Vadodara: In a rare sighting that has sparked interest among wildlife experts, an albino Indian flapshell turtle was spotted for the first time in Vadodara. The unique turtle, with its distinctive yellow coloration, was found today near a freshwater pond in the rural area of Chikhodra. Local residents who noticed the unusual turtle promptly alerted the Social Forestry Department. Acting swiftly, the forest officials rescued the turtle and safely transported it to their conservation facility nea...Read More

Bhavnagar: The State Forest Department has arrested a man after a video showing him dangerously close to a lion went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. The mobile footage, shot in Bhavnagar district, shows Gautam Ghelabhai Shiyal, approximately 32 years old, walking alarmingly close to a lion as it fed on its kill. Despite the animal’s visible distress, Gautam continued filming. The lion stood up and growled, even making a brief move in his direction. Voices—likely from n...Read More

Kutch: In a significant step toward supporting wildlife diversity in  the Banni Grasslands, the Gujarat Forest Department undertook the planned introduction of  20 spotted deer into a designated 70-hectare protected area in collaboration with Vantara, a  leading wildlife rescue and conservation initiative founded by Anant Ambani, under whose  umbrella the Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre operates. This  collaborative initiative aimed to strengthen biodiversity in one of A...Read More

Valsad: In a strict crackdown against the illegal trade of wildlife organs in Valsad district, the Gujarat Forest Department, in a joint operation with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), today seized wildlife items including the skin of a leopard cub and arrested three individuals in this regard. This action was carried out by integrated teams from the Valsad North Forest Department, Valsad South Forest Department, and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. The joint efforts reflect the stro...Read More

Gandhinagar: The World Forest Day is celebrated on March 21 to raise awareness among citizens about the importance of trees and forests. This year, the theme for the day is ‘Forests and Food,’ highlighting the crucial role forests play in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. On this occasion, let us talk about Dhaj village in Mandvi Taluka of Surat district, which is Gujarat’s first eco-village. Located in the remote forest area of the Mandvi North Range of the Surat Forest Departmen...Read More

Khambha: A 35-year-old farmer, Mangabhai Boghabhai Bareya, was tragically killed by a lioness in his field in Kakardi Moli village, part of the Jasaddhar range in the Dhari Gir East forest division, Amreli district. According to locals, Bareya was working in his field when the lioness attacked him, dragged him away, and mauled him to death. Despite villagers gathering at the scene, the lioness refused to relinquish the body. The forest department team from Jasaddhar range, led by RFO L.D. Bhar...Read More

Nal Sarovar: Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary will remain shut for visitors during 25 and 26 January due to bird census. Forest department of Gujarat government will conduct a preliminary census of the birds at the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary on 25th and 26th January 2025.  Approximately 100 ornithologists, experts and volunteers will join the preliminary bird census by dividing 46 zones. It is worth mentioning here that the bird census will be conducted in a total area of ​​120.82 sq km including...Read More

Devbhumi Dwarka: Forest officials from the Marine National Park in the district arrested one Nadeem Radia after seizing the carcasses of seven demoiselle cranes at Fakira Pir's shrine along the Dwarka-Mithapur highway. The Range Forest Officer (RFO) received a tip-off about two individuals attempting to sell dead birds. The forest department quickly assembled multiple teams, including an undercover operative posing as a potential buyer. When the two suspects arrived with the carcasses, Radia ...Read More

Gandhinagar: Dr. A.P. Singh, IFS (GJ-RR-1990), currently serving as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry, Gandhinagar, has been promoted to the Apex Scale of the Indian Forest Service [Level-17 of the Pay Matrix as per the Indian Forest Service (Pay) Rules, 2016]. He has been appointed as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Gujarat State, Gandhinagar, effective January 1, 2025. Dr. Singh will assume the position following the retirement of N...Read More

Amreli: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended the Range Forest Officer and a computer operator in Rajula on bribery charges. The accused Range Forest Officer, Yograjsinh Mulubha Rathod, is stationed in Rajula within Amreli district. Another accused, Vismay Rajyaguru, is a computer operator (employed on a contractual basis) who works with Yograjsinh. According to the ACB, a complainant in this case had deposited Rs. 5 lakh for an annual contract approved for civil construction wo...Read More