Biodiversity

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/topics/biodiversity

Featured Articles
October 17, 2023 How does barge trafficking/movement affect the ecology and biodiversity of riverine ecosystems? A study explains.
River Hooghly at Kolkata (Image Source: Yercaud-elango via Wikimedia Commons)
May 20, 2023 Freshwater biologists Sameer Padhye and Avinash Vanjare talk about smaller and lesser known animals that live in freshwater ecosystems and the importance of studying them. 
Freshwater ecosystems, under threat (Image Source: Biologia Life Science LLP)
January 25, 2023 This study found large deposits of heavy metals in the tissues and organs of water birds, crabs and fish inhabiting the lake indicating heavy metal contamination of the lake waters.
A view of the Veeranam lake in Tamil Nadu (Image Source: Giri9703 via Wikimedia Commons)
December 4, 2022 What is the status of inland fisheries in India? Read these situational analysis reports to know about inland fisheries, the life of the fisherfolk, governance and tenure in inland fisheries and threats to the sustainability of inland fisheries.
Fishing in an irrigation canal in Kerala (Image Source: Martin Pilkinton via Wikimedia Commons)
August 2, 2022 The frequency and intensity of floods is on the rise in Assam spelling doom for fish biodiversity.
Life during floods in Assam (Image Source: Kausika Bordoloi via Wikimedia Commons)
Urban waterbodies, treasure troves of biodiversity
A study on the Mula-Mutha river stretches in Pune reveals rich biodiversity with presence of a large number of freshwater invertebrate species, including a few reports to the region! Will preserving biodiversity help save the river? Posted on 25 Jun, 2021 12:32 PM

Rivers, lakes, ponds and streams – natural freshwater ecosystems are a precious resource, not only because freshwater is limited, but also because of the rich biodiversity they support and the valuable ecosystem services they provide.

Mula-Ram river confluence stretch at Aundh-Baner link road, Pune (Image Source: Jeevitnadi)
East Kolkata Wetlands – fast turning death traps for aquatic ecosystems?
Freshwater ecosystems in India are known to harbour rich biodiversity, but their health is being increasingly challenged in recent years. And the East Kolkata Wetlands are no exception! Posted on 24 Jun, 2021 10:43 AM

While freshwater ecosystems in India are known to harbour rich biodiversity, their health is being increasingly challenged in recent years. And the East Kolkata Wetlands, one of the important Ramsar sites in India, and the largest wastewater fed aquaculture systems in the world that provide fish and support paddy and vegetable cultivation, are no exception.

Fishermen use wastewater from Kolkata to rear fish (Image Source: India Water Portal)
It is June, and 49 of 130 major reservoirs are brimming with water!
News this fortnight Posted on 22 Jun, 2021 04:15 PM

Even before the monsoon sets in, collective stock in 130 major reservoirs 27 percent of total capacity

Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh (Image source: IWP Flickr photos)
Eco-Tales exchanging ideas, suggestions on 'Wetland Management and Biodiversity Conservation
Posted on 17 Jun, 2021 01:04 PM

The Central Pollution Control Board, MOEF&CC, are offering an open and free-flowing discussion forum where you can share your valuable ideas, your thoughts, tell your stories and suggestions about 'Wetland Management and Biodiversity Conservation', its usage its value towards humankind (based on this year's theme- Ecosystem Restoration).

Tropical rainforests of the sea, under threat!
The World Ocean Day this year has come with a dire warning, of the threat posed to coral reefs, important for ocean health as well as the livelihoods of millions of people! Posted on 16 Jun, 2021 04:13 PM

Coral reefs are said to be one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth and harbour a wide range of animals and plant species.

Coral reefs in the Andaman Islands (Image Source: Ritiks via Wikimedia Commons)
Kerala top performer in Niti Aayog's SDG India Index 2020-21
News this fortnight Posted on 10 Jun, 2021 01:19 PM

NITI Aayog releases SDG India Index 2020-21, Kerala top performing state while Mizoram is the top gainer

View of lush green Kerala (Image source: ATREE via India Water Portal Flickr Album)
When the Ganges spews plastic!
Abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear not only forms a large portion of plastic waste that the Ganges pours into the sea, it also poses a major threat to the environment and biodiversity! Posted on 04 Jun, 2021 07:59 PM

Rivers, carriers of plastic

Ganga river at Gadmukteshwar (Source: IWP Flickr photos)
Fifty million people in Indian cities lack access to safe drinking water
News this week Posted on 12 May, 2021 05:46 PM

Fifty million people in fifteen cities in India have no access to safe, affordable drinking water: UNICEF report

Green panel clears Central Vista project
Policy matters this fortnight Posted on 12 May, 2021 12:28 PM

Green panel clears Central Vista projects

Rajpath's Central Vista Avenue project (Image: Students of Master in Sustainable Architecture at Central University of Rajasthan, Counterview)
Mosquito fish – invaders in disguise!
Gambusia or Mosquito fish, inspite of being recognised as highly invasive species, continue to be introduced in freshwater bodies for mosquito control in India. This needs to stop! Posted on 22 Mar, 2021 12:02 PM

Threats to freshwater bodies in India are many and include pollution, flow modification, overexploitation and habitat degradation. Besides these, introduction of invasive alien species is a growing problem in India threatening freshwater biodiversity leading to a decline in native species and compromising the health of freshwater bodies.

What is an invasive species

Gambusia spell doom for freshwater diversity (Image Source: Gambusia affinis, NOZO via Wikimedia Commons)
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