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A pod of striped dolphins, which are uncommon in Andhra Pradesh's waters, was recently spotted off the coast of Visakhapatnam. This rare sighting has drawn attention from both local and international marine biologists, as striped dolphins are typically found in more temperate and tropical oceans but are not frequently seen in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. About the Striped Dolphin Scientific Name: Stenella coeruleoalba The striped dolphin is a streamlined oceanic dolphin that shares a similar shape and size to the common dolphin. Known for its distinctive physical features, it is one of the most abundant and widespread dolphin…
09 November, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
A pod of striped dolphins, which are uncommon in Andhra Pradesh's waters, was recently spotted off the coast of Visakhapatnam. This rare sighting has drawn attention from both local and international marine biologists, as striped dolphins are typically found in more temperate and tropical oceans but are not frequently seen in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. About the Striped Dolphin Scientific Name: Stenella coeruleoalba The striped dolphin is a streamlined oceanic dolphin that shares a similar shape and size to the common dolphin. Known for its distinctive physical features, it is one of the most abundant and widespread dolphin…
08 November, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
The Chhattisgarh government has successfully reintroduced the blackbuck into the state’s forests as part of a five-year reintroduction plan. This initiative is part of broader conservation efforts to restore the natural habitat and population of the species. About Blackbuck: Scientific Name: Antilope cervicapra Native Regions: Blackbucks are native to India and Nepal. They are found in open grasslands, dry scrub areas, and thinly forested regions. They are widely distributed across India, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and others. State Animal Designation: The blackbuck is the state animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh. Blackbuck…
04 November, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
The Yellow-crested cockatoos (Cacatua sulphurea) in Hong Kong are facing a growing challenge in terms of their natural nesting sites. Due to the combined threats of typhoons, tree trimming, and urban development, these birds are losing access to the natural habitats that they rely on for nesting. In response to this, conservationists in Hong Kong have stepped in by installing artificial nest boxes. About Yellow-Crested Cockatoos: Scientific Name: Cacatua sulphurea Appearance: This medium-sized cockatoo is recognized for its striking yellow or orange crest that can be retracted. Its plumage is predominantly white, and the crest is often curved forwards, adding…
03 November, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) has been evaluated separately by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the first time, marking an important step towards understanding and conserving this unique subspecies. About the Indian Wolf Species: The Indian wolf is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) and is found primarily across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southwest Asia. Habitat: Indian wolves prefer scrublands, semi-arid grasslands, and pastoral agro-ecosystems. These habitats provide the conditions needed for hunting and shelter. Behavior: Indian wolves live in smaller packs, typically ranging from 6-8 individuals. They are territorial and…
01 November, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
The Southern Right Whale (scientific name Eubalaena australis) has recently shown concerning signs of reduced calf production, suggesting that climate change may be disrupting their reproduction. These whales, once heavily hunted for their valuable body parts, have made a notable recovery, but now they face new threats, including the ongoing impacts of environmental disruptions. About the Southern Right Whale: Scientific Classification: Eubalaena australis Common Name: Southern Right Whale Conservation Status: Classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Although they are not currently endangered, their reduced calf production signals potential threats to their population and ecosystem. Physical Characteristics: Size:…
30 October, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
A rare and beautiful species of dragonfly, the scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea), has recently been spotted in the valleys of Munnar, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. This discovery has captured the interest of entomologists and nature enthusiasts, marking a significant moment for the biodiversity of the region. About the Scarlet Dragonfly Scientific Classification: Scientific Name: Crocothemis erythraea Common Names: Broad scarlet, common scarlet-darter, and scarlet darter. Distribution: The scarlet dragonfly is generally found in southern Europe, throughout Africa, and across western Asia, extending to as far as southern China. Although it is common in these regions, this species…
15 October, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
Introduction: The Giant African Snail, particularly the species Lissachatina fulica, has become a significant concern in many regions, including Chennai, due to its growing population and the serious risks it poses to both agriculture and human health. About the Giant African Snail: Common Name: Giant African Snail refers to several large species of snails, but Lissachatina fulica is the most destructive. Native to: East Africa, but has been spread across the globe due to the pet trade, use as a food resource, and accidental introduction through various means. Invasive Species: Considered one of the world’s worst invasive species because of…
10 October, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
A rare sighting of a Himalayan Brown Bear, reportedly with its family, has sparked excitement in the Nelong and Jadung Valleys of Gangotri National Park, Uttarakhand. This sighting has generated significant interest among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike, as the Himalayan Brown Bear is a critically endangered species. About Himalayan Brown Bear: The Himalayan Brown Bear is the largest mammal found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and one of the most ancient brown bear lineages. Scientific Name: Ursus arctos isabellinus Other Names: Himalayan Red Bear Isabelline Bear Known as Denmo in the Ladakhi language. Interesting Fact: It is…
