Aditi Tandon

Southern Asia

Senior Production Editor at Mongabay

Senior Production Editor @mongabayindia Factchecking Trainer at Google News Initiative India Training Network Erasmus Mundus Alum @uniGoettingen @UPOlomouc

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Articles

Meet DiCaprio's Himalayan serpent

Jan 3, 2025 | india.mongabay.com | Aditi Tandon

Scientists discovered a new snake species in the western Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, which also belongs to a newly identified genus, Anguiculus. Named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio, the snake is small-bodied with teeth and not commonly encountered. This finding highlights the distinctiveness of reptiles in the western Himalayas from their eastern counterparts.
Decline in white-bellied sea eagle nests in coastal areas raises concerns

Jan 2, 2025 | india.mongabay.com | Aditi Tandon

Surveys in Kerala reveal a decline in white-bellied sea eagle nests, mainly due to the loss of tall nesting trees. Other coastal states also report loss of the bird’s nesting habitats. However, there is little data on the bird’s population trends in India. Researchers in Kerala have adopted a public participatory approach for the bird’s conservation.
Empowering waste pickers with dignified jobs for environmental change

Dec 31, 2024 | india.mongabay.com | Aditi Tandon

SWaCH, a Pune waste pickers’ cooperative, formalizes work, improves conditions, offers training, and ensures fair wages, transitioning members to safer, dignified roles in waste management. Waste segregation and recycling reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting waste from landfills which mitigates methane emissions and cutting raw material extraction.
Making sense of the environment: Explainers in 2024

Dec 30, 2024 | india.mongabay.com | Aditi Tandon

In 2024, we continued our series of environmental explainers that demystified complex environmental topics. We helped break down scientific jargon and policy discussions into relatable information, empowering individuals to understand how these issues impact their lives and communities. As we wrap up 2024, here are some ecological terms we learned more about, and shared with our readers this year. See All Key Ideas Is seagrass used in sushi? No! That’s seaweed!So, then what is seagrass?
[Commentary] Community-based conservation can help achieve 30x30 biodiversity target

Dec 20, 2024 | india.mongabay.com | Aditi Tandon

Northeastern states of India have nearly 15% of the country’s total forest area under the traditional ownership of local communities which can play very critical role in fulfilling India’s national and international commitments. Special constitutional provisions should be used to safeguard community rights over resources, support sustainable management of the resources to ensure ecological and economic security.
When the river rises in the city

Dec 20, 2024 | india.mongabay.com | Aditi Tandon

Floods in Pune, earlier this year, continue to impact people living in informal settlements across city. There has been significant loss of property and continued issues of hygiene and health of the urban working poor. The citizens demand early warnings, better facilities at rehabilitation sites, and greater consideration of the health impacts of floods on their lives. Experts suggest addressing flood risks by increasing river capacity and responsible urban planning.
Farms, fields threaten frogs in lateritic plateaus

Dec 19, 2024 | india.mongabay.com | Aditi Tandon

A new study examines how converting lateritic plateaus into paddy fields and orchards impact amphibians. The findings show that changes in land use impact frogs by altering their microhabitats, affecting both individual and groups of species. Researchers highlight the importance of conserving these historically significant lateritic plateaus, as they are critical biodiversity hotspots.
Why do dung beetles matter to climate change?

Dec 18, 2024 | india.mongabay.com | Aditi Tandon

Researchers have recorded new species of beetles in India, including two in the country’s northeastern region. Dung beetles play a key role in breaking down animal dung, recycling nutrients, improving soil, controlling pests, mitigating diseases and even reducing methane emissions. Experts say that studying dung beetles can help monitor environmental health, including habitat loss, fragmentation and climate change.
The year when greenbacks failed green talks

Dec 18, 2024 | india.mongabay.com | Aditi Tandon

COP29 in Baku highlighted the inadequacy of global climate finance, with only $300 billion promised by 2035 against the $1.3 trillion needed to tackle climate change effectively. The conference underscored the disproportionate burden on developing countries, which are now expected to increase their climate ambitions despite limited financial support from developed nations.
Studies gain pace while the identity of Kashmir’s langurs remains gray

Dec 13, 2024 | india.mongabay.com | Aditi Tandon

The genetic identity of the Kashmir gray langur continues to intrigue primate scientists due to a lack of data on its behaviour, ecology, and genetics. A recent study points to low genetic diversity among the species, highlighting the growing threat to its survival. Researchers calls for better protection of the langur as climate change continues to threaten the species’ habitat.