Stories

Highlighting engaging accounts of our biodiversity and its protection
1,198 Stories
SARPA – An App That Saves Lives
Wild Vault
SARPA – An App That Saves Lives
Madhumay Mallik
Jose Louies
This innovative tech intervention, accessible to anyone with a smartphone, streamlines snake rescue efforts and minimises human-wildlife conflict
How Ancient Koli Wisdom is Informing Marine Science in Mumbai
Wild Vault
How Ancient Koli Wisdom is Informing Marine Science in Mumbai
Yaashree Himatsingka
For centuries, Mumbai’s Koli fisherfolk have stewarded its waters using traditional ecological knowledge passed down through the generations. As the city faces threats from climate change and coastal development, scientists and conservationists are increasingly recognising that Koli wisdom is critical to understanding and protecting its fragile marine ecosystems
Butterfly Affect : Beauty, Symbolism, and Wonder on a Wing
Nature Wellbeing
Butterfly Affect : Beauty, Symbolism, and Wonder on a Wing
Gayatri Jawali
Yuvan Aves
With their gracefulness, colour, and vibrancy, butterflies evoke feelings of wonder, hope, freedom, and connection with our evolution and soul. They bring humans closer to nature and instil a sense of well-being and joy
The Rise and Fall of Acropora
Species
The Rise and Fall of Acropora
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
Despite being among the fastest growing corals, the warming of the oceans has caused high mortality among Acropora. However, they also have the potential to recover rapidly and provide shelter to other marine life
Damselfish: The Farmers of the Reef
Species
Damselfish: The Farmers of the Reef
Phalguni Ranjan
Colourful and charismatic and with elaborate courtship rituals, damselfish protect their territories fiercely, defending small patches of turf algae as they farm and cultivate them meticulously
Giant Water Bugs: Close Encounters with Toe Biters
Species
Giant Water Bugs: Close Encounters with Toe Biters
Femi Ezhuthupallickal Benny
From summer screams to scientific curiosity, it has been a long journey to understand these master hunters of freshwater habitats
The Climate Refugee Elephants of South India
Conservation
The Climate Refugee Elephants of South India
Laasya Shekhar
Climate change and habitat loss are driving elephants from neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to travel to Andhra Pradesh to forage in farms
Mangroves Still Reeling from Aftermath of 2004 Tsunami
Conservation
Mangroves Still Reeling from Aftermath of 2004 Tsunami
Divya Kilikar
After the 2004 tsunami, mangroves in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are still changing
Fishing Cat Population Booming in Chilika
Conservation
Fishing Cat Population Booming in Chilika
Arathi Menon
A recent survey of fishing cats in Chilika reveals an increased population density of the small wild cat
Exploring Upper Siang: A Story of Wildlife, Community, and Conservation
Wild Vault
Exploring Upper Siang: A Story of Wildlife, Community, and Conservation
Smriti Mahesh
Discovering birds and butterflies through a community-led initiative in the village of Gobuk provides hope for the conservation of the rich biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang landscape
Nilgiri Marten: Phantom of the Western Ghats
Species
Nilgiri Marten: Phantom of the Western Ghats
Faiza Mookerjee
Hadlee Renjith
While we know very little about these elusive, adorable mammals, we do know that they are clever predators and agile hunters with incredibly powerful jaws
When Golden Jackals Swim Across the Karli River
Wild Vault
When Golden Jackals Swim Across the Karli River
Saloni Sawant
Hemant Sawant
In southern Maharashtra, jackals swim from the mangrove-lined riverine Hopkins Island where they live, across the Karli River, to the mainland and back
Ali Hussian: The Masterful Bird Trapper
Hero
Ali Hussian: The Masterful Bird Trapper
Dr Asad Rahmani
Building on his foundation of indigenous bird trapping knowledge, Hussain has developed a repertoire of unique techniques and has helped ornithologists from across the world catch birds for their research
What Woodpeckers are Telling Us, and Why it’s Important
Wild Vault
What Woodpeckers are Telling Us, and Why it’s Important
Ghazala Shahabuddin
Few bird groups are so intimately dependent on forests as woodpeckers. The significant decline of several woodpecker species is a signal that we need to do more to conserve our forests and biodiversity
Figs and Fig Wasps: Microcosmic Partners in Love or Frenemies?
Wild Vault
Figs and Fig Wasps: Microcosmic Partners in Love or Frenemies?
Anusha Krishnan
Wasps and cluster figs are pollinating partners. Without them, figs cannot transport pollen between trees, while young wasps cannot survive outside the figs. Then come the gallers, enemies of both figs and pollinators and directly competing with them for space and nutrition
Minivets: Small, Ember Birds of Tropical Forests
Species
Minivets: Small, Ember Birds of Tropical Forests
Ranjit Lal
With long tails, slender bodies, and often vibrant plumage, various minivets are found in the jungles and shrublands of eastern and southern Asia
Savannas Under the Scanner
Conservation
Savannas Under the Scanner
Nikhil Sreekandan
A new remote sensing study used tree cover as a metric to examine the drivers influencing the savannas and forests
Birds, Beasts, and Other Adventures
Book
Birds, Beasts, and Other Adventures
Asad Rahmani’s memoir Living With Birds is the story of his life. He speaks about studying India’s birds and landscapes, fighting for endangered species and shaping the country’s fledgling conservation movement. Here’s an excerpt.
Baby Packs More of a Punch Than Mumma
News
Baby Packs More of a Punch Than Mumma
Arathi Menon
A new study finds Russell’s viper neonates produce venoms that are twice as potent towards mammals, compared to the ones produced by adults
How Tea Gardens in Darjeeling and Kalimpong Can Contribute Towards Landscape Conservation
Conservation
How Tea Gardens in Darjeeling and Kalimpong Can Contribute Towards Landscape Conservation
Mongabay
Today, as tea gardens face existential threats due to market pressures, climate change and landuse change, sustainable practices such as agroforestry and efficient water management, could provide environmental, economic, and social benefits, contributing to conservation efforts
The Case of the Missing Turtles
Book
The Case of the Missing Turtles
A poor fisherman is wrongly accused of smuggling turtles. Now it is up to the M4 – three children and a dog – to come to his rescue
A Walk Across Tiger Country In Search Of India’s National Butterfly
Habitat
A Walk Across Tiger Country In Search Of India’s National Butterfly
Upayan Chatterjee
An early monsoon walk through Arunachal Pradesh’s Pakke Tiger Reserve looking for the orange oakleaf butterfly reveal a captivating wealth of creatures and habitats
Himalayan Pikas' Winter Plans Dependent on Weather
Wild Vault
Himalayan Pikas' Winter Plans Dependent on Weather
Arathi Menon
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
Conservation
Trailing the Spiny-tailed Lizard in Kachchh, Gujarat
Madhumay Mallik
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
Conservation
Sacred Stripes: Reverence for Waghoba in Central India
Ashraf Shaikh
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
Hero
Van Majdoors: Unsung Heroes of the Indian Conservation Regime
Yashaswi Rao
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
Habitat
Mote Majra: Making a Case for an Unkempt Swamp
Radhika Raj
Dhritiman Mukherjee
How ragged urban wetlands like Mote Majra in Mohali are a city’s unlikely, unsung heroes
Arunachal’s birds: Canary in the Coalmine
Conservation
Arunachal’s birds: Canary in the Coalmine
Vishaka George
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
Conservation
A Match Made in Heaven: Traditional Wisdom and Modern Science
Gowthami Subramaniam
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
Wild Vault
The Wild Elephants of the Andaman Islands
Bikash Kumar Bhattacharya
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
Species
Scarlet Finch: Dazzling Red Feathers
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Species
Asian Koels: The Songsters of Summer
Prerna Gupta
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
Travel
The Guide: Malvan Marine Sanctuary
Sumer Rao
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
Book
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
Habitat
Winged Wonders of Kadalundi-Vallikunnu Community Reserve
Pooja Pawar
Jithin Vijayan
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
Species
Oriental Magpie-robin: The Tropical Maestro
Ranjit Lal
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
Wild Vault
Easy Riders: Cruising with the Currents
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
Conservation
Harnessing the Power of AI to Combat Human-wildlife Conflict in Tadoba
Yashaswi Rao
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
Wild Vault
Ornament, Armament, and Aggression: The Forgotten Beauty of Females
Avantika Deep Sharma
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
News
Industrial Effluents Claim Fish Lives in Periyar
Mongabay
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
Conservation
Neglected Mammal and Bird Pollinators in the Spotlight
TV Padma
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
News
Smugglers Target Otters in Northeast India
Nabarun Guha
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Species
Nature’s Artists: The World of Potter Wasps
Femi Ezhuthupallickal Benny
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
Wild Vault
Observation as an Antidote to Intolerance
Tanmayi Gidh
When curiosity replaces fear, a whole new world opens up
The Scientist Who Speaks to Elephants
Book
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
Species
Living on the Edge: The Pir Panjal Markhor
Pranav Capila
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
Species
Mantis Shrimp: Eye-popping Predators of Reefs and Seagrass Meadows
Evan Nazareth
With superhero-like vision and strength and lightning-fast movements, mantis shrimp are formidable marine predators
Sal: The Robust Timber Tree
Conservation
Sal: The Robust Timber Tree
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Conservation
Hispid Hare Left With Nowhere to Go
Sneha Mahale
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
Wild Vault
Birding Around the Salt Pans of Tuticorin
Samuel John
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
News
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
Conservation
Little to Celebrate for Koraput Tribal Communities as Forest Commons Dwindle
Simrin Sirur
Mongabay
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
Conservation
India’s Western Coastline Under a Fish Knife
Netra Kadambi
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
Conservation
Save the Whale Sharks of the Lakshadweep Islands
Madhumay Mallik
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
Conservation
Small Cats Meow to Nobody’s Notice
Arathi Menon
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
News
Shrimp Farming Transforming Land Use in Sundarbans
Niladry Sarkar
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
Species
Dashing Damselflies: Aerialists in an Arthropod Circus
Smriti Mahesh
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
Wild Vault
Delicate Balance: Agro-pastoral Life in the Spiti Valley
Shrishtee Bajpai
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Conservation
Shadowing Elephants: The Story of Kallar
Neha Sinha
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
Wild Vault
Narcondam Hornbill: Tale of a Rescue
Dr Manchi Shirish S.
