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The discovery of an albino Oligodon arnensis in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, marks a significant addition to the known distribution of this species. Previously, Oligodon arnensis, a rare variant of the kukri snake, had been observed only once before in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, making this find particularly noteworthy. Such records are crucial for understanding the biodiversity and distribution patterns of reptiles in India, contributing to the conservation efforts and scientific knowledge of herpetofauna in the region.

Garnotia tenella a grass of moist rocky slopes of medium to high altitudes, has been documented for the first time from Himachal Pradesh, India. The genus Garnotia Brongn is also a new record for the flora of Himachal Pradesh. This communication provides detailed description, illustration, colour photograph, geo-coordinates map, phenology, habitat and the distribution of the genus.

Water is the basic life line of all living organism on this planet. The study revealed that the significance of water quality is good at the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) rivers which passes through the Terai landscape of Kumaun, Uttarakhand, India. Water is essential for drinking, domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes. The Terai Landscape of Uttarakhand is rich in water resources and which is utilizable for all purposes. Rapid industrialization has led to low quality of water due to wastewater flowing in natural wetlands of the area. Water and their ecosystems are major indicators of the strength of forest and aquatic fauna. This was achieved by analyzing 12 water quality parameters from samples collected at 13 study sites between the Kosi and Sharda river stretch of different water bodies on monthly basis for a period of 12 calendar months. The water physicochemical variables are analyzed using standard methods during May 2015 to April 2016 and its assessment is carried out. The 12 parameters included Average depth, Temperature, pH, Transparency (turbidity), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Chloride, Nitrate, Fluoride, Total Iron, Phosphate and presence and absence of Coliforms. We observed that the range of contagion, vicinity of pollution sources and water quality of sites suggest that the species is under threatened category in Terai landscape, Uttarakhand. Amongst the 13 sites chosen for assessment, the physicochemical properties of different water bodies in reference to usage of wildlife such as Marsh crocodile, tiger, leopard, elephant, sloth bear and many species of herbivores at present is acceptable.

Dendrocalamus sikkimensis, an attractive bamboo known from North-east India, Nepal, China and Bhutan. In the past it has flowered in 1885 from Sikkim; 1897 from Bhutan; 1916, 1917, 1921, 1982 and 1991 from West Bengal; 1887, 1977, 1979, 2003 from Mizoram and 2013 from Meghalaya respectively. Recently it has gregariously flowered in Kalimpong, West Bengal in April 2022 after a lapse of 60-65 years.

A free-ranging juvenile Himalayan Griffon Vulture from the Haldwani forest range division, Nainital, Uttarakhand, on detailed inspection, showed dullness, weakness, emaciation, ruffled feathers, droopy head, and watery whitish diarrhoea. It was unable to bear its own weight on both the legs. The bird died later and the post mortem revealed haemorrhagic intestinal tract. Based on the findings and microscopical examination it was confirmed as intestinal coccidiosis.

Eco-restoration initiative work in the high altitude Dayara pastureland (3501 m) from the Indian Himalayan Region has been considered to be one of the successful field demonstration against both natural and anthropogenic degradation. The present study therefore attempts to assess the implications of entire eco-restoration model as practiced by Department of Forest, Government of Uttarakhand in 2019. Its assessment was done by calculating restoration success index by way of considering three categories, viz., direct management measure (M), environmental desirability (E) and socio-economic feasibility (SE) considering 22 individual variables. ‘M’ comprised both biotic and abiotic pressures. Grazing and tourism were biotic, while abiotic pressure was considered mainly soil erosion in alpine area due to topographic fragility. Above ground vegetation profile and below ground soil nutrient profile (N, P, K, pH and water holding capacity) were analyzed in ‘E’ component. In the last but not least, ‘SE’ was analyzed to assess the social acceptability of the local communities and stakeholders who are supposed to be ultimate beneficiary of alike interventions. Direct management measure was found with the variable index score of 0.8 indicating the higher score as compared to environmental desirability (0.56). Under direct management measure, grazing and tourists’ carrying capacity of the area was analyzed with high management needs to call the region sustainable in terms of availability of bio-resources. The ecosystem index score was evaluated for the reference (81.94), treated (64.5) and untreated zones (52.03), wherein increasing profile of these values were found. The outcomes like improved vegetation profile in terms of total herb density, soil nutrient profile of the restored area along with soil pH (4.96) and water holding capacity (49.85%) were found to be restored significantly along with controlling 169.64 tonne year-1 soil erosion from draining. The assessment of grazing pattern of 118 migratory Cow Unit (CU) (76 horse/mule and 18 sheep/goat, already controlled), 318 local CU (30 horse/mule and 187 sheep/goat) were calculated and recommended to be controlled. Tourists’ carrying capacity of 274 tourists per day and manual removal of Rumex nepalensis at the shepherd camping site were found to be worth to apply in the area. Use of biodegradable but locally sourced material and engaging local villagers in this endeavor were also found to be in harmony with SDG Goal 1 (no poverty). Therefore, the restoration and its evaluation model could have its future prospects to prove as a successful restoration practice. This restoration practice could not only be worth in high altitude degraded alpine pastures of the Indian Himalayan Region but also to other mountain alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems.

Cephalanthera erecta (Thunb.) Blume var. oblanceolata N. Pearce & P.J. Cribb [Orchidaceae-Epidendroideae-Neottieae] is reported for the first time from India based on specimens collected from Uttarakhand in North- Western Himalaya. A brief description, photographs, along with information on phenology, habitat and distribution have been provided to facilitate its identification. Its relationship with the variety proper and justification for its varietal status has been discussed. The threat status has been accessed in Indian perspective by applying the IUCN guidelines.