Category: Environment

Why in News? A government-appointed expert panel on environment has recommended the Supreme Court to ban the exotic tree species Conocarpus (commonly called buttonwood or damas) due to serious ecological and health concerns. Key Highlights About Conocarpus Ecological & Health Concerns Policy Context Origin of Species

Why in News? A recent study by IIT Indore, ICIMOD, and US universities revealed that the Gangotri Glacier has lost 10% of its snowmelt flow since 1980 due to climate change. Key Highlights Gangotri Glacier System (GGS) Findings of the Study Cloudburst Definition (Source: TH)

Why in News? Key Facts Benefits of Expansion (Source: DTE)

Why in the News? About Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) Ecological Role (Source: TH)

The Government of India has issued a notification granting privileges and immunities to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), its representatives, and officials. This action was taken under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947, and is a significant step towards establishing the IBCA as an effective global conservation body. Purpose and Legal Status Membership and Operations As of early 2025, the IBCA has five official member countries that Read More …

A three-day faunal survey at the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala has added nine species records to its official biodiversity checklist, reaffirming its position as one of the richest ecological zones in the Western Ghats. Key Findings of the Survey The survey, conducted near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam, documented a total of 113 butterfly species. Among these, four are new additions to the sanctuary’s official list: Additionally, researchers frequently sighted the Read More …

Researchers have documented nine species of solitary bees from the subfamily Nomiinae for the first time in Kerala, marking a significant increase in the state’s known bee biodiversity. The newly recorded species include: Among these, the rediscovery of Gnathonomia argenteobalteata is particularly notable, as it was last recorded in India over a century ago. The surveys were conducted in various habitats, including the Kole wetlands and riverside and hillock areas Read More …

The highly invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus, commonly known as “Congress grass,” has emerged as a significant threat to the grasslands of Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the world’s highest density of one-horned rhinos. The Threat to Pobitora’s Ecosystem Conservation Efforts and Eradication Measures In response to this growing threat, forest authorities and local communities have launched a concerted effort to eradicate the weed. (Source: TOI)

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change celebrated World Lion Day – 2025 on August 10 at the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, highlighting the success of Asiatic lion conservation efforts in the state. World Lion Day is an annual event that aims to raise global awareness about the need to protect and conserve lions. Key Highlights from the Celebration: (Source: PIB)

A team of researchers from Mizoram University and the Guwahati-based conservation group Help Earth has discovered a new species of rain snake in an elevated tropical forest in Mizoram. The New Species: The Narrow-banded Rain Snake Source: TH

India is home to 15 species of wild cats, but the smaller ones, like the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), often receive less attention than the larger lions and tigers. About the Fishing Cat Source: TH

Scientists have identified the cause of the mass die-off of sea stars over the past decade: a bacterial cousin of cholera called Vibrio pectenicida. This bacterium is responsible for the sea star wasting disease, which caused billions of sea stars to decay and melt before dying. What Are Sea Stars? Sea stars, commonly known as starfish, are marine animals, but they are not fish. They lack gills, scales, and fins. Read More …