India Eco Watch: Major ecological happenings of the week (May 6-12)

Down To Earth brings you the top happenings in the world of Indian ecology, botany and zoology

Mammalian threads

A treatise on how science came to grasp evolution in mammals

India adopts SAWEN statute against wildlife crimes

The Union Cabinet headed by the prime minister, gave its approval for adopting the statute

Why environmental crimes are rising in India

There has been a 78 per cent increase in the number of environmental crimes in the country between 2019 and 2020. At the same time, courts are …

Human-wildlife conflict among greatest threats to animal species: WWF and UNEP report

Problem as much a development and humanitarian issue as a conservation concern, it says

Radio-tracking drone to aid wildlife census

A drone developed by a few researchers has successfully detected some tiny radio transmitters

Minister names deceased ornithologist as member of National Board for Wildlife  

The board, chaired by the Prime Minister, has not met since 2014

Is India turning into a death bed for the last remaining South Asian tigers?

If the government does not wake up now and take corrective measures; Indian forests, wildlife and biodiversity have a very slim chance of recovery

Three in every five wildlife crimes in Europe go unpunished: Report

Birds were the species most targeted in wildlife crimes

COVID-19: Surge in illegal wildlife trading amid nationwide lockdown

Poaching incidents reported in Karnataka and Maharashtra

Increasing human footprint cutting Antarctica wilderness: Study

Data from 2.7 million records show how human activity has risen in Antarctica over the last 200 years

Kaziranga braces to curb human-wildlife conflict ahead of monsoon

Water levels rise inside the park every year, prompting animals to move highlands in areas of heavy settlements

Elephant crushed by train in Odisha’s Sambalpur

This is the 29th such death in Odisha in a decade  and the second death in Sambalpur district within a month

Wildlife Week: Improved fielding can help overcome sour relations at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Human-wildlife conflict has led to strained relationships between villagers and forest staff

Bimstec: An opportunity to conserve wildlife and biodiversity

The regional alliance can promote an international model for close collaboration, cooperation, coordination and communication in the protection …

How pumped storage project inside Sharavathi Valley can threaten lion-tailed macaque

Sharavathi is one of the most exploited rivers in India; it flows for 132 km, but 4 major power projects on it produce 40% of all hydroelectric …

Land use change major cause behind biodiversity loss, finds WWF report

Asia Pacific region lost 45% of its vertebrate population in four-and-half decades, while the global average was 68%

Can’t do without support: Wildlife Institute chief writes to environment ministry

The Union finance ministry on September 30, 2020 recommended that MoEF&CC ‘disengage’ from five autonomous institutions, including&…

Climbing the machan: Poverty and animal conflict in Karnataka

Human-wildlife conflict is a monumental issue for farmers living in subsistence, conflict with wild animals disproportionately impacts the poor

Privilege motion against forest secretary

Relocate sensibly

It has never been based on any scientific forest-specific study

COVID-19: Experts raise concerns over China's measures to prevent illegal wildlife trade

China asks public for comments on a list of animals that can be traded legally

Report flags violations in creation of India’s first critical wildlife habitats

CWH notification was first initiated in 54 of Maharashtra’s 55 protected areas, where rights of forest dwellers can be recognised under …