Mongabay series: Beyond Protected Areas
Protected areas only cover about 5.02 percent of India’s total area. Consequently, a large percentage of India’s wildlife live outside protected boundaries. This gives rise to situations spanning between coexistence and conflict, which requires acknowledgement and awareness. With just five percent of India’s total forest cover officially protected, sharing habitat with humans is the reality for much of India’s diverse wildlife. In western Maharashtra, for example, every 100 square kilometers of land is home to 10 large carnivores (leopards and hyenas) -- and more than 30,000 people. In India, a protected area (PA) is defined as a zone “in which human occupation or at least the exploitation of resources is limited.” These PAs include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, community reserves and marine protected areas. In this series, Beyond Protected Areas, Mongabay-India will be addressing the urgent need to raise awareness of practices which make the land surrounding official protected areas more supportive of wildlife. One of the main threats to biodiversity outside protected areas is widespread infrastructure development, including linear incursions like roads and railways. The resultant habitat fragmentation splits up wildlife populations, causing an overall reduction in genetic diversity, which in turn decreases the resilience of species to pressures such as climate change and diseases. In this context, large carnivores prey upon livestock, while herbivores such as elephants, nilgai and wild boar damage crops. Human-wildlife conflict seems inevitable, but there are novel solutions that have come to light from across the country. We explore biodiversity and communities along the spectrum between conflict and coexistence, from across the country.
[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
Drones, thermal cameras track animal movement to reduce conflict with humans in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli
[Commentary] India’s wildlife conservation journey has had great strides and many hurdles
Demand for sand in Bangladesh escalates illegal activities, threatens environment
[Commentary] Mobilising resources for biodiversity conservation in the far eastern Himalayas
Champhai district in Mizoram is now a hotspot for wildlife trafficking in India
The elusive and endangered Sikkim grass lizard makes a rare appearance in Nepal
[Interview] A photographer on his long-term effort to document human-wildlife interactions
Sri Lanka fuel shortage takes a toll on wildlife treatment, conservation
[Commentary] Sustainable use of wild species is critical for the well-being of people and nature
Untreated legacy waste is polluting the sensitive wetland ecosystem of Deepor Beel
Gangetic river dolphins in Assam decline in the wake of anthropogenic pressures
[Interview] “There are many Sherpas, not known to the outside world, who regularly summit the mountains”
[Commentary] Solar fencing to combat human-animal negative interaction in Arunachal
The curious case of the woolly-necked stork and its rising numbers in Haryana
Authorities announce “clean up” of Loktak lake; locals fear loss of fishing commons
Involvement of fishing communities, transboundary cooperation could help mitigate threats to the Ganges river dolphin
Attacks by dogs a serious concern for the revered blackbuck in Haryana
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
- New rules spell giant troubles for jumbos
- Climate litigation has entered the room. But could great Indian bustards be inched out?
- The dietary habits of endangered vultures
- Waterbirds adapt to nest and roost in the urban oases of Udaipur
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