Stories
Highlighting engaging accounts of our biodiversity and its protection
1,176 Stories
Himalayan Pikas' Winter Plans Dependent on Weather
Research reveals that Ladakh and Nubra pikas, each with distinct ‘personalities’, wait for specific weather cues before food caching, at the same time, exhibit significant differences in the size and structure of their haypiles
Trailing the Spiny-tailed Lizard in Kachchh, Gujarat
In Nakhatrana, Gujarat, a small community initiative to save spiny-tailed lizards and prevent them being hunting has helped revive their population
Sacred Stripes: Reverence for Waghoba in Central India
Waghoba worship and accepting the tiger as a clan deity are common practices among various Central Indian communities. Statues are often placed at village entrances both to commemorate those killed by tigers and to protect the village from future attacks
Van Majdoors: Unsung Heroes of the Indian Conservation Regime
Thousands of forest labourers form the true backbone of the Indian forest and protected area management system and yet, their contributions go largely unnoticed
Mote Majra: Making a Case for an Unkempt Swamp
How ragged urban wetlands like Mote Majra in Mohali are a city’s unlikely, unsung heroes
Arunachal’s birds: Canary in the Coalmine
Birds in this biodiversity hotspot are shifting their ranges upslope, signalling serious ecological damage in the eastern Himalayas. Alarmed at the change, local people are actively participating in conservation efforts
A Match Made in Heaven: Traditional Wisdom and Modern Science
Community members monitoring ecology in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods to monitor climate impacts on their forests, rivers, and farms
The Wild Elephants of the Andaman Islands
Elephants introduced to the Andaman Islands escaped captivity or were released into the jungle on occasions. These feral elephants are now found on Interview Island and North Andaman
Scarlet Finch: Dazzling Red Feathers
With males sporting such arresting red plumage, it’s no surprise that this small passerine bird is on the bucket list of many birdwatchers in north and Northeast India
Asian Koels: The Songsters of Summer
In the summer months, the koel calls out day and night, from the dense foliage of trees it hides in. While some urban dwellers find the calls “annoying”, artists, poets, birdwatchers and researchers have long been fascinated with this shy, vocal bird
The Guide: Malvan Marine Sanctuary
The turbid nearshore waters of the Konkan coast harbour a little-known ecosystem. Come for the beaches and delicious food, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the resilient and diverse reefs of India’s southwestern coastline
A Python, an Anaconda, and the Dream of Starting a Snake Park in India
Romulus Whitaker has had a lifelong love affair with snakes and other wild reptiles. His latest book ‘Snakes, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll: My Early Years’, authored by Janaki Lenin, is a candid and wild memoir of his younger days
Winged Wonders of Kadalundi-Vallikunnu Community Reserve
Where the Kadalundi River meets the Arabian Sea in Kerala, community engagement in conserving migratory birds and other wetland creatures has created India’s first riverfront community reserve and an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers
Oriental Magpie-robin: The Tropical Maestro
Male magpie-robins have a variety of calls and songs and may even imitate notes from other birds. They are most vocal during the breeding season, when they also strut, chest-puff, flare their tail, and fiercely guard their territories
Easy Riders: Cruising with the Currents
The ocean is constantly moving drifters like jellies, comb jellies, salps, as well as trash, between sites, regions, and across the world
Harnessing the Power of AI to Combat Human-wildlife Conflict in Tadoba
An innovative early warning system introduced at villages in the Tadoba-Andhari landscape in eastern Maharashtra has helped mitigate human-wildlife conflict and achieve zero casualties in those places where the system is installed
Ornament, Armament, and Aggression: The Forgotten Beauty of Females
The current evolutionary understanding of sexual selection explains male traits and tendencies as competition for reproductive opportunities. Female extravagance, however, does not completely fit this narrative
Industrial Effluents Claim Fish Lives in Periyar
The fish mortality was caused by the opening of the gates at the Pathalam regulator-bridge upstream, leading to the release of polluted water
Neglected Mammal and Bird Pollinators in the Spotlight
Scientists highlight the role of mammals such as bats and squirrels as economically important pollinators at a time their population is declining
Smugglers Target Otters in Northeast India
In May, four otter skins were seized in Dhemaji district, Assam, highlighting that otter trade, particularly of the fur, is rampant in the northeast.
Nature’s Artists: The World of Potter Wasps
Potter wasps exhibit remarkable nesting plasticity, adapting to various environments and utilising different materials to create secure spaces for their offspring
Observation as an Antidote to Intolerance
When curiosity replaces fear, a whole new world opens up
The Scientist Who Speaks to Elephants
In her latest book for kids Planet Protectors: Stories of Green Heroes, author Bahar Dutt takes the reader on an adventure to meet real-life heroes of nature conservation
Living on the Edge: The Pir Panjal Markhor
The world’s largest wild goats, among the most elusive large mammals in India, need protection, and so do their guardians
Mantis Shrimp: Eye-popping Predators of Reefs and Seagrass Meadows
With superhero-like vision and strength and lightning-fast movements, mantis shrimp are formidable marine predators
Sal: The Robust Timber Tree
The sal’s flowers, leaves, and wood are considered sacred and medicinal in some parts of India. But it is its straight, wide trunk circumference, massive height, and resistance to termites that make it most valuable
Hispid Hare Left With Nowhere to Go
A new study provides insights into the distribution of the elusive and shy hispid hare, emphasising the growing threats of climate change, habitat loss and land cover changes
Birding Around the Salt Pans of Tuticorin
The nutrient-rich, shallow waters of the salt pans of Thoothukudi are interspersed with vegetation, forming a unique habitat that attracts a vast range of birds
Central Asian Lynx Recorded in Kargil
A subspecies of the Eurasian lynx, the individual was captured on a camera trap in the Rangdum area of Kargil district at the altitude of 4,154 m above sea level
Little to Celebrate for Koraput Tribal Communities as Forest Commons Dwindle
Indigenous communities in Odisha’s Koraput district have observed a steady degradation of forest commons due to anthropogenic activities as well as climate change
India’s Western Coastline Under a Fish Knife
Fish stocks in the Arabian Sea, off India’s western coast, have been declining rapidly. While policymakers need to act fast to ensure we have fish for decades to come, consumers can be aware and do their bit too
Save the Whale Sharks of the Lakshadweep Islands
The largest fish in our oceans has thrived in the pristine waters of the Lakshadweep islands, but unregulated large-scale fishing, dumping of waste, and increased ship traffic have disturbed the reefs and the marine diversity of this region
Small Cats Meow to Nobody’s Notice
A review paper on the ecology and current status of nine small felids in India flags declining conservation status
Shrimp Farming Transforming Land Use in Sundarbans
The Sundarbans region of India has experienced a significant shift from traditional agriculture to shrimp aquaculture due to erratic weather and increasing global demand for shrimp
Dashing Damselflies: Aerialists in an Arthropod Circus
In the fascinating world of damselflies, discover elaborate courtship displays, accessory genitalia, cannibalism, and even a unique lock-and-key mechanism that prevents cross-mating among related species
Delicate Balance: Agro-pastoral Life in the Spiti Valley
In the fragile ecological landscape of the high Himalayas in Spiti, local communities have found sustainable ways of encouraging tourism and generating livelihoods that are respectful of the environment and local culture
Shadowing Elephants: The Story of Kallar
The Kallar Corridor is a narrow habitat that allows for the movement of animals from one protected area to another. However, National Highway 181 and numerous other factors still severely restrict animal movement. Keeping the corridor a coexistence zone for people and wildlife is an ongoing process
Narcondam Hornbill: Tale of a Rescue
Memories of a chance encounter with the endemic Narcondam hornbill in a dense forest of an isolated tropical island in the southern Bay of Bengal
Mahi Miri: The Forgotten Hero Behind Kaziranga
In the 1930s, Mahi Chandra Miri of the Mising community started some of the earliest measures to stop elephant and rhino poaching. His early conservation initiatives paved the way for the success story that is today’s Kaziranga National Park
Local Rituals Pay Tribute to Muggers Despite Present-day Trials
The annual Maange Thapnee ritual in Ponda, Goa, is an agrarian tradition symbolising the relationship between people and muggers, highlighting the cultural significance of coexistence
Poison in Diet Emerges as Threat to Greater Adjutant Storks
After the population of greater adjutant storks rose in Bhagalpur, Bihar, stork deaths are being noted across the district, due to the consumption of poisoned rats and fish
Where Did the Grassland Birds Go?
The fragmented grasslands of Nannaj, Maharashtra, are witnessing strong declines in specialist birds such as the great Indian bustard, red-necked falcon and great grey shrike
Recollections of Sambelong
The southern islands in the Nicobar archipelago are home to numerous endemic species, which thrive in the secrecy of dark forests. If this rich ecosystem is disturbed, we stand to lose diverse species, some of which may not even have been recorded.
Asir Jawahar Thomas Johnsingh (1945-2024): Farewell Friend, Guide, and Compatriot
Eminent wildlife biologist, field researcher, and pragmatic conservationist AJT Johnsingh was a passionate educator and a good friend to this author and all things wild
Shifting Baselines: A Fish Spawning Aggregation in Lakshadweep
A remote atoll in the northern Lakshadweep archipelago harbours a unique fish spawning aggregation site of squaretail groupers. With commercial reef fisheries having discovered this once-pristine aggregation, unsustainable extraction of resources is now the main story
Animal Rescuers Face an Uphill Battle as Human-wildlife Interactions Rise in Kashmir
There are regular reports of wild bears and leopards in Kashmir, venturing out of forests in search of food, resulting in encounters with humans and their livestock
Wolves Give the Silent Treatment
In landscapes heavily altered by human activity in Maharashtra, a study suggests that the Indian wolf may be adapting by suppressing its iconic howl
Lack of Research Impediment to Otter Conservation in Northeast India
Experts say detailed surveys and research inputs on the species are needed to formulate effective conservation plans
Crofton Weed: The ‘Devil’ Spreading in the Mountains
Labelled a ‘High Concern Invasive Species’, invading moist grasslands and evergreen forests, the Crofton weed is rapidly establishing itself in the Himalayas
Elevational Movements of Himalayan Birds Lend Clues to Improve Conservation Efforts
A study of eBird checklists from 2011 to 2022 suggests that conservation of lower elevation habitats may benefit high elevation birds that move downslope for the winter
Species No Bar for Langurs
Primatologists are finding increased evidence of mixed species associations and hybridisation between Nilgiri and Hanuman langurs in the Western Ghats
Turtle Tales: Conservation Along India’s Coast
At Agonda beach in Goa’s Canacona district, a record 181 olive ridley turtles nested in 2024. The beach also has a hatchery to safeguard eggs and hatchlings from predators, aid research, combat poaching, and offer ecotourism and educational opportunities
The Nutcracker Suite: Fish that Use Tools to Crack Open Shells
The use of tools is not limited to primates and birds. Observers have recorded fish, like wrasses, using corals as anvils to break open and eat juicy sea urchins in Lakshadweep
Bengal Fox: Resilient Canid of Indian Grasslands
Although confined to small, fragmented savanna patches, foxes persist in some grasslands in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district
Ibisbill in Kashmir: Where Boulders Have Wings
Though widespread in other higher regions of Asia, the ibisbill is found only in a few specialised riverine habitats in India, and these are, unfortunately, under significant threat from mining and other human activities
Pingers and an Attempt to Save the Ganges River Dolphin
Can an acoustic device attached to fishing nets save the Ganges river dolphin from becoming bycatch in traditional gillnet fishery?
Sizing the Scavenging Value of Vultures
A new paper captures the value of carcass disposal services provided by vultures and highlights the benefits of investing in captive breeding and vulture safe zone
Remembering Sultanpur: Birding for the Soul
A birder reminisces about spending quality time with the astonishing variety of birds that graced Sultanpur Lake and sanctuary in the 80s and 90s
My Old Friend, the Pipal Pani Tiger
An account of how hunter-naturalist Jim Corbett killed a tiger under the misapprehension that it could become a man-eater
Tadoba Welcomes White-rumped Vultures
As part of a larger plan to revive the decimated vulture populations of India and secure their long-term survival, captive-bred vultures will soon be rewilded in Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
Botanists and Barberies, Palms and Patwas
A group of scientists were looking for rare, endemic, and endangered plants in the Kumaon, to learn about their habitat and geographic distribution, which could also provide clues to their evolutionary origins. Sometimes, they found answers, sometimes not
Garden of Earthly Delight: My Last Wild Place
A little terrace in Bengaluru glows with wildness and tranquillity, and brings home the lesson that your very own Zen garden does not have to be an immaculately tended space
Finding Nature Through the Gift of Our Attention
From observing bird behaviour in an urban garden to tracking butterfly lifecycles on a balcony, we can all build an enduring connection to the natural world
Can a Rare Bird Save a Remote Manipuri Village?
While the locals of Manipur’s Jessami Village have hunted wildlife for generations, the presence of the state bird, Mrs Hume’s pheasant, in their backyard is slowly pushing them to give up hunting and protect its habitat
With the Gaze on Me: Living with the Rhythms and Moods of Nature
Being looked at, witnessed, and experienced by other beings reveals our interbeingness and reassures us of our shared existence
Beetles: Tiny Titans of Pollination
Beetles’ role in pollination is largely unknown though they are globally recognised as early pollinators of primitive flowering plants
The Making of Delhi’s First Bird Lists and Birdwatching Clubs
Sudhir Vyas’ new book ‘The Birds of Delhi Area’ is an essential guide for city birders. Learn how to identify birds, read about the people that documented them and the threats the birds face today. Here’s an excerpt
A Botanical Pilgrimage in the Kumaon Hills
In Uttarakhand, a group of scientists go looking for rare plants in order to gain insights into the distribution of moist and dry habitats in the Himalayas
Human-animal Conflict Triggers Protests and Debates in Wayanad
Wayanad district grapples with escalating wildlife encounters, including fatal incidents involving elephants and tigers
Turbid Seas: A Soup of Minerals and Marine Wonders
Turbid waters represent the ocean in flux as living organisms and abiotic elements are churned around by tides, currents, and waves in a delicate balance that sustains complex lives and processes
Spider Wasps: Solitary Hunters in our Backyards
Known for their size, striking colour, and ability to sting and paralyse their prey, these skilled hunters specialise in capturing spiders to nourish their offspring
Rhinos Rebound in Manas
Rhinos translocated from Kaziranga and Pobitora are thriving at Manas National Park
Invasive Tilapia Reaches the Sea
Recent observations of tilapia in the coastal waters near Devipattinam have prompted an investigation to understand and assess their colonisation patterns
Along the Chambal
In The Cobra’s Gaze, writer Stephen Alter takes us on a journey of discovery through the wild places of India
Conflict vs Coexistence: Mitigating Human-Leopard Interactions
In parts of Uttarakhand, officials of the forest department are implementing a human behavioural change programme among local populations to reduce incidents of human-leopard conflict
The Guide: Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
There are plenty of birds and animals in Aralam, one of the lesser-known sanctuaries in northern Kerala, but the main attraction is undoubtedly its abundance of butterflies
Fields of Fire, Vales of Snow
Dachigam’s assorted forests, grasslands and scrublands are a biodiversity jewel, harbouring a striking profusion of wildlife, including the critically endangered Kashmir stag, protected by a small, dwindling number of frontline staff
Hope in the Land of the Rising Sun: Hunting and the Adis of the Siang River Basin
From practising ritualistic and sustenance hunting, the Adi have now banned it. Recognising the biodiversity crisis, the community is trying hard to revive the harmony between human activity and nature
Admiring the Perfect Blade of Grass
An enchanting short book about a little boy and the relationship he built with nature living in Dehradun under the watchful eye of his granny. Were the seeds of Ruskin Bond’s plentiful oeuvre of inspiring nature writing planted in those early days?
Subtle Showstoppers: Bowled Over by the Monitors in My Yard
Their ancient aura and irreplaceable swagger intact, udumbus or common monitor lizards have proliferated in a little village in Kerala’s backwaters
Palash: An Account of the Flame of the Forest
Fortune, fate, and a peek into the bevvy of springtime visitors that throng the blossoms of the flame of the forest tree
Why the Television Matters for Elephant Conservation
Understanding how people think, feel, and make decisions in the context of human-wildlife interactions is critical for conservation action. Behavioural economics can help navigate these complex systems
As Central Indian Wild Water Buffalo Faces Extinction, can Reintroduction Revive Their Numbers?
As the central Indian wild water buffaloes face extinction, a new study proposes reintroducing genetically similar individuals from northeast India to Kanha Tiger Reserve in central India
Bedazzled by Beaks: Why I Started Birding
Parents tend to be the ones trying to get their children interested in hobbies, but sometimes, it works the other way around
Be My Guest: Bugs in My Bedroom
Welcome and unwelcome guests, ranging from emerald-coloured beetles to moths and butterflies, are not uncommon in this big city bedroom
Crossing Corridors: In the Footsteps of a Tiger
In the face of road expansion and development projects, making space for animal corridors holds the potential to create robust connectivity for various wildlife
Barn Owls: Caught in the Urban Rat Race
Let’s safeguard this apex predator that shares space with us in various landscapes, especially in our cities
Finding Nori: Journey into the Underwater World of Seaweeds
Nearly all marine life depends on the existence of algae (which are all seaweeds), ranging from microscopic phytoplankton to relatively large macroalgae
Charles Darwin’s Frog: Tree-nester in the Andaman Islands
Although it lives on the forest floor, this endemic frog has adapted to nest and breed in tree holes. But its future is threatened by the loss of tree cover
Demand for Shark Meat Fuelled by Restaurants
A survey of seafood restaurants in 10 coastal states of India found that they form an important part of domestic supply chains for shark meat
Population Control of Animals to Resolve Conflict
A new report by the Wildlife Institute of India suggests population control of four species that are most in conflict with humans
Stigmas in Research Revealed as Study Finds More Animals Showing Same-sex Behaviour
Researchers note that stigmas have long prevented scientists from investigating same-sex sexual behaviours in animals or receiving funding to carry out such studies
Birding from a Balcony in Goa
Magpie robins sing, raptors vie for bycatch from fishers’ nets, graceful paradise catchers take a quick dip in the pool — all is well for the avian residents of this tourist haven
Making a Nature Walk Your Own
A nature walk can be rich and satisfying even in the largest cities. Tune your senses, slow down your pace, linger, explore the wild things around you, and embrace nature as part of your daily routine
Dark Knights: Urban Encounters of the Bat Kind
In our cities, bats may roost anywhere — under window shades, overhangs, tree branches, buildings, temples, bridges, tunnels and even the undersides of tiled roofs
A Day in the Life of Wildlife Veterinarian Sanath Muliya
On capturing and collaring wolves in the challenging, high-altitude trans-Himalayan landscape of Spiti
Quest for the Himalayan Giant Honey Bee
The Naga people have mastered the delicate art of braving treacherous cliffs to harvest the honey of Apis laboriosa bees
Does Wildlife Thrive When Human Settlements are Moved Out of a Forest?
An examination of how relocating human settlements from protected areas affects forests and wildlife in Satpura Tiger Reserve
Guitarfish: The Threatened Coastal Cruisers of South Goa
Guitarfish spend most of their time buried and concealed on the seafloor, where these fast movers feed on fish, crabs, prawns and other tiny organisms
Bugun Liocichla: A Quest to See this Rare Gem of the Northeast
The first new bird species to be discovered in India after independence is found only in a tiny, protected area of Arunachal Pradesh
Fireflies: Bioluminescent Beauties Light Up the Trees
Will the neon lights dancing across dark landscapes continue to bedazzle us? Or are these shimmering beetles doomed to disappear from our world?
Karnataka’s Elephantine Problem
State forest department being questioned after celebrated elephant gets killed during an elephant capture operation
Birds of Arunachal Sanctuary Threatened by Loss of Grasslands
The grasslands of Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary are home to the rare Bengal florican and the endemic swamp grass babbler
Oil Spill in Ennore Affects Local Ecology
Crude oil, reportedly from a public sector refining company, has leaked into the Kosasthalaiyar river to the north of Chennai, the Ennore creek, and the Bay of Bengal, thereby polluting the ecosystem
Zoological Survey of India to Use eDNA to Study and Monitor Wildlife
The new technology may also be able to provide much-needed data on invasive alien species in India
Marbled Cat: Master of Stealth in the Treetops
The forests of Northeastern India harbour the perfect habitat for an elusive small cat species that lives partly in the canopy
Hit by the Climate Crisis, Fairy Tales Just Got Real
In this rollicking (and thought-provoking) read, Fairyland meets the modern world. Enchanted forests and oceans are transformed by social media, smog, and climate change and happily ever after is no longer a sure deal. How do the beloved characters of our childhood stories rise to the challenge?
A Sister’s Recollections of Jim Corbett
An account of the famous hunter’s early life as dictated by his devoted sister and lifelong companion Margaret Winifred Corbett, better known as ‘Maggie’, to a close friend
Modern Family: Observing a Rusty-Spotted Cat Clan in Rajasthan
Seemingly unafraid of humans, the smallest wildcat species in the world has adapted to live alongside us in the fields and plantations of the Indian subcontinent
Birding with a ‘Superstar’ Uncle
In this delightful portrait of childhood, Zai Whitaker recounts her early birding woes and how she winged it
Into the Great Wide Open: Dolphins and Whales of the Bay of Bengal
A group of researchers traverses the Andhra Pradesh coastline to document the cetaceans, dolphins and whales, that live in these waters
Celebrating the Sacred Trees of India
Trees that villages are named after, trees that give birth to idioms, trees that inspire poetry - trees resonate in every aspect of our lives. In this handy reckoner, delve into the stories of 27 such trees.
Children of the Big River
The Brahmaputra River defines the stories of the origin, emergence, conflicts, and regeneration of the Dimasa community of Assam. Storytelling and mythmaking help them connect with the natural and spiritual worlds around them
Coexisting with Snakes in Goa – A Utopian Dream?
A concerted effort by individuals and NGOs over the last two decades has increased awareness about snakes in Goa, reducing the number of snakebites and human and snake mortality from encounters
Camera-trap Study of Five Small Wild Cats Planned in Dehing-Patkai
The forest department is initiating a camera-trap study to assess populations and occupancy of five species of small wild cats in the national park, the first such study since 2010
With A Little Help From Our Friends: Managing Invasive Plant Species
Can we leverage megaherbivores like elephants to control the spread of highly invasive species like Lantana?
Humpback Dolphins: Sharing Coastal Spaces with Humans in Vembanad
Confined to shallow, coastal waters, this highly intelligent dolphin species inhabits areas frequented by local fishers and interacts differently with the many vessels that pepper the estuary
On the wings of the Bugun Liocichla
Active local participation has helped the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh become a conservation success. And it all started with the discovery of this critically endangered bird
Loss of Habitat Forces Indian Crested Porcupines to Enter Saffron Fields in Kashmir
Experts estimate that in recent years nearly 5,000 hectares of land growing saffron has been impacted by porcupines that are coming into fields in search of food due to loss of their natural habitats
Signs of Solace: Grieving in Nature
If you let it, nature has a way of reeling you in, of taking you out of pondering about the death and loss you have experienced
Birdman and boatman of Nal Sarovar
Gani Sama has his eye on migratory birds that stop at this large lake near his home near Viramgam, Gujarat
Standing Tall: African Baobabs in Mumbai
Scattered across Mumbai city, these African giants have been on the Indian subcontinent for centuries. How did they get here, and what’s so special about them?
High Altitude Passerines in Uttarakhand
Making memories with four species of passerines: red-billed leiothrix, bar-tailed treecreepers, chestnut-winged minlas, and Eurasian wrens
Press N(ature) to Play
Sensory play can open us up to experiencing nature in ways that help us recharge, create, feel wonder and connectedness
Winds of Change: Sharing Space with the Wild in Ramanagara
At first glance, the Ramanagara landscape seems like a picturesque habitat dotted by giant boulders. A closer look reveals new emerging signs of conflict with the wild
Ways of Seeing: Watching Wildlife From Near and Far
On the ground, in nearby bushes, or on faraway trees and mountain slopes, observing nature from different perspectives, you’ll find magic in every vantage point
Asian Giant Hornets: Beyond the Sting
In Nagaland, edible insects like the Asian giant hornet are an ethnic delicacy and are used as both food and medicine
Bryozoans: Moss Animals of the Tidepools
On rocky shores, bryozoans grow, like moss, as small, colourful mats of millions of tiny organisms called zooids, fused and living together as one
Munsiyari’s Omnipresent Alpine Accentors and Their Love Lives
These stout little birds migrate to lower altitudes in the non-breeding season and are visible everywhere. Their breeding rituals and accompanying songs take place in the summer in the quieter higher reaches of the Himalayas
Remarkable Rodents: The Fighting-Fit Super Mammals
Extremely resourceful and intelligent, several rodent species live close to humans, often outsmarting efforts to get rid of them
Roosters on the Run: Red and Grey Junglefowl
Their wariness of humans is understandable, given that it was their ancestors we domesticated and built a multi-billion dollar poultry industry around
Wayanad: A Summer Destination for Elephants
The Wayanad plateau witnesses high footfall of elephants in summer compared to the surrounding areas in the Nilgiri landscape, a new study finds
The Invasive Four
India is home to many introduced plant species that have arrived as guests from different parts of the world. Here are four examples of familiar invasive alien plants, their impacts and how to manage them.
Jewels from the Intertidal
Like the intertidal zone it describes – a space that is both land and sea – Yuvan Aves’s genre-bending book is both observation and contemplation, meditation and a call to action. It is a testament to the rewards of prolonged observation and nurturing a relationship with the natural world.
Look out, the Trash is Alive!
A fun, pacy read with author Shweta Taneja’s imaginative take on a world where the trash is in charge. There are piles of stinking garbage, no one bathes, and Trash Rajah has declared cleaning illegal. Can the children save their only playground from the garbage monsters?
