habitat centre

NTCA greenlights translocation; arrivals expected in July-Aug

CBSE and AIIMS New Delhi have launched Phase II of Project MATE across more than 60 schools in Delhi NCR to strengthen adolescent wellbeing and counselling support. The initiative focuses on emotional, social and psychological development of middle-school students through classroom modules, peer-support systems and parent workshops. School counsellors participating in the programme will undergo intensive training at AIIMS New Delhi before implementation begins for students of Grades VI to VIII from July 2026.

Rajasthan’s conservation story has shifted from loss to recovery. A state once seen as a desert with shrinking habitats is now a national testbed for wildlife turnarounds — from Sariska’s 2008 tiger reintroduction after local extinction, to a tiger landscape that has expanded far beyond Ranthambore. Tourism has turned reserves into local economic engines, while leopard hotspots from Jaipur’s Jhalana to Jawai’s rocky commons draw global attention — and scrutiny. In the Thar, Great Indian Bustard breeding offers cautious hope, even as Sambhar’s 2019 bird deaths warn how fragile wetlands remain

An inventive, fragmented stage experiment, Short Circuits uses minimal resources to explore connection and isolation in a fast-scrolling, information-saturated world

May is the ideal time to create a vibrant, layered garden that supports local wildlife. Combining tall Shasta daisies with low-growing petunias offers a visually appealing display and attracts diverse pollinators. This dynamic duo thrives in sunny spots, providing essential nectar for butterflies and contributing to their survival in diminishing habitats.

In Madagascar's Manombo Reserve, the disappearance of native tufted-tailed rats from degraded forests signals a concerning ecological shift. Invasive black rats have taken their place, highlighting how habitat destruction alters ecosystems and potentially increases disease transmission risks to humans. This underscores the importance of preserving intact habitats for both biodiversity and public health.

A Great Indian Bustard chick, hatched from a Jaisalmer egg in Gujarat, has disappeared despite extensive security. Experts express disappointment, calling for an investigation into the setback for GIB re-establishment efforts. While the egg transfer proved inter-state surrogacy possible, the loss highlights challenges in wild GIB conservation.