World Wildlife Conservation Day: Key Facts

• Observed annually on December 4th.
• Purpose: Raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species and their habitats.
• It was established in 2012 by the UN, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1948 signing of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
• It supports global efforts for wildlife conservation, aligns with SDG 15 (life on land) and SDG 14 (life below water).

PYQ:

[2014] The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of:

(a) biosphere reserves

(b) botanical gardens

(c) national parks

(d) wildlife sanctuaries

ICIMOD Air Quality Dashboard: Important Features

• The dashboard provides real-time and forecasted air quality data for the region.
• It uses a combination of ground sensor data and satellite imagery to give a comprehensive view of air pollution across local, sub-regional, and regional scales.
• A dynamic timelapse powered by the Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) tracks the spread of PM2.5 across the region.
• This model highlights the spread of pollution from hotspots like Lahore, New Delhi, and Kolkata.
• It provides two-day forecasts, allowing communities, policymakers, and researchers to anticipate air quality conditions and take proactive measures.

• A regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge-sharing centre founded in 1981.
  • Idea of creating ICIMOD was first discussed at the International Workshop in December 1974.
• 8 regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
  • HKH region encompasses mountain ranges, including the Hindu Kush, Himalayas, and Tibetan Plateau, extending from northern Afghanistan to Myanmar.

• Headquartered in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, and Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.
• ICIMOD also has a Knowledge Park in Godavari, Lalitpur exhibiting ICIMOD’s research and field applications.
• Country offices in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

• Collaborates with national and international scientific institutions, government agencies, donor agencies, and the private sector, both within the region and globally.
• Key Role: Promotes partnerships among regional member countries to secure a better future for the people and environment of the HKH region.

PYQ:

[2012] When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following:

1. Deep gorges
2. U-turn river courses
3. Parallel mountain ranges
4. Steep gradients causing land sliding

Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• Situated in the western part of Odisha, spread across the Bargarh and Bolangir districts.
• Covers an area of 190 square kilometers.
• Dense forests and hill slopes.
• Plays a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of local communities.

• Bauxite: Primary ore of aluminum.
• Graphite: Used in industrial applications.
• Manganese: Important for steel manufacturing.

1. Nrusinghanath Temple: A major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Nrusingha, a half-lion, half-human incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
2. Harishankar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, set amidst picturesque surroundings.

Hiuen Tsang described the hill shrine as a Buddhist heritage site named Parimalagiri in his chronicles.

– Flora: Rich in medicinal plants.
– Fauna: Rich biodiversity, including diverse wildlife species.

Dasycarpa and spider peucetia harishankarensis are endemic to this hill.

Declared as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) by the Odisha government in March 2023 (making 37th BHS in India).

PYQ:

[2015] Consider the following pairs :

Place of Pilgrimage: Location

1. Srisailam : Nallamala Hills

2. Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills

3. Pushkar : Mahadeo Hills

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Decline in African Elephants Population

• Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of these species using data from 475 sites in 37 countries between 1964 and 2016.

1. Savanna Elephants: Populations declined by about 70% on average at surveyed sites.
2. Forest Elephants: Populations fell by about 90% on average at surveyed sites.

• The total population of African elephants decreased by 77% on average at surveyed sites.

PYQ:

[2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.

2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.

3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.

4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Reasons for India’s Low Ranking:

• High Rate of Land Conversion: 53% of India’s land is converted for urban, industrial, and agricultural purposes, contributing to deforestation and habitat fragmentation that severely impact biodiversity.
• Soil Pollution: India’s sustainable nitrogen index is 0.77, indicating high levels of soil pollution primarily due to extensive pesticide use, threatening soil health and agricultural sustainability.
• Minimal Marine Conservation: Only 0.2% of India’s national waterways are protected, with no protected areas in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), highlighting limited efforts in marine biodiversity conservation.
• Illegal Wildlife Trade: India ranks as the fourth-largest illegal wildlife trader globally, with an estimated annual trade value of £15 billion, putting added pressure on vulnerable wildlife species.

