Bhubaneswar/Ganjam: The iconic Rushikulya rookery is poised to receive designation as a Biodiversity Heritage Site under the Biological Diversity Act, marking a significant milestone in Odisha’s conservation efforts. Located along Odisha’s southern coastline, the Rushikulya river mouth is globally known as one of the most important mass nesting (arribada) sites for the endangered Olive Ridley…
Bhubaneswar: India’s highways have long symbolised speed, connectivity, and economic progress. But they have also represented ecological disruption—fragmented habitats, declining wildlife populations, and vanishing pollinators. Against this backdrop, the National Highways Authority of India’s proposal to create ‘Bee Corridors’ along national highways is a welcome, if overdue, intervention. Pollinators such as bees are not mere…
Bhubaneswar: Uttar Pradesh is set to establish India’s first National Cow Culture Museum in Mathura, aimed at showcasing the historical, cultural, and scientific significance of cows in Indian society. The proposed museum will feature dedicated galleries on the role of cows in Indian traditions, agriculture, ecology, and rural livelihoods, highlighting how indigenous cattle breeds have…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved a ₹100-crore ecotourism development project at Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, aimed at creating world-class tourism infrastructure while safeguarding the region’s fragile ecosystem. Official sources said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been cleared, with a total estimated investment of ₹99.75 crore, fully funded by the state government. The project is…
Bhubaneswar: India is set to host the first-ever Global Big Cat Summit in 2026, bringing together representatives from 95 countries to strengthen international cooperation on wildlife conservation. The summit will focus on the protection of big cat species, conservation of their natural habitats, and enhanced global collaboration to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade. It…
Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park in Odisha has reported a worrying spate of animal deaths, with eight animals dying within a span of just eight days, raising concerns among wildlife experts and animal welfare advocates. According to zoo authorities, the deaths include five crocodiles, two white peacocks, and one mouse deer. Preliminary assessments suggest that the…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will host the three-day Matsya–Pranee Samavesh Odisha (MPSO) 2026 conclave from January 21 to January 23 at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, with a focus on strengthening rural livelihoods through fisheries, animal husbandry, and rural entrepreneurship. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the conclave, which is being organised by the Fisheries…
Bhubaneswar: The annual crocodile census at Bhitarkanika National Park has recorded a steady rise in the population of estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles, reaffirming the region’s status as one of the world’s most significant crocodile habitats. According to the latest census report, 1,858 saltwater crocodiles were found this year in rivers and creeks within and around Bhitarkanika,…