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.
Fireflies appear to be vanishing in this Andhra Pradesh village
Bats not the enemy in the fight against COVID-19
A new species of wood snake emerges in the Western Ghats, mottled in grey-brown
Indian scientists building DNA database to protect the elusive red panda
Scientists record bat calls to build database
Bringing freshwater turtles out of their shells and into the spotlight
Why India needs its fishers to save dugongs and their seagrass habitat
Can the Bengal florican make its case at the Convention for Migratory Species CoP?
Building community networks to save a rare turtle from extinction
Two new termite species discovered from the Western Ghats
Natural history notes from nature’s frontlines in India, for 2019
How far do hornbills disperse seeds?
How the yak rearing system in north Sikkim is coping with climate change
The Thackeray that was involved in a case of mistaken identity
At India’s Assam Zoo, decades of experience lead to rhino-breeding success
How past climatic shifts shaped the evolution of geckos
British lawyer comes to India chasing moths
Vanishing forests drive lion-tailed macaques to search for food in people’s homes
Pangolin smuggling to China thrives as rhino poaching declines in Assam
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
- Marine plastic pollution is not just a waste problem; reducing production is needed too
- 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
India's Iconic Landscapes
- Majuli’s shrinking wetlands and their fight for survival
- 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
Beyond Protected Areas
- Wildlife rescue operations in Kashmir face an uphill battle with rising human-wildife conflict
- Pathogens find new pathways as agriculture, deforestation intensify
- Measuring the scavenging value of vultures
- New rules spell giant troubles for jumbos
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- Pricey guests: Urban invasive species cost the world billions every year
- [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
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