The Sirmour Forest Department's rapid response team raided a house in Ghutanpur village, recovering the remains of wild animals, including a leopard skin, leading to two arrests and highlighting ongoing poaching concerns in the region.
A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.
A woman sanitation worker, Sugna Devi, was mauled to death by a tiger named Shivaji in Nahargarh Biological Park, Jaipur, after a forest guard allegedly opened the enclosure gate while workers were inside. The forest department has suspended the guard and ordered an inquiry. The victim's family protested, leading to an agreement for Rs 10 lakh compensation, a dairy booth, and contractual jobs for two family members.
Odisha Police's STF and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are investigating the rescue of five baby orangutans in Balasore, suspecting an international wildlife trafficking network. The probe focuses on a black SUV seen near the rescue site and potential routes from West Bengal, with officials believing the animals were trafficked from Southeast Asia. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for stringent action against those involved.
Tamil Nadu's DMK and PMK parties have called for a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of three Tamil men by Karnataka Forest Department personnel. The incident, which occurred on August 15, has sparked protests and led to an FIR being filed against forest officials, with political leaders demanding justice and compensation for the victims' families.
Manipur police have arrested six militants, including a minor, from the banned United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) across Imphal Valley districts. The arrests were made in connection with extortion, intimidation, and kidnapping. Security forces also conducted a separate operation, seizing arms and ammunition and destroying bunkers in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.
Five rescued baby orangutans quarantined at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar underwent extensive health checks, including X-rays and blood sample collection, to assess their condition and facilitate DNA testing. The health check-up was prompted after one primate developed a fever. Officials are identifying a suitable laboratory for DNA analysis, which is crucial for determining their origin and aiding an ongoing international wildlife smuggling investigation.
A man was killed by a gaur in Kozhikode, Kerala, followed by the death of his relative from a heart attack. Villagers are refusing to cremate the bodies until the government assures action against wild gaurs, demanding compensation and elimination of the animals from residential areas.
Scientists have discovered a rare leafless orchid species, Gastrodia keyiensis, in a remote gorge along the Keyi River in Arunachal Pradesh. This elusive orchid, which lacks leaves and chlorophyll, relies on soil fungi for nutrients and was found at an altitude of around 1,000 metres. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh and the need for conservation.
A major tragedy was averted in Assam's Hojai district on Wednesday when forest personnel alerted the Rajdhani Express after spotting a large herd of elephants crossing a railway track, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
A deleted video posted by actor Vikram, showing him cuddling a Lar Gibbon, has brought to light the illegal possession and transfer of these endangered primates in Tamil Nadu, prompting a forest department investigation.
A study by the Wildlife Institute of India in the Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary reveals that abandoned mining areas have become the most bird-rich habitat, supporting 46 species. These former quarries, now featuring diverse scrub, grassland, rocky patches, and water pools, demonstrate nature's recovery after human disturbance ceased, highlighting the importance of habitat diversity for conservation.
The Haldwani forest division has launched India's first AI-based forest acoustic surveillance system. This innovative technology uses AI, acoustic sensors, and long-range wireless communication to detect illegal logging, poaching, and other suspicious activities in real-time, even in remote areas. Powered by solar energy, the system provides continuous monitoring, significantly enhancing forest protection, wildlife conservation, and biodiversity monitoring efforts.
Actor Mohanlal has declared possession of 10 elephant tusks and 13 ivory idols to the Kerala Forest Department under an amnesty scheme. This new disclosure comes as he continues to face trial for alleged illegal possession of wildlife articles, a case that originated in 2011 and has seen the Kerala High Court direct the continuation of legal proceedings against him.
Unnati Sharma's bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 has filled her family with pride, with her sister Riya Sharma revealing that the judoka's ultimate goal is to compete at the Olympics.
On World Elephant Day, the story of Parbati Barua deserves to be remembered.
A forest department team in Hoshiarpur was allegedly fired upon by suspected khair wood smugglers during an operation. While the accused escaped, officials managed to seize a vehicle loaded with illegally felled khair wood. The incident highlights the dangers faced by forest personnel and the lucrative nature of khair wood smuggling, which is believed to be operated by an inter-state network.
A forest department team in Hoshiarpur was allegedly fired upon by suspected khair wood smugglers during an operation. While the accused escaped, officials managed to seize a vehicle loaded with illegally felled khair wood. The incident highlights the dangers faced by forest personnel and the lucrative nature of khair wood smuggling, which is believed to be operated by an inter-state network.
