Syzygium travncoricum, a tree endemic to Kerala, is no longer ‘critically endangered’ as classified on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Field studies conducted by the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) in the wake of the IUCN classification suggest that the tree can now move to the ‘endangered’ list.

Known locally as kulavetti or vadhamkolli, the tree entered the IUCN’s ‘critically endangered’ list on the basis of a Conservation Assessment Management Plan (CAMP) workshop conducted under the Biodiversity Conservation Prioritisation Project India in 1998. The IUCN had then suggested periodic updating of the classification based on information provided by authoritative agencies.

Wild boar should be removed from the list as it was causing extensive damage to crop: Minister

The second meeting of the State Biodiversity Board held here on Friday reviewed the action taken so far on the decisions arrived at the previous meeting in Chennai and the proposed formation of biodiversity management committees in local bodies across the State. Forest Minister K.T. Pachamal, who presided over the meeting, said that committees might be constituted in districts after holding a discussion with the ministers representing the district.

RANCHI: The Khunti district in the past has been feared for Red terror but there is a success story there too in which the conservation of biodiversity was done by roping the village community.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today called on Union Minister of Environment and Forests Jayanti Natarajan to seek Rs 771.52 crore for ‘Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resources Conservation Project’ through a suitable international funding agency.

An official of the Chief Minister’s office said Badal apprised Natarajan that this comprehensive project would ensure protection, conservation and development of forests, wildlife and natural resources in a holistic manner. It would also generate livelihood to alleviate poverty in forest fringe areas.

PANJIM: Government’s decision to ask the Centre to confer Special Status on Goa, will go a long way in preserving the state’s natural heritage, Minister for Environment and Forests Alina Saldanha said, while speaking at a seminar on ‘Biodiversity in Goa to sustain Goa’s needs and holistic ecosystem development’, organised by Clube Nacional Panjim, Thursday.

Alina said she would do her best to provide sustainable livelihood to the people. “Our government is committed to protect the interest of the state. But the task of protecting our biodiversity cannot be left to the government alone, people have a role to play.

Laying stress on conservation and protection of rich bio-diversity of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today emphasized the need for rejuvenating the depleted forests and raising massive plantation on vacant available areas.

"Protection of forest wealth and rejuvenation of degraded forests are all the more necessary to maintain ecology, restrict climate change, save water bodies and fauna and flora of the State", he said asking for full utilization of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) initiative in this regard.

First Such Tie-Up With A State In India

Ahmedabad: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the world’s oldest and the largest global environmental organization, has joined hands with the Gujarat government to conserve state’s flora and fauna. This is a one-of-a-kind arrangement where an Indian state has tied up with IUCN. The move comes at a time when rapid industrialisation has exerted pressure on wildlife habitats in the state.