Dhole spotted in Pawana reservoir catchment, Maharashtra

I am pleased to share that my research paper titled: 📄 "Status of Palm Squirrels in Barkatullah University Campus, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India" has been published in the Goya Journal (Volume 18, Issue 09, September 2025) — a UGC CARE Group II Approved Journal. 🧠 This study focuses on the current population status, habitat preferences, and behavioral ecology of Palm Squirrels (Funambulus spp.) within the Barkatullah University campus ecosystem. The research aims to contribute to the understanding of urban wildlife dynamics and provide baseline data for future conservation initiatives. https://lnkd.in/dfG25aii #ResearchPublication #WildlifeEcology #PalmSquirrels #UrbanBiodiversity #EnvironmentalResearch #UGCCARE #GoyaJournal #EcologicalStudies #ConservationScience #AcademicPublishing

My PhD field site and long-time workplace, often considered a second home, is an ecologically invaluable landscape distinguished by four high-level conservation designations. This hidden gem of nature is celebrated not only for its remarkable bird diversity but also for its rich wetland systems and heterogeneous forests, making it a model site for ecosystem-based climate solutions. With established practices in ecotourism and sustainability, the area demonstrates significant progress in addressing ecological threats, including water instability and invasive species. Its unique ecological character and ongoing conservation initiatives underscore its immense potential to reimagine climate resilience and serve as a living laboratory for ecosystem-based climate solutions and resilience.

🌿 Exciting Discovery from the Western Ghats! 🌿 A team of botanists led by Prof. K. Kotresha from Karnatak Science College, Dharwad has recently discovered four new plant species in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats of Karnataka. These findings highlight how much of nature still remains unexplored and the critical role of floristic surveys in documenting our natural heritage. 🪴 The New Species: 1️⃣ Oberonia marnkuliensis – Discovered at Marnkuli Hill, Shivamogga district 2️⃣ Zeuxine seetharamii – Found in Kali Tiger Reserve, Uttara Kannada; named after eminent taxonomist Prof. Y.N. Seetharam 3️⃣ Parasopubia gorensis – From Goregudda, Kumta taluk; named after the Goreshwara temple region 4️⃣ Utricularia kumtensis – Collected near Mirjan Fort, Kumta taluk 📰 Published in reputed journals including Richardiana, Asian Journal of Research in Botany, and Phytotaxa. Why it matters: 🔹 The Earth is estimated to host 30 lakh plant species, yet only about 2.5 lakh are known. That means over 27 lakh species are still undiscovered! 🔹 Discoveries like these remind us of the importance of biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats — and the need to conserve them. 👏 Kudos to the team — Prof. K. Kotresha, Shreyas Betageri, Vanaja Patagar, and Manjushree Kanoj — for this significant contribution to plant science. ✨ The Western Ghats continue to surprise us, offering hope and inspiration for future botanists, ecologists, and conservationists. #Botany #Biodiversity #WesternGhats #PlantScience #Research #Conservation #India

India launches National Red List Assessment to document flora, fauna by 2030 #UNICEF #NGOs #CMOOdisha #PMOIndia #KIIT #KISS #XIMB #XISS #XLRI #iifm #MANAGE #OUAT #Media #OTVLive #kanakTV #image #CSO #SDGs #IUCN #MoEFCC #BiologicalDiversity #biodiversity #framework #redlistassessment #globalflora #globalfauna #wildlife

After 13 years of seaweed surveys around Calvert Island, researchers have catalogued 67 species of brown algae—half of all known from B.C. Among the discoveries are two species new to science: Protohalopteris petersonii and Petrospongium munckiae, named in honour of Hakai Institute founders Eric Peterson and Christina Munck, whose vision made this research possible. The study, led by Sandra Lindstrom and Patrick Martone with the University of British Columbia and Hakai Institute, highlights how much biodiversity remains hidden along our coast. Read the paper in Botany: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gDPWaYqU

“Forensic Expertise is not optional — it’s foundational”. In a landmark 2025 judgment (Akhtar Ali v. State of Uttarakhand), the Supreme Court of India disregarded the DNA report after discovering that the DNA report had been issued by an “expert” with a postgraduate degree in Botany — not Forensic Science. This case underscores a powerful truth: 🧠 Forensic conclusions are only as credible as the expertise behind them. As professionals, we must continue to emphasize the role of qualified forensic experts, grounded in core forensic academics and scientific rigor, to ensure evidence stands the test of both law and science. 🔍 Note: The Supreme Court also clarified that this was not the only ground for rejecting the DNA report — multiple procedural and evidentiary lapses were identified. Let’s continue to build a justice system that values authentic expertise over titles. A reminder that real justice demands real expertise. #ForensicScience #SupremeCourt #DNAEvidence #ExpertOpinion #Justice #ForensicExperts #ForensicAcademics

