The article discusses the significant activity of the Friends of Snakes Society (FoSS) in Telangana, focusing on the monitoring and rescue of Spectacled Cobras during the monsoon season, which leads to a spike in snake hatching and rescues. The highlights include:

• Active Rescue Efforts: The Friends of Snakes Society reported rescuing a total of 5,954 snakes from January to June 2025, with over 50% being Spectacled Cobras (2,970 snakes). Furthermore, 1,134 more Cobras were rescued between June and July 16.

• Hatching Season: The peak hatching period for the Spectacled Cobra occurs from August when incubation lasts between 45 to 70 days, following an egg-laying period that extends from March through July. The mating season for these snakes runs from January to April.

• Rescue Case Example: A notable case involved a volunteer, Aditya Srinath, who dedicated over 12 hours to rescue 23 snakelets and an adult Spectacled Cobra found in a hollow part of a concrete floor. He rescued the majority of the snakes overnight, highlighting the challenges and dedication involved in their efforts.

• Environmental Factors: The article notes that the moderate intensity of monsoon rains has led to increased snake sightings as human movement remains largely unhindered. According to P. Gowri Shankar, a wildlife biologist, the monsoon season supports snake survival by providing ample food sources such as frogs and rodents, while the dense vegetation offers shelter from predators.

• Life Cycle Adaptations: The high humidity levels during the monsoon season are crucial for hatchlings, as they help prevent dehydration, a common risk during the early life phases of snakes. The strategy of synchronous hatching allows for a reduced risk from predators, as the threat is distributed among multiple individuals.

The article emphasizes the ecological aspects of the Spectacled Cobra's life cycle and the vital role of local volunteers in snake conservation and education efforts.

Key Points:

• The Friends of Snakes Society rescued 5,954 snakes from January to June 2025, with 2,970 being Spectacled Cobras.
• An additional 1,134 Cobras were rescued from June to mid-July.
• Hatching peak is in August; incubation is 45 to 70 days.
• Aditya Srinath spent over 12 hours rescuing 23 snakelets and an adult Cobra in Jagadgirigutta.
• The monsoon season supports snake survival by providing ample food and shelter.
• Dense vegetation reduces predator threats and humidity prevents hatchling desiccation.
• Synchronous hatching helps distribute predator risk among snakes.

Summary of Cold Deserts: Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh

The article focuses on Lahaul, a lesser-known cold desert located in Himachal Pradesh, India, illustrating its unique geography, climate, ecosystems, and flora and fauna.

• Geographical Context:

  • Lahaul is situated at an elevation ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 meters above sea level.
  • It is characterized by snow-capped mountains and minimal rainfall, defining its status as a cold desert.

• Glacial Importance:

  • The region is home to significant glaciers, particularly the Bara Shigri Glacier, one of the largest in the Himalayas.
  • Glaciers serve as critical water resources, functioning as “nature’s water tanks” that melt during summer and sustain numerous rivers in Northern India.

• River Systems:

  • Key rivers, namely the Chandra and Bhaga, flow through Lahaul and converge to form the Chenab River.
  • These rivers are essential for agricultural activities, supporting the cultivation of crops such as potatoes, peas, and barley.

• Climatic Extremes:

  • Lahaul experiences notable seasonal variations:
    • Winter (October to April):
      • Temperatures can plunge to minus 20°C (minus 4°F) or lower.
      • Heavy snowfall can block roads, leading to frozen rivers and a white, tranquil landscape.
    • Summer (May to September):
      • Melting snow from glaciers replenishes water sources.
      • The region witnesses vibrant wildflower blooms, including purple thyme and pink Silky rose bushes.
    • Spring and Autumn:
      • Both seasons are brief, with spring marked by minimal snow melting and autumn serving as a quick transition to winter.

• Biodiversity:

  • The region houses diverse wildlife adapted to extreme conditions:
    • The elusive snow leopard, which camouflages into the snowy terrain.
    • A notable prey base consisting of Himalayan Ibex and Himalayan blue sheep (Bharal).
    • Other wildlife includes red foxes, Himalayan marmots that hibernate in winter, and flocks of choughs that soar through the skies.

The article concludes by highlighting the inherent surprises and mysteries of cold deserts like Lahaul, shedding light on the ecological importance of such regions frequently overlooked in traditional desert classifications.

Key Points:

• Lahaul is a cold desert in Himachal Pradesh, characterized by high altitude and minimal rainfall.
• Contains the Bara Shigri Glacier, a key water source for Northern India's rivers.
• Rivers, notably the Chandra and Bhaga, support agriculture in the region.
• Seasonal extremes include severe winters (down to -20°C) and vibrant summers with wildflower blooms.
• Biodiversity includes wildlife such as snow leopards, Himalayan Ibex, red foxes, and marmots.
• Cold deserts are as fascinating and vital as hot deserts, showcasing unique ecosystems and climatic conditions.

This comprehensive overview provides an understanding of Lahaul's ecological significance and its unique status as a cold desert, contributing to the broader narrative of desert environments.