Tenacious Triggerfish: The Territorial Reef Residents
Though they have a well-deserved reputation for being aggressive and protective of their territory, these colourful fish also play a key role in the marine ecosystem
Saving Olive Ridley turtles in Visakhapatnam
Fishermen and migrant workers are rescuing the endangered turtle – one egg at a time
India’s Young Naturalists and Their Inspiring Stories
Four bright young conservationists instil hope for the country and planet
Luck of the Draw: Spotting Asiatic Lions in Gir
To see lions on safari is good luck, but sometimes Gir lets you strike the jackpot
An Ode to Sponges
Ancient marine animals that are food on the sea floor, sponges thrive in a variety of environments. Depending on the species, sponges can be predators, competitors, symbionts, or prey
Snow Pigeons: A Dash of White
Though they appear somewhat similar in appearance to their city cousins, snow pigeons live in very different high-altitude, snowy alpine habitats
A Day in the Life of a Madras Hedgehog
Native to South India, this spiky, endearing creature forages quietly in the leaf litter in semi-arid grasslands — habitats that are under grave threat and need to be protected
Cormorants: Hung Out to Dry
Efficient fishers, these easy-to-spot birds dive and swim underwater to hunt for fish, after which they spread their waterlogged wings to dry
The Thar Desert: A Landscape of Loss
Writer, photographer and environmentalist Arati Kumar-Rao travels to India’s wild landscapes on the edge, to tell stories of loss and hope. Here’s an excerpt
Dwindling Bird Populations are an Indication of Biodiversity Loss
Around 60 percent of birds in India have experienced population decline over the long term of 30 years, says 2023 State of India’s Birds report
Looking for Eyeshine: A Tiny Wildcat and its Neighbours in Jawai
The search for the elusive rusty-spotted cat amidst the rocky hillocks of Jawai, Rajasthan, unveils numerous other secrets of this magical landscape
Threatened Pangolins in the Tea Plantations of the Darjeeling Hills
Can the Chinese pangolin, who lives among the tea estates of Darjeeling, survive the social, political and economic turbulences of the region?
Crackdown on Interstate Tiger Poaching Network, 18 Poachers Arrested
A major tiger poaching syndicate that extended from Gadchiroli in Maharashtra to Guwahati in Assam was busted recently
Sorting Hat Spider: Silky Mandalas and Disappearing acts
Spend time in nature and observe this tiny orb-weaving spider’s magical world of agility, camouflage, and venom
When a Tree Falls in the Forest, Fungi Hear It
As key players in the afterlife of trees, fungi are the most important decomposers of wood
Indian Swiftlet: The Best Kept Secret of Vengurla Rocks
Swiftlets have adapted quite stunningly to live inside dark underground habitats using echolocation. On Burnt Island, Indian swiftlets are an integral part of the cave ecosystem
Leopards in Udaipur: Struggle of a Predator
As large areas of ecologically sensitive forest are destroyed for highways, factories, and mining, the leopard comes into increased conflict with humans
The Inner Workings of Resilience in the Sundarbans
A journey through the circuitous paths of the Indian Sundarbans reveals the struggles of communities on the frontline of climate change and human-wildlife conflict
Watching Vultures Around Munsiyari
Encounters with the majestic Himalayan griffon and the bone-swallowing bearded vulture in a quaint, high-altitude town in Uttarakhand
Geoheritage of the Kutch District
Numerous sites, from the Lyari riverbed to fossils on Dhinodhar Hill, highlight the rich geological heritage of India, to be preserved and appreciated for posterity
Parrotfish: Rainbows in the Reef
Colourful, sex-changing, sand-pooping fish that feed on algae and keep coral reefs healthy
Plain Mountain Finches in Sleet and Snow
Flocking in the hundreds and flying in tightly packed formations, these tiny birds can be observed even in peak wintry weather in Uttarakhand
Night Vision of Rock Bees
Researchers find bee species Apis dorsata to have nocturnal colour vision, debunking the earlier belief that all honeybees are diurnal and that nocturnal pollination is largely led by olfactory senses
No Room for Bats
Bats in parts of Tamil Nadu are facing a decline in population due to urbanisation, the use of bright lights, temple renovations and tree removals
The Forgotten Tale of Black-Bellied Sandgrouse
An extraordinary number of sandgrouse would visit the princely state of Bikaner, Rajasthan for over half a century from the 1890s, offering the maharaja bragging rights and the British elite, thrilling shooting opportunities
Behavioural Shift: Tigers Attack Bike Riders Along Corbett
In a period of nine months, five such attacks on bikers were recorded around Corbett Tiger Reserve. Four people were killed, and one was seriously injured
Two Leaves and the Birds: Notes from Tea Gardens of the Dooars
Observations of unexpected behaviours in the tea gardens of North Bengal
Sacred Swamps: Where Culture Meets Conservation
On the protection of sacred swamps in the Western Ghats
India's Tiger Estimation Exercise Reveals State of its Forests
Out of approximately 5,83,278 square km of forests in the tiger states, only one-third are in relatively healthy condition, says NTCA report
Humidity and Weather Conditions Take its Toll on Cheetahs in Kuno
Experts attribute the death of three cheetahs, that took place in July and August this year, to infection in wounds on the animals’ skin as their winter fur retained water during the heavy monsoons and caused the occurrence of maggots.
How Do Tigers, Leopards and Dholes Share Resources?
A new study that examined intraguild interactions among tigers, leopards and dholes revealed a clear social hierarchy with tigers dominating, followed by dholes and then leopards
The Resonance of Restoration
Scientists are stringing recorders around trees in eastern Madhya Pradesh to listen to bird calls and monitor changes in health of restored dry, deciduous forests after the removal of invasive shrub Lantana camara
The Mystery Behind Ants Carrying Flowers
Uncovering an ant housing colony’s little secret while observing their organised silent army at a doorstep microhabitat
Exploring the Coral Reefs of Goa’s Grande Island
The most accessible of India’s coral reefs may not be colourful and glamourous, but they are resilient and able to thrive in turbid, low-light environments
Managing the Elephant in the Room
Understanding the species’ ecology and behaviour is critical to any success in implementing measures to deal with human-elephant interactions in South India
A Crocodile in the Matla River
'Writings from the Sundarbans’ is a new anthology that translates literary narratives composed in Bangla, in English. Here’s an excerpt from the short story ‘A Crocodile’
Marine Flatworms: Magic Carpets of the Seas
Cryptic in their habits and artistic in their movement, the most intriguing aspect of marine flatworms is their mode of reproduction
High as a Kite: Maestros of Indian Skies
Deft, daring, and dashing, the four kite species found in India are a delight to watch as they circle our skies and hunt and forage for their next meal
Poop, Prints and Paintings: Tracing the Tamiraparani’s Otters
Despite pollution and the significant changes Tamil Nadu’s Tamiraparani River has undergone over the years, there is evidence that it still hosts a bevy of these elusive social creatures
The Breathtaking Blues of the Raucous Indian Roller
Spot an Indian roller’s spectacular display as it executes a series of turns and twists, somersaulting, looping, and calling out loudly — a rock ‘n’ roll performance in every way
The Guide: Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat
An obscure wildlife sanctuary in South Gujarat is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers
Barbets of India: Send in the Clowns
Nine species of this bird family are found in India, several with vibrant crimson, yellow, and black heads and large soulful eyes
Bangalore University Campus: The Unsung Carbon Sink
Accessible to the public, the 1,200-acre campus with over five lakh trees is Bangalore’s unnoticed green lung
Concerted Efforts Crucial to Safeguard Kerala's Mangroves
More than 75 percent of the mangrove patches in Kerala are privately owned, which makes conservation difficult. Multiple attempts by the forest department to acquire mangroves from private owners have hit roadblocks.
Wildlife Crime: Death by a Snare
A single snare can potentially kill more than one animal. Snares don’t discriminate or select their victims, and they can take the lives of tigers, deer, wild boars, leopards, and even elephants
Long-term Plans Key to Addressing Kerala's Human-elephant Conflict
Wildlife experts assert that mechanisms such as tracking elephant movement areas, installing alert lights for elephant sightings, creating awareness among residents and installing electric fences the right way, can be some long-term measures to prevent conflict
Reforesting Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai
After a long tryst with fires burning up its vegetation and numerous community conservation efforts, Arunachala Hill is finally a rewilding success
Moods of the Forest in Raimona National Park
In western Assam, on the border of India and Bhutan, is a tropical jungle with giants like gaurs and elephants and endemics like the golden langur
The Other Side of Gir
We are all familiar with Gir National Park’s brown dry scrub landscape, but it also has open deciduous forests and rivers that flow through it
Chirp, Twitter, Tweet: The Wide Vocabulary of Jungle Babblers
These social birds, with a range of coordinated behaviours including group foraging, movement, and brood care, have a repertoire of calls to communicate with each other
Elephants and Fences: Intelligence and Ingenuity
The personal story of a middle-aged makhna (tuskless bull elephant) named Dushtu and his attempts to help himself to the paddy crops in Panijhora, a forest village in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal
In the Nilgiris: Bokkapuram’s birdman
B. Siddan has his sights firmly fixed on avian life in this part of the Western Ghats
The Basket Weavers of Dang
The Kotwalias are one of the most marginalised communities in South Gujarat’s Dang district. They are skilled bamboo artisans who rely on the forest for their lives and livelihoods
Sea Urchins: Hedgehogs of the Ocean
Extremely resilient and adaptable creatures of the sea, sea urchins have been around for over 450 million years and continue to thrive in all the world’s oceans
Common Picturewing: The Flying Floral Carpet
Can this lovely black-and-yellow skimmer become a mascot for the conservation of insects and our planet?
Growing with Nature
From a barren landscape to a green abode, Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary in Wayanad, Kerala, shows us what conservation, protection, and love for nature can do
Deforestation Threatens Western Ghats' Amphibians
Infrastructure and plantation expansion in the southern Western Ghats threaten the region’s amphibian species, many of which have highly restricted habitats
Camera Trap Image Reveals Possible Presence of Nepal’s 13th Wildcat Species
Camera trapping last year for a tiger census captured an image of what researchers believe is an Asiatic wildcat, a felid whose presence in the country has long been debated
Art Expedition: On the Trail of the Great Indian Bustard
Wildlife artist Sangeetha Kadur illustrates the critically endangered bustard, and its neighbours, in Rajasthan’s Desert National Park
The Guide: Desert National Park
Far from empty, this park in Rajasthan has a wealth of birds, reptiles, mammals, and even flowering plants
Mokarsagar Wetland Complex: Lifeline for Wintering Birds
Created by an inlet from the sea, the large, lush wetland of Mokarsagar, in the Porbandar district of Gujarat, is a collection of gently rippling marshes which harbour over 180 resident and migratory bird species
The Story of Harike: A Wetland that has Witnessed History
How colonial forces, the Partition, and ambitions of nation-building led to the making of a huge wetland, which is now a stopover for thousands of migratory birds
New Rescue Centres for Seized Wildlife in Northeast States
The rescue centres to be built with financial aid from the Central Zoo Authority will provide an alternative to zoos, which lack space and resources
Vetal Hill: A Natural Paradise in Peril
This hill in the heart of Pune city is a biodiversity spot and birders’ haven, but development plans threaten its existence
Shola-Grasslands in the Palani Hills
1,600 m above sea level, shola forests and the adjoining grasslands are an important ecosystem found in the rippling montane regions of South India’s hills. These shola-grasslands are prime habitats for various native and endemic species of plants, birds, and animals.
Love is in the Air: Indian Bullfrogs and the Romance of the Monsoon
Cacophony and bright yellow suits are the dominant love language of bullfrogs that congregate to mate in the rain pools and ponds of the Western Ghats at the start of the monsoon
Little Grebe: Artwork of Evolution
Look for this pretty, petite, diving waterbird in open wetlands, where it swims and paddles among reeds and other vegetation and hunts for food underwater
Indian Desert Jird: Tiny Musketeer of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert
With numerous survival strategies and tricks up its furry sleeves, the Indian desert jird has adapted to live in one of the most hostile ecosystems on the planet
Where the Bank Myna Sings
Bank mynas roost, nest and live in noisy flocks. These gregarious birds quite like to chatter, and don’t shy away from the occasional skirmish or quarrel with their own and other species
Purple Frog: A Brief Interlude from a Secret Life Underground
A subterranean burrowing life, bizarre body morphology, and unique breeding behaviour make the purple frog an intriguing and important amphibian to be studied and conserved
Mass Die-offs of Fish in Kerala Linked to Warming Water and Pollution
Warming water and pollution from industries, chemicals and pesticide run offs, lead to fish kill during summer months in Kerala. Some endangered and critically endangered species and active brooders become a part of this mass mortality
Forest Owlet: Resurrected but Endangered
With an interesting history of “extinction” and rediscovery, the endemic forest owlet perches on the brink of disappearing
White-winged Wood Duck: An Icon of Forest Pools
Unlike most ducks that inhabit open wetlands and marshes, the white-winged wood duck favours small shallow pools in thick tropical lowland forests. As their favoured habitat disappears around the world, these birds have become “Endangered”
Jeypore Ground Gecko: Hidden in the Mountains
Tracking a ground-dwelling, bent-toed endangered gecko species through its shrinking habitats in the flat-topped hills in the northern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
Orphaned Calves: Paying the Price of Human-elephant Conflict
Elephant calves are sometimes the casualties in the tussle for space between humans and elephants. While some orphaned calves are accepted back into their herds, many young ones find it difficult to survive in the wild without their mothers who died from electrocution or other accidents.
The Kair: Lifeline of the Desert
With its dishevelled appearance and sparse leaves, the kair (khair or ker) may appear unremarkable, but it is a resilient shrub that plays a critical role in sustaining the ecosystem and supporting the lives of the creatures living around it
Marine National Park: A Walk in the Intertidal Zone at Narara
Explore a landscape that is usually underwater when the tide recedes several kilometres and exposes Narara’s rich intertidal zone
Khaliya Top: A Bird’s-eye View of Birds
Birding at an altitude of ~3,700 m in Uttarakhand’s Munsiyari region presents a top-down perspective and a chance to consider the incredible biodiversity of the alpine zone
Protecting Land and Life: Dibang Valley’s First Community Conserved Area
Idu Mishmi efforts in biodiversity conservation and camera trapping in Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
The Guide: Vansda National Park, Gujarat
Trees and birds hold sway in this little-known protected area in south Gujarat, tucked into the northernmost end of the Western Ghats
Dang: Wild and Wonderful
Dang district in south-eastern Gujarat is green dreamland. Much of it is forested with teak and bamboo, amidst which live an astonishing variety of birds
Shieldtails: Hidden Beauties of the Underground
Various species of this unique family of ancient, nonvenomous snakes are found only in narrow pockets of peninsular India (and Sri Lanka) where they are endemic
Roadkill Instances on the Rise in Jammu and Kashmir
Felids and canids are noted to be the most common victims of roadkill, among other nocturnal vertebrates on roads constructed in northwestern Himalayas.
Is the Dancing Frog’s Jig Over?
Malformations such as a missing eye or deformed limb have been noted in the Kottigehar dancing frog, possibly due to anthropogenic stressors.
Ruth DeFries: Buoyed by a ‘Geographer’s Heart’
Environmental geographer Ruth DeFries says understanding of local drivers and context of deforestation is crucial to contributing to reducing deforestation
Artisanal Fishers of Rameswaram Stand Against Polluting Shrimp Farms on the Island
They allege that shrimp farms behind their village have polluted their groundwater, encroached their commons and that some farms don’t abide by government rules
Where the Mind is Without Fear: Stories of Coexistence in Shared Landscapes
Across the country, indigenous communities often have unique sets of cultural and religious beliefs connected to sharing living spaces with wild animals. Modern practices, too, need to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into the study of conservation and coexistence
The Guide: Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
Goa’s largest protected area is home to a wealth of plant and animal life – and it is under threat
In Search of the Elusive Indian Desert Cat
The desert cat, which appears like a small domestic cat, is a wild feline that stands out for its ability to thrive in one of the most challenging habitats in India — the Thar Desert
The Song of the Iora
Aasheesh Pittie, one of India’s premier birders, reveals why the common iora creates upheavals of emotion within him
Elephants Crossing: Danger and Death on a Railway Track in Palakkad
Around the country, train accidents continue to kill scores of elephants. Numerous elephants in the Palakkad division have met the same disastrous fate. Urgent conservation measures are required to stop this recurring tragedy
Rajasthan Toad-headed Agama: Master of the Shifting Sands
Of evolutionary significance for conservation, this small agama is found occupying sand dunes that have almost no vegetation, only in a few localities of Jaisalmer District
The Indian Grey Mongoose: The Cobra’s Nemesis
Even the venomous cobra is no match for the mongoose, a testy mammal with an appetite for a variety of small and medium-sized creatures
Termites: Architects, Farmers, Ecosystem Engineers (and Pests)
Termites are both a boon and bane to our environment — and there’s a lot about the lives of these tiny creatures that are a complete mystery
Tigers, Leopards Venture Into Snow Leopard Territory in the Himalayas
A warming climate threatens to push Nepal’s three big cat species — tigers, leopards and snow leopards — into closer proximity to each other, with unknown consequences for the survival of each
‘Wonder Bird of the Himalayas’ Faces Several Threats
Several anthropogenic pressures continue to impact the ibisbill, with sand and boulder mining being its biggest threat.
Biodiversity Enhancement in Western Ghats Linked to Habitat Preservation
Several habitat and climatic factors influence evolutionary processes and play an important role in shaping biodiversity
Evidence of Manul’s Presence Found on Mount Everest
Cold-adapted wild cat’s existence confirmed on the slopes of the world’s highest mountain, thanks to scat samples retrieved from there in 2019
Living With Elephants: Can Mobile Technology Help Mitigate Human-wildlife Conflict?
Human casualties are the dominant cost of human-wildlife conflict in India. A community-based initiative in Valparai attempts to mitigate this and help people and elephants coexist
A Tale of One City and Two Trees
Learning to live in and love Delhi with the help of two botanical companions — the devil tree and the African sausage tree
Storks: Birds with Broadsword Bills
Eight species of these large, long-legged wading birds are familiar sights in different parts of India
Between the Global and Local: Making Sense of Climate Change in the Lakshadweep Archipelago
Understanding the larger phenomenon of climate change through a local lens, against the backdrop of big environmental catastrophes
Hope and Biodiversity on the Andaman Islands
Exciting biological discoveries from the Andaman Islands reveal new species, new behaviours, and new threats to be wary of. In all likelihood, many more secrets wait to be uncovered
Bejewelled: On the Trail of the Himalayan Monal in Uttarakhand
Iridescent males are striking and unmissable, while females come dressed in browns and patterns that blend seamlessly with the landscape, allowing them to evade predators by remaining inconspicuous
On Saving Whale Sharks
Two decades of persistent conservation efforts have helped save these gentle giants in Gujarat, and protection programmes are now being replicated in other parts of the country
Cranes: Trumpeters of the Skies
Catch sight of these tall, long-necked birds dancing in paddy fields or declaring their everlasting love for one another
An Insider’s Perspective: The Short Life of an Asian Elephant in West Bengal
Indian elephants live for 50 years, they say. Except when they are forced to share spaces with humans who are squeezing their limited habitats
Gul Toor Flowering Early in Kashmir Due to Climate Change
The Kashmir Valley is experiencing warmer winters and as a result the flowering period for the Sternbergia vernalis flower has shifted from mid-March to mid-February
Crop Raids by Wildlife on the Rise in Kaziranga
Crop raids by wild boars and elephants coupled with land erosion near the sixth addition of Kaziranga National Park are altering cultivation patterns among farmers
Invasive Plants Spreading in Higher Elevations
A global study notes consistent increases in the number of alien plant species in mountainscapes and their swift spread into higher elevations between 2007 and 2017.
Forest Clearance Denied for Etalin Hydroelectric Project
Forest Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change pointed out that a ‘large number of representations were received voicing concerns’ while refusing the Stage-II or final forest clearance
Oriental Garden Lizards: Quick Learners or Bloodsuckers?
Enhanced vision and the ability to recognise colours and make associations allows these reptiles to benefit us as bioregulators of crop pests
Amazing Grace: The Regal Chinars of Kashmir
Come late autumn, the stately chinars of Kashmir are radiant as their leaves flare out in various shades of red, orange, crimson, and yellow
Sky Skaters: Sally Forth with Vibrant Bee-eaters
Multi-coloured bee-eaters are a delight to watch as they skate and pirouette in the skies on triangular pointed wings, snapping up a bee or wasp in-flight before returning to their perch to devour it
Woken Up by the Whistling Schoolboy
Dehradun-based naturalist Sanjay Sondhi writes about his first encounter with the blue whistling thrush
Chitons: Primitive Inhabitants of Today’s Seashores
Chitons predate the first dinosaurs by more than 150 million years and have survived multiple mass extinction events
The True Tree World of Golden Langurs
Living in the canopy their whole lives and rarely coming down to the ground, this species of Old-World monkey find pockets of peace in the arboreal world of their small geographical range in Assam
Pretty Cochoas: Sparking Joy in the Himalayas
They may camouflage in the canopy, but their simple, single-note call is magical and tells the astute birder that these lovely birds are in the vicinity
The Ghost Tree: Courting the Frozen Dancer in the Forest
The enigmatic ghost tree with its smooth grey-white bark strikes a graceful pose as it stands in solitude on rocky, eroded forest slopes
Aurobindo Samal: Protecting Species with Community Participation
In Odisha’s coastal region, a young man’s holistic approach to conservation which includes the community participation, makes a difference to humans, otters, hyenas and a range of other wildlife
Shared Spaces: On the IISER Campus in Kerala
Discovering the art of chasing wildlife on a lush 200-acre educational campus a few hours from Thiruvananthapuram
Nagaland's Biodiversity Documentation Receives Boost Through First Bird Count
The Tokhü Emong Bird Count (TEBC) is a flagship event that is taking steps to promote conservation in the state by creating awareness through birding.
Day or Night, the Wilderness Areas of the Western Ghats Never Sleep
All the different wild habitats of Goa, whether deciduous forests, open laterite plateaus or swamps, are thriving havens of magical biodiversity
Choughs: Gurus of the Mountain Skies
Clever and social, choughs live in a wide altitudinal range in the Indian Himalayas and beyond. These birds are adaptable and occupy different habitats, and have a varied diet
Why Do Some Plants Bloom and Die Together?
During mass flowering events, certain species of plants allocate resources towards producing vast amounts of seeds to ensure the pollination and survival of the next generation, before dying.
Decoding the Wheatears of India
Protected areas like the Desert National Park in Rajasthan host seven of the nine species of these birds found in India
Elephants are Choosy When it Comes to Food
A study in northern West Bengal found that elephants are selective with their diet, feeding on approximately 130 species of plants among the 286 that were recorded.
Sattal is a Paradise for Birders, But What About the Birds?
A morning walk on the lovely trails near Sattal is a wonderful way to spend time in the company of different birds. Let’s keep the experience as natural and ethical as possible
By the Flock: Decline of the Yellow-breasted Bunting
Pushed to the brink of extinction in China, these visitors to eastern India once came by in large flocks. Worldwide conservation measures are needed to help the species survive
What Lies Beneath: Rough-scaled Sand Boa
Also called the common sand boa, these non-venomous burrowing snakes are built for life underground, from where they can easily ambush small-sized prey
Jackdaw: Menacing-Looking Affable Crows
These small corvids, with conspicuous white eyes, are social creatures that live and forage in flocks
Butterflyfish in a Coral Garden
In warm, tropical seas, these brightly coloured and intricately patterned fish are well adapted to eat coral and to defend themselves against predators
Boxfish: An Evolutionary Guide to Self-preservation
Boxfishes have a fully loaded arsenal of defences against predators, including an armour and lethal poisons
Biodiversity Hotspot: Walking Through Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Though tigers roam Tamil Nadu’s river sanctuary and its many habitats, it’s the tiny buds and creepy crawlies that reign supreme when it comes to diversity and abundance
Identifying Mugger Crocodiles Using Drones
Researchers in Gujarat believe the model could be useful in rescue and relocation efforts to minimise human-crocodile conflicts and in analysing mugger biology.
The Story of the Translocated African Lions of Kuno
Few know that in 1906, long before the cheetah went extinct in India, another big cat translocation took place in the Central Indian forests of Gwalior state
Bulbuls: Play on Merry Minstrels
With expressive faces and a song in their heart, various species of these cheerful entertainers are found in different parts of the country
The Guide: Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
In Goa’s Western Ghats, the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary supports a wealth of reptile and amphibian life
Most Valuable Players of the Monsoon in the Western Ghats
When the rains arrive in the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most biodiverse habitats, a range of herpetofauna come out to play, creating an orchestra of sounds
Forest Protection Key to Saving the Indian Giant Squirrel
Habitat conservation, identification and protection of specific trees, prevention of habitat fragmentation and reduction of human interference critical to reverse the squirrel’s declining numbers
Everything, Everywhere in Mizoram’s Dampa Tiger Reserve
Whether under leaf litter or high up in the canopy, the sights, sounds, colours, and scents of this sprawling habitat in Mizoram reveal a rich and intriguing diversity of life forms
Gajoldoba: Bird Haven for All Seasons
Avian residents and migrant stragglers delight birdwatchers at this small hamlet in northern West Bengal even after the winter visitors have left
Two Endangered Freshwater Turtles Receive International Conservation Support
India’s proposal for higher protection for the red-crowned roofed and Leith softshell turtles was accepted at the CITES conference.
Great Nicobar: Exploring a Biodiverse Island in Peril
This remote island’s diversity of habitats and micro-environments are a wonderland of rare and endemic species of plants, animals, insects, crustaceans, and marine life
Dilemma of Protecting the Slender Loris
With the recent notification of a slender loris sanctuary near Panchanthangi in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, there are questions over what the restrictions of this now-declared Protected Area mean for local livelihoods
The Wild Yak: Treasure of the High Plateaus
Wild yaks are hardy creatures that live at high altitudes and are comfortable in freezing weather. They are rarely seen, as less than 15,000 remain in the world
Garden Wonders and Roadside Marvels
Anisha Jayadevan and Ishika Ramakrishna write about life forms found around us in the city
Communities and the Heronries, Can They Save Each Other?
