Current Conservation Magazine

07/05/2024

CC is currently open to submissions for our upcoming CC Kids issue! 🌻

To learn more about the submission guidelines, visit the link in our bio and fill out the Google form provided on the page.🐛

Submission Deadline: June 17, 2024

02/05/2024

Can we meet water needs for human development without compromising freshwater ecosystems?

To understand this, let's head over to the Beas river, the home of the rarest mammal in India, the Indus river dolphin, with less than 10 individuals found here. Although a much larger population is found in Pakistan, they are disconnected from the Indian population.

Swipe to read and understand how effective changes in the management of water supply infrastructure can be applied for the conservation of the IRD and other aquatic species affected by climate change. This study highlights that freshwater conservation need not come at the expense of sustainable development for humans and other associated SDGs.

This post is the sixth addition to our series ' : ', featuring the paper titled 'Exploring trade-offs between SDGs for Indus River Dolphin conservation and human water security in the regulated Beas River, India'.

Illustrated by .frogmouth

17/04/2024

ISSUE 18.1 is up on the website!

The geological period that we are living through has come to be known as the Anthropocene – one where the Earth’s history has been dominated by human activities. In our latest issue, we delve into the profound impacts of these activities on species and ecosystems around the world: from endangered numbats and grass-trees in Australia to the 'silent extinction' of Masai giraffes in Kenya and Tanzania. Yet even amidst these challenges, we're reminded of the wonders of and our connection to nature.

Dive into this thought-provoking issue -

Cover art:




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21/03/2024

🌿🎨 : returns with a unique approach to amphibian conservation in human-modified landscapes. 🐸🌾

📖 Life history traits are essential aspects of a species’ biology. From reproductive patterns to growth rates, these traits play a crucial role in the survivability of amphibians in a habitat. 🐸

This paper focuses on the importance of understanding these traits and including them in conservation plans for amphibians living in modified habitats such as plantations and agroforests. 🌱💚

Illustrations by

21/03/2024

Our latest annual kids' supplement has been published on the website!

In this issue, we embark on an exciting journey exploring the theme of 'Symbiosis.' Through fun and engaging articles like 'Beautiful Bats' and 'Figs: Friends and Foes,' young readers will discover the fascinating relationships between different organisms. From the adventures of pet dogs to the heroic tales of wildlife protectors, this issue celebrates the diverse connections between humans and animals. Join us as we uncover the wonders of symbiotic relationships and their significance in our natural world!

Head to the to read the full issue!🦇

Cover art:

09/02/2024

🐆🐈"The Leopard That Learned from the Cat" is a beloved tale shared among the residents of Hamirpur. According to local lore, the leopard's aunt, who happens to be a cat, imparted her hunting skills to the majestic feline. Swipe through to learn how the people of Hamirpur coexist with leopards and unravel the intriguing narratives that shape their interactions. This study, conducted by Dhee, Vidya Athreya, John D. C. Linnell, Shweta Shivakumar, and Sat Pal Dhiman, offers fascinating insights into the region's cultural perspectives, ecological nuances, and conservation efforts.🏞️⛰️

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Illustrated by .frogmouth

Access the paper: bit.ly/hamirpurleo

09/02/2024

CC is now accepting submissions for our next print issue, 18.2 on Marine and freshwater conservation. Send in your entries!

Deadline: March 25, 2024

06/02/2024

Explore the remarkable coexistence between humans and reptiles in our latest issue. These stories from various regions, featuring species like Komodo dragons, cobras, and crocodiles, challenge stereotypes and showcase the complex social behaviors of reptiles. Learn about the diverse ways communities foster coexistence, acknowledging both the risks and benefits.

Join us in reconsidering the possibilities of human-reptile interactions and supporting efforts to promote harmony with wildlife.

🔗 Link to the full issue in bio!

05/02/2024

This is a hands-on workshop for young people (ages 8+) where they will explore concepts in ecology and conservation through the medium of zine-making. It is jointly organised by Current Conservation magazine, Wonder Yonder and Champaca Bookstore. All materials will be provided.

Head to the to register. We have a maximum limit of 15 participants, so hurry up!