09 October, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
An Assam-based foundation has recently launched the Vulture Network Portal, which aims to raise awareness and provide resources for the conservation of vultures in India. T About Vulture Network Portal The Vulture Network Portal is a cloud-based platform designed to be a comprehensive knowledge and awareness hub focused on the vulture species in India. This portal is India's first-ever initiative to build a network of individuals, organizations, and institutions dedicated to vulture conservation. The project is led by We Foundation India, supported by various partners, including the Assam Bird Monitoring Network and other environmental organizations. Key Features of the Portal…
06 October, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
The Smooth-Coated Otters have recently been in the news following the arrival of a pair at the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi from Surat, marking a rare animal exchange after 20 years. This development is significant for both conservation efforts and the public’s awareness of this vulnerable species. About Smooth-Coated Otters Scientific Classification: The smooth-coated otter is the only extant representative of the genus Lutrogale. Distribution Geographical Range: Smooth-coated otters are found across southern and Southeast Asia, including India, China, and even a small population in Iraq. Habitat They thrive in lowlands, coastal mangrove forests, peat swamp forests, and…
24 August, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
Recent research in the Western Ghats of Kerala has led to the discovery of two new species of freshwater crabs, Kasargodia sheebae and Pilarta vaman. These species have been described as part of the Gecarcinucidae family, which includes various species of freshwater crabs found in South Asia. Key Highlights: New Genus and Species: Kasargodia sheebae is a new genus of freshwater crabs, with the name Kasargodia deriving from the Kasargod district in northern Kerala. Pilarta vaman is the second species, named after the Vaman avatar of Vishnu, reflecting its small size. Distinct Physical Features: Kasargodia sheebae is characterized by a…
20 August, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
The Clouded Leopard, recently brought into the spotlight by a viral video posted by Susanta Nanda, a retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, is one of the most fascinating and elusive big cats of the wild. About the Clouded Leopard The Clouded Leopard is a wild cat known for its distinctive coat and arboreal lifestyle. It's neither a true "big cat" (like lions or tigers) nor a "small cat," as it cannot roar or purr. Here are some key details about this enigmatic animal: Two Species Neofelis nebulosa: The clouded leopard, found in mainland Southeast Asia, including the Himalayas, parts…
16 August, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
Recently, a rare albino Indian flapshell turtle with a striking yellow shell and skin was spotted in a freshwater lake at Chikodra village, Gujarat. This rare sighting has garnered attention due to its unusual appearance, as albinism is extremely rare among reptiles. About the Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata) Habitat & Distribution Geographic Range: The Indian flapshell turtle is commonly found in tropical South Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Habitat: These turtles thrive in shallow, quiet, and often stagnant waters such as rivers, streams, marshes, ponds, lakes, irrigation canals, and tanks. They prefer areas…
14 August, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
The Nilgiri Tahr is a mountain ungulate species that is endemic to the southern part of the Western Ghats in India. Recently, a joint census in Kerala and Tamil Nadu reported a population of 2,668 Nilgiri tahrs, signaling some success in the conservation efforts for this endangered species. Scientific and Common Names: Scientific Name: Nilgiritragus hylocrius Common Names: Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Ibex, or simply Ibex Local Name: Varayaadu in local parlance. Physical Features: The Nilgiri Tahr is a stocky mountain goat with short, coarse fur and a distinctive bristly mane. Males are typically larger than females and tend to have…
13 August, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
For the first time, joint research has successfully determined the composition of the intestinal microbiome of the Indri Lemur, a species critically endangered and found only in northeastern Madagascar. About the Indri Lemur The Indri Lemur (scientific name: Indri indri) is one of the most iconic lemur species, known for its distinctive characteristics and critically endangered status. Key Features: Size: The Indri is one of the largest lemurs, measuring 60–70 cm (24–28 inches) in length. Despite its size, it has a rudimentary tail. Coloration: Its fur is primarily black with white patches on the head, throat, forearms, and buttocks. The…
12 August, 2025
Wildlife & Fauna
Shark & ray meat (elasmobranch meat) consumption no longer restricted to India’s tribal & coastal peoples. Elasmobranch is a subclass of the Class Chondrichthyes: Cartilaginous Fishes, which consists of sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras. The rise in demand for elasmobranch meat could lead to more unsustainable fishing of shark species. Difference - The other subclass of cartilaginous fish, the Holocephali, consists of Chimaeras, ratfish (Genus Chimaera) and elephantfish (Genus Callorhynchus). The main differences between these two subclasses are the structure of their gills and how they grow in the embryo. Holocephali has four-gill slits with a gill cover (an operculum); while…
11 January, 2024
Wildlife & Fauna
The blue dragon (Glaucus atlanticus) is a small, shell-less, blue sea slug that floats upside down in the open ocean. It is also known as the blue sea dragon, blue angel, sea swallow, and blue ocean slug. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Blue dragons are mobile prey feeders, meaning they prey on organisms that move on their own. Conservation Status IUCN – Endangered.
