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American evolutionary biologist Dr. Toby Kiers has been awarded the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for the Environment”, for her pioneering research on underground fungal networks and their crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. Recognising Underground Biodiversity Dr. Kiers is the co-founder of the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN), a global initiative working to map, protect and raise awareness Read More …
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav on 12 January chaired a meeting of the National Institute for Research & Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience (NIRANTAR). NIRANTAR is a collaborative platform of institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), established to enhance coordination, convergence, and collaboration in the natural resources sector. Natural Resources at the Core of Read More …
The Kerala government has officially renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it the first butterfly sanctuary in the State. The decision was notified through SRO No. 1407/2025, issued under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Amendment to 1984 Notification The renaming amends the original 1984 government notification that had declared the Aralam Farm area as a wildlife sanctuary. The change was made following Read More …
A national-level workshop on MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) was successfully organised in Andhra Pradesh on 8–9 January 2026, bringing together policymakers, experts and stakeholders working on coastal ecology and livelihood enhancement. About MISHTI Initiative Linkage with Climate Action Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) Objectives of MAC
In a tribute that blends India’s rich cultural heritage with wildlife conservation, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced that the newly designated Ratapani Tiger Reserve will be named after eminent archaeologist and Padma Shri awardee Dr Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar. Honouring a Legendary Archaeologist About Ratapani Tiger Reserve Rich Biodiversity Hotspot Significance of the Move
In a significant step towards wildlife conservation, Madhya Pradesh and Assam have finalised an inter-state agreement for the exchange of wild animals, aimed at enhancing biodiversity and restoring species that have become locally extinct in parts of the country. Assam to Translocate Wild Buffaloes, Rhinos and King CobrasUnder the pact, Assam will translocate 50 wild water buffaloes to Madhya Pradesh over the next three years in a phased manner. Additionally, Read More …
Renowned ecologist and environmental thinker Madhav Gadgil (1942–2026) passed away on 7 January in Pune at the age of 83. He was widely respected for his bottom-up approach to environmental conservation and his lifelong commitment to integrating ecology with democratic decision-making. Champion of Western Ghats ConservationGadgil is best known for chairing the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) in 2011. The panel recommended that 75% of the Western Ghats’ 1,29,037 Read More …
A rare pair of twin mountain gorillas has been born at Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a major milestone for the conservation of this endangered subspecies. About Virunga National Park Rarity of Twin BirthsTwin births among mountain gorillas are extremely uncommon, accounting for around 1% of all mountain gorilla births, though precise data is limited. Habitat and DistributionAccording to the International Union for the Read More …
Galaxy frogs (Melanobatrachus indicus), among the world’s rarest and most visually striking amphibians, are facing a renewed threat in Kerala’s Western Ghats. A recent scientific study has reported that a group of seven galaxy frogs disappeared and are likely dead after repeated disturbances caused by wildlife photographers visiting their habitat. Findings Published in International JournalThe findings were published on December 17, 2025, in the journal Herpetology Notes, in a report Read More …
Scientists have detected a deadly virus in the breath of whales in the Arctic Circle, linking it to mass deaths and strandings of marine mammals. The discovery marks the first time cetacean morbillivirus has been found circulating in Arctic waters. Drone Technology Enables Novel DetectionResearchers used drones to collect samples from whale breath, known as blow, by hovering over whales at the moment of exhalation. The breath samples were captured Read More …
Amazonian stingless bees have become the first insect species globally to be granted legal rights, after two municipalities in Peru — Satipo and Nauta — passed a landmark ordinance in December 2025. Backed by National RecognitionThe municipal decision follows a 2024 national law passed by the Peruvian government recognising stingless bees as native species, paving the way for stronger local-level conservation measures. Ancient Pollinators Under ThreatStingless bees are the oldest Read More …
Once considered a disposal problem, coconut waste in India is now being segregated, recycled and transformed into high-value products such as cocopeat for organic manure and soil alternatives, and coir fibres used to make ropes and mats. What was earlier seen as “green waste” has emerged as a smart, sustainable solution under India’s waste-to-wealth approach. Small Share, Big Impact Official data show that coconut husk accounts for about 3–5% of Read More …
A bizarre and rare parasitic plant, popularly known as a fairy lantern, has been discovered near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the outskirts of a forest reserve’s picnic area. The plant was found emerging from leaf litter in November 2023, an unusual sight as it typically remains hidden underground. Identified by a Citizen ScientistThe discovery was made by naturalist and photographer Gim Siew Tan, who noticed the strange pinkish flower poking Read More …
Gujarat has officially regained its status as a tiger-present state, with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) confirming the settlement of a tiger in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary in Dahod district. Following this confirmation, Gujarat has been included once again in the national tiger population census. Return After 33 YearsThe development marks Gujarat’s return to India’s tiger map after more than three decades. The state was excluded from the tiger Read More …
A new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has found that up to 42% of India’s PM2.5 pollution is secondary particulate matter, formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere rather than being directly emitted. The dominant component of this secondary PM2.5 is ammonium sulphate, primarily generated from sulphur dioxide (SO₂). Coal Power Plants at the CoreIndia remains the world’s largest emitter of SO₂, with Read More …