Mongabay series: Almost Famous Species
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.
[Commentary] What does the DNA say about the future of the rhino in India?
[Interview] Researcher Amit Kumar Bal on studying carnivores in the thick of Mizoram forests
[Commentary] India’s wildlife conservation journey has had great strides and many hurdles
[Explainer] Woody climbers, lianas, embody the inter-connectedness of a forest
Concerns over increased whale shark stranding along Andhra Pradesh’s coast
Dimming the glow of firefly festivals in Maharashtra
Habitat changes may be causing sarus cranes to form breeding trios
New gharial hatchlings in Nepal a hopeful sign for the critically endangered reptile
[Explainer] How are fireflies affected by light pollution?
Invasive freshwater fish are thriving in the Ganges, aided by increasing temperatures
From a life among royals, to fighting for survival
What do bees see? Developing urban gardens to attract pollinators
[Interview] Whitley Award winner from Nepal emphasises on crossborder collaboration to protect the red panda
[Interview] Priyan Perera: Shining a light on the little-studied Indian pangolins in Sri Lanka
Mantispids: secretive insects with lace for wings
Uncertainty in availability, makes ‘guchhi’ hunting a difficult occupation in Himachal
Golden langur threatened by lack of suitable habitat
Counting India’s wolves, one howl at a time
A call for help from the Western Ghats
Special series
Wetland Champions
- [Commentary] India establishes the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia
- [Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots
- The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects
- Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter
Environment And Health
- Stitching sustainability amidst climate change challenges
- Gujarat bans exotic Conocarpus tree amid health and environment hazard
- Malaria-carrying mosquitoes shift homes from forests to rice fields
- [Commentary] Neglecting household biomedical waste management can lead to adverse environmental effects
India's Iconic Landscapes
- Saving India’s wild ‘unicorns’
- Indrella ampulla’s genetic tapestry unveils colour morphs isolated across the Palghat Gap
- [Commentary] Up close and personal with the fragility of the Himalayas
- Studies reveal impact of land use on species diversity in rock outcrops
Beyond Protected Areas
- Rehabilitating trafficked star tortoises using genetic intelligence
- [Interview] Richie Mehta on addressing the elephant in the room in ‘Poacher’
- Scientists leap beyond Latin to give local flair to species names
- Deaths in human-animal conflict in Wayanad spark protests and debates
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- [Commentary] GROW with agroforestry, a step towards sustainable land management
- Millet tradition loses flavour among Madhya Pradesh’s tribals
- A village nurtures traditional food systems in response to climate change
- Rising air pollution impacts India’s crop yields and food security
Just Transitions
- How unplanned coal mine closures in India are affecting dependent communities, especially women
- Green Credit Scheme’s ‘methodology’ doesn’t inspire confidence among experts
- Conflict over critical mineral prospecting in Odisha signals need for better community involvement
- Fuel leak in Manipur raises concerns over water contamination