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(January 10, 2025) Forest Department launches app to enhance sea turtle conservation efforts | The Hindu The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has launched the “Tamil Nadu Turtle Guardians" mobile app to track sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases, improving data collection and conservation. During a workshop, experts stressed the need to address habitat loss and protect both nesting sites and migration routes for effective sea turtle conservation.    Government eyes recognising...

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(December 20, 2024) Ganges river dolphin tagged for the first time in India | The Hindu A male Ganges river dolphin from Assam's Kulsi River has been tagged for the first time under India's Project Dolphin to study its migratory patterns, range, and habitat use. The initiative, led by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with Aaranyak and the Assam Forest Department, uses lightweight Argos satellite-compatible tags designed to minimise interference with dolphin movement. The initiative aims ...

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(December 16, 2024) The following content is compiled from publicly available sources and does not represent the views of WCS-India. Reported species in seizure incidents may differ from actual occurrences due to challenges in verifying species identification, geographical differences, and varying levels of detail in local reporting. Please interpret this information within the newsletter with caution, as it may not always reflect precise or validated identification.   We collected and collated 52 illegal w...

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(December 13, 2024) Lion-tailed macaques navigate twin hurdles | Mongabay Lion-tailed macaques in Valparai, Tamil Nadu, face challenges from habitat fragmentation and increasing human settlements, adapting through behavioural changes like foraging in human areas and relying on anthropogenic foods. A study highlights rare alloparenting and rising twinning prevalence but notes increased risks of accidents, health issues, and human hostility. Experts recommend restoring habitat connectivity and improving forest pat...

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(December 06, 2024) African openbill stork makes a rare visit to Kerala’s kole fields | The Hindu The African openbill stork has been officially added to India’s bird species, increasing Kerala's avian diversity to 558 species. Spotted by birdwatcher Subin K.S. in the Kanjani Kole fields, this marks the first recorded sighting of the African openbill in Kerala. Native to Africa, the species was previously recorded in Oman and Saudi Arabia within the Asian subcontinent, but its presence in India w...

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(November 29, 2024) No-fuss approach to food helps golden jackals thrive | Mongabay A study on golden jackals reveals their adaptability through a diverse diet helping them survive in varied habitats and higher altitudes. This adaptation is influenced by climate change and the availability of food. Scat analysis in Kashmir’s Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary highlights their reliance on animal matter and human leftovers, emphasising their ecological role and the need for research on interactions with other meso-p...

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(November 22, 2024) Coral bleaching in Great Barrier Reef: Extreme heat, cyclones recede coral cover on 12 out of 19 surveyed reefs | Down to Earth Extreme heat, cyclones, and flooding between December 2023 and March 2024 caused significant coral cover losses on 12 of 19 surveyed reefs in the northern Great Barrier Reef, with the Cooktown-Lizard Island sector experiencing a 39-year record decline. Surveys revealed 73% of reefs bleached, severely affecting fast-growing Acropora sp. and highlighting the reef's...

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(November 15, 2024) Second tigress from Tadoba reaches Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha | The New Indian Express A second tigress from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has been translocated to Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha to enhance genetic diversity and bolster its tiger population. The three-year-old tigress, radio-collared and under observation, will be soft-released into an enclosure before its eventual release into the wild. STR authorities plan to relocate four more tiger...

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(November 13, 2024) The following content is compiled from publicly available sources and does not represent the views of WCS-India. Reported species in seizure incidents may differ from actual occurrences due to challenges in verifying species identification, geographical differences, and varying levels of detail in local reporting. Please interpret this information within the newsletter with caution, as it may not always reflect precise or validated identification.  We collected and collated 42 illegal wi...

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(November 08, 2024) 25 out of 75 tigers in Ranthambore National Park missing over last year, say officials | The Hindu Ranthambore National Park has reported 25 of its 75 tigers missing over the past year, marking the highest number recorded within such a period. A committee has been formed to investigate potential park management lapses, with monitoring gaps and overcrowding issues identified as contributing factors. The committee will deliver its findings in two months, while efforts to reduce pressure on the ...

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