The Journal of Threatened Taxa is a monthly, peer-reviewed, scientific, open access, international journal on conservation and all associated fields. The aim is to make research results, data, scientific information available free and wide. The motto is to build evidence for conservation globally!
Wildlife Information Liaison Development (WILD) Society
Authors own the copyright to the articles published in JoTT. This is indicated explicitly in each publication. The authors grant permission to the publisher Wildlife Information Liaison Development (WILD) Society to publish the article in the Journal of Threatened Taxa. The authors recognize WILD as the original publisher, and to sell hard copies of the Journal and article to any buyer. JoTT is registered under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY), which allows authors to retain copyright ownership. Under this license the authors allow anyone to download, cite, use the data, modify, reprint, copy and distribute provided the authors and source of publication are credited through appropriate citations (e.g., Son et al. (2016). Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) of the southeastern Truong Son Mountains, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. Journal of Threatened Taxa 8(7): 8953–8969. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.2785.8.7.8953-8969). Users of the data do not require specific permission from the authors or the publisher.
Recent sighting of Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes Dumont, 1820 (Aves: Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) in Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand, India
The Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes is a small migratory raptor of the family Accipitridae, primarily distributed across northeastern India, the eastern Himalaya, and southeastern Asia, with scattered seasonal records from peninsular and western India. Validated records from northern India remain limited. A single individual was observed on 20 December 2025 in a semi-evergreen forest-edge habitat near Chorgaliya, Uttarakhand. The identification was confirmed using diagnostic plumage characters and photographic evidence. Previous records from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry suggest that the species exhibits broader seasonal occurrence patterns across India than previously understood. The present observation represents the first scientifically documented record of the species from the Nandhaur landscape and constitutes a notable northwestern range extension within the Indian subcontinent. The occurrence during winter further supports the possibility of seasonal dispersal or migratory movement from eastern populations. This record highlights the ecological importance of the Terai–Bhabar landscape as a potential stopover or seasonal foraging habitat for migratory raptors and emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring of avifaunal movements in the Himalayan foothills.
Copyright (c) 2026 Prashant Kumar, Inder Singh Rautela, Chandan Kumar, Pawan Koranga, Deepak Dharmashktu, Kundan Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Taxonomic reassessment of Ompok hypophthalmus (Bleeker, 1846) (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes: Siluridae) in Indonesia with global implications
Indonesia harbors exceptional freshwater fish diversity, yet taxonomic uncertainty persists for several economically important species, including Ompok hypophthalmus. This study provides a critical assessment of the morphological and molecular identification of O. hypophthalmus in Indonesia by analyzing published literature and publicly available mitochondrial DNA sequence data retrieved from resources such as NCBI. Morphological revisions by Ng (2003) recognized three distinct taxa within the O. hypophthalmus complex (O. hypophthalmus, O. rhadinurus, and O. urbaini), yet subsequent studies have frequently applied species names inconsistently, particularly in Sumatra. Analysis of available cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and cytochrome b (Cyt b) sequences reveals substantial genetic structuring among river populations, suggesting historical misidentification and possible cryptic diversity. Limited sequence availability and incomplete geographic coverage preclude definitive conclusions regarding species boundaries in some river systems. This study highlights the urgent need for integrative taxonomy, i.e., combining morphology, standardized DNA barcoding, and expanded sampling to resolve species identities and to support effective fisheries management and conservation planning in Indonesian freshwater ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dinesh Nalage, Tejswini Sontakke, Ashwini Biradar, Vidya Pradhan, P.S. Kudnar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An evasive naticid surfaces in India: first confirmed report of Gennaeosinum perobliquum (Dautzenberg & Fischer, 1907) (Gastropoda: Naticidae)
This study provides the first record of the naticid species Gennaeosinum perobliquum in Indian waters. Previously documented from Vietnam, Indonesia, and South Africa, G. perobliquum was collected during a benthic survey, from the intertidal zone of Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha, on the eastern coast of India. A clear description of the shell morphology is provided, along with detailed morphometric and imaging analyses. By comparing G. perobliquum with related naticid species found in India, this work aims to refine taxonomic understanding and contribute to knowledge of naticid biodiversity in the region. This newly documented record not only expands the known geographic distribution of G. perobliquum but also underscores the importance of continued benthic faunal surveys for further exploration of molluscan biodiversity in the Bay of Bengal and adjacent regions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aparna Mishra, Sanjaya Dalai, Roberto Ardovini, N.V. Subba Rao, Dipti Raut https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New breeding record of Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus from Malappuram District, Kerala, India
A breeding colony of Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus was recorded on 4th November 2025 at Edavannappara, Malappuram District, Kerala, India. Three active nests containing seven chicks were observed on upper branches of Alstonia scholaris. The nesting tree was located along a busy roadside exposed to daily disturbances, frequent human interference and vehicular traffic. The surrounding landscape comprised paddy fields and agro-ecosystems. This observation represents a new breeding record of the species from Malappuram District and highlights the ecological importance of the area for the conservation of waterbirds. Long term monitoring and protection of the breeding habitat are essential for sustaining the local population.