27 December, 2023
Wildlife & Fauna
Coinciding with the onset of the Northeast monsoon the butterflies from the subfamily Danainae migrate from the Eastern Ghats and plains towards the Western Ghats was below par this year. Butterflies -Blue Tiger, Dark Blue Tiger, Double-branded Crow, and Common Crow (commonly known as ‘Tigers and Crows’). Blue Tiger - Tirumala limniace is a Nymohalidae butterfly popularly known as Blue Tiger. It is commonly seen in villages, cities and forests. Dark Blue Tiger - Tirumala septentrionis is a Danaid butterfly found in South and Southeast Asia. It is known as Dark Blue Tiger. Double-branded Crow – Euploea sylvester, the double-branded crow, or two-brand crow in Australia, is…
27 November, 2023
Wildlife & Fauna
Ghol fish was declared as State fish of Gujarat owing to its economic value and its uniqueness. Scientific name – Protonibea diacanthus. It is also called as black-spotted croake. Habitat – Usually found in the Indo-Pacific region that stretches from the Persian Gulf to the Pacific Ocean. In India, this fish is found mostly in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Threat – Pollution and relentless fishing have pushed its population to deep sea which makes it hard to catch it. Usage – It has nutritional and medicinal properties. It is used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. To make threads used for making dissolvable surgery stitches Its air bladder is used…
24 November, 2023
Wildlife & Fauna
A new study has revealed that two species of mosquitofish (Gambusia) have invaded various ecosystems across India. Gambusia fish – An insectivorous fish that is found mostly in fresh and brackish, and occasionally marine waters and has a high breeding capacity. When released into freshwater system, they feed on mosquito larvae and thus act as biocontrol agent to control mosquitoes. Commonly used Gambusia species includes Gambusia affinis Gambusia holbrooki (eastern mosquito fish) Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulate) is also deployed as a mosquito predator. Native to – U.S.A Reasons for its spread - High breeding capacity, robust adaptability and high tolerance for fluctuating environmental conditions. Impact – They displace and prey on native fauna,…
23 November, 2023
Wildlife & Fauna
Hirodai ohtsukai is a new genus and species of crustacean parasite discovered recently in the Dollfus’ Stargazer (Uranoscopus guttatus) fish species off the coast of India. Dollfus' stargazer (Uranoscopus dollfusi) is a marine fish in the family Uranoscopidae. It is widespread in the Western Indian Ocean, including the Gulf of Suez, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf. It can be found at depths ranging from 300-550 m. The stargazers are a family of perciform fish that have eyes on top of their heads.
