Latest news with #IUCN
News18
42 minutes ago
- General
- News18
Saving Kashmir's Iconic Hangul Deer: Govt Notifies Eco-Sensitive Zone Around Tral Wildlife Sanctuary
Last Updated: Once widely distributed across Kashmir and parts of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, the Kashmir Stag (Hangul) is now confined to just 150-200 individuals—with 110-130 in Dachigam alone In a significant effort to protect Jammu and Kashmir's iconic and critically endangered Hangul deer, the Centre has officially designated an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Tral Wildlife Sanctuary, a critical biodiversity hotspot. The ministry of environment, forests, and climate change finalised this decision on Tuesday after receiving no objections during the 60-day public consultation period. The initial draft was published on October 3 the previous year. The notification designates nearly 127.1 sq km as an Eco-Sensitive Zone, extending up to 3.36 km from the sanctuary's boundaries and encompassing 26 villages. The Tral Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a vital corridor for the remaining population of Hangul in the country. Following the notification, the government can now regulate activities in the area to create a buffer zone, aiding the survival of this vulnerable species. Once widely distributed across Kashmir and parts of Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district, the Kashmir Red Deer (Hangul)—commonly known as the Kashmir Stag—now has an estimated population of just 150-200 individuals, based on a 2015 estimate. The last remaining population is primarily confined to Dachigam National Park and its immediate surroundings, highlighting the species' critical status. Located about 45 km southeast of Srinagar, the Tral Wildlife Sanctuary in Pulwama district is one of the few areas outside the national park where a small population of Hangul still exists. The Kashmir Red Deer (Hangul) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is classified as 'critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Due to rising poaching and habitat threats, its population has drastically declined over the years. The sanctuary is also connected to other important wildlife areas, such as Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary and Khrew Conservation Reserve, which together support various important and endemic species of animals and birds. In addition to the Kashmir Red Deer, the Tral Wildlife Sanctuary is home to endemic species like the Kashmir Musk Deer and Kashmir Gray Langur, as well as threatened species like the Common Leopard, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Bearded Vulture, and Kashmir Flycatcher. It also harbours numerous plant species with significant medicinal value. Historically, parts of the protected area, namely Shikargah and Khangund, were once designated as conservation reserves, some of the oldest notified protected areas in India, dating back to 1945. In 2019, these reserves, along with adjoining forest areas, were upgraded to a wildlife sanctuary, now covering about 155 sq km of the rugged and undulating terrain of the Greater Himalayan Mountains.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
Asian Elephants vs. African Elephants: Know the key differences on the basis of habitat, features and more
Elephants are the largest land mammals on Earth that are known for their intelligence, strength and complex social behavior. While they may seem similar at first glance, Asian and African elephants are distinct species with notable differences. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These differences include variations in size, ear shape, tusk presence, and habitat. African elephants are generally larger with bigger ears, while Asian elephants are smaller and often tuskless, especially females. Understanding the unique traits of each species helps us better appreciate their roles in the ecosystem and the specific conservation challenges they face. Let's know the key differences between African and Asian elephants on the basis of different factors. Difference between Asian Elephants and African elephants Category Asian Elephants African Elephants Scientific Classification Genus: Elephas Species: maximus Genus: Loxodonta Species: africana (savanna), cyclotis (forest) Size Smaller (6.6 to 9.8 feet tall at the shoulder) Larger (10 to 13 feet tall at the shoulder) Ears Small and rounded Large and fan-shaped (help in heat regulation) Tusks Only some males have tusks; females often tuskless Both males and females usually have tusks Head Shape Twin-domed head with a dip in the middle Rounded, fuller head Back Shape Curved or humped back Straighter or concave back Habitat Tropical/subtropical forests, grasslands, scrublands in South & Southeast Asia Savannas, grasslands, forests, and deserts in sub-Saharan Africa Range India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia Widely across sub-Saharan Africa Social Behavior Smaller herds, strong bonds with humans, often domesticated Larger, fluid herds led by matriarchs Communication Vocalizations, body language, less varied than African elephants Broad range including low-frequency rumbles that travel long distances Diet Grasses, bark, roots, and forest fruits Grasses, leaves, bark, fruits; savanna elephants eat more grass Daily Intake Up to 300 pounds of food per day Up to 300 pounds of food per day Conservation Status Endangered (IUCN) Savanna: Endangered Forest: Critically Endangered (IUCN) Threats Habitat loss, poaching, human conflict Habitat loss, ivory poaching, human-elephant conflict Trunk Tip One "finger" at the tip Two "fingers" at the tip, allowing finer control Tusks (Use) Less developed in females; used by males for digging, defense, display Used for