Global incidences of disease outbreaks such as Ebola, SARS, Avian influenza, etc., are increasing with over sixty percent of infectious human diseases being of zoonotic or animal origin. Human infections and fatalities occur only when zoonotic pathogens spill over from animals, upon attainment of certain specific parameters. In most cases animals, including wildlife, act as reservoirs of these pathogens are are not necessarily affected by the disease. Consequently, one would feel that animals are responsible for this disease transmission.

Over two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, with nearly 97% of this being in the oceans. Oceans are home to amazing creatures—from microscopic phytoplankton which produce most of the Earth’s oxygen, to gigantic whales which take your breath away. World Wildlife Day is celebrated each year on March 3rd to celebrate and raise awareness about the diverse wildlife on our planet. The theme for 2019 is “Life below water: for people and planet" which aligns with goal 14 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, i.e.

Researchers from Biodiversity International and collaborators from Norway, Nicaragua, Italy, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Germany, and India have described how participation of farmers as citizen scientists can help to address this challenge.

Recent discoveries such as a new species of burrowing eel, a new sub-subspecies of endangered hog deer and several species of frogs,