Himalayan Wolf

Himalayan wolf

Overview
The Himalayan wolves are persecuted by people, they are killed because they sometimes prey on livestock. They also suffer from habitat loss to agriculture and the growing human population.The Himalayan wolf is not yet a protected species in some countries and only 350 wolves can be found in the wild
Conservation Groups/ Local Communities taking action
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. This zoo is capable of successfully breeding the Himalayan wolf in captivity. This zoo also contributes to the conservation of the Himalayan wolf. No donations directly to the zoo are possible, though visiting will bring money to them.Wildlife Institute of India. This institute researches all Indian wildlife. Researchers are being trained there as well. No donations possible. Recent Developments New Delhi, Jan. 2. (PTI): Genetic studies by scientists in Hyderabad have revealed that Indian wolves are not only the most ancient among wolf populations in the world but also that India is the centre of origin of these animals. Ramesh Aggarwal, J. Ramadevi and Lalji Singh at the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad say their findings greatly enhance the biological significance of these already endangered Indian wolf populations and call for their urgent conservation efforts. India is home to two sub-species of wolf: the Himalayan wolf found exclusively in the Himalayas and numbering around 350 and the Gray Wolf numbering less than 1500 found throughout peninsular India. Because of their dwindling numbers the CCMB initiated molecular characterisation studies in 1998 and compared the results with data available for worldwide wolf populations. They say their analysis have led to startling findings that both the Indian wolf populations are genetically unique and represent the world's oldest lineage. A report of their work in "Nature-newsindia" concludes "Indian subcontinent had been one major center of origin and diversifi cation of the wolf and related canines." According to the CCMB team, the Indian wolves "migrated to India about one to two million years ago and underwent independent evolution without contamination from other wolf like canines," and therefore "deserve to be declared as new species or sub-species." I personally love the wolves , their dwindling nos. got me into thinking , hope the beautiful species survives the life of their survival.

Indian Python

Indian Rock Python

The Indian python is a highly arboreal snake, once fairly common throughout the jungles of India, Sri Lanka, and the East Indies. It can grow to a length of about 20 feet (6 m).

Like the boas and anacondas of the Americas, the python is a constrictor, a snake that kills its prey by squeezing. Mammals are preferred prey, but pythons will also eat birds, other animals, even fish (pythons often live near water and are good swimmers).

Pythons drape across tree branches, camouflaged by their light and dark patterned skin, waiting to ambush their next meal. They grab their prey with a quick lashing out of the head, then wrap themselves around the prey so it cannot breathe. A large python could squeeze the life out of a deer, and amazingly enough, the python could then swallow it whole.

After such a big meal, the snake may not have to eat again for as long as a year! There are very few authenticated accounts of humans being attacked by pythons, though it certainly is possible since the largest python recorded was over 32 feet (9.8 m) long.

A python may live more than 20 years. They are solitary creatures, but males and females seek each other out to mate. The female coils about her eggs to incubate them. Young pythons have many natural enemies, including eagles, crocodiles, large cats such as leopards and tigers, and hyenas.

Snakes are important in controlling pest species, such as rodents, rabbits, and insects. In some areas where humans have eradicated snakes, mice and rodents that carry disease have become serious threats to human health.

Causes of Endangerment

Overexploitation

For centuries, humans have killed pythons out of fear. Snakes of all kinds are also hunted for food, skins, and blood believed to have medicinal values. Live snakes are killed to order in Thai markets so customers can drink the fresh blood, thought to impart vitality. Python and other snake skins are made into fashionable accessories such as purses, shoes, and belts.

Snakes often are skinned alive so as not to mar the skin and reduce their commercial value. Even before snakeskin boots were fashionable, pythons were considered a trophy species and hunted heavily by Europeans. More recently, they have become sought after for the pet trade and for zoos.

Habitat Loss

In addition, the python's jungle habitat is disappearing as trees are cut down for lumber, firewood and to make room for spreading human settlement and agriculture (see Spotlight on tropical rain forests).

Conservation Actions

Trade Regulation

Pythons are listed in CITES Appendix I. All trade in live pythons or python products is prohibited. Poaching remains a threat, however, and illegal trade continues.

Habitat Protection

Although India has established several large areas to protect habitat, these reserves are unpopular with the people who live near them and want access to the forests to obtain firewood or food. The problem of rampant poaching has been addressed in some places by armed-guard patrols.

A better long-term solution would reconcile the reserves with the needs of local people, including controlled access with better education about how conservation can benefit people as well as wildlife.

Captive Breeding

Captive breeding programs are being promoted to supply snakes for the pet and zoo trade, reducing poaching pressure. Zoos no longer accept wild-caught pythons.

Question for Thought

What do you think of the practice of skinning snakes alive in order to preserve the quality of the skin?

Humans have long persecuted large predators, such as the Indian python. What other endangered species have been hunted and feared because of their place at the top of the food chain? What happens to ecosystems when predators are eliminated?

source: http://www.bagheera.com/inthewild/van_anim_python.htm

Ganges Shark

                                              

GANGES SHARK

Ever heard of a shark in river Ganges , Well it does exists and it's on the brink of extinction as well , a red list "critically endangered species" as its name suggests, is largely restricted to the rivers of Eastern and North-Eastern India, particularly the Hooghly River of West Bengal.The Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi in Assam, Bihar and Orissa respectively. Bengalis call it Baagh Maach which means tiger fish. It is typically found in the mid to lower reaches of a river.



The Ganges shark (Glyphis gangeticus) is a rare species of fresh water shark that dwells in the Ganges River. It should not be confused with the Bull shark, which also inhabits the Ganges River and is sometimes referred to as the Ganges shark. It is stocky, with a broadly rounded snout and small eyes. The shark tends to have a uniform gray to brownish coloration, with no discernible pattern or markings.
A freshwater species, the notorious Ganges shark is known from only two surviving specimens collected in the Ganges River. Its small eyes may indicate that this species lives exclusively in the murky Ganges.


The shark, though poorly documented, is known to inhabit only freshwater, inshore marine and estuarine systems. Its feeding habits are unknown. Its maximum size is in the area of 2 metres (6.6 ft). It is probably viviparous, measuring 55 to 60 centimetres (22 to 24 in) at birth.

Conservation

The Ganges shark is believed to be seriously endangered.According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the Ganges shark is one of 20 sharks on the "Red List" of endangered shark species.Widespread and rampant overfishing has depleted the population of these sharks. Their oil, along with that of the Gangetic Dolphin is highly sought after.

Danger to humans

The shark may pose a threat to humans, but this has not been proven. Though some consider the Ganges shark to be "extremely dangerous , it has so far been impossible to separate its attacks from those of bull sharks.Most likely the shark is a specialized species that feeds primarily on small fish. Amongst the deadly sharks inhabiting the Ganges, the bull shark represents a greater definite danger than this extremely endangered and elusive species.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganges_Shark#cite_ref-2