digging, stripping bark, fighting, and defense Ear Function Smaller ears for forest environments Large ears help release body heat in hot savannas How Asian and African elephant differs Scientific classification Elephants belong to the family Elephantidae and are the largest land mammals. There are two main species: the Asian elephant and the African elephant, each belonging to different genera. The Asian elephant's scientific name is Elephas maximus . It has several subspecies that are found across South and Southeast Asia including regions like India, Sri Lanka, and Sumatra. In contrast, African elephants are classified under the genus Loxodonta and include two species: the African savanna elephant and the smaller, forest-dwelling African forest elephant that differs on the basis of various factors like physical appearance, habitat and more. Physical appearance Asian and African elephants differ noticeably in their physical features. African elephants are generally larger standing about 10 to 13 feet tall at the shoulder, while Asian elephants are smaller around 6.6 to 9.8 feet tall. One of the easiest ways to tell them apart is by their ears as African elephants have large, fan-shaped ears that help dissipate heat, whereas Asian elephants have smaller, rounded ears. African elephants typically have both males and females with tusks, while in Asian elephants, usually only males have tusks; many females lack them entirely. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Their heads also differ as Asian elephants have a distinct twin-domed head with an indentation in the middle, while African elephants have a fuller, more rounded head. Additionally, African elephants have a concave or straight back, while Asian elephants' backs tend to curve downward. Habitat and range Asian and African elephants live in different parts of the world and prefer distinct habitats. African elephants are found mainly across sub-Saharan Africa. They inhabit a variety of environments, including savannas, grasslands, forests, and even deserts. The two species of African elephants—savanna and forest elephant who can adapt to different habitats, savanna elephants roam open plains, while forest elephants live in dense, tropical elephants, on the other hand, are native to South and Southeast Asia. Their range includes countries like India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia. They mostly live in forested areas, such as tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and scrublands. Due to habitat loss, their range has shrunk significantly, making their populations more fragmented compared to African elephants. Behaviour Both Asian and African elephants are highly social and intelligent animals but their behaviors show some differences. African elephants often live in larger and more fluid herds led by older females called matriarchs. These herds can include dozens of individuals and sometimes join other groups temporarily. African elephants communicate using a wide range of sounds including low-frequency rumbles that can travel long elephants also live in matriarchal herds but usually in smaller groups of close relatives. They tend to be a bit more reserved and shy compared to their African counterparts. Asian elephants are known for their strong bond with humans, partly because they have been domesticated for centuries in some regions. Both species show complex social behaviors, including cooperation, mourning, and play. Diet Both Asian and African elephants are herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of plants. African elephants primarily eat grasses, leaves, bark, and fruits. They often consume large amounts of grass, especially savanna elephants that live in open plains. Asian elephants also eat grasses but tend to consume more bark, roots, and fruits found in forested areas. Both species spend many hours a day foraging to meet their large nutritional needs, sometimes eating up to 300 pounds of food daily. Their diet varies seasonally, depending on availability and both play a crucial role in their ecosystems by helping with seed dispersal and vegetation management. Conservation status Both Asian and African elephants face serious conservation challenges due to habitat loss, poaching and human-elephant conflicts. The Asian elephant is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations have declined significantly due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and illegal hunting for ivory and elephants have two species with different conservation statuses. The African savanna elephant is listed as endangered, while the African forest elephant is considered critically endangered, facing even greater threats due to poaching and habitat loss. Conservation efforts focus on anti-poaching measures, habitat protection and reducing conflicts between elephants and local communities. International cooperation and awareness are vital to ensuring the survival of both species. Unique adaptations Asian and African elephants have developed special adaptations that help them survive in their distinct environments. One key difference is in their trunks: African elephants have two 'fingers' at the tip of their trunk, allowing for precise grasping, while Asian elephants have only one. This helps African elephants pick up smaller objects more easily. Their ears also serve different purposes; African elephants have large ears that help dissipate heat in hot savannas, whereas Asian elephants' smaller ears suit the cooler, forested habitats. Additionally, African elephants generally have thicker tusks that are used for digging and defense, while many Asian elephants, especially females, lack tusks altogether. These adaptations reflect how each species has evolved to thrive in their unique environments.