Copyright (c) 2026 K.K. Junaina, A.P. Rashiba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A nesting attempt by Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus in an inland wetland in Kachchh District, Gujarat, India
India is home to the two flamingo species – Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus and Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor. Saline mudflats (Rann) of the Kachchh landscape in western India support the largest breeding sites of flamingos in Asia. In 2019, we conducted a wetland survey across Kachchh between January and December 2019 and recorded nesting of Greater Flamingos in Ratnal, a freshwater irrigation tank. Around 400 Greater and 700 Lesser Flamingos were observed foraging at this site on 25 July 2019. We recorded a total of 35 mud mounds, the morphometrics of 10 intact mounds were taken, and the mean height was 26.4 (± 2.38) cm, and the circumference was 28.4 (±1.36) cm. These measurements closely matched the published dimensions of Greater Flamingo nests, indicating the species likely constructed them. The courtship displays of both species were observed during the study period; however, no eggs were laid. Further, the nests were abandoned following heavy rainfall in August 2019. We monitored the wetland for the next three years, 2020–2023, but no further nesting attempt was recorded. This observation likely represents a false nesting attempt by Greater Flamingo and highlights potential flexibility in nest-site selection, underscoring the importance of systematic monitoring of freshwater wetlands, and they may serve as both breeding and non-breeding habitats.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gaurav Sirola, Harindra Baraiya, Rajdeep Mitra, Anju Baroth, R Suresh Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Rapid increase in artificial-substrate nesting by White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster (Gmelin, 1788) (Aves: Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) in Tamil Nadu, India
White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster is a coastal apex predator whose nesting ecology is associated with the availability of tall trees along water bodies. An increase in anthropogenic pressure along the southeastern coast of India has led to nesting adaptations, including the use of artificial substrates. Here, unusual observations on four nests constructed on artificial structures within a single breeding season (2025–2026) in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, of which three were successful are reported. Only one artificial substrate nest was recorded in the previous decade. This represents a notable increase compared to previous records from the region and suggests a potential behavioural shift. Nesting activity patterns, breeding success, and conservation implications in the context of habitat modification and ecological traps are discussed.
