Crocodile-wrestling celebrity tiger dies in India
India is in mourning today after the death of a much-loved Bengal tiger called Machali in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan. Famed for her serene bearing and beautiful markings, Machali was one of the most photographed tigers in the world, and has even appeared on a stamp. But her beauty was every bit matched by her … Continued
Creature currency: Nature’s most beloved beasts, as illustrated on the humble banknote
Currency. Every society (more or less) uses it, but have you ever stopped to stare at the amazing array of creatures that are detailed on the back of those crumpled pieces of paper (and now, plastic) we stuff into our pockets and wallets each week? From the Philippines’ pikoy, to Bermuda’s bluebird, onto the splendid … Continued
Leopard-attack survivor shares a creative solution to India's human-wildlife conflict
There’s no denying that violent encounters between humans and wild animals make for exciting video content. You might, for example, recall watching on the edge of your seat as men grappled with a leopard at a Bangalore school in this viral video last February. One of these men—the one that gets bitten on the arm—is … Continued
The puzzling case of what to do with 'T24', India's man-eating tiger
The case of India’s Ranthambore Tiger #24, aka Ustad—transferred from his jungle-bound reserve home to a zoo after killing four humans—has recieved a lot of attention from the media, general public, and activists. But according to those who actually work on the front lines of conservation in the country, this decision is one based on careful … Continued
7 sacred animals from around the world
We share our planet with all kinds of amazing animals, but a few species have become particularly significant within our cultures and traditions. Whether we adore, admire, fear or respect these animals, each has come to represent an important aspect of humanity and our relationship with the planet. Cow The humble cow is considered … Continued
Arabian falconry: Killing two birds with one stone?
Hunting with raptors is a tradition that goes back millennia in Arabic culture, but is the modern pursuit of this sport pushing the primary prey species to the brink of oblivion, and impacting on the wild population of the falcons themselves? On the frontline of this debate is the houbara bustard. This elegant, long-legged creature, … Continued
The last pride of India
Gujarat in Western India is home to the only surviving population of lions in Asia A pride of tawny large cats lounging in the savannah, teething cubs tumbling and biting each other playfully; this is the image most of us conjure in our heads at the mention of lions. However, there was a time when these … Continued
Protestors cry fowl as Goa labels peacocks 'vermin'
The southern Indian state of Goa has controversially reclassified India’s national bird, the peacock, as vermin, in a move that paves the way for a potential cull of the spectacular species. The country’s most popular holiday destination has already ruffled feathers and shaken fronds this month by relegating its iconic coconut trees, from actual trees … Continued
Thirsty leopard gets its head stuck in metal pot
A rather unlucky male leopard was forced to spend five hours with its head stuck inside a metal pot after it went searching for water in an Indian village. Residents of Sardul Kheda, in India’s northern state of Rajasthan, discovered the agitated animal wandering about blindly, trying in vain to remove its head from the sturdy … Continued