The relationship between the birds and humans in the coastal communities in Andhra Pradesh differs greatly from one village to the next
Finding a Tranquilised Wild Tiger
Wildlife biologist K Ullas Karanth shares an adventurous real-life story from the emerald jungle of Nagarahole
Under Fire: Smooth-coated Otters on the Cauvery
The habitat of smooth-coated otters is severely threatened by numerous activities. As they adapt to changes, they come into increased conflict with humans
Dying River: Declining Water Quality and Fish Stocks on the Cauvery
From pollution to global warming, many factors adversely impact the Cauvery’s water quality. As a result, native fish populations are impacted, affecting on the entire ecosystem that depends on this river
Fishers’ Quandary: Strain and Survival on the Cauvery
With the Cauvery’s depleting fish stocks, the lives of fishers who depend on this river for their livelihoods have become increasingly uncertain, forcing them to adapt to different methods of fishing
Endangered White-winged Wood Duck's Habitat Threatened by Climate Change
Study on the impacts of climate change on Assam’s state bird revealed that 436.61 sq. km. of highly potential habitat would be lost by 2070
Climate Change Adding to the Spread of Invasive Species
Invasive plants such as Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata are emerging as a serious threat, especially to natural and agricultural landscapes
Apprehension Raised Over Translocation of Tigers in Maharashtra
Conservationists concerned that the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve does not have favourable conditions for tigers from Chandrapur
Nature and Rhyme: Poems for Wild Things
In her recent book Barefoot in the Wild, poet Tara Sandhu writes about endangered animals, their homeland, and her yearning for a life close to nature. Here is a selection of a few poems
Rajasthan’s Desert Ecology Impacted by Unusually Heavy Rains
Local flora and fauna is being affected by changes in water availability and vegetation
Playing Hide and Seek with the Saw-Scaled Viper in Goa
In the laterite plateaus of the Western Ghats, one of India’s most venomous snakes, the saw-scaled viper, finds a safe habitat
Swimming Amongst Fossils: What Sponges Tell Us About the World
These ancient animals have been an essential part of healthy reef ecosystems for millions of years
Pallas’s Cat: Silent Predator of the Trans-Himalayas
The cold and windy marshes of Hanle in Ladakh, with an abundance of pika and voles, is an ideal home for the Pallas’s cat. However, increasing construction activity in the area threatens this rich ecosystem
Two Baby Bears Up a Tree
What do a team of forest guards do when they find two bear cubs on a tree?
Amir Kumar Chettri: Panijhora’s Multifaceted Conservationist
Extensive knowledge about Gorumara National Park and exceptional wildlife spotting skills are just a few talents of this ethnobotanist from northern West Bengal. He also acts as a tourist guide, assists researchers, is a community leader and spearheads conservation projects
The Arduous Ambition of Bringing the Cheetah Home
Since the arrival of African cheetahs to India, there have been questions and debates around their relocation. Dean of Wildlife Institute of India and author of the Cheetah Action Project 2022, Yadvendradev Jhala, addresses the criticism and talks about the challenges of undertaking an ambitious project like this
Human-Wildlife Clashes in a Changing Kashmir Valley
Rapid urbanisation and a changing forest landscape set wild animals and locals against each other in Kashmir. The latest victims of this conflict are children
Peafowl Tales: Flamboyant Trains and Screeching Calls
The raucous bird with its magnificent iridescent cloak is an efficient watchdog, letting out a high-pitched screech to warn other jungle creatures of impending danger
Trinket Snakes and Their Treasured Personal Space
Though these nocturnal beauties are non-venomous, when threatened, they may rise menacingly and strike
The Rhino’s Future in India
Understanding the genetic status of current rhino populations in India and Nepal will be crucial for the long-term survival of the species
Bridge to the Past: The Rocky Landscape of Daroji
The boulder-strewn landscape of Daroji has a long and volatile history. The rocky scrub jungles here harbour an incredible diversity of life, from small invertebrates to megafauna like sloth bears and leopards
Gadchiroli Adopts Drones and Thermal Cameras to Mitigate Human-Animal Conflict
Forest department turns to technology-oriented solutions to support the monitoring of animals and alert villages
Flirting with the Rain in Mizoram’s Murlen National Park
A mere 30 km from the Myanmar border, the mid-altitude forests of Murlen National Park teems with biodiversity
Traditional Fishers Livelihood in Odisha Threatened by Illegal Fish Poisoning
Fishers in the riverine villages of Kendrapara district claim that poisoning of fishes to catch them easily has been a rampant illegal activity for over a decade
Colourful Company: Where the Wildflowers Bloom
Flowers may bloom in untended spaces and are ignored or considered weeds and removed. Perhaps we can let them be and encourage them as we do manicured gardens
Longwood Shola, the Only Urban Shola Forest in the Nilgiris
Home to the threatened Nilgiri marten and other rare fauna and flora, the forest patch is rich in biodiversity
My Space: When Lynx Spiders Find Their Niche
How do different lynx spiders share and negotiate living in the same microhabitat?
Dwindling Dugongs: Meandering Trails in Seagrass Meadows
Exploring the world and habits of the tiny population of dugongs remaining in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Sea Cucumbers: Illegal trade and the Blame Game
How a blanket ban on sea cucumber fishing in India has created an illicit trade and impacted the livelihoods of artisanal communities who have historically harvested them
Cosy Colonies of Wondrous, Wily Weavers
When you see their lovely woven straw-coloured nests hanging from trees, look out for these sparrow-sized weaverbirds that live and breed in them
Gooseneck Barnacles: Rare Delicacy or Dinosaur Feet?
Clusters of this small, strange-looking crustacean anchor to hard surfaces in the intertidal zone and are difficult to harvest. In some European countries, they are considered an expensive gourmet treat
Beauty or Beast? The Lionfish Conundrum
Lionfish leave some spellbound while others loathe them. A brief story of these expert ambush predators that have spread from their native homes in the Indo-Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, creating a lionfish invasion crisis
Mizoram: An Emerging Hotspot for Wildlife Trafficking
468 species of exotic wildlife, including tortoises, snakes, beavers and a wild cat, were recently seized from Champhai in the Northeastern state
Urban Design Planning and the Birds of Kolkata
A study on the impact of urban development on the birds in Kolkata hopes to contribute towards protecting the diversity and numbers of birds through design strategies
Safeguarding Mangrove Plantations in the Sundarbans
According to local residents and scientists, growing salt-tolerant grasses prior to planting propagules, having a layer of protection from the waves, and maintenance of fences are key to better survival rate of mangroves planted in erosion-prone areas
Threatened Endemic Birds of Andaman & Nicobar
On these biodiversity-rich islands, you’ll find numerous birds that exist nowhere else on Earth. Their uniqueness is fascinating to biologists and conservationists who want to ensure their populations stay stable
Imaginary Borders and Their Very Real Effects
International borders impact every species. What happens upstream to a river can affect river dolphins and other creatures even hundreds of kilometres downstream. Convincing reasons to think of conservation of our shared biological heritage beyond political boundaries
Jaldapara National Park: Megaherbivore Refuge in Northern West Bengal
With the most extensive tracts of savannah grassland in the state, this park affords protection to some of the largest mammals we have — rhinos, elephants, and gaur
Decoding Dugong Days in Indian Waters
Though the dugong has become locally extinct in many areas, there is hope. It is considered a priority species for conservation, and efforts to save it are on across international borders.
Into the Wilds of Namdapha National Park
Conservationist Aparajita Datta writes about the years she spent researching and camping in Namdapha, and why the forest still remains close to her heart
Sikkim Grass Lizard Spotted in Nepal
Researchers have confirmed the presence of the elusive lizard in eastern Nepal, nearly 100 kilometers from its known range in Sikkim
Lianas: The Woody Climbers of the Forest
Ignored for long, these climbers are slowly beginning to be noticed
The Guide: Walking Trails in Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve
Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve offers visitors a rare opportunity to take long, meandering walks through an enchanting sal forest
Up in the Clouds: Mizoram’s Phawngpui National Park
Birding in Mizoram’s Blue Mountains and the quest for the rare Mount Victoria babax
Big Cat of the Estate: Leopards in Shared Spaces
Learning to coexist with leopards in the tea plantations of northern West Bengal
Sultanpur National Park: Let’s Safeguard This Refuge for Waterbirds
Though declared a Ramsar site in 2022, Sultanpur, on the outskirts of Delhi, faces numerous threats. How will the seemingly benign plan to build a university, hospital, and housing complexes affect this wetland and the wild populations that depend on it?
Untreated Legacy Waste is Harming Deepor Beel Wetland
Research shows substantial contamination of the lake in Assam due to unscientific dumping of municipal solid waste next to it
Communities and Authorities Clash at Namdapha as Deforestation Escalates
Park authorities consider the Yobin community to be main drivers of deforestation and poaching in the national park
Gangetic River Dolphin Numbers Decline in Assam
The mammals are threatened by construction of dams and mechanised sand mining along rivers
Woolly-necked Storks Thriving in Haryana
Despite a fragile relationship with farmlands, the birds are breeding in densely populated villages and towns that are heavily dependent on agriculture
Fantastic Falcons: Streamlined, Superfast Raptors in Many Avatars
Around 15 species of resident and migratory falcons are found in India. Among them, the powerful peregrine (which can clock 390 kmph) holds the world speed record as the fastest-moving living creature
Helping a Sister Out of a Pit
A herd of elephants demonstrate their love and dedication towards a family member at SAI Sanctuary
Hawk Assault: Agile Hunters on a Wing
Shikras and goshawks are small woodland hawks (no larger than crows), but don’t let that fool you into underestimating their hunting prowess as they grab birds, reptiles, insects, and small mammals with lightning speed
A History of Conservation: 50 Years of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972
This collection of essays by conservationists, academicians, and policymakers on India’s 50-year journey in wildlife conservation is a deep dive into what we have achieved, what more we can do, and what the future holds
Hide and Seek: On the Scent of a Leopard in Tiger Country
When spots, not stripes, steal the show on a safari through Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Loud and Clear: Bullfrogs of India
India’s largest frogs are two species of bullfrogs: the Indian bullfrog and Jerdon’s bullfrog. They live in freshwater habitats, including waterlogged paddy fields, all over the country.
Asian Glass Lizard: Jewel-toned Enigma from the Northeast
The incredibly biodiverse forests of Arunachal Pradesh harbour unique and colourful creatures like this legless anguid (which is often mistaken for a snake)
Fall of the House of Vultures (And How We Can Stop It)
Vultures provide priceless ecosystem services by cleaning the environment. Only real changes in the use of vulture-toxic veterinary drugs can help them and the captive-breeding programmes trying to revive their decimated populations
The Arrival of the Citizen Scientist
Based on research conducted over a year and a half, this book documents, maps and analyses the rapidly growing field of citizen science in ecology in India
Intimate Connections: Falling in Love With a Walking Trail
A naturalist reminisces about familiar walking paths through national parks like Satpura in Madhya Pradesh and the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu cement his relationship with the wilderness and give him a deep spiritual connection to the places
Olive Ridley Turtles Threatened by Upcoming Port in Karnataka
An upcoming port and the corresponding road and railway network could destroy a turtle nesting region in Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district
Whale Shark Strandings Increase Along Andhra Pradesh Coast
Pressure from infrastructure development, transport and fishing are pushing the sharks to venture into territories where they have not been documented before
Resident Predators: Living With Spiders
Step into the world of five spider families found in urban Indian homes, and learn a little about their complex tactics for catching a wide diversity of prey
Enchanted Forest: Ode to the Old Sal Community
A sal tree never lives alone. It grows with many of its kind to create contiguous forests across hundreds of kilometres, nurturing everything that falls within its care
Ornate Flying Snake: Nature’s Gliding Jewel
These pretty creatures have adapted to live high up in the canopy of forests. With a sharp ridge that helps them grip tree trunks to the ability to glide fluidly in the air and land on the ground, these are true marvels of nature
Turbines Taking the Wind Out of Wildlife’s Sails
According to a study from central Karnataka, birds and mammals fare well in areas without wind turbines over wind turbine sites
The Guide: Kanger Valley National Park, Bastar
Visit this beautiful landscape in Chhatisgarh for its dense forests, the mighty Tirathgarh waterfall, and mysterious limestone caves
Back From the Brink: The Rhinos of Jaldapara
Thanks to a slew of conservation measures taken over the years, rhino numbers have increased dramatically since the 1980s, and the “gondar” takes centerstage at this national park in West Bengal
Supercyclones and Extreme Floods: A Not So Bright Future
According to a recent study, supercyclones such as Amphan are likely to expose a higher population in South Asia to extreme flooding in the future
Mynas and Starlings: Birds With Attitude
Mynas and starlings are gregarious, chatty birds with big personalities. They are agricultural pest control agents in some areas and considered “invasive” species in others
Getting to Know You: Diving Into the Amazing World of Sharks
Though sharks have adapted to suit the challenges of diverse habitats, many populations of this apex predator are now face severe decline globally
The King’s Treasure, its Sinister Protector, and a Bottle of Milk
A fast-paced adventure for young readers that weaves together history, ecology, and a joy in the diversity of India
Through the Magic Portal, to a World of Marine Superheroes
This book about a parallel universe that hides in plain sight, right at the shore, has a secret message: Everybody can be a scientist or an explorer
Goodnight, Sleep Tight: Slumber in the Big City
Whether in a metro or the countryside, lizards, like humans, seek out comfortable and safe places to ensure a good night’s sleep
Three’s No Longer a Crowd for Sarus Cranes
According to a new study, these formerly monogamous birds are now forming trios to raise their chicks
Golden Jackal: Resourceful Canids in Tezu Botanical Garden
Occupying a wide range of habitats in India, these wild omnivores are good hunters, but also live near large human settlements where they scavenge at dumpsites
Loving Birds in a Time of War
An American ornithologist’s research becomes the cover for forays into restricted border regions and the secrets their jungles hold, both winged and armed
A Lemon a Day Keeps the Elephant Away
Lemon tree fences help farmers in Assam safeguard their crops and homes from elephants
Fading Glow of Maharashtra’s Firefly Festivals
Environmentalists oppose such festivals, citing harm to fireflies during the mating season and disruption of the habitat
Anaimalai Roadblock: On the Trail of a Tusker
A majestic elephant that has been migrating through forest patches in the foothills of Anaimalai hills for many years suddenly faces an obstacle
Arachnophobia: Untangling the Web of Dislike
Is our fear of spiders a phobia or an unfamiliarity with nature? Is getting creeped out or feeling disgust with them shaped by experience and social learning?
The Guide: Sultanpur National Park
A tiny park, a little lake, and the unexpected promise of over 320 species of birds, make this wetland area close to Gurgaon a birder’s haven
Hide and Seek: The Water Drop Frog of the Western Ghats
Few have seen this rare, perfectly camouflaged amphibian that lives high in the rainforest canopy and has a very unique call
Pigeons and Doves: Lovey-Dovey and Very Savvy
Known historically for their superior navigational abilities, and more recently as urban pests, this family of birds is actually highly intelligent, fast, and adaptable. And, despite their simplistic house-building skills, they make great parents
Bright and Bristly: Christmas Tree Worms and Their Festive Whorls
These fascinating marine creatures with spiralling plumes gently waving with the ocean’s currents live exclusively within the protection of calcareous tubes they build in corals
How to Conserve Biodiversity as Wind Farms Expand in Tamil Nadu
Migratory raptors, such as harriers, are avoiding areas dominated by wind farms in Tamil Nadu, indicate initial observations
Monitoring Vultures in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna Tiger Reserve
Around 25 vultures in Panna Tiger Reserve, including the critically endangered Indian vulture, have been geotagged for monitoring the species’ behaviour
Caracal in Crisis: From a Life among Royals, to Fighting for Survival
Till 2001, the caracal was seen in 13 Indian states but now it is reported in only three states in India with two viable populations in Rajasthan and Gujarat
Kutch: From Bird Paradise to Death Trap?
Thousands of birds are estimated to be dying in Kutch due to collisions with power lines. The lines also threaten the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard
Playful Parakeets: Green Chilli-shaped Missiles of Entertainment
It’s fun to watch flocks of parakeets streaking across the sky, screaming, showing off myriad shades of green — but best of all it’s a joy to spot them canoodling or caring for their young
Back from the Brink: Saltwater Crocodiles in Bhitarkanika
In the 1970s, the saltwater crocodiles of Bhitarkanika were on the edge of extinction, until a focused conservation effort revived their population in the mangroves
The Thirty-Year Long Battle to Save a Wetland in Calcutta
A new book ‘Once Upon a City’ tells stories of how citizen action in Kolkata inspired change, including a fight for a wetland that stretched for almost three decades
Beyond Borders: Tiger Movement Between India and Nepal Increasingly Restricted
Big cats don’t recognise political boundaries, and have always roamed across borders. Yet, this behaviour is under threat as key corridors are restricted by infrastructure projects
In Assam, Pesticide Poisoning Targeting Stray Dogs Kills Over 100 Vultures
On March 17, carcasses of 100 Himalayan griffon vultures and one steppe eagle were found in Chaygaon, Assam
Resettlement Stories: Losing a Home to a Tiger Reserve
About a decade ago, people from six villages in Chhattisgarh were resettled from the area where the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve now lies. The people reminisce about their lost home
Hermit Crabs: Mobile Home in a Snail Shell
To stay safe, these asymmetrical crabs spend their lives looking for a shell that is roomy enough to house their entire body. Finding such a home is a complex process and involves both negotiation and competition
The Babblers Five: Soul Sisters and Charming Angry Birds
They may look dull but don’t underestimate the cooperative flock strength and fiery personalities of these noisy gangs of birds
Bird’s the Word in Mangalajodi
Chilika Lake is prime wintering ground for migratory birds, and the Mangalajodi wetland is among the best places to see them
Sensory Trails on a Campus in Gujarat
The sheltered green spaces in educational campuses are hotspots of biodiversity and wilderness. Step off manicured lawns onto dirt tracks and learn to look at unpruned canopies — to let a world of wonder open up
Love and Let Live: Saving Puttenahalli Lake
A neighbourhood environmental group comes together to preserve a dying lake, providing a variety of birds and insects a place to thrive, and glimmer of hope for Bangalore city
Lessons from the Super Tiger Mom, Collarwali
The celebrity tigress who passed away last year fiercely protected her cubs and taught us why we must fight to safeguard tiger habitats and denning sites
The Dzüleke Way of Life: Time Machine to a Green Future
A small village in Nagaland provides hope for the well-being of the planet — one that is more humane, inclusive, and sustainable
The Blessed Bears of Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Near the famous rock temples of Hampi, the boulder-strewn landscape is a protected haven that helps preserve these magnificent animals
Culture Shapes Community Conservation in Nagaland
In this traditional Naga community, knowledge about forests, flora, and fauna acquired through centuries of living amidst nature creates a strong sense of responsibility towards protecting it for its own sake
Powai Lake: A Wild Wetland at the Heart of a Mumbai Suburb
Surrounded by rapidly developing residential complexes, industrial areas and educational campuses, few know that Mumbai’s Powai Lake hosts rich and diverse wildlife – including a small population of the marsh crocodile
The Woody Wonders of Arunachal Pradesh and How to Identify Them
‘Trees of Arunachal Pradesh’, a new field guide by NCF, chronicles over two hundred tree species found in the state with easy-to-follow keys on how to identify them. Here’s an excerpt
Stories in Saltwater: Life and Tides in Bhitarkanika’s Mangroves
The ebb and flow of the tide reveals a thriving world where both minuscule and mammoth creatures dwell
Rich Birdlife Call Attention to Delhi’s Disappearing Wetlands
Around 170 bird species recorded in the capital’s ponds amidst housing colonies, inside parks, next to industry, and other urban sites
More Studies Needed on India's Sharks and Rays
Experts recommend future studies on regional species stock assessments, critical habitats and socioeconomic drivers of fisheries
Sippighat Wetland: A Bird Haven Created by the Tsunami
A number of wetlands emerged after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami battered the coasts of the Andamans. They are now home to resident and migratory waterbirds — including the vulnerable and endemic Andaman teal
Protecting Deepor Beel’s Elephants from Train Collisons
In Assam’s Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary, a joint effort between local volunteers and forest officials is protecting elephants from train hits
Forest Fugue: The Seasonal Sounds of Avalahalli
Always alive with natural melodies, Avalahalli State Forest is an ever-changing landscape marked by avian choruses and a tapestry of varied acoustics
The Mysterious Migration of Crimson Rose Butterflies
A recently observed migration of a large swarm of crimson rose butterflies from India to Sri Lanka has highlighted how little is still known about this natural phenomenon
The Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya
These environment-friendly and possibly carbon-negative bridges are part of the local heritage of Meghalaya, and a fascinating example of a long-term sustainable solution to a geographical problem
Escape From the City: How I Found a Home in the Wilderness
While living in Bangalore, this nature lover longed for the wilderness. He wanted to live somewhere in the shadow of a mountain or close to a river, someplace he could soak in birdsong and monsoon rain. And he finally moved
Shillong Bush Frog: Ticking its Way Through the Monsoon
This endemic frog with a narrow distribution range shares space with humans in the city it is named after
Is the Jerdon’s Courser Extinct?
Lost, found, and lost again — the long story of an elusive nocturnal bird that has only been seen in a few restricted areas of scrub jungle near Cuddappah (Kadapa), Andhra Pradesh
Dhruv Prajapati: India’s Very Own Spiderman
When spider taxonomist Dhruv Prajapati discovers new spider species and names them after famous Indians
All That is Green is Not Forest
Experts dispute claim of an increase in India’s forest cover, noting that latest report counts plantations as forests
Hoot and Screech: From Giant Owls to Little Elves
These mysterious raptors come in all sizes. Observing them may display not just their clever hunting skills but also a soft, romantic side
Hawkfish Hues: Of Underwater Hunts and Hairy Spines
Hawkfishes are ambush reef predators and, like their bird counterparts, perch on an elevated surface like coral or rock to observe prey before diving in for the kill
Edible-nest Swiftlet: Little Bird with an Expensive Nest
In deep caves on Interview Island in the Andamans, a tiny bird survives the long arm of poachers and others hungry for its nest
Counting Wolves Through Their Calls
Identifying individual wolves by their howls is being studied as a potential technique for counting wolf population
Ominous Owls: Sharp-eyed Hunters of the Night
Owls possess high-tech killing equipment, from sharp, down-curving beaks to grappling iron talons. Camouflaged feathers, superb eyesight, silent flight, and the ability to swivel their heads 270 degrees only adds to the heady mix
Leopard Gecko: Trapped in Trade and Labs
Little is known about these geckos from the Eublepharidae family that are popular in pet trade and as model organisms in laboratories
When an Elephant Joins a Livestock Herd
Akshu and his companion are stumped as a makhna decides to accompany their cattle herd in Buxa Reserve
190 Dolphins Recorded in Mahananda Face Survival Challenges
Fishing, unregulated sand mining, pollution, solid waste dumping and construction of embankments for flood control have negatively impacted Mahananda ecology and the survival of dolphins and other riverine species
Malabar Grey Hornbill’s Population on the Decline in Western Ghats
Conservationists say a drop in numbers could have an irreversible impact on the forest ecosystem in the long term, as the species plays an important role in the growth and survival of a forest.
Struggle for the Land: Nicobar Long-tailed Macaques in a Bind
The habitat of this fruit-loving primate has changed on Great Nicobar. How can they carve out a life of coexistence with humans on this isolated island?
Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve: A Sweet Symphony of Waterbirds
Only an hour from arid Hampi, is a lake dotted with half-submerged acacia trees —a wetland ecosystem with over 150 bird species like ducks, herons, and pelicans
The Spider Next Door: Non-conformists in Camouflage
Spiders can remain inconspicuous, blending seamlessly with the tree they occupy. Their cryptic posture and incredible stillness made their camouflage impeccable
Sparrows: Fall of the Little Birds
An avid birder describes some close encounters with the once abundant but now dwindling species
Kalandar Community Left in the Lurch after Surrendering Animals
The community known for its public performances with live animals are struggling to earn a steady income after their age-old profession came to an end
Boxed In: The Urban Snakes of Bengaluru
Human and snake interactions increase in the city as natural habitats shrink
To the Point: Wild Things and their Beaks, Teeth, Claws
Wild creatures have a bewildering variety of pointy appendages. Ever wonder why?