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Hero
Mahi Miri: The Forgotten Hero Behind Kaziranga
Bikash Kumar Bhattacharya
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
Wild Vault
Local Rituals Pay Tribute to Muggers Despite Present-day Trials
Akanksha Pandey
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
Conservation
Poison in Diet Emerges as Threat to Greater Adjutant Storks
Mohd Imran Khan
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?
Conservation
Where Did the Grassland Birds Go?
Divya Kilikar
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
Book
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
Hero
Asir Jawahar Thomas Johnsingh (1945-2024): Farewell Friend, Guide, and Compatriot
Bittu Sahgal
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
Conservation
Shifting Baselines: A Fish Spawning Aggregation in Lakshadweep
Anish Paul
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
Conservation
Animal Rescuers Face an Uphill Battle as Human-wildlife Interactions Rise in Kashmir
Mudassir Kuloo
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
News
Wolves Give the Silent Treatment
Sneha Mahale
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
News
Lack of Research Impediment to Otter Conservation in Northeast India
Bikash Kumar Bhattacharya
Jyotirmoy Saharia
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
News
Crofton Weed: The ‘Devil’ Spreading in the Mountains
Hirra Azmat
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
Conservation
Elevational Movements of Himalayan Birds Lend Clues to Improve Conservation Efforts
Divya Kilikar
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
Wild Vault
Species No Bar for Langurs
Arathi Menon
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
Conservation
Turtle Tales: Conservation Along India’s Coast
Nayantara Lakshman
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
Wild Vault
The Nutcracker Suite: Fish that Use Tools to Crack Open Shells
Rohan Arthur
Siddhi Jaishankar
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
Species
Bengal Fox: Resilient Canid of Indian Grasslands
Malaika Mathew Chawla
Although confined to small, fragmented savanna patches, foxes persist in some grasslands in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district
Ibisbill in Kashmir: Where Boulders Have Wings
Species
Ibisbill in Kashmir: Where Boulders Have Wings
Pranav Capila
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
Conservation
Pingers and an Attempt to Save the Ganges River Dolphin
Sumer Rao
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
Conservation
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
Wild Vault
Remembering Sultanpur: Birding for the Soul
Ranjit Lal
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
Book
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
Conservation
Tadoba Welcomes White-rumped Vultures
Yashaswi Rao
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
Wild Vault
Botanists and Barberies, Palms and Patwas
Sartaj Ghuman
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
Nature Wellbeing
Garden of Earthly Delight: My Last Wild Place
Nisarg Prakash
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
Nature Wellbeing
Finding Nature Through the Gift of Our Attention
Divya Candade
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?
Conservation
Can a Rare Bird Save a Remote Manipuri Village?
Dhritiman Mukherjee
Radhika Raj
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
Nature Wellbeing
With the Gaze on Me: Living with the Rhythms and Moods of Nature
Shrishtee Bajpai
Being looked at, witnessed, and experienced by other beings reveals our interbeingness and reassures us of our shared existence
Beetles: Tiny Titans of Pollination
Species
Beetles: Tiny Titans of Pollination
Arathi Menon
Mongabay
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
Book
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
Wild Vault
A Botanical Pilgrimage in the Kumaon Hills
Sartaj Ghuman
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
News
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
Wild Vault
Turbid Seas: A Soup of Minerals and Marine Wonders
Samuel John
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
Species
Spider Wasps: Solitary Hunters in our Backyards
Femi Ezhuthupallickal Benny
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
Conservation
Rhinos Rebound in Manas
Arathi Menon
Mongabay
Rhinos translocated from Kaziranga and Pobitora are thriving at Manas National Park
Invasive Tilapia Reaches the Sea
Conservation
Invasive Tilapia Reaches the Sea
Sneha Mahale
Recent observations of tilapia in the coastal waters near Devipattinam have prompted an investigation to understand and assess their colonisation patterns
Along the Chambal
Book
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
Conservation
Conflict vs Coexistence: Mitigating Human-Leopard Interactions
Sudeshna Chowdhury
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
Travel
The Guide: Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Prathap Nair
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
Habitat
Fields of Fire, Vales of Snow
Pranav Capila
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
Conservation
Hope in the Land of the Rising Sun: Hunting and the Adis of the Siang River Basin
Madhumay Mallik
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
Book
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
Wild Vault
Subtle Showstoppers: Bowled Over by the Monitors in My Yard
Anirudh Nair
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
Wild Vault
Palash: An Account of the Flame of the Forest
Rithika Fernandes
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
Conservation
Why the Television Matters for Elephant Conservation
Arjun Kamdar
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?
Conservation
As Central Indian Wild Water Buffalo Faces Extinction, can Reintroduction Revive Their Numbers?
Arathi Menon
Mongabay
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
Nature Wellbeing
Bedazzled by Beaks: Why I Started Birding
Anita Mani
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
Urban Jungle
Be My Guest: Bugs in My Bedroom
Anusha Krishnan
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
Conservation
Crossing Corridors: In the Footsteps of a Tiger
Neha Sinha
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
Species
Barn Owls: Caught in the Urban Rat Race
Debangini Ray
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
Species
Finding Nori: Journey into the Underwater World of Seaweeds
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
Species
Charles Darwin’s Frog: Tree-nester in the Andaman Islands
R S Naveen
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
Conservation
Demand for Shark Meat Fuelled by Restaurants
Simrin Sirur
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
Conservation
Population Control of Animals to Resolve Conflict
Arathi Menon
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
Wild Vault
Stigmas in Research Revealed as Study Finds More Animals Showing Same-sex Behaviour
Swati Thapa
Mongabay
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
Wild Vault
Birding from a Balcony in Goa
Ranjit Lal
Omkar Dharwadkar
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
Nature Wellbeing
Making a Nature Walk Your Own
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
Urban Jungle
Dark Knights: Urban Encounters of the Bat Kind
Anusha Krishnan
Rajesh Puttaswamaiah
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
Hero
A Day in the Life of Wildlife Veterinarian Sanath Muliya
Radhika Raj
On capturing and collaring wolves in the challenging, high-altitude trans-Himalayan landscape of Spiti
Quest for the Himalayan Giant Honey Bee
Species
Quest for the Himalayan Giant Honey Bee
Femi Ezhuthupallickal Benny
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?
Wild Vault
Does Wildlife Thrive When Human Settlements are Moved Out of a Forest?
Yashaswi Rao
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
Species
Guitarfish: The Threatened Coastal Cruisers of South Goa
Trisha Gupta
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
Travel
Bugun Liocichla: A Quest to See this Rare Gem of the Northeast
Vinita Agarwal
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
Species
Fireflies: Bioluminescent Beauties Light Up the Trees
Sri Ranjni Swaminathan
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
Conservation
Karnataka’s Elephantine Problem
Arathi Menon
Mongabay
State forest department being questioned after celebrated elephant gets killed during an elephant capture operation
Birds of Arunachal Sanctuary Threatened by Loss of Grasslands
Conservation
Birds of Arunachal Sanctuary Threatened by Loss of Grasslands
Bikash Kumar Bhattacharya
Jyotirmoy Saharia
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
News
Oil Spill in Ennore Affects Local Ecology
Laasya Shekhar
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
News
Zoological Survey of India to Use eDNA to Study and Monitor Wildlife
Sanjeev Kumar
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
Species
Marbled Cat: Master of Stealth in the Treetops
Bikash Kumar Bhattacharya
Jyotirmoy Saharia
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
Book
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
Book
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
Species
Modern Family: Observing a Rusty-Spotted Cat Clan in Rajasthan
Megha Moorthy
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Book
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
Wild Vault
Into the Great Wide Open: Dolphins and Whales of the Bay of Bengal
Sumer Rao
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
Book
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
Wild Vault
Children of the Big River
Shrishtee Bajpai
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?