Copyright (c) 2026 H. Byju, N. Raveendran, H. Maitreyi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Theileriosis in a captive Indian Gaur Bos gaurus: a rare encounter
This study describes fatal theileriosis in two captive Indian Gaurs Bos gaurus housed at Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Patna, Bihar, India. Both animals exhibited high fever, anorexia, lethargy, congested mucous membranes, subcutaneous haemorrhages and enlarged lymph nodes and subsequently succumbed to the disease. Post-mortem examination revealed enlarged lymph nodes, characteristic punched-out abomasal ulcers and petechial haemorrhages in multiple visceral organs. Diagnosis was confirmed by detection of Koch’s blue bodies in lymph node smears, histopathological lesions consistent with Theileria infection and PCR analysis. The findings highlight the occurrence of severe, fatal theileriosis in captive gaur and emphasize the need for timely diagnosis and effective control measures in zoological settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kaushal Kumar, Vishal Kumar Sinha, Deepak Kumar, Imran Ali, Ramesh Tiwary, Pankaj Kumar, Amit Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Importance of integrating multiple criteria in breeding habitat management for urban frogs and toads (Amphibia: Anura) in Jakarta City, Indonesia
This study assessed the local and landscape factors that support breeding habitats for native frog species in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. We surveyed 25 wetlands categorized into two management states and varying local and landscape features. Our results revealed that frog species exhibit diverse habitat preferences for breeding; some species prefer constructed or managed environments, some depend on more natural or minimally managed habitats, and one species was highly linked with vegetation cover and light intensity. These findings emphasize the need to incorporate multiple criteria when designing strategies to support breeding habitats for all native frog species in Jakarta. We also explored specific factors influencing breeding site selection, providing insights into the drivers of breeding habitat preferences in urban environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohamad Isnin Noer, Ivan Hafidhuddin, Agung Sedayu, Ratna Komala, Alvira Salsabila https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First photographic record of Naumann’s Thrush Turdus naumanni Temminck, 1820 from Assam, India
Naumann’s Thrush Turdus naumanni Temminck, 1820, is a Palearctic thrush that undertakes regular winter movements into eastern Asia and occasional irruptive southward dispersals; these movements track resources, support population connectivity, and signal large-scale weather/climatic displacements. The Brahmaputra Valley’s grassland–agroecosystem mosaics are important reception and foraging areas for such Palearctic vagrants. On 13 January 2026, a female T. naumanni was photographed at Panbari, Dhemaji District (~105 m elevation); detailed images and expert review confirmed a pure individual (extensive rufous-orange underparts, pale supercilium, brown-rufous chest streaking, pale brown upperparts, and no hybrid wing panels). This is the first confirmed photographic record for Dhemaji District and an unusually low-elevation winter occurrence for India, underscoring the value of targeted winter monitoring of open grassland/agro-habitats and systematic photographic documentation to distinguish pure versus hybrid thrushes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pulakeswar Basumatary https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First photographic record of the Himalayan Red Panda Ailurus fulgens (Mammalia: Carnivora: Ailuridae) in Yordi Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India
The Himalayan Red Panda Ailurus fulgens, an endangered species of the eastern Himalaya, is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and limited ecological data across parts of its range. In Arunachal Pradesh, despite extensive suitable habitat, confirmed records from several protected areas remain scarce. Here we present the first confirmed photographic evidence of the Red Panda Ailurus fulgens from the Yordi Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary (YRSWS) using camera traps. The species was recorded at elevations of 2,409 m and 2,848 m in high altitude temperate forest habitats characterized by dense multi-layered vegetation with a moist understory, providing important field-based confirmation of the species’ presence in a previously undocumented area. These records highlight the conservation significance of YRSWS and emphasize the need for further systematic monitoring and strengthened protection of its habitats in central Arunachal Pradesh.