Latest news with #JournalofThreatenedTaxa
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
Rare carnivore seen ‘ambush hunting' at Nepal park in first-of-its-kind sighting
Thousands of feet up in the Himalayas, a 'rare' carnivore searched for its next meal, stalking its prey through the trees. Its remote home and 'elusive' lifestyle largely kept it hidden — but not this time. A nearby trail camera snapped a photo of the spotted animal. It turned out to be a first-of-its-kind sighting. A team of researchers set up a series of trail cameras throughout Makalu Barun National Park in Nepal 'as part of a pilot project,' according to a study published July 26 in the peer-reviewed Journal of Threatened Taxa. The park was 'renowned' for its 'ecological diversity' but hadn't been extensively surveyed. In hopes of changing that, researchers placed 10 trail cameras near 'wildlife trails or corridors.' The cameras were placed in April 2019, 'checked every three months' and finally collected in March 2024, the study said. The 5-year-long effort paid off, 'resulting in 38,075 photographs' of '30 mammal species.' But a few of the trail camera photos stood out from the rest as the region's 'first photographic evidence' of 'two elusive carnivores,' the study said. Researchers identified 12 sightings of a nocturnal, tree-dwelling civet known as the spotted linsang, the study said. Spotted linsangs, or Prionodon pardicolor, are 'one of Asia's least studied species,' researchers said. They likely feed on smaller prey such as rodents, squirrels and shrews. In Nepal, the species is considered 'endangered due to a small population of approximately 100 individuals.' Trail camera photos from Makalu Barun National Park showed spotted linsangs 'stalking' and 'ambush hunting.' In several photos, the animals' eyes appear to shine. Researchers also identified three sightings of a dhole, or Asiatic wild dog, the study said. Dholes are 'one of Asia's most widely distributed carnivores' and an endangered species threatened by 'habitat destruction, and persecution,' researchers said. In Nepal, there are 'estimated to be fewer than 500' dholes. Trail cameras recorded the dholes 'trotting' past, their golden coats naturally blending in with the foliage. Researchers concluded that Makalu Barun National Park is 'a significant habitat for rare mammals' and recommended 'more focused, extensive surveys, and the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these two species and their fragile alpine habitats.' Makalu Barun National Park is in northeastern Nepal, a landlocked country bordering China and India. The research team included Hari Basnet, Nawang Sing Gurung, Shyam Kumar Shah, Dukpa Thikepa Bhote, Khagendra Sangam, Naomi Bates and Daniel Carl Taylor.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
Elusive ‘marbled' creature caught on trail cam in India for first time. See it
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, Kakoi Reserve Forest encompasses nearly 20 square miles of protected land. The moist forest receives rain for nearly a third of the year, totaling more than 125 inches over the course of 12 months and contributing to the lush vegetation. Now, an elusive species has been photographed in the reserve for the very first time. As part of a small mammal monitoring program, researchers installed eight infrared cameras along animal trails and natural paths in the summer of 2024, according to a study published July 26 in the peer-reviewed Journal of Threatened Taxa. 'Locations were selected based on indirect signs of animal presence, such as tracks and scat,' researchers said. 'The camera traps were configured for high sensitivity, with a delay of one second between photographs.' The cameras were operational for a period of 28 days between July and August, and when researchers looked through the images collected at the end of the month, two stuck out from the rest. On July 13 and July 16, a marbled cat was caught by the camera lens, according to the study. Researchers said the second image was blurred because the animal was moving, making it impossible to distinguish whether the images represent two different marbled cats or the same animal on two different days, according to the study. Both images show the animal turned away from the camera, their marbled coat leading to a long, fluffy tail. The two images were taken from cameras about 5,000 feet apart, according to the study, and near both a perennial stream and the forest's edge. Researchers questioned 18 local residents to see what they knew about marbled cats in the area, according to the study. The group, made of mostly farmers and herders who use the forest for their livestock or for gathering firewood, said they had seen the marbled cats in their area in the past. 'Thirteen respondents said they had never harmed or killed a marbled cat. Five others mentioned that when marbled cats came near their poultry coops, they sometimes used catapults to scare them away, but made it clear they never intended to kill them,' researchers said. 'They also emphasized that they neither eat wild cat meat nor sell any parts of wild animals.' Marbled cats, known locally as 'Godhafutuki' or by their scientific name Pardofelis marmorata, are an elusive and rare species and considered 'near threatened' across their natural habitat in Southeast Asia. They can be found in high-elevation forests in eastern India, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and the Philippines, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Marbled cat hides have been found with tribal hunters in other regions of India, researchers said, but the farmers and herders questioned about the recent sightings said poaching and ritualistic hunting haven't been taking place around Kakoi Reserve Forest, according to the study. Not much is known about the lives of the small predators, according to the Felidae Conservation Fund, but they are thought to be nocturnal and spend much of their time in trees. They are carnivorous and hunt birds, small mammals and possibly lizards or frogs. Kakoi Reserve Forest is in the Assam region of India, along its northeastern border with Bhutan and China. The research team includes Hiranmoy Chetia, Abhijit Konwar and Anshuman Gogoi.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Science