Children should be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

📆 Saturday, 17 February, 2024
⏰ 10:30-13:00
📍Champaca Bookstore, Bangalore

For queries, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

14/01/2024

In collaboration with , we introduce you to 'Science of the Wild: Research Illustrated’ - a series that aims to make conservation science accessible to people outside the scientific community. We blend the realms of science and art, creating a platform to share knowledge, where the only prerequisite is curiosity. Stay tuned for interesting posts with the latest conservation research!

31/12/2023

We are grateful for your support this year. Thank you! ✨

It has never been clearer that there is no environmental justice without social justice. Here is to fighting for a kinder, softer world for everyone in 2024

29/12/2023

Issue 17.3 is up online! 🌿

Explore the diverse landscapes of Central Asia, from wild tulips to endangered Asiatic wild dogs in India. Uncover the growing illegal trade in succulents, revealed through Helen Burton's unexpected discovery in Namibia. Jared Margulies and Frankie Moorman shed light on the cactus and succulent collector community, emphasizing missed conservation opportunities. Thomas Daum and colleagues discuss the vital link between food production and biodiversity in 'biodiversity-smart agriculture.' The cover story by Manya Kotera and Andrea D. Phillott explores the ecological wisdom in regional species names, highlighting the impact of losing linguistic diversity alongside biodiversity. Delve into this rich tapestry of global conservation narratives.



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26/12/2023

Zines from ‘War, People & Nature: Exploring intersections through zine-making’ workshop we hosted at Atta Galatta.

This collection includes thought provoking zines made by the participants at the workshop reflecting on the discussion of interplay between humanitarian and biodiversity crises and art as a medium for resistance, reflection and processing grief.

26/12/2023

We are so grateful to all those who joined us a few weeks ago in discussing the intricate connections between war, humanity, and the environment at the zine making workshop at on the topic War, People and Nature. We are glad to have hosted a space for such engaging conversations, creative exploration, and shared grief.

In the backdrop of ongoing conflicts, war and genocide, we discussed the role of art as a poignant reflection of war, a medium for resistance, and a tool to navigate loss and grief. Most thoughtful, creative and thought provoking zines were brought to life by the participants during the event. Stay tuned as we share some of them in the upcoming posts.

Shoutout to for sharing valuable inputs and for facilitating the event with Team CC.

07/12/2023

Beyond Goa’s shimmering beaches lies the oft-overlooked world of endangered rhino rays. Read about how a conservationist and marine biologist delves into the lives of these rays and communities that rely on the sea, in order to uncover novel information about these elusive species in “Rhinos of the sea”, a feature in issue 17.2! Link in bio!

Author: Trisha Gupta 
Illustrator: Sayan Mukherjee

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05/12/2023

War, People & Nature: Exploring intersections through zine-making

Join us for a hands-on workshop where art becomes a powerful lens to delve into the intricate connections between war, humanity, and the environment.
Through the medium of zine-making, we will explore the profound interplay between humanitarian and biodiversity crises. We aim to cultivate a deeper understanding that environmental justice is inseparable from social justice.

📅 Date and Time: 11:00-13:00, 9th December, 2023

📍 Location: Atta Galatta, Indiranagar, Bangalore

🔗 Register at the link in bio – limited seats only

Thanks to our venue partner for hosting this workshop.

19/10/2023

Calling all collage artists with a passion for conservation!

CC is looking for artists who can weave together diverse materials - photographs, illustrations, magazine clippings, fabric, and more to craft narratives and tell stories of conservation for our upcoming issue!

DEADLINE: November 5, 2023

If you are interested, please fill out the google form

29/09/2023

Our latest issue, 17.2 revolves around the marine world, and the lives of people who dedicate their work towards marine conservation. 

The feature story of the issue introduces the reader to rhino rays—strange and unheard relatives of sharks Researchers detail the importance of evidence-based practices in conserving sea turtle hatchlings. We meet a knowledgeable fisherman of the Lakshadweep archipelago, and hear his sagacious words. Stories about local marine conservation from East Africa and Kenya chronicle the accomplishments of women, who are often overlooked in conservation discourse and greatly impacted by environmental degradation.  