Scroll.in
2 days ago
- General
- Scroll.in
Nepal's sacred tradition of burning sang incense could wither away
In Bhraka village of western Nepal's Manang district, 72-year-old Buddhist nun Tashi Lama sits in silence, chanting as she turns her prayer wheel. Ever since she took her vows at 25, her mornings begin with prayers and the lighting of sang, a sacred incense made from dried branches and leaves of black juniper (Juniperus indica) and wild wormwood (titepati) among others. 'Lighting sang purifies our environment. It's something we do every day wishing that peace prevails in the world,' Lama told Mongabay. 'Its cedar-like scent evokes calm and hope.' Like Lama, thousands of Buddhists in Nepal's Trans-Himalayan regions such as Manang and Mustang, and those with roots to the area residing around the world light the sang as part of a sacred tradition at the break of dawn wherever they are. However, the sacred tradition which has been going on for centuries is under growing threat from overharvesting, tightening conservation regulations and a warming global climate. At the centuries-year-old Kagyu Monastery in Bhraka – situated at an elevation of 3,475 metres (11,400 feet) above sea level – 48-year-old caretaker Karma Chhiring Gurung, also begins his day by lighting the incense. 'Our ancestors taught us that God will be happy and satisfied if we light sang, and we have been doing it ever since,' he told Mongabay. Black juniper, locally known as dhupi, trees grow only between 3,600 metres-4,800 metres (11,800-15,750 ft) above sea level in Nepal, China, Bhutan, India and Pakistan. Although the global conservation authority IUCN classifies the species as ' least concern ' it warns that, in Nepal, subpopulations of the species face the dual challenge of fragmentation and exploitation for incense and firewood. To address these challenges, communities have long designated areas for leaf collection so that plants in specific areas get time to regenerate. This means that collecting leaves within the village bounds is prohibited. Lama and other residents hike to areas such as Tanke to gather leaves for their personal use. But all that is changing, mainly due to migration and demand for the leaves outside of Manang, Nepal's least populated district with just 5,658 residents (0.019% of the national population, 2021 census). Residents continue to leave behind the villages to move to cities such as Pokhara, Kathmandu and Chitwan for better opportunities, but they take with them their reverence for sang and their religious beliefs. Those who have left their ancestral lands, continue to burn sang wherever they go, be it in Nepal or abroad. In addition to this, residents gift sang as a token of love from Manang to their relatives when visiting them. 'Devotees prefer sang from Manang as it has superior quality and aroma,' said 54-year-old Karma Chhiring Ghale. Jandhen Gurung, 82, who now lives with her daughter after her sons left the village, often travels to Kathmandu and prepares sang by collecting, sun-drying and grinding it for these trips. 'The day is not complete without burning the sang, even in the city, I burn sang. I consider it as a gift for relatives. It cheers me up.' As of April, around 4,490 kg of juniper leaves have legally been collected this fiscal year – which ends on July 15 – from Manang. In 2023-'24, the figure stood at 5,000 kg and, in the previous two years, 1,593 kg and 1,488 kg respectively. The uptick in demand for juniper leaves in Manang, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). To discourage overharvesting, conservation area authorities now issue permits to collect juniper leaves. Under the prevailing rules, each person is allowed to collect only 10 kg of juniper leaves every year for household use. The rules don't allow collection of leaves for commercial use. Rabin Kadariya, chief of ACAP, says that his office came up with the rules recognising the value of the plant to the local community, but it must not be exploited commercially. 'We increased the quota per person from 3 kg to 10 kg after discussions with local communities,' he adds. Former Bhakra ward chair Karma Gurung was once detained by ACAP for allegedly exceeding the 3 kg limit before the rule change. 'We needed more. That's why I advocated to increase the quota to 10 kg,' he says. Even with the rules in place, 'outsiders' are illegally harvesting and selling juniper leaves, says Karma Chhiring. All this is happening as researchers warn that a warming global climate could have devastating impacts on the Himalayan region and its flora and fauna. Of particular concern to scientists is the prolonged winter drought in the region. This year, Manang witnessed snowfall only after the end of the winter season in April, raising concerns about long dry spells and their impact on vegetation. 'Plants take longer to recover when it is dry,' explains Kadariya. Kadariya's statement is corroborated by a 2024 study on juniper in the central Himalaya. The authors of the study suggest that with the increase in droughts, which can be attributed to climate change, are likely to increase the vulnerability of juniper shrubs. Despite difficult environmental conditions, a 2020 study found, juniper shrubs continue to regenerate effectively, due to its deep roots and ability to withstand dry, rocky soils. However, the study also warns of overexploitation. While local religious use may not threaten its survival, commercial harvesting could.
