Fisheries institute identifies 2 new species of needlefish off Indian coast

Researchers at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Cochin, Kerala, have identified two new species of needlefish from Indian waters. The discovery was made through genetic and molecular analysis, revealing that what was previously considered a single species, the flat needlefish (Ablennes hians), is actually a complex of at least three distinct species. The new species have been named Ablennes joseberchmansis and Ablennes gracalii​, The New Indian Express newspaper reported. The research was led...

​​Robotic elephant makes debut in Tamil Nadu temple

We have all seen elephants greet visitors at numerous temples in South India. The reason? The animals are considered auspicious and sacred and also used for performing certain rituals. However, as is common practice in the country with regard to animals, the elephants, too, were not spared neglect and even cruelty. The long hours they are forced to stand and kept tied are just the more obvious elements. Now, a rather cool solution has been...