Environment & Species in News — January 2026

1. Indigenous tribes affected include the Shompen and Nicobarese · 31 Jan · GS3 · note
2. Arctic bioclimatic extremes include sudden winter thaws and rain-on-snow freezing into ice. · 31 Jan · GS3 · note
3. Kolleru Lake serves as a habitat for thriving migratory bird populations · 28 Jan · GS3 · note
4. Tranquilizing tigers carries a 50/50 recovery rate and risks of aggression or depression. · 28 Jan · GS3 · note
5. Hoya nagaensis: A newly discovered plant species in Nagaland · 27 Jan · GS3 · note
6. Nipah virus: A zoonotic virus with a high fatality rate and no available vaccine or treatment. · 27 Jan · GS2 · note
7. Penaeus indicus and Penaeus monodon are indigenous prawn species being promoted by the Ministry. · 23 Jan · GS3 · note
8. Whale shark: Identified as the world's largest fish species. · 23 Jan · GS3 · note
9. Nelumbo nucifera: A sacred lotus plant native to India. · 23 Jan · GS3 · note
10. Hesaraghatta Grasslands: Habitat for endangered wildlife species and migratory birds. · 23 Jan · GS3 · note
11. The assessment covers over 65 raptor species in Tamil Nadu. · 21 Jan · GS3 · note
12. Kaziranga National Park is a known habitat for rhinoceroses. · 20 Jan · GS3 · note
13. Saltwater crocodiles were surveyed in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary. · 19 Jan · GS3 · note
14. Spectacled Cobras were the most rescued species in 2025, making up 49.3% of rescues. · 19 Jan · GS3 · note
15. Rat Snakes and Checkered Keelbacks were the second and third most common species rescued. · 19 Jan · GS3 · note
16. Indiaphonte bijoyi: A new species of microscopic crustacean discovered in Kavaratti lagoon. · 18 Jan · GS3 · note
17. Dugong is the target species for the proposed International Dugong Conservation Centre. · 16 Jan · GS3 · note
18. Gaddi sheep and Chegu goats: Indigenous small ruminant breeds targeted for preservation · 16 Jan · GS3 · note
19. Baillon’s Crake and Glossy Ibis are identified as rare visitors to the sanctuary · 13 Jan · GS3 · note
20. Asian Openbill is a resident species in the Kolleru sanctuary · 13 Jan · GS3 · note
21. Soman’s Slender Arm Frog: Named after late journalist E. Somanath. · 9 Jan · GS3 · note
22. Mechuka Slender Arm Frog: Characterized by a reddish-brown body and silvery-white eyes. · 9 Jan · GS3 · note
23. Indian vultures and griffon vultures were identified as endangered species in the Rajgir wildlife sanctuary. · 7 Jan · GS3 · note
24. Eurasian Kestrel and Long-legged Buzzard are migratory raptors observed in the region. · 7 Jan · GS3 · note
25. Duck introduction: Proposed as a method for improving water quality in lakes · 3 Jan · GS3 · note
26. Tiger population saturation is cited as a cause for territorial infighting and increased mortality · 1 Jan · GS3 · note
27. Hivara, taraṭī, and bābhūḷa are identified as characteristic flora of Maharashtra's savanna landscapes. · 1 Jan · GS3 · note

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