13 November, 2023
Wildlife & Fauna
Mangrove Pitta Bird In recent months, Kendrapara and Jagatsingpur, two coastal districts of Odisha, undertook the first mangrove pitta bird census. What is the Mangrove Pitta? About: The Mangrove Pitta bird (Pitta megarhyncha) is a species of bird found in a few isolated areas of eastern India, such as the Bhitarkanika in Odisha and the Sundarbans in West Bengal. The Mangrove Pitta bird, a ground forager and tree sitter that lives predominantly in India's coastal mangrove forests, explores widely for food. IUCN Status: The species is classified and rated as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of…
18 April, 2023
Wildlife & Fauna
Muggers of Rapti Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus plaustris) of the Rapti River, which flows beside the Chitwan National Park (CNP) in South-Central Nepal and is next to the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar, are at risk because of anthropogenic concerns such as illicit fishing and sand mining. The first National Park in Nepal was the CNP, which opened in 1973. The park is home to one of the last groups of Asian rhinoceroses with only one horn. Prioritizing the inclusion of local ethnic and river-dependent communities of CNP in successful conservation and management programmes with viable livelihood options is advised. About…
16 March, 2023
Wildlife & Fauna
Great Seahorses Latest Context It's possible that the big seahorse is being forced to migrate arduously towards Odisha by intensive fishing off the coast of Coromandel. Although fishing pressure off the coast of Odisha is lower, the Seahorse may not find its new home there due to a lack of suitable habitat. More on News Off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal, fishing is less active. Nevertheless, a study published in the most recent issue of the Journal of Endangered Taxa suggests that the shallow coastal ecology of the eastern Indian State may not be the new…
14 March, 2023
Wildlife & Fauna
Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2023 190 nations, including India, took part in GBBC 2023 during February 17–20. More on the news: It is an annual event that unites bird watchers, students, and nature lovers together to count the birds they spot nearby their homes, places of employment, or educational institutions. Key Findings: During the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2023, West Bengal recorded the most species (489), followed by Uttarakhand (426), Arunachal Pradesh (407), Assam (397) and Karnataka (371). With 349 and 325 species, Tamil Nadu and Kerala took the eighth and ninth places, respectively. Kerala had the most…
03 March, 2023
Wildlife & Fauna
Pangolin The World-Wide Fund for Nature India, also known as WWF India, and TRAFFIC, a non-governmental organization that tracks illegal international wildlife trade, recently released a report detailing the poaching and trafficking of over 1,200 pangolins, also known as the scaly anteaters, in India over the course of the previous four years from 2018 to 2022. In the 342 seizure occurrences, more than 880 kg of pangolin compounds and 199 live pangolins were reported. More on the news: In China and Southeast Asia, pangolins are mostly hunted for their scales, which are used as an ingredient in traditional remedies and…
22 February, 2023
Wildlife & Fauna
Indian Skimmers According to the Asian Waterbird Census 2023, which has just begun (recommended dates for the AWC are 7 - 22 January), the Godavari estuary in Andhra Pradesh has developed into a prime and secure habitat for the Indian Skimmer ( Rynchops albicollis). Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary reported seeing about 250 Indian Skimmers. What are Indian Skimmers? Indian scissors bill is another frequent name for Indian skimmers. Indian skimmers are found in the coastal estuaries of western and eastern India; they are more common in the winter. The species can be seen in Central India around the Chambal River, at…
07 January, 2023
Wildlife & Fauna
Great Knot A Great knot from Russia has found its way to Kerala’s coast, flying over 9,000 km for a winter sojourn. Great knots to be re-sighted in India among the nearly thousand ones tagged with MOSKVA rings in the Kamchatka peninsula in eastern Russia. About Great knot Scientific Name: Calidris tenuirostris It is a small wader. It is the largest of the calidris species Habitat: Grassland, Marine Neritic, Marine Intertidal, Marine Coastal/Supratidal. This species breeds in northeast Siberia, Russia, wintering mainly in Australia, but also throughout the coastline of South-East Asia and on the coasts of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan,…
28 November, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
Rhinoceros Horn Shrinkage According to a British Ecological Society study, rhinoceroses horns may have shrunk over time. Reasons for Horn Shrinkage Rhinos' horns, which are highly valued in some cultures, have long been hunted. The decreasing horn length across species over time, possibly due to hunting selective pressure and evolution. Important Fact: Keratin, the main component of human hair and fingernails, is used to make rhino horns. More on the Research The study discovered that the rate of horn length decline was highest in the critically endangered Sumatran rhino and lowest in the white rhino of Africa, which is the…
04 November, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
