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(May 03, 2024) Tamil Nadu, Kerala to count Nilgiri tahrs in first synchronized survey from April 29 | The Hindu The Forest Departments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are jointly conducting a synchronised census to assess the population of the Nilgiri tahr using advanced survey techniques. This extensive initiative engages 700 individuals and aims to provide valuable baseline data for conservation efforts. The survey covers contiguous habitats in both states, focusing on areas with significant tahr populations, wi...

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(April 19, 2024) The following content is collected from public information and does not represent the views of WCS-India.  Important Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) news from India 1. Mizoram’s State Excise and Narcotics Department seized 98 kg of pangolin scales at a checkpoint in Vairengte, Kolasib District, Mizoram. The accused who was driving a cab from Shillong to Aizawl was from Assam’s Cachar District. The contraband was passed on as smoked pork. Link 1, Link 2,  Link 3 2....

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(April 19, 2024) Kyasanur Forest Disease: A ticking health bomb in the Western Ghats | Mongabay Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a tick-borne illness that poses a significant threat in the Malenadu region of Karnataka and neighbouring states along the Western Ghats due to conducive environmental conditions and human activities like deforestation. The withdrawal of KFD vaccine as the primary defence against the disease has left residents and health workers vulnerable to its spread, exacerbating the urgency of ...

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(April 12, 2024) Delhi forest dept to create SOP to tackle leopards in urban spaces | Hindustan Times  The Delhi Forest Department plans to establish a standard operating procedure (SOP) to manage leopard encounters in urban areas after an incident in Jagatpur. They plan to conduct sensitisation programs across Delhi, starting with training for forest staff. The aim is to educate locals in identifying leopards and appropriate measures to take, emphasising the dangers of provoking or attacking them to pre...

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(April 05, 2024) Dr. Aaron Savio Lobo and Dr. Avadhoot Velankar from WCS-India's Marine Programme participated in the national consultative workshop on the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME Phase 2) project held in Chennai from 21st to 23rd March 2024. It was jointly organised by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO) and IUCN, and supported by GOI, FAO, GEF, and NORAD.  Over 80 stakeholders from various government units and NGOs came together to share i...

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(April 05, 2024) Walls come down to make way for elephants | Mongabay Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. (NRL) is demolishing its boundary wall in Deopahar, Assam following a Gauhati High Court order to restore an elephant corridor. The wall's obstruction has sparked a decade-long legal battle, with environmental activists like Rohit Choudhury advocating for its removal. The victory is hailed as a significant win for wildlife conservation, allowing free movement for elephants and preserving the biodiversity of the ...

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(March 22, 2024) Arunachal tribe donates land for critically endangered songbird Bugun Liocichla | Deccan Herald Buguns, a tribal community in Arunachal Pradesh, donated 1,470 hectares of forest land to the state forest department to protect the critically endangered Bugun Liocichla. With only 14 individuals spotted, conservation efforts are critical. This effort marks a significant step towards protecting this unique species and promoting tourism.   Wildcats found in India gain international conse...

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(March 18, 2024) The following content is collected from public information and does not represent the views of WCS-India.   Important Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) news from India:  In a joint operation by Mizoram Forest Department and Assam Rifles, 49 exotic wild animals were seized in Champhai. The media report mentions the species seized, which include Solomon Cockatoo (10), Posque’s Parrot (2), Marmoset Monkey (2), and unidentified turtle (9), snake (10), lizard (16) species. Th...

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(March 15, 2024) Rehabilitating trafficked star tortoises using genetic intelligence | Mongabay Recent research reveals two genetically distinct populations of Indian star tortoises, challenging previous assumptions and indicating moderate to high genetic diversity. This insight can guide rehabilitation efforts by releasing trafficked tortoises into habitats where they are genetically suited, enhancing their chances of survival.  Human-wildlife conflicts: Karnataka, Kerala ink pact | Hindustan Times...

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(March 14, 2024) Dr. Aaron Savio Lobo, Head of the Marine programme at WCS-India participated in the WCS Global Shark Conservation Meet held in Belize between 26 February – 1 March 2024. He presented the overall strategy of the marine programme in India and provided an update on the programme´s shark and ray work in India. Approximately 50 participants attended the meeting, including WCS marine representatives, global marine directors, partner NGOs, and the IUCN SCC Shark Specialist Group Chai...

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