Conservation
Coexisting with Snakes in Goa – A Utopian Dream?
Shaleen Attre
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
News
Camera-trap Study of Five Small Wild Cats Planned in Dehing-Patkai
Nabarun Guha
Mongabay
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
Conservation
With A Little Help From Our Friends: Managing Invasive Plant Species
Pragathi Ravi
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
Conservation
Humpback Dolphins: Sharing Coastal Spaces with Humans in Vembanad
Avik Banerjee
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
Conservation
On the wings of the Bugun Liocichla
Vishaka George
Binaifer Bharucha
PARI
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
Conservation
Loss of Habitat Forces Indian Crested Porcupines to Enter Saffron Fields in Kashmir
Abrar Mattoo
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
Nature Wellbeing
Signs of Solace: Grieving in Nature
Rithika Fernandes
Anarya
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
Hero
Birdman and boatman of Nal Sarovar
Zeeshan Tirmizi
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
Wild Vault
Standing Tall: African Baobabs in Mumbai
Tanvi Sawant
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
Wild Vault
High Altitude Passerines in Uttarakhand
Samuel John
Making memories with four species of passerines: red-billed leiothrix, bar-tailed treecreepers, chestnut-winged minlas, and Eurasian wrens
Press N(ature) to Play
Column
Press N(ature) to Play
Rithika Fernandes
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
Conservation
Winds of Change: Sharing Space with the Wild in Ramanagara
Anushka Kawale
Anikethan Hathwar
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
Wild Vault
Ways of Seeing: Watching Wildlife From Near and Far
Samuel John
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
Wild Vault
Asian Giant Hornets: Beyond the Sting
Femi Ezhuthupallickal Benny
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
Species
Bryozoans: Moss Animals of the Tidepools
Mahi Mankeshwar
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
Species
Munsiyari’s Omnipresent Alpine Accentors and Their Love Lives
Samuel John
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
Urban Jungle
Remarkable Rodents: The Fighting-Fit Super Mammals
Anusha Krishnan
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
Species
Roosters on the Run: Red and Grey Junglefowl
Ranjit Lal
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
Wild Vault
Wayanad: A Summer Destination for Elephants
Arathi Menon
Mongabay
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
Book
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
Book
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!
Book
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
Species
Tenacious Triggerfish: The Territorial Reef Residents
Phalguni Ranjan
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
Conservation
Saving Olive Ridley turtles in Visakhapatnam
Amrutha Kosuru/People’s Archive of Rural India
PARI
Fishermen and migrant workers are rescuing the endangered turtle – one egg at a time
India’s Young Naturalists and Their Inspiring Stories
Hero
India’s Young Naturalists and Their Inspiring Stories
Anita Rao-Kashi
Four bright young conservationists instil hope for the country and planet
Luck of the Draw: Spotting Asiatic Lions in Gir
Species
Luck of the Draw: Spotting Asiatic Lions in Gir
Manan Dhuldhoya
Vipul Ramanuj
To see lions on safari is good luck, but sometimes Gir lets you strike the jackpot
An Ode to Sponges
Species
An Ode to Sponges
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
Species
Snow Pigeons: A Dash of White
Samuel John
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
Species
A Day in the Life of a Madras Hedgehog
R. Brawin Kumar
Abinesh Muthaiyan
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
Species
Cormorants: Hung Out to Dry
Ranjit Lal
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
Book
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
Conservation
Dwindling Bird Populations are an Indication of Biodiversity Loss
Mongabay
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
Habitat
Looking for Eyeshine: A Tiny Wildcat and its Neighbours in Jawai
Megha Moorthy
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Conservation
Threatened Pangolins in the Tea Plantations of the Darjeeling Hills
Sunita Pradhan
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
News
Crackdown on Interstate Tiger Poaching Network, 18 Poachers Arrested
Nabarun Guha
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
Species
Sorting Hat Spider: Silky Mandalas and Disappearing acts
Samuel John
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
Wild Vault
When a Tree Falls in the Forest, Fungi Hear It
PS Sumashini
Saurabh Sawant
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
Species
Indian Swiftlet: The Best Kept Secret of Vengurla Rocks
Dr Manchi Shirish S.
Dhanusha Kawalkar
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
Conservation
Leopards in Udaipur: Struggle of a Predator
Paridhi Jain
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
Hero
The Inner Workings of Resilience in the Sundarbans
Rithika Fernandes
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Species
Watching Vultures Around Munsiyari
Samuel John
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
Travel
Geoheritage of the Kutch District
Dr Asad Rahmani
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Species
Parrotfish: Rainbows in the Reef
Phalguni Ranjan
Colourful, sex-changing, sand-pooping fish that feed on algae and keep coral reefs healthy
Plain Mountain Finches in Sleet and Snow
Species
Plain Mountain Finches in Sleet and Snow
Samuel John
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
Wild Vault
Night Vision of Rock Bees
Arathi Menon
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
Conservation
No Room for Bats
Vasudevan Sridharan
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
Species
The Forgotten Tale of Black-Bellied Sandgrouse
Saloni Sawant
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
Conservation
Behavioural Shift: Tigers Attack Bike Riders Along Corbett
Dr Harendra Singh Bargali
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
Wild Vault
Two Leaves and the Birds: Notes from Tea Gardens of the Dooars
Nisha Bhakat
Dhritiman Mukherjee
Observations of unexpected behaviours in the tea gardens of North Bengal
Sacred Swamps: Where Culture Meets Conservation
Habitat
Sacred Swamps: Where Culture Meets Conservation
Priya R
On the protection of sacred swamps in the Western Ghats
India's Tiger Estimation Exercise Reveals State of its Forests
Conservation
India's Tiger Estimation Exercise Reveals State of its Forests
Mongabay
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
Conservation
Humidity and Weather Conditions Take its Toll on Cheetahs in Kuno
Shuchita Jha
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?
Wild Vault
How Do Tigers, Leopards and Dholes Share Resources?
Arathi Menon
Mongabay
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
Conservation
The Resonance of Restoration
Sahana Ghosh
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
Wild Vault
The Mystery Behind Ants Carrying Flowers
Lalitha Krishnan
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
Habitat
Exploring the Coral Reefs of Goa’s Grande Island
Karan Deshpande
Phalguni Ranjan
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
Conservation
Managing the Elephant in the Room
Sreedhar Vijayakrishnan
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
Book
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
Species
Marine Flatworms: Magic Carpets of the Seas
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
Species
High as a Kite: Maestros of Indian Skies
Ranjit Lal
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
Species
Poop, Prints and Paintings: Tracing the Tamiraparani’s Otters
Smriti Mahesh
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
Species
The Breathtaking Blues of the Raucous Indian Roller
Ranjit Lal
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
Travel
The Guide: Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat
Anita Rao-Kashi
An obscure wildlife sanctuary in South Gujarat is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers
Barbets of India: Send in the Clowns
Species
Barbets of India: Send in the Clowns
Ranjit Lal
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
Wild Vault
Bangalore University Campus: The Unsung Carbon Sink
Anita Rao-Kashi
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
Conservation
Concerted Efforts Crucial to Safeguard Kerala's Mangroves
Arathi Menon
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
Conservation
Wildlife Crime: Death by a Snare
Madhumay Mallik
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
Conservation
Long-term Plans Key to Addressing Kerala's Human-elephant Conflict
Asha Prakash
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
Conservation
Reforesting Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai
Malayka Shirazi
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
Habitat
Moods of the Forest in Raimona National Park
Neha Sinha
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
Habitat
The Other Side of Gir
Manan Dhuldhoya
Vipul Ramanuj
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
Species
Chirp, Twitter, Tweet: The Wide Vocabulary of Jungle Babblers
Smriti Mahesh
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
Wild Vault
Elephants and Fences: Intelligence and Ingenuity
Aritra Kshettry
Avijan Saha
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
Hero
In the Nilgiris: Bokkapuram’s birdman
Sushmita Ramakrishnan
B. Siddan has his sights firmly fixed on avian life in this part of the Western Ghats
The Basket Weavers of Dang
Hero
The Basket Weavers of Dang
Anita Rao-Kashi
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
Species
Sea Urchins: Hedgehogs of the Ocean
Phalguni Ranjan
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
Species
Common Picturewing: The Flying Floral Carpet
Vivek Chandran A
Can this lovely black-and-yellow skimmer become a mascot for the conservation of insects and our planet?