The Chhattisgarh forest department has designated itself as the nodal agency for implementing Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006. CFRR is fundamental in recognizing the rights of gram sabhas (village councils) to manage their customary forests, which seeks to address historical injustices stemming from colonial-era forest management practices that displaced local communities.

Key points from the article are as follows:

• CFRR Recognition: The FRA identifies the right of gram sabhas to manage forests, overturning colonial consolidation that centralized control within state bodies.

• Conflict with Gram Sabha Autonomy: The forest department’s letter, which mandated a model plan from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) for CFR management, contradicted the statutory autonomy of gram sabhas to formulate their management plans.

• Grassroots Mobilization: The department’s decision faced severe pushback from gram sabhas, elected representatives, and Adivasi rights organizations, leading to the withdrawal of the letter.

• Colonial Legacy of Forest Management: Historically, forests have been managed through colonial-era working plans focused on timber production, critiqued for promoting practices like clear-felling and monoculture plantations which degrade forest ecosystems.

• Current Forest Conditions: India’s forest ecosystem shows alarming signs of decline due to invasive species and degradation, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing forest management practices.

• Contrasting Approaches: Unlike government-controlled management plans that focus on timber extraction, the FRA envisions a model where local communities' needs and sustainable management practices are prioritized through community-developed CFR management plans.

• Implementation Challenges: Despite over 10,000 gram sabhas receiving CFRR titles in India, fewer than 1,000 have developed their management plans, hindered by forest department reluctance and strategies aimed at retaining control over forest resources.

• MoTA’s Guidelines: MoTA previously issued guidelines to support simpler planning formats for gram sabhas but later amended these positions, necessitating compliance with the National Working Plan Code (NWPC), which undermines the FRA’s intent.

• Legislative Conflicts: The NWPC framework emphasizes timber yield and may not align with the diverse livelihoods that gram sabhas seek to promote through forest management.

• CFR Management Framework: The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan launched by the central government provided a new framework for CFR management, although it requires refinement for more adaptable implementation.

• Path Forward: It is suggested that MoTA reject attempts to enforce NWPC compliance that undermines CFR management. Additionally, forest departments should adapt their practices to support community-driven forest management instead of adhering strictly to timber-oriented approaches.

In summary, the management of community forests under the FRA seeks to empower local communities while challenging the entrenched colonial practices of forest management. The responsiveness of authorities to support gram sabhas and their autonomy is crucial for sustainable forest management aligned with local needs and ecological preservation.

Significant Bullet Points:

• Chhattisgarh’s forest department claims authority over CFRR under FRA, 2006.
• The directive contravenes the autonomy of gram sabhas in developing management plans.
• The letter was retracted after mobilization by local communities and rights groups.
• Forest management practices historically focus on maximizing timber, often to the detriment of biodiversity and local communities.
• Challenges persist in implementing gram sabha-led forest management plans due to opposition from forest departments.
• MoTA’s oscillating policy statements create confusion and hinder effective local management.
• Recommended path involves MoTA endorsing community-focused frameworks and supporting gram sabha initiatives.

The survey conducted in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has resulted in the identification of 43 grassland bird species, marking a significant milestone in the conservation of avian biodiversity in India's Brahmaputra floodplains.

Key Highlights:

• Survey Duration and Team: The survey took place from March 18 to May 25, 2025, and involved a collaboration of forest officials, ornithologists, scientists, and conservationists.

• Bird Species Identified:

  • A total of 43 grassland bird species were documented across Kaziranga’s wildlife divisions.
  • Notable findings include:
    • Critically Endangered: Bengal florican
    • Endangered: Finn’s weaver, swamp grass babbler
    • Vulnerable Species: Black-breasted parrotbill, marsh babbler, swamp francolin, Jerdon’s babbler, slender-billed babbler, bristled grassbird.

• Successful Breeding: The Finn’s weaver, also known locally as tukura chorai, is successfully breeding, indicating the health of the grassland ecosystem. This bird is recognized for its intricate nesting abilities.

• Significant Area: Kaziranga National Park spans 1,174 square kilometers, comprising a mixture of grasslands, forests, and wetlands. This diversity contributes to its status as a critical habitat for various avian species.

• Research Methodology: For the first time, passive acoustic recorders were used for non-invasive, continuous monitoring of bird species, particularly those that are elusive. This technology greatly enhanced the accuracy of species detection.

• Importance of Findings:

  • The study revealed critical grassland habitats within Kaziranga that support populations of threatened and endemic bird species.
  • Additionally, the findings allow for comparisons of grassland bird diversity in Kaziranga with that of dry grasslands in other Indian states like Gujarat and Rajasthan.

• Director's Insights: Sonali Ghosh, director of Kaziranga National Park, noted the lack of prior surveys on wet grasslands in India, enhancing the importance of this study.

• Conclusion: The report was made public on July 14, 2025, emphasizing the need for ongoing conservation efforts for grassland-dependent bird species in the context of rapid environmental changes and habitat loss.

This survey not only documents existing bird populations but also contributes to broader conservation strategies aimed at protecting diverse habitats within the park, aligning with national biodiversity agendas and sustainable development goals.