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New Indian Express
07-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Colourful Monkey Puzzle butterfly spotted in MP's Pench Tiger Reserve
BHOPAL: In a heartening discovery, a vibrant Monkey Puzzle butterfly has been spotted in the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) of south-eastern Madhya Pradesh, famously known as the 'Land of Jungle Book's Mowgli.' Forest guards in PTR, have now taken up photography as part of a unique conservation effort. With their mobile phones, they have helped identify nearly 100 species of butterflies and 44 species of wild mushrooms, many of which are mostly of European origin. These discoveries were made across the 1,179 sq km reserve, particularly in its 411 sq km core area. Among the butterflies, the Monkey Puzzle 'Rathinda' was captured on camera—believed to be the first time it has been spotted in the forests of Central India. 'Each forest guard and associated watchers/chowkidars work in an average area of 5-7 square km and serve as the backbone of conservation efforts, by working tirelessly on the frontlines to protect forests and wildlife. Over the years, the round-the-clock patrolling duties to track the movement of carnivores, like tigers and leopards and preventing any possible animal poaching and tree felling in the dense forests make them feel aloof and often leaves them fatigued. The entire idea of training them in clicking perfect pictures of insects and butterflies was aimed to enrich their work, decrease monotony by incentives like photography competitions and ultimately improve their precise vision and reflexes,' said PTR's deputy director Rajnish Singh. He added, 'While large number of forest guards were engaged in the unique exercise for the last many months, over 30 of them, aided by watchers and chowkidars, have really done good. One of them Milind Gedam helped us spot the butterfly Monkey Puzzle, perhaps the first time ever in the Central Indian jungles. We've so far identified 100 butterfly species, which are being compiled in a booklet titled 'Butterflies and Tiger: Photographs by the Brave Forest Guards of Pench,' to be released on July 29 (International Tiger Day).'
Hindustan Times
08-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Decline in tiger prey due to civil unrest, deforestation, poaching: New report
Guwahati: A recent report by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has raised concerns over the declining population of ungulates — hoofed mammals such as deer, antelopes, and wild boars — in over a quarter of India's tiger habitats, citing rising civil unrest and human-wildlife conflict as major causes. 'Ungulates play a key role in sustaining large carnivores like tigers and leopards and medium ones like hyenas and jackals. A thriving ungulate population sustains these carnivores, which in turn play a vital role in regulating the predator-prey dynamic essential for maintaining ecological balance,' the report uploaded on the WII website last week said. The report, based on the first-ever study on the status of ungulates conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Dehradun-based WII, using data from the 2022 tiger census, highlights multiple threats faced by these hoofed mammals. These include habitat loss due to deforestation, urbanisation, and agricultural expansion, as well as poaching and the decline of livestock. Human-wildlife conflict, particularly crop raiding by certain ungulate species, often leads to retaliatory killings, further contributing to their population decline. A total of 39 species of ungulates are reported in India. Chital, sambar, wild pig, nilgai, barking deer, and gaur are the most abundant herbivorous ungulate species and are widely distributed across India, unlike other ungulate species which have much smaller and specialised fundamental niches. The report mentioned that densities of 30 or more prey per square kilometre can support over four tigers per 100 square kilometres, and this tiger density scales with increasing prey availability. Also Read: 272 km fencing to curb man-animal conflict in UP: Govt 'In Odisha, both prey and tiger densities are low. High bushmeat consumption and civil unrest in the region negatively impact wildlife presence, leading to low ungulate densities,' the report read. Similarly, 'Palamau (tiger reserve in Jharkhand), an important part of the Central Indian corridor, faces challenges such as left-wing extremism, which affects wildlife presence. The area has very low ungulate and leopard densities and has not had a resident tiger population for more than a decade,' it added. Maharashtra tiger reserves, particularly Tadoba, and in Ratapani of Madhya Pradesh, carnivore presence is high, whereas prey density remains low. As a result, these areas experience high rates of livestock depredation, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict. Similarly, tiger reserves like Nagarjun Sagar (Andhra Pradesh) and Amarabad (Telangana) show a rapidly increasing tiger population but low prey density. Without prey recovery and supplementation, human-wildlife conflict in this region is also expected to rise rapidly, the report said. The report also mentioned that the Valmiki-Sohagibarwa landscape (in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh respectively) has a high human population density alongside an increasing tiger population. 'Without a proper ungulate population recovery plan, this landscape may experience heightened conflict between carnivores, livestock, and humans,' the report added. Also Read: Human-wildlife conflicts: Karnataka, Kerala ink pact The study found a decline in populations of chital, sambar, and gaur in 28, 27, and 28 percent of the tiger habitats in India between 2014 and 2022. The populations of the three species were found either stable or showed an increase in the rest of the tiger habitats during the same period. Chital, sambar, and gaur are key prey species in the tiger's diet. 'Chital, sambar, and gaur exhibit similar population trends with approximately 27% of sites showing a decline. This correlates to an increased probability of livestock depredation in these areas,' the report said. Areas with high densities of these ungulates often support higher tiger densities. When preferred prey is not available, tigers shift to smaller prey such as wild pigs or barking deer, the report added. 'As prey densities increase, tiger densities rise sharply, reflecting the critical role of prey abundance in supporting predator populations. However, beyond 75 prey per square kilometre, the curve plateaus, indicating diminishing returns where additional prey no longer correlates with higher tiger densities,' the report said.