From Poachers to Protectors in Birding Hotspot Mangalajodi
In Odisha’s Mangalajodi, a community of former poachers is now committed to protecting the wetland ecosystem and its winged inhabitants
A Purple Frog on her Heart
Coping with loss, a teenager finds the language to express her grief and the ability to process it in the natural world
New Conservation Reserve Offers Glimmer of Hope for Dugongs
The biodiversity-rich waters of the reserve in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay is the most significant surviving natural habitat for dugongs globally
Himalayan Monal: Monarch of the High Mountains
Dressed in royal plumage this iridescent male pheasant sports colours of the rainbow. The species lives in several protected areas of the Himalayas in India and among its neighbours
Barn Owl: The Farmer’s Friendly Neighbourhood Pest Controller
Agricultural scientists are helping farmers in Assam to conserve barn owls with the help of artificial nest boxes
Fluttering to the Flame: Moths in Art, Literature, and Poetry
From hunter-gatherer rock art to post-impressionist painters, moths have captured the human imagination down the ages, and countless references to them can be found in different cultures
Skylords: View from the Eagles’ Eyrie
Eagles are known for their speed, power, and ruthlessness. They will target their victims from afar with the help of highly developed vision and then ambush them from the sky
Poornasmrithi Rumdali Rai: Saving the Chinese Pangolin
From launching the ‘Save the Pangolin’ campaign to sensitising the local community and penning a book on the critically endangered species, this former school principal, relentlessly works for the conservation of the animal in the Darjeeling Hills
A Fine Balance: Irrawaddy Dolphins in Chilika Lake
Elusive and endangered, the Irrawaddy dolphin inhabits a delicate ecosystem in coastal Odisha
Frightened by A Fish
A marine biologist and diver recounts the times she’s been scared out of the ocean by unnerving encounters with different fish
Nalabana Bird Sanctuary: Magnificent Reed Forest
Over 140+ species of migratory birds, including rare and threatened species, arrive at Nalabana Island within Odisha’s Chilika Lake post-monsoon each year
Smugglers Using Government Scheme as a Tool for Exotic Wildlife Trade
Exotic animals are not listed under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which makes it difficult to convict the smugglers
The Guide: Singalila National Park
Located in West Bengal along India’s international border with Nepal, this national park holds many charms even if you’re not an intrepid trekker
The Fog Clears: Unwinding Under a Fig Tree
When time spent with family and friends in nature helped relieve some of the lingering symptoms of Covid-19
Meet Naturalist Ruddy: Adventurer, Sleuth, Mongoose
Cartoonist Rohan Chakravarty’s graphic novel stars a detective mongoose on a quest. Here’s an episode from his adventures
Butterfly Records Lead Arunachal Pradesh’s Biodiversity Sightings
Interest in butterfly documentation has grown over the years in the state thanks partly to an increasing number of butterfly meets held annually
Three Lions Take on a Lone Turtle. Will it Survive?
Every visit to Gir Wildlife Sanctuary throws up surprises. This time it was a chance sighting of three subadult Asiatic Lions, trying to feast on a seemingly helpless but extremely hardy Indian Flapshell Turtle
Raising Spiderlings: The Best of Jumping Spider Brood Care
Though they don’t build nests, jumping spiders are doting parents that carefully wrap their eggs in silk and stand guard to ward off predators
Common Emigrant: Tracking the Wheel of Life
When fieldwork was interrupted by a pandemic lockdown, a wildlife biologist took to observing the life cycle and progress of a new generation of common emigrant butterflies
Unchecked Tree Planting in Grasslands Threatens Native Biodiversity, Warns Ecologist
Tree planting efforts in savannah grasslands can harm biodiversity and affect soil carbon storage, says field ecologist Mahesh Sankaran
In Arunachal, Locals and Officials Join Hands to Conserve Orchids
The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary was the first, and until recently the only, protected area in the country dedicated to the preservation of naturally growing orchids
So Long, and Thanks for All the Plastic
Why are sea creatures from tiny zooplankton to the great whales devouring plastics at such alarmingly high rates?
Walking with Mudskippers: A Fish That’s Happy Out of Water
Large googly eyes and a pair of pectoral fins that work like front legs are only two of the multi-faceted adaptations these finger-sized fish have made to survive in two completely different realms
Eurasian Spoonbills: The Moody Minesweepers
These tall waterbirds alternate long periods of standing around doing nothing with brisk fishing expeditions. They are elegant, snow-white marsh birds with long, soup-ladle bills, but when they get annoyed, they’re a riot
Trouble in Paradise: The Changing World of the Nicobar Megapode
Endemic to the Nicobar group of islands, this ground-dwelling bird that barely survived a devastating tsunami now faces multiple threats to its existence
Aravallis: Love and Fresh Air
Enter the Ridge in Delhi, and the sound of the city drops. Gurgling streams, bird call, even a possible hyena — all testament to Nature’s ability to surprise us
Wandering Glider: World Traveller and Weather Vane
Globe skimmers or wandering gliders migrate vast distances across oceans and continents, riding the extremities of weather systems as they hitch from one place to another
Undertaking the World’s Longest Insect Migration
Scientists are beginning to unravel the details of the migratory circuit of the globe skimmer dragonfly
An Incident at Dundubhi
The wolves of Mahovann are up to mischief and the emperor must act
The Guide: Mangalajodi Wetland in Odisha
A birding hotspot any time of year, the marshes, reedbeds, and shallow waters of this wetland are particularly promising in winter
The Grandala: Flying Blue Gem of the Himalayas
Large restless flocks of these dazzling blue birds, with their jovial habits, are a sight to behold in Sikkim and other parts of the north in winter
What Butterflies Taught Me about Life on a Hot, Difficult Day
Hungry caterpillars can seem like a menace in a well-tended garden, but they and their winged avatars have much to teach us about the natural world and life itself
Instagram Leads to Discovery of a New Himalayan Snake Species
Herpetologist intrigued by a photo uploaded to the social media site investigated further to find a species new to science
Sharing Spaces with Wild Life on a University Campus
Plenty of wild creatures live in harmony alongside students and faculty in and around the IIT Kanpur campus
Sundews: Shiny, Sugary Illusions in the Wild
Sundews are pretty plants with tender tentacles that have mastered the art of predation. They hoodwink insects and other arthropods and kill and consume them for their nutrients
Disturbed by Mining, Chattisgarh’s Elephants Move to Gadchiroli
Herd migrates to forests of the neighbouring state of Maharashtra attracted by good quality food and adequate water
White-throated Brown Hornbills: Cackling in Assam’s Lowland Rainforests
The most threatened of all hornbills in India that stays in flocks and have a unique cooperative breeding system
Smaller Herons and Egrets: Hunchbacks and Those Lovely in Lace
With razor-sharp bills and long legs, these pretty wading birds are usually stationed at the edge of waterbodies, ready to catch fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals
The Guide: Where to Find the Aravallis in and around Delhi-NCR
The Aravallis were once a contiguous mountain range that ran through Delhi-NCR. Though fragmented, you can still find pockets of wilderness that provide a much-needed green respite from the concrete capital
Great Barracuda: Shiny and Scary but Surprisingly Shy
The great barracuda evokes both fear and fascination. It is lightning fast when catching prey but otherwise lives a life of quiet composure within the deep blue
Seeking the Satyr Tragopan Along a Mountain Road
Sighting this threatened, elusive pheasant of the Himalayas requires persistence; but it’s patience well rewarded
The Corvid Mafiosi: Intelligentsia of the Bird World
This family of birds has a reputation for high intelligence, thievery, murder, cunning — and having a good time
Huntsman Spider: Apex Predator in a Microhabitat
Fast, gravity-defying, and adaptable, these impressive spiders are super stalkers that take camouflage to surreal levels
Playing Hide and Seek with the Nicobar Megapode
It took three weeks, thirteen attempts, eight hides, and trips to three different coasts of the Nicobar Islands to catch a fleeting glimpse of the elusive Nicobar megapode
Worlds Apart: The Dual Life of Marine Animals
In every drop of ocean water, there is an unseen, vibrant, and dynamic world. It’s a universe of minuscule creatures ranging in size from a few centimetres to near-invisible microns
Krem Umladaw: Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Descent into India’s deepest vertical cave in search of the world’s largest blind fish
Coal Mining Hazard Looms Over Hasdeo Arand
Allowing mining in part of these pristine forests will open entire area for excavation, warn activists
Urban Cacophony of the Heartening Kind
A safari of birds and animals can be seen and heard without stepping out of this apartment home set at the edge of the Avalahalli forest in a north Bangalore suburb
Addressing the Human-wildlife Conflict Challenge
Can proactive measures and a multipronged approach avert or reduce conflict between human beings and animals?
Midnight Miracle: Waiting for Mother Turtles by the Beach
Samrat and his mother, a sea turtle researcher, are headed to Tarmugli Island to spot nesting turtles. Will the turtles come? Read an excerpt from the book 'Waiting for Turtles’
Rhythm and Melody: Birds of the NCR’s Aravallis
The pulse of the forest around the vast urban sprawl of the capital is reflected in the dynamic bird communities visible during each season
An Owlsome Night Amidst the Dense Mangroves of Bhitarkanika
Screech, hoot, shriek — the diverse calls and sounds of owls are everywhere in the mangroves of Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha
Singalila National Park: A Mountain Forest in the Clouds
At this charming high-altitude national park in West Bengal, the weather gods play a big role in creating an astounding diversity of flora and fauna
How to Behave While Birdwatching
A set of guidelines for respectful, thoughtful, and yet enjoyable birding
Canopy Bridge Comes to Gibbons’ Rescue
Tree-planting efforts initiated in 2006 to reunite the apes separated by a railway line in Hoollongapar bear fruit
Over-exploitation of Groundwater Threatens Gondwana Fishes
Groundwater management and aquifer protection key to conserving subterranean fish found in the Western Ghats
Big Herons: Those Grouchy old Fishermen
Armed with a S-shaped neck and dagger-like bill, these herons are accomplished fishers
Hangul Numbers Increase in Kashmir
Population of critically endangered deer increases to 261 from 237 in 2019
Ramki Sreenivasan: Not Every Hero Wears a Cape
Wildlife photographer turned conservation campaigner and fundraiser for children suffering from cancer, Ramki Sreenivasan firmly believed in giving back
Friends in Low Places: Connecting with the Ocean
If we can build a healthy curiosity and sense of wonder about the ocean, we’ve taken the critical first step to further its conservation
Bird Housing: Rumblings in the Old Poplar Apartment Block
An unlikely tree on the edge of a sanctuary is a residential complex for numerous birds, and the scene for how survival in the wild is a mix of cooperation, conflict, and competition
Gone Rogue: The Golden Shower Turns Invasive in the Western Ghats
Don’t let the pretty blossoms fool you. The golden shower is a vigorously proliferating invasive species that has become a serious threat to critical wildlife habitats in the Western Ghats
Nicobar Treeshrew: Squeaking Spy and Forest Alarmist
The Nicobar treeshrew is almost everywhere on Great Nicobar island. It settles in the canopy and, every so often, sounds a shrieking alarm call
Moth Inventory: Expanding Our Faunal Database
Seventeen newly discovered species add to the hundreds of species of moths recorded in Arunachal Pradesh’s Talle Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most biodiverse regions of India
Fishy Quandary: A Nexus of Livelihoods and Native Fish
Without healthy freshwater ecosystems, there is neither hope for indigenous fish species nor humankind
Future in Jeopardy: The Wild Water Buffalo in Assam
According to conservationists, it is habitat loss and not the practice of interbreeding with domestic buffaloes that has affected the population of the Asiatic buffalo
Troubled Waters: Alien Plants and Water Stress in the Nilgiris
The unseen impact of exotic invasive plants on the ecology and water security of the Upper Bhavani region of the Nilgiris
Red Panda: Under the Radar in Singalila
This cute, furry animal is an endangered species and a conservation icon in waiting
Securing the Fishing Cat's Future in the Chilika Lagoon
Appointing the fishing cat as the ambassador of Chilika has drawn critical attention to this important wetland ecosystem that plays a major role in the survival of this wild feline
Backyard Beasts in the Northern Aravallis
Forest remnants of the northern Aravallis, sandwiched between the ever-expanding cities of Delhi, Gurugram, and Faridabad reveal an astonishing array of wildlife, highlighting their conservation value
More Extreme Weather Events Likely in India, Says IPCC Report
Over the next 20 years, global temperature is expected to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, leading to extreme events
Can Feeding Wild Elephants Paddy Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict?
The Chhattisgarh state government is trying to feed its surplus paddy to elephants in the hope that it will prevent them from coming into villages in search of food. Experts weigh in on the wisdom of this strategy
Clear and Present Danger: Managing Free-ranging Dogs
The current rules and laws governing the control of free-ranging dogs don’t go far enough to mitigate wildlife deaths and injuries they cause
Wild and Free: Where the Rock Bees Roam
These wild honeybees, called Apis dorsata, have cleverly adapted to the rapid changes in their habitat and make their hives with as much ease on urban high-rise buildings as they do in forests, cliffs, and tall trees
Chirgaon Leads the Way in Vulture Conservation
Vulture population in village in Maharashtra rises from 22 in 1999-2000 to 249 in 2021
Community Efforts Guide Mahseer Protection in Meghalaya
Locals manage 79 fish sanctuaries in the state that support a wide variety of fish
Delhi’s Secret Winter Guests: Small and Chirpy Forest Birds
We often equate migration with cranes, geese and waders in wetlands. But every year, Delhi welcomes smaller birds that fly long distances to visit the city’s woods
Common Kingfisher: The Bolt of Blue
Its vivid electric blue and orange colouring has led to a timeless fascination with its beauty, but this little bird is also an excellent hunter
Little File Snake: The Silent Predator
Harmless to humans but often mistaken for a venomous sea snake, the little file snake lives mostly in brackish mangrove swamps though it sometimes wanders out to open sea as well
Removal of Invasive Prosopis May Affect Livelihoods in Banni Grasslands, Says Study
Scientists suggest that the landscape can be temporarily maintained as a mosaic of native grassland and invasive trees
Another Veterinary Drug Endangers India's Vultures
Study urges for ban on widely-used painkiller nimesulide, which exerts toxic effects on vultures
Tigress Travels Record Distance in Central India
P213-22 walked 99 km from her home in Panna Tiger Reserve to a non-protected area, where she is rearing two cubs
Accidental Capture by Fishers Claims Millions of Seahorses
An estimated 13 million seahorses were caught annually as bycatch in India between 2015 and 2017
Invasive Red-eared Slider Poses Threat to Native Freshwater Turtles
Unaware pet owners and weak laws enable multiplication of the exotic turtle that harms local biodiversity
The Guide: Bor Tiger Reserve
In Maharshatra’s Wardha district, a little-known tiger reserve harbours big surprises
Serial Drillers: Great Slaty Woodpeckers as Community Cavity Creators
Woodpeckers regularly construct tree cavities of all sizes. These become potential dwellings for a diverse set of creatures from bees to birds, mammals, and reptiles
Protecting the Sacred Fish of the Cauvery
Religious lore, temples, and the impact of inadvertent conservation in the Cauvery basin
Red Panda: Vanishing Flame of the Himalayas
With barely 300 left in the forests of Sikkim in India and just 10,000 worldwide, conservation of the red panda through research, education, and communication is critical
Twilight Zone: A Tale Between Two Tides
When the tide heads out, the shallow watery plains come alive with many surprises from fuzzy little hairy crabs to the nervous blennies, and algal patches host various creatures from gastropods to a league of hunters like octopuses and eels
Shivaji Kutikela: “To Protect Animals, I Must Think Like a Hunter”
What does it take to protect wild animals from snare traps? Good observation skills, knowledge of wild animals, and the ability to think like a hunter. A day in the life of an anti-snaring field assistant
Sudarshan Shaw: Finding Divinity in Nature
This artist from Odisha takes a unique angle on conservation. He would like us to look at nature with all our senses and see the divinity in all creatures, large and small
Sand Scavengers: Ghost Crabs in the Intertidal Zone of Chennai’s Elliot’s Beach
Living on the foggy cusp of land, sea, sand, and sky, ghost crabs are the beach clean-up crew, the vultures of sandy coastal ecosystems.
Development Plans Threaten Ecology of Lakshadweep
Proposed large-scale beachside tourism and infrastructure development may aggravate climate change-related disasters
The Striped Sibling of the Idu Mishmi
The people of the Mishmi Hills in Arunachal Pradesh share a sacred kinship with the tiger
Lightning and I: Encounters with a Tigress from Ranthambore
Tracking the many twists and turns in the life of a tigress from Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park
Life After Dark: The Night Shift on a Coral Reef
Diving once the sun has set reveals a star-studded canvas of nocturnal life that rivals what you might imagine lives in outer space
Pastoral Communities Affected by Livestock Grazing Ban in Sikkim
Study finds that the ban combined with rising tourism resulted in the loss of livelihoods and culture
Wild Buffalo Faces Race Against Extinction in Chhattisgarh
According to government estimates, only 25 to 35 wild buffaloes left in the state
Indian Rock Python: Of Legends and Leather Bags
Though the law gives it the highest level of protection, stigma and fear continue to threaten the survival of this species
Two Lakh Trees Face Axe for Diamond Mine in Buxwaha
Proposed project will impact wildlife and villagers dependent on the forest
Leatherback Sea Turtles: Giants of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Recent monitoring and scientific data from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on these remarkable reptiles give us hope and must deepen our resolve to continue to protect this very critical habitat
The Conservation Paradox: Missing the Meadows for the Green Turtles
Seagrass ecosystems support marine organisms which use the meadows as foraging and breeding habitats. Green sea turtles have depleted some of these habitats, creating a conservation dilemma
Peculiar Pelicans: Gawky, Grand and Graceful Waterbirds
These social birds may sometimes appear clownish and clumsy but they’re majestic and dignified when they fish and fly
A Spotlight on the Scorpions of the Western Ghats
Discovery of seven new species from the region highlights the need for further studies to conserve these arachnids
Elusive White-bellied Herons Make a Rare Appearance
In a first for India, two birds were spotted at an elevation of 1,200 metres above sea level in Arunachal Pradesh
An Encounter with the Grey Ghost of Ladakh
What do an eight-year-old and 14-year-old do when a snow leopard takes one of the goats they were herding?
Gharials Lose Nesting Sites at Katerniaghat
Growth of vegetation along the banks of the Girwa River has adversely affected the nesting of gharials
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: A Sight and Story at Every Bend
The lush forest is best experienced through the eyes of the local tribals-turned-guides who know the landscape intimately
Blue-necked Reedtail: The Mysterious Damselfly
In a forest in Kerala, a surprise encounter with a rare odonate that is an indicator of healthy, primary forests and guardian of freshwater
Alien Fish Proliferate as Extreme Climate Events Rise
According to a study, floods trigger escape of exotic and invasive species that harm local ecosystems
Life Without Light: Creatures of Meghalaya’s Caves
In a fragile, subterranean world of absolute darkness, fascinating life forms emerge
Sindhudurg’s Cashew Nut Plantations Offer Refuge to Wild Mammals
Sambar, porcupine, boar, gaur, hare, mongoose, leopard, and civets among the animals recorded in a study
Fishing Friends: Irrawaddy Dolphins and the Fishers of Chilika Lagoon
In Odisha’s Chilika Lagoon, researchers have confirmed that dolphins do assist fishers in getting a good catch
The Rousing Call of the Common Hawk-Cuckoo
You know its peak summer and the breeding season when you hear the incessant calls of the brainfever bird
Poaching Threatens Asiatic Black Bear in Arunachal Pradesh
Bears outside protected areas in the state targeted to meet the demands of the transnational wildlife trade
Economy or Ecology? Eucalyptus Plantations in Coastal Andhra Raises Concern
Farmers in Vizianagaram district turn to ‘controversial’ water guzzling crop as they struggle with water scarcity and groundwater salinity
Droughts Mitigated at Lamkani through Grassland Restoration
A ban on grazing and felling of trees coupled with watershed management restores this village near Dhule to its former glory
Huddle Together: Social Spiders and Their Myriad Guests
While most spiders are solitary and cannibalistic, this group of spiders is social, cooperative, and “tolerates” foreigners
Skittering Frogs: Look Closely, They’re Floating on Water Everywhere
Of the eight species of skittering frogs found worldwide, seven exist in India, and one new species was discovered only in 2016
Vasanth Bosco: Choosing the Promise of the Present
Leaving behind a career in alternative energy, he has chosen to dedicate his life to rewilding the depleted shola grasslands in the Nilgiris with native trees, shrubs and grasses
Mohammed Dilawar: A Superhero for the House Sparrow
The humble house sparrow’s population was seeing a steep decline for decades, until an ecologist decided to do something about it
Studying Snakes through Radio Telemetry
Emerging as an easier and more precise way to track and study snakes than traditional observation methods
The Vanishing Grasslands and Wetlands of India
Grasslands and wetlands are neglected and underappreciated habitats though they support many lives and livelihoods. Both community- and administration-led efforts are required to stop their loss
Galathea: A Threatened Paradise at the Edge of the World
Far away from all civilisation, at the southernmost tip of Indian territory, leatherback turtles have a huge nesting site. Will plans for a new port transform this pristine landscape forever?
The Guide: D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary
In the exquisite riverine grasslands of this wildlife sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh a diverse range of birds and animals find refuge
Surviving the Pandemic, One Tree at a Time
When the Covid 19 pandemic shut the world down, the author turned to the trees around her for hope
Vanishing Act: The Slow Decline of Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle
The turtle has been shrouded in mystery for too long — it is rarely spotted, we know little about its ecology, except that its numbers are declining across its range
The Nitty-gritty of Releasing a Leopard
When a leopard is captured near Chalamasandra village, a team assembles to release it in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
A Hidden Life: The Impressed Tortoise in Central Arunachal Pradesh
When a rare, land-dwelling tortoise materialises out of nowhere in a small area of the Northeast, there is cause for celebration and conservation
Forest Fires Raise Questions Over Management of Similipal National Park
Forest department and local communities remain divided over cause of fires and ownership of the biosphere
Spectacled Cobra: An Unwilling Icon
Though worshipped, venerated, vilified, adored, and feared, this snake isn’t quite understood
Aaliya Mir: The Woman Who Rescues Wildlife in Kashmir
The role of wildlife conservationists and rescuers, such as Aaliya Mir, is increasingly becoming important in the wake of frequent human-wildlife conflicts in Kashmir
Keoladeo Ghana National Park: Floating Laboratory of Bharatpur
India’s most famous bird sanctuary has a long history of conservation challenges that have persisted for decades
Bharatpur: Memories of an Inveterate Birder
The writer reminiscences the many charms of Keoladeo Ghana and the last swansong of the Siberian crane
N Badusha: Crusader for Wayanad’s Wilds
For more than four decades, this committed environmental activist has forged a path to protect the fragile communities and ecosystems of Kerala
Indian Paradise Flycatcher: Flash Dance of the Glam King
Dressed to the nines, with blue eye rings, dapper suits, and fancy trailing ribbons, the adult male of this species is a showstopper
Delhi and Haryana’s Aravallis Home to Rare Wildlife
Survey finds species such as honey-badger, Indian fox, jungle cat, and ruddy mongoose in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Delhi
Tiger Story: Lost Stripes of Gujarat
This is a tale of two big cats. One was abundant in numerous districts of Gujarat up to the early 1960s, the other was almost gone. In a twist of fate, it was the creature that was plentiful that became locally extinct in the state
Andaman Day Gecko: Fleet-footed Flecks of Green
Endemic to the Andaman Islands this gecko has learnt to adapt and thrive on banana plantations
How Goa is Emerging as the New Shark-Eating Destination
As Goa gears up for tourists post-pandemic, restaurants are promoting their food on social media, and shark meat preparations are the most popular among them
Last Stand: The Kolar Leaf-nosed Bat and its Forgotten Cave
A citizen scientist strives to protect the only known habitat of a rare, critically endangered species of bat in Karnataka
Finding a ‘Star’ Among Frogs
When a team of ecologists discovered a frog with constellation-like markings on its back, they knew just what to name it!
Humpback Mahseer: Big Fish in a Small World
The once abundant “tiger of the Cauvery” has now shrunk to a few small pockets in the Cauvery basin. Protecting this fish is not just about the mahseer, it’s linked to the conservation of the larger riverine ecosystem
Delhi’s Unlikely Stopover: Finding Everything in the Middle of Nothing
Agricultural farms on the edge of Delhi may not look like picture perfect sanctuaries, but during winters they turn into essential stopovers for long-distance fliers
Lake Life: Pulicat, the Bird Haven
This brackish water lagoon just north of Chennai is rich in marine life that has made it an important bird habitat and crucial source of livelihood for hundreds of fisherfolk
The Spin on the Spider’s Silk Route
The protein fibre produced by spiders has multiple intriguing uses beyond the building of webs
Brahmaputra’s River Islands Threatened by Burning and Clearing of Grasslands
Experts suggest these grassland habitats for many endangered birds need legal protection
Cherish the Grove: A Foray into the Forests of the Coromandel Coast
Tropical dry evergreen forests, distinct to the coastlines of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, now exist only in fragmented patches. We need to conserve their biodiversity and engage with communities to preserve and protect the native forests of this eco-region
Going to the Dogs? Turning the Page for India’s Endangered Dhole
As efficient carnivores built to thrive at the top of the food chain, the Asiatic wild dog is a pack hunter that can bring down prey many times its size. Unfortunately, it also has a long history of targeted persecution in India
Choosing Between Elephants and Humans in the Nilgiris
The implementation of the Sigur Elephant Corridor connecting the Eastern and Western Ghats faces opposition from human rights activists
Bare Truth: Why We Need to Save Our Sloth Bears
This nocturnal bear, with powerful claws, is one of the most feared animals of the Indian jungle and yet its survival is threatened
Kole’s waterman: Protecting a wetland through paddy cultivation
Agriculturist Kochu Muhammed who coordinates over 130 clusters of farmers is a living encyclopaedia on these wetlands
Sticking Point: Bewitched by the Brown Shrike
Why does this sweet, unassuming bird have the ominous nickname “butcherbird”?
Ruby-tailed Hawklet: Black Dragon in Red Shorts
Endemic to the marshes and pools of the Western Ghats, this pretty dragonfly is also a good indicator of ecosystem health
Life on the Vertical: Exploring Nature on City Walls
The ecology of urban walls includes a variety of life, from ferns and figs, to paper wasps, stingless bees, and two-tailed spiders
Sunbirds: Zippy Popstars Dressed to the Nines
Tiny tots with sharp curved bills, these dazzling extroverts frequent urban gardens to feed on nectar
Indian Rat Snake: Nature’s Own Pest Control
An active, adaptable predator that keeps a check on many of the pests that thrive around us, this common snake also becomes prey for cobras, mongooses and raptors
When the King Doesn’t Strike
Capable of immense restraint, the world's longest venomous snake is way more intelligent than we think
Finding Philautus: Bush Frogs in the Western Ghats
A researcher’s journey through the mosaic of sholas and grasslands in the Upper Nilgiris of the Western Ghats to study its herpetofauna
Sea Cucumbers: Silent Superheroes of the Seas
These sea creatures are mini ecosystems unto themselves and play a crucial role in keeping oceans alive and healthy
Bantam Force: Ambushed by the Termite Parade
Termites are tiny but they are super builders and play an integral role as decomposers and ecosystem engineers of the natural world. In human habited landscapes, however, they are known as the silent destroyers
The Butterfly Effect: Peter Smetacek and his Hill Cocoon
Peter Smetacek could identify butterflies before he could read. Today, the expert has turned his home into a butterfly museum and research centre for those who wish to soak in their wonder
Chhattisgarh's Next Tiger Reserve – Bhoramdeo or Guru Ghasidas?
