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Jainism and the legendary Delhi bird hospital

The story of Delhi's Jain Bird Hospital begins, as all fairytales should, with a king in his palace in the East. The king, a follower of the Jain religion, is a pigeon fancier with a thousand birds, but one in particular has his heart: it is the most beautiful and most clever of all his pigeons.

The scandal of “Elephant shows” in Thailand

The disturbing and brutal reality that breeds these 'must see' elephant attractions is not widely known by tourists or Thais. The fact is that mahouts and elephant trainers use what is known as the 'torture training method' to make these wild creatures obedient and tourist friendly.

Mud, Man-eaters and Mangroves: Fighting to save the Sundarbans Tigers

There is only one place on earth where wild tigers live in a mangrove swamp. At 10,000km2 the Indian and Bangladeshi Sundarbans is the biggest and most bio-diverse mangrove forest in the world, and home to the tiger. With only 5000 individuals left in the wild the 400-600 tigers living in the Sundarbans makes this forest one of the endangered species' last strongholds.

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Gharial discovery update – Second study finds more

As information about gharial sightings was coming from all over the stretch we were monitoring, we were confident of their presence, so for the second effort we focused on mass awareness campaigning, especially in fishing villages near the riverbanks.

New population of Critically Endangered Gharials found on the Ganges

A new population of Critically Endangered Gharial has been found on the Ganges in an area where they have not been know for more than 40 years.

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Shocking images of the availability of illegal wildlife products in Myanmar

Live big cats, including endangered tigers and a rare Asiatic lion were observed being sold, and hundreds of tiger and leopard parts, representing over 400 individual animals, were also seen during nearly a decade of investigations in Myanmar and Thailand.

Parts from 1,000+ tigers seized in a decade

Parts of at least 1,069 tigers have been seized in tiger range countries over the past decade, according to new analysis of tiger seizures carried out by TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network.

New Snub-Nosed Monkey discovered in northern Myanmar

A team of Burmese and international primatologists have discovered a new species of monkey in Northern Myanmar. Hunters reported the presence of a monkey species with prominent lips and wide upturned nostrils, which did not fit the description of any primate currently known from the area.

Incredible array of new species found in remote Papua New Guinea

An orange spider, a jabbing spiny-legged katydid, a white-tailed mouse and a minute long-nosed frog are among an amazing 200 new species of plants and animals discovered during just two months of deep rainforest exploration in a small portion of Papua New Guinea's remote forest-cloaked mountains last year.

Search for Sri Lanka’s biggest tusker is launched

Raja is usually sighted during the drought period, from around June to September each year, when he appears suddenly, but he has not been seen since last year.

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New gibbon species discovered in Indochina

Scientists from the German Primate Center (DPZ) in Göttingen have identified a new species of gibbon: the northern buffed-cheeked gibbon, Nomascus annamensis.

Saola caught alive in Laos, first sighting for 11 years

For the first time in more than ten years, there has been a confirmed sighting of one of the rarest and most enigmatic animals in the world, the Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) from the Annamite Mountains of Laos and Vietnam.

Whale watching industry should pay whalers to stop whaling

Conservationists would save more whales from the harpoon if the whale-watching public and industry were willing to pay a levy that could be used to persuade those countries currently engaged in whaling to stop.

Leopard conservation in Iran

Leopards of Iran - Under threat
Read more »

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Race against the clock to save critically endangered Javan rhinos

Over the next two years, the Javan rhinos' habitat at the Park will undergo improvements to help protect the species from extinction caused by a single natural disaster or introduced disease.

Tiny, new, pea-sized frog is old world's smallest

The smallest frog in the Old World (Asia, Africa and Europe) and one of the world's tiniest was discovered inside and around pitcher plants in the heath forests of Borneo.

3 sites in India recommended for the reintroduction of cheetah

The Wildlife Institute of India and The Wildlife Trust of India have recommended three sites as the best places to re-introduce cheetah into India. 18 cheetah will initially be released on the 3 proposed sites; these cheetah will be obtained from the Middle East and Africa

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World’s biggest freshwater fish threatened by dams on Mekong

Wild populations of the iconic Mekong giant catfish will be driven to extinction if hydropower dams planned for the Mekong River go ahead, says a new report by WWF.

First ever pictures of ‘missing’ mammal

One of the rarest and most threatened primates in the world, the Horton Plains slender loris, so mysterious it was once thought to be extinct, has been has been caught on camera for the first time.

Tropical Fishes of the East Indies

These beautiful, elaborately detailed and brilliantly coloured drawings provide an extraordinary description of marine fish fauna of the East Indies and are proving useful to modern day scientists in comparisons with present-day scientific knowledge. From an artistic and historical viewpoint, these drawings are among the finest natural history illustrations ever made.

