Category: Geography & Environment

The report State of India’s Bats (2024–25) highlights a concerning decline in bat populations across Assam and Northeast India. Released on International Bat Appreciation Day, it identifies habitat loss, mining and intensive agriculture as major threats affecting these ecologically vital species. The Northeast remains a biodiversity hotspot, with high species diversity, but faces growing pressure. … Continue reading Decline of Bat Populations in Northeast India

A new species of burrowing reed snake, Calamaria garoensis, has been discovered in the Garo Hills. The species is currently known only from this region, highlighting its endemic nature. The discovery underscores the rich biodiversity of Meghalaya and the vast unexplored potential of Northeast India’s forests. It also emphasises the need for continued research and … Continue reading New Snake Species Discovered in Meghalaya

A rare orchid species, Liparis mengziensis, previously known only from China, has been recorded for the first time in India from Arunachal Pradesh. This discovery extends its geographical range from Yunnan to the eastern Himalayas. The finding adds a new species to India’s orchid flora and highlights the rich and still unexplored biodiversity of Northeast … Continue reading Liparis mengziensis — First Record in India

The Government of Meghalaya has notified the Wildlife Genetics Laboratory (WGL) of Aaranyak and its Director under Section 329(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, marking a significant step in strengthening wildlife crime investigation. This recognition enables the laboratory to assist law enforcement agencies through wildlife forensic DNA analysis and evidence collection, improving … Continue reading Wildlife Genetics Laboratory — BNSS Recognition in Meghalaya

Arunachal Pradesh has added another discovery to its rich biodiversity with the identification of a new species of rove beetle from its forest ecosystems. The finding highlights the region’s status as a biodiversity hotspot with many species still unexplored. Belonging to the Staphylinidae family, rove beetles play a crucial ecological role as predators and decomposers, … Continue reading Arunachal Biodiversity — New Rove Beetle Species

Lumpongdeng Island in Meghalaya has become the centre of controversy over the proposed Taj Umiam Resort & Spa project, with concerns raised about environmental sustainability and transparency in decision-making. The allocation of 36.10 acres for the project has been questioned as potentially conflicting with low-impact development principles. Issues have also been flagged regarding the role … Continue reading Island Development — Umiam Resort Controversy

A group of former civil servants under the Constitutional Conduct Group has raised concerns over Assam’s decision to deploy around 1,600 personnel from the Assam Forest Protection Force for the 2026 Assembly elections. They argue that this move violates established norms and recent judicial directions. The Election Commission discourages the use of territorial forest forces … Continue reading Assam — AFPF Deployment Controversy

Kumki elephants are specially trained captive Asian elephants used in India to manage human-wildlife conflict, particularly to control or capture rogue wild elephants. The term is derived from the Persian word Kumak, meaning “aid,” reflecting their supportive role in conservation operations. In Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district, a 12-member expert team from Karnataka has been deployed … Continue reading Kumki Elephants — Managing Human-Wildlife Conflict

Saiden Community Forest in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya has emerged as an important biodiversity hotspot, with a study recording 15 species of swallowtail butterflies (family Papilionidae), including several legally protected species. The findings highlight the ecological richness of the region. Despite signs of disturbance, the forest continues to support a stable butterfly population, demonstrating the … Continue reading Saiden Community Forest — Butterfly Diversity in Meghalaya

A researcher in Arunachal Pradesh has developed a plant-based, eco-friendly shampoo by integrating traditional tribal knowledge with modern scientific methods. The formulation uses locally available bio-resources, promoting sustainable personal care solutions. The shampoo combines Gymnocladus burmanicus (a natural “soap tree” used for cleansing and anti-dandruff properties) and Dillenia indica (used for conditioning and softening hair). … Continue reading Eco-Friendly Shampoo — Indigenous Knowledge Innovation

India’s reptile diversity has expanded with the first-ever documentation of two rare natricine snakes—Kachin Hills keelback (Hebius gilhodesi) and Rakhine keelback (Herpetoreas davidi). Earlier known only from Myanmar, their presence in India highlights the ecological richness of the Northeast. The discovery was based on field surveys conducted between 2021 and 2023 across Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya … Continue reading New Snake Records — Biodiversity Boost in Northeast

A new butterfly species discovered in the forests of Leparada district in Arunachal Pradesh has been named Euthalia zubeengargi, honouring Assamese artist Zubeen Garg. The species has been given the common name “Basar Duke.” The discovery was made during field surveys in 2025 by researchers Roshan Upadhaya and Kalesh Sadasivan. This recognition highlights both the … Continue reading Zubeen Garg Butterfly — New Species Discovery

The Himalayan Sordid Emperor (Chitoria sordida sordida), a rare butterfly species, has been photographed for the first time in Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. This marks a significant addition to the documented biodiversity of the region. Earlier, the species was known from areas like Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Bhutan and … Continue reading Himalayan Sordid Emperor — First Photo Record in Namdapha

World Water Day is observed annually on 22 March to highlight the importance of freshwater and promote sustainable management of water resources. It is coordinated by UN-Water and focuses on global water challenges. The 2026 theme, “Water and Gender,” emphasises the critical role of gender equality in water access, management and decision-making. It draws attention … Continue reading World Water Day 2026 — Water and Gender

Actinidia indica, a newly identified wild kiwi species, has been discovered in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, marking an important addition to the biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas. The finding emerged from detailed field surveys and taxonomic research. The species belongs to the Actinidia genus, which includes commercially known kiwi fruits, and its … Continue reading Actinidia indica — New Wild Kiwi Species

Kaveh Madani has been awarded the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize, regarded as the world’s most prestigious honour in water-related fields. He is the youngest laureate and the first UN official to receive this recognition. He has been honoured for bridging water science with policy, diplomacy and public outreach, contributing to sustainable water management and global … Continue reading Kaveh Madani — Stockholm Water Prize 2026

Agapetes wardii, a rare epiphytic shrub species, has been recorded for the first time in India from Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Earlier, the species was known only from Myanmar, making this discovery a significant expansion of its geographical range. As an epiphytic plant, it grows on other plants without deriving nutrients from them, reflecting … Continue reading Agapetes wardii — New Addition to India’s Flora

Henckelia monophylla, a rare plant species endemic to Arunachal Pradesh, has been rediscovered after nearly 189 years in the Lohit district by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). The rediscovery highlights the remarkable floral biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas and underscores the ecological richness of Arunachal Pradesh. Such findings contribute to global botanical knowledge and … Continue reading Henckelia monophylla — Rare Plant Rediscovered

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organised a two-day workshop to address the growing issue of elephant deaths caused by train collisions across India. The initiative aims to strengthen coordination between forest and railway authorities to protect elephant populations. During the deliberations, 77 critical railway stretches passing through elephant habitats were identified … Continue reading Elephant–Train Collisions — MoEFCC Workshop Initiative

The Indian Orchid Festival 2026 was held in Pakyong district of Sikkim, organised by the ICAR–National Research Centre for Orchids. The three-day annual event showcases the rich diversity of orchid species found in the Eastern Himalayan region. The festival attracts large numbers of visitors, including researchers, horticulturists and tourists. It serves as a platform to … Continue reading Indian Orchid Festival 2026 — Sikkim

A recent study published in the journal Climate Dynamics has examined moist heatwaves occurring during the Southwest Monsoon in several parts of India. The research finds that these events are closely linked to the active and break phases of the monsoon system. Scientists suggest that improved climate modelling can help predict such heatwaves two to … Continue reading Moist Heatwaves — Monsoon Climate Phenomenon

Scientists have identified two new freshwater fish species — Glyptothorax sentimereni and Oreichthys elianae. The species were named after the son and daughter of the late Nagaland-based assistant professor Limakum, who had closely collaborated with the researchers. Naming the species after his children fulfilled one of his final wishes and serves as a tribute to … Continue reading New Fish Species Discovery — Tribute to a Naga Scholar

World Wildlife Day was observed on 3 March 2026 with the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlights the ecological and economic importance of medicinal plant species in traditional healthcare systems and sustainable livelihoods. India plays a major role in the global herbal medicine sector and is the second-largest … Continue reading World Wildlife Day 2026 — Medicinal Plants Conservation

Three satellite-tagged Amur falcons, among the world’s longest-distance migratory birds, released from Manipur’s Tamenglong district last November, have successfully completed their transcontinental migration and are now wintering in different parts of Africa. The birds — Apapang (adult male), Ahu and Alang (females) — are being tracked to study migration routes and strengthen conservation efforts. The … Continue reading Amur Falcons Migration Tracking — Wildlife Conservation

The North East Festival of Rice, themed “Grains of Heritage,” was held at the Agri Expo site in Chumoukedima, celebrating the deep cultural and agricultural importance of rice in the region. The event showcased traditional varieties, indigenous farming knowledge and the strong link between food, identity and community life in Northeast India. The region is … Continue reading North East Festival of Rice – Grains of Heritage

Severe forest fires have been spreading across parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland for over a week, prompting high-altitude aerial firefighting operations by the Indian Air Force. Efforts are focused on ecologically sensitive regions such as the Lohit Valley and Dzukou Valley, where helicopters are conducting water-dropping missions to contain the blaze and protect fragile … Continue reading Forest Fires in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland

The Meghalaya Governor has appointed Justice (Retd.) R. S. Chauhan to head a judicial inquiry into the Thangsko tragedy under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952. The Commission will investigate the circumstances leading to the incident on February 5 and submit a fact-finding report within six months. The inquiry will also examine the underlying causes … Continue reading Judicial Inquiry into Thangsko Tragedy in Meghalaya

The Union Environment Minister announced the inclusion of two new wetlands—Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve (Gujarat)—in the Ramsar List ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026. With this addition, India’s total number of Ramsar sites has risen to 98, marking a 276% increase since 2014 and highlighting growing emphasis on wetland … Continue reading Increase in India’s Ramsar Sites

Project Vault is a public–private programme in the United States aimed at purchasing, storing, and managing critical minerals and rare earth elements essential for strategic civilian and defence industries, similar in concept to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Announced under former President Donald Trump, the initiative is funded through a combination of private investment and support … Continue reading Project Vault: US Critical Minerals Stockpiling Initiative

The Union Budget 2026–27 has proposed developing ‘turtle trails’ along major Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites to promote eco-tourism and conservation. Turtle trails are regulated eco-tourism pathways and guided visitor experiences near nesting beaches, designed to balance wildlife protection with sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. The initiative will cover key nesting areas in Odisha—Rushikulya … Continue reading Turtle Trails for Olive Ridley Conservation

The apex body of the Sangtam Naga community in Nagaland has passed a resolution to safeguard pangolins within its jurisdiction. The Sangtams, mainly residing in Kiphire and Tuensang districts near the India–Myanmar border, follow strong customary governance systems that influence local conservation practices. Given the region’s vulnerability to wildlife trafficking, the decision highlights the growing … Continue reading Sangtam Community Resolution to Protect Pangolins

Researchers at Nagaland University have conducted a GIS-based study analysing how geo-ecological conditions and human activities affect runoff and river flow in the Northeastern Himalayan region, an area marked by data gaps. The research examines the hydrological impact of land use change on river discharge, floods, and environmental degradation, aiming to resolve ongoing scientific debates … Continue reading GIS-Based Hydrological Study in NE Himalayas

A Stanford-led study has identified 459 rare earthquakes originating deep within the continental mantle, marking the first global mapping of such events. Unlike typical crustal earthquakes, these occur more than 80 km below the Mohorovičić discontinuity, within high-pressure mantle conditions where brittle failure is uncommon. The events are concentrated in tectonically active regions, notably the … Continue reading Continental Mantle Earthquakes: Global Mapping