Almost Famous Species News

Our Almost Famous Species series features lesser known species from India. It is created in the hope that familiarity will help generate concern and action for under-appreciated species. Through the series, we introduce to you India's gamut of invertebrates, birds and marine flora and fauna, which perhaps don't get as much attention as our more popular big cats and elephants. Stretching from the Nicobar Islands very close to the equator to the Western Himalaya in the north, India covers about 30 degrees of latitude, with a long coastline on its peninsula. The wide geographic extent, topographic features with multiple long mountain ranges and fertile river basins, and the monsoon winds give rise to a plethora of habitats that have been home to a variety of creatures. Yet, any mention of Indian wildlife always conjures up images of charismatic large mammals. We acknowledge that these are interesting; but we want to draw back the curtain on other species that are equally fascinating.

The crane that loves a duet

Researchers rediscover an endemic plant after 180 years

Red-naped ibises carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria, study finds

The cliff-climbing goat

The largest land mammal in the country

A world of bristles beneath the waves

Genetic blueprint of four Asian hornbills offers new tool for hornbill research

The largest living sea turtle

Study from India’s first wolf sanctuary reveals when livestock are most at risk

India’s only singing, swinging ape

A hidden population of greater hog badgers spotted on camera traps

Genetic study of the Arunachali mithun flags declining breeding population

The world’s only flying mammal

Himalayan pheasants face mounting human pressure

Sloth bears are unlikely seed dispersers shaping forests

Whiskered swimmers with webbed feet

Rare lynx photo puts spotlight on high-altitude rangelands

Scientists identify new deep-sea shark species from India’s southwest coast

Flies are overlooked pollinators and farmers’ friends

The wild cat with a unique stripe pattern

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