🌱 Field Discovery of 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑥𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝑣𝑎𝑟. 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎 (CR-PE) During our recent field expedition, our team Dr. Himesh, Dilum, Uthpala, Chamlee, Amila and myself encountered a rare Strobilanthes species. Based on the identification by Dr. Himesh, it has been recognized as 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑥𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝑣𝑎𝑟. 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎, a Critically Endangered (CR) and Point Endemic (PE) taxon in Sri Lanka. This variety is one of only seven known varieties of 𝑆. 𝑠𝑒𝑥𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑠, making this encounter both scientifically significant and conservation worthy. Observing such a narrowly distributed species in its natural habitat was a truly inspiring and memorable experience for our team. 🌱✨ Our discovery was also featured on Hiru News and Derana, helping raise awareness about the urgent need to protect Sri Lanka’s fragile endemic flora. #Fieldwork #SriLankaFlora #Strobilanthes #EndemicPlants #Conservation #Taxonomy #Botany #NIFS #Biodiversity

We’re thrilled to share that Strobilanthes sharavathiensis, a new plant species to science, has been discovered from Ambaragudda, a high-altitude shola grassland in the Sharavathi river basin, central Western Ghats, Karnataka by one of our faculty members, Dr. Savinaya M S and a team of researchers. The finding has been published in the Nordic Journal of Botany, Lund University, Sweden. This new species, belonging to the Neelkurunji group known for its once-in-a-lifetime flowering cycle, was found in one of Karnataka’s Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS), Ambaragudda, declared for its fragile and unique habitat. Interestingly, this hill once faced severe threats from mining in 2004, but thanks to local protests, it was saved and later protected as a BHS. The discovery highlights the ecological significance of the Sharavathi landscape, known for its unique ecosystems. Dense Strobilanthes growths along the borders of shola forest play a key role in soil stability, water retention, and nurturing forest saplings, helping sustain the delicate balance between shola grasslands and shola forests. Please read the publication here: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04888 Dr Savinaya says “This discovery reminds us how fragile and irreplaceable the Sharavathi ecosystem is; any further developmental interventions could endanger species yet to be known”

Is Kerala really ahead of other states? "Kerala sir, 100 percent literacy sir" You all might have seen this meme; It is often used for laughter and sometimes to troll, but Kerala is truly different. Through my fieldwork I got the opportunity to work under the Kerala Forest Department, and I was completely astonished; it was nothing like how we generally imagine a government department. We are talking about: ✔️ Real time monitoring for forest fire prevention. ✔️ Mapping areas that get specifically affected with fire ✔️  Identifying conflict causing elephants from their tusks ✔️ AI cameras to detect motion ✔️ "Sarpa" an exclusive app people can use to call snake catchers Everything was very well coordinated and structured. But what stood out most for me was their vision. In my conversation with IFS officer Mr. Ravi Kumar Meena, I learnt that they are trying to add machines capable of detecting elephant tremors, a technology that was once exclusively used in railways, making them one of the first to implement it. The 100% literacy isn't just a number to be proud of. It's the foundation that allows for this level of technological adoption and administrative efficiency. So, the next time you see this meme, remember Kerala for this and its contribution. #Kerala #GoodGovernance #Forestry #Innovation

During a recent field visit to the arid parts of Rajasthan, we found ourselves immersed in the dynamics of Open Natural Ecosystems. Across the sweeping horizons, blackbuck males locked horns in fierce contests of dominance, their movements both powerful and graceful as they sought to impress nearby females. Indian gazelles quietly negotiated their share of space and resources, a subtle reminder that open systems thrive on both competition and coexistence. The ground was alive with spiny-tailed lizards scattering across the sun-baked earth, small yet crucial components of this ecosystem. Overhead, the skies told another story: peregrine and saker falcons, booted and tawny eagles, long-legged buzzards, and Montagu’s harriers circled and stooped, each relying on the openness of this habitat to hunt on the spiny-tailed lizards and survive. In a fleeting moment, the interplay of courtship, rivalry, predation, and survival revealed itself with striking clarity and reinforced a powerful truth: Open Natural Ecosystems are not empty spaces, but dynamic theatres of life where every species plays a vital role in sustaining resilience. As these landscapes face growing pressures from fragmentation and habitat loss, protecting them is not just an act of conservation; it is a commitment to safeguarding the balance that allows both nature and human livelihoods to thrive. Vivek Sharma Mayank Sharma Aayushi Meena Saba Khan Kalyan Khandelwal Pawan Singh Gaurav P. #OpenNaturalEcosystem #Biodiversity #Conservation #Sustainability #Ecology #Wildlife #Rajasthan #Grasslands #WildlifeConservation #DesertEcosystem #NatureBalance #EcosystemResilience #HumanLivelihoods #ProtectOurPlanet #OpenLandscapes #AridEcosystems #GrasslandConservation #DesertBeauty #RajasthanWildlife