News: A recent genetic study has confirmed that the now-extinct crocodiles of the Seychelles were saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus). About Saltwater Crocodiles The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest and heaviest living reptile in the world and an opportunistic apex predator. It is also known as the estuarine or Indo-Pacific crocodile. It is uniquely… Continue reading Saltwater Crocodiles
Category: species in news
Blyth’s tragopan
News: Blyth’s tragopan is an indicator species for some of Asia’s most biodiverse and least-explored mountain ecosystems. About Blyth’s Tragopan Blyth’s tragopan is a rare and colourful mountain ground-dwelling pheasant. Family: Phasianidae Scientific name: Tragopan blythii Habitat: It lives in montane broadleaf forests, rhododendron forests, bamboo thickets, and dense undergrowth. It prefers moist, cool mountain… Continue reading Blyth’s tragopan
Hoverflies
News: Concern is growing over declining pollinator populations worldwide, bringing attention to the ecological importance of non-bee pollinators such as hoverflies. About Hoverflies Hoverflies are a diverse group and not a single insect type. They belong to the Syrphidae family of Diptera, which includes more than 6,000 species across 377 genera worldwide. Different hoverfly species… Continue reading Hoverflies
Indo-Pacific Leopard Shark
News: Conservationists have launched Thailand’s first rewilding project by releasing a young Indo-Pacific leopard shark into Maiton Island. About Indo-Pacific Leopard Shark Indo-Pacific leopard sharks are slow-swimming reef sharks. Scientific name: Stegostoma tigrinum Habitat: They live in coastal waters and can be found from the intertidal zone to depths of about 62 metres. They prefer… Continue reading Indo-Pacific Leopard Shark
Madras Hedgehog
News: For the first time, the Tamil Nadu forest department has begun a study on Madras Hedgehog at the Theri forests. About Madras Hedgehog The Madras hedgehog is a small-sized insectivorous mammal. It is also called the bare-bellied hedgehog or South Indian hedgehog. Scientific name: Paraechinus nudiventrus Habitat: It lives in arid and semi-arid habitats… Continue reading Madras Hedgehog
Fishing Cat
News: The fishing cat is in the news due to rapid wetland destruction and increasing concern over its declining population across floodplains and deltas. About Fishing Cat The fishing cat is a medium-sized wild cat that is strongly adapted to wetland and aquatic environments. Scientific Name: Its scientific name is Prionailurus viverrinus. Habitat: The fishing… Continue reading Fishing Cat
Bactrian Camel
News: This year, two Bactrian camels named Galwan and Nubra marched on Kartavya Path in the Republic Day Parade. About Bactrian Camel The Bactrian camel is a double-humped camel scientifically known as Camelus bactrianus. Naming: The name “Bactrian” comes from the ancient region of Bactria, located between present-day Afghanistan, Iran and Kazakhstan Distribution Globally: It… Continue reading Bactrian Camel
Pygmy Hog
News: The population of Pygmy Hog has declined sharply due to habitat loss, grass burning, illegal grazing, and land degradation. About Pygmy Hog The Pygmy Hog is the smallest and rarest wild suid in the world. Scientific name: Porcula salvania Habitat: Pygmy Hogs prefer undisturbed patches of tall wet grassland mixed with a wide variety… Continue reading Pygmy Hog
Gandak River
News: The Gandak river has emerged as the second major river after the Chambal with the highest number of gharials. About Gandak River Gandak River is a major river of Nepal and a left-bank tributary of the Ganges in India. Origin: It originates at an altitude of 620 m above msl to the north of… Continue reading Gandak River
Red-eared slider turtle
News: Red-eared slider turtle, an invasive turtle species is posing a threat to tanks and other wetlands in Coimbatore. About Red-eared slider turtle It is a semiaquatic turtle freshwater turtle. It belongs to Emydidae family. Scientific name: Trachemys scripta elegans Habitat: It prefers to live in ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. Distribution: It has… Continue reading Red-eared slider turtle