State keen on Guru Ghasidas National Park, while wildlife experts feel Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary is an important tiger habitat
Dizzying Decline of the Indian Vulture
The unique dietary habits of vultures make them critical to many ecosystems, but also susceptible to the fatal effects of harmful chemicals consumed by other animals
Indian Grey Hornbill: Unsung Hero of Urban Forests
The most widely distributed of hornbill species in India, this fruit loving bird can often be spotted in the middle of a city
Indian Chameleon and the Art of Disappearing
A lightning-fast tongue and unique capacity to camouflage itself are just two of this creature’s highly specialised adaptations
Including Local Community in Protecting Forests Costs Less than Excluding them: Report
Resettling forest dwellers outside forests costs nearly as much as one-fourth of India’s annual gross domestic product, according to the report.
Disappearing Predators: Wolves of the Deccan
Indian grey wolves have a long history of living in human-dominated landscapes, but their survival is now challenged by the rapid, unsustainable change taking place in these traditional habitats
Finding Nature Through the Gift of Our Attention
From observing bird behaviour in an urban garden to tracking butterfly lifecycles on a balcony, we can all build an enduring connection to the natural world
Indian Grey Wolf: Ghosts of The Grasslands
These elusive wild predators are not found in jungles, but in scrubland and grasslands adjacent to human habitation
At Home with Herps: Living with Reptiles
How a herpetologist fell in love with the natural world by observing snakes, lizards, frogs and other reptiles around his home
Gulf of Mannar’s Corals Endangered by Marine Debris
Abandoned nets, plastic fish traps, ropes and lines make corals susceptible to injury, fragmentation, and disease, say researchers
Jungle Sleuth: Wild Encounters and Animal Signs
Tracking wild animals based on the secondary evidence they leave behind — from pugmarks to dung piles and scrape marks
The Genius Octopus: Programmed to Deceive
These evolutionarily advanced marine invertebrates can solve puzzles, memorise tricks, use tools, and even recognise and fool humans
Alliances of Lions: Power and the Politics of Coalitions
Forming partnerships with other males is crucial to the survival of young male lions and allows them to become eligible bachelors
Mount Abu’s Sloth Bears Tread on Thin Line
An eco-sensitive zone around the sanctuary with some stretches only 100 metres wide is inadequate, say wildlife experts
Smart and Saucy: The Story of Wild Squids
Squids have evolved complex sensory systems. They are fast, stealthy predators of the seas, but also prey for marine mammals, seabirds, turtles, and a host of fish
Mischief Makers: The Disgraceful Antics of Graceful Gulls
Migratory gulls are elegant, graceful birds, until they spot someone with a delicious snack
Migrating Mangroves: Why Sundarbans’ Coast Guards Are Moving
Certain species of mangroves have started growing as far as over 180 kilometres away from the Sundarbans forest — some have even been spotted near Kolkata
Gaur Shift Out of Forest Homes
Herds increasingly frequenting farms near forests in Coonoor, Kotagiri and Kodagu districts of south India
Snakes Can Be Friends Too
Wildlife cartoonist Rohan Chakravarty collaborates with the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust for a book that asks children to make friends with snakes, but from a safe distance
Nature Underfoot: Wild Flora and Fauna on City Pavements and Waysides
A rich diversity of plant and animal life is hidden in the cracks and crevices of our streets, and a closer examination can reveal some incredible interactions
Gharials Make a Comeback in Punjab
Forty five gharials brought from a captive breeding centre in Madhya Pradesh have been rehabilitated into the Beas river
Golden Jackals Find Shelter at Airports
Grasslands in and around airports in Kolkata and Guwahati offer refuge to these canids
Parenting Lessons From the Sea
Marine creatures make exemplary parents. A look at the top childrearing strategies that set some critters apart from the rest
Painting a Canvas: Vijay Dhasmana, The Rewilder
Conservator of degraded landscapes, this self-taught ecologist is at the forefront of reviving wrecked habitats in north India
India’s Only Wolf Sanctuary Threatened by Mining
The quest for bauxite along the bordering areas of Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand endangers the wolves of Mahuadanr
Swarmageddon: How Lonely Grasshoppers Turn Into an Army of Locusts
Locusts and grasshoppers are two forms of the same creature, but a series of chemical reactions turn these lonely hoppers into giant swarms of invasive insects
A Bug’s Life: The Ant Question Hour
These tiny creatures rescue their injured friends and weather storms. A peek into some of the mysteries and intriguing behaviours of the ant world
The Guide: Lakh Bahosi Bird Sanctuary
One of the largest wetlands in Uttar Pradesh, the twin lakes of Lakh Bahosi are great for spotting winter migratory birds
A Family Saga: To Bee or not to Bee
The author and her father are fascinated by the leaf cutter bee’s nest in their garden, while her mother remains unmoved
Winds of Change: New Strategies to Combat Human-Elephant Conflict
State forest departments of Odisha and Chattisgarh are working with local communities to mitigate conflict by using seed balls, drones and alarm machines
Unwelcome at Home: The Palm Civets of Kolkata
As Kolkata loses some of its heritage buildings to new development, the shifting landscape claims an unlikely victim — the nocturnal, shy palm civet
Frabjous Flamingos: Haughty Ballerinas of the Wetlands
Tall, boisterous, and dressed in a ballerina’s pink tutu, the flamingo looks like it stepped out of a whimsical Lewis Caroll fantasy
Love at First Dance: The Charming Romance of Great Crested Grebes
The elaborate mating ritual involves calling, preening, synchronised swimming, and a graceful “waltz” on water as the final act
Coast Guards: How Women are Protecting Sindhudurg’s Mangroves
A ten-member, all-female group has been raising awareness about mangroves through boat safaris in Mandavi creek since 2017
Foraging Food: Eating Wild in the Andaman Islands
Eating from the forest, opens up the palate, but also brings up questions of how modern cultures have lost the knowledge of ancient foods that connect people and the land
Ramadevarabetta: A Vulture Sanctuary in Rapidly Urbanising Ramanagara
Close to the metropolis of Bangalore, the Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary is a pristine protected space in which people can learn about reptiles, dragonflies, endangered vultures, and all kinds of other birds
Puja Mitra: Changing the Tide for Goa’s Marine Life
From highlighting biodiversity and redefining dolphin tourism in Goa, to marine rescue and community-based collaborations, this conservationist wears many hats to protect Goa’s marine life
In Deep Waters: The Conservation Saga of the Ganges River Dolphin
Conservation of the Ganges river dolphin will not just protect the species, but secure the future of our largest river systems
Lesser Florican: Hope in Rajasthan, but on the Brink in Madhya Pradesh
While lesser floricans are learning to live with farmers in Shokaliya, Rajasthan, their numbers continue to plummet in the central Indian state
The Wild Stars of South India
A smattering of creatures large and small that make an appearance in the latest field guide by the authors
Poo to Woo: How Blackbucks Use Their Dung to Attract Mates
Blackbuck males know how to win a mate’s heart — with proud piles of prodigious poop
The Zen of Diving
Age is no bar for falling in love with the meditative, magical underwater landscapes of India’s Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands
Why Woodpeckers Peck the Largest Trees
According to a study conducted in Uttarakhand, woodpeckers prefer to forage on large trees which offer more food. Removal of large trees could affect their numbers
Anish Andheria: A Scientific Temper and a Wild Heart
From rescuing snakes as a school kid to influencing government policies, Anish Andheria has had a long, and illustrious life in the wild
Spirals Through Time: Evolution of Orb-weaver Webs
Orb-weaver spiders are functional design enthusiasts and imaginative decorators, creating a variety of webs that range from minimalist to ornate — all are highly effective insect traps
Eel Hunter: The Amphibious Life of Sea Kraits
With a specialised taste for eels, these venomous sea snakes hold their breath underwater for up to thirty minutes when on their perpetual hunting excursions
Growing With the Flow: The River Pamba and I
How childhood swimming lessons in Thalavady’s Pamba river revealed secrets of Kerala’s backwaters, and introduced the writer to wonders of the wild
Predator in the Pond: Indian Flapshell Turtle
Though these small turtles are camouflaged and instinctively hide on the edges of waterbodies to ambush their prey, they face a perilous future
Narcondam Hornbills: Gardeners of their Island Eden
These enigmatic seed dispersers have inadvertently modified their island home over the years to suit their needs
The Guide: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Every summer, the river waters recede to reveal tiny islands that welcome the sanctuary’s biggest attraction — large congregations of graceful and gregarious river terns
The Guide: Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Little islets on the River Kaveri make up this all-season haven for birds and birdwatchers
Chousingha: The Shy Four-horned Antelope
At the first sign of danger this rare antelope darts into the undergrowth. Spotting a pair in Panna Tiger Reserve is like hitting the jackpot
Man on a Mission to Revive Noida’s Wetlands
Ramveer Tanwar gave up his job as an engineer to restore at least 20 ponds and lakes in his home region
Gujarat’s Wildlife Habitats Call for Protection
Rare and unique wildlife found in the state’s vast stretches of grasslands, salt marshes, scrub forests and coastline need immediate conservation attention
Feathered Folklore: Birds and Their Amazing Avatars
From heroic acts to saviours of mankind, birds are important characters in legend, folklore, and mythology
The Guide: Ken Gharial Sanctuary
Come for the gharials, but stay for the vultures, the spectacular waterfalls, colourful rocks, and dramatic canyon
Mowgli Encounters a Pack of Dholes
A human child raised by an elephant matriarch in an Indian jungle learns the ways of the wild
The Guide: Satpura National Park
There are three ways to explore this gorgeous Central Indian wildlife park of hills, rivers, wooded forests and rugged grasslands
Proposed Hydropower Project Threatens the Bodh Fish
The ‘shark of Bastar' found in the Indravati river in Chhattisgarh, faces a perilous future due to the proposed Bodhghat Pariyojana project and indiscriminate hunting
Fish Discovered in Kerala may have Lived with the Last Dinosaurs
Genetically distinct from other snakehead fish worldwide, the Gollum snakehead is a living fossil, say scientists
High and Dry: The Gradual Erosion of Ladakh’s ‘Dry Toilet’ Culture
Burgeoning tourism is pressurising locals in Ladakh to construct water-based toilets that are unsuited for its freezing terrain and only add to its water woes
Magical Mollem: The Fight to Save Goa’s Largest Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, the state’s largest protected area is under threat from three infrastructure projects. Luckily, there’s a youth-led citizen's movement taking up cudgels to save it
Mugger: River Monster or Peaceful Giant?
Seen as dangerous predators and banished from most of their original habitats, marsh crocodiles suffer a perilous existence in India today
A Hidden Life: The Mystery of the Eurasian Otter
This elusive otter managed to stay under the radar of naturalists and wildlife observers in peninsular India for at least seventy years
After Dark: The Lives of Nocturnal Animals
These creatures of the night rest during the day and wander through the forest, hunt, and eat when it’s lights out
Web Design: An Orb-weaver’s Sticky Toxic Lair
The orb-weaver’s delicate latticework of silken strands is treacherously loaded with a super glue spiked with toxins
Orb-weaving Spiders in Art and Imagination
These tiny creatures have inspired design, art, and folklore. They manufacture all their own raw materials for knitting orb-shaped masterpieces of silk that are not just geometric and pretty but also very efficient at catching prey
Garden of Earthly Delight: My Last Wild Place
A little terrace in Bengaluru glows with wildness and tranquillity, and brings home the lesson that your very own Zen garden does not have to be an immaculately tended space
Tamil Nadu to Investigate Cause of Mysterious Elephant Deaths
Poisoning and disease emerge as prime suspects for the deaths of elephants in the state's forests in the last seven months
Tall Tales: Trees from Nagarhole
A glimpse into the ecological and cultural linkages of eight important tree species from the moist, dry deciduous forests of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
New Underground Ant Discovered from Goa
Measuring just 2.5 mm in length, yellow in colour and completely blind, Vaibhav’s Protanilla was first found in Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Two Sloth Bears and their Human Family
Spending a day with a kalander family leads the author to re-examine her understanding of animal cruelty
Plants as Parasites: Connecting to the Host with the Most
Using specialised structures, parasitic plants tap into the root system of specific host trees to draw water and nutrition
Champions of Chomp: Skilled Hunters with the Strongest Jaws
A formidable set of teeth is not unusual in the animal kingdom, but some creatures can literally bite a head off
Creative Collectives: When Creatures Band Together
When it’s a gathering of crocodiles or an assembly of owls, there are unique collective nouns that are suited to each group of critters
Whale Fall: Food Bonanza on the Ocean Floor
When a whale dies, its carcass sinks to the bottom and generates an energy-rich underwater ecosystem supporting a multitude of marine creatures and communities
Bold and Beautiful: Panna’s Glorious Tigers
By the end of 2009 not a single big cat was left in Panna Tiger Reserve. But through one of the country’s best conservation efforts, ten years later it is a thriving habitat with high tiger density, a stable population, and frequent sightings
Not the Witch’s Steed: Why the Hyena is India’s Most Misunderstood Predator
The hyena is neither evil or cunning, nor a solitary scavenger. What the intelligent mammal desperately needs is an image makeover
Gurugram, Faridabad at Risk from Illegal Mining in Aravallis
Despite the Supreme Court repeatedly issuing strict orders against illegal mining, the activities continue unabated
Accidental Tourist: The Vagrant Long-Billed Dowitcher
Thousands of kilometres from its natural habitat, a lone, unexpected guest becomes a temporary celebrity for the birdwatching community of Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary
Horned Lark: The Crazy Bird and its Crazy Nest
The horned lark cares little for privacy. It builds its nests in open grounds, on compound walls, or even next to busy roads, allowing everyone a glimpse of its private life
Hump-nosed Pit Viper: Gem on the Forest Floor
Deep in the forests of the northern Western Ghats, Castle Rock is a hotspot for reptiles and amphibians, and the perfect location to find and study this elusive nocturnal pit viper
A Robin and a Warbler: Migrants on a Volcanic Island
The appearance of two unrecognisable birds on Narcondam Island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago sets off a chain of investigation
Monsoon Musicians: Songs of the Cicadas
With about 200 different species in India the diversity of cicadas is astonishing. But there is one thing common to most of them, they emerge annually and herald the arrival of the monsoon with their music
Periyar Tiger Reserve: Synergy of an Emerald Forest
It’s easy to fall in love with this lush wilderness in Kerala when you explore its depths on a boat safari and walking trail
Fringe Ford and the Scoop on Poop
Lessons in nature’s interconnectedness in Wayanad’s jungles, where poop is serious business. It can bear tidings of who’s in town, and support entire ecosystems
Green Munia: The Gullible Beauty of the Scrub Forest
The green munia is a brightly-coloured bird with a melodious call — unfortunately its beauty is also its curse. It is still illegally trafficked in large numbers despite its declining population
Nest Negotiations: Why Owls Groom Siblings for Food
In a single nest, fights over food among siblings can get intense, but owls have figured out an effective barter system so everyone gets their share
Five Chandrapur Tigers Make a Thermal Power Station their Home
The striped cats have been roaming freely in the power station since the past four to five years, and frequenting nearby residential areas
The Guide: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
Dense forests and abundant waterbodies make the three sanctuaries within Dudhwa Tiger Reserve a haven for wildlife
Scavenger Hunt: Hail the Clean-up Crew
By consuming decaying matter, creatures that scavenge play an important role in the ecosystem. They keep the environment clean, contain disease, and help recycle nutrients
Golden Jackal: Wandering Howler of Indian Jungles and Backyards
The golden jackal, found in almost every habitat in the country, has inspired folk stories and songs, but also a few questionable practices that have led to poaching of the wild canid
Rising Mining Activities Threaten Tiger Habitats
Home to one-third of India's tiger population, the landscapes of central India and eastern ghats are among habitats under severe pressure from mining
Night Flyer: The Red Giant Gliding Squirrel in Namdapha National Park
Though this nocturnal squirrel resides high up in the canopy and is widely distributed it is threatened by deforestation and habitat fragmentation
Missed Connections: How Disconnected Forests Threaten the Grizzled Giant Squirrel
Continuous forests, with connected canopies, are essential for the tree-dwelling species to travel for food, shelter and survival
Indian Pitta: A Whistling, Winged Rainbow
The brilliantly-coloured Indian pitta is an eyecatcher — it has adorned magazine and book covers, and inspired local names and tales wherever it has travelled
Fear and Fascination on the Trail of the Mugger
Marsh crocodiles are stealthy creatures and apex predators of their environment, that can elicit both admiration and a panic response
The Guide: The Twin Sanctuaries of Kumbhalgarh and Todgarh-Raoli
Though off the beaten track, these sanctuaries in Rajasthan are rich in wildlife sightings. Expect to see a variety of creatures from leopards to crocodiles, raptors to waterbirds
Otters Slipping Away Outside Protected Areas
India's otters are becoming increasingly rare, especially in the Himalayan region, as hydropower projects, sand mining and boulder collection ravage their habitats
Fighting a Race Against Extinction: India’s Only Pitcher Plant
Mining, shifting cultivation, and excessive collection threaten Nepenthes khasiana, an insect-eating plant found predominantly in Meghalaya
Tall, Dark, and Lonesome: The White-bellied Heron’s Last Call for Help
With less than 250 known individuals in the world and fewer than 50 in India, the white-bellied heron is slowly disappearing without a trace
Sea Cucumbers: Countering the Illegal Trade
Lakshadweep unveils the world’s first sea cucumber reserve, drawing attention to this overexploited marine invertebrate
Fleet-footed Tahrs: Lords of the Pinnacles
Exploring three distinct species of mountain ungulates, traditionally labeled tahrs, from the mountains of Asia
How Local Communities Help Conserve the Snow Leopard
Community-led initiatives in Ladakh’s Sham Valley have deterred the ‘revenge killing’ of snow leopards and encouraged locals to participate in their conservation
Accidental Ecosystem: How a Rooftop Garden can be a Thriving Habitat
When a few potted plants were left to grow wild on a Delhi terrace, they attracted an entire ecosystem — from delicate butterflies to foot-long colour-changing lizards
Saltwater Crocodile: Dragons of the Sundarbans Swamps
Basking in the sun, the saltwater crocodile is a study in stillness but once it enters the brackish waters of the Sundarbans, it is the top aquatic predator
The Guide: Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
The world’s largest mangrove forest is a serene landscape that syncs its moods with the changing tide twice every day. The tiger may be its biggest attraction, but the shifting tide is its real protagonist
The Bengal Slow Loris: Disappearing Gently into That Good Night
Endangered by habitat loss, hunting and illegal pet trade, this nocturnal primate found in India's northeast needs urgent attention
Croc Creche: Why Crocodilian Males Make Great Babysitters
Breaking gender stereotypes, tough bull crocs often pitch in to take care of hatchlings. Scientists believe they could be showing off their potential as future mating partners
How Scavengers Keep the Ecosystem Clean
Vultures and other scavengers not only clear decaying animal corpses, protecting us from disease, but their absence could also destabilise entire ecosystems
Ganges Shark: The One True River Shark of India
Under-researched and critically endangered, the Ganges shark is extremely susceptible to extinction
Learning to Coexist with Elephants
Positive stories that talk of shared spaces, respect for the gentle giants, and acceptance of their presence can lead the way forward
The Art of Dying: Senescence in Leaves
The death of leaves is really an active recycling of nutrients and energy, accompanied by a splendid display of colours
Tea Time with My Friend the Rock Agama
If you’re near a forested rocky area in the lower elevations of the Himalayas, look out for a variety of agamid lizards
Cross Connections: Time to Rethink Human-Wildlife Conflict
From conflict to interaction – calling for a nuanced understanding of human-wildlife encounters
How to Build a Whale Skeleton from Scratch
While researchers try to understand why whales get beached, a scientist constructs a 32-ft skeleton from the remains of stranded blue whales to build a case for the big, friendly giants
Musa Khan: Birding Star of Desert National Park
A few years ago, Musa Khan could barely identify five birds. Today, renowned wildlife photographers and ornithologists depend on his expertise
Painted Storks: The Winged Daughters of Kokkarebellur
Every year, for about six months, the village of Kokkarebellur is taken over by painted storks. Locals believe the loud and beautiful visitors are like their own children
Shaking a Leg with the Kottigehar Dancing Frog
A critically endangered frog, endemic to the perennial forest streams of the Western Ghats, “foot-flags” to charm a mate
Dark Side: Spotting a Leopard in Panna Tiger Reserve
At night, the forests of India are happy stomping grounds for many creatures, but few are as adaptable, clandestine, and canny as the leopard
Monitor Lizards: Unsung Dragons of the Indian Subcontinent
Though monitor lizards are routinely captured for meat and body parts, basic ecological and behavioural information on these large reptiles is lacking
Why Do These Starry-eyed Frogs Disappear into Bamboos?
A peculiar behaviour exhibited by white-spotted bush frogs prompted a researcher and his colleagues to unravel a mystery that’s stranger than fiction
Evolutionary Anomalies: Killing and Eating Your Kind
When king cobras eat other king cobras — strange stories of animal cannibalism
Nest of Deception: When Spiders Mimic Weaver Ants
Numerous species of spiders trick weaver ants by mimicking their appearance and behaviour. They steal their identity and larvae, and sometimes even kill and eat them up
Bewitching Blennies: Pixies of the Seas
Blennies are small, cute fish that are essential to the functioning of coral reef ecosystems. Being abundant and quick to reproduce, they are an important food source for predators.
Tribal Districts in Odisha Lead the Way in Coexistence with Environment
A culture of conserving nature among indigenous communites in Rayagada and Koraput spell hope in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
Shadow in the Swamp: The Aberrant Tiger of Sundarbans
The Sundarbans tiger is unlike its counterpart on the mainland — it drinks saline water, is an expert long-distance swimmer, and hunts with as much finesse in tidal currents as it does on land
Barking Deer or Indian Muntjac: The Solitary Reaper
This small deer prefers to be alone in forest cover and dense vegetation. When it senses danger, it calls out with a harsh bark that can be heard at least a kilometre away
Malabar Pied Hornbill: In Tuxedos for the Fruit Party
Usually in groups of ten these hornbills are sometimes seen in flocks of 100 or more in slightly open forests with plenty of fruit trees
Dark Waters: The Disappearing Myristica Swamps
Exploring these intriguing freshwater swamps reveals many reasons why we need to preserve them. They host not just a primitive family of plants, but also a fascinating array of creatures
Asad Rahmani and his Five-decade Long ‘Vacation’ in Conservation
From writing letters to Salim Ali as a young boy, to heading one of Asia’s most important conservation organisations, Asad Rahmani says his career in wildlife protection has been nothing short of an extended holiday
How to Savour a Forest: Gratitude for the Abundance of Nagarhole National Park
A treasure trove of biodiversity, Nagarhole has much to offer beyond the tiger
Death Knell for the Sharavathi?
