Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India recently discovered a new leopard gecko species, Eublepharis jhuma, in Bihar’s Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary. Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, this finding highlights India's rich, yet threatened, herpetofaunal biodiversity.
Click to View MoreThe Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) utilizes advanced satellites to pinpoint major methane leaks globally. According to the Global Methane Status Report 2025, mitigating emissions across energy, agriculture, and waste remains critical to curbing short-term global warming.
Click to View MoreResearchers from Rajiv Gandhi University and Germany’s University of Tübingen recently discovered three new rove beetle species in Arunachal Pradesh: Megalopinus arunachalensis, M. mithun, and M. micros. Found in leaf litter, these tiny predators highlight the region’s vast, underexplored biodiversity.
Click to View MoreSacred groves are community-protected patches of natural vegetation preserved due to religious and cultural beliefs, representing one of India’s oldest traditions of conservation. Found across diverse ecological regions, these landscapes act as biodiversity refuges, support groundwater recharge, prevent soil erosion, and help regulate local microclimates. They also serve as ecological corridors and genetic reservoirs for rare and endemic species. However, sacred groves are increasingly threatened by declining cultural practices, land encroachment, infrastructure and renewable energy projects, and the lack of proper mapping and legal recognition. Strengthening community rights under the Forest Rights Act, recognising them as Community Reserves or OECMs, and integrating traditional knowledge into modern conservation frameworks can enhance their role in biodiversity protection and climate resilience.
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