Gangetic River Dolphin Dolphins have begun to return to the Ganga River as the quality of its water has improved due to the Namami Gange Programme. Regarding the Gangetic River Dolphin The Ganges River dolphin was formally discovered in 1801. In 2009, they were designated as India's National Aquatic Animal. About Freshwater dolphins: The Gangetic River dolphin is one of the world's four freshwater dolphin species. The other three are the baiji of China's Yangtze River, the bhulan of Pakistan's Indus River, and the boto of Latin America's Amazon River. Ganges river dolphins used to live in Nepal, India, and…
04 November, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
Great Indian Bustards (GIB) The recent sighting of Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) deep in Pakistan's Cholistan desert has fueled speculation that the endangered birds may have flown across the border from India's Desert National Park (DNP). What Are the Most Important Facts About the Great Indian Bustard (GIB)? The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), Rajasthan's state bird, is considered India's most critically endangered bird. It is regarded as the flagship grassland species, representing the overall health of the grassland ecosystem. Its population is mostly concentrated in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have small populations. Threats include collisions/electrocution…
25 October, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
Emperor Penguin According to a significant evaluation of environmental pollution near the South Pole, there is no evidence of microplastics in Emperor penguins. It is the largest penguin in the order (Sphenisciformes). Of all the living penguin species, it is also the tallest and heaviest. Geographical Presence: Antarctica-Specific Endemic IUCN Status: Close to Endangered. About Penguin They are a flock of water birds without wings. World Penguin Day is commemorated annually on April 25. Only one species, the Galapagos penguin, is found north of the equator and is mostly found in the Southern Hemisphere. Penguins cope with an exceptionally hostile…
06 October, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
Red-eared Slider Turtle Concern has been raised over the red-eared slider turtle, an invasive species, showing up in Kerala's public water bodies. Image Source - Scroll About The main issue is that it not only devastates the aquatic habitat (leading to the extinction of native species), but it also harbours bacteria that are dangerous to humans. It is therefore recognized as a significant invasive alien species. Of the 356 turtle species recognized worldwide, 29 freshwater turtle and tortoise species are found in India, and almost 80% of them are vulnerable. In India, the wildlife preservation act forbids keeping native turtles…
10 September, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
International Whale Shark Day Save the Whale Shark Campaign was recently launched in Mangaluru by the Delhi-based nonprofit Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) along the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Lakshadweep. International Whale Shark Day is celebrated on August 30, 2022, with the slogan "The Future of Sharks: Guardians of Our Seas." Save the Whale Campaign In cooperation with the Forest and Fisheries Departments of Karnataka, Kerala, and the Lakshadweep administration, the campaign will run along the coastal regions of these three states as well as the Lakshadweep islands. The effort also attempts to lessen the number of fishermen who…
02 September, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
Megalodon According to research, ancient Megalodon sharks were able to devour a whale in a few bites. About Megalodon Otodus megalodon is its scientific name. It is a mackerel shark species that were extinct millions of years ago. In the past 23 million to 2.6 million years, it inhabited the waters. It was the biggest shark to ever traverse the oceans of the planet. Description Around 70 tonnes, or the equivalent of 10 elephants, would have been the weight of the enormous transoceanic predator. Its typical cruising speed was higher than that of modern sharks. It was capable of migrating…
20 August, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
Rock Agama Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) conducted a survey to determine the precise locations of the rock agama in and around Bengaluru. About rock agama It is a particular kind of garden lizard that is widely distributed in southern India. It is a big animal with eye-catching orange and black colouring. They need to find external sources of heat, such as a heated rock or a sunny area on the wall, as they cannot produce their own body heat. They are crucial to ecology in a variety of ways, including the ability to identify which urban…
09 August, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill 2021 The Lok Sabha passed by voice vote the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill-2021 which seeks to provide for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It also seeks to amend the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The objective of the bill Prohibition of hunting, Protection and management of wildlife habitats, Establishment and control of trade in parts and products derived from wildlife Management of zoo CITES The bill aims to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and…
04 August, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
INTERNATIONAL TIGER DAY AND CONSERVATION MEASURES Every year on 29TH July International Tiger Day is celebrated. The first International Tiger Day was celebrated in the year 2010 after it was found that 97% of all the wild tigers had disappeared in the last century, with about only 3,000 of them remaining. Aim: the aim is to halt the numbers from worsening as well as the preservation of these species, the day also aims to protect and expand their habitats. Conservation status of tiger Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972- Schedule I International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List- Endangered.…