PYQ:

[2018] “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by:

(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

(b) The UNEP Secretariat

(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat

(d) The World Meteorological Organisation

• Characterized by a cold desert climate, with harsh winters, low temperatures, and limited vegetation.
• The region experiences snowfall during winter and temperatures can drop below -20°C (-4°F).
• Summer temperatures are also low, typically ranging between 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F).

PYQ:

[2020] Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?

(a) Kanha National Park

(b) Manas National Park

(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

(d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Recognizable by the color of their fur, which gives them their name.
• Fur color changes with the seasons.
• Young langurs are almost pure white.

• Found in Assam, India, and neighboring Bhutan year-round.
• Inhabits an area bordered by the foothills of Bhutan (north), Manas river (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south).

• Occupies moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests, along with some riverine areas and savannahs in Assam and Bhutan.
• Prefers living in the upper canopy of sub-tropical forests in the south and temperate forests in the north.

• IUCN: Endangered
• CITES: Appendix I
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

• Ripu Reserve Forest and Chakrashila WLS serve as vital habitats.
• Fragmented habitats face instability and threats.

PYQ:

[2012] Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass

(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard

(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)

(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

About Asiatic Lion

• Asiatic Lion, part of the Panthera Leo Leo subspecies, is found only in India, with a distinct belly skin fold.
• Once spread across West Asia and India, now limited to Gir National Park, where the population increased in 2020.
• Asiatic lions face threats from diseases, natural disasters, poaching and retaliation for livestock attacks.
• They are classified as Endangered (IUCN), listed in CITES Appendix I, and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
• The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project (2018-2021) aims for scientific management and community involvement.

• India is home to 5 of the 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
• India hosts about 70% of the world’s tiger population and has seen steady growth in its Asiatic lion population.

PYQ:

[2012] Consider the following:

1. Black-necked crane
2. Cheetah
3. Flying squirrel
4. Snow leopard

Which of the above are naturally found in India?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• Medium-sized body with a yellowish-brown or olive-colored shell
• Black blotches at the center of each scute
• Pink ring around nostrils during breeding season

• Found in Sal deciduous and hilly evergreen forests
• Distribution includes Southeast Asia, northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and other regions

• Human exploitation for food and traditional medicine
• Hunting, often with the help of dogs
• Habitat degradation and illegal wildlife trade

• Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List
• Appendix II under the CITES

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following:

1. Star tortoise

2. Monitor lizard

3. Pygmy hog

4. Spider monkey

Which of the above are naturally found in India?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 and 4

Moved to “Least Concern” by IUCN in 2021 due to some population recovery;

Proposed for CITES Appendix I.

PYQ:

[2015] With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments

2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.

3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

PYQ:

[2021] With reference to ‘palm oil’, consider the following statements :​

1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.​

2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.​

3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.​

Which of the statements given above are correct?​

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Legal Framework for Reporting of Animals in Possession

• The Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024, were notified under Section 49 M of the Wild Life (Protection) Act via a Gazette Notification on February 28, 2024.
• Who Must Register: Any person or entity in possession of a living specimen of species listed in Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • Failure to report and register these species within the stipulated time frame may result in penal actions.

PYQ:

[2020] If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?

(a) A licence in required to cultivate that plant.

(b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.

(c) It is a Genetically Modified crop plant.

(d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.

Grazing land issue at LAC:

• Nomads from both sides traditionally access grazing grounds across the LAC.
• Indian nomads have been stopped by Chinese soldiers when crossing to the Chinese side.
• Demchok nomads lost access to Lungkar Valley in 2022 and Nilung Valley in 2017.
• Loss of these areas has negatively impacted the livelihoods of border residents.
• China expanded its presence on the Indian side of Charding nala (adjacent to Demchok) since 2020 stand-off.

Linked to Tibetan Buddhism legend of Rinpoche.

PYQ:

[2016] What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?

1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.

2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.

