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Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Great Indian Bustard shows recovery in Cholistan
Listen to article In a significant development for wildlife conservation in Pakistan, the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, locally known as Bhakhar, has shown promising signs of population recovery in the Cholistan Desert, according to Punjab wildlife authorities. Wildlife experts estimate the global population of the Great Indian Bustard to be between 80 and 90, with approximately 30 to 35 believed to inhabit the Cholistan region of Pakistan. This fragile recovery is the result of enhanced conservation efforts, ongoing field monitoring, and the creation of a dedicated public wildlife reserve. 'This bird is now restricted to the Cholistan Desert in Pakistan and Rajasthan in India,' confirmed Wildlife Conservator Syed Rizwan Mehmood. He documented rare video footage and photographs of the species during a recent field survey. 'The sighting and documentation of its presence confirm its continued survival in Pakistan. It's a major breakthrough.' Bahawalpur Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Ali Usman Bukhari emphasised the role of dedicated habitat protection in aiding the bird's recovery. 'A designated Public Wildlife Reserve has been established in Cholistan specifically to protect the Great Indian Bustard. Strengthened conservation measures have led to a gradual increase in the population of this native species,' he said. The Great Indian Bustard (ardeotis nigriceps) is listed as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), making it one of the most threatened bird species in South Asia. Once found in large numbers across the Indian subcontinent, the species is now confined to fragmented habitats in India and Pakistan due to habitat loss, hunting and human disturbance. Renowned for its distinctive appearance, the Great Indian Bustard is among the heaviest flying birds in the world. Males can weigh up to 15 kilograms, stand about one meter tall, and have a wingspan exceeding two meters. The bird is easily identified by its brown, white and black plumage and a prominent black patch on the neck. It lays only one egg per year, resulting in an extremely low breeding rate making every individual crucial to the survival of the species. Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), all international trade of the species is strictly prohibited. Domestically, the bird enjoys legal protection, with all forms of hunting or trade banned. Unlike the more commonly targeted Houbara Bustard, which has faced significant pressure from hunting by foreign falconers, the Great Indian Bustard has largely been spared due to its rarity and the strict penalties imposed on violators. Conservationists remain cautiously optimistic. 'The progress we're seeing in Cholistan is encouraging, but the species remains on the brink,' said a wildlife official. 'We must maintain and expand protection efforts, raise awareness, and safeguard critical habitats if we are to prevent its extinction.'
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
‘42 pieces of Hatha Jodi, knife and cash': 3 arrested for smuggling monitor lizard parts in Madhya Pradesh
Representative Image (AI) INDORE: In a major action against illegal wildlife trade, the forest department arrested three individuals on Sunday for smuggling body parts of the monitor lizard, locally known as "Hatha Jodi", from the forest range of Bhanpura under the Mandsaur forest division. Divisional Forest Officer, Mandsaur Sanjay Raykhare said they received a tip-off that some individuals were attempting to sell parts of the monitor lizard. Acting swiftly, the forest team deployed an undercover staffer as a customer to meet the suspects. On a pre-decided signal, the forest personnel moved in and detained two suspects on the spot. A search of the accused led to the recovery of 42 pieces of Hatha Jodi, a knife, and some cash. The arrested individuals have been identified as Vijay, son of Ramesh, a resident of Torniya Nahargarh village, Bhanpura, district Mandsaur; and Samarthnath, son of Singhanath, a resident of Hanumantiya village, Kukdeshwar tehsil, district Neemuch. Following their interrogation, another accused, Karan alias Dharma Harijan, resident of Kukdeshwar in Neemuch, was also taken into custody. The monitor lizard is listed as a protected species under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and is also included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits international trade in these animals or their body parts. A formal case has been registered against the accused and further legal proceedings and investigation are underway.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- General
- New Indian Express
"Even if dogs don't bite, animal lovers will if BBMP fails to implement its feeding initiative"