29 July, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
FIRST ASIAN RECORD OF LIGHT MANTLED ALBATROSS Asia’s first sighting of the Light Mantled Albatross, a species native to the Antarctic has been spotted on the Rameswaram coast. The researchers feel a change in atmospheric pressure could have been among the reason for the albatross to land on an Indian shore. About Albatross They have nasal tubes on the upper bill called naricorns, though with albatrosses these are on the sides of the upper mandible rather than the top. They also have a salt gland above the nasal passage which excretes a concentrated saline solution to maintain osmotic balance, due…
27 July, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
SNOW LEOPARD A study on snow leopards has thrown up interesting insights into the elusive mountain cat and its prey species by the Zoological Survey of India. The studies highlighted the relationship between habitat uses by Snow Leopard, Siberian ibex and blue sheep under the National Mission on Himalayan by Zoological Survey of India. It mainly aimed at examining how the predator used habitat in the presence or absence of its prey species and vice-versa. The key highlight of the study It was found that the likelihood of detecting a snow leopard will increase if the place is also a…
26 July, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
RED PANDA An ambitious program has been started by the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan zoological park to release 20 Red Pandas in about five years to the forest. About Red Panda In the world, there are only two different panda species the Giant pandas and the Red pandas. The red panda is the state animal of Sikkim. India is the home to both subspecies of Panda which is the Himalayan red panda and the Chinese red panda, both found in the forest of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and the northern mountains of Myanmar and Southern China. Red pandas are shy, solitary, and arboreal…
13 July, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
Tiger Reserves in India About Tiger Reserves: Tiger Reserves are protected areas that aim at conserving the habitat to ensure a viable population of the tigers along with their prey base in their habitat. Declared by: Tigers Reserves are declared by the National Tiger Conservation Authority via Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act,2006 under Project Tiger. Project Tiger: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Government of India launched in 1973. It aims for in-situ conservation of wild tigers in designated tiger reserves. To declare an area…
22 January, 2022
Wildlife & Fauna
Common survey to count elephants and tigers Why in news? From December, India will move to a system that will count tigers and elephants as part of a common survey in 2022. This will be for the first time that Tiger and Elephants will be counted in a single survey. The tiger survey is usually held once in four years and elephants are counted once in five years. According to the most recent 2018-19 survey, there were 2,997 tigers in India. According to the last count in 2017, there were 29,964 elephants in India. Since 2006, the Wildlife Institute of India…
13 August, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
Everything about: Elephants Asiatic Elephant Asiatic Elephant is Endangered in IUCN; Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act and Appendix I of CITES. Elephants are National Heritage animals. World Elephant Day = 12 Aug, 2017. Elephant Reserves (ER are declared by Center) Singhbhum ER in JH is the 1st ER of India. Karnataka has the highest Elephants followed by Assam & Kerala. Singphan ER = Nagaland. (Other Protected Areas in NG = Itangki NP, Fakim WS, Pulibadze WS, Rangapahar WS). Manas NP is also an Elephant reserve. Elephant Corridors Elephant Corridors are narrow strips of land that connect 2 large habitats of Elephants. Elephant corridors are crucial to reducing animal fatalities due to accidents and other…
25 July, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
Everything about Coral Reefs Coral Polyp is a living animal living in a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae. Corals are actually white and they receive their colours and Energy from zooxanthellae algae. The coral polyp provides Algae with a Protected Environment. Productivity of Estuaries > Swamp, Marshes, Wetlands > Coral Reefs > Equatorial and Tropical rainforests > Savannah. Coral reefs are CaCO3 (Limestone) material. The majority of corals are found in tropical and subtropical water, there are also deepwater corals in colder regions. Coral belongs to the class Anthozoa in the animal phylum Cnidaria, which includes sea anemones and jellyfish. Unlike sea anemones, corals secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons that support and protect…
28 June, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
Operation Olivia Every year, the Indian Coast Guard’s “Operation Olivia”, initiated in the early 1980s, helps protect Olive Ridley turtles as they congregate along the Odisha coast for breeding and nesting from November to December. The Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) is listed as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red list. All five species of sea turtles found in India are included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and in Appendix I of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora which prohibits trade in turtle products by…