3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

About Charles Darwin’s Frog

• Charles Darwin’s frog, scientifically known as Minervarya charlesdarwini, is a frog species endemic to the Andaman Islands.
• This species is named after the famous naturalist Charles Darwin.
• It belongs to the family Dicroglossidae, a large group of Asian frogs with over 220 species.
• Detailed morphological descriptions and specific physical characteristics are still being studied.
• The species is listed as VULNERABLE on the International Union for Conservation (IUCN) Red List.

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) Amphibians

Key Findings from the ZSI Report:

• National Discoveries:
  • In 2023, Indian scientists reported a total of 641 new discoveries, including 442 new species and 199 new records for India.
  • This includes the discovery of 19 new genera. As of January 1, 2024, India’s faunal diversity stands at 104,561 species, with the additions in 2023 constituting 6.65% of the global faunal diversity.
• Categories of Discoveries:
  • Invertebrates accounted for the majority of new discoveries with 564 species, while vertebrates contributed 77 species.
  • Among invertebrates, insects led with 369 new species, while vertebrates were dominated by fish with 47 species, followed by reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
• Regional Distribution:
  • Kerala reported the highest number of new discoveries (101), followed by West Bengal (72), Tamil Nadu (64), Arunachal Pradesh (45), Karnataka (45), and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (36).
  • Southern India consistently reports the highest number of species.

Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India

• The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale, in 1916.
• It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India based in Kolkata.
• It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
• The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
• Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
• The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.

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) Amphibians

Also known as Thar.

Resembles a cross between a goat, a donkey, a cow, and a pig.

• Found at altitudes between 2,000 metres and 4,000 metres (6,500 to 13,000 feet).
• Found across the India-Bhutan border in Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and Royal Manas National Park.
• Present in eastern, central, and western Himalayas, but not in the Trans Himalayan region.

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I
• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

Back2Basics:  Raimona National Park 

• Raimona National Park is a newly established protected area located in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam.
• It was officially declared a national park in June 2021, becoming the sixth national park in the state of Assam.
• It shares its northern boundary with Bhutan, forming part of the transboundary conservation landscape.
• It is characterised by dense forests, rivers, and grasslands. The park is part of the greater Manas Biosphere Reserve and serves as an extension of the Manas National Park.
• The area is interspersed by the Sankosh River which flows through the park.

Flora and Fauna:

• Flora: The park boasts a rich biodiversity with various types of vegetation, including semi-evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, and patches of grassland.
• Fauna: Hosts a variety of wildlife, including:
  • Mammals: Asian elephants, tigers, clouded leopards, golden langurs, Indian gaur, and several species of deer.
  • Birds: Home to numerous bird species, including hornbills, great pied hornbills, and various migratory birds.
  • Reptiles and Amphibians: The park also supports a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians, adding to its ecological richness.

PYQ:

[2011] The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this Phenomenon?

(a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth

(b) It is a confluence of different bio-geographical zones.

(c) Exotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region.

(d) It has less human interference.

About Bannerghatta Biological Park 

• BBP is located near Bangalore and was established in 2002.
• It spans an area of approximately 731.88 hectares, situated within the larger Bannerghatta National Park, which covers around 25,000 acres.
• The park was created to facilitate the conservation of wildlife, promote tourism, and educate the public about wildlife and conservation efforts.
• River Suvarnamukhi stream, the main source of water for the animals of the park, runs through the centre of the park.

Do you know?

As per, Status of Leopards in India Report, 2022:

• India’s leopard population is estimated at 13,874 individuals.
• Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards in the country – 3907 (2018: 3421), followed by Maharashtra (2022: 1985; 2018: 1,690), Karnataka (2022: 1,879 ; 2018: 1,783) and Tamil Nadu (2022: 1,070; 2018: 868).

PYQ:

[2012] Consider the following:

1. Black-necked crane
2. Cheetah
3. Flying squirrel
4. Snow leopard

Which of the above are naturally found in India?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Global Coral Bleaching Events (GCBE)

A GCBE means significant coral bleaching has been confirmed in all the ocean regions where warm-water corals live: the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

• Previous Events: Mass coral bleaching recorded in 1998, 2010, and 2014-2017.
• Current Event (GCBE4): Began early 2023, with over 70.7% of the world’s coral reefs impacted by bleaching-level heat stress as of May 23, 2024.

