Wildlife Conservation Society-India’s Post

Cantor’s giant softshell turtles 🐢🐢🐢 🌟Conservationists, including those from the University of Portsmouth, have uncovered the first breeding population of the critically endangered and elusive Cantor’s giant softshell turtle along the Chandragiri River in Kerala. 🌟Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle It is also known as the Asian giant softshell turtle and the frog-faced softshell turtle is a critically endangered species known for its rarity and secretive nature. 🌟Found in eastern and southern India, Bangladesh, Burma, and other Southeast Asian countries, these turtles primarily inhabit slow-moving freshwater rivers, lakes, and estuaries. 🌟They are carnivores, mainly feeding on fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, employing a sit-and-wait strategy to capture prey. 🌟Classified as critically endangered by the IUCN and listed in Appendix II of CITES and Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, urgent conservation efforts are necessary to protect this species from extinction.

The U.S. #wildlife #trade #data, crucial for scientific interpretation and policy application, lacks quality control. Widely used by government agencies, conservation organizations, and researchers, inaccuracies in the data can lead to mistaken conclusions, ineffective conservation efforts, and misinformation for government officials. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) maintains a comprehensive dataset called the #LawEnforcementManagementInformationSystem (LEMIS), but errors and inconsistencies in this data have not been adequately recognized. A manuscript calls for an independent audit of LEMIS, addressing errors, biases, and proposing better management standards. The involvement of nongovernmental and intergovernmental organizations is recommended to enhance data quality. Source: https://lnkd.in/di3CR4sQ

In 2020, Dr. Nachiket Kelkar and Subhasis Dey, river ecologists with WCT, published an important study which revealed that most bycatch of the endangered Ganges and Indus river dolphins occured in legal fishing nets, and not illegal ones. This finding highlighted the need to critically revisit net mesh size regulations in existing fishery laws to effectively tackle the threat of bycatch for effective river dolphin conservation. Several Ganges river dolphins die every year from getting entangled in fishing nets as bycatch. Studies estimate that these annual deaths may account for nearly five percent of their global population! Bycatch mortality from being caught in fishing nets is considered to be one of the primary threats to Ganges and Indus river dolphins. Globally, bycatch mortality from entanglement in fishing gears such as gillnets has been one of the major drivers of recent or imminent cetacean extinctions such as that of the Vaquita and Chinese river dolphin. Unfortunately, the existing gaps between fishery laws and wildlife conservation laws in India are major obstacles in efforts towards helpful prevention of bycatch. Bycatch mitigation is a joint management problem across different state departments (e.g. fisheries, wildlife, water resources, etc.). Strong collaborations between state fisheries and wildlife departments, fishing communities, conservationists, scientists, and civil society are critical for effective governance and reduction of bycatch. Citation: Nachiket Kelkar, Subhasis Dey. (2020). Mesh mash: Legal fishing nets cause most bycatch mortality of endangered South Asian river dolphins, Biological Conservation,Volume 252, 108844, https://lnkd.in/d_7nmbme #wctindia #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #wildlifeconservationtrust #wildlifeplanet #bycatch #wildlifeconservationlaw #india #gangesriverdolphin #wildanimals #riverecosystem

💡New Publication Alert: “Global wildlife trade and trafficking contribute to the world’s nonhuman primate conservation crisis,” published in Frontiers in Conservation Science, highlights several urgent concerns: 1. Extinction Crisis: 69% of primate species are threatened with extinction, and 94% have declining populations, primarily due to hunting and capturing for various purposes. 2. Impact of Trade: Both legal and illegal wildlife trade significantly harm primate populations, reducing genetic diversity and leading to local extinctions. Internationally, between 2015 and 2021, 337,511 live primate individuals representing at least 99 species were legally traded, with Long-tailed macaques are by far the most common primate species traded (85.3% of all exported primates) 3. Disease Emergence: Trafficking increases the risk of infectious diseases, posing significant biosecurity threats to humans. 4. Role of the Internet: Despite bans, the Internet facilitates the illegal trade of wild-caught primates. Recommendations: The article suggests greater transparency, stricter enforcement of laws, and more accountability to combat this crisis. 🔗 For more detailed information, read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dQeCQQqB 🙏 A huge thank you to the author(s) of this insightful publication for their dedication to primate conservation. Also special thanks to The Long Tailed Macaque Project ( @theltmproject )for their invaluable contributions and hard work in raising awareness and driving change. #AsiaforAnimals #MacaqueCoalition #AnimalBehavior #Primates #Primata #Macaque #research #primatearenotpets #MacaquePositivity #Conservation #WildlifeTrade #Primates #EndangeredSpecies #Biodiversity #Research #Awareness #Action

The Wildlife Habitat Features Summary of Management Guidelines of the Northern Interior Forest Region of British Columbia is a great resource for guidance and recommendations when working up north. This document is particularly useful as a reference resource for the identification and management of wildlife habitat features (WHF) when working in the northern interior of British Columbia. Find information regarding: 1. Fisheries Sensitive Features 2. Mineral Licks and Wallows 3. Specified Nests - Bald Eagle - Osprey - Great Blue Heron 4. Localized Wildlife Habitat Features - Large Stick Nests (non-specified species) - Sharp-tailed Grouse Leks - Ungulate Natal Areas - Grizzly Bear Ground Dens - Black Bear Den Trees - Snake Hibernacula Bat Hibernacula and Maternity Roosts Hot Springs Non-classified Wetlands and Ephemeral Ponds Download the document here: https://lnkd.in/g45xpCNG