13 June, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
186 elephants were killed on rail tracks in over 10 years Asiatic Elephant Asiatic Elephant is Endangered in IUCN; Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act and Appendix I of CITES. Elephants are National Heritage animals. World Elephant Day = 12 Aug, 2017. Elephant Reserves (ER are declared by the Center) Singhbhum ER in JH is the 1st ER in India. Karnataka has the highest Elephants followed by Assam & Kerala. Singphan ER = Nagaland. (Other Protected Areas in NG = Itangki NP, Fakim WS, Pulibadze WS, Rangapahar WS). Manas NP is also an Elephant reserve. Elephant Corridors Elephant Corridots are narrow strips of land that connect 2 large habitats of Elephants. Elephant corridors are crucial…
15 May, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
Recent Dolphin Census Report Released The Odisha State Forest and Environment Department released the final data on the dolphin census that covered almost the entire coast of Odisha. Key Findings: The number of dolphins increased by 311 in Odisha taking the total number up to 544 Dolphins. In the 2020 census, there were a total of 233 dolphins in the Odisha state. Census recorded three species of Dolphins: Irrawaddy, bottle-nose, and humpback dolphins. Irrawaddy Dolphins: The population of Irrawaddy dolphins jumps from 146 in 2020 to 162 this year. These Dolphins mostly reside in Chilika lake. Apart from Chilika, 39…
13 April, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
New Small Freshwater Fish found- Schistura Hiranyakeshi It is a new small freshwater fish species discovered near Amboli in Sawantwadi tehsil of Sindhudurg district. It is a rare sub-species of Schistura, a freshwater loach. Named after the Hiranyakeshi River near Amboli village, this fish is a colourful fish that lives in water and streams in an abundance of oxygen. It was important to conserve this species as it might face extinction due to fishing activities. Jammu and Kashmir Lakes Srinagar’s Dal Lake along with five other ones- Wular Lake, Nigeen Lake in the Kashmir region; Sanasar Lake, Manasbal Lake and Purmandal…
03 April, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
Culex Mosquito With the change in season and rise in temperature, culex or common house mosquitoes have made reappearance across Delhi. Unlike Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread dengue and chikungunya and breed in clean water, culex mosquitoes breed in unclean stagnant water. Culex mosquitoes are known as carriers or vectors of diseases such as Japanese encephalitis, West Nile Virus and Lymphatic filariasis. They bite by detecting body heat and carbon dioxide that humans exhale.
02 April, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
A group of lepidopterists discovers a new species of butterfly. It was named as “Nacaduba Sinhala Ramaswamii Sadasivan”. Note: A lepidopterist is a person who specializes in studying butterflies and moths. About the New Species: It is a Line Blue Butterfly Species that belongs to the Nacaduba genus group. Line Blues are small butterflies belonging to the subfamily Lycaenidae. Their distribution ranges from India and Sri Lanka to the whole of southeastern Asia, Australia and Samoa. This butterfly species was discovered in the Agasthyamalai in the Western Ghats a decade ago. But now it found a place in the Journal of Threatened…
02 April, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
National Award for Excellence in Forestry The National Award of Excellence for Outstanding Research in Forestry for the year 2019 has been awarded to Kannan C S Warrier, a scientist at the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB). This award is conferred by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). The award has been awarded to Kannan C S Warrier for releasing three salt-tolerant productive clones of Casuarina that are suitable for salt-affected soils, for the first time in the country. India has 6.73 million hectares of salt-affected land and is also the largest producer of Casuarina in the world which makes the production of these…
01 April, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
New Red Alga found in the Arabian Sea Two new species of red seaweed - Hypnea indica and Hypnea bullata - have been discovered by marine biologists from the Central University of Punjab (The genus Hypnea includes red seaweeds.) Hypnea indica - Discovered from Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, and Somnath Pathan and Sivrajpur in Gujarat. Hypnea bullata - Discovered from the Kanyakumari and Diu islands of Daman and Diu. Another species, Hypnea nidifica, has been found for the first time on Indian coasts. The genus Hypnea consists of calcareous, erect, branched red seaweeds. They grow in the intertidal regions of…
31 March, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
Tulips in Jammu & Kashmir The Prime Minister through a tweet asked everyone to visit a tulip garden in Jammu and Kashmir. The garden is located at the foothills of the Zabarwan range. About the Tulip Garden: The tulip garden is located at the foothills of the Zabarwan range. It is Asia’s largest tulip garden, spreading over an area of about 30 hectares. This garden is home to more than 64 varieties of tulips in bloom. It was started in 2007 to boost floriculture and tourism in Kashmir Valley. About Zabarwan Range: It is a short sub-mountain range between Pir…
26 March, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
