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!
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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.
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Local knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of ecosystem services and disservices provided by the Painted Stork Pennant, 1769 (Aves: Ciconiidae) in northern India: insights for conservation
Understanding the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the local communities towards the target species before implementing any awareness-based programmes is essential for the success and long-term protection of the species. No studies have yet been conducted on local knowledge, attitudes, perceptions of ecosystem services and disservices, threats and possible recommendations for conservation of the Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala in northern India. To fill this gap, a study was conducted in August–September 2024 in villages of Etawah District, Uttar Pradesh, India, where Painted Stork builds nests in farmland in human-dominated areas. The study employed a questionnaire survey, containing both closed and open-ended questions, administered to 200 respondents. All the respondents identified the species, and a majority knew its local name, breeding ecology, foraging ecology, and population trend. A majority of the people (52%) liked the species, supported conservation of the species (51%), felt the need for awareness programmes (52%), and were ready to participate in nest monitoring training (47%) & awareness programmes (58%). At the same time, a majority of the people were reluctant to report hunting (48%), reluctant to take the injured birds to veterinary doctors (46%), and lacked knowledge on the bird’s conservation status (64%). People perceived 12 ecosystem services and five ecosystem disservices provided by Painted Stork, with pest control (50%) being the highest cited service and crop destruction (72%) the most cited disservice. According to the respondents, the highest threat to the species is wetland loss (59%). A majority recommended that conservation efforts should focus on organizing awareness programmes (52%) and implementing wetland management and conservation (50%). Furthermore, respondents believed the community should take the initiative in these efforts (48%). This study emphasizes intensified awareness programs, wetland conservation and management and protection of nesting trees, among other measures, to ensure the conservation of this species outside protected areas. It provides the essential baseline for conservationists, researchers, and policy makers to design effective conservation and management strategies involving local communities and policies for research and conservation of Painted Stork.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yashmita-Ulman, Manoj Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First record of leucism in Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis from Ibex Reserve Protected Area, Saudi Arabia
Pigment anomalies such as leucism and albinism are rare in wild mammals, often linked to genetic or developmental factors and sometimes carry ecological consequences. Here, we report the first record of leucism in the Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis from Saudi Arabia. The observation was made during routine monitoring in the Ibex Reserve Protected Area on 17 May 2025. The individual, an adult with pale pelage and normal dark eyes, was classified as leucistic. Given the healthy and non-fragmented hyrax population in the reserve, this case is likely an isolated anomaly rather than evidence of inbreeding or population-level genetic issues. This record extends the taxonomic and geographic range of leucism to P. capensis in central Saudi Arabia and underscores the importance of continued monitoring and systematic documentation of aberrant colour morphs in wildlife.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zaffar R. Mir, Naif Alajmi, Ali Alahmari, Ahmad Alobaid, Khalid Almaliki, Faraz Niaz, Naif Alqahtani, Ahmad Boug https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First photographic record of Smooth-coated Otter from the canals in Upper Ganga Ramsar Site, Uttar Pradesh, India
Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata is one of the three species of otters found in India. Photographs from the Lower Ganga Canal confirmed the presence of the species in the Ganga River in January of 2021 and 2023. This is the first confirmed record of a Smooth-coated Otter from the canal network of the middle stretch of the Ganga River. This observation indicates the rich aquatic and riparian habitat of the Ganga River, associated canal network along the Upper Ganga River Ramsar Site that needs to be conserved on priority.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aftab Alam Usmani, Pichaimuthu Gangaiamaran, Ruchi Badola, Syed Ainul Hussain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From the heart of Urpad: records of Cyrtodactylus bapme Kamei & Mahony, 2021 (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Assam, India, with comments on the pre-cloacal region in males
Cyrtodactylus bapme Kamei & Mahony, 2021, a member of the C. khasiensis group, was originally described from the East Garo Hills of Meghalaya based on four female specimens. Due to the absence of males in the type series, the species was diagnosed primarily using pitted femoral scales in females, which were assumed to correspond to precloacal pores in males. In this study, we report the first records of C. bapme from Assam, India, based on specimens collected from the hills surrounding Urpad Beel in Goalpara District. Our findings include the first description of males of this species and provide detailed morphological data on precloacal pores and pitted scales, thereby refining its diagnostic features. Molecular phylogenetic analysis confirms the conspecificity of the Assam population with C. bapme from Meghalaya, with a low genetic divergence of 1.3–3.5% in the mitochondrial ND2 gene.