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yomto Mayi, Shantabala Devi Gurumayum, Salvador Lyngdoh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A comparative web-traffic analysis of three renowned wildlife conservation organisations - International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) are among the leading wildlife organisations that provide significant scientific information. These organisations, through their highly data-centric and interactive websites, communicate conservation and have been accessed by an audience base across the globe. Each part of the world encounters a diverse range of conservation-related issues. Analysing the communication strategies of each of these websites can provide key insights into the domain of wildlife conservation pedagogy. This study is based on quantitative web analytics utilising web tools and software that provide insights such as attributes and visual portraits on the engagement of the audience of these websites, trending search topics, audience engagement, learning behaviours, website performance, user behaviour analysis, and communication strategies. WWF recorded the highest monthly visits (≈ 1.56 million) but the highest bounce rate (68.63%), whereas IUCN recorded the longest mean visit duration (2 min 21 s). The findings describe how the three organisations’ publicly reported web-traffic profiles differ in audience geography, search-term composition, social-referral mix and engagement metrics and discuss the limits of inferring audience intent from aggregate analytics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saswat Pati, V. Vijay Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First record of the Sistan Sand Boa Eryx sistanensis Eskandarzadeh et al., 2020 (Reptilia: Serpentes: Erycidae) from India
We report the presence of Sistan sand boa Eryx sistanensis, a species known from Iran and Pakistan, from northern parts of Thar desert of northwestern India by presenting detailed diagnosis of three live individuals from Rajasthan. Data obtained from the Indian individuals offers moderately updated definition of E. sistanensis and helps distinguishing it more effectively from its look-alike, Eryx johnii by comparing their morphology in life. Additionally, based on our past findings and sightings posted in social media and from wildlife colleagues from our network, we hint its wider presence in the low rainfall areas of three states of northwestern India, including Haryana and Punjab, apart from Rajasthan.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vivek Sharma, Dharmendra Khandal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Succession of biofouling organisms on structural materials and their environmental drivers off the Kalpakkam coast, India
The settlement and succession of marine fouling organisms were monitored on three structural materials—stainless steel (SS), titanium (Ti), and fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP)—over a 300-day static immersion in coastal waters of Kalpakkam along the eastern coast of India. Barnacles were found to be initial settlers, with 15 fouling species identified during the study period. The final climax community was dominated by green mussels, hydroids, and barnacles on all three substrates. Biofouling load was the highest on FRP (23.6 kg/m²), followed by SS (20.11 kg/m²) and Ti (16.19 kg/m²) after 300 days of exposure. Interestingly, green mussels colonized after 150 days of exposure signifying their preference for cues from the substratum. Correlation analysis revealed strong relationships between environmental parameters and fouling loads. Temperature and salinity were positively correlated (r = 0.874), while temperature and dissolved oxygen showed a negative correlation (r = -0.646). FRP surfaces supported the highest diversity and biomass accumulation compared to Ti and SS surfaces. Results of the study indicate material-specific differences in biofouling loads and findings have implication in the choice of material selection for cooling water system as well as for offshore aquaculture structures.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bandita Badakumar, D. Inbakandan, P. Sriyutha Murthy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Addition of five lesser known angiosperm species from Mizoram, India
Five angiosperm species, Cajanus elongatus (Benth.) Maesen (Fabaceae), Crotalaria meghalayensis Danda & A.K.Pandey (Fabaceae), Mycetia malayana (G.Don) Craib (Rubiaceae), Microchirita karaketii D.J.Middleton & Triboun (Gesneriaceae), and Peliosanthes griffithii Baker (Asparagaceae) are reported as new distribution records for Mizoram, India. Species identification was confirmed through detailed morphological examination, supported by relevant literature and herbarium studies. Comprehensive taxonomic descriptions, distribution data, and photographic documentation are provided.
Copyright (c) 2026 R. Lalthantluanga, Dorothy Lalbiakhluni, Vanlalawmpuia Sailo, Rose Laldinaii Darnei, R. Lalhruaitluangi, Sanatombi Devi Yumkham, Sandhyarani Devi Khomdram https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lotus Nelumbo cultivations of Beehama Ganderbal offer novel habitats for diversity and seasonal variation of wetland birds