Seabuckthorn Plantations in Himachal Pradesh The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to start Sea Buckthorn Plantation in the cold desert areas. About Sea buckthorn: It is a shrub that produces an orange-yellow coloured edible berry. It is found above the tree line in the Himalayan region. It is generally in dry areas such as the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti. It is locally called Himalayan chharma and grows in the wild in Lahaul and Spiti and parts of Kinnaur. Benefits of Seabuckthorn Plantation: It is used as a medicine for treating stomach, heart, and skin problems. It is rich in…
18 March, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
Project RE-HAB-National Honey Mission An initiative of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Project RE-HAB (Reducing Elephant-Human Attacks using Bees) intends to create “bee fences” to thwart elephant attacks in human habitations using honeybees. Project RE-HAB is a sub-mission of KVIC’s National Honey Mission. That is how the authorities intend to mitigate human-elephant conflict that seems to continue unabated in Kodagu and other parts of south Karnataka region. A pilot project launched in Kodagu entails installing bee boxes along the periphery of the forest and the villages with the belief that the elephants will not venture anywhere close to…
16 March, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
The flowering of Bamboos in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve The gregarious flowering of bamboo inside the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the nearby Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Gudalur forest division in Tamil Nadu. The life cycle of bamboo: Bamboo is a monocarpic (flowering occurs only once in the life cycle) plant belonging to the Poaceae family (grass family), and its flowering cycle varies from 40 to 60 years. The Bamboo flowers and die. Regeneration occurs from seeds after gregarious flowering. Seeds have no dormancy, and they can undergo germination under favourable conditions soon after seed fall. The bamboo groves in the Wayanad forest…
15 March, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
Invasive Earthworm Species Found in Karnataka An exotic and highly invasive earthworm Amynthas Alexandria has been collected and reported for the first time from Karnataka. They are medium-to-large-sized, fast-moving worms, which have practically inhabited all the districts of Kerala. Their original home is in Southeast Asia.
08 March, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
Black-browed Babbler After a long time, a solitary black-browed babbler was spotted in south-eastern Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo. This small brown-grey songbird was stout, with a relatively short tail and a robust bill with a black eye stripe running all the way around its head. This bird is often called 'the biggest enigma in Indonesian ornithology.' IUCN Red List - “Data Deficient” category.
03 March, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
Leatherback Sea Turtle It is the largest of the seven species of sea turtles. Other species are: Olive Ridley turtle, Green turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Loggerhead turtle, Leatherback turtle Except the Loggerhead, the remaining four species nest along the Indian coast. It is found in all oceans except the Arctic and the Antarctic. Within the Indian Ocean, they nest only in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is the only living species in the genus Dermochelys and the family Dermochelyidae. It can easily be differentiated from other modern sea turtles by its lack of a bony shell. …
16 February, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
Romulus’ Krait: New Species of Snake A study of snakes in southern and western India has identified a new species of snake. Named the Romulus’ krait (Bungarus romulusi) after the ‘snake man of India’, Romulus Whittaker, the species has so far remained undetected because of its similarity in appearance to the common krait (B. caeruleus) and only a careful genetic analysis revealed that the two were distinct species. The study also showed that some kraits in Maharashtra that were misidentified as the Wall’s Sind krait were actually the same as the Sind krait which is also found in parts of Pakistan…
24 January, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
How do butterflies fly with such small bodies and large wings? Unlike any other flying animal, butterflies have unusually short, broad and large wings relative to their body size. By studying the aerodynamics of butterflies in a wind tunnel, researchers have now answered this question which has confused lepidopterologists (who study moths and butterflies) for years. The results suggested that butterflies use a clap technique which helps them take off rapidly. “When the wings clap together, the air between the wings is pressed out, creating a jet, pushing the animal in the opposite direction,” explains the paper published on Wednesday…
24 January, 2021
Wildlife & Fauna
500-METRE-TALL CORAL REEF Scientists have discovered a detached coral reef in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia taller than the Empire State Building of the United States. About the reef The newly discovered reef adds to the seven other tall detached reefs in the world. This includes Raine Island. Raine Island is the most important Green Sea Turtle nesting area in the world. What are Detached reefs? Detached reefs are the reefs that are bedded to the ocean floor but are not a part of the main body of the Great Barrier Reef. The newly found detached reef has great potential for…
12 November, 2020
Wildlife & Fauna
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