Growing with Nature
Habitat
Growing with Nature
Amrita Das
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
Conservation
Deforestation Threatens Western Ghats' Amphibians
Spoorthy Raman
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
News
Camera Trap Image Reveals Possible Presence of Nepal’s 13th Wildcat Species
Abhaya Raj Joshi
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
Wild Vault
Art Expedition: On the Trail of the Great Indian Bustard
Sangeetha Kadur
Wildlife artist Sangeetha Kadur illustrates the critically endangered bustard, and its neighbours, in Rajasthan’s Desert National Park
The Guide: Desert National Park
Travel
The Guide: Desert National Park
Saloni Sawant
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
Habitat
Mokarsagar Wetland Complex: Lifeline for Wintering Birds
Manan Dhuldhoya
Dhaval Vargiya
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
Habitat
The Story of Harike: A Wetland that has Witnessed History
Radhika Raj
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Conservation
New Rescue Centres for Seized Wildlife in Northeast States
Mongabay
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
Urban Jungle
Vetal Hill: A Natural Paradise in Peril
Arjit Jere
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
Habitat
Shola-Grasslands in the Palani Hills
Smriti Mahesh
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
Species
Love is in the Air: Indian Bullfrogs and the Romance of the Monsoon
André Morris
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
Species
Little Grebe: Artwork of Evolution
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Species
Indian Desert Jird: Tiny Musketeer of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert
Saloni Sawant
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
Species
Where the Bank Myna Sings
Dhritiman Mukherjee
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Species
Purple Frog: A Brief Interlude from a Secret Life Underground
Sandeep Das
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
Conservation
Mass Die-offs of Fish in Kerala Linked to Warming Water and Pollution
Reema Abraham
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
Species
Forest Owlet: Resurrected but Endangered
Anita Rao-Kashi
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
Species
White-winged Wood Duck: An Icon of Forest Pools
Dr Asad Rahmani
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Species
Jeypore Ground Gecko: Hidden in the Mountains
Ishan Agarwal
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
Wild Vault
Orphaned Calves: Paying the Price of Human-elephant Conflict
Arathi Menon
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
Habitat
The Kair: Lifeline of the Desert
Saloni Sawant
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
Travel
Marine National Park: A Walk in the Intertidal Zone at Narara
Manan Dhuldhoya
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Wild Vault
Khaliya Top: A Bird’s-eye View of Birds
Samuel John
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
Conservation
Protecting Land and Life: Dibang Valley’s First Community Conserved Area
Divya Candade
Shivang Mehta
Idu Mishmi efforts in biodiversity conservation and camera trapping in Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
The Guide: Vansda National Park, Gujarat
Travel
The Guide: Vansda National Park, Gujarat
Anita Rao-Kashi
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
Habitat
Dang: Wild and Wonderful
Anita Rao-Kashi
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Species
Shieldtails: Hidden Beauties of the Underground
Peeyush Sekhsaria
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
Conservation
Roadkill Instances on the Rise in Jammu and Kashmir
Hirra Azmat
Mongabay
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?
Conservation
Is the Dancing Frog’s Jig Over?
Deepa Padmanaban
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’
Hero
Ruth DeFries: Buoyed by a ‘Geographer’s Heart’
Sahana Ghosh
Kartik Chandramouli
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
Conservation
Artisanal Fishers of Rameswaram Stand Against Polluting Shrimp Farms on the Island
Priyanka Shankar
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
Wild Vault
Where the Mind is Without Fear: Stories of Coexistence in Shared Landscapes
Anish Paul
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
Travel
The Guide: Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
Malavika Bhattacharya
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
Species
In Search of the Elusive Indian Desert Cat
Saloni Sawant
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
Book
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
Conservation
Elephants Crossing: Danger and Death on a Railway Track in Palakkad
PA Vinayan
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
Species
Rajasthan Toad-headed Agama: Master of the Shifting Sands
Ishan Agarwal
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
Species
The Indian Grey Mongoose: The Cobra’s Nemesis
Ranjit Lal
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)
Species
Termites: Architects, Farmers, Ecosystem Engineers (and Pests)
Radhika Raj
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
Conservation
Tigers, Leopards Venture Into Snow Leopard Territory in the Himalayas
Abhaya Raj Joshi
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Conservation
‘Wonder Bird of the Himalayas’ Faces Several Threats
Hirra Azmat
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
Conservation
Biodiversity Enhancement in Western Ghats Linked to Habitat Preservation
Archita Bhatta
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
News
Evidence of Manul’s Presence Found on Mount Everest
Abhaya Raj Joshi
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?
Conservation
Living With Elephants: Can Mobile Technology Help Mitigate Human-wildlife Conflict?
Shoba Narayan
Ganesh Raghunathan
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
Wild Vault
A Tale of One City and Two Trees
Rithika Fernandes
Meena Subramaniam
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
Species
Storks: Birds with Broadsword Bills
Ranjit Lal
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
Column
Between the Global and Local: Making Sense of Climate Change in the Lakshadweep Archipelago
Rohan Arthur
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
Wild Vault
Hope and Biodiversity on the Andaman Islands
Nitya Prakash Mohanty
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
Species
Bejewelled: On the Trail of the Himalayan Monal in Uttarakhand
Samuel John
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
Conservation
On Saving Whale Sharks
Ipsita Herlekar
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
Species
Cranes: Trumpeters of the Skies
Ranjit Lal
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
Conservation
An Insider’s Perspective: The Short Life of an Asian Elephant in West Bengal
Aritra Kshettry
Avijan Saha
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
Conservation
Gul Toor Flowering Early in Kashmir Due to Climate Change
Hirra Azmat
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
Conservation
Crop Raids by Wildlife on the Rise in Kaziranga
Nabarun Guha
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
Conservation
Invasive Plants Spreading in Higher Elevations
Sahana Ghosh
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
News
Forest Clearance Denied for Etalin Hydroelectric Project
Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
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?
Species
Oriental Garden Lizards: Quick Learners or Bloodsuckers?
Deyatima Ghosh
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
Wild Vault
Amazing Grace: The Regal Chinars of Kashmir
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Species
Sky Skaters: Sally Forth with Vibrant Bee-eaters
Ranjit Lal
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
Book
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
Species
Chitons: Primitive Inhabitants of Today’s Seashores
Phalguni Ranjan
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
Species
The True Tree World of Golden Langurs
Neha Sinha
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
Species
Pretty Cochoas: Sparking Joy in the Himalayas
Sutirtha Lahiri
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
Wild Vault
The Ghost Tree: Courting the Frozen Dancer in the Forest
Rithika Fernandes
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
Hero
Aurobindo Samal: Protecting Species with Community Participation
Bhavna Menon
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
Wild Vault
Shared Spaces: On the IISER Campus in Kerala
Smriti Mahesh
Jessica Luis
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
Conservation
Nagaland's Biodiversity Documentation Receives Boost Through First Bird Count
Mongabay
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
Habitat
Day or Night, the Wilderness Areas of the Western Ghats Never Sleep
Malavika Bhattacharya
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
Species
Choughs: Gurus of the Mountain Skies
Dr Asad Rahmani
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?
Wild Vault
Why Do Some Plants Bloom and Die Together?
Priya R
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
Species
Decoding the Wheatears of India
Adithi Muralidhar
Ashwin Mohan
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
Wild Vault
Elephants are Choosy When it Comes to Food
Mongabay
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?
Wild Vault
Sattal is a Paradise for Birders, But What About the Birds?
Samuel John
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
Species
By the Flock: Decline of the Yellow-breasted Bunting
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Species
What Lies Beneath: Rough-scaled Sand Boa
Gerry Martin
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
Species
Jackdaw: Menacing-Looking Affable Crows
Dr Asad Rahmani
These small corvids, with conspicuous white eyes, are social creatures that live and forage in flocks
Butterflyfish in a Coral Garden
Species
Butterflyfish in a Coral Garden
Phalguni Ranjan
Vardhan Patankar
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
Species
Boxfish: An Evolutionary Guide to Self-preservation
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
Umeed Mistry
Boxfishes have a fully loaded arsenal of defences against predators, including an armour and lethal poisons
Biodiversity Hotspot: Walking Through Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Wild Vault
Biodiversity Hotspot: Walking Through Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Priya R
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
Conservation
Identifying Mugger Crocodiles Using Drones
Mongabay
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
Wild Vault
The Story of the Translocated African Lions of Kuno
Raza Kazmi
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
Species
Bulbuls: Play on Merry Minstrels
Ranjit Lal
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
Travel
The Guide: Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Malavika Bhattacharya
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
Wild Vault
Most Valuable Players of the Monsoon in the Western Ghats
Malavika Bhattacharya
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
Conservation
Forest Protection Key to Saving the Indian Giant Squirrel
Sneha Mahale
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
Habitat
Everything, Everywhere in Mizoram’s Dampa Tiger Reserve
Divya Candade
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Travel
Gajoldoba: Bird Haven for All Seasons
Anirudh Nair
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Conservation
Two Endangered Freshwater Turtles Receive International Conservation Support
TV Padma
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
Habitat
Great Nicobar: Exploring a Biodiverse Island in Peril
Ishika Ramakrishna
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
Conservation
Dilemma of Protecting the Slender Loris
Catherine Gilon
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
Species
The Wild Yak: Treasure of the High Plateaus
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Book
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?