- New Indian Express
New study documents 452 bird species across Telangana, including first India records
HYDERABAD: Osmania University Zoology department faculty Professor Chelmala Srinivasulu, along with Sriram Reddy of Hyderabad Birding Pals, meticulously documented 452 species of birds, including first records for India, across Telangana. This documentation has been published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on July 26. The study offers critical insights into Telangana's bird diversity, including rare sightings and species recorded in India for the first time such as the Spur-winged Lapwing and highlights the presence of globally threatened species like the Critically Endangered Indian Vulture and Lesser Florican, underscoring the region's importance for bird conservation. 'Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health,' said Srinivasulu, a leading wildlife biologist at Osmania University. 'Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana's hidden biodiversity rich areas from wetlands to forests, from grasslands to urban lakes.'
Hans India
3 days ago
- Science
- Hans India
New study reveals rich bird diversity in State
Hyderabad: Ina significant contribution to Indian ornithology, a newly published research paper by Prof. Chelmala Srinivasulu from Osmania University and Sriram Reddy from Hyderabad Birding Pals has thoroughly documented 452 species of birds across Telangana. This research represents one of the most comprehensive avifaunal checklists ever compiled for the state. Published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on Saturday, the study provides critical insights into Telangana's bird diversity, including rare sightings and first records for India, such as the Spur-winged Lapwing. It also emphasizes the presence of globally threatened species like the Critically Endangered Indian Vulture and the Lesser Florican, highlighting the region's significance for bird conservation. 'Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health,' said Prof. Srinivasulu, a leading wildlife biologist at Osmania University. 'Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana's hidden biodiversity-rich areas—from wetlands to forests and from grasslands to urban lakes.' Co-author and citizen scientist Sriram Reddy added, 'This checklist is not just for scientists. It is for every nature lover, student, and amateur birder. We invite people from all walks of life to embrace birdwatching—not just as a hobby, but as a meaningful connection to our natural heritage.' The paper is the culmination of decades of field observations, historic record reviews, and data contributed by the community. The authors acknowledge the vital role played by amateur birders, researchers, and platforms such as eBird and iNaturalist. 'We urge citizens to appreciate and protect the birds around them. Policymakers need to collaborate with researchers and experts to prioritize habitat identification and conservation. Our bird diversity and populations are declining due to various direct and indirect threats, making it imperative to nurture a new generation of bird lovers,' added Prof. Srinivasulu. 'It is a highly dedicated piece of work that reflects the passion and years of observation by two committed birders,' said Prof. Kumar Molugaram, Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University. 'The university community greatly appreciates the outcome of this research,' he added. Birdwatching isn't just about observing birds—it's about experiencing the world through a lens of curiosity and care.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Two bush frog species discovered in Meghalaya, named after Khasi culture
Guwahati: bridge both the sentences - Two new species of bush frogs have been discovered in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The discovered species were named 'Raorchestes jakoid' and 'Raorchestes jadoh' as a tribute to the Khasi way of life. The term 'jakoid' means 'frog' in the Khasi language, while 'jadoh' is a traditional rice and meat dish widely loved in Khasi households. The naming was a way of celebrating Khasi culture and drawing attention to the close links between indigenous communities and biodiversity. Raorchestes jakoid was discovered in Lawbah, while Raorchestes jadoh was found in Langtor. These frogs were located in bushes and trees near human settlements, indicating a degree of ecological adaptability, although their habitats remain vulnerable to rapid landscape changes. A study on the discovery was published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa. Lead author Holiness Warjri, a native of Langtor village, shared an emotional connection with the discovery. 'Discovering a new species in my own village of Langtor is both humbling and inspiring. Naming it 'jadoh'—a dish that brings our Khasi families together - was my way of honouring the deep bond between our culture, land, and nature. I hope this frog becomes a symbol of pride and conservation for our people,' Warjri said.