India.com
2 days ago
- General
- India.com
This snake has world's largest fang, it looks like a..., the name is..., not King Cobra or Black Mamba
This snake has world's largest fang, it looks like a..., the name is…, not King Cobra or Black Mamba Gaboon Viper: Snakes are indeed one of the most mysterious creatures in the world. They are one of the most brutal killers of nature, and they show no mercy to their prey. Interestingly, snakes are considered evil in some religions, while others worship the serpent-like gods. The rainforest located in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa is home to the continent's most lethal predators, which are well protected in the forest. Among these predators, a slithering creature, underestimated by its size and potent venom, is known for its speed and attack. In fact, one walking near one might never even know this dangerous snake is there, until it's too late. We are talking about the dangerous Gaboon viper. This serpent doesn't hiss like a King Cobra or rattle like a Rattlesnake or even chase; rather, it waits motionless, using its camouflaging strategy with surprising perfection. The Gaboon Viper The Gaboon viper is the heaviest venomous snake in Africa, stretching up to six feet and weighing as much as 25 pounds. With a broad, leaf-shaped head and patterns that look like dead leaves and bark, this serpent almost disappears into its surroundings. The Gaboon Viper is the heaviest venomous snake in the entire Africa. With a stretch of up to six feet, it weighs as much as 25 pound (approx 11.3 kgs). Invisible In Plain Sight Gaboon vipers are masters of disguise, their intricate coloration blending seamlessly with the forest floor. This exceptional camouflage makes them incredibly difficult to spot, even for experienced reptile experts. They remain motionless for extended periods, patiently ambushing unsuspecting prey. While generally slow-moving, their strike is remarkably fast, a characteristic likely developed to minimize energy expenditure while maximizing hunting success. The Venom Notably, the Gaboon Viper's venom is not the most toxic in the world but what matters is the quantity. As per Forbes, Gaboon Viper is inject between 200 to 1000 milligrams of venom per bite. This quantity of venom surpasses the quantity of the inland taipan and Russell's viper in venom yield. Its exceptionally large venom glands allow it to produce a significant amount of venom. The Largest Fangs Gaboon vipers is loaded with the world's longest snake fangs, reaching up to two inches in length. These exceptionally long fangs fold back when the mouth is closed, enabling deep venom injection and rapid incapacitation of prey. While possessing a potent venom delivery system, the Gaboon viper is generally docile and rarely bites humans unless threatened. However, habitat loss due to deforestation and development in sub-Saharan Africa has led to the species being classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Science
- TimesLIVE
Lesser flamingos lose Kimberley breeding sites to sewage
Until the past half-decade, the majestic lesser flamingo had four African breeding sites: two salt pans in Botswana and Namibia, a soda lake in Tanzania and an artificial dam outside the historic Northern Cape diamond-mining town of Kimberley. Now it only has three. Years of raw sewage spilling into Kamfers Dam, the only South African water body where lesser flamingos congregated in large enough numbers to breed, have rendered the water so toxic that the distinctive pink birds have abandoned it, according to conservationists and a court judgment against the local council seen by Reuters. Lesser flamingos are considered near-threatened, rather than endangered, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): there are 2- to 3-million left, four-fifths of them spread across Africa, the rest in a smaller area of South Asia. But they are in steep decline and the poisoning of one of their last few breeding sites has worsened their plight dramatically. Tania Anderson, a conservation biologist specialising in flamingos, told Reuters the IUCN was about to increase its threat level to 'vulnerable', meaning 'at high risk of extinction in the wild', owing largely to their shrinking habitats of salty estuaries or soda lakes shallow enough for them to wade through.
