January 17, 2024 Introduction: A new study warns of increasing acidity in Antarctic continental shelves within Marine Protected Areas under high greenhouse gas trajectories. As carbon emissions mix vertically, severe acidification could occur at all water levels in these biodiversity hotspots by 2100. Coastal Areas Face Higher Risks Compared to the open ocean, the researchers highlight that […]

16 January 2024 Introduction; The population of saltwater or estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park has seen a slight increase, numbering 1,811 as per the 2024 census. This is up from 1,793 crocodiles counted last year through an extensive survey effort. Bhitarkanika National Park Bhitarkanika National Park is a 145 sq km protected […]

January 13, 2024 Introduction: The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco) is a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas. Its taxonomic status had been unclear until recently. The animal has now been assessed for the first time on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List. The assessment was done on June 27, […]

January 13, 2024 Introduction: The 2023 Global Water Monitor report reveals over 77 countries endured their highest average annual temperatures in the last 45 years. The unprecedented heat manifested across all seasons, influencing precipitation patterns along with water budgets. Warming Effects on Weather Systems Study authors note the global water cycle last year was affected […]

January 13, 2024 Introduction: The Jharkhand government recently declared 158 blocks across 17 districts as drought-hit after below-average rains, impacting nearly 1.5 million farmers. Recurring Rain Deficits Barely 4 out of Jharkhand’s 24 districts recorded normal monsoon rainfalls in 2022. During the critical kharif planting window, the state saw an approximately 40% shortfall from average […]

January 12, 2024 Introduction: A striking new butterfly species called the Conjoined Silverline, distinguished by its shiny wing patterns, has been identified in Karnataka’s Kodagu district – the first such find in India’s Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot since the 1970s. Signature Features The newly discovered butterfly species has been christened the Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjuncta), derived […]

January 11, 2024 Introductiuon: Initial climate data reports that 2023 was the hottest calendar year globally since instrumental records began in 1850. This confirms scientific warnings that climate change continues rapidly intensifying with each passing year. New Annual Heat Milestones According to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2023 saw average worldwide temperatures rise 1.48°over pre-industrial […]

January 10, 2024 Introduction: The unrelenting global spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has now extended into polar bear populations  at the planet’s farthest reaches after the first documented death of the vulnerable species from the virus late last year in northernmost Alaska. The case likely resulted from the bear scavenging infected bird carcasses as […]