Five forest department personnel were injured in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district after villagers allegedly attacked an anti-encroachment team. Four individuals have been arrested, and a case has been registered under relevant laws.
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC) to conduct a nationwide survey to check if any state has constructed obstacles or created blockades in elephant corridors, saying it was unacceptable.
At least 12 people from Assam were injured in alleged firing by miscreants from Arunachal Pradesh along the interstate border in Dhemaji district on Monday over encroachment of land, the police said.
A forest guard in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district has been suspended and arrested for allegedly misbehaving with and assaulting three women Van Mitras while on duty.
Vijay's Jana Nayagan releases in theatres, and fans just can't keep calm!
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has conducted a nationwide crackdown on wildlife trafficking, seizing over 440 endangered animals and 15 kg of ivory, and arresting 33 individuals involved in organised crime syndicates.
Following a landslide near the Kalladi tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala, district authorities have begun evacuating families and intensified rescue operations to find seven missing persons. Heavy rains are complicating efforts, while project engineers clarify the landslide did not originate from the active construction zone.
A 44-year-old man was killed in an elephant attack near Kotagiri in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred as the man was walking to his village, prompting a police investigation and a safety advisory from the forest department.
Forest personnel in Maharashtra have captured a cub of tigress T2, which killed four women in Chandrapur district. Efforts are underway to trap her three other cubs.
A Goa forest department official has filed a police complaint against state minister Subhash Phal Desai, alleging he obstructed officials and facilitated the illegal transportation of soil from a protected forest area. The complaint details the excavation and uprooting of trees, while the minister claims the soil was for a sports ground.
A forest department employee was allegedly hacked to death with an axe in the Tanda forest in Haldwani following an argument with his associate, police said.
Thirteen blackbucks and a stray dog were discovered dead in a farm well in Shajapur district, Madhya Pradesh, leading forest authorities to launch an investigation. The carcasses were found after a foul smell was reported, and it is suspected the animals fell into the well while escaping stray dogs.
Customs officials at Mumbai international airport intercepted an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok with 29 exotic wild animals, including a gibbon, melanistic squirrel, ball python, and iguana. A rescue team was called to identify and stabilise the animals, which will be repatriated to their country of origin.
Rajasthan's forest department is implementing an AI-based surveillance system across its wildlife sanctuaries to enhance anti-poaching efforts and monitor animal movement. The system, utilising thermal cameras, drones, and advanced software, provides 24x7 monitoring, helps prevent human-wildlife conflict through real-time alerts, and strengthens the fight against wildlife crime. Installations are being rolled out in phases across key protected areas, with advanced cameras capable of identifying individual animals and suspicious activities.
Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has announced that the state government will review objections raised by pressure groups and villagers regarding the proposed limestone mining project in Jaintia Hills district.
Six forest personnel, including a range officer, were injured in an attack by suspected timber smugglers in North Tripura. Two Forest Department vehicles were also damaged in the incident.
The body of Vikram Rana, the last person missing after the July 7 landslide at the Anakkampoyil-Meppadi tunnel project site in Kalladi, Wayanad, Kerala, has been recovered. This brings the death toll to eight. A massive search operation involving multiple agencies led to the discovery of the construction manager's body, concluding the search efforts.
A 60-year-old man was killed by a leopard in Kamand village, Pauri Garhwal, while collecting fodder. Villagers protested the delayed response from authorities.
Eight workers, mostly from Bihar, were killed after a massive granite rock collapsed at a stone quarry in Bengaluru South Taluk. The incident, which occurred at Madapattana, has led to allegations of illegal quarrying and negligence, with an MLA claiming police, forest, and mining department officials are involved. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar expressed grief and vowed action against violators, while rescue operations continue amidst fears of a rising death toll.
The Forest Department in Palakkad, Kerala, has launched a search operation following the suspected killing of a cow by a leopard in Kanjikode. The incident occurred near forest land, prompting officials to investigate and consider further measures like camera traps and cage traps.
Police in Chamba district have launched an investigation after a Forest Department team was attacked with stones while transporting seized timber. The incident occurred on the Kaljel-Bajli link road, resulting in damage to a vehicle but no injuries.
An FIR has been registered against five individuals, including the Director of the National Sugar Institute (NSI) in Kanpur, for the alleged illegal felling and uprooting of over 600 trees on the institute's campus. The case was filed after a complaint by a Regional Forest Officer, and an inspection revealed extensive unauthorised tree cutting over several months. Police have confirmed an ongoing investigation into the matter.
