New Scorpion Species with 8 Eyes and Legs Found in Thailand
Researchers made an exciting discovery, a previously unknown scorpion species with 8 eyes and 8 legs in Thailand's Kaeng Krachan National Park.
This newly discovered species belongs to the subgenus Euscorpiops and has been named Euscorpiops Krachan, after the national park where it was found.
Mar 09, 2024
Center Releases Regulations for Captive Exotic Wildlife
Center releases regulations requiring owners of exotic pets to register them with the state wildlife department under the Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024.
India, as a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), has recently implemented stringent measures to regulate the possession and trade of exotic pets. The Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024, issued by the Union environment ministry on February 28, aim to enforce the provisions of the Convention and ensure the protection of endangered wildlife.
Mar 07, 2024
India's First Dolphin Research Centre Inaugurated in Patna
India's first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) was officially inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This landmark facility, built at a cost of Rs. 30 crore, is situated on the banks of the Ganges River within the Patna University campus.
The NDRC's primary objective is to aid researchers and students in understanding the behaviour and ecology of freshwater dolphins, particularly the endangered Gangetic dolphin. These fascinating creatures inhabit the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of South Asia and were first documented in 1801.
The inauguration of the NDRC marks a significant step towards furthering our understanding and protecting the Gangetic dolphin. This crucial research centre has the potential to not only safeguard this endangered species but also contribute to a deeper comprehension of the Ganges River ecosystem as a whole.
Mar 03, 2024
Jal Shakti Ministry Partners With Colleges for River Conservation
Jal Shakti Ministry signed agreement with 12 technical education institutions for academic and research collaboration towards basin management of six rivers. These are Narmada, Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, Cauvery and Periyar. This agreement was signed under the National River Conservation Plan.
Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that several efforts were made by the government to clean the river Ganga. He said, due to better planning and proper implementation, today UNESCO has included Namami Gange Mission among the ten best conservation and revitalization campaigns in the world. Mr Shekhawat said, to make river conservation a mass movement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi linked it to livelihood and gave the principle of Arth Ganga. The Minister also stressed the need to enhance inter-state cooperation and coordination in river related matters.
Mar 02, 2024
Cabinet Approval, Establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with its headquarters based in India. This landmark decision came with a one-time budgetary support of Rs. 150 crore for a period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognising India's significant role in conserving big cats and endangered species, called for the formation of an Alliance of Global Leaders to combat poaching in Asia during his speech on Global Tiger Day in 2019. This call was reiterated on the occasion of commemorating 50 years of India's Project Tiger on April 9, 2023, where the launch of the International Big Cat Alliance was formally announced.
The International Big Cat Alliance focuses on conserving big cats, including Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah. Five out of these seven big cats are found in India, emphasising the country's pivotal role in big cat conservation.
Zoological Survey of India Names New Marine Species after President Droupadi Murmu
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) identified and named a new species of marine head-shield sea slug discovered along the West Bengal and Odisha coasts. Named Melanochlamys droupadi, this distinctive species bears a ruby red spot and has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other sea slugs.
The species was discovered from the coastal areas of Digha in West Bengal and Udaipur in Odisha.
It is characterised by its short, blunt cylindrical body, smooth dorsal surface, and distinctive red spot.
Named after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, Melanochlamys droupadi was confirmed through morphological, anatomical, and molecular examinations.
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