Conservation
Communities and the Heronries, Can They Save Each Other?
Giridhar Malla
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
Book
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
Conservation
Under Fire: Smooth-coated Otters on the Cauvery
Deepa Padmanaban
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
Conservation
Dying River: Declining Water Quality and Fish Stocks on the Cauvery
Deepa Padmanaban
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
Conservation
Fishers’ Quandary: Strain and Survival on the Cauvery
Deepa Padmanaban
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
Conservation
Endangered White-winged Wood Duck's Habitat Threatened by Climate Change
Roopak Goswami
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
Conservation
Climate Change Adding to the Spread of Invasive Species
TV Padma
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
Conservation
Apprehension Raised Over Translocation of Tigers in Maharashtra
Saurabh Katkurwar
Conservationists concerned that the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve does not have favourable conditions for tigers from Chandrapur
Nature and Rhyme: Poems for Wild Things
Book
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
Conservation
Rajasthan’s Desert Ecology Impacted by Unusually Heavy Rains
Saurabh Katkurwar
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
Species
Playing Hide and Seek with the Saw-Scaled Viper in Goa
Malavika Bhattacharya
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
Species
Swimming Amongst Fossils: What Sponges Tell Us About the World
Shreya Yadav
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Conservation
Pallas’s Cat: Silent Predator of the Trans-Himalayas
Dr Asad Rahmani
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Book
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
Hero
Amir Kumar Chettri: Panijhora’s Multifaceted Conservationist
Anirudh Nair
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
Conservation
The Arduous Ambition of Bringing the Cheetah Home
Sustain Team
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
Conservation
Human-Wildlife Clashes in a Changing Kashmir Valley
Mubashir Naik
Irshad Hussain
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
Species
Peafowl Tales: Flamboyant Trains and Screeching Calls
Ranjit Lal
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
Species
Trinket Snakes and Their Treasured Personal Space
Gerry Martin
Though these nocturnal beauties are non-venomous, when threatened, they may rise menacingly and strike
The Rhino’s Future in India
Conservation
The Rhino’s Future in India
Mongabay
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
Habitat
Bridge to the Past: The Rocky Landscape of Daroji
Dr. Seshadri KS
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
Conservation
Gadchiroli Adopts Drones and Thermal Cameras to Mitigate Human-Animal Conflict
Saurabh Katkurwar
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
Habitat
Flirting with the Rain in Mizoram’s Murlen National Park
Divya Candade
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Conservation
Traditional Fishers Livelihood in Odisha Threatened by Illegal Fish Poisoning
Aishwarya Mohanty
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
Wild Vault
Colourful Company: Where the Wildflowers Bloom
Prerna Gupta
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
Urban Jungle
Longwood Shola, the Only Urban Shola Forest in the Nilgiris
Mongabay
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
Wild Vault
My Space: When Lynx Spiders Find Their Niche
Samuel John
Abhijit Dey
How do different lynx spiders share and negotiate living in the same microhabitat?
Dwindling Dugongs: Meandering Trails in Seagrass Meadows
Species
Dwindling Dugongs: Meandering Trails in Seagrass Meadows
Elrika D’Souza
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
Conservation
Sea Cucumbers: Illegal trade and the Blame Game
Rahul Muralidharan
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
Species
Cosy Colonies of Wondrous, Wily Weavers
Ranjit Lal
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?
Species
Gooseneck Barnacles: Rare Delicacy or Dinosaur Feet?
Phalguni Ranjan
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
Species
Beauty or Beast? The Lionfish Conundrum
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
Conservation
Mizoram: An Emerging Hotspot for Wildlife Trafficking
Nabarun Guha
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
Urban Jungle
Urban Design Planning and the Birds of Kolkata
Dipanjan Sinha
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
Conservation
Safeguarding Mangrove Plantations in the Sundarbans
Mongabay
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
Habitat
Threatened Endemic Birds of Andaman & Nicobar
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Conservation
Imaginary Borders and Their Very Real Effects
Imran Samad
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
Habitat
Jaldapara National Park: Megaherbivore Refuge in Northern West Bengal
Anirudh Nair
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Conservation
Decoding Dugong Days in Indian Waters
Vardhan Patankar
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
Book
Into the Wilds of Namdapha National Park
Aparajita Datta
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
News
Sikkim Grass Lizard Spotted in Nepal
Abhaya Raj Joshi
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
Wild Vault
Lianas: The Woody Climbers of the Forest
Geetha Iyer
Ignored for long, these climbers are slowly beginning to be noticed
The Guide: Walking Trails in Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve
Travel
The Guide: Walking Trails in Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve
Radhika Raj
Sanjay Sondhi
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
Habitat
Up in the Clouds: Mizoram’s Phawngpui National Park
Divya Candade
Dhritiman Mukherjee
Birding in Mizoram’s Blue Mountains and the quest for the rare Mount Victoria babax
Big Cat of the Estate: Leopards in Shared Spaces
Conservation
Big Cat of the Estate: Leopards in Shared Spaces
Aritra Kshettry
Avijan Saha
Learning to coexist with leopards in the tea plantations of northern West Bengal
Sultanpur National Park: Let’s Safeguard This Refuge for Waterbirds
Column
Sultanpur National Park: Let’s Safeguard This Refuge for Waterbirds
Neha Sinha
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
Conservation
Untreated Legacy Waste is Harming Deepor Beel Wetland
Barasha Das
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
Conservation
Communities and Authorities Clash at Namdapha as Deforestation Escalates
Spoorthy Raman
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
Conservation
Gangetic River Dolphin Numbers Decline in Assam
Nabarun Guha
The mammals are threatened by construction of dams and mechanised sand mining along rivers
Woolly-necked Storks Thriving in Haryana
Conservation
Woolly-necked Storks Thriving in Haryana
Sneha Mahale
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
Species
Fantastic Falcons: Streamlined, Superfast Raptors in Many Avatars
Ranjit Lal
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
Book
Helping a Sister Out of a Pit
Pamela Malhotra
A herd of elephants demonstrate their love and dedication towards a family member at SAI Sanctuary
Hawk Assault: Agile Hunters on a Wing
Species
Hawk Assault: Agile Hunters on a Wing
Ranjit Lal
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
Book
A History of Conservation: 50 Years of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972
Saket Badola
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
Wild Vault
Hide and Seek: On the Scent of a Leopard in Tiger Country
Richa Malhotra
Phillip Ross
When spots, not stripes, steal the show on a safari through Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Loud and Clear: Bullfrogs of India
Species
Loud and Clear: Bullfrogs of India
Dr. Seshadri KS
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
Species
Asian Glass Lizard: Jewel-toned Enigma from the Northeast
Gerry Martin
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)
Conservation
Fall of the House of Vultures (And How We Can Stop It)
Abhishek Ghoshal
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
Book
The Arrival of the Citizen Scientist
Pankaj Sekhsaria
Naveen Thayyil
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
Wild Vault
Intimate Connections: Falling in Love With a Walking Trail
Surya Ramachandran
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
Conservation
Olive Ridley Turtles Threatened by Upcoming Port in Karnataka
Supriya Vohra
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
Conservation
Whale Shark Strandings Increase Along Andhra Pradesh Coast
Almaas Masood
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
Urban Jungle
Resident Predators: Living With Spiders
Samuel John
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
Wild Vault
Enchanted Forest: Ode to the Old Sal Community
Radhika Raj
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Species
Ornate Flying Snake: Nature’s Gliding Jewel
Gerry Martin
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
Conservation
Turbines Taking the Wind Out of Wildlife’s Sails
Sneha Mahale
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
Travel
The Guide: Kanger Valley National Park, Bastar
Deepanwita Gita Niyogi
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
Conservation
Back From the Brink: The Rhinos of Jaldapara
Anirudh Nair
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Conservation
Supercyclones and Extreme Floods: A Not So Bright Future
Sahana Ghosh
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
Species
Mynas and Starlings: Birds With Attitude
Ranjit Lal
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
Species
Getting to Know You: Diving Into the Amazing World of Sharks
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
Book
The King’s Treasure, its Sinister Protector, and a Bottle of Milk
Saroj Mukherjee
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
Book
Through the Magic Portal, to a World of Marine Superheroes
Sejal Mehta
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
Urban Jungle
Goodnight, Sleep Tight: Slumber in the Big City
Nitya Prakash Mohanty
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
Wild Vault
Three’s No Longer a Crowd for Sarus Cranes
Kasturi Das
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
Wild Vault
Golden Jackal: Resourceful Canids in Tezu Botanical Garden
Nishanth Srinivas
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
Book
Loving Birds in a Time of War
Stephen Alter
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
Conservation
A Lemon a Day Keeps the Elephant Away
Kasturi Das
Lemon tree fences help farmers in Assam safeguard their crops and homes from elephants
Fading Glow of Maharashtra’s Firefly Festivals
Conservation
Fading Glow of Maharashtra’s Firefly Festivals
Abhijeet Gurjar
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
Wild Vault
Anaimalai Roadblock: On the Trail of a Tusker
Pravin Shanmughanandam
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
Wild Vault
Arachnophobia: Untangling the Web of Dislike
Samuel John
Labonie Roy
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
Habitat
The Guide: Sultanpur National Park
Bhavya Iyer
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
Species
Hide and Seek: The Water Drop Frog of the Western Ghats
Catherene Christian
Vipul Ramanuj
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
Species
Pigeons and Doves: Lovey-Dovey and Very Savvy
Ranjit Lal
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
Species
Bright and Bristly: Christmas Tree Worms and Their Festive Whorls
Phalguni Ranjan
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
Conservation
How to Conserve Biodiversity as Wind Farms Expand in Tamil Nadu
Priyanka Shankar
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
Conservation
Monitoring Vultures in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna Tiger Reserve
Anup Dutta
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
Conservation
Caracal in Crisis: From a Life among Royals, to Fighting for Survival
Apekshita Varshney
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?
