile Amit Kilam Indian Ocean agreed to compose the background music for the film Varma says when working on wildlife films one just dives in with an outline of the script It script gets clearer as we continue shooting Nothing is certain in the wild so it is paramount to improvise while on the fieldBecause a wildlife film requires extensive research the team connected with scientists and researchers who further helped shape the narrative of this filmWhile there has been an endless debate on development vs deforestation the filmmaker believes it is important but not at the cost of cutting down treesA planned and wellresearched development plan is what the earth needs and deserves I am as much against development as I am for conscious planned and wellresearched development he assertsNo documentary filmmaker is happy with almost absent distribution system for this genre in India and Varma is no exceptionYes it is not great in India However If the government intervenes it would be helpful These documentaries must reach a wider and more inclusive audience he saysCurrently working on a natural history film which should be premier in October this year Varma is also discussing some concepts with the team at Godrej If everything goes according to plan we will have another film before the end of this year he concludes IANS https://dailyworld.in/wildlife/high-time-that-mangrove-forests-are-humanised-filmmaker-rohit-varma-562057.html Thu, 25 Jul 2024 18:17:00 +0530