MACOUN MARSH IMAGES- Canada

 Large flocks of Bohemian waxwings dominated the sky over the past week. February has been unusually cold this year.  

 Chickadees continue to approach local people

 Redpolls are still common around the feeders.

Bohemian waxwings on the move.

Entire Village Volunteers to Leave Their Homes So Wildlife Can Flourish

What once used to be a thriving farming community in India, teeming with people and daily activity, is now something closer to a ghost town, at least when it comes to humans that is. All 200 families that used to live in the village of Ramdegi in central India’s Tadoa-Andhari Tiger Reserve made the decision to give their land back to nature. Part of an ongoing effort by the Indian government to reduce conflict with wildlife, the reserve is now free for a plethora of life to flourish.

Read more: Entire Village Volunteers to Leave Their Homes So Wildlife Can Flourish | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building

ABANDONED TIMBER DISCOVERED- Nepal

Police seized two trucks filled with illegal timber from Banke district of midwestern Nepal. According to District Forest Officer (DFO) of Banke, the unattended 27 logs of timber were being transported to Nepalgunj district, on the trucks without any number plates. The police are yet to nab the smugglers and the case is under scrutiny.

February 16

http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=92276

CONSERVING FEWA LAKE - Nepal

Pokhara in western Nepal has started removing and prohibiting any construction of buildings within 65m from Fewa Lake, as a step to conserve the lake from the negative impact of land encroachment. According to a local of Baidam of Kaski district, people residing along the banks of the lake are affected as they need the land to support their livelihood. The Western Regional Administrator stated that people affected by the policy that possess land ownership certificates, are to be compensated for the land.

February 20

http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Conservation+of+Fewa+Lake+begins&NewsID=445317http

DISCOURAGING POACHING- India

Conservationists in Kashmir, northern India are demanding the prohibition on manufacturing and use of punt guns for the conservation of birds around Wullar Lake. Punt guns are locally made and are deadliest hunting gun used for killing the birds. Punt guns can kill more than 50 birds in a flock in one shot and are freely used for hunting the migratory bird in Wullar Lake and its adjoining areas.

February 17

http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2015/Feb/18/poaching-in-wullar-lake-9.asp

VULTURES AT RISK- India

Acute poisoning has killed over 50 endangered vultures in Sivasagar district of Assam, north-east India. Among these 50 dead birds, 19 white-backed vultures, three slender-billed vultures and 29 Himalayan griffons died on the site and one bird, Himalayan Griffon Vulture was rescued by the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC). A vulture was released back to native site in an awareness program including stakeholders, government representatives and local bodies.

February 18

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=feb1915/state051

WILDLIFE DEPRADATION IN TIBET- China

Farmers and herders around Changtang Nature Reserve of Tibet Autonomous Region, southwestern China are on constant trouble due the wild animals attacking their livestock, damaging buildings and crops and hurting people. Although, farmers receive compensation they are far less than the actual loss and some are often deprived of it. Tibet is home to 795 vertebrate species, 125 of which are protected.

February 17 

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/indepth/2015-02/17/c_134004095.htm