Conservation
Kutch: From Bird Paradise to Death Trap?
Ronak Gajjar
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
Species
Playful Parakeets: Green Chilli-shaped Missiles of Entertainment
Ranjit Lal
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
Species
Back from the Brink: Saltwater Crocodiles in Bhitarkanika
Malavika Bhattacharya
Aditya Panda
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
Book
The Thirty-Year Long Battle to Save a Wetland in Calcutta
Bonani Kakkar
Pradeep Kakkar
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
Conservation
Beyond Borders: Tiger Movement Between India and Nepal Increasingly Restricted
Sahana Ghosh
Abhaya Raj Joshi
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
Conservation
In Assam, Pesticide Poisoning Targeting Stray Dogs Kills Over 100 Vultures
Nabarun Guha
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
Conservation
Resettlement Stories: Losing a Home to a Tiger Reserve
Alok Prakash Putul
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
Species
Hermit Crabs: Mobile Home in a Snail Shell
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
Species
The Babblers Five: Soul Sisters and Charming Angry Birds
Ranjit Lal
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
Habitat
Bird’s the Word in Mangalajodi
Malavika Bhattacharya
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Urban Jungle
Sensory Trails on a Campus in Gujarat
Deborah Dutta
Ravi Jambhekar
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
Urban Jungle
Love and Let Live: Saving Puttenahalli Lake
Samuel John
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
Column
Lessons from the Super Tiger Mom, Collarwali
Neha Sinha
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
Wild Vault
The Dzüleke Way of Life: Time Machine to a Green Future
Nidhi Dhingra
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
Species
The Blessed Bears of Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Neha Sumitran
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
Wild Vault
Culture Shapes Community Conservation in Nagaland
Bhavendu Joshi
Tsuseki Yimkhiung
Divya Vasudev
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
Urban Jungle
Powai Lake: A Wild Wetland at the Heart of a Mumbai Suburb
Anushka Kawale
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
Book
The Woody Wonders of Arunachal Pradesh and How to Identify Them
Aparajita Datta
Navendu Page
Bibidishanandu Basu
‘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
Habitat
Stories in Saltwater: Life and Tides in Bhitarkanika’s Mangroves
Malavika Bhattacharya
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Urban Jungle
Rich Birdlife Call Attention to Delhi’s Disappearing Wetlands
Kartik Chandramouli
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
Conservation
More Studies Needed on India's Sharks and Rays
Neha Jain
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
Conservation
Sippighat Wetland: A Bird Haven Created by the Tsunami
Radhika Raj
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Conservation
Protecting Deepor Beel’s Elephants from Train Collisons
Sanskrita Bharadwaj
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
Urban Jungle
Forest Fugue: The Seasonal Sounds of Avalahalli
Devayani Khare
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
Wild Vault
The Mysterious Migration of Crimson Rose Butterflies
Malaka Rodrigo
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
Wild Vault
The Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya
Nishanth Srinivas
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
Wild Vault
Escape From the City: How I Found a Home in the Wilderness
Nisarg Prakash
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
Species
Shillong Bush Frog: Ticking its Way Through the Monsoon
Nishanth Srinivas
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?
Species
Is the Jerdon’s Courser Extinct?
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Hero
Dhruv Prajapati: India’s Very Own Spiderman
Rashi Goel
When spider taxonomist Dhruv Prajapati discovers new spider species and names them after famous Indians
All That is Green is Not Forest
Conservation
All That is Green is Not Forest
Mayank Aggarwal
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
Species
Hoot and Screech: From Giant Owls to Little Elves
Ranjit Lal
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
Species
Hawkfish Hues: Of Underwater Hunts and Hairy Spines
Phalguni Ranjan
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
Species
Edible-nest Swiftlet: Little Bird with an Expensive Nest
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Conservation
Counting Wolves Through Their Calls
Siddhant Pusdekar
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
Species
Ominous Owls: Sharp-eyed Hunters of the Night
Ranjit Lal
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
Conservation
Leopard Gecko: Trapped in Trade and Labs
Anurag Mishra
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
Book
When an Elephant Joins a Livestock Herd
Sustain Team
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
Conservation
190 Dolphins Recorded in Mahananda Face Survival Challenges
Seema Sharma
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
Conservation
Malabar Grey Hornbill’s Population on the Decline in Western Ghats
Sneha Mahale
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
Conservation
Struggle for the Land: Nicobar Long-tailed Macaques in a Bind
Radhika Raj
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Habitat
Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve: A Sweet Symphony of Waterbirds
Neha Sumitran
Indrajit Ghorpade
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
Wild Vault
The Spider Next Door: Non-conformists in Camouflage
Samuel John
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
Species
Sparrows: Fall of the Little Birds
Ranjit Lal
An avid birder describes some close encounters with the once abundant but now dwindling species
Kalandar Community Left in the Lurch after Surrendering Animals
Wild Vault
Kalandar Community Left in the Lurch after Surrendering Animals
Madhav Sharma
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
Urban Jungle
Boxed In: The Urban Snakes of Bengaluru
Almaas Masood
Human and snake interactions increase in the city as natural habitats shrink
To the Point: Wild Things and their Beaks, Teeth, Claws
Book
To the Point: Wild Things and their Beaks, Teeth, Claws
Sustain Team
Wild creatures have a bewildering variety of pointy appendages. Ever wonder why?
From Poachers to Protectors in Birding Hotspot Mangalajodi
Conservation
From Poachers to Protectors in Birding Hotspot Mangalajodi
Malavika Bhattacharya
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Book
A Purple Frog on her Heart
Bijal Vachharajani
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
Conservation
New Conservation Reserve Offers Glimmer of Hope for Dugongs
KA Shaji
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
Species
Himalayan Monal: Monarch of the High Mountains
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Wild Vault
Barn Owl: The Farmer’s Friendly Neighbourhood Pest Controller
Kasturi Das
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
Wild Vault
Fluttering to the Flame: Moths in Art, Literature, and Poetry
Pritha Dey
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
Species
Skylords: View from the Eagles’ Eyrie
Ranjit Lal
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
Hero
Poornasmrithi Rumdali Rai: Saving the Chinese Pangolin
Anjana Parikh
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
Species
A Fine Balance: Irrawaddy Dolphins in Chilika Lake
Malavika Bhattacharya
Elusive and endangered, the Irrawaddy dolphin inhabits a delicate ecosystem in coastal Odisha
Frightened by A Fish
Wild Vault
Frightened by A Fish
Mahima Jaini
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
Habitat
Nalabana Bird Sanctuary: Magnificent Reed Forest
Bhavya Iyer
Aditya Panda
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
Conservation
Smugglers Using Government Scheme as a Tool for Exotic Wildlife Trade
Nabarun Guha
Exotic animals are not listed under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which makes it difficult to convict the smugglers
The Guide: Singalila National Park
Travel
The Guide: Singalila National Park
Anirudh Nair
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
Wild Vault
The Fog Clears: Unwinding Under a Fig Tree
Samuel John
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
Book
Meet Naturalist Ruddy: Adventurer, Sleuth, Mongoose
Rohan Chakravarty
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
Wild Vault
Butterfly Records Lead Arunachal Pradesh’s Biodiversity Sightings
Ranju Dodum
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?
Wild Vault
Three Lions Take on a Lone Turtle. Will it Survive?