News18
07-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- News18
World Poha Day: What You Didn't Know About Poha's Role in Indian Matchmaking
Last Updated: In many North and Central Indian households, the first meeting between a prospective bride and groom, typically with their families often features poha In the complex and colourful world of Indian matchmaking, much has been said about horoscopes, family background, and social compatibility. But one unlikely hero has quietly played a starring role in many matrimonial meetings across the country: Poha. Yes, the humble, fluffy, turmeric-tinged dish of flattened rice is not just a staple breakfast—it's a cultural signal, a conversation starter, and, believe it or not, an unofficial screening tool in Indian arranged marriages. And as matchmakers and modern families alike embrace tradition with a twist, the beloved dish of Fortune Poha continues to be at the center of it all, symbolizing comfort, familiarity, and good taste. Nutritionist Sonia Shah, Fortune Foods, AWL Agri Business Ltd shares all you need to know: A great ice-breaker In many North and Central Indian households, the first meeting between a prospective bride and groom – typically with their families – often features poha, which is commonly served as the welcome snack. Light yet filling, simple yet flavourful, it helps create a relaxed, homey atmosphere. It's a non-controversial, vegetarian, and easy-to-eat dish that does not create a mess. But more than just a dish, poha is a litmus test for the prospective couple – can the bride prepare the dish? Does the groom appreciate traditional food? While it might seem quaint to some, in numerous households, the preparation and presentation of poha is still seen as a sign of domestic capability, hospitality, and cultural alignment. In fact, the concept of this 'poha test' has become a popular tongue-in-cheek phrase in many households. It refers to the notion that making good poha reflects not just culinary skill, but also care, balance, and an understanding of tradition. It's not uncommon for older generations to joke that a perfectly made plate of poha could quietly sway opinions during a rishta meeting. This unspoken role of poha in matchmaking highlights how food, even a dish as humble as flattened rice, can become a potent cultural symbol — representing home, harmony, and the start of something new. Why poha? So why poha and not, say, samosas or sweets? The answer lies in the flattened rice dish's simplicity. Poha is light on the stomach, which is ideal for nerve-wracking first-meetings. It's quick to prepare, yet offers ample room for creativity — add peanuts for crunch, pomegranate for a splash of colour, or a squeeze of lime for that tangy brightness. What's more, the dish is universally loved across states, making it a safe choice regardless of the guest's specific preferences. This inherent appeal can be further enhanced by the quality of the poha itself. When prepared with Fortune Poha, the experience is even more elevated. Made from premium quality rice, Fortune Poha consistently delivers fluffy texture and absorbs flavours without turning soggy. Its clean, sorted grains cook evenly and lend themselves perfectly to both classic and contemporary recipes. For families hoping to make a lasting positive impression during such meetings, Fortune Poha offers an element of reliability. Whether it's the groom's mother preparing it for her guests or the prospective bride showcasing her culinary skills, Fortune Poha ensures the dish lives up to the moment. Modern twist to an age-old custom While the tradition of serving poha during matchmaking may have its roots in older customs, modern couples are reinterpreting it with contemporary flair. Some serve poha bowls with fusion toppings, others present it as poha bruschetta or mini poha cups as part of a high-tea spread. And yet, the sentiment that poha is comfort, authentic and home endures at its core. Even in today's fast-paced dating-app era, many Indian families continue to follow the 'girl-seeing' or 'rishta' meeting format. More often than not, a plate of warm, fragrant poha still sits quietly at the centre of the table, a humble witness to the beginning of countless new love stories. So, the next time you serve or eat poha, remember it might just be doing more than filling your stomach — it could be sealing a match! The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : latest news lifestyle news18 poha Poha breakfast poha recipe Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 22:38 IST News lifestyle » food World Poha Day: What You Didn't Know About Poha's Role in Indian Matchmaking
Time of India
06-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Bison count in Debrigarh goes up by 129; current popn becomes 788
Bhubaneswar: Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary on Friday recorded an increase of 129 Indian bison in the summer census in just a few months, bringing their total count to 788. In the winter census, their number was 659. This time, Debrigarh, the lone sanctuary in the state with a rich bison density, recorded 60 herds, compared to 52 herds in the last census. The 788 gaurs include 315 juveniles (less than two years old) and 128 newborns (less than three months old). The juveniles constitute 40% of the total population. "Due to the increase in population, herds keep drifting, with female adults leading a herd and guiding other sub-adults and juveniles," said Anshu Pragyan Das, divisional forest officer, Debrigarh. Indian bison, or gaurs, are primary prey for carnivores in any habitat. They are particularly favoured by big cats such as Royal Bengal Tigers and leopards. Das added that mostly in the Central Indian landscape and a few other parts of India, summer marks the breeding season for Indian bisons. To determine the peak breeding season, peak calving season and further understand the population dynamics of Indian bisons, there will be a monthly survey to count the number of newborns in the population during the monsoon and winter this