12,000 critically endangered Saiga antelope found dead in Kazakhstan

Nearly 12,000 Critically Endangered Saiga antelopes have been found dead in the Ural population in western Kazakhstan.

Alaotra grebe declared extinct and 12.5% of bird species declared endangered

New species of pigeon, spike-nosed frogs and world’s smallest wallaby found in New Guinea

The array of new species includes several new mammals, a reptile, an amphibian, no fewer than twelve insects.

Critically Endangered Javan rhino killed in Vietnam

A Javan rhino has been found dead in Vietnam's Cat Tien National, further endangering the population of one of the world's rarest large mammals. It is now uncertain how many, if any, Javan rhinos are left in Vietnam, WWF said.

Sea Shepherd will not compromise on whaling in Southern Ocean

IWC proposal will allow commercial whaling in Antarctic Ocean

A new proposal announced by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) would, if adopted, for the first time in 25 years, endorse the killing of whales in their most precious feeding grounds, the Southern Ocean.

Millions of sea turtles are killed as ‘collateral damage’ in the race for fish

Millions of sea turtles have become the unintended victims of a failure to properly manage the worlds' fisheries, with more and more of their habitats clogged with hooks and nets.

Why there will never be more than 1,411 tigers in India

The total area of what is called the ‘core tiger habitat' is some 17,000 square kilometres. Tiger conservationists will tell you the animal needs a minimum 10 square kilometres of territory to roam, mate and live.

'You do the math.'

Whale shark butchered for its fins in the Philippines

An 18-foot long Whale shark has been mutilated in the Philippines by having its fins cut off for the shark fin trade. The shark was left to die by the so called fishermen who butchered it.

2 tons of ivory seized at Bangkok airport

Thai officials have seized two tons of ivory at Bangkok Airport. The packing cases containing the ivory are said to have arrived on an Emirates flight from Nairobi via Dubai.

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New bird species found in Heart of Borneo

A bird species new to science, The "Spectacled Flowerpecker," has been discovered in the heart of the Bornean rainforest. However, so little is known about the bird that that it has yet to be given a scientific name.

New bird species discovered in Laos

Named the "limestone leaf warbler" because it breeds in Laos's limestone karst environments, it is similar to other warblers in this area of Southeast Asia, except for its distinct vocalizations and slight morphological differences.

New drug threat to Asian vultures – Edging them towards extinction

For every 1000 Oriental white-backed vultures occurring in southern Asia in the 1980s only one remains today because of the lethal effects of diclofenac - a drug used to treat livestock - on vultures. Alarmingly, researchers looking into safe alternatives have now identified that a second, livestock treatment in Asia - ketoprofen - is also lethal to the birds.

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Siberian tiger numbers in decline due to poaching

The last remaining population of Siberian tigers has probably declined significantly due to the rising tide of poaching and habitat loss.

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An end to Japanese whaling?

A major review of Japanese government spending could spell the end to whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

Long feared extinct, rare crow rediscovered in Indonesia

The Banggai Crow was thought to be extinct until Indonesian biologists finally secured two new specimens on Peleng Island in 2007.

Critically endangered Jerdon’s Courser seen for the first time for several years

The birds, a nocturnal ground bird found in scrub jungles, were seen in the heart of the Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Giant rat and new marsupial amongst 40 new species discovered in Papua New Guinea

A new species of giant rat is one of 40 new species discovered on a recent expedition to a remote rainforest in Papua New Guinea.

‘Extinct’ butterfly rediscovered in India after a 100 year absence

Rediscovery of rare butterflies - (Yellow crested spangle (Papilio elephenor Doubleday, 1845) and Moore's Cupid (Shijimia moorei Leech, 1889 ) from Ripu-Chirang Reserved Forests, India.

Saola antelope, only discovered in 1992, is on the brink of extinction.

One of the world's most enigmatic mammals, the Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), could be on the brink of extinction.

New species of ‘bald’ bird discovered in Laos

A previously unknown and very unusual songbird with a bald head has been discovered in a rugged region in Laos.

World’s rarest deer found alive and well on Philippine islands

Visayan Spotted Deer alive and well in the North Negros Natural Park (NNNP) in the Philippines.

Poaching boom is once again threatening the world’s rhinos

Rhino poaching worldwide is poised to hit a 15-year-high driven by increased demand in Asia, according to new research.

Sri Lanka - The growing whale watching hotspot

Between 08 October 2008 and 13 April 2009 Blue whales were encountered 71 per cent of the time. The strike rate was even higher during the December to April period, peaking from January to April. During March and April Blue whales were recorded almost every day.