Dr Mohan Ram
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
Wild Vault
Raising Spiderlings: The Best of Jumping Spider Brood Care
Tanaya Rele
Samuel John
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
Wild Vault
Common Emigrant: Tracking the Wheel of Life
Wenzel Pinto
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
Conservation
Unchecked Tree Planting in Grasslands Threatens Native Biodiversity, Warns Ecologist
Sahana Ghosh
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
Habitat
In Arunachal, Locals and Officials Join Hands to Conserve Orchids
Bikash Kumar Bhattacharya
Jyotirmoy Saharia
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
Conservation
So Long, and Thanks for All the Plastic
Mahima Jaini
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
Species
Walking with Mudskippers: A Fish That’s Happy Out of Water
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
Species
Eurasian Spoonbills: The Moody Minesweepers
Ranjit Lal
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
Conservation
Trouble in Paradise: The Changing World of the Nicobar Megapode
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Urban Jungle
Aravallis: Love and Fresh Air
Neha Sinha
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
Species
Wandering Glider: World Traveller and Weather Vane
Yuvan Aves
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
Wild Vault
Undertaking the World’s Longest Insect Migration
Neha Jain
Scientists are beginning to unravel the details of the migratory circuit of the globe skimmer dragonfly
An Incident at Dundubhi
Book
An Incident at Dundubhi
Sustain Team
The wolves of Mahovann are up to mischief and the emperor must act
The Guide: Mangalajodi Wetland in Odisha
Habitat
The Guide: Mangalajodi Wetland in Odisha
Sutirtha Lahiri
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
Species
The Grandala: Flying Blue Gem of the Himalayas
Dr Asad Rahmani
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
Wild Vault
What Butterflies Taught Me about Life on a Hot, Difficult Day
Neha Sinha
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
News
Instagram Leads to Discovery of a New Himalayan Snake Species
Liz Kimbrough
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
Urban Jungle
Sharing Spaces with Wild Life on a University Campus
Prerna Gupta
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
Wild Vault
Sundews: Shiny, Sugary Illusions in the Wild
Pooja Pawar
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
Conservation
Disturbed by Mining, Chattisgarh’s Elephants Move to Gadchiroli
Saurabh Katkurwar
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
Species
White-throated Brown Hornbills: Cackling in Assam’s Lowland Rainforests
Abir Jain
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
Species
Smaller Herons and Egrets: Hunchbacks and Those Lovely in Lace
Ranjit Lal
Abhishek Das
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
Travel
The Guide: Where to Find the Aravallis in and around Delhi-NCR
Radhika Raj
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
Species
Great Barracuda: Shiny and Scary but Surprisingly Shy
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
Species
Seeking the Satyr Tragopan Along a Mountain Road
Anirudh Nair
Sighting this threatened, elusive pheasant of the Himalayas requires persistence; but it’s patience well rewarded
The Corvid Mafiosi: Intelligentsia of the Bird World
Species
The Corvid Mafiosi: Intelligentsia of the Bird World
Ranjit Lal
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
Species
Huntsman Spider: Apex Predator in a Microhabitat
Samuel John
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
Species
Playing Hide and Seek with the Nicobar Megapode
Radhika Raj
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Wild Vault
Worlds Apart: The Dual Life of Marine Animals
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
Habitat
Krem Umladaw: Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Divya Candade
Dhritiman Mukherjee
Descent into India’s deepest vertical cave in search of the world’s largest blind fish
Coal Mining Hazard Looms Over Hasdeo Arand
Conservation
Coal Mining Hazard Looms Over Hasdeo Arand
Mayank Aggarwal
Allowing mining in part of these pristine forests will open entire area for excavation, warn activists
Urban Cacophony of the Heartening Kind
Urban Jungle
Urban Cacophony of the Heartening Kind
Sudha Mahalingam
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
Conservation
Addressing the Human-wildlife Conflict Challenge
Rushikesh Chavan
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
Book
Midnight Miracle: Waiting for Mother Turtles by the Beach
Pankaj Sekhsaria
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
Habitat
Rhythm and Melody: Birds of the NCR’s Aravallis
Misha Bansal
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
Wild Vault
An Owlsome Night Amidst the Dense Mangroves of Bhitarkanika
Sutirtha Lahiri
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
Habitat
Singalila National Park: A Mountain Forest in the Clouds
Anirudh Nair
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Book
How to Behave While Birdwatching
Sustain Team
A set of guidelines for respectful, thoughtful, and yet enjoyable birding
Canopy Bridge Comes to Gibbons’ Rescue
Conservation
Canopy Bridge Comes to Gibbons’ Rescue
Anuraag Baruah
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
Conservation
Over-exploitation of Groundwater Threatens Gondwana Fishes
TV Padma
Groundwater management and aquifer protection key to conserving subterranean fish found in the Western Ghats
Big Herons: Those Grouchy old Fishermen
Species
Big Herons: Those Grouchy old Fishermen
Ranjit Lal
Armed with a S-shaped neck and dagger-like bill, these herons are accomplished fishers
Hangul Numbers Increase in Kashmir
News
Hangul Numbers Increase in Kashmir
Sneha Mahale
Population of critically endangered deer increases to 261 from 237 in 2019
Ramki Sreenivasan: Not Every Hero Wears a Cape
Hero
Ramki Sreenivasan: Not Every Hero Wears a Cape
Prasad Ramamurthy
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
Conservation
Friends in Low Places: Connecting with the Ocean
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
Wild Vault
Bird Housing: Rumblings in the Old Poplar Apartment Block
Siddharth Raj Mohan
Shraddha Bung
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
Conservation
Gone Rogue: The Golden Shower Turns Invasive in the Western Ghats
PA Vinayan
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
Species
Nicobar Treeshrew: Squeaking Spy and Forest Alarmist
Radhika Raj
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
News
Moth Inventory: Expanding Our Faunal Database
Roopak Goswami
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
Conservation
Fishy Quandary: A Nexus of Livelihoods and Native Fish
Naren Sreenivasan
Without healthy freshwater ecosystems, there is neither hope for indigenous fish species nor humankind
Future in Jeopardy: The Wild Water Buffalo in Assam
Conservation
Future in Jeopardy: The Wild Water Buffalo in Assam
Mongabay
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
Conservation
Troubled Waters: Alien Plants and Water Stress in the Nilgiris
Girish Varma
Rasikapriyaa Sriramamurthy
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
Species
Red Panda: Under the Radar in Singalila
Anirudh Nair
Sourav Mondal
This cute, furry animal is an endangered species and a conservation icon in waiting
Securing the Fishing Cat's Future in the Chilika Lagoon
Conservation
Securing the Fishing Cat's Future in the Chilika Lagoon
Sneha Mahale
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
Habitat
Backyard Beasts in the Northern Aravallis
Ghazala Shahabuddin
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
Conservation
More Extreme Weather Events Likely in India, Says IPCC Report
Mayank Aggarwal
Sahana Ghosh
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?
Conservation
Can Feeding Wild Elephants Paddy Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict?
Alok Prakash Putul
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
Conservation
Clear and Present Danger: Managing Free-ranging Dogs
Rishika Pardikar
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
Species
Wild and Free: Where the Rock Bees Roam
Rajani Mani
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
Conservation
Chirgaon Leads the Way in Vulture Conservation
Sneha Mahale
Vulture population in village in Maharashtra rises from 22 in 1999-2000 to 249 in 2021
Community Efforts Guide Mahseer Protection in Meghalaya
News
Community Efforts Guide Mahseer Protection in Meghalaya
Azera Parveen Rahman
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
Urban Jungle
Delhi’s Secret Winter Guests: Small and Chirpy Forest Birds
Neha Sinha
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
Species
Common Kingfisher: The Bolt of Blue
Shashank Birla
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
Species
Little File Snake: The Silent Predator
Gerry Martin
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
Conservation
Removal of Invasive Prosopis May Affect Livelihoods in Banni Grasslands, Says Study
Sahana Ghosh
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
Conservation
Another Veterinary Drug Endangers India's Vultures
Vivek Gupta
Study urges for ban on widely-used painkiller nimesulide, which exerts toxic effects on vultures
Tigress Travels Record Distance in Central India
News
Tigress Travels Record Distance in Central India
Neha Jain
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
Conservation
Accidental Capture by Fishers Claims Millions of Seahorses
Neha Jain
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
Conservation
Invasive Red-eared Slider Poses Threat to Native Freshwater Turtles
KA Shaji
Unaware pet owners and weak laws enable multiplication of the exotic turtle that harms local biodiversity
The Guide: Bor Tiger Reserve
Travel
The Guide: Bor Tiger Reserve
Shashank Birla
In Maharshatra’s Wardha district, a little-known tiger reserve harbours big surprises
Serial Drillers: Great Slaty Woodpeckers as Community Cavity Creators
Habitat
Serial Drillers: Great Slaty Woodpeckers as Community Cavity Creators
Raman Kumar
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
Species
Protecting the Sacred Fish of the Cauvery
Suradha I
Religious lore, temples, and the impact of inadvertent conservation in the Cauvery basin
Red Panda: Vanishing Flame of the Himalayas
Conservation
Red Panda: Vanishing Flame of the Himalayas
Moumita Chakraborty
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
Wild Vault
Twilight Zone: A Tale Between Two Tides
Samuel John
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”
Hero
Shivaji Kutikela: “To Protect Animals, I Must Think Like a Hunter”
Radhika Raj