Finally, we dedicate this issue to two incredible people—Anne Heloise Theo and Satish Bhaskar. This year saw their tragic passing, but their work continues to leave a permanent mark on marine biology and conservation. 
 
Head to the to have a closer look at this beautiful issue.

Cover illustration: Sayan Mukherjee

12/08/2023

This World Elephant Day, The Real Elephant Collective () and Current Conservation are collaborating to present an illustration contest focusing on coexistence with Asian elephants.

Asian elephants—intelligent, social creatures that one can only find in verdant forests? Perhaps in the past, but due to shrinking habitats, it is impossible to draw solid lines between ‘forest’ and ‘settlement’, and these elephants and humans are increasingly coming into contact. This has prompted conservationists to strive to implement holistic solutions to ease the interspecific friction, attempting to neither disproportionately affect either party, considering specific ecological, cultural, and socio-economic factors. As Asian elephants are an ‘umbrella species’, working towards peaceful coexistence, thereby protecting them, translates to preserving their natural habitats and all the species that reside in them.

Your submissions can be related to this theme of human-elephant coexistence in any way you can think of, involving the problems at hand, possible solutions, novel insights, commentaries—the more inventive, the better!

If you’re ready to embrace the challenge, refer to the guidelines above and seize your chance to participate!

🏆Prizes:

🥇A cash prize of ₹2000, CC magazines and merchandise

🥈A cash prize of ₹1000, CC magazines and merchandise

*Prizes would be sent within India only*

Deadline: 31st August, 2023

Illustration made for 

09/08/2023

The Asian songbird trade poses a significant threat to the region’s songbirds, with millions of animals being trafficked globally. It is undeniable that research and conservation efforts are vital to curb population declines, however, in conjunction with art, they can reach a much wider audience and spread awareness about the plight of Asian avians.

In the article, “Art against illegal trade: The Asian songbird crisis”, hear how artists Sofiya Shukhova and Tom Henderson weave their creative prowess into a powerful force for change, making informed, educational art that leaves a lasting impression on viewers. 

Click on the link in our bio to read this article and many more!  

Authors & Illustrators: Sofiya Sukhova & Tom Hendersonshukhova

27/07/2023

Recently in the spotlight due to an erroneous link with COVID-19, pangolins—the only mammals covered by keratinous scales—face an uncertain future plagued by illegal trade and knowledge gaps. The authors of this article write about their research in ways to improve conservation practices for pangolins, identifying several lacunae in the literature and suggesting ways to spread awareness about their plight. They also scrutinise the patenting of pangolin body parts used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and find that many are not in keeping with the principles of TCM, raising doubts about whether the true motive behind these patents is profit and commercialisation. Integrating all these strands, they also provide comprehensive guidelines to aid pangolin conservation. 

Click on the link in our bio to read the Research in Translation article, “How do we conserve the most trafficked mammals in the world—pangolins?”!

Authors: Sean Heighton & Philippe Gaubert

Illustrator: Pari Satarkar .jpeg

26/07/2023

The leaves of Pholisma arenarium have adapted to the hot, sandy deserts they reside in. These short, scaly spines completely juxtapose the beautiful purple flowers of this plant. The leaves are even devoid of chlorophyll. So, this herb grows on other plants and loots nutrients from their roots. As mentioned by , this plant is often called “dune food” because the loaf-like part of the root can be consumed.

Posted • Pholisma arenarium (Lennoaceae). First time seeing Dune Food!!! This rather large cluster was parasitic on shrubby Asteraceae nearby. Photographed March 28, 2023.

26/07/2023

Join an intrepid young explorer on their mission to climb all kinds of trees! Although, we’re not sure the mangrove would be the easiest to scale—crossing crocodile-infested waters, dodging ambushes from lurking tigers and finally, manoeuvring one’s way through a labyrinth of aerial roots and thin branches. 

This International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, we hope you can appreciate that these trees form essential ecosystems with myriad functions—from serving as the first line of protection from hurricanes and storms, to reducing erosion, to being nurseries for fish and other animals all while being home to a host of endangered species. 

