January 20, 2026 Introduction: A new species of hedgehog, never before recorded in India, has been discovered in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant addition to the country’s known biodiversity. The finding has been confirmed through DNA analysis and detailed morphological studies conducted by wildlife experts. First-Ever Sighting in Rajouri-Poonch Region The […]

 January 20, 2026   Introduction: Mumbai is set to host a landmark urban climate event, positioning climate action as a fundamental child rights issue. Titled Mumbai Climate Week 2026, the three-day programme will be held from February 17 to 19 and marks India’s first city-led initiative focused on citizen-driven climate solutions with a strong emphasis on […]

19 Jan 2026 Introduction: A striking phytoplankton bloom has drawn global scientific attention to the remote Chatham Islands, located about 800 kilometres east of New Zealand’s South Island. In January 2026, vivid green and blue swirls appeared in surrounding waters, forming a natural halo visible from space and highlighting the region’s unique oceanographic conditions. Satellite Observation of the […]

 January 16,  Introduction: Marine scientists have discovered an exceptionally large and ancient black coral in the deep waters off New Zealand, offering rare insights into long-lived deep-sea ecosystems. The finding highlights both the richness of marine biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation of fragile ocean habitats. Discovery in Fiordland’s Deep Waters The coral was discovered […]

 January 12, 2026  Introduction; The Kerala government has officially renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it the first butterfly sanctuary in the State. The decision reflects Kerala’s growing emphasis on species-specific conservation and recognises Aralam’s unique ecological significance as a major butterfly habitat. Legal Notification and Administrative Change The renaming was notified through SRO […]

12 Jan 2026 Introduction: Indian herpetology has recorded a significant addition with the discovery of two new frog species from the eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. The findings highlight the ecological richness of Arunachal Pradesh and underscore the importance of sustained scientific exploration in remote mountain ecosystems. Scientific Discovery and Leadership The discovery was made by a research […]

 January 10, 2026  Introduction: Forest staff involved in wildlife enumeration will use the advanced Monitoring System for Tigers: Intensive Protection and Ecological Status (MSTrIPES) app during the upcoming tiger and wildlife census in Anamalai Tiger Reserve. The digital upgrade is expected to improve accuracy, speed, and data integration under the All India Tiger Estimation Survey […]

 January 10, 2026  Introduction: In a significant move towards ecological restoration and community-led conservation, the Senapati Forest Division has launched Participatory Rural Appraisal exercises as a pilot initiative to rejuvenate the Barak River watershed. The programme aims to combine scientific planning with grassroots participation to restore degraded ecosystems while strengthening local livelihoods. Pilot PRA Exercise […]

 January 9, 2026 Introduction: The first phase of the All-India Tiger Estimation 2026 (AITE-26) commenced on January 6 in the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary under the Erode Forest Division. The large-scale wildlife census marks a key step in India’s periodic national effort to assess tiger populations and associated biodiversity using standardised scientific methods. Training and Field Deployment Ahead of […]

 January 8, 2026  Introduction: Researchers have discovered three previously unknown species of meadow katydids in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the region’s rich but understudied insect biodiversity. The findings emerged from extensive field surveys conducted across diverse habitats of the Kashmir Valley and adjoining mountain ranges, challenging earlier assumptions that only one species of this genus existed […]