The potential recovery of caracal (Caracal caracal) in its historic habitat of Rajasthan’s Ramgarh Visdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR), from where it was considered locally extinct, has filled the scientific community with renewed hope. Camera-trap images captured a caracal at RVTR between mid-December and January this year. In April this year, Mongabay India also reported a sighting at the Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) in Kota, Rajasthan. Scientists say they believe it is the same individual — a dispersing sub-adult male seeking to establish territory.

Once widespread across India’s semi-arid zones, the caracal has lost over 90% of its historical range due to habitat destruction in the past century. The current findings, the first camera-trap records of caracals in RVTR and MHTR, suggest that they could be expanding beyond the two previously recognised areas of Kachchh in Gujarat and Ranthambhore-Kailadevi-Dholpur in Rajasthan.

One of the authors of the study, Ayan Sadhu of the Wildlife Institute of India, notes that the landscape once hosted caracals until populations went locally extinct. He points to two reasons: already small populations prone to extinction through genetic bottlenecks, and antagonistic interactions with humans and carnivores, including feral dogs. Most importantly, these areas were not surveyed earlier. Systematic camera-trapping now makes detection possible. “Caracals, who could have been present in very low numbers here, escaped detection,” he says. The research was published by the Wildlife Institute of India and supported by the Rajasthan Forest Department.

Identifying caracals from camera-trap photos is difficult. But based on timing and linear movement through successive areas, researchers conclude this is likely a dispersing sub-adult male. “Caracals are long-ranging cats,” explains Sadhu. “In Africa, their home ranges reach 700 sq. km in desert landscapes, and in Namibia, 15-20 sq. km. In my PhD work in Ranthambore, I saw them shift 10-20 km between valleys year to year. They do not remain confined to one patch.”

Dispersal happens either to establish territory or to find mates. But despite long-term camera-trap efforts since 2018, no resident caracals were recorded in these areas. “So, while habitat exists, the likelihood of this individual finding a mate is very low. If no mate is found, the outcome is uncertain. Dispersal is always risky,” Sadhu says.

For nocturnal, small cats like caracals, risks include snaring, road accidents, and other human threats. They favour open forests and scrub habitats, intersected by roads and railways, where many roadkills are reported. The same camera-trap sites also recorded tigers, leopards, hyenas, golden jackals, jungle cats, Asiatic wildcats, and rusty-spotted cats.

These findings signal a potential return of caracals to areas where they were considered extinct, emphasise the value of systematic camera-trapping, and underscore the need for dedicated ecological and behavioural surveys. “This recent dispersal is a hopeful sign. It suggests Ranthambore still has the ecological potential to produce dispersing individuals, and perhaps recolonise old habitats,” Sadhu says.

Banner image: The camera trap image of the caracal at RVTR. Image by Thakar et al. 2025

Chennai’s municipal body, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), in collaboration with sustainability consultant ICLEI South Asia, released the country’s first City Biodiversity Index in August, in an effort to evaluate and benchmark Chennai’s biodiversity conservation efforts.

The value of biodiversity in urban areas is often undermined, the Union Ministry of Urban Affairs (MoUA) said in a 2020 document on urban biodiversity. The level of biodiversity in an urban setting is not only an indicator of ecosystem health, but aids in the provision of services ranging from pollution mitigation to climate resilience, the MoUA said.

The city of Chennai hosts a variety of ecological landscapes – including a coastline, estuaries, wetlands such as Pallikaranai and Singanallur, and hills. It is also home to the Guindy National Park, a protected area hosting more than 350 species of plants. The City Biodiversity Index developed a “natural asset map” mapping these resources and creating a baseline for future study. Most urban green spaces are found on college campuses, government gardens, parks and private lands in the city of Chennai.

The index is scored across three broad parameters – the city’s native biodiversity, the ecosystem services provided, and the governance of urban biodiversity. The city scored a total of 38 points out of 72 across 18 indicators, excluding five due to a lack of a baseline. Indicators include the proportion of the city’s protected natural areas, the proportion of alien species invasion, climate regulation and cooling provided by biodiversity, recreational and educational services, and institutional measures and policies conserving biodiversity, among others.

The city scored best in indicators capturing its native biodiversity, “indicating that portions of its natural habitat represented by its wetlands and natural vegetation support biodiversity.” However, the city scored below average in the ecosystem services provided by such biodiversity. Scores for biodiversity governance were average, indicating that biodiversity matters are being considered to some extent by the Greater Chennai Corporation.

The area most urgently in need of improvement is maintaining and expanding ecosystem services provided by the city’s natural resources, the index said.