Copyright (c) 2026 Manmath Bharali, Pranjal Swargiary, Tejas Mariswamy, Madhurima Das, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Sanath Chandra Bohra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First national record of Yellow Owl Butterfly Neorina hilda Westwood, 1851 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) for Nepal
The present finding reports the first national record of Neorina hilda Westwood, 1851 (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae), commonly known as the Yellow Owl Butterfly from Nepal. A single adult individual was observed and photographed at Taplejung District (27.363° N, 87.724° E), eastern Nepal, on 29 July 2025. This species was recorded in an upper temperate mixed broad-leaved evergreen forest at an elevation of 2,625 m. Previously known from northeastern India and extending through Myanmar to southeastern Asia, this finding expands the current known geographical range of the species to the west. This record has important implications for butterfly conservation planning and habitat connectivity assessments in the eastern Himalaya where a detailed assessment is recommended.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nishan Limbu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Smooth-Coated Otter (Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae) observation near a community reservoir in Bannerghatta National Park
The Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata has not previously been documented from Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), southern India and this study confirms its presence from the landscape. A 10-day reconnaissance survey (from 17–26 October 2024) was conducted around the Chikkondanahalli Reservoir, which is located between BNP and the village of Chikkondanahalli (Karnataka) utilizing perimeter walks and community interviews. We gathered data and signs of otter presence and activity, such as spraints, tracks, and feeding remains. On the seventh day of the survey, a direct observation of a group of four otters was made, marking the first recorded sighting in the park. Additional evidence, including fresh spraints and track marks, confirmed otter presence. However, the survey also identified several anthropogenic threats, such as fishing, cattle grazing, and pollution, which may impact the quality of otter habitats and their long-term survival in the area. The results suggest that otters may use reservoirs like Chikkondanahalli as an important habitat with potential movement between water bodies. These findings highlight the need for further research to understand otter movement patterns and habitat preferences in the BNP landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amrita Nair, Avinash Krishnan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Hump-nosed Pit Viper feeding on an Allapalli Skink Eutropis allapallensis in Karwar, India
We report a probable first case of in situ field observation of a wild Hump-nosed Pit Viper Hypnale hypnale hunting and feeding. This is based on a direct observation involving an Allapalli Skink Eutropis allapallensis that occurred on 23 May 2024, at 2200 h in Karwar, India. The entire event lasted for 6 m 40 s, while the skink became immobile, eventually died out of envenomation in just 40 s after fang-contact.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nonita Rana, Karthy Sivapushanam , S.J.D. Frank, Govindan Veeraswami Gopi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First record with photographic evidence of Dhole (Pallas, 1811) from Panshet, Pune, Maharashtra, India
The Dhole Cuon alpinus (Pallas, 1811), known as the Asiatic Wild Dog is an endangered canid distributed across Asia. Here, we report the first record with photographic evidence of Dhole presence from Panshet, Pune, Maharashtra, India; a region where the species was previously unrecorded. This observation expands the documented and confirmed occurrences within the northern Western Ghats, highlighting the importance of fragmented and human-modified landscapes for the species’ occurrence.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sonali Shinde, Chinmay Sonawane https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Distribution of rheophytes in Kopili River Basin, Assam and Meghalaya, India
Rheophytes are plant species that are confined to the beds of swift-running streams and rivers and grow there up to flood level, but not beyond the reach of regularly occurring flash floods. Little is known about this group of plants in Assam. Between 2018 and 2022, the Kopili River Basin in Assam emerged as a hotspot for rheophytic flora with the description of three new species and range extensions of another two species from the Koka–Panimur region of West Karbi Anglong. Subsequent downstream impact assessment (2024–2025) for the Lower Kopili Hydro Electric Project and Kopili basin survey including the tributeries revealed the presence of 16 rheophyte species distributed across upstream reaches of the Kopili River and its tributaries, including Amring / Mynrinag, Borpani, Diyung, Karkar, Mynteng, Umium, Digaru, and Umrong Nala. These species exhibit remarkable ecological adaptations, thriving on riverbanks and rocky substrates under extreme acidic conditions (pH as low as 2.9 in the Karkar River). The Kopili River Basin represents a unique ecological niche for rheophytes in northeastern India as no other river system supports diverse species of this kind. Immediate Immediate conservation interventions and policy integration are essential to safeguard these species and their unique habitats from anthropogenic pressures.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jayanta Das, Deepak K. Baruah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evidence of Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1831) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in National Chambal Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India
The Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus, is one of the smallest wild cats, distributed across India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. In India. Here, we report evidences of Rusty-spotted Cat presence from National Chambal Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, opportunistically recorded during field work in the region. The individuals, unfortunately found dead due to a suspected road collision, was photographed, measured, and GPS locations were recorded. Morphological features were consistent with published descriptions of the species. This record extends the known distribution of the species in the region and underscores the need for targeted surveys and mitigation of roadkill threats in biodiversity-rich landscapes. Our observation also contributes to the growing database of occurrence records, which are critical for refining conservation strategies for this elusive species.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anshoo Nishad, Hiyashri Sarma, Rajib Saha, Vijay Pratap Singh, Maneesha Bhatt, Atit Rai, Qamar Qureshi, Vishnupriya Kolipakam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First record of Wall’s Krait Bungarus walli Wall, 1907 (Reptilia: Squamata: Elapidae) from Assam, and diagnostic keys to the kraits of India
We report the occurrence of Bungarus walli Wall, 1907, for the first time from Northeast India, based on morphological and meristic examination of an uncollected specimen encountered during a herpetofaunal survey in Raimona National Park, Assam. Diagnostic characters were compared with published descriptions, and an identification key to the kraits of Northeast India is provided. This finding is the addition of the fifth krait species from Assam. The discovery is of considerable biogeographic and conservation importance, as it fills a major distributional gap and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s krait diversity. Documenting B. walli in Assam further underscores the significance of systematic surveys in newly declared protected areas, which may reveal additional range extensions and novel records crucial for future biodiversity assessments and conservation planning.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bijay Basfore, Abhi Medhi, Nazrul Islam, Rathin Barman, Madhurima Das, Anjana Singha Naorem, Jayaditya Purkayastha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0