Tina

Leopards Lead Predator Comeback in Indore Forests | Multi-Carnivore Recovery From fragmented forests to leopard strongholds: Indore sees 51% expansion TINA KHATRI Leopards are leading charge in Indore forests. In an eight-year transformation, leopard occupancy expanded by 51% , while tigers reclaimed 21 beats—showing coexistence between apex predators and humans is possible. In 2018, Indore Forest Division had no tiger signs , and leopards were confined to fragmented habitats. By 2026, leopards spread across nearly every suitable habitat, creating a functioning multi-carnivore ecosystem without endangering local communities. Pradeep Mishra, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Indore, explained: “By 2018, Indore was below ecological threshold for tigers. Leopards survived, tigers could not. Eight years of habitat restoration, connectivity planning, and community engagement changed that. Tigers returned, and people became part of system...

Tiger territory takes root as signs surge | AITE 2026 Report By Tina Khatri | Indore Forest Division Tiger territory takes root as signs surge Indore forest silence is being broken by heavy footfalls of an expanding tiger population, as first 48 hours of All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026 confirmed region is no longer just transit corridor. Documentation of 21 tiger signs on day one followed by 18 signs on day two has already eclipsed total of 10 signs recorded during entire 2022 survey, signalling division has transitioned into permanent stronghold for big cats. Divisional forest officer Pradeep Mishra stated current findings are significantly more verifiable and robust than previous data. Mishra noted meticulous monitoring, aided by camera traps and scientific field surveys, has confirmed tigers are now using forests with greater consistency. Choral range em...

Winter Solstice Activities for Kids – Cinnamon Sugar Toast & Fun Learning Winter Solstice Magic on Dec 21, 2025: Light, Magic & Winter Fun TINA KHATRI Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year and the slow return of sunlight. This activity sheet brings the season to life with hands-on, creative, and educational experiences for kids. Children can start by making Cinnamon Sugar Toast , a simple, warm treat. Next, they can read and colour a short winter poem, capturing the quiet magic of snowy nights. Finally, the “Magical Winter Solstice at the North Pole” fill-in-the-blank activity blends Arctic facts with imagination, building vocabulary and grammar skills. Together, these activities offer a fun, engaging way to celebrate the solstice, explore winter wonders, and enjoy a taste of seasonal magic at home or in ...

20 Tiger Signs Recorded in Indore Forest Division | AITE 2026 20 Tiger Signs on Day One: Indore Forests See Stronger Tiger Presence 20 tiger signs were recorded on Day 1 of the All India Tiger Estimation ( AITE 2026 ) in the Indore Forest Division , showing a significant increase in tiger activity compared to the 10 signs recorded during the 2022 survey . These findings indicate that tigers are now using these forests more consistently, leaving stronger and more reliable evidence of their presence. Among the ranges, Choral led with 18 tiger signs across 33 beats , followed by Mhow with 2 signs in 20 beats , and Indore with 1 sign in 26 beats . The results indicate active tiger movement and suggest a higher likelihood of long-term habitation than in previous years. DFO Pradeep Mishra said, “Compared to earlier surveys, tiger presence in 2026 is stronger and more verifiable. Camera traps, fie...

When leopards become urban neighbours: How Indore is redesigning wildlife governance When leopards become urban neighbours… By Tina Khatri | Indore More than 500 human–wildlife conflict incidents and over 300 wildlife rescue operations in just three years were reported in Indore. These numbers are a wake-up call, marking a shift in how a rapidly growing urban area must govern wildlife in urbanising forest landscapes. For a single forest division, the scale is unusually high, comparable to conflict levels typically seen in far larger districts. Wildlife encounters here are no longer sporadic disruptions — they have become a persistent urban reality. Human–wildlife interaction is now a structured feature of Indore’s urban landscape. Key data at a glance Parameter Number ...

Caged no more: Madhya Pradesh leads race to register exotic pets Caged no more: Madhya Pradesh leads race to register exotic pets By Tina Khatri Indore Madhya Pradesh has outpaced all other states, becoming the first in India to complete registrations for exotic pet ownership within the stipulated timelines. Following the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 , state authorities moved quickly to document species that previously thrived in a legal vacuum. Gujarat and Maharashtra followed as runners-up in the national compliance drive. Between 2011 and 2020, over 70,000 native and exotic animals were trafficked through Indian airports alone. Madhya Pradesh is recognised as a major hub and transit route for wildlife trafficking, alongside states such as West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Assam. In the Indore division, a crackdown on und...