Conversion of marshy paddy fields into Nelumbo (lotus) gardens by the farmers of Beehama Ganderbal, Jammu & Kashmir has not only increased their livelihood and economy but also started yielding ecological dividends although unintentionally, because these Nelumbo gardens, along with adjoining Salix cultivations are now serving as alternative and rich habitats for the thriving of wetland birds. The present study was designed to assess the wetland bird assemblages in these artificial Nelumbo gardens to understand the species composition and richness along with their seasonal variation from March 2023 to February 2025. The study revealed that these artificial Nelumbo gardens can act as potential alternative feeding and breeding grounds for the diversity of wetland birds when main wetlands are shrinking due to anthropogenic activities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sheikh Tanveer Salam, Fayaz Ahmad Ahanger, Showkat Ahmad Wani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Photographic record of the Eastern Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis cf. proarchos (Wall, 1909) from Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh, India
The Eastern Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis proarchos (Wall, 1909), widely distributed across the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, including northeastern India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, northern Laos, northern Vietnam, and southern China. In India, the species has been documented from several northeastern states, such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and West Bengal through museum and field records, with a few possibly human-mediated reports from western and central India (e.g., Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh). However, its occurrence in Uttar Pradesh has remained uncertain due to the absence of verifiable photographic or voucher-based evidence. Here, this study reports a photographic record of Dendrelaphis cf. proarchos from Uttar Pradesh, based on a road-killed individual recorded from the core area of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. This sighting records the occurrence of Dendrelaphis cf. proarchos in Uttar Pradesh and contributes to a refined understanding of snake diversity in the Terai Arc Landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vipin Kapoor Sainy, Aqsa Jaseem, Rohit Ravi, Apoorva Gupta, H. Raja Mohan, R. Jagadeesh, Kirti Chaudhary https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The dragonfly (Odonata) community structure at Sukamade Resort, Meru Betiri National Park, Indonesia
Sukamade Resort, located within Meru Betiri National Park, is a conservation management area. Dragonflies have significant diversity and extensive spread, and their presence in conservation areas is linked to the availability of ecological resources such as abundant vegetation near aquatic habitats. This study ascertained the composition of the dragonfly community in Sukamade Resort at four sampling sites to provide data for conservation area management. Of the 17 species recognized, Orthetrum sabina and Pseudagrion microcephalum had the greatest population density across all locales. The diversity index indicated a moderate level, the Margalef index demonstrated low requirements, the dominance index was low, and evenness was high. The important value index (IVI) indicates that Neurothemis ramburii, Orthetrum sabina, and Libellago lineata had the highest ecological importance (IVI = 0.38). Canonical correspondence analysis indicates that Pseudagrion microcephalum, Zyxomma obtusum, Ischnura senegalensis, Diplacodes trivialis, and Trithemis festiva are associated with air humidity characteristics at the Great Estuary location. It is concluded that the presence of dragonflies is influenced by habitat factors such as aquatic substrate composition, abiotic parameters (light, temperature, humidity), and riparian vegetation. Protecting riparian habitats and maintaining good water quality are crucial for the conservation of dragonflies, which reflect healthy ecological conditions and support the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdu Rohman, Wachju Subchan, Dwi Artika Amalia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Westward range extension of the Greater Blue-wing Selys, 1883 (Insecta: Odonata: Libellulidae) into Uttarakhand, India
Rhyothemis plutonia Selys, 1883 was recorded from Dhela, Uttarakhand, representing the first confirmed occurrence of the species in the state and western Himalaya. This finding extends the known distribution of the species by over 500 km westward from previously reported records in Nepal and northeastern India.
Copyright (c) 2026 Omkar Sanjay Damle https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Book Review: At the Point of No Return? – Reading Pankaj Sekhsaria’s Island on Edge: The Great Nicobar Crisis
Copyright (c) 2026 Himangshu Kalita https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A photographic record of the Chinese Pangolin Manis pentadactyla (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae) from Pakyong District, Sikkim, India
An adult individual of Chinese Pangolin Manis pentadactyla was encountered within a human habitation at Barapathing, Pakyong District, Sikkim, India. The animal was rescued and rehabilitated by the Barapathing Territorial Range, Forest & Environment Department, Government of Sikkim into the forest. This observation provides photographic evidence of Manis pentadactyla in Sikkim and highlights human-wildlife interactions probably driven by habitat fragmentation due to road construction and upgradation. This record emphasizes the urgent need for systematic surveys and conservation interventions in the region as the species is Critically Endangered.
