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 Rajasthan High Court has banned night safaris and drone use in the Jawai Leopard Reserve to protect wildlife from disturbance due to unregulated tourism.
The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force arrested an alleged interstate wildlife trafficker in Gorakhpur and rescued 100 protected rose-ringed parrots from his possession.
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.
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.
Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MP Transco) has successfully eliminated bird-related power failures in the Vindhya region by installing custom-designed bird guards and excreta preventers on high-voltage transmission towers. This initiative not only ensures uninterrupted electricity supply but also protects local wildlife, significantly reducing tripping incidents and promoting bird conservation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DRI officials apprehended a man in Warangal, Telangana, for attempting to sell two live red sand boas, a protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Nafisa said celebrities were being targeted for their status and popularity
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.
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.
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 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 youth in Kota has been booked for allegedly throwing firecrackers at crocodiles in the Chandralohi river to create a social media reel. The incident has raised concerns about wildlife protection and the dangers of social media stunts.
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.
Forest officials seized 20 kg of venison and arrested a person for wildlife poaching in Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha. The accused was found with deer meat and nylon nets used for trapping deer.
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.
Six individuals, including a professional shooter, have been arrested in Telangana for illegally hunting wild animals using airguns in the Shadnagar and Makthal forest areas.
The Uttarakhand Special Task Force and the Forest Department have arrested two suspected wildlife smugglers with ivory worth Rs 1.5 crore in Udham Singh Nagar district.
Forest authorities in Thane, Maharashtra, are investigating two incidents of monkeys being shot with arrows in the Yeoor forest and are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the culprits.
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.
Bengaluru police arrested three individuals for allegedly selling deer antlers, a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act. The accused confessed to intending to earn large sums of money from the illegal sale.
'Now when I see the forest, I don't just see trees -- I see a home that we must protect.'
The Supreme Court has quashed an FIR and subsequent proceedings against YouTuber Elvish Yadav, who was arrested for allegedly using snake venom at a rave party in Noida. The court cited issues with the applicability of the NDPS Act and the validity of proceedings under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
India's first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle released in Kaziranga.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully intercepted and seized 512 kg of red sanders at Cochin Port, preventing its illegal export to China. The red sanders were concealed within a consignment declared as rubber core veneer.
A group of suspected poachers allegedly opened fire at a forest department patrolling team in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) before fleeing. The forest department recovered a motorcycle and a wild boar carcass from the scene.
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.
A popular resort in Mumbai is under investigation after a joint raid by Customs and forest department officials revealed the alleged unauthorized possession of exotic animals, including marmoset monkeys and macaw parrots.
The Supreme Court has quashed the FIR against Elvish Yadav, who was arrested for allegedly using snake venom at a rave party in Noida. Yadav expresses relief and questions who will compensate for the harassment he and his family faced.
'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 individuals have been arrested in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district for allegedly killing and burning a wild animal, suspected to be a rare Caracal wild cat. The incident came to light after a video was uploaded to social media.
A sub-adult tiger was found electrocuted and dumped in a well in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh. The farmer who owns the well has been arrested. This incident brings the total number of tiger deaths in the state to 25 since January, raising concerns about wildlife protection.
YouTuber Elvish Yadav expresses relief and questions the impact of harassment after the Supreme Court quashes the snake venom case against him, citing procedural flaws.
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.
