General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - June 2023

Jun 2023

Feb 16, 2026

Philippine Eagle Among World’s Largest Raptors

The Philippine eagle, Pithecophaga jefferyi, is one of the world’s largest birds of prey and a national symbol of the Philippines. The species is listed as Critically Endangered, with fewer than 500 mature individuals believed to remain in the wild. Its nickname, the monkey-eating bird, stems from early reports of hunting monkeys, though the eagle also preys on flying squirrels, civets and snakes. It is a daytime hunter and an apex predator, contributing to ecological balance in tropical forests. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and breeding programs to prevent extinction.

Scientific name: Pithecophaga jefferyi
Among the largest raptors; national symbol of the Philippines
Status: Critically Endangered; fewer than 500 mature individuals
Diet includes monkeys and other small vertebrates
Role as an apex predator helps maintain forest balance

Feb 13, 2026

Naga community bans pangolin hunting to bolster wildlife conservation

The Sangtam Naga tribal body in Nagaland approved a ban on pangolin hunting and trade within its jurisdiction, signaling a strong community-led conservation initiative. The United Sangtam Likhum Pumji adopted the resolution to curb illegal wildlife trafficking and strengthen local governance over natural resources. The move aligns with national wildlife protections and reinforces monitoring and enforcement at the community level. Conservationists see the ban as a significant precedent for indigenous governance contributing to broader biodiversity goals in Northeast India, where pangolins are among the most threatened mammals in the region.

USLP bans pangolin hunting and trade locally.
Aims to counter illegal wildlife trafficking.
Supports national wildlife protection efforts.
Demonstrates role of indigenous governance in conservation.

Naga Community Bans Pangolin Hunting in Nagaland, Aims to Bolster Conservation

The United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), the apex Sangtam Naga tribal body, passed a resolution prohibiting pangolin hunting and trade within its jurisdiction in Nagaland, signaling a significant step for wildlife conservation in Northeast India. The decision strengthens community accountability and aligns with national wildlife protections, aiding ongoing anti-trafficking efforts. By formally prohibiting hunting and trade, the USLP demonstrates how indigenous governance can support endangered species protection. The measure reinforces existing legal protections under Indian wildlife laws and aims to improve local monitoring and enforcement, contributing to regional biodiversity conservation goals.

USLP resolution prohibits pangolin hunting and trade in Nagaland.
Aims to strengthen wildlife conservation in Northeast India.
Illustrates indigenous governance supporting national laws.
Enhances local monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
Addresses concerns over illegal wildlife trafficking.

Feb 12, 2026

Goa Unveils First Biodiversity and Cultural Map

Goa, 12 February 2026 — Goa will receive its first biodiversity and cultural features map, developed by WWF India. The child‑friendly guide covers 48 species and traditional art forms and will be distributed free to schools during the Goa Art and Literature Festival. The map serves as an educational tool to improve environmental awareness and accompanies broader wildlife mapping efforts in the state. Free print and digital formats will support teachers and students in classrooms and field visits, reinforcing conservation education alongside ongoing biodiversity initiatives.

Goa launches first biodiversity and cultural map
Developed by WWF India
Covers 48 species and traditional art forms
Distributed free to schools at festival
Educational tool for conservation awareness

Feb 11, 2026

Vulture Conservation Sees Revival Milestone in Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s vulture conservation programme has reached a milestone with the return of migratory griffon vultures to forest landscapes where the species had vanished locally for nearly a decade. A Himalayan Griffon Vulture was spotted at Melghat Tiger Reserve, followed by an Eurasian Griffon Vulture at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. The sightings indicate improving habitat conditions and the early success of recent captive-release efforts. Conservationists say continued habitat protection, breeding programmes and anti-poisoning measures are essential to sustain the revival of vulture populations across the region.

Migratory griffon vultures return to Melghat and Tadoba reserves
Local extinction in the area over the past decade reversed
Captive-release efforts show early success
Habitat protection and anti-poisoning are key
Supports broader vulture conservation in Maharashtra

Feb 10, 2026

New Peruvian frog Oreobates shankusacha identified amid habitat concerns

Scientists have identified a new frog species in Peru's cloud forests of the San Martín region. The species, named Oreobates shankusacha, was found by a joint Peruvian and French research team, with the help of Indigenous guides. Researchers report the frog lives on the forest floor among leaf litter, moss, and ferns, in high-altitude, humid habitats. The discovery highlights biodiversity concerns in fragile Andean ecosystems and raises alarms about rapid habitat loss due to agriculture and climate change. The finding was documented in the scientific journal Salamandra, signaling the need for conservation and further survey work to determine the species' range and population status.

New frog species Oreobates shankusacha discovered in San Martín, Peru
Found by Peruvian-French team with Indigenous guides
Habitat: cloud forests, leaf litter, moss, ferns; high-altitude
Significance: biodiversity concerns; habitat loss risks
Published in Salamandra; calls for conservation

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