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Gaur spotted at 3,542 metres, tiger at 3,966 metres as study reveals new high-altitude wildlife records in Sikkim
Camera-trap surveys in the eastern Himalayas reveal five new elevation records for mammals, with researchers pointing to unexplored habitats, improved monitoring and possible climate change impacts.

Summary :

A new study in eastern Sikkim has recorded a gaur at 3,542 metres, the highest verified photographic sighting of the species globally.

A tiger was photographed at 3,966 metres, among the highest documented elevations for the species in the Himalayas.

Camera-trap surveys documented 30 mammal species, including five new elevational range records and six first confirmed photographic records for eastern Sikkim.
Researchers say suitable high-altitude habitats, previously unexplored areas and improved monitoring could explain the findings.

Climate change may also be influencing wildlife distribution, but scientists say long-term monitoring is needed to establish whether animals are moving uphill. by @dtemagazine

Cyclone Murasu spares Odisha, but Arnab’s floods leave farmers struggling to recover
Farmers across Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts report extensive damage to paddy, maize and vegetable crops, while several villages remain without electricity nearly a week after the cyclone.

Summary :

Cyclone Murasu largely spared Odisha, but flooding caused by Cyclone Arnab has left extensive agricultural damage across southern districts.

Standing paddy, maize, pulses and vegetable crops have been destroyed in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal, leaving thousands of farmers facing financial losses.

Farmers fear they will struggle to repay bank loans, with many lacking crop insurance and worried about inadequate compensation.

Several villages remain without electricity nearly a week after Cyclone Arnab damaged power lines, poles and communication infrastructure.

An eight-member central team has begun assessing the damage, while the Odisha government has ordered crop loss surveys before providing compensation. by @dtemagazine

South Asia’s vanishing demographic dividend: Working-age population share to peak within a decade as the region ages rapidly
Transition from an ageing to an aged population already under way, is expected to unfold seven years faster than average for emerging market and developing economies, says World Bank.

Summary :

The World Bank warns that South Asia’s demographic dividend is fading as its working-age population growth slows.

By 2034, the region will reach its peak working-age share, transitioning to an aged economy by 2049.

This rapid shift, coupled with low per capita income, threatens economic stability and demands urgent policy action. by @dtemagazine

A female saltwater crocodile was found dead in the Hansua river near Badakota village on November 3, marking the fifth reported crocodile death in 27 days in and around Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapara district. The deaths have raised concerns about illegal fishing and shortcomings in wildlife protection and monitoring.

Veterinary doctors have conducted post-mortem examinations on the five crocodiles and sent tissue samples to the Centre for Wildlife Health at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar for analysis. “The exact causes of death will be established once the reports are received,” said Varadaraj Gaonkar, the park’s divisional forest officer (DFO).

Summary :

Five saltwater crocodiles have died in and around Bhitarkanika National Park in less than a month, taking the reported toll from unnatural deaths to 22 in six years and 44 in 14 years.

Conservationist Sudhakar Kar has attributed the deaths to inadequate protection and illegal fishing nets, which can trap crocodiles and cause them to drown.

Bhitarkanika’s crocodile population has recovered from an estimated 95 in 1975 to 1,858 in January 2026 by @dtemagazine

$Global wildlife trade involves more than 107,000 species, twice previous estimates: Study Gaps in international monitoring systems obscure the true scale of wildlife trade, leaving thousands of species outside conservation oversight. Summary : More than 107,000 species of wild animals, plants and fungi are used or traded globally, more than double the previous estimate of 50,000. The study, published in Science Advances, identifies 47,685 animal species and at least 49,723 plant species recorded in trade. Researchers found that existing international databases fail to capture thousands of traded species, particularly invertebrates and fungi. Wildlife trade, driven by demand for exotic pets, medicines, food and luxury products, raises concerns over biodiversity loss, disease transmission and invasive species. Current global biodiversity indicators cover only a fraction of traded species, prompting calls for digital permits, better customs reporting and stronger monitoring. by @dtemagazine$

Heatwaves in Himachal Pradesh in the first week of March? On March 6, 2026, maximum temperatures across the state were 8–12°C above normal.

In this video, Raju Sajwan from Down To Earth highlights this unusual weather event.

Climate India 2026 releases tomorrow, November 4!

Join us for the launch webinar to explore the findings of CSE's e-atlas on weather disasters in India. Register now. Link in bio. by @dtemagazine

Delhi government removes Wildlife SOS from wildlife board amid leopard poaching probe
The decision follows objections over the NGO’s inclusion in the newly constituted wildlife board, as its chief executive faces scrutiny in connection with the alleged poaching of 10 leopards near Kuno National Park.

Summary :

Delhi government decides to remove Wildlife SOS from its newly constituted State Board for Wildlife following objections from a wildlife activist.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa says the NGO's association with the Delhi forest department will end immediately, with a formal order to follow.

The decision comes amid an investigation into an alleged leopard poaching network linked to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

Wildlife SOS chief executive Kartick Satyanarayan was questioned by investigators in connection with the seizure of 10 leopard skins in Agra.

Activist Ajay Dubey has demanded an inquiry into the appointment process and stricter background checks for non-official board members. by @dtemagazine

Cyclone Murasu: Second severe cyclonic storm in a week leaves a trail of destruction along Andhra Pradesh coast
The severe cyclonic storm’s landfall began after midnight and was nearly complete by 10 am on November 3; the system is expected to weaken into a cyclonic storm by noon.

Summary :

Cyclone Murasu wreaked havoc along Andhra Pradesh’s coast, causing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread damage to homes, farms, and infrastructure.
The storm, which followed Cyclone Arnab, led to inland flooding and sea ingression in several districts, leaving thousands stranded and vulnerable to further weather threats. by @dtemagazine

Sunita Narain draws a connection between the microorganisms in our gut and those living in our soil, explaining why we need to move beyond chemicals and nurture the diversity that sustains life.

Watch the full episode of the Sunita Narain Show, only on Down To Earth's Youtube Channel. by @dtemagazine

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