Mekong dolphins on the brink of extinction

Pollution in the Mekong River has pushed the local population of Irrawaddy dolphins to the brink of extinction, according to a new WWF report.

Chris Packham - It is time to let the Panda go?

WHO ELSE CAN SEE THE CON IN CONSERVATION ?

Pulp giant APP set to assault Sumatra orangutan sanctuary

A massive logging operation planned by Asian Pulp and Paper and the Sinar Mas Group (APP/SMG) and associated companies is to include large portions of the only areas that Sumatran orangutans have ever successfully been re-introduced into the wild

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BP & Exxon ignore pleas to help worlds most endangered whales

BP and Exxon have continued ignoring requests to join consultations with an international scientific panel to work to protect the world's most endangered whales, threatened by oil and gas development around Sakhalin Island in Far East Russia.

Orangutan pet trade threatening the survival of the species in Sumatra

Lack of law enforcement against illegal trade in Indonesia threatens the survival of orangutans and gibbons on Sumatra.

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Rare Megamouth shark found in Philippines

So rare are these sharks (only 41 have ever been recorded) that each of them is designated with a number.

250 endangered Mountain gazelles found in Turkey – First record in Turkey

New species of White-eye discovered in the Solomon Islands

The discovery of a new bird to science in a distant archipelago is providing evidence of how, in the absence of competitors, unique species can evolve rapidly to fill empty niches.

Extinct bird, not seen for 100 years, photographed and eaten in The Philippines

The fish was estimated by scientists present at the capture to weigh an extraordinary 265+ kilograms.

Sea Shepherd harassing and chasing Japanese whaling fleet

Green-blood and turquoise bones. Very unusual new species of frog discovered in Cambodia

Four new species of frog discovered in Cambodia

More than 1000 new species have been discovered in the rivers, jungles, markets and restaurants of the Greater Mekong in the last 10 years

11 million year old "Extinct" Rock rat amongst new discoveries now under threat from dams, roads and development.

New population discovered of one of the world’s rarest primates – The Tonkin snub-nosed monkey

A new population of the extremely rare Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, so-called because of its unusual and distinctive up-turned nose, has recently been discovered in a remote forested area of northern Vietnam.

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World's rarest cockatoo rediscovered in Indonesia

90 years after it was first discovered, Abbott's Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo has been rediscovered in Indonesia

Legendary deer rediscovered in Sumatran national park

The Sumatran muntjac, a 'lost' species of deer, has been rediscovered in the remote mountains of western Sumatra, Indonesia, nearly a century after it was last recorded.

Huge populations discovered of two of Asia’s rarest primates

Just weeks after announcing the discovery of an unkown population of 50,000 western lowland gorillas, the Wildlife Conservation Society report has revealed large and previously unknown populations of two globally threatened primates in a protected area in Cambodia.

Elephant poaching reaching record levels.

50% of world's primates endangered

The world's monkeys, apes and other primates are disappearing from the world's forests faster than ever

China approved for controlled ivory imports from Africa – Arguments for and against

New species of bird-eating frog discovered in Thailand.

The newly recognised frog, known as Limnonectes megastomias has only been found in three remote locations in Thailand.

New species of bird discovered in China

A new bird species of bird has been discovered in China near the border with Vietnam.

Extinct Javan elephants may have been rediscovered – in Borneo

The Borneo pygmy elephant may not be native to Borneo after all. Instead, the population could be the last survivors of the Javan elephant race.

Seabird, Not Seen For 80 Years, Photographed off Papua New Guinea

Extinct seabird rediscovered off Papua New Guinea.

Hornbill Conservation in Thailand - Poacher to Gamekeeper.

How the dedicated work of one woman has saved several species of hornbill from extinction in Thailand.

Yangtse River dolphin declared extinct

After an exhaustive search, the Baiji has been declared extinct. However just two weeks later a Baiji has been sighted, and filmed.

Record Numbers of White-shouldered Ibis found in Cambodia

A large flock of white-shouldered ibis, one of the world's rarest birds, has been spotted in Cambodia.

Unique wader threatened with extinction

This unique shorebird from the far east has seen its population drop by 80% in the last 30 years to just 400 pairs.

Breeding success for Javan Rhino

August 2006. Scientists have discovered signs that 4 Javan rhinos have been born recently in Indonesia; this can be considered as a baby boom for the rarest large mammal in the world.

Fifty new species discovered off Indonesia's Papua coast.

SEPTEMBER 2006. Dozens of new species of marine life, including epaulette sharks, ‘flasher’ wrasse and reef-building coral, have been discovered.

Huge haul of tiger and leopard skins found in Nepal.

