Drones take wildlife conservation to new heights | Mongabay
Drones enhance wildlife conservation by aiding habitat surveys, animal tracking, and population estimation while reducing human effort and costs. Researchers highlight their role in studying elusive species and improving data accuracy. Challenges include battery limitations, high costs, and responsible usage to minimise wildlife disturbance.
Tiger population in India increased by 30% over past two decades: NCBS study | The Hindu
India’s tiger population increased by 30% over two decades, driven by conservation laws, protected areas, and sustainable land-use practices. The study highlights economic prosperity and cultural values as key factors in tiger recovery, while conflict-affected regions see declines. Researchers recommend expanding protected areas, strengthening anti-poaching measures, and improving human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
Forest Dept. develops cost-effective radio collars to track elephant movements | The Hindu
The Karnataka Forest Department has developed cost-effective, lightweight radio collars to track elephant movements, reducing reliance on expensive imported versions. The new collars, priced at ₹1.8 lakh each, are eco-friendly and enhance data security. They will be used in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan to monitor elephant herds. Similar collars for tigers and leopards are in development.
Record numbers of migratory birds flock to Himachal’s Pong Dam Lake, wildlife census reveals | The Indian Express
The 2025 bird census at Himachal Pradesh’s Pong Dam Lake recorded 1,53,719 birds across 97 species, with 1,44,371 migratory birds. Bar-headed geese numbers surged to 90,959 from 37,501 in 2024, aided by lower water levels creating new feeding grounds. Conducted by over 100 participants, the survey highlights the lake’s growing importance as a wintering site. A new Interpretation Centre was inaugurated to promote conservation awareness.
Two Kaziranga wetlands yield more birds than many Ramsar sites in India | The Hindu
Kaziranga’s latest census recorded 1,12,062 birds from 124 species, surpassing many Ramsar sites. The Rowmari-Donduwa wetlands alone hosted 47,133 birds, exceeding Deepor Beel and Loktak Lake. Notable sightings included the critically endangered Baer’s Pochard and first-time visitors. The bar-headed goose had the highest count at 20,845.