Copyright (c) 2026 Prashanti Pradhan, Jampal Dorjee Bhutia, Prem Kumar Chettri, Bharat Kumar Pradhan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing avifaunal diversity and anthropogenic impacts on Ladhwaya Pond, Gwalior, India
Village ponds serve as important micro-wetland habitats that support diverse avifauna yet are subject to anthropogenic pressures. The present study assessed the avifaunal diversity and seasonal variations in Ladhwaya Pond, Tekanpur, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), India, during 2024–2025 using point count and line transect methods. A total of 52 bird species belonging to 33 families and 17 orders were recorded, comprising resident and migratory species. Passeriformes was the dominant order, followed by Columbiformes and Charadriiformes. Diversity indices revealed the highest species diversity during winter (ShannonWiener H’ = 1.563; Simpson index = 0.826), indicating the pond’s seasonal importance as a refuge for migratory and water-dependent birds. Most species (98.1%) were categorized as ‘Least Concern’, while one ‘Near Threatened’ species, the Asian Woolly-necked Stork was documented, emphasizing the conservation value. Field observation indicated that grazing, unregulated fishing, agricultural runoff, and human disturbance significantly influenced habitat quality and bird assemblages, favouring disturbance-tolerant generalist species over sensitive taxa. The study highlights the ecological role of small rural wetlands in sustaining local and migratory bird populations and underscores the urgent need for habitat restoration, disturbance regulation, and community-based conservation measures to maintain avifaunal diversity in such anthropogenically pressured pond ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2026 R.K. Lodhi, N.P. Gour, S. Shakya, A. Jain, R.K. Gurjwar, R.J. Rao https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Asiatic Elephant conservation as a driver of forest carbon stock stabilization and avoided degradation in India
The conservation of the Asiatic Elephant Elephas maximus indicus serves a dual purpose: it maintains forest integrity and indirectly enhances carbon sequestration in the tropical ecosystems. This study assesses the relationship between elephant conservation efforts, the expansion of elephant reserves (ERs), and wildlife-associated carbon stock enhancement in India from 1992–2025. The present study employed an IPCC Tier-2–aligned model to estimate total carbon stock changes. This model integrated three primary data streams: elephant census data; the temporal expansion of ER surface area; and land use land cover-based carbon densities. Between 1992 and 2025, the ER network expanded from 18,297 km² to 80,777 km². This expansion coincided with a modest 6.7% increase in elephant population. The estimated total carbon stock within ER landscapes increased by 38%; however, this increase primarily reflects enhanced protection and reduced degradation of pre-existing forest carbon stocks, rather than newly generated biomass. Area-based protection accounted for ~95% of the observed change, while direct faunal biomass contribution remained limited. These findings highlight the role of conservation-driven land-use stabilization in supporting climate mitigation, while emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation of wildlife–carbon relationships.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tarun Kathula, Tanu Jindal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Herpetofauna of the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape, Nepal: a comprehensive species checklist including occurrence in protected areas, with suggested conservation recommendations
We present an up-to-date species list of all known amphibians and reptiles of the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape (CHAL), comprising a total of 140 species that includes 35 amphibian and 105 reptile species, representing 63% of amphibians and 71% of reptiles known from Nepal. Of the six protected areas in the CHAL, Chitwan National Park has the highest species richness of herpetofauna (n=90), followed by Annapurna Conservation Area (n = 73 species), Parsa National Park (n = 58), Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park (n = 53), Langtang National Park (n = 47) and Manaslu Conservation Area (n = 45). Data from the IUCN Red List shows that the herpetofauna of the CHAL includes four Critically Endangered reptile species, six Endangered species (five reptiles and one amphibian) and eight Vulnerable species (five reptiles and three amphibians). We recommend more inclusive conservation measures to ensure the long-term conservation of the full range of biodiversity in the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 Santosh Bhattarai, Bishal Prasad Neupane, Bivek Gautam, Prabin Shrestha, Ashley R. Olson, Fiona Hogan, Wendy Wright https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New record of two natricine snakes, (Wall, 1925) and Nguyen et al., 2024 (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae), from India
Two natricine snakes, Hebius gilhodesi and Herpetoreas davidi, are reported for the first time from India based on mitochondrial DNA and morphological data. This study extends the northwestern-most distribution of H. gilhodesi by 107 km and H. davidi by 577 km, both of which were thus far known only from adjacent Myanmar. Additionally, a detailed description of the hemipenial morphology of H. gilhodesi is provided.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sourav Dutta, Bitupan Boruah, Abhijit Das https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal, India: a preliminary checklist
The present study from Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary records a total of 98 butterfly species among which 66 species are found as ‘first-time records’ from the sanctuary. Therein, eight butterfly species are scheduled under the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 and two are enlisted in the IUCN species list (2016). Nymphalids were recorded at the highest frequency (45.92%) whereas Riodinids are rarest (2.04%).