A huge haul of tiger and leopard skins was found in Langtang National Park, Nepal in September 2005.

Tiger skin trade continues unabated in Tibet.

October 2006. Environmentalists are calling on the Indian and Chinese governments to take urgent action against the criminals running the illegal skin trade.

Tigers have disappeared from 40% of their range in the last 10 years.

The most comprehensive scientific study of tiger habitats ever completed has discovered that they have disappeared from 40 percent of their range.

Rare Sumatra Ground Cuckoo caught on camera in Sumatra

Reserachers from Kent University were amazed to find the had photographed a Sumatra Ground Cuckoo while conducting a tiger survey in Sumatra. It is only the second time it has been recorded in the last 90 years.

New species of bird discovered in India

A new colourful, but very rare babbler has been discovered in the mountain forests of North East India.

Three rhinos killed in Nepal in July, over 100 in last 6 years.

August 2006. The Greater one horned Asian rhino has been in a perilous state for some time, but the recent news of three rhinos being killed is highly disturbing.

The world's least known bird, the Large-billed Reed-warbler, rediscovered.

The Large-billed reed warbler, previously only known from 1 specimen collected in India in 1867, has been rediscovered in Thailand.

Giant Mekong Catfish win reprieve from fishermen.

Fishermen in Thailand have promised to stop catching the endangered Giant Mekong Catfish, the worlds largest fresh water fish.

Borneo Clouded leopards recognised as a distinct species

Scientists have revealed that Borneo's Clouded leopards are a separate species from their mainland counterparts.

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India’s plans to ban tiger tourism could signal the end for the tiger

India's National Tiger Conservation Authority has announced that it plans to phase out tourism in its 37 tiger reserves. As more and more ‘luxury' lodges are built in tiger habitat, and across tiger corridors, and more and more people crowd into those tiger reserves where it is still possible to see tigers, it is undeniable that this has a negative affect on tiger conservation.

Shocking seizure as two butchered tigers found in Thailand

Chinese gibbon species declared extinct.

May 2008. A gibbon subspecies from China's Yunnan province has been declared extinct by a Chinese-Swiss research team.

20th Rhino Shot in 2007 in Kaziranga: Poacher killed.

December 2007: Yet another rhino of Kaziranga National Park fell prey to poachers’ bullets on December 16, bringing the total number killed in 2007 to a record 20.

Laotian rock rat rediscovered after 11 million years.

The Laotian Rock rat was rediscovered being sold as bush meat in a market. Now living specimens have been filmed and photographed.

Snow leopard fitted with GPS collar

A new milestone has been reached this week in snow leopard research and conservation through the use of high-technology to study their ecology. The snow leopard is a magnificent predator and flagship species for one of the last, great wilderness regions on earth – the spectacular mountain ranges of Asia, including the Himalayas, Karakorams, Hindu Kush, Pamirs, Tien Shans, and Altai ranges. Yet the snow leopard faces pressures that are bringing this species closer to extinction and populations of

Two mammals thought to be new to science discovered in Indonesia

An expedition led by Conservation International to the Foja Mountains has discovered a new species of giant rat and a pygmy possum, as well as filming several rare birds for the first time.

Hope fading for the world’s rarest mammal

After 26 days of travel and 1750 kilometres, the Yangtze Freshwater Dolphin Expedition 2006 has arrived in Shanghai.

Amur leopard still on the brink of extinction

April 2007. A new census of the world's most endangered cat, the Far Eastern or Amur leopard, shows that as few as 25 to 34 are left in the wild, renewing fears for the future of the species.

WWF Takes First-Ever Photo of Wild Rhino on Borneo

June 13, 2006. A motion-triggered camera trap set up in a remote jungle has captured the first-ever photo of a rhino in the wild on the island of Borneo, World Wildlife Fund and the Sabah Wildlife Department have announced.

Dolphin slaughter in Japan

Thousands of dolphins are brutally slaughtered every winter in villages and small towns in Japan.

Dancing bears 'tradition' to be halted in India

October 2006 - In defiance of sceptics who claimed the problem was too big for them to solve, 2 animal rescue charities look set to make history by ending the tradition of ‘dancing’ bears in India.

As many as 1000 Orangutans killed in forest fires.

Conservationists in Indonesia have warned that fires set to clear land have killed and injured hundreds of endangered orangutans. Environmentalists are also concerned the burning of rainforest and peat bogs is contributing to global warming.

Family holiday to Nepal

The wildlife, mountains, people, noise and smells all make for a perfect family holiday.

From Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park via the foothills of the mighty Himalaya.

Click here for more details.

Wildlife watching and safaris in Asia

Indian wildife parks

Pakke Tiger Reserve.

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