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.
The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force arrested an alleged interstate wildlife trafficker in Gorakhpur and rescued 100 protected rose-ringed parrots from his possession.
A female cheetah named Nirva, part of India's reintroduction programme, was successfully rescued from Shivpuri district after an 11-day search. The 6-year-old South African cheetah had gone missing from Kuno National Park, and her satellite collar was malfunctioning. Forest officials, with local support, located and replaced her collar, confirming she is healthy.
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.
An international research team has discovered a new species of subterranean earthworm eel, named Gangaichthys indonepalicus, in the Indo-Gangetic Plain of Bihar. This small, colourless fish, adapted to life in dark underground aquifers, is the first stygobitic fish recorded from the Gangetic Basin. The discovery followed a TikTok video and involved challenging manual pumping of borewell water to secure samples for scientific analysis.
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.
'Now when I see the forest, I don't just see trees -- I see a home that we must protect.'
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.
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.
The Rajasthan High Court has banned night safaris and drone use in the Jawai Leopard Reserve to protect wildlife from disturbance due to unregulated tourism.
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.
A man has been arrested for allegedly setting fire inside the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha, India.
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.
A man identified as Manish Gupta was arrested in Bihar's Khagaria district for allegedly impersonating an IAS officer and falsely claiming ties to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Police recovered a Tesla car, an SUV, imported liquor, and other luxury items from his residence, indicating extensive fraudulent operations. An investigation into his assets and alleged fraud is underway.
The bandana, once a rockstar staple, is making a chic comeback among female celebrities in both Bollywood and Hollywood, with stars like Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Zendaya showcasing versatile ways to style the head scarf.
India has over 22,000 wild elephants. May their tribe increase.
On World Elephant Day, the story of Parbati Barua deserves to be remembered.
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.
The Rajasthan High Court has expressed serious concern over rampant construction on Udaipur's ecologically sensitive hills, questioning the state's hill policies and demanding records of commercial project permissions. The court's observations stem from a petition challenging a hotel project and an interim report highlighting extensive hill cutting and inadequate policy formulation, potentially leading to a suo motu Public Interest Litigation.
What makes the tiger the undisputed king of the jungle?
Ahead of T20 game with NZ, skipper Yadav, others go on jungle safari in Chhattisgarh
A baby Indian Rock Python was safely rescued from the locomotive cabin of the Madgaon-CSMT Janshatabdi Express upon its arrival at CSMT, Mumbai. The incident, occurring during the monsoon season, highlights wildlife seeking shelter and marks the second reptile rescue in the city recently.
Anjali Saikia's extraordinary act of breastfeeding an orphaned palm civet alongside her infant son in 2009 has been immortalised in a CBSE Class X English supplementary reader, 'Words and Expressions Part Two', inspiring students across India with a lesson on empathy and coexistence.
A row has erupted over former Union minister Maneka Gandhi's appeal to the Jain community to stop using 'picchis' (sacred broom) made of peacock feathers, claiming that their demand fuels illegal wildlife trade.
Kerala's Leader of Opposition, Pinarayi Vijayan, has called on the state government to implement urgent measures to prevent wildlife attacks after an elephant attack killed a woman and injured her child in Idukki.
Explore Bollywood's fascination with wild, untamed settings, from the comedic antics of Welcome To The Jungle to the intense dramas and romances set amidst lush forests, showcasing how these natural backdrops shape diverse cinematic narratives.
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.
The pale-coloured hog deer is believed to be affected by albinism, a rare genetic condition characterised by the absence or reduction of melanin pigment in the skin, fur, and eyes.
The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve administration has implemented a dusk-to-dawn ban on vehicular traffic on the Dudhwa-Gauriphanta road to protect wildlife, following a Supreme Court mandate. Emergency vehicles are exempt, and an alternative route is available.
A conman, Aas Mohammad, has been arrested in Saharanpur for allegedly defrauding people of lakhs of rupees by selling Red Sand Boa snakes, claiming they possessed medicinal and miraculous properties. Police seized cash, a currency counting machine, and the protected reptiles, with efforts underway to trace other syndicate members.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a wildlife trafficking syndicate involved in the illegal trade of Indian elephant tusks (ivory) in Mysuru, leading to the seizure of 4.058 kg of tusks and the apprehension of three individuals.
Renowned conservation biologist Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, founder of Assam's biodiversity organisation Aaranyak, has been elected as a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London (FLS), one of the highest international recognitions in natural history and biological sciences.
West Bengal has enacted two controversial legislations, the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act and the Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, aimed at curbing organised crime and violent protests. These laws grant authorities significant powers, including preventive detention without trial and property attachment for riot damages, drawing both support and criticism.
Two youths in Nagpur face charges for allegedly using a drone and reckless driving to create Instagram reels within protected forests, disturbing wildlife and threatening their habitat.
A 15-day protest against the Ken-Betwa Link Project and other development initiatives in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, concluded after police cleared the agitation site and dispersed protesters. While police denied arrests, protesters alleged their leader, Amit Bhatnagar, was detained amidst claims of project irregularities and corruption. The project aims to provide irrigation and drinking water to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
'Conservation is is fundamental to the resilience of our communities and the health of our planet,' says Dr Ramakant Panda, who is considered to be one the world's top heart surgeons.
Three people were injured in two suspected wild elephant attacks in Palakkad, Kerala. These incidents follow two recent fatalities in Wayanad and Idukki. In response, the Kerala government has decided to establish a 500-member Special Reserve Force to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
Three individuals, including a father and son, have been arrested in Ranchi, Jharkhand, for trading reproductive organs of monitor lizards, a prohibited activity under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Four individuals have been apprehended in Arunachal Pradesh's Papum Pare district for trafficking a rhinoceros horn valued at approximately Rs 1.2 crore. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the forest department, underscores the government's commitment to wildlife protection and combating organised crime.
Two individuals have been arrested in Odisha's Gahirmatha forest range after being found in possession of nine kg of venison. The suspects were apprehended in the Sasanpeta forest area with deer meat and nylon nets, leading to their booking under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
