Conservation Archives -

How the elusive otter has made its home in Goa’s mangroves

Human-dominated mangroves are far from what is considered an ideal environment for otters. And yet this estuarine island on India’s western coast is home to a thriving population of the threatened smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata). Recent studies of this elusive species living in the brackish waters of Chorao island—far from the freshwater sources that otters are typically believed to rely on—offer new insights into otter behaviour that could inform future conservation efforts.

Mongabay 18/03/2019

How to keep conservation policies from backfiring in a globally connected world

In a global economy, passing laws to conserve forests, fisheries or other natural resources can simply shift demand for those goods to other countries or regions where they aren’t as well protected.

The Conversation 22/02/2019

Swimming camels, mangrove islands of Kutch face mounting challenges

The Kharai camels of Kutch are dependent on mangroves for their food, and during monsoons, swim to mangrove islands in hordes. Widespread industrialisation along the coastlines of Kutch has destroyed mangroves and the swimming routes of the camels.

Mongabay 16/01/2019

India’s sharks and rays: an ancient species on the brink of extinction

Across the planet, entire populations of sharks and rays are being overfished, in some cases leading them to the brink of extinction. The situation is particularly grim in the Arabian Sea where, according to a new study, over 50 percent of the shark species found in these waters are threatened. And as one of the top shark fishing nations in the world, India is leading the charge.

Mongabay 13/12/2018

As Arctic ship traffic increases, narwhals and other unique animals are at risk

A recent study assessed the vulnerability of 80 populations of Arctic marine mammals during the “open-water” period of September, when sea ice is at its minimum extent, to understand the relative risks of vessel traffic across Arctic marine mammal species, populations and regions. The study found that more than half (53 percent) of these populations – including walruses and several types of whales – would be exposed to vessels in Arctic sea routes. This could lead to collisions, noise disturbance or changes in the animals’ behaviour.

The Conversation 13/11/2018

‘Citizen science can help reduce wildlife mortality’

In an interview with Manu Moudgil, Dr. Andheria (President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust) talks about various aspects of wildlife conservation, including mitigation measures along linear infrastructure, fragmentation of forests and implementation of the Forest Rights Act.

Mongabay 15/10/2018

China’s primates could disappear by end of this century, study warns

China has some 25 species of primates, of which 15 to 18 have fewer than 3,000 individuals surviving in the wild, according to a new study. Expanding suitable habitat for primates is critical, the researchers say, as is prioritising a network of protected corridors that can connect isolated primate subpopulations. By Shreya Dasgupta Most primates in China could be wiped out by the end of this century, a new study warns. China is the second-most primate-rich country in Asia, with 25 known species of non-human primates, including lorises, macaques, langurs, snub-nosed monkeys, and gibbons. Since the 1950s, though, primate populations have declined drastically,

Mongabay 27/09/2018

Kerala Flood Of 2018 Less Intense Than Deluge Of 1924: So Why Was Damage As Great?

So why was the flood of 2018 as devastating as the 3,368 mm rainfall that Kerala received 94 years ago? That’s because Kerala has reduced its capacity to deal with such extreme floods by allowing illegal stone quarrying, cutting down forests and grasslands, changing drainage patterns and sand mining on river beds, said experts.

India Spend 26/08/2018

Climate change increases human-wildlife conflict in Sikkim

Recent changes in climatic conditions in the heavily forested Himalayan state of Sikkim could be fuelling human-wildlife conflict around protected areas in the province.

India Climate Dialogue 16/08/2018

Is the upcoming Char Dham highway speeding towards environmental disaster?

The upcoming 900 kilometre-long Char Dham highway project, is being seen as a strategic attempt to bolster preparation of India’s security forces at the India-China border, apart from increasing tourist volume. But while it will facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims and defence forces, it could be at the cost of the environment in the fragile hill state. According to experts, unchecked construction of the all-weather highway may end up triggering disasters in the ecologically sensitive Uttarakhand region.

Mongabay 13/08/2018

Category: Conservation

How the elusive otter has made its home in Goa’s mangroves

How to keep conservation policies from backfiring in a globally connected world

Swimming camels, mangrove islands of Kutch face mounting challenges

India’s sharks and rays: an ancient species on the brink of extinction

As Arctic ship traffic increases, narwhals and other unique animals are at risk

‘Citizen science can help reduce wildlife mortality’

China’s primates could disappear by end of this century, study warns

Kerala Flood Of 2018 Less Intense Than Deluge Of 1924: So Why Was Damage As Great?

Climate change increases human-wildlife conflict in Sikkim

Is the upcoming Char Dham highway speeding towards environmental disaster?

Dig Deeper

Why your tourist toilet habits are bad for locals – and the environment

Why land degradation in India has increased and how to deal with it

Why it’s time to curb widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Why fishermen fear Netravati river diversion

Why does Nemo the clownfish have three white stripes? The riddle solved at last

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