“Due to this loss of marshlands across Chennai and the blockage of numerous creeks, the city has been experiencing a series of flooding events,” the index said, adding, “if dumping of waste is banned and water channels rejuvenated, around 60% of Chennai’s wetlands can be saved. GCC can take steps in this direction.”

Banner image: A flock of birds at the Pallikaranai marshland in Chennai. Image by Vinoth Selvaraj via Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA 4.0].

Would a bush frog by any other name click as loud? Apparently yes, if the latest reassessment of the taxonomic status of three frogs in the northeast — Raorchestes kempiae, Philautus namdaphaensis, and Raorchestes manipurensis — is anything to go by. Considered three different species for the longest time, the latest study says, that the three frogs are not distinct but the same species.

P. namdaphaensis and R. manipurensis are now officially two “junior synonyms” of R. kempiae.

The scientists came to this conclusion after extensive study, including analysing their advertisement calls, apart from field surveys in northeastern states of Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh from 2019 to 2024 which included morphological comparisons as well as molecular analysis.

According to the corresponding author and general secretary of conservation NGO Help Earth, Jayaditya Purkayastha, R. kempiae was first described in the early 1900s, followed by P. namdaphaensis in 1985 and R. manipurensis in early 2000s. “The studies were not as holistic and nobody showed interest in following up and they continued to be considered as distinct species,” he says. He adds that polymorphism (physically or behaviourally different forms) in the species has misled the scientists into thinking they were different species.

The latest genetic tools as well as bioacoustics have, however, helped the scientists conclude that there are hardly any qualities that separate them. Since, according to international naming rules, the earliest name takes priority, R. kempiae, described first in 1919, is now the official name with the other two considered synonyms that will no longer be used indepedently.

This change also affects the assessment of the species’ risk of extinction. Earlier, R. manipurensis was listed in the IUCN Red List as “data deficient” since little was known about it, and P. namdaphaensis was listed as vulnerable for it was thought to occupy only a small area. The latest study, however, shows that R. kempiae has a much wider range than previously believed. “We found it across large parts of Northeast India and also in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China, from low hills (50 m) up to 1,400 m elevation. Its total range now covers about 210,678 km², including several protected areas,” the paper states. Due to its wide distribution and the number of known populations, the paper recommends that the species, which is now listed as critically endangered be reassessed and categorised as least concern on the IUCN Red List.

Banner image: The latest taxonomic assessment found that Raorchestes kempiae, P. namdaphaensis, and R. manipurensis are the same species of a bush frog and would officially be called Raorchestes kempiae. Image courtesy of the Department of Zoology, Mizoram University.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Supreme Court of India will look into allegations of animal trafficking and mismanagement at Vantara – the famed private rescue and rehabilitation centre owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son, Anant Ambani.

The Court passed its order on August 25, after hearing two petitions which alleged Vantara was acquiring animals unlawfully. Vantara, which houses the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, was celebrated by the Prime Minister as being “a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare.” But the facility fast came under scrutiny for hosting a large number of exotic species sourced from countries as far as Brazil, Mexico, and Guyana.

In March, the German daily Süddeutsche Zeitung, in collaboration with the Venezuelan media outlet Armando, published an investigation estimating the total number of animals at Vantara to be around 39,000, based on two global trade databases. Most of the acquisitions occurred over the last year, according to the investigation. In 2024, an investigation by Himal magazine found that the captive status of sub-adult elephants sent from Arunachal Pradesh to Vantara could not be established due to lack of DNA testing.

The International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) was notified about animal transfers to Vantara by several wildlife NGOs, and agreed to send a delegation to inspect the facility at a meeting held in February.

In its order, the Supreme Court said that it “considers it appropriate… to call for an independent factual appraisal,” into the allegations against the facility.

The SIT will probe Vantara’s acquisition of animals from India and abroad, “especially elephants,” the court said. It will also assess Vantara’s compliance with laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act, CITES, and look into complaints regarding the facility’s climatic conditions. Vantara shares a plot with Reliance Industries’ petroleum refinery in Jamnagar, in the arid state of Gujarat.

“The SIT in reporting about the above may call for and receive information from petitioners, officials, regulators, intervenors, or any other person including journalists who may wish their allegations to be examined,” said the court.

Members of the SIT include chairperson Jasti Chelameswar, former Chief Justice of India, as well as Raghavendra Chauhan, former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana, Hemant Nagrale, former Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, Anish Gupta, Additional Commissioner Customs. The SIT is expected to submit its findings to the court on September 12,

In a statement to The Hindu, Vantara said it “remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law.”

“Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals. We will extend full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team and continue our work sincerely, always placing the welfare of animals at the heart of all our efforts,” said Vantara.

 The Court will review the case on September 15.

Banner image: Representative image by Yathin S Krishnappa via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0).

Mumbai has been experiencing continuous rainfall for several days. Heavy rainfall over the last two days has caused waterlogging in several areas, resulting in flooded roads, stalled vehicles, and submerged railway tracks. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued another red alert on Wednesday, extending the warning for a fifth consecutive day.

According to Shashikant Mishra, a scientist at IMD, Mumbai has recorded significant rainfall since August 16, with Santacruz and Colaba registering 875.1 mm and 394 mm, respectively. In the last 24 hours, Santacruz recorded 209 mm, while Colaba saw 107.4 mm. Other areas, such as Vikhroli, Byculla, Juhu, and Bandra, also reported heavy rainfall. Other parts of Maharashtra reported similar conditions.

“In the last 24 hours, Maharashtra has registered heavy rainfall,” he said during the routine bulletin. The IMD has forecast further rainfall in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, including coastal regions like Saurashtra.

On August 19, it had already issued warnings of heavy rain in Mumbai, leading to waterlogging, disruption to road, rail, air and ferry transport, as well as interruptions in municipal services such as water and electricity. Red alerts remain in place for Mumbai and several coastal areas in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

This ongoing downpour has overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure, with Mumbai already receiving 2,310.8 mm of rainfall during this monsoon, significantly disrupting daily life.

According to media reports, city transport services experienced multiple disruptions. Two monorail trains came to a sudden halt on Tuesday, and authorities had to rescue hundreds of passengers in two separate incidents. Railway services were severely affected, with flooding reported on tracks of Central Railway’s harbour line and the main line between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Thane. Services resumed after the water receded.

Several long-distance trains were cancelled or diverted. Air travel was also hit, with multiple flights delayed or diverted. Authorities declared holidays for schools and government offices, urging remote work and restricting travel.

As per the reports, several rivers, like the Waldhuni and Ulhas rivers, remain swollen. Earlier, the Mithi river crossed the danger mark, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of families from Kurla’s slum areas to local municipal schools.

Banner image: A municipal worker helps a man push his bike through a waterlogged road following heavy rains in Mumbai. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

A thirteen-year-old girl from Odisha’s Koraput district, Harsita Priyadarshini Mohanty, was awarded the 2025 International Young Eco-Hero Award on August 11 for setting up a seed bank aimed at preserving indigenous rice and millet varieties that are becoming increasingly rare.

Mohanty was awarded the Eco-Hero Award alongside eight others by Action for Nature, a U.S. based non-profit that works with young people across the world to care for the environment. “While leaders worldwide struggle to protect the environment, global youth activists constantly remind us that transformative change often starts small. From Burundi to San Antonio, Texas, this year’s Eco-Heroes are another powerful reminder that the future of our planet is in good hands,” said Beryl Kay, president of Action for Nature, in a statement.

Coming in second place, the award recognised Mohanty’s “self-funded efforts and deep commitment to sustainable farming.” In 2023, Mohanty set up the Harsita Priyadarshini Indigenous Seed and Grain Bank, providing local farmers with two kilograms of indigenous rice and millet varieties for free. After cultivation, farmers replenish the bank by “paying back” four kilograms of seeds. According to Action for Nature, 20 farmers benefitted in 2023 and 60 farmers in 2024.

“Earlier, in my native [place], there were 2,000 plus paddy seeds that could be found. But today due to global warming and climate change only 30 to 50 varieties can be found. Due to commercial development, farmers are interested in farming hybrid seeds and not indigenous seeds,” said Mohanty in a video presentation, adding, “After seeing this, I started my project to conserve indigenous seeds.” The bank preserves 180 varieties of paddy, 60 varieties of millet, and other types of “forgotten foods.”

Mohanty was inspired by Kamala Pujari, a tribal woman from the same district who won the Padma Shri in 2019 for conserving over a 100 varieties of paddy. “Compared to other young people I have worked with, Harshita is exceptionally motivated, focused, and consistent in her environmental work. She is also a natural leader and inspires others to act,” Jagannath Mishra, chairperson of the Koraput-based NGO Ekta, told Action for Nature.

Other winners of the prize – aged between 11 and 16 – won for their contributions to recycling and waste management, environmental advocacy, and restoring river banks, among other activities. The winners will present their work at a virtual event in San Francisco on September 13.

Banner image: Finger millets. Representative image by Dinesh Valke via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0).