Environmentalists fear a new hydropower project in the heart of the Sharavathi valley that demands diversion of 360 acres of pristine forest land would spell doom to the valley
Kartik Shanker: Researcher, Ecologist, Storyteller
Kartik Shanker juggles many roles — ecologist, children’s writer, founder of Dakshin Foundation, editor of a conservation magazine — all rooted firmly in decades of field research
Fallen Flowers: Restoring Wild Orchids in the Western Ghats
Education, conservation and community go hand in hand in an educational experiment on restoring orchids in Vythiri, Kerala
Myth and Reality in Rajasthan’s Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary
Walking through this tropical dry deciduous forest sanctuary feels like a wilderness pilgrimage
Butterfly Highway: Delhi’s New Flyby Zones
A team of ecologists and citizens plan to build a series of butterfly parks across Delhi
Lessons in Citizen Science and Community Stewardship in Latpanchar
Creating a safe haven for the rufous-necked hornbill and its habitat has brought socio-economic rewards to this little hamlet in West Bengal
Demoiselle Cranes: High-Flying Damsels
With deep orange eyes, long, luscious neck feathers, and slender legs, the demoiselle crane looks like it is dressed for an elegant party
Lives in the Balance: Unravelling Koppal’s Shared Spaces
The rocky outcrops and grasslands of Koppal are under threat causing a decline of large carnivore populations and disrupting human-wildlife coexistence
Striped Sisters Lead Conservation in Sariska
The two sister tigers, ST-9 and ST-10, were relocated to Sariska tiger reserve in 2013 and have till date contributed significantly in building up the tiger population in the reserve
The Gallant Tiger: Faithful Unto Death
A 19th-century story of a tiger who lost his life in defence of his master in the highlands of central India
Nest Protectors Hope to Secure the Indian Skimmer’s Future
In an upcoming initiative, researchers, forest departments and locals have come together to implement a community conservation programme to protect the vulnerable Indian skimmer
The Story Behind the ‘Hardship Allowance’ for Karnataka’s Frontline Forest Staff
An account of the behind-the-scenes struggle to give forest guards and watchers protecting some of India’s best tiger landscapes their due
Trees and Toddy: In the Sacred Grove of Ajeevali
Saving a forest of gods in Maharashtra from the long arm of greed for natural resources
Nandini Velho: Community and Conservation
Nandini Velho’s extensive work with local communities makes her an unusual conservationist — one who stands up for humans as much as animals
The Ecotone: The Todgarh-Raoli and Kumbhalgarh Sanctuaries of Rajasthan
Between the hilly forests of the Aravallis and the arid Thar desert, two little-known wildlife sanctuaries harbour a wide variety of flora and fauna
Garnering Community Support for the Great Indian Bustard
A wildlife biologist couple spearhead an effort to involve the local community in conserving Rajasthan’s state bird, the Godawan
White-naped Tit: Whistler in the Bush
Partial to thorny scrub forests in the western and southern parts of the country, this rare bird is slowly losing its preferred habitat
In Search of a Panacea: Herb Collection in the Himalayas
Himalayan medicinal plants and herbs play an important role in the ecosystem, and in the lives of the humans and animals that live in the region
Food First: A Hand for a Handout
Juvenile bonnet macaques in the Bandipur National Park, Karnataka, have developed an almost human way of communicating their request for food
The Blue Mountains: Love and Longing for the Shola Grasslands
The Nilgiris are known for their enchanting diversity, but hide a fascinating past — of colonial invasion, mindless reforestation and a raging debate on the origins of its montane ecosystem that lasted for over half a century
Guest List of Thousands: Demoiselle Cranes in Kheechan
Kheechan in Rajasthan has a fifty-year-long tradition of welcoming and feeding thousands of migratory demoiselle cranes from Eurasia, as they winter in the south
A Flood and a Forest: When Brahma’s Son Engulfs Kaziranga
As Kaziranga National Park goes through another cycle of its annual floods, here’s a look at what it means for those on the frontlines
Fish Workers Critical to Saving Dugongs and Their Seagrass Habitat
India is reaching out to coastal communities through awareness programmes and incentives to protect both the endangered dugongs and their habitat
The Wild World of Krithi Karanth
Multi award-winning conservation scientist Krithi Karanth has moved beyond a focus on science, and engages in conservation interventions that reduce human-animal conflict and bring about change
Why Human-nature Relationships are Complicated
When large and potentially dangerous carnivores are involved, the relationship between humans and nature becomes complex
Poaching Increases During Covid-19 Lockdown in Rajasthan
More than 3O cases of killing of animals, including chinkara (Indian gazelle) and India’s national bird peacock, have been recorded during the lockdown, say Rajasthan’s forest department officials and activists
The Private Lives of Kingfishers in My Urban Garden
Watching a white-throated kingfisher family breed and grow in an urban garden in Chennai
Cheaper Modes to Transport Coal are Environmental Threats
India’s coal and shipping ministries have been encouraging the use of water and air for coal transport despite dangers posed to environment, livelihoods and human life
Rohan Chakravarty: Saving the World, One Cartoon at a Time
Humour and drawing help take the message about our amazing natural world and wildlife conservation, beyond scientific communities to a wider audience
Ecotourism, and the Olive Ridley Turtles of Dapoli
In coastal Maharashtra, conservationists navigate the impacts of beach-loving travellers on this vulnerable reptile
Art for Dehing Patkai: Amazon of the East
In April 2O2O, the National Board for Wildlife permitted coal mining in parts of Assam’s Dehing-Patkai Elephant Reserve, sparking off a student-led online campaign to save the forest
Natural Habitats Under Attack: Conservation of Elephants and other Animals
In the righteous cacophony surrounding the death of an elephant by a bomb concealed in a pineapple, the real, urgent issues that elephants and other wildlife face remain buried
Saving One of the Largest and Rarest Turtles from Extinction
A researcher is collecting data and building networks among communities in Kerala to work towards the conservation of Cantor’s giant softshell turtle
Prerna Singh Bindra: One with the Wild
More at home in the wilderness than in the city, this conservationist and writer has dedicated her life to the protection of forests and wildlife
Spotted! A Leopard on the Prowl
Without timely conservation measures, the enigmatic <em>Panthera pardus</em> might end up in greater conflict with humans
Abhinav Bharti: Guardian Angel of Todgarh-Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary
It takes a lot of passion and determination to be a forest officer with limited resources patrolling and protecting a wide tract of forest
Island Fever: A Lifelong Obsession with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Something romantic and primeval about islands makes us innately drawn to them. And though we may check out any time we like, we never really leave.
Inhaling the Scents of a Forest
Smells and fragrances of the natural world change with the seasons, some trigger old memories, others create new ones
Dwarf Geckos: Life in the Shadows
The discovery of three new species of rock-dwelling dwarf geckos (genus Cnemaspis) from the Mysore Plateau reveals the ancient history of these habitats
The Oxbow Lake of Purbasthali and my Tryst with the Elegant Ibis
About 12O km from Kolkata, lies a birding heaven: a thriving wetland habitat full of resident and migratory species
Rhododendrons: Superflowers of the Himalayas
Ingenious ways in which the rhododendrons of Sikkim engage with their habitats and pollinators
Phayre’s Langur: A Future Denied
Endangered Phayre’s langurs are losing their habitat at a rapid pace. They need targeted conservation interventions to survive.
Deep Wells of Danger: Karnataka’s Leopards in Peril
A study finds that between 2OO8 and 2O17, Karnataka witnessed 7O instances of leopards falling into open wells
In Purulia, Villagers Plant Forests to Restore Lives
Villagers from Purulia in West Bengal were suffering from a groundwater crisis coupled with hot and humid weather conditions for two decades, until they realised that the solution lies growing forests around them
No Laughing Matter: Nilgiri Laughingthrush and its Habitats at Risk
Named after the Nilgiri mountain range, the Nilgiri laughingthrush was once a common sight across the extensive shola forests of the Western Ghats. Today, perhaps, less than 2OOO individuals survive
Yellow-throated Marten: Feisty, Fearless Predator of the Himalayas
This carnivore’s small size belies its hunting skills and predatory tactics — which include the ability to bring down prey larger than itself
The Guide: Bhitarkanika National Park
The creeks and mudflats of coastal Odisha are a haven for a variety of birds and reptiles like the saltwater crocodile
Dazzled by the Golden Gecko: Dainty Lizard of the Ruins
For over 100 years, scientists thought the golden gecko was extinct, until it was rediscovered in 1985. Spotting it amidst the ruins of an old fort is as good as finding treasure
When Women Take Charge: The Grassroots Story of Pramila Bisoyi
Newly-elected Member of Parliament from Odisha, Pramila Bisoyi, is known for her grassroots conservation efforts, particularly protection of the peacocks around Pakidi hills
Building Nests to Save Delhi’s Sparrows
The house sparrow has been steadily disappearing from the capital, but Rakesh Khatri’s Eco-Roots Foundation is determined to change that. He raises awareness in neighbourhoods, and has built and placed about 1,OO,OOO nests and birdhouses to help them nest and roost in
How Protecting Small Forest Patches Can Make a Big Difference
Connecting smaller protected forests to larger ones can ensure movement of animals so that there is an exchange of genetic material, which will ensure long term sustainability of the populations
Hidden Kingdom: Fantastic Plants and Where to Find Them
The book Hidden Kingdom champions the mystical plants of Western Ghats through sensuous, powerful illustrations set to enchanting rhyme
The Guide: Panna Tiger Reserve
The breathtaking landscape of Panna Tiger Reserve is truly worthy of showcasing the tiger, but the forest’s other inhabitants are pretty magnificent as well
Balcony Birding: Birds are Ruling the Roost this Lockdown
The stay-at-home directives are allowing people the chance to explore the urban biodiversity in their own backyard
The Mangrove Pitta: A Blue Streak in the Mud
Found only in mangrove habitats, the striking mangrove pitta is one India’s most beautiful and underappreciated birds
Giant Powerhouses: Secrets of the Himalayan Oak Forests
The banj oak forest occupies but a narrow swathe of the Western Himalayas, but it is highly valued for the variety of creatures it supports, and the multifaceted benefits it brings human residents of the region
Urban Ecosystems: Snakes and the City
Unbeknown to most of us, snakes are often permanent residents of urban environments. We have to find the happy balance of human-snake coexistence
Project Camouflage: Styles and Survival Strategies of Decorator Crabs
Decorator crabs assemble elaborate adornments to masquerade as different life forms and escape being attacked by predators
Tulasi Gowda: How She Brings Forests to Life
In the last 50 years, 83-year-old Gowda has worked at the forest department’s nursery in Honnalli village in Karnataka, where she has planted hundreds of thousands of trees and helped regenerate many indigenous varieties
Vembanad Lake: A Chance of Revival for the Dying Lake
India’s Supreme Court rescues the second largest wetland in the country, Vembanad lake and the livelihoods who depend on it, by ordering razing of illegal construction and hotels along the shores
Canopy Colonisers: Battles of the Weaver Ant Armies
Weaver ants display great aggression towards nearly any visitors to their territory, but will actively look after farms of sap-sucking insects to harvest honeydew to meet their energy needs
Chinkara: The Graceful Gazelles of Saswad
The chinkara may not be on everyone’s watch list, but it should be, for this alert and agile doe-eyed antelope is a study in beauty and poise
Stepped Splendour: The Glorious Landscape of Panna Tiger Reserve
Trees, rivers, rocks, and art — every gorge tells a story in this spectacular tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh
An Inconvenient Truth: Tiger Conservation Beyond Protected Areas
India has over 75 per cent of the world population of Panthera tigris, but are we doing enough for the species?
Faking It: Big Cats and the Confusion Around Paternity
Female lions and tigers go to great lengths to mask the identity of their cubs’ fathers, and with good reason
Locust Swarms: Pests or Actors in the Ecosystem?
The locust is both agriculture pest and a food source. Normally solitary, they turn into a locust plague when conditions are just right
Amphan Aftermath: A Resilient Mangrove Forest Struggles to Survive
The deadly cyclone is a reminder that the Sundarbans is at great risk, and needs conservation efforts that go beyond political borders
The New Tribe of Warriors of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
The forests around the Ranthambore fort were once the private hunting grounds of the kings, but recently they have been witnessing a new tribe of warriors – a local NGO has built a network of volunteers that track and protect the forests wild animals
Bringing Freshwater Turtles out of their Shells and into the Spotlight
With more than 50 per cent of freshwater turtles threatened with extinction, Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises of India, a collective, is drawing attention to these lesser studied species
The Daily Dichotomies of Gujarat’s Little Rann of Kutch
Nothing is as it seems in this unique ecosystem in eastern Gujarat
The Guide: The Backwater of Bhigwan
A boat safari through this wetland in rural Maharashtra reveals an abundance of resident and migratory birds
Lockdown Lessons in Human-Animal Coexistence
Will the environmental tranquillity resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown really help wildlife?
Periyar Tiger Reserve, Trendsetter in Converting Poachers to Protectors
Vidiyal Vanapathukappu Sangam, India’s first participatory forest management project comprising solely of former poachers and sandalwood smugglers, completes 17 years of conservation in Periyar Tiger Reserve of Kerala
It’s Complicated: Bats as the Most Vilified Creatures of the Night
Known to play a very significant role in maintaining our ecosystem, bats are now demonised and dreaded as carriers of deadly diseases. Virologists studying viruses, and chiropterologists who are bat researchers, disagree on how the pathogens they harbour have spilled over to humans
The Dilemmas of Loving and Letting Wild Creatures Go
How do we reconcile with what is in the best interest of wild animals when our heartstrings are attached?
In the Laterite Plateaus of Maharashtra, Rock Bottom is a Wonderful Place
The rocky outcrops of the northern Western Ghats are often considered wastelands, when they are hotbeds of endemic diversity
A Forest of Folklore: Myths, Gods, and the Many Faces of the Tiger
How culture, traditions and gods of the Sundarbans are inseparable and intertwined with the forest and its most charismatic creature the swamp tiger
Crackdown on Illegal Wildlife Trade Could Prevent the Next Pandemic
Investigations show that meat of protected turtle species is sold in several markets in India. Such ‘wet markets’ present an acute health hazard and need to be looked into urgently in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic
Vulture Population in Bundelkhand Increases by 103 Per Cent in a Decade
According to NGO Indian Biodiversity Conservation Society, vulture numbers rose from 1,313 in 2009 to 2,673 in 2019
The Serengeti of Saurashtra: Sightings Abound at the Blackbuck National Park in Gujarat
Antelopes, wolves, hyenas, and plenty of migratory birds inhabit this protected reserve in Velavadar
Sights and Sounds from the Tree Canopy
Exploring the last biological frontier, the treetops in Tamil Nadu’s Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Anamalai Wood Snake: New Species Found in the Western Ghats
Scientists had previously noted slight differences in the Perroteti’s wood snake found in the northern and southern hill ranges of the Western Ghats, but further analyses reveal that specimens collected from the Anamalai hills, in the southern ranges, are a new species altogether
Chinkara Poaching Racket Uncovered in Rajasthan
The four accused are suspected to have killed hundreds of chinkaras, the state animal, over almost a decade
Unregulated Leopard Tourism Worries Conservationists
Private leopard safaris around the periphery of protected areas with claims of “guaranteed sightings” causes concern
Fishy Phenomena: Sex on the Reef
Sex changes and massive mating gatherings have never been taboo for coral reef creatures. And fish couples, although common, are rarely monogamous
Pangolins in Peril: The Illicit Wildlife Trade has Pushed this Mammal to the Brink of Extinction
The pangolin has survived millennia on Earth, but can it survive the 21st century?
Cryptic Splendour in Jewel Beetle Finery
Challenging normal logic, the glossy iridescence of jewel beetles is really a cloak of invisibility
Dhangars of Saswad: How Traditional Livelihoods Conserve Unique Ecosystems
Climate change and infrastructure projects are threatening the traditional pastoral occupations that have helped preserve the grasslands of Saswad for centuries
Going Solo: Loners of the Wild
A solitary existence is the preferred way of life for many creatures of the Indian wilderness
Aarey: The Wild Heart of Mumbai
Few cities in the world have large swathes of jungles within their borders, even fewer have leopards living within. Unfortunately, the green cover of India’s maximum city is under grave threat
Painted Sandgrouse: The Art of Blending In
With its black, white, and brown plumage the painted sandgrouse is well camouflaged in the rocky landscapes of the Saswad grasslands near Pune
Nilgiri Tahr: The Little-known Mountain Monarch of the Anaimalai Hills
Conservation through monitoring population trends of the Nilgiri Tahr in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu
The Dark Knight: Enigma of the Common Krait
Its reputation is deadly, but how does the common krait take your breath away?
Island Shenanigans: Nicobar Long-tailed Macaques in a Tropical World by the Sea
Straight from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the life of a unique nonhuman primate species that is adaptable, intelligent, and highly social
Raiders of the Anthill: Sloth Bears of Kumbhalgarh
A sweet tooth and a penchant for ants and termites occasionally take the sloth bear beyond the boundaries of Rajasthan’s wildlife sanctuaries
The Guide: Keoladeo National Park
The former hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur is now one of India’s most important breeding and feeding grounds for a variety of resident and migratory birds
On the Edge: Saga of the Great Indian Bustard
Less than 15O individuals survive in the wild, but despite several conservation efforts, their troubles are far from over. Will the great Indian bustard become the modern-day dodo?
The Guide: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
After decades, Maharashtra’s oldest park returns to the spotlight as the hot favourite for wildlife enthusiasts
Allahrakha Khan: The Living Legend of Velavadar’s Last Grassland
More than 2OO years ago, his forefathers first started protecting the Velavadar grasslands. Over the course of his life, he has not only continued their legacy, but also turned into an unlikely guardian of the park’s endangered, sprightly, lesser florican
Weaver Ants: Leafy Kingdoms and New Empires
A single queen ant gives rise to a new colony of ants whose workers weave leaves to make nests spanning multiple trees, to house hundreds of thousands of colony-mates
Secret Life of the Mouse Deer
The shy and solitary mouse deer, the smallest of all deer in India, lives a quiet life in the thick undergrowth of a dense forest
Dung Beetles: The Little Things That Run the World
They are found nearly all over the planet and are considered engineers of the soil. But why are dung beetles so fascinated with poop?
Painted Storks: Colouring the Coringa Wetlands
Though fairly large, painted storks are graceful and elegant birds that prefer shallow wetlands and marshes and nest in large colonies
Clouds, Hills, and Sightings of the Nilgiri Tahr
Found exclusively in South India, the Nilgiri tahr inhabits rocky hillsides and grasslands of the Western Ghats, but for how long?
Staying Alive: South Asian River Dolphins
No species on Earth is similar to the almost blind <em>Platanista gangetica</em>, which belong to an ancient lineage
The Fabulous, Functional World of Sea Slugs
Flamboyant in appearance and stealthy in their ways, sea slugs protect themselves in unique ways, including repurposing the defence weapons of their prey for their own protection
The Sundarbans Inheritance: Protecting a People’s Legacy
One of India’s leading wildlife voices speaks of his love affair with the Sundarbans, in an excerpt from 'Wild Treasures' — a collection of stories from Asia’s most incredible natural UNESCO World Heritage sites
Smooth-coated otters: Slick Operators of Coringa
Beguiling, playful, even comical, smooth-coated otters are the unlikely helpers of Coringa’s keystone species, the fishing cat
Insuring Frontline Forest Staff: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
Deep in colonial-era archives, multiple strands of information emerge to piece together a fascinating story of The Canning Fund. That ninety-year-old insurance policy is surely something we need today
Hesaraghatta Lake and the Savannah of Silicon City
Are well-meaning birders, photographers, and visitors destroying the very lake and landscape they so love?
Unfair Game: The Plight of the MacQueen’s Bustard
This worldwide population of this little-known bustard has been severely harmed by its use as live bait in an illegal hunting sport
Dismantling a Misnomer: Do Fallen Leaves Litter?
A source of rich nutrients, the padding of leaves on the forest floor conceals a busy ecosystem
Writing On the Wall: Heed the Message from this Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the close link between habitat and biodiversity loss and an increase in the eruption of zoonotic diseases. India needs to arrest this environmental downslide now
My Friends, the Trees
Falling in love with trees on a sprawling school campus, near the densely populated city of Varanasi
Of Sacred Streams and Groves
The authors explore how community attitudes towards conservation is helping protect two ecosystems in Maharashtra
Fade to Black: When Big Cats Hide
How the coat colour and design of wild cats allows them to blend into a diverse range of habitats, at different times of day or night
First Among Equals: Wild Asses of the Little Rann of Kutch
The Little Rann’s flagship species is shy, skittish, and ever alert to human intrusion into its home
Dog-faced Water Snake: Sludge and Salt in the Intertidal Zone
With their home in coastal mangroves, South Asian bokadams have adapted to sidewinding their way through the murk and slush of their watery habitat
The Ever-Changing Lives of the Soligas in BR Hills
In southeastern Karnataka, indigenous communities like the Soliga renegotiate their relationship with their forest home
The Mangroves of Andaman Islands and Tamil Nadu
In times of rapid climate change, protecting the mangroves of India is more crucial than ever before
When Nature Repurposes: Lessons from Velavadar
While we are only just catching up on the importance of recycling to help our planet, the natural world is many seasons ahead of us
Cross Connections: The Story of Humans, Urial, and their Kin
The role of wild sheep in the trajectory of human growth, and other compelling reasons to protect the urial and its habitat
Roots of a Salt Forest: Mangroves as Coast Guards of the Sundarbans
An incredible, resilient network of roots supports one of the world’s largest mangrove forests and protects its islands from disastrous waves, tides, cyclones, and storms
Hunter Among the Mangroves: The Fishing Cat of Coringa
Relatively unknown, elusive, and utterly beautiful, the fishing cat is among the mangroves’ most spectacular animals
When Common Birds are No Longer Common
According to a recent report, birds in India are seeing a steep decline. Several critically endangered ones are not doing so well. But surprisingly, the more commons birds that were once widely found, are seeing a sharp drop too
Avian Windfall at Todgarh-Raoli and Kumbhalgarh
Two underexplored sanctuaries in Rajasthan reveal over 12O bird species over four days, proving they have great potential to be developed as birding destinations
The Guide: Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
While the migratory birds in winter are the biggest attraction, the lake is home to nearly 25O avian species
The Guide: Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
Though it is a small sanctuary, spread over only 21.5 square kilometres, Point Calimere has mangroves, tropical evergreen forests, and grassland ecosystems. Here’s how to explore this potpourri landscape
Blackbuck Beauties at the Point of Protection
The sunny, open grasslands of Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary offer unhurried, unhindered views of these graceful antelopes
The Flamboyance of Maximum City at Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary
A short hop from Mumbai this sanctuary is a mix of grassland, scrub, woodland, and mangroves with a wide variety of resident and migratory birds
A Date with Mumbai’s Marine Wildlife
Mumbai’s Juhu Beach suddenly comes alive with crabs, anemones, shrimp, snails and other marine biodiversity that lives on city’s coastline
The Fantastic Creatures of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
Beyond the famous fishing cat, the Coringa mangroves provide a protective habitat to a variety of other animals, most of them hard to spot
The Curious Incident of a Wild Water Buffalo in Panna
The mysterious appearance of an endangered wild water buffalo, near Panna Tiger Reserve in Central India, in 1979 sets off speculation and a series of theories about its origins
Stepping Stones to Tiger Security: The Need for Inclusive Conservation Models
Making a case for unlocking the true potential of India’s tiger conservation capacity in a manner that brings development to local communities and an increase in biodiversity
Life of Corals: Witnessing an Ecosystem in Collapse
As oceans warm up the symbiotic relationship between corals and microscopic algae breaks down. Corals get bleached, making them susceptible to disease and eventually leading to the death of reef ecosystems
The Guide: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
This mangrove forest in the Godavari estuary is both ecologically diverse and very important, not least because of its abundant wildlife
I Want It All: The Checkered Keelback’s Game Plan
This semi-aquatic snake is ready to pounce on almost anything, even creatures it can’t really hope to swallow
Croc Talk: Of Salt, Scales, and Swamps
The estuarine or saltwater crocodile is a mighty beast with a long lifespan and formidable reputation
Sultry Sundarbans: The Tide, the Forest, and the Tiger Goddess
The Sundarbans is a vast mesh of crisscrossing rivers and tributaries lined with mangrove forests. It harbours hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and an intriguing story at every bend
A Tux and a Dance: A Day in the Life of the Common Coot
Coots are known to be quarrelsome, but outside the breeding season, they are also graceful creatures that will glide through waterbodies effortlessly in coordinated flocks
Guardians of the Sundari: Reviving the Mangroves in the Sundarbans
A group of women lead the way in efforts to bring the endangered Sundari tree back from the brink in their villages
Turning the Tide: The Batagur Baska and the Race Against Extinction
How a conservationist and his team in the Sundarbans brought the batagur, one of the most endangered turtle species in the world, back from the brink
Miracle on a Beach: A Night with the Ancients
The arribada or the mass nesting of olive Ridleys is nothing short of magic. Year after year, the turtles return to the land, to the very beach they were born in, to lay eggs
Spotted Creeper in the Khejri Tree
With a melodious call, the rare Indian spotted creeper makes an appearance on a misty morning in the Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary
Anant Shankar: Saving the Mangroves of the Godavari Delta
Once Anant Shankar understood the dangers the mangrove forests of Andhra Pradesh face he started a slew of measures to remedy the situation
In the Sundarbans, the Bengal Tiger is Always Watching You
Encounters with the tiger in the riverine, mangrove forests of the Sundarbans highlights its many roles — as flagship species, apex predator, photographer’s muse, fisherman’s nightmare, ghost, fictive kin, and god
Thriving in Thin Air: Pikas of the Himalayan Talus
Tiny, cute, and highly adaptable, the pika survives freezing temperatures and a host of predators
Hop, Skip, Run: The Hardy Pikas of Ladakh
Various species of pikas occupy the meadows and rock-strewn slopes of Ladakh, and they all stockpile enough food to last them through the bitter winter
Black-necked Stork in the Eye of the Marsh
Tracking the black-necked stork over decades, it becomes apparent that this grand bird is territorial, needs a lot space, and resides only in large healthy marshland
A Lifetime of Love: The Romance of the Sarus Cranes
Sarus cranes mate for life, but they also express deep feelings of love, attachment, tenderness, anxiety, distress, and other emotions we associate with the human experience
Marina Juliet: A Conservationist in the Making
Marina Juliet defies gender stereotypes as she trains to become a grassroots conservationist in rural Karnataka
Breaking Bad: The Brotherhood of Bull Elephants
How young male elephants have changed their social behaviour and adopted a range of strategies and tactics that help them raid crops and survive the wrath of humans
Anil Mistry: The Ex-Poacher Who Rescues Tigers
How a poacher turned conservationist, and became one of the leading voices fighting for the survival of the maligned Sundarbans tiger
Bringing a Forest Back from the Brink
Researcher-illustrator duo Nandini Velho and Anjora Noronha explore how community attitudes towards logging have changed in Arunachal Pradesh's Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, thanks to nature-based tourism
Tracking the Untraceable Sundarbans Tiger
The tiger of Sundarbans is unlike the tigers in rest of the country. In this excerpt from the book ‘Spell of the Tiger’, Sy Montgomery talks about why it is hard to track the mysterious, mythical ruler of the Sundarbans mangrove forest
Life of Corals: The Reef Assembly
Within the magical world of coral reefs is an unimaginable marine diversity dense with life forms, and interwoven with unique symbiotic relationships and partnerships between critters
Montagu’s Harrier: Prowlers on the Grassland
Following the migratory path of locusts and grasshoppers, Montagu’s harriers were once one of the most common harriers to winter on the Indian subcontinent. This is less and less so as their favourite grassland habitats diminish
Problem Elephant or Elephantine Problem?