What will stray dogs be fed? Chicken and rice. Dogs are primarily carnivores. Chicken parts (except the intestine), like the legs, head, neck, chicken skin, liver, gizzard, will be cooked with rice and turmeric, and fed. Compared to other meat options, chicken is the cheapest, which makes it the most feasible. Given the track record of local bodies like BBMP, do you think the animals will get chicken, or will the project be mismanaged? BBMP, during the two pandemic lockdowns, undertook feeding of stray animals successfully. I had the money released. We ensured hygiene of the cooked food, and BBMP distributed it. So this is not the first time BBMP is taking up feeding of strays. This is, however, the first time in India that a municipal organisation has undertaken an initiative for strays under a constitutional obligation (compassion). Animal activists will keep watch, ensuring strays are fed without any compromise in content and quality. There is a safety concern about the rising number of stray dogs, and difficulty for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. How do we control that? India is a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) which clearly deems the killing of dogs an effective solution to control stray population. Earlier, BBMP would euthanise dogs and dump the bodies in Devanahalli. This was extremely inhumane. ABC Rules, 2023, ensure the agenda remains animal birth control, not animal elimination. It is implemented well in Bengaluru, but is a big zero in other states. What is the stray dog population in Bengaluru now? What was it like a decade ago? As per the census, the stray dog population in Bengaluru is within 3lakh now, and was around 2.4lakh a decade ago. Growth has been healthy due to activists. Bengaluru has a very scientific monitoring system. What about aggressive species like Pitbulls and Rottweilers? Should there be any regulation? The Animal Welfare Board of India came out with a list of aggressive species in 2024. It was contested by the Karnataka High Court, and withdrawn in Karnataka. No animals are inherently aggressive. It depends on how we treat them. This brings us to the Wildlife Protection Act (Amendment) 2023, particularly Chapter 5B, which incorporates the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the global agreement on endangered species trade. While native species like the Bengal Tiger can't be kept as pets in India, under CITES, one can legally import exotic species with permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, but only for personal pet use. Behavioural issues in pets are influenced by treatment. Mistreatment — like constant confinement or abuse — leads to aggression. The Karnataka HC quashed the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) circular declaring certain breeds as aggressive in the Solomon vs AWBI case, as it lacked factual basis. Instead of targeting behaviour, AWBI should focus on habitat compatibility. For example, exotic species like penguins were once kept in cities like Chennai and Mumbai, despite being suited for sub-zero climates. This is a clear case of cruelty. Similarly, Huskies, native to colder regions, are being kept in hot Indian cities, which can harm their health.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Officials uncover shocking scale of smuggling ring driving species to brink: 'Substantial and lucrative'
Officials uncover shocking scale of smuggling ring driving species to brink: 'Substantial and lucrative' Despite the European Union's ban on the export of critically endangered European glass eels in 2010, the animals are still being illegally trafficked in record numbers and face a high risk of extinction. What's happening? As Mongabay reported, European eels have been a hot commodity in the illegal wildlife trade since the 1990s, particularly in East Asia, when Japan's native eel populations began declining. Because of concerns about the eels being overexploited, they were listed under Appendix 2 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in 2007, which restricts their trade by requiring export permits. The following year, European eels were classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, reflecting a 97% decline in their population since 1980, as reported in a separate Mongabay article. However, due to complex criminal networks spanning Europe and Asia, which even involve biologists, chemists, and veterinarians to ensure the animals survive their arduous journey, it's becoming increasingly difficult to catch smugglers. And since European glass eels can't be bred in captivity, per the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, aquaculture farms that raise them to produce the traditional Japanese dish unagi must import wild-caught juveniles, making smuggling the animals a highly profitable endeavor. According to a 2025 Europol assessment of serious organized crime, profits generated by the smuggling of glass eels are estimated at 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion) in high-demand years. "The trafficking of glass eels remains one of the most substantial and lucrative illegal trades of protected species across the globe," the law enforcement agency wrote in the report. Ignasi Sanahuja, a physiology professor at the University of Barcelona and lead author of a study on the environmental consequences of the European eel trade, told Mongabay that if more efforts aren't made to stop smugglers, the animals and the ecosystems they inhabit could face major risks. "Disruptions at any stage — especially through overharvesting of glass eels — can collapse the entire population structure," Sanahuja told the news outlet. "Continued unregulated trade exacerbates this decline, threatening not only the species but also the ecological balance of the habitats they occupy." Why is the trafficking of European eels concerning? The illegal wildlife trade hurts economies because it reduces tax revenue for local communities and governments and threatens the livelihoods of traditional fishermen, farmers, and eel processors who have relied on sustainable eel fishing for centuries, particularly in Atlantic coastal communities, per Wired. Not to mention, trafficking the eels disrupts marine and freshwater ecosystems, as they act as both predators and prey, helping to regulate populations of other species and maintain biodiversity. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "The illegal or excessive harvest of glass eels strips away a critical life stage," Sanahuja said. "That disrupts their ecological role — leading to a cascade of effects like overpopulation of aquatic insects, reduced food for eel predators, and weakened ecosystem resilience." Even when eels are rescued and released back into their native habitats, they put wild populations at risk of contracting bacterial infections because of their reduced immunity. And if the European eels happen to escape from aquaculture farms in Asia, they could outcompete native species for resources and contribute to ecosystem collapse in other areas as well. What's being done to protect them? Louisa Musing, the senior program officer for the organization TRAFFIC in Europe, told Mongabay that the huge scale of the trade demands coordinated efforts from multiple agencies across the EU and stronger legislation to prevent smuggling. But even though authorities are cracking down on wildlife crimes associated with the eels, experts say public awareness campaigns and reintroduction programs are also necessary to help the species rebound. Individuals can help by learning more about wildlife trafficking, reporting suspicious activity to anti-trafficking hotlines, and donating to nonprofits such as the World Wildlife Fund that are working to end the illegal wildlife trade. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Dark side of keeping snakes as pets
PETALING JAYA: The rising trend of keeping snakes as exotic pets in Malaysia, including venomous and protected species, has sparked alarm among conservationists and authorities, who warn that the practice is not only dangerous but often illegal. Concerns are mounting over public safety, animal cruelty and the exploitation of endangered wildlife, as authorities investigate reports of live animals, including stray cats being used as snake feed. Wildlife and National Parks Department director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the ownership, trade and keeping of snakes in Peninsular Malaysia are regulated under two legislations, the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 [Act 716] and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 [Act 686]. The latter enforces the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 'Certain snakes are categorised as either 'protected' or 'totally protected',' he said. 'Protected species may be kept with a valid licence, while totally protected species generally cannot be owned privately unless for approved scientific or conservation purposes.' He added that any species listed under the CITES appendices cannot be kept or traded without a special permit, especially in international transactions. Individuals who wish to import, export, sell or keep snakes listed under Act 716 or Act 686 must apply for a licence or special permit from the department. 'The approval of such permits is not automatic and subject to several considerations, including the conservation status of the species, intended purpose (such as research or education) and experience and capacity to safely handle wildlife.' He also said the department imposes stringent controls on venomous snakes such as cobras (Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana) and vipers, due to the public safety risks and their ecological sensitivity. 'Keeping venomous snakes as pets is generally prohibited. They are also restricted from being used in public shows, mobile exhibitions or private collections without prior approval.' Abdul Kadir said the department monitors and inspects individuals and facilities granted permits to ensure compliance. Amid the rise in exotic pet ownership, authorities are also investigating reports of pet or stray cats being used to feed snakes. 'Such acts raise ethical and legal concerns. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, all animals, including prey, must be treated humanely.' He explained that feeding live vertebrates such as cats to snakes could be considered an offence if the act causes distress or if the prey is not euthanised. 'This may amount to animal cruelty and could be enforced by the Veterinary Services Department.' Universiti Putra Malaysia wildlife management senior lecturer Dr Tengku Rinalfi Putra said although some species may be kept with a licence, he opposed the private ownership of venomous snakes. 'These are wild animals that require natural ecological inputs to thrive and replicating that in captivity is nearly impossible. Captivity limits their ability to behave naturally and creates safety risks for people nearby.' He said Malaysia's wildlife laws are adequate but need stricter enforcement. 'Many violations go unnoticed or unpunished. Illegal trade and unlicensed ownership are being normalised in some circles.' 'Some claim the permit process is difficult, but these systems are in place to protect the animals and the public.' He added that growing interest in exotic pets is putting pressure on vulnerable species. 'Ownership could accelerate population declines, especially when animals are taken from the wild,' he said, urging the public to support licensed zoos and genuine conservation efforts. He also noted a lack of individual-based guidelines for private ownership. 'What we have are zoo-based guidelines, not policies suited for individuals. We need a framework but there is no method to accomplish it yet.' He said keeping wildlife for appearances does not aid conservation. 'Captive breeding rarely supports reintroduction due to dietary changes and the loss of survival skills. 'Appreciation for wildlife means protecting them in their natural habitats, not caging them for looks.'
