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.

Leopard cats may not respond well to global warming 

As caracals inch towards extinction, path to conserving the wild cat remains unclear

Pallas’s cat’s sightings become more common in Ladakh

Scavenging hyenas save carcass disposal costs

Hybridisation, roadkills are major threats for the Indian desert cat population

From abundance to endangerment to revival, Kachchh’s guggal comes a full circle

[Commentary] Why are evolutionary scientists studying the crawlies?

The silent trade of elusive small cats in Mizoram

Researchers study the elusive dugongs of the Andamans with help from community stakeholders

New species of parachute gecko recorded in Mizoram

[Commentary] ‘Rescuing’ camels not a solution; Rajasthan needs sanctuaries for its state animal

Jungle cats adapt to life on a farm

The gharial attempts a second comeback with help from the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

Understanding the role of local communities in the conservation of critically endangered rhino rays

Citizen scientists help discover a blind catfish species hidden inside Kerala’s aquifers

Flying is riskier for female katydids, finds India’s first insect radio telemetry study

Why the dancing frog may no longer be able to shake a leg

Ibisbill, the poorly understood Himalayan waterbird faces threats, finds study

India garners international support to save two endangered freshwater turtles

What protecting the slender loris could mean for forest communities in Tamil Nadu

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