Copyright (c) 2026 Ratnadeep Sarkar, Priyanka Rai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Preliminary observations on the breeding ecology and potential threats to Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata in Sithagiri Malai, Tamil Nadu, India
Bonelli’s Eagle (Mosaladikki; meaning hare hunter) Aquila fasciata is a top predator experiencing population declines across its range. This study presents preliminary findings from a periodic survey (April 2024–May 2025) in Sithagiri Malai, a rocky outcrop in Tamil Nadu, India. We document the presence of breeding territory, potential prey species, and discuss imminent threats, particularly from windmills, emphasising the ecological value of rocky outcrops for the species in this landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 S. Naveenkumar, H. Byju, H. Maitreyi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Occurrence and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in herbivores in Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, India
Gastrointestinal parasite (GI) infection causes serious illnesses, reproductive impairment, and fitness problems in animals. Animals in the wilderness are not given prophylactic measures against parasites. A study was undertaken to recognize the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in herbivores at Dampa Tiger Reserve. Different species of herbivores belonging to the families Cercopithecidae, Sciuridae, Elephantidae, Cervidae, and Bovidae were considered for this study. Fresh faecal samples were collected from individuals in the field during January–March 2019, processed to isolate various stages of GI parasites, and examined for the presence of parasite categories and stages. A total of 70 samples were collected and analyzed, 59 samples found positive for gastrointestinal parasite ova. The overall prevalence level was 84.29% of the positive samples. Thirteen parasite species were found, which belong to four groups of parasites, namely, Nematodes, Trematodes, Protozoa, and Cestodes. Ascaris sp. had the highest prevalence, followed by Strongyle and Dicrocelium sp. exhibited the lowest prevalence. The prevalence of Ascaris sp. and Strongyle were 47.68% and 30.23%, respectively. The overall prevalence level was highest in family Cervidae (54.65%), followed by Cercopithecidae (43.02%), and Sciuridae (31.39%). The family Cervidae showed a high prevalence of Ascaris sp., whereas the family Cercopithecidae exhibited a high prevalence of Strongyle compared with other families.
Copyright (c) 2026 G.S. Solanki, Lalrinkimi, Phoebe Lalremruati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New distribution records of five species of freshwater palaemonid prawns (Crustacea: Decapoda) in Nagaland, India
Freshwater palaemonid prawns of Nagaland is studied based on the collections made during different surveys from 1998 to 2022 by various survey teams of Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. Though 20 species of palaemonid prawns are reported from northeastern states of India, there are no previous reports from Nagaland. During the present study five species of palaemonid prawns—Macrobrachium cacharense (Tiwari, 1952), M. dayanum (Henderson, 1893), M. kempi (Tiwari, 1949), M. lamarrei lamarrei (H. Milne Edwards, 1837), and M. platyrostris (Tiwari, 1952)—are reported and forms first report from this underexplored state of India.
Copyright (c) 2026 K. Valarmathi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First camera-trap records of three wild carnivores from Corbett Tiger Reserve, India
Environmental changes and anthropogenic pressures are affecting species distributions globally, where some species are more vulnerable than others to these alterations. Our study documents the first photographic evidence of Indian Fox Vulpes bengalensis, Red Fox Vulpes vulpes, and Striped Hyaena Hyaena hyaena in Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand, India, using camera-trap data from the All-India Tiger estimation exercise conducted in 2018–2019 and 2021–2022. Striped Hyaena and Red Fox were recorded only once each in both periods, and Indian Fox was captured four times in 2022 across various locations. These observations indicate potential range expansions or isolated dispersal events and emphasize the need for continuous monitoring to evaluate population status and habitat use.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mridula, Kamakshi S. Tanwar, Anurag Nashirabadkar, Sudip Banerjee, Anindita Bidisha Chatterjee, Shikha Bisht, Yadvendradev V. Jhala https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sighting of vagrant Red-backed Shrike in the coastal areas of Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
We report a sighting of the Red-backed Shrike, a vagrant to peninsular India, from the coastal habitats of Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) District, Tamil Nadu. This observation is the second photographic record of the species for the state.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kishore Muthu, Anand Shibu, Santhanakrishnan Babu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0