Back2Basics: Corals

• Corals are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
• These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues in a mutualistic relationship.
• The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis.
• In return, the zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for the synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons.
• Corals are marine invertebrates or animals which do not possess a spine.
• They are the largest living structures on the planet.
• Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live together to form a colony, which grows when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves.
• Coral reefs are also called the “rainforests of the seas”.

Types of Coral

Corals are of two types — hard corals and soft corals:

1. Hard corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater to build hard, white coral exoskeletons. Hard corals are in a way the engineers of reef ecosystems and measuring the extent of hard coral is a widely-accepted metric for measuring the condition of coral reefs.
2. Soft corals attach themselves to such skeletons and older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the years. These growing multiplying structures gradually form coral reefs.

Conditions Needed for Corals to Flourish

• Extensive submarine platforms for the formation of colonies by the coral polyps (not more than 90m below sea level).
• High mean annual temperature ranging 20-21 degrees Celsius.
• Clean sediment-free water because muddy water or turbid water clogs the mouths of coral polyps resulting into their death.
• Oceanic salinity ranging between 27-30 ppt.
• Ocean currents and waves, as they bring food supply for the polyps.

PYQ:

2014: Which of the following have coral reefs?

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

About the Farmers’ Conflict Resolution Committee

• The Committee includes representatives from the Departments of Forest, Revenue, Agriculture, and Horticulture, along with scientific experts and wildlife enthusiasts.
• Objective: The committee was formed to study the impact of raids by elephants and wild pigs on agricultural crops.
• Implementation Protocol:
  • Approval Process: The culling will require approval from a local three-member checking body.
  • Composition of the Checking Body: The body will include a forester or forest guard, the Village Administrative Officer, and the ward member.
  • Supervision: Culling operations must be conducted in the presence of these three members.

• Matriarchal ‘sounders’ led by an elder female;
• Solitary adult males or loose bachelor groups;
• Active during evening and night;
• Territorial fights with predators.

• Omnivorous: excreta, tubers, roots, leaves, fruit, vegetables, standing crops, carrion, small animals, baby deer;
• Prefers marshy areas and roots in swampy places

• Breeding year-round, peak seasons vary by region;
• Gestation: around four months; Litter size: multiple piglets

• Seed dispersal aiding plant propagation;
• Important prey species maintaining predator-prey balance in the ecosystem

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule III

Proposed reclassification to Schedule V (vermin) due to agricultural damage.

Back2Basics: Schedule III of WPA, 1972

• Protection Level: Lesser degree of protection compared to Schedule I and II.
• Prohibition: Hunting of these species is prohibited except under special circumstances defined by the Act.
• Penalties: Violations related to these species attract penalties, though they are less stringent than those for higher schedules.

Species Listed in Schedule III: As per the latest available data, the following are examples of species listed under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:

1. Chinkara (Gazella bennettii): Also known as the Indian Gazelle, found in various parts of India.
2. Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra): A species of antelope native to India.
3. Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus): Also known as the Nilgai, the largest Asian antelope.
4. Indian Wild Boar (Sus scrofa cristatus): A subspecies of the wild boar native to the Indian subcontinent.
5. Sambar (Rusa unicolor): A large deer native to the Indian subcontinent.

Legal Provisions:

• Hunting Prohibition: Hunting any animal listed under Schedule III is prohibited except for purposes like scientific research, education, and when permitted by the authorities under specific conditions.
• Penalties: The penalties for offenses involving Schedule III animals include imprisonment up to three years, or a fine up to Rs. 25,000, or both.

PYQ:

[2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.

(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.

(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.

(d) Both B and C stated above are correct in this context.

• India hosts the largest population of wild Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), with around 29,964 individuals,
• Approximately 60% of the global population (2017 census).

• IUCN Red List:  Endangered.
• CMS: Appendix I.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I,
• CITES: Appendix I.

• ‘Project Elephant’ was launched in 1992, covering 23 states across India.