While you think about all of this, take a minute to read Priyadarshini Gogoi’s wonderful story, “Have you ever climbed a tree?” in Issue 16 of CC Kids by clicking on the link in our bio!
( originally published in .books )

Illustrator: Barkha Lohia

 

24/07/2023

Behind the scenes of biodiversity conservation, myriad frontline workers carry out vital tasks—yet, the reality of their experiences is hidden by simplistic, monochrome characterisations, either as heroes or villains. Insufficient income, long working hours and poor working conditions are just the tip of the iceberg—the complexities of caste and class hierarchies also continue to dictate their daily existence. Trishant Dutta, Anwesha Simlai and others throw light on how conservation efforts are entwined with socio-politically forged labour dynamics while emphasising the importance of a transdisciplinary approach informed by multiple disciplines—conservation, the social sciences, geography, economics, and more. 

Click on the link in our bio to read “Labour perspectives on frontline conservation work” in Issue 17.1 to know why all of this is important in the ever-evolving world of conservation!

Illustrator: Pearl D’Souza .dsouza

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20/07/2023

In this intriguing interview with Hari Sridhar, Bill Adams—former geographer at the University of Cambridge—sheds light on how he became interested in geography and conservation, what ‘political ecology’ means and how he shifted towards it, and how it can enrich perspectives and practices in conservation and development. In the process, he emphasises the need for interdisciplinary thinking in the field, that takes into account the working of societies, institutions, and power dynamics, while providing insights on how the political aspects of conservation could affect mundane questions of existence. 

Find the complete article—“All nature is political: An interview with Bill Adams” in Issue 17.1! Link in bio!

Illustrator: Aksh*ta Sinha

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19/07/2023

The ghost goby (Pleurosicya mossambica) is a small fish that is commensal with its hosts, usually soft corals or sponges—this means that the goby benefits from the relationship in some way, while the host does not. This picture, taken by , beautifully justifies the fish’s common name—one can easily picture this dappled spectre gliding over a possible host, its gossamer fins gently cutting through the water, striking red and yellow eyes scanning the waters above, while it blends almost imperceptibly into a waving sea of red. 

Posted •

Home from the Red Sea. The colours of these reefs always stun me. It was mainly a wide angle trip, but I thought I’d start by sharing this pretty ghost goby on an expanse of red soft coral. Macro shots are really quick to process! Shot with Sony A1 + 90mm. Nauticam housing, Retra flashes. 1/250th @ f/18, ISO 250.

19/07/2023

Why are people so drawn to birdwatching? In ‘For “anyone who as an eye (and a brain)”’, Madhuri Ramesh explores the history and evolution of the timeless hobby, taking us on a journey wherein ancient Egyptian art meets 17th-century ornithologists, and fictional birder-cum-detectives converge with verbose portraits painted by poets, while also priming us on the complex socio-political relations operating within the world of birding. 

Find the entire article (and much, much more) by following the link in our bio for our latest issue—17.1! 

Illustrator: Ekisha Poddar .doi

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16/07/2023

Hear a “hiss”, and you think of a snake—but have you ever encountered other animals that hiss? If you haven’t, fear not—Hannah, a king cobra will take you on an action-packed adventure to meet your hissing neighbours! Join her, and kittens Mango and Bun, as they scamper (and slither) over hill and dale, eagerly seeking an answer to the question: whose hiss is the hissiest?

This World Snake Day, click on the link in our bio to read the wonderful story “Whose hiss is the hissiest?” and acquaint yourself with some non-serpentine hissers!

Author: Caroline Mary Abraham
Illustrator

16/07/2023

14/07/2023

While it may seem like sharks are immune to all manner of attacks, researchers all over the world are working hard to dispel these notions. According to the IUCN, more than one-third of sharks are threatened—their slow growth, late reproductive maturation, and small litter sizes are compounded by threats due to finning, bycatch, and demand for products like liver oil, meat, skeletons, and teeth. The situation goes from bad to worse when we consider how marine ecosystems are being modified by climate change and pollution—our oceans are getting warmer and more acidic, coral reefs are dying, and deep sea mining and coastal development alters habitats forever.

The poem above has been written from the perspective of a shark singing its swan song, earnestly beseeching humans to pay heed to its pleas. This Shark Awareness Day, let’s do all we can to spread awareness about the plight of sharks the world over, working towards protecting our oceans.

Poem by Prateek Sibal