The words we use to label animals involved in human-animal conflict situations can make a big difference to their conservation status
Spider Hunting Spider: Portia and the Art of Problem Solving
A peanut-sized jumping spider called Portia concocts complex strategies to catch its prey
Out of Favour: Prayer for a Mantis
This farmer’s aide is a voracious eater that has helped keep insect populations in check. Unfortunately, excessive spraying of chemical insecticides is destroying this natural pest controller
Mangroves: The Coastal Superheroes
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary’s mangroves, among the healthiest in the country, are powerhouses. But they are under threat of destruction from the expansion of agriculture and aquaculture farms
Smooth-Coated Otters: A Rough Ride Along Transforming Rivers
Smooth-coated otters are top predators of our riverine habitats, but new emerging threats are putting the lives of these playful, clever creatures at risk
The Wolves of Velavadar and a Pack of Memories
A visit to the golden grasslands of Gujarat’s Blackbuck National Park in Velavadar results in unusual sightings of wolves and a rush of childhood memories
Birds of Many Feathers in the Mangroves of Coringa
In the birdwatcher’s paradise of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, the avifauna enjoy a symbiotic relationship with the mangroves and surrounding communities
Pussyfooting Parliamentarians: Short-eared Owls in the Little Rann
A communal roosting site of this ground dwelling owl in the Little Rann of Kachchh demonstrates the aptness of some collective nouns
Asian Elephant, Great Indian Bustard and Bengal Florican to Receive Cross-Border Protections
The ongoing United Nation's COP13 convention accepted India’s proposal for their inclusion in Appendix 1 according these migratory species the highest levels of protection
Learning the Fox Trot: In Pursuit of the Bushy-Tailed Red Fox in Spiti Valley
Why the common red fox, may end up not so common after all
Treasure or Trash? When Unwanted Fish Sustain Livelihoods
The tussle, between the conservation of natural resources and ecosystems and people’s incomes, extends well beyond overfishing the most coveted varieties of fish from the sea
Citizen Science Data and the State of India’s Birds
A February 2O2O report, using data contributed by thousands of birders from across India, assesses the state of 867 species of birds found in India. The finding is that our birds are in overall decline
Pallikaranai Marshland: An Urban Wetland on the Brink
Besides hosting over 5,OOO resident birds, Chennai’s Pallikaranai marshland is a stopover point for over 4O,OOO migratory birds. It desperately needs to be saved from encroaching toxic waste
Najafgarh – Wetland or Wasteland?
In this chapter from Nature Conservation in the New Economy, Neha Sinha tries to unravel the curious conservation case of the Najafgarh drain in the National Capital Region
Clash of the Titans: When the King Cobra Meets a Rock Python
In the world of reptiles, boundaries between predator and prey are sometimes blurred
Life and Livelihoods along Coringa’s Mangrove Forest
How Coringa and its mangroves are the lifeline of over 4O villages that thrive on its banks
When Elephants Rage
A provoked, charging elephant may please popping cameras, but distresses the otherwise peaceful animal. They deserve the land, space and privacy they need
A Half Century of Sea Turtle Conservation
Contrary to popular belief, sea turtles are doing better than they have in decades, and we may need to rethink how to conserve them
The Guide: Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Visit for the tigers, stay for the forest.
Montagu’s Harriers: The Slender Hawks of Velavadar
Every year, thousands of harriers from Central Asia visit Gujarat to feast on the abundance that the grasslands of Velavadar Blackbuck National Park offer
The Wilds of Saswad: The Vibrant Grassland Near Pune
“Wasteland” is such a gross misnomer for the thriving but fragile grassland habitats of India. Saswad is one such unprotected landscape where abundant bird and animal life flourishes
When Danger Lurks: Toxic Beauties in Action
Butterflies have adopted numerous defence mechanisms to fool their predators, but how well do these tricks work?
Growing Older, and Wiser, With a Cherry Tree
A cherry tree that Rakesh planted as a child, grows tall and broad, welcoming a whole new world of birds and bees in his backyard, writes Ruskin Bond, in a heartwarming story from the chilly Himalayas
Foxy Tales: Look Before You Leap
In the Kutch district of Gujarat, the clever desert fox survives a harsh habitat and outsmarts those who pursue it
The Fishing Cat in Laxmi’s Backyard
A study of the biodiversity of the Godavari delta offers a glimpse into the conservation status of the wetland dependant fishing cat that lives in the mangroves and swamps of this coastal region of Andhra Pradesh
Return of the Cheetah: But Where Will it Roam?
A grand central government plan to introduce African cheetahs into India more than seven decades after the Asiatic cheetah went extinct here raises many pivotal questions
Desert National Park: The Abundant Life of the Sand and Scrubs
The Desert National Park is anything but deserted. Look closely, and you will spot gazelles, sandgrouses, foxes, snakes, and if you are lucky, the charismatic, critically endangered great Indian bustard
Tal Chhapar: The Golden Grasslands of Churu
The national park is home to many vulnerable and endangered birds and of course to its most famous resident — the blackbuck
The Sandgrouse has a Trick up its Belly
The sandgrouse has a smart hack to survive in difficult dry and arid habitats – it carries water in its belly feathers
On a Wing: Titli Utsavs in Uttarakhand
Butterfly and moth festivals in Uttarakhand open up new vistas for nature lovers and encourage the appreciation and conservation of lesser-known species
Tactical Tails: Life Moves in Slow Motion for the Spiny-tailed Lizard
With a fat tail that is both a boon and bane, this herbivorous reptile has adapted well to a hot, arid habitat
Getting Into a Huddle: The Himalayan Marmot Family
These cute, furry rodents of Ladakh are inadvertent ecosystem engineers
Short-eared Owl: Hidden Winter Resident of the Grasslands
The short-eared owl breaks common owl stereotypes — it migrates across continents, flaps its wings like a moth, and is active in the daytime
Enter the Mysterious World of Camel Spiders
Neither camel nor spider, this hyperactive solifugid is a nocturnal warrior and formidable lover
A Lost River and the Wetland Paradise of Hoskote Lake
Bengaluru’s Hoskote Lake and its surrounding marshlands host a wide variety of bird life and provide the city with a vital carbon dioxide sink. Efforts are on to revive the river system that once fed this vibrant water body.
The Strategic Strangler of the Forest
How a fig tree goes about playing its unique role in a forest ecosystem is a natural history case study unlike any other
Where the Wild Cat Roams: On Spotting the Black-Eared One
Tracing the history of sightings, of the rare and mysterious caracal, in the wilderness of east-central India
Why Rann When you can fly: The Bar-headed Geese of Gujarat
Every winter, flocks of these migratory geese make their way from Central Asia to the Indian peninsula
Petite but Deadly: Secrets of the Saw-scaled Viper
A relatively tiny snake with extremely potent venom and the ability to make loud, raspy warning sounds, make this one of the most enigmatic of the big four dangerous snakes of India
Herping Around: A Novice’s Endurance Test
A newbie joins a group of experts on a herping expedition in Arunachal Pradesh’s Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and learns to appreciate the wilderness from a different perspective
Living Dragons: Weapons, Defences and the Water Monitor Lizard
Though this predator is the second-largest lizard in the world, and very well adapted to the tropical environment it lives in, it is not at the top of the food chain
Can the Quick Red Fox Jump Over the Ladakhi Dog?
In the Changthang Plateau of Ladakh, conflict between red foxes and packs of free-ranging dogs intensifies
Nymphs, Love Spells, and the Eurasian Wryneck
When this free-spirited bird visits the outskirts of Kolkata it brings more than a little cheer
Matchbox Art: Kindling the Fire to Save Endangered Birds
“The Burning Birds of India” project mixes art and conservation to draw attention to the plight of the country’s endangered birds
Sunil Harsana, the Pied Piper of Mangar Bani Forest
An environmental activist fights for one of the last remaining green lungs that sustains the choking capital city of India
Masters of Disguise: Blue Oakleaf Butterfly
A dried leaf fluttering on a tree trunk in the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats could well be the masquerade of a brilliant blue butterfly
Did You Know? Starfish and How They Regenerate
The star of the ocean — which can regrow lost body parts, including organs — is best observed from a distance
Airworthy Athletes: Here Fly Dragons
When a creature with cyptic colouring hurls itself off a branch — sailing through the forest, flying between trees
Of Forked Tongues and Scaling Fort Walls: Story of the Bengal Monitor Lizard
The Bengal monitor lizard could be a useful ally in human dominated landscapes, if only its population wasn’t being decimated as a result of baseless beliefs and myths
Myths, Folklore and the Blood Pheasant of Kanchenjunga
In ‘Wild Himalaya’, author Stephen Alter weaves folklore with flora and fauna to tell stories of the greatest mountain range on Earth
In the Heart of Suburban Mumbai, an Oasis for Birds and Birders
Despite the concrete jungle around, Lokhandwala Lake in Mumbai’s crowded Andheri suburb hosts a healthy diversity of avian species
Challenge and Change in the Changthang
In this remote, high-altitude plateau of Ladakh, inhabited by Changpa nomads, a worrying transformation of habitat, climate, and lifestyle is under way
Wings of Chance: The Accidental Discovery of the Apatani Glory Moth
In remote Pange, near the Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, an “unintentional” photograph by a local sparked a series of scientific expeditions and led to the discovery of a new moth species, now named after his tribe
Cliff Hanger: The Blue Sheep That Isn’t
Although the fleet-footed and agile bharal of the Himalayas has evolved mountaineering skills to escape predation, its pastures need our protection
Unprotected Areas: Lalbagh Southern Bengaluru Charm
Every city needs a green lung where citizens can mingle with nature and relish a breath of fresh air. With several water bodies, over 1,OOO species of plants, and many gorgeous birds, Lalbagh is an oasis for Bengaluru’s citizens
Meet Spiny, the Only Herbivorous Lizard Species in India
How the spiny-tailed lizard copes with its habitat in the desert and its many predators
There’s a Caterpillar on Your Palm Plant, Daddy
They are many a gardener’s bane, but with a little time, caterpillars can bring great benefits to their habitat
Tamil Nadu’s Seaweed Harvesters in Rough Seas
An unusual activity of the fisherwomen of Bharathinagar in Tamil Nadu keeps them more in the water than on boats. But climate change and overexploitation of marine resources are eroding their livelihoods
Underwater Disturbance: The Gangetic Dolphin Struggles to Communicate
India’s Ganga River is getting noisier with increased ship traffic and dredging, and that’s stressing the river’s iconic dolphins and changing how they communicate, a new study has found
Brush Strokes of Blood: Illegal Mongoose Hair Trade Threatens the Animal
Illegal trade of mongoose hair is a thriving industry that results in the death of thousands of mongoose across India every month
Kuno, India’s second home for the Asiatic lion, is ready
Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno Palpur Wildlife sanctuary is all set to be the new home for relocated Asiatic lions from Gir in Gujarat
The Amur Falcon and the Mysteries of Bird Migration
Every year, tens of thousands of Amur falcons descend upon Nagaland, creating a natural history spectacle that is both rare and riveting
Life of Corals: The Origin Story
The brilliant corals we see at the bottom of the ocean are animals, the most extraordinarily wild architects on earth, and they use stinging cells to capture their prey
At a Canter: The Kiang of the Changthang
Droves of Tibetan wild ass or kiang are a common sight in the rolling open grasslands and marshy wetlands of Ladakh’s Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
Recommended Reads for Those in Love with our Planet
A roundup of books that span climate science and conservation, ecological concerns and vanishing biodiversity, as well as environment fiction
Snare Traps and Night-vision Goggles: Net-casting Spider on a Hunt
Hunter, scientist, skilled weaver, and meticulous planner — this fascinating arachnid’s nightly action plan reveals it is as intelligent as it is industrious
The Guide: Nagarhole National Park
One of the few national parks in the country that is open all-year-round, Kabini is rich with big cats, elephants, gaur, dhole, deer, and more
Arribada: The Mystery of the Olive Ridley Turtle Migration
How do these gentle sea creatures navigate thousands of kilometres to find the beach where they were born?
Going with the Flow: Exploring India’s River Systems, One Step at a Time
Siddharth Agarwal has walked the entire length of the Ganga and Ken rivers collecting local stories—and this is just the beginning of his drive to build a repository of knowledge
The Guide: Wild Wayanad
Kerala’s Wayanad district is a splendid wilderness area that is a hotbed of amazing creatures large and small
Leap of Faith: The Magical World of Jumping Spiders
These creatures are a highly adaptable species of spider with advanced vision, and can be found from the freezing-cold high Himalayas to the arid, baking desert of Rajasthan
Why Do Fireflies Glow?
What causes the belly of the firefly to glow?
Every Creature Embraces its Unique Sleep Habits
Hitting the hay isn’t the same for every living being, some doze for a short spell, while others are only awake for a tiny part of their day
Crisis in Kodagu: Can Humans and Elephants co-exist?
Kodagu’s people live in constant fear of elephant encounters, but strengthening wildlife corridors and educating locals can mitigate the situation. This is the second story in a two-part series on human-elephant interactions in Kodagu
Crisis in Kodagu: Reports from the Epicentre of Human-Elephant Conflict
Escalating human-elephant clashes in Kodagu are causing economic loss, and endangering lives of both, man and animal. This is the first story in a two-part series on human-elephant interactions in Kodagu
Cut that Call: Ethics and Misuse of Artificial Birdcalls
Is a bird in hand really better than two in the bush? Understanding the impact of our actions while birdwatching is an essential part of being an eco-tourist
The Guide: Gir National Park
Go for the lions, but stay for the rugged hills, the charming birds, the gregarious langurs, and the gratifying golden sunsets
The Guide: Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary
Discover one of the country’s last lowland evergreen forests, teeming with birds and mammals
Don’t Kiss and Tell: The Unusual Breeding Behaviour of Humayun’s Wrinkled Frog
How a melodious call in Amboli led to a research paper on an amphibian in the Western Ghats
How a Colonial Hunter Inspired Conservation Efforts
Though India-born British hunter Kenneth Anderson’s books are about his hunting exploits, they also discuss the importance of conservation and upholding the rights of the forest dwelling communities
Pushed to The Edge: Lion-tailed Macaques and the Case of Disappearing Forests
Destruction of forests is pushing a growing population of the shy lion-tailed macaques to look for food in human settlements
The Guide: Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
Whether in the grasslands, wetlands, or on steep snowy Himalayan cliffs, this high-altitude cold desert has a variety of animals and birds well adapted to sub-zero temperatures
Cubbon Park: The Lungs of Central Bengaluru
In the heart of this bustling city, Cubbon Park is an oasis of biodiversity that provides citizens a respite and a place to unwind
Seagrass Meadows on the Ocean Floor
Primary food of the dugong, sea grasses cover thousands of kilometres of ocean floor, and are massive oxygen generators too
How Village Folklore Helps Conserve the Ibex of Pin Valley
In the remote villages of Spiti Valley, people and nature are bound together by instinct and tradition
Dental Arsenal: Getting to the Teeth of the Matter
On exploring the proposition that losing canine teeth turns carnivorous predators into man-eaters
The Green, Green Grass of Home
The case for allowing a little wild grass to grow in your garden and life
Conflict and Coexistence: Leopards and the Residents of Valparai
How leopards adapt to human presence and communities learn to live in close proximity to the big cat, in the Anaimalai Hills of Tamil Nadu
The Queen of Jhalana is Dead, Long Live the Prince
The tigers of Jhalana may be a distant memory, but the leopards are just as worth saving
Chinkara: The Dainty Desert Ballerina
With soft, expressive eyes, a glossy, tan coat and a slender body, the graceful chinkara is soothing sight in the hot, harsh desert
The Eight-Legged Wolf with Stars in its Eyes
Spotting wolf spiders at night feels like part-arachnology and part-stargazing — their twinkling eyes shine like diamonds on the desert floor
How the Bugun Liocichla is Keeping an Indigenous Culture in the Northeast Alive
Tales of culture and conservation, from the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh
A Night When Lesser-known Stars of the Wilderness Shone
On 14th November 2O19, The Habitats Trust awarded grants amounting to up to 84 lakhs to four initiatives working towards protecting lesser-known species and habitats in India
On a Wing: Dhanauri Wetland, a Birdwatcher’s Wonderland
Majestic birds, reptiles, and even some mammals inhabit this thriving ecosystem, just a short hop from anywhere in the national capital
Is the Lesser Florican Jumping to Extinction?
The smallest member of the bustard family faces a peculiar conundrum: breed or be safe?
Breaking News! A Brown Cloud Descends on Mumbai
A Cloud Called Bhura by Bijal Vachharajani is a rib-tickling, teen mystery on climate change set in Mumbai. Here’s an sneak peek
Russell’s Vipers: Predators of the Undergrowth
A radio telemetric study explores the life and behaviour of this elusive, cryptic and hugely misunderstood snake
Sundarbans: ‘Not a blade of grass grew…’
People in the Sundarbans of West Bengal, for long living on the edge, are now facing climate change – recurring cyclones, erratic rain, growing salinity, rising heat, depleting mangroves and more
The swimming camels of Kutch
The magnificent Kharai camels get vital elements of their diet from marine mangroves on islands –and get there by swimming – yes swimming! – several kilometres off the coast of Kachchh (or Kutch) in Gujarat
Dune Crickets: The Underdogs of the Thar Desert
The Thar desert in Rajasthan is home to two of the seven known dune cricket species. The insects have adopted mechanisms and lifestyles that help them survive the arid desert climate
Magadha Burrowing Frog: Resident of Farms
The Magadha burrowing frog, named after the ancient kingdom of Magadha in the southern Bihar, was discovered in farms, proving that we need more explorations of agro-ecosystems, not just forests.
A Sight to Behold: Bending the Rules of Biology
One pair of eyes is not the norm for these unique creatures with incredible peepers
Out of Sight: The Rann, Thar, and the Great Indian Bustard
Inhabitant of the grasslands of western India, this critically endangered species needs all the help it can get to bring it back from the brink of extinction
Amazing Grace: The Dancing Black-necked Cranes of Ladakh
Tall and stately, black-necked cranes are short-term migrants in Ladakh, yet their elegance has inspired myths, folk dances, art, research and wildlife expeditions
Mountain Monarchs of High Asia
A salute to the various species of wild sheep and goat that inhabit Asia’s mountains, and have had a defining influence on the course of human civilisation
Bats and Moths: Evolution and the Relationship of Predator and Prey
Predator bats and the moths they prey on continue to evolve and adapt to suit their survival needs
Do Not Touch: Toxin Generating Sea Creatures from India’s Coasts
Some sea creatures have evolved effective ways of thwarting predators. They spew venom or emit deadly toxins to fend off the unwanted
The Curious Case of the Scorpion in the Night-time
Humans may be terrified of the scorpion’s sting, but some scientists are now fascinated by the potential its venom presents
Masters of Disguise: Indian Nightjar
Merging seamlessly into its surroundings, the Indian nightjar rests and nests on the ground, camouflaged against the rocks, soil, and leaf litter
The Indian Grey Wolf is in Need of Greater Protection
A recent study found that most habitats suited to the Indian grey wolf lie outside protected sanctuaries and national parks, putting its survival at great risk
Living Fossils: Old-World Creatures in the Wild
Some of Earth’s critters haven’t changed much in millions of years. Say hello to a few.
Under Cover: Ecosystems in the Sand
An astonishing array of plants and animals build their castles in the sand. Take a slow dive into this fascinating world of predators, prey, and unique partnerships.
The Vilified Hyena is an Agile and Intelligent Creature
Though portrayed as cunning and cowardly, the hyena is actually a smart and cooperative scavenger, who cleans up the environment and contains the spread of disease
The Spider’s Wharf: Tales of a Freshwater Fishing Enthusiast
From stealthily waiting by the water to prey on fish and tadpoles to females consuming males as a part of courtship ritual, the world of fishing spiders is full of intrigue
The Guide: Bandhavgarh National Park
Cats, big and small, are only a small fraction of the amazing wildlife in this central Indian national park
Kedar Bhide: The Nature Entrepreneur
Snake conservationist and wildlife photographer are just two of the many hats Kedar Bhide wears
Rocky Road: Change is in the Air for the Himalayan Brown Bear
Modifications in its denning pattern suggest that the dren-mo, the rarest of bears in India, is feeling the impact of environmental degradation
A Reluctant Birder’s Guide to Birdwatching
The author hated birding for as long as she could remember, until she realised she doesn’t have to do it the way everyone else does
Gone Too Soon: A Tale of the Central Himalayan Langurs of Uttarakhand
Is there a way out of the human-langur conflict in the Garhwal Himalayas?
Brooding over the Black-Necked Crane
Encounters and observations of the splendid black-necked cranes at high altitude wetlands
Trash is on the Menu for the Critically Endangered Greater Adjutant
Guwahati needs to address the larger issue of waste management if this carrion-feeding bird species is to have a future
In a Tight Corner: The Dwindling Elephant Herds of Assam
Massive habitat loss has pushed the elephants of Assam into fierce competition with humans over ever-shrinking resources
Leaps and Bounds: The Fascinating Frog World of Agumbe
A variety of amphibians reveal themselves on a night trail through the monsoon forests of Agumbe
The Guide: Agumbe, the Exalted Rainforest Paradise
Contiguous national parks and reserved forests in and around Agumbe make it one of richest and most biodiverse places in the Western Ghats
Branch Offices: The Working Trees of Delhi
A tree is home to birds, insects, and animals. It provides us clean air and shade, but few recognise that a large section of the city’s marginalised population leans on them for shelter, support and to set up shop
Dogs on the Rooftop: Faithful Friends or Fierce Predators?
A dramatic increase in the number of livestock and wildlife being attacked by free-ranging dogs is having an adverse effect on the fragile landscape of the cold desert of Spiti
High Flier: Bar-headed Goose Over the Himalayas
These remarkable birds undertake one of the most extraordinary migration journeys of the avian world
A Starburst of Colour and the Quest for a Nest
In a polluted, concrete and plastic-ridden city, a resilient sunbird couple builds and rebuilds their home
Hornbills of India: Encounters to Remember
India has nine enigmatic species of hornbills, spotting even a couple in their dense forest habitats is a memory to behold
The Soaring Raptor of the Changthang Skies
The handsome upland buzzard is Ladakh’s resident breeder that nests on sharp, sheer ledges of steep rocky cliffs
Rufous-bellied Woodpecker: A (W)holesome Guide
This sap sucking woodpecker creates multiple sap holes in trees, providing a food resource to other creatures of the forest
Small-clawed Otter: The Secret Surprise by the Stream
Our lives are implicitly intertwined with this shy, mostly nocturnal creature. The destruction of its riverine habitat could spell danger for an entire ecosystem
Himalayan Wolf: The Howler of Hanle
Searching for the elusive Tibetan wolf, in the Changthang Plateau of Ladakh
The Trickster of the Desert: Greater Hoopoe Lark
The greater hoopoe lark is clever. When it sees a predator, it fake falls and pretends to be an injured, easy prey, to distract the hunter from its nest
The Guide: Amboli, an Evergreen Eden
On the wildlife travel map, Amboli is a favourite destination for nature lovers and adventurers, who want to experience its staggering biodiversity
White-browed Bushchat: The Enigmatic Desert Dancer
Little is known about this elusive bird, including why it occasionally puffs its white breast feathers and sways gracefully from side to side, as if to an imagined melody
Mangar Bani: Delhi NCR’s Wild and Wonderful Neighbour
A beautiful forest with sharp-eyed eagles, vibrant butterflies, sneaky jackals, and monitor lizards thrives bang in the middle of our concrete-ridden capital
Shadow in the Sand: Encountering the Toad-headed Agama in Ladakh
Once listed as common, the toad-headed agama is now a rare creature in its native habitat of Ladakh
Woolly Wolf: An Ancient Lineage in the Himalayas
Himalayan wolves are versatile beings that are well adapted to the cold high-altitude desert. These wild canines share an environment with snow leopards and are known to roam great distances
Basai Wetlands Thrive Just a Short Hop From Gurugram’s Glitzy Malls
It’s hard to believe that over 231 bird species can be seen in this wetland region so close to Delhi-NCR
In Fine Feather: Spotting Birds in Ladakh
Over 3OO species of resident and migratory birds can be found in the seemingly inhospitable high-altitude desert of Ladakh
Seeking the Elusive Stone Marten in the Wilds of Spiti Valley
A close look at a lesser-known Himalayan carnivore and its prey
Listen! The Forest Has Something to Say
Inspired by true stories around India, ‘People and Wildlife’ talks about the deep bonds that some communities share with the natural world around them
In the Pink: Health and Herding in the Himalayas
Fostering human-wildlife coexistence in the high mountains. Can disease-free pastoral herds translate to healthy wildlife populations?
Shine a Light: A Saturday Night Moth Party in Delhi
The moths of Delhi’s Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary have their own loyal fan base, and shutter-friendly paparazzi
How Sacred Sites in Bengaluru Safeguard Trees
As many as 121 species of plants thrive and protected by Bengaluru’s sacred sites such as temples and kattes, contributing to the city’s biodiversity
Citizen Scientists to Map Wildflowers in India, and Three Other Countries
A citizen science project aims at improving knowledge of wild flowering plant species in Indonesia, India, Ethiopia and Turkey. The data will be publicly available
Jabarkhet Nature Reserve: A Forest Returns Home
Until 2O13, the private reserve suffered from unchecked tree logging and growth of invasive weeds. A little love, and conservation has revived an entire thriving eco-system
Bearded Vulture: The Marrow-Minded Raptor
This bird of prey cracks bones by dropping them from a height on sharp, rocky cliffs so it can feed on the soft, juicy marrow inside
The Tamilian Warrior is Now a State Butterfly
Tamil Nadu becomes the fifth Indian state to declare a state butterfly to boost conservation practices
Why You Need to Take Shit Seriously
While humans often track and identify animals by their droppings, for many animals just a sniff of dung can convey a whole lot of important information
Masters of Disguise: Snow Leopard
Quietly concealing itself in rocky crevices, the snow leopard merges perfectly with its surroundings in the high-altitudes of the Himalayas
‘Why is the climate changing like this?’
