Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

Places in newsPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Protected areas mentioned

Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

Why in the News?

A recent faunal survey conducted in the Munnar Wildlife Division has documented 24 new species of birds, butterflies, and odonates, enriching its biodiversity checklist.

Which are the surveyed sites?

All the surveyed national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are located in Kerala, India, specifically in the Idukki district:

  • Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNP): It is a biodiversity hotspot and part of the Western Ghats.
  • Pambadum Shola National Park (PSNP): It is Kerala’s smallest national park and home to unique flora and fauna.
  • Anamudi Shola National Park (ANP): Named after Anamudi, the highest peak in South India.
  • Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS): Located in Idukki, it protects the habitat of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flower that blooms once every 12 years.
  • Eravikulam National Park (ENP): Famous for the Nilgiri Tahr.
  • Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS): Situated in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Idukki.

Key Highlights of the Survey

  • New Species Added: 24 new species, including birds (11), butterflies (8), and odonates (5).
  • Total Documentation:
    • Birds: 217 species recorded; checklist updated to 258.
    • Butterflies: 166 species recorded; checklist updated to 246.
    • Odonates: 5 new records, checklist updated to 58 species.
  • Notable Wildlife Observed: Mammals like Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, and elephants; 12 species of reptiles and amphibians.

About the Added Species

  • Birds:
    • New Additions: Brown Hawk Owl, Barred Buttonquail, Spotted Owlet, Mottled Wood Owl, Baya Weaver, Red Munia, Richard’s Pipit, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Golden-Headed Cisticola, Large Grey Babbler, Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch.
    • Highlights: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Steppe Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Blue-eared Kingfisher.
  • Butterflies:
    • Endemic Species: Red-disc Bushbrown, Palni Fritillary, Nilgiri Tiger, Nilgiri Four-ring.
    • Unique Sightings: Grass Jewel (smallest butterfly in Kerala), Southern Birdwing (largest butterfly in India).
  • Odonates (flying insects):
    • New Records: Cratilla lineata calverti, Macrodiplax cora, Palpopleura sexmaculata, Tholymis tillarga, Lestes elatus.

PYQ:

[2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:

(a) Birds

(b) Primates

(c) Reptiles

(d) Amphibans

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