Happy World Reptile Day! What better way to celebrate today than by slithering into our latest blog from Rachel Fallas, our Reptile and Amphibian Program Biologist? This past August, Rachel and a few of our staff members had the opportunity to attend the 10th World Congress of Herpetology in Borneo - a special opportunity to learn from the best in the world 💚⁠ ⁠ In this blog, you'll her about her nighttime herping adventures, an orangutan sighting, and get to see all of her beautiful photos of reptiles, amphibians, and even mammals during her visit. ⁠ 🔗https://lnkd.in/giAPUEk2 📸Rachel Fallas More about WPC's Reptile and Amphibian Initiative: No other class of wildlife in Canada faces greater risk of extinction than reptile and amphibians. According to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), more than 40 amphibian and reptile species are currently threatened or endangered. More than a third of these species need some form of hands-on intervention to survive. Our national reptile and amphibian program develops and promotes best practices for four key conservation techniques: translocation, headstarting, conservation breeding and in-situ interventions. We will maximize the impact of groups across the continent that are working to protect these highly threatened species.

The Thin Green Line The 'thin green line' symbolises the frontline conservationists and rangers who courageously protect endangered species and habitats from threats like poaching and habitat destruction. Operating in challenging environments, they act as the last line of defence against biodiversity loss. They often encounter obstacles such as limited resources and increasingly well-armed and violent poachers. Their unwavering dedication emphasises the critical importance of providing them with the necessary support and resources to carry out their mission effectively. Nkosi and Mondli are two dedicated KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife field rangers assigned to patrol a section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Nature Reserve, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Their main duty is to monitor the mountainous terrain inhabited by our pair of bearded vultures, with the aim of preventing illegal activities such as poaching and deforestation. However, their ability to patrol effectively is often hindered by limited equipment. A crucial part of this project was to provide essential gear, such as binoculars, head torches, and warm clothing, enabling them to conduct monitoring and observation patrols more effectively, particularly during the winter breeding season. Watch our discussion with Nkosi at the following link https://lnkd.in/ddbiQFqc Science Based Ingredients Afraceuticals Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife BirdLife International Endangered Wildlife Trust Wildlife ACT Vulture Conservation Foundation 1% for the Planet South African National Parks (SANParks) Dane Poulsen Che'-Lee Parker Anthea Gilfillan Caitlin Gilfillan @Quin Clark #Nestflix #BeardedVultureRecoveryProgramme #beardedvultureconservation #BeardedVulture #BeardedVultureBreedingProgramme

Urgent action is needed to protect coastal biodiversity 🌿 🦅 🌍 Driven by factors like superstition and unchecked hunting, poaching poses a significant threat to coastal wildlife. In addition, habitat loss is fueled by deforestation and unplanned urbanisation, worsening the crisis. The alarming statistics provided by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating the extinction of 31 animal species in Bangladesh and the precarious situation of 390 more, underscore the urgency of the situation. Officials from environmental organisations emphasise the urgent need for the proper implementation of the Wildlife Conservation and Safety Act of 2012, along with widespread participation and public awareness campaigns. Through our work at the Wildlife Forensic Fund, we're actively supporting efforts to combat poaching and habitat loss. By investing in wildlife forensic training, research, and educational programs, we're empowering local communities, rangers, and scientists to protect endangered species and preserve coastal ecosystems. Read more about poaching and habitat loss as the silent killers of coastal biodiversity: https://lnkd.in/exT2HHzJ And check out our website to learn more about wildlife forensics and what we do: https://lnkd.in/eFVXyymQ #ProtectCoastalWildlife #CombatPoaching #PreserveHabitats

An annotated #checklist of #Botswana #molluscs by Boikhutso Lerato Rapalai brings together results of 170(!) years of malacological studies in this Southern #African country. The checklist comprises 63 native (13 #bivalves, 24 freshwater #snails, 24 land snails and two #slugs) and 4 introduced species, and summarizes information on the species #taxonomy, #distri­bu­tion, #habitats, #conservation rank, and on the epidemiological status of species of the medical and veterinary concern. The article has been published in Indago (National Museum, Bloemfontein). #Afrotropical #biodiversity #invertebrates #Mollusca #mollusks #wildlife IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa CABI Wildlife Conservation Society The Nature Conservancy in Africa OpenAccess PDF: https://lnkd.in/d_ept3Hh

The Heart Lake Turtle Troopers Family Fun Night was turtle-ly awesome! Wildlife Preservation Canada’s Reptile and Amphibian Program’s Development Coordinator, Hannah McCurdy-Adams, and Biologist, Rachel Fallas, were there to spread the fun. They shared knowledge with attendees about some of Canada’s endangered species, including turtles and other reptiles. Attendees also got a taste of what it's like working as a snake biologist by learning how snakes are handled and measured for scientific research. Much thanks to the Heart Lake Turtle Troopers for hosting this event and for all of the work they do to protect our local turtles. 📸 Hannah McCurdy-Adams https://lnkd.in/gjrTsxy3 More about WPC's Reptile and Amphibian Initiative: No other class of wildlife in Canada faces greater risk of extinction than reptile and amphibians. According to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), more than 40 amphibian and reptile species are currently threatened or endangered. More than a third of these species need some form of hands-on intervention to survive. Our national reptile and amphibian program develops and promotes best practices for four key conservation techniques: translocation, headstarting, conservation breeding and in-situ interventions. We will maximize the impact of groups across the continent that are working to protect these highly threatened species.