The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department will launch a special project to protect the rare Caracal in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, Chief Wildlife Warden Shubhranjan Sen announced at the fourth National Conference on Lesser-Known Species on January 16, 2026.
“Excellent work is being done in Madhya Pradesh on the Caracal,” Sen said during the conference at the Environment Complex in Bhopal. He praised the organizers for expanding the event’s scope from Madhya Pradesh to the broader Central Indian landscape.
The three-day conference brought together forest officials, wildlife researchers, and conservationists to address challenges facing species that receive less public attention than tigers and elephants.
Sen acknowledged setbacks in protecting some grassland species. “The disappearance of the Lesser Florican and the Great Indian Bustard reflects collective failures,” he said. He noted that survey results for the Lesser Florican conducted during the last monsoon were not encouraging.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests V.N. Ambade told the gathering that Madhya Pradesh has set several benchmarks in wildlife management. He emphasized that conservation discussions should include both animals and plants.
“During development works, nesting trees should only be felled or removed under the supervision of the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure that birds are not harmed,” Ambade said.
Ajay Yadav of the Madhya Pradesh Biodiversity Board said the conference addresses critical knowledge gaps. “Several species in Madhya Pradesh are under threat, and for many of them, there is little information about their current status or habitat risks,” he said.
Gharial Numbers Reach 2,462 in Chambal Region
The conference marked 50 years since India launched its Crocodile Conservation Project on July 1, 1975. Rishikesh Sharma presented data from long-term monitoring showing 2,462 gharials currently live in the Chambal region, along with several rare turtle species.
Wildlife biologist B.C. Choudhary, who participated in the program’s early years, described crocodiles as living fossils. “The National Chambal Sanctuary is an ideal conservation model that should be replicated by other states,” he said.
R. Srinivas Murthy, who prepared a comprehensive management plan for the Chambal, noted the presence of a healthy Ganga dolphin population. “There is a need to view the entire region holistically,” he said.
Sen added that extensive research continues under the Namami Gange project. “Protecting gharial nests from mining and other human activities remains the top priority,” he said. A new survey will begin next month.
Community Involvement Essential
Sumit Dookia presented research on building local youth networks for Great Indian Bustard conservation in western Rajasthan. “Community participation is essential for effective monitoring,” he said.
Dookia explained that fencing by the forest department often creates problems. “Wherever Great Indian Bustard sightings occur, fencing leads to resentment among farmers. Therefore, habitats must be protected in collaboration with local communities,” he said.
He noted that most bustards live outside protected areas. “Empowering and gaining the trust of local communities is critical,” Dookia said.
Shomita Mukherjee, Principal Scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, presented findings from surveys in Gujarat’s Kutch region. Researchers used infrared camera traps at 67 locations between November 2023 and March 2024.
“Seventy-five percent of the world’s jungle cats are found in India, with South Asia being their stronghold, making their identification and protection a collective responsibility,” Mukherjee said.
She identified poor land-use policy as a major threat. “There is an urgent need to protect wastelands at the policy level, as five cat species and several other carnivores depend on these habitats,” she said.
The conference also featured presentations on Hill Mynas, wild buffaloes, and fireflies. The event continues with discussions on river ecosystem restoration and community roles in environmental conservation.
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