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
Hero
Sudarshan Shaw: Finding Divinity in Nature
Chaitali Patel
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
Species
Sand Scavengers: Ghost Crabs in the Intertidal Zone of Chennai’s Elliot’s Beach
Yuvan Aves
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
News
Development Plans Threaten Ecology of Lakshadweep
KA Shaji
Proposed large-scale beachside tourism and infrastructure development may aggravate climate change-related disasters
The Striped Sibling of the Idu Mishmi
Book
The Striped Sibling of the Idu Mishmi
Ambika Aiyadurai
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
Wild Vault
Lightning and I: Encounters with a Tigress from Ranthambore
Shikha Makan
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
Wild Vault
Life After Dark: The Night Shift on a Coral Reef
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
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
News
Pastoral Communities Affected by Livestock Grazing Ban in Sikkim
Neha Jain
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
News
Wild Buffalo Faces Race Against Extinction in Chhattisgarh
Alok Prakash Putul
According to government estimates, only 25 to 35 wild buffaloes left in the state
Indian Rock Python: Of Legends and Leather Bags
Species
Indian Rock Python: Of Legends and Leather Bags
Gerry Martin
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
News
Two Lakh Trees Face Axe for Diamond Mine in Buxwaha
Manish Chandra Mishra
Proposed project will impact wildlife and villagers dependent on the forest
Leatherback Sea Turtles: Giants of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Conservation
Leatherback Sea Turtles: Giants of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Adhith Swaminathan
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
Conservation
The Conservation Paradox: Missing the Meadows for the Green Turtles
Hariprasath R
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
Species
Peculiar Pelicans: Gawky, Grand and Graceful Waterbirds
Ranjit Lal
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
News
A Spotlight on the Scorpions of the Western Ghats
Vinaya Kurtkoti
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
Wild Vault
Elusive White-bellied Herons Make a Rare Appearance
Ranju Dodum
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
Book
An Encounter with the Grey Ghost of Ladakh
Lobzang Le
Tanushree Roy Paul
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
Conservation
Gharials Lose Nesting Sites at Katerniaghat
Neha Jain
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
Habitat
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: A Sight and Story at Every Bend
Ramya Sriram
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
Species
Blue-necked Reedtail: The Mysterious Damselfly
Vivek Chandran A
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
Conservation
Alien Fish Proliferate as Extreme Climate Events Rise
Sahana Ghosh
According to a study, floods trigger escape of exotic and invasive species that harm local ecosystems
Life Without Light: Creatures of Meghalaya’s Caves
Species
Life Without Light: Creatures of Meghalaya’s Caves
Divya Candade
Dhritiman Mukherjee
In a fragile, subterranean world of absolute darkness, fascinating life forms emerge
Sindhudurg’s Cashew Nut Plantations Offer Refuge to Wild Mammals
Conservation
Sindhudurg’s Cashew Nut Plantations Offer Refuge to Wild Mammals
Neha Jain
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
Species
Fishing Friends: Irrawaddy Dolphins and the Fishers of Chilika Lagoon
Dr Coralie D'Lima
Aditya Panda
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
Species
The Rousing Call of the Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Prerna Gupta
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
Conservation
Poaching Threatens Asiatic Black Bear in Arunachal Pradesh
Bikash Kumar Bhattacharya
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
Conservation
Economy or Ecology? Eucalyptus Plantations in Coastal Andhra Raises Concern
Azera Parveen Rahman
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
Wild Vault
Droughts Mitigated at Lamkani through Grassland Restoration
Vinaya Kurtkoti
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
Species
Huddle Together: Social Spiders and Their Myriad Guests
Maitry Jani
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
Species
Skittering Frogs: Look Closely, They’re Floating on Water Everywhere
Dr Seshadri KS
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
Hero
Vasanth Bosco: Choosing the Promise of the Present
Pankaj Singh
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
Hero
Mohammed Dilawar: A Superhero for the House Sparrow
Agnee Ghosh
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
Wild Vault
Studying Snakes through Radio Telemetry
Arathi Menon
Emerging as an easier and more precise way to track and study snakes than traditional observation methods
The Vanishing Grasslands and Wetlands of India
Conservation
The Vanishing Grasslands and Wetlands of India
Mridula Mary Paul
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
Habitat
Galathea: A Threatened Paradise at the Edge of the World
Radhika Raj
Dhritiman Mukherjee
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
Habitat
The Guide: D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary
Sutirtha Lahiri
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
Urban Jungle
Surviving the Pandemic, One Tree at a Time
Arti Das
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
Species
Vanishing Act: The Slow Decline of Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle
Ayushi Jain
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
Book
The Nitty-gritty of Releasing a Leopard
Sanjay Gubbi
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
Species
A Hidden Life: The Impressed Tortoise in Central Arunachal Pradesh
Anuja Mital
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
News
Forest Fires Raise Questions Over Management of Similipal National Park
Pragati Prava
Forest department and local communities remain divided over cause of fires and ownership of the biosphere
Spectacled Cobra: An Unwilling Icon
Species
Spectacled Cobra: An Unwilling Icon
Gerry Martin
Though worshipped, venerated, vilified, adored, and feared, this snake isn’t quite understood
Aaliya Mir: The Woman Who Rescues Wildlife in Kashmir
Hero
Aaliya Mir: The Woman Who Rescues Wildlife in Kashmir
Athar Parvaiz
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
Habitat
Keoladeo Ghana National Park: Floating Laboratory of Bharatpur
Dhritiman Mukherjee
Bhavya Iyer
India’s most famous bird sanctuary has a long history of conservation challenges that have persisted for decades
Bharatpur: Memories of an Inveterate Birder
Wild Vault
Bharatpur: Memories of an Inveterate Birder
Ranjit Lal
The writer reminiscences the many charms of Keoladeo Ghana and the last swansong of the Siberian crane
N Badusha: Crusader for Wayanad’s Wilds
Hero
N Badusha: Crusader for Wayanad’s Wilds
Anirudh Nair
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
Species
Indian Paradise Flycatcher: Flash Dance of the Glam King
Ranjit Lal
Arijit Mondal
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
Urban Jungle
Delhi and Haryana’s Aravallis Home to Rare Wildlife
Neha Jain
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
Wild Vault
Tiger Story: Lost Stripes of Gujarat
Raza Kazmi
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
Species
Andaman Day Gecko: Fleet-footed Flecks of Green
Ashwini V Mohan
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
Conservation
How Goa is Emerging as the New Shark-Eating Destination
Supriya Vohra
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
Conservation
Last Stand: The Kolar Leaf-nosed Bat and its Forgotten Cave
Radhika Raj
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
Book
Finding a ‘Star’ Among Frogs
Sustain Team
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
Species
Humpback Mahseer: Big Fish in a Small World
Nanditha Chandraprakash
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
Wild Vault
Delhi’s Unlikely Stopover: Finding Everything in the Middle of Nothing
Neha Sinha
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
Habitat
Lake Life: Pulicat, the Bird Haven
Aathira Perinchery
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
Wild Vault
The Spin on the Spider’s Silk Route
Samuel John
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
Conservation
Brahmaputra’s River Islands Threatened by Burning and Clearing of Grasslands
Chandrani Sinha
Experts suggest these grassland habitats for many endangered birds need legal protection
Cherish the Grove: A Foray into the Forests of the Coromandel Coast
Habitat
Cherish the Grove: A Foray into the Forests of the Coromandel Coast
Priyanka Hari Haran
Pranav Balasubramanian
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
Species
Going to the Dogs? Turning the Page for India’s Endangered Dhole
Arjun Srivathsa
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
Conservation
Choosing Between Elephants and Humans in the Nilgiris
KA Shaji
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
Species
Bare Truth: Why We Need to Save Our Sloth Bears
Debadityo Sinha
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
Hero
Kole’s waterman: Protecting a wetland through paddy cultivation
Manjula Nair
Agriculturist Kochu Muhammed who coordinates over 130 clusters of farmers is a living encyclopaedia on these wetlands
Sticking Point: Bewitched by the Brown Shrike
Species
Sticking Point: Bewitched by the Brown Shrike
Lesley D. Biswas
Why does this sweet, unassuming bird have the ominous nickname “butcherbird”?
Ruby-tailed Hawklet: Black Dragon in Red Shorts
Species
Ruby-tailed Hawklet: Black Dragon in Red Shorts
Vivek Chandran A
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
Urban Jungle
Life on the Vertical: Exploring Nature on City Walls
Samuel John
Vena Kapoor
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
Species
Sunbirds: Zippy Popstars Dressed to the Nines
Ranjit Lal
Arijit Mondal
Tiny tots with sharp curved bills, these dazzling extroverts frequent urban gardens to feed on nectar
Indian Rat Snake: Nature’s Own Pest Control
Species
Indian Rat Snake: Nature’s Own Pest Control
Gerry Martin
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
Book
When the King Doesn’t Strike
Neha Sinha
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
Column
Finding Philautus: Bush Frogs in the Western Ghats
Kartik Shanker
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
Species
Sea Cucumbers: Silent Superheroes of the Seas
Chetana Babburjung Purushotham
These sea creatures are mini ecosystems unto themselves and play a crucial role in keeping oceans alive and healthy