Coffee and pepper farmers in Wayanad, Kerala, are reeling under losses caused by a rise in temperatures and erratic rainfall in a district whose residents once boasted of its ‘air-conditioned climate’
Meet the Pygmy Hog, the Rarest Pig in the World
How conservationists brought the pygmy hog back from the brink of extinction
Fly on Little Wings: A Guide to India’s Butterfly Parks
Butterfly gardens and parks are not exotic locations in unique surroundings, you can create one in your home
Mapping Mysterious Reptiles in Misty Meghamalai
For four years, five researchers travelled through dense forests, waded through streams, risked attacks from leopards and enraged elephants to record the rich herpetofauna of Meghamalai, Tamil Nadu’s rain-soaked, misty mountain range
City Slickers: The Large Grey Babblers of Delhi
Tales of adaptation in the scrublands of the capital city
Malabar Grey Hornbills: Gardeners of the Rainforest
The Malabar grey hornbill is endemic to and emblematic of the rainforests of the Western Ghats, which often resonate with their calls and cackles
Will Agumbe Remain One of Wettest Places in India?
Traditionally stable weather systems have changed and the rainfall pattern in Agumbe has become erratic — the effect of both global and local factors
Leaf Masquerade of the Vine Snake
In the jungles of Agumbe long-held myths about the vine snake slither into the underbrush
Snow Leopard: The Ghost Cat and the Art of Waiting
A distant longing to see the snow leopard brings to light an epiphany: Everything is connected — man, animal, and ecology
On the Fly: An Afternoon with the Dragon Lizards of Agumbe
You can never tire of watching the smooth, precise gliding motion of draco lizards as they ‘fly’ from tree to tree
Forced to Join the Boys’ Club: Male Elephants Adapt to Change
Known to lead solitary lives once they reach adolescence, male elephants in South India are now responding to habitat changes by altering their behaviour and hanging out in all-male groups
A New Vine Snake Called Proahaetulla Slithers Into View
In the Agasthyamalai Hills in the southern Western Ghats scientists confirm the discovery of an ancient species of vine snake
Wise Owls and Busy Bees: Deconstructing Animal Idioms
If you’ve ever shed crocodile tears or been a cool cat or busy as a bee, stop and consider whether these phrases indicate actual animal behaviour
High and Dry: The Cauvery’s Otters Need Their River Back
A polluted vestige of its former self, the over-exploited Cauvery River has left otters, fishermen, and other many river residents bereft
Tall, Dark and Handsome: The Greater Adjutant
A brief history of the decline of this enormous, endangered bird and the community-driven initiatives that have given it a new lease of life
Restoring the Rainforest around Pakke, One Tree at a Time
A drive to revive degraded patches of hornbill habitat around Pakke Tiger Reserve aims to give hornbills more nesting trees and food plants, that benefit other species too
Glam Radar: Iridescence in the Wild
With an array of dazzling colours, some creatures wear a special shine that makes sure they stand out in a crowd
Anatomy of a King Cobra Rescue in Agumbe
Witnessing a kalinga snake being rescued, it becomes apparent that communication and cooperation are essential to conservation
Protecting the Snow Leopards of Asia’s Mountains
As their habitat is encroached upon, snow leopards face severe threats, but we can ensure that these splendid creatures, and the mountain people they live near, thrive and prosper
Himalayan Marmots: Sharp Sentinels of Ladakh
Burrowing deep and wrestling their way to survival, these giant ground squirrels live in the high-altitude cold desert of Changthang, Ladakh
The Common Tailorbird Stitches its Magic
In urban gardens, the petite tailorbird can be found using its fine beak and innate skills to sow leaves together to build a cradle-like nest
The Guide: Kanha National Park
One of India’s most famous tiger reserves encompasses diverse habitats which support a huge variety of wildlife including a healthy population of the big cat
The Rare Hawkmoths of Ladakh
Rediscovering the sea buckthorn hawkmoth in Ladakh after a hundred years, plus a glimpse of other nocturnal hawkmoths of the region
In my Backyard: The Oriental Honey-buzzard
Spotting the crested or oriental honey-buzzard, whose favourite foods is bee and wasp larvae and nests
Out of Place: Invasive Species in the Western Ghats
When plants and animals are relocated from their native habitat to new sites and environments they can cause havoc and be detrimental to local communities, habitats, and wildlife.
The Guide: Pench National Park
Pench was the inspiration for Kipling’s iconic The Jungle Book. It is still flush with creatures big and small — from predators like tigers and leopards, to over 200 species of birds, and innumerable other critters
The Grand Old Buffaloes of the Savannah Need Protection
A small and highly fragmented population of wild water buffalo struggles for survival. Long-term conservation actions are needed for their preservation
Binod ‘Dulu’ Bora: Assam’s Elephant Man
Engaging local communities Bora rescues animals, revives old traditions, and plants fruit trees for elephants to feed on in areas most affected by human-elephant conflict in Assam
Baby of the Forest: In Search of the Malabar Grey Slender Loris
In the densest parts of Agumbe’s forests, this wide-eyed primate feeds on insects in the quiet of the night
A Forest to Own: Can Private Forests Bring Public Benefits?
Corporates, start-ups and non-profit organisations are investing in creating ‘private forests’ both for their own relief and to support nature, but are they the answer to the current environmental crisis?
Gharials of Gandak: A Population Back from the Brink Faces Development Pressures
The population of gharials, a species endemic to the Indian subcontinent, has gone up in the recent years in the Gandak river in Bihar. However, the thriving gharials are facing threats from barrage and fishing nets
Behind the Revival of Panna’s Tigers
Conservation biologist Raghu Chundawat guided a spectacular revival of the tiger population in Panna National Park. The Rise and Fall of the Emerald Tigers is a detailed account of the effort
Securing the Future of the Eastern Swamp Deer in Assam
Through a massive coordinated effort of numerous wildlife conservationists, scientists, and local experts, the population of eastern swamp deer in Manas National Park has been revived
The Guest in My Paddy Field: The Return of the Sarus Crane
The population of the sarus crane has registered a growth in Uttar Pradesh, thanks to the efforts of local communities, state government and non-profit organisations
Perhaps We Made the Mountain God Angry
Nomadic Changpa pastoralists at the high grazing grounds of Ladakh find their yak-related economy in a crisis that is driven by major climatic shifts in their fragile mountainous ecosystems
Termites: Bane of Our Existence, or Beacon for the Future?
Some scientists believe that the termite could be the future of renewable energy
Strangers in the Night: The Beguiling World of Bats
These curious, nocturnal creatures are unnecessarily feared. They do their bit to maintain the ecosystem
Mosquitoes: Queen of Pests or Evolutionary Genius?
Is the mosquito a buzzing nuisance or an example of nature’s masterful design? Or both?
Flying Wizard: Draco the Gliding Lizard
With a little yellow dewlap flag for communication, wing-like extensions to parachute through the forest, and cryptic camouflage, the southern flying lizard is no ordinary reptile
Not Wastelands: Non-forest Habitats of the Western Ghats
Climate change and habitat mismanagement threaten the unique and ecologically distinct montane grasslands, high-elevation swamps and rocky outcrops of the Western Ghats
Bowled Over by the Beautiful Pallas’s Squirrel
Fleet-footed and super-active, the Pallas’s squirrel is an extremely adaptable species found in Northeast India
King Cobra: The World’s Longest Venomous Snake
How does the cannibalistic, snake-eating king cobra manage to multiply and survive?
Saving the Hoolock Gibbon’s Song
In several gibbon habitats, resident communities are leading conservation efforts that are informed by local circumstances and practices
Smooth-Coated Otter: The Unexpected Visitor in Goa’s Mangroves
Otters living in the highly modified mangroves and reclaimed lands on the coast of Goa offer new insights otter behaviour and inform future conservation efforts
Buffaloed by the Climate in Kolhapur
Human-wildlife conflict is escalating in Radhanagari, Kolhapur, where the gaur buffalo are raiding nearby farms. This is spurred by deforestation, cropping changes, drought and fluctuating weather patterns
Malabar Pit Viper: Ambush in the Well of Life and Death
Occurring in an array of different colours, the nocturnal Malabar pit viper is a keen hunter that is endemic to the rainforests of the Western Ghats
A Man, a Myth, and the Greater Adjutant in Bihar
Under the leadership of a bird enthusiast, a village in Bihar has come together to protect the nests and restore the future of the endangered greater adjutant
Singing Animals In Nature’s Theatres
Sing along with these animals that produce complex, long-lasting melodies that reverberate through forests, oceans, mountains, and caves
With its Habitat in Danger, the Grizzled Giant Squirrel Struggles to Survive
A survey in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary reveals that the population of grizzled giant squirrel, a species endemic to southern India and Sri Lanka, has fallen by 78-85 per cent
The Monkey with a Beanie: The Capped Langurs of Hollongapar
Destruction of forests is putting this primate’s future at risk. In the last three decades, their population has seen a 3O per cent decline
How a Group of Men Saved Elephants by Talking to Them
In The Vanishing, wildlife writer and conservationist, Prerna Singh Bindra speaks of critical challenges that confront India’s wildlife, interspersed with a few stories of resistance and hope
Gender Fluid: Bending the Rules
In the animal kingdom gender mobility, asexual reproduction, and a variety of other shifting sex and gender patterns are an essential part of survival
Hoolock Gibbons: Return of the Apes of Northeast India
Multilevel action plans that closely involve and benefit local communities are the only way forward to save the endangered gibbons of India
Chronicles of the Forest Calotes
This quick little lizard lives in forest trees of the Western Ghats. The male turns into a blushing red groom when it’s time to attract the ladies
Secret Serpent: The Life and Times of the Malabar Pit Viper
Though it is the most common and widespread of pit vipers in south India, the Malabar pit viper is only seen in the wet season, disappearing mysteriously in dry weather
Flight of the Magnificent Hornbills
Two decades of research on hornbills and working with local communities to protect these gorgeous birds and their habitat
Jungle Theatrics: Along the Sitanadi at Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
Off the beaten path, this little-known wilderness in Karnataka’s Western Ghats, offers raw nature at its best
Kharghar’s Hills are Alive with the Sound of Birdsong
Remarkably beautiful throughout the year, these biodiverse hills in Navi Mumbai are the ideal escape for the curious, urban nature lover
Canny Crocodiles: Our Planet’s Oldest Living Creatures
It’s no surprise that crocs have been around for millions of years. These intelligent creatures continue to be the apex predator in nearly every landscape they inhabit
When the Monsoon Awakens Agumbe
As the southwest monsoon makes landfall over Karnataka’s Malnad region in the Western Ghats, this rainforest, known for its immense biodiversity, comes alive
Abbott’s Babbler: Brown Daub on the Green Canvas
Even a lucky birder will only see this elusive babbler for a brief moment, before it dives back into the bush
Gowri Shankar: Snake Man Under the Spell of the King Cobra
In the heart of the rainforests of Agumbe there’s a man on a mission — to share his knowledge of the wild with students, and contribute to the preservation of reptiles
The Greater Adjutant’s All-Woman Army
The greater adjutant has been called many things — ugly, filthy, a bone-swallowing bad omen — until Purnima Devi Barman, and her army of 2OO women, decided to adopt the endangered bird
Grave Threat: More Species at Risk Says New IUCN Red List
We’re wiping out our planet’s wildlife at an alarming and unprecedented pace, according to detailed statistics revealed by the 2O19 IUCN Red List
Mumbai’s Mangroves: Forests of Breathing Roots
Not all shores are the same; Mumbai’s mangroves are the city’s green guards and they host an entire civilisation in their midst
Antics and Ambush of the Greater Racket-Tailed Drongo
This pretty bird can be quite the aggressor, and is quick to pounce on and grab at food sourced by other birds
Bengal Slow Loris: The Fiery-Eyed Wonder of the Night
The gum-eating, fiery-eyed primate is being wiped out by an illegal international pet trade
There’s a New Species of Scorpion on the Block
In July 2O19, after a decade of ambiguity, Hotentotta vinchu, identified by researchers in the Western Ghats, was acknowledged as a new species of scorpion
Ruskin Bond’s Search for Wilderness in Delhi
It is easier to spot birds in dusty cities than deep, dense forests, writes the author in Friends in Wild Places
Conspiracy Theory: Ravens Make us Rethink What Counts as Intelligence
Regarded as a bad omen in some cultures, ravens are well loved in others. One thing’s for sure though, they are truly fascinating creatures
Predators Beware: Species in Battle-Ready Armour
Shells, quills, and scales are helpful adaptations that protect creatures from predators
Global Insect Apocalypse: Why India Must Worry
According to scientists, 4O per cent of insect species are likely to become extinct globally in the coming years
The Owlet Who Craved the Sun
This fascinating Odia tale is from Animalia Indica, edited by Sumana Roy, which is a collection of the finest fiction short stories centred around animals
Pygmy hog: Back from the Brink
Conservation efforts have elevated numbers of the elusive and rare pygmy hog, a tiny, shy wild pig from Northeast India
Pig-tailed Macaque: Elusive Monkey of the Deep Forest
A proactive forest department, supportive local communities, and the constant presence of researchers has helped the pig-tailed macaque’s conservation in the forests of Hollongapar
Where Wildlife gets a Second Chance
Located on a critical elephant corridor near Kaziranga National Park, the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation has rescued over 3,OOO animals, including 22 endangered species
Malahari and Onti: Squirrels in a Dwindling Forest
Tracking the black or Malayan giant squirrel in the canopy, from its favourite fruit trees to its drey
Flying Solo with a Planthopper in Agumbe
Whether at the nymph stage when it is a funky looking white creature with powdery tentacles sprouting from the body, or in adulthood, when it looks like a butterfly, this tropical planthopper is truly fascinating
The Women Who Walk with Rhinos
Most national parks block access to protected forests, affecting the lives of those who depend on it for resources and livelihood. But in Manas and Orang, authorities allow local women to collect fallen twigs and branches in buffer zones, securing their livelihoods, and building empathy for the wild
Life in Lakhipur, on the Fringe of the Forest
Animals know no borders. When you live on the edge of the forest, the animals will sometimes come a visiting
Bengal Florican: Erstwhile King of the Grasslands
Once admired for its regal appearance and capricious aerial displays, unfortunately the Bengal florican is better known today for its critically endangered status
The Fellowship of the Grove
In Cities and Canopies, authors Harini Nagendra and Seema Mundoli delve into the science of urban trees, made even more fascinating with snippets of history, folk tale, recipe, and art
Sultans of Swing: Hoolock Gibbons Rule the Canopy
This tiny graceful ape, hangs on to one of the last protected bastions of its native habitat
The Woodcarvers of Kaziranga Cut Through Stereotypes
Local artisans near Assam’s Kaziranga National Park say their wildlife-inspired woodcraft is an expression of their love for the forests’ creatures, and counters stereotypes of tribal people as antagonistic to conservation
The Teeming Wildlife of a Garbage Dump
In The Wild Heart of India, biologist and writer TR Shankar Raman points out that what we consider wild is not just found in faraway forests, but also in our backyards, or even in a stinking dumping ground on the fringes of a city
When Birdsong Fills the Tea Estates of Assam
Areas surrounding the Hollongapar forest act as a secondary habitat and play host to several animal and bird species
Small Forest, Big Trees, in Hollongapar
The diverse trees and plants of Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary can leave as you as spellbound as the park’s famous primate residents
The Stump-tailed Macaques of Hollongapar
On the scent of elusive primates in the forests of Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
An Illustrated Guide to the Daily Lives of Birds
How does the Bengal florican woo its mate? Does the black kite like fast food? Artist Rohan Chakravarty’s graphic novel 'Bird Business' is an insight into the fascinating behaviour of birds
Rare Black-breasted Parrotbills Hide in the Grasslands
This elusive little bird, found exclusively in Northeast India, is on every birdwatcher’s wish list
Wings of Wonder: Butterflies of Hollongapar
A rainy night, followed by a sunny morning is sure to bring out a huge number of the 2OO species of butterflies and moths that thrive in Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
Monsoon Miracles in Navi Mumbai’s Green Valley Park
Secret streams and colourful insects — the arrival of rain heralds the transformation of the Parsik Hills, close to the bustling business area of CBD Belapur
Kokkare Bellur: The Blessed Bird Village of Karnataka
In A Tigress Called Machhli, Supriya Sehgal shares fascinating stories of various animals that inhabit our forests, cities, and backyards — including a curious tale of a village in Karnataka that is taken over by cackling storks
Offtrack in Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
The colonial-era Meleng Railway line cuts through this sanctuary in Assam, threatening the wildlife within
Rethinking Hunting in Northeast India
When you hear the words ‘hunting’ and ‘Northeast India’, you probably imagine gory images of dead animals and birds being sold openly in markets and roadsides. But what really is the story behind these images, and how did we get here?
Hunter on the Beel: The Grey-headed Fish Eagle
This majestic fish-eating raptor is easily spotted near the abundant waterbodies of Kaziranga National Park
Prakash Bhoir is Fighting for the Forest
An activist’s struggle to save Aarey’s forest and the way of life of its Adivasi population
Spotting a Mighty Troop of Stump-tailed Macaques
Lack of competing primates and the absence of indiscriminate hunting has allowed the stump-tailed macaque population to thrive in the forests of Hollongapar
A Wild Life: Rauf Ali’s Forest Adventures
Following leatherback sea turtles, tree shrews, and crab-eating macaques — in Running Away From Elephants readers get a rare glimpse into celebrated wildlife biologist Rauf Ali’s wild adventures
The Snake and I: Decoding the Work of Gerry Martin
Addressing snake-human conflict is just one aspect of herpetologist Gerry Martin’s goal of making conservation a way of life
In Gibbon Country, Every Path Tells a Story
Small in size, but rich in biodiversity, the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is teeming with life, on the ground and in the canopy
Knock on Wood: The Pygmy Woodpecker Makes an Appearance
Dead and rotting wood are buffet zones for birds like the grey-capped pygmy woodpecker
Here’s why Birds Avoid the Red-spot Jezebel Butterfly
It’s not predators this gorgeous butterfly needs to worry about, but invasive species of plants that are taking over our jungles
Rhinos Without Borders
The conservation story of the rhino has been a happy one. However, collective action by rhino-range countries is critical to the future growth and survival of the one-horned giant
Catch a Spot of Iridescence When a Gaudy Baron Flits By
Amidst the whoops and calls of apes, the beatific gaudy baron butterfly is the perfect distraction
Black-necked Stork: Silent Resident of the Marshes
This red-legged, freshwater wading bird is large and lovely, and thrives during a good monsoon
Wildlife Warriors: The Guardians of Kaziranga Brave On
Under conditions of extreme hardship, the protectors of Kaziranga battle numerous challenges to ensure the safety and security of the animals and the park
In Search of One Hundred Rhinos in Kaziranga National Park
Wet, swampy grasslands cover two-thirds of Assam’s Kaziranga National Park providing refuge to many vulnerable species, including the planet’s largest population of greater one-horned rhinos
India’s Prehistoric Unicorns: The Rhinos of Kaziranga
Despite the fact that the greater one-horned rhino is testament to India’s most successful conservation, this fierce, fragile pachyderm and its habitat are under constant threat
Grasslands are the Eastern Swamp Deer’s Only Domain
Selective about feeding and breeding exclusively in swamp-ridden, riverside grasslands, this subspecies of barasingha needs this habitat for survival
Manoj Gogoi: Kaziranga’s Guardian Angel
This naturalist and conservationist rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and injured wild animals in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park
When Flamingos Frolic and Feed in the Talawe Wetlands
Hundreds of migrating flamingos and other wildlife can be seen just a stone’s throw away from a bustling Navi Mumbai residential complex
Nirmal Kulkarni: Wild Child of the Western Ghats
As herpetologist, conservationist, eco resort partner, and more, Nirmal Kulkarni wears many hats. But it is his fascination for reptiles and jungles that defines his life and career
Wild Shores: Life in a Tide Pool
When the tide goes out, take a walk along the shore and discover a fascinating range of marine animals and plants
Saving the Lion-Tailed Macaque, One Step at a Time
Curtailed to live in the tiny forest fragment of Puthuthottam in Valparai, the lion-tailed macaque needs all the help it can get
Cornered but not Defeated
Sustained conservation efforts and community engagement is critical to save the lion-tailed macaque and its disappearing habitat
Splendid Sojourns in Silent Valley National Park
Nifty monkeys and playful tiger cubs, iridescent butterflies and magnificent trees — a conservation ecologist finds herself in rapt fascination in the rainforests of this UNESCO World Heritage site
Lion-tailed Macaque: Acrobats of the Upper Canopy
Don’t be fooled by the name or the sharp canines, the endangered lion-tailed macaque is a shy, fruit-eating primate that inhabits the upper canopy of the rainforests of the Western Ghats
High Life: Gliding Frogs of the Western Ghats
Four endemic species of gliding frogs live, love, and leap in the trees and ponds of the Western Ghats.
An Appeal to Tourists: Stop Feeding the Nilgiri Tahr
It’s time to raise the consciousness of tourists driving on highways that run through forests
Dhritiman Mukherjee: Wild Encounters in India
Award-winning wildlife and nature photographer and Roundglass ambassador Dhritiman Mukherjee talks about his philosophy, his travels and his craft.
How Bus Stands in Kali Reserve Got Their Groove Back
When art and nature meet, the result can be quite eye-catching
Microhabitats and Other Secrets of Life Under a Rock
The ground beneath an everyday rock can shelter a whole community of insects, reptiles, and amphibians in a microhabitat
Frogfish, the Camouflaged Killer of the Deep
The frogfish is a speed demon, a master of disguise and ambush, and presents a fascinating study in adaptation
Buzz and Snap: A Gharial in the Bend of the River
This fish-eating crocodile, with a pot on its long snout, struggles for survival in the rivers of the Indian subcontinent
Birding Star: The Great Indian Hornbill
Sighting these majestic birds in the wild is a rare joy
Dholes: The Fearless Communal Pack Hunters
Even tigers are wary of the Indian wild dog, yet their survival is seriously threatened
Fan-Throated Lizards: A Flash of Fabulous
This ground-dwelling lizard, that lives in India’s arid scrubland, displays its unique dewlap to communicate, intimidate, and show-off
Furry and Feisty the Desert Fox Endures
The petite white-footed fox is a true survivor in the harsh conditions of the desert
Lessons in Love (and Housekeeping) from the Malabar Trogon
It takes two to build a happy home
Bewitching Butterflies Take Wing
Several species of India’s milkweed butterflies migrate hundreds of kilometres to avoid the onslaught of the southwest monsoon in the Western Ghats
Not Just Jaws: Shark Facts Fresh from Indian Seas
Docile zebra sharks are as conspicuous as aggressive tiger sharks, and other interesting tidbits on five (of numerous) species of shark that live in Indian waters
That Worm in your Garden could be a Snake
Home gardens host a lot more biodiversity than we suspect
The Varied Ecosystems of Peninsular India
This triangular land mass is bursting with life
Hunter to Conservationist: An Ace Birder on the Cauvery
Nature camp guide Thomraj is a fount of knowledge about the forest and all its inhabitants
Nishant Srinivasaiah: On First-Name Terms with Wild Elephants
A wildlife biologist examines how elephants survive and adapt in South India’s human dominated landscapes
Edwin Joseph, The Sparrow Whisperer
Bengaluru’s Sparrow Man is passionate about saving the little birds from extinction
Folktales from Maharashtra: The Magic Ring
Animals are a necessary and integral part of everyday life in a village, according to the folk tales and art of the Warli Adivasis
Moon Jellyfish: A Surreal Stinger
Floating rhythmically in the water like a translucent spaceship, the moon jellyfish is one of the ocean’s great survivors
Victims of a Vile Trade, Pangolins are Almost Extinct
Illogical and unscientific beliefs make this shy mammal’s scales highly prized by poachers. It’s time to stop the massacre
The Power of Poop: Making a Case for Whale Waste
Turns out, whale poop is crucial to our planet’s marine ecosystem. Here’s why
Folktales from Maharashtra: The Mouse’s Share
An Adivasi folktale about mice and men reflects the belief system of the indigenous Warli people and affords a conservation lesson for all
The Harmony of Birdsong with A. J. Mithra the Bird DJ
Combining a passion for music and the natural world, A.J. Mithra, India’s first zoomusicologist, hoped to get people to listen more closely to nature
Born to the Wild: Naturalist Dhiraj Bhaisare
Venomous king cobras, yellow-wattled lapwings, frogs, lizards, and skinks—they’re all friends and family to this researcher and naturalist working and living in the jungle
The Ripple Effect: Leo Saldanha on Bengaluru’s Lakes
Environmental activist Leo Saldanha on the city’s birds, bees, and pesky humans
Depth and Detail in the Artwork of Nirupa Rao
Botanical illustrator Nirupa Rao’s paintings highlight the minutiae of plant life in all its intricate beauty
Red Panda, the Cuddly Asian Bamboo Eater
It’s cute as a kitten and agile as an acrobat, but the red panda is an elusive creature that’s very hard to spot
Blend in to Survive, Says the Red-Wattled Lapwing
One of the many fascinating birds that call our forests home
How the Common Palm Squirrel Earned its Stripes
From helping snake catchers to building bridges, the three-striped palm squirrel has a long history of helping out
All That is Green with Siddarth Machado
Here’s a botanist who believes that research and conservation go hand in hand
Moray Eels: Delightful or Deadly?
Lightning fast moray eels with their razor sharp teeth look scarier than they are
Ashish Kushwaha on Painting the Urban Jungle
What happens if you put a rhino in a construction site?
Older Than Dinosaurs: The Real Rock Stars of Hyderabad
The next time you’re in the city, make time for the ancients
Meet Shaaz Jung, the Leopard Man of India
The jungles offer a wealth of experience, for those quiet enough to listen.
Love and Longing of the Red Velvet Mite
Monsoon brings high drama for the biggest member of the mite family
Nicobar Pigeon: Birds of the Paradise Isles
DNA evidence establishes that the ground-dwelling Nicobar pigeon, with its glistening mantle, is a country cousin of the extinct dodo