year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Walgreens Keeps Quiet About This '9 Pills for $7' Generic Cialis Deal Friday Plans Get Offer Undo "This will strengthen the conservation of the Schedule-1 species in this landscape as Debrigarh has exhibited a healthy density of bisons compared to other habitats in India," she said. Wildlife officials stated that bisons can migrate long distances, but in Debrigarh, they are seen to display seasonal movement ranging from five to 15km per day, keeping their territory mostly intact. In the safari zone, a total of 145 bisons are sighted in six herds. For the count, the wildlife wing engaged 73 census units with 147 members. They conducted a three-day direct counting from 6 am to 6 pm. As many as 122 camera traps and 130 pug impression pads were used for the census. The Debrigarh bison is mostly seen along the shoreline of the Hirakud reservoir bordering the sanctuary. An adult gaur weighs up to 1500 kg, officials said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Report flags tiger-human conflict risk as prey base shrinks in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha
Even as India celebrates a rise in its tiger population, a new national assessment has flagged an emerging conservation challenge: some of the prey species that sustain these big cats — chital (spotted deer), sambar (large deer), and the vulnerable gaur (Indian bison) — are declining across key tiger landscapes in east-central India, particularly in Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. These findings come from a first-of-its-kind assessment of ungulates (hoofed mammals) conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), using data from India's 2022 tiger census. Ungulates form the bulk of a tiger's diet and are also critical to the forest ecosystem. Yet, across tiger habitats in these regions, they are facing increasing pressure from loss of habitat due to deforestation, development, agricultural expansion, urbanisation, human-wildlife conflict, and subsistence hunting. The report points to the broader consequences, drawing a direct link between low prey numbers and human-wildlife conflict. 'High bushmeat consumption and civil unrest in the region negatively impact wildlife presence, leading to low ungulate densities,' the report notes on Odisha. 'Palamau (in Jharkhand), an important part of the Central Indian corridor, faces challenges such as Left Wing Extremism, which affects wildlife presence,' it says. To revive prey populations, the report recommends on-site breeding of chital and sambar in secure enclosures designed to keep out predators. However, even as eastern and central Indian states are seeing prey depletion, several other landscapes show healthier trends. The Shivalik Hills and Gangetic plains — from Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh to eastern Bihar — as well as tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have a stable prey base. In the Western Ghats, chital, sambar, wild pigs, gaur and barking deer are widely distributed, while the hog deer and wild pigs dominate in the Northeast. The report Status of Ungulates in Tiger Habitats of India is based on field data from the 2022 tiger estimation, supplemented with data from the 2018 and 2014 cycles. While ungulates have been mapped in each cycle, this is the first time their data has been analysed and published separately. Unlike tigers, whose individual numbers are tracked, prey estimation focused on mapping the density of chital and sambar. For other ungulates, scientists estimated where these animals are found and how many there might be, based on direct and indirect evidence such as field surveys, dung trails, and camera trap images. India is home to over 3,600 wild tigers — about 70% of the global population — and their survival depends heavily on prey such as chital, sambar and gaur. Other species in their diet include nilgai, wild pigs, hog deer, barking deer and chinkara. Leopards, wild dogs, jackals and hyenas also rely on the same prey base. 'The quality of forests within 40 per cent of tiger reserves — and outside them — is low. These assessments (of ungulates) are crucial as we have to look beyond the numbers (of tigers). These are measurable biodiversity indicators and can guide us on how to address forest quality on a large scale,' said Qamar Qureshi, wildlife biologist and co-author of the report. According to the report, a density of 30 ungulates per square km can support four tigers in 100 square km. Tiger numbers may rise with prey density, but plateau at about 75 ungulates per sq km due to ecological constraints such as territoriality, competition and lack of habitat connectivity. Among the tiger reserves, Pench in Madhya Pradesh has one of the highest chital densities — nearly 54 per sq km. 'Maintaining quality habitat and reducing pressures on the prey base is crucial. We are working with WII to improve prey density,' said Gobind Sagar Bharadwaj, Additional Director General of Forests (Project Tiger) and NTCA Member Secretary. The report draws a link between low prey numbers and human-wildlife conflict. In areas like Tadoba (Maharashtra) and Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh), tigers are attacking livestock due to the lack of natural prey, sparking conflict with local communities. The report also identifies strongholds of prey abundance. Chital populations were found thriving across clusters like Rajaji-Corbett-Ramnagar-Pilibhit-Dudhwa (Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh), Kanha-Pench-Achanakmar (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh), Bandhavgarh-Sanjay Dubri-Veerangana Durgawati (Madhya Pradesh), and the Nagarhole-Bandipur-BRT-Wayanad-Mudumalai-Sathyamangalam landscape (Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu). These clusters span diverse forest types — from the Terai-Duar savannas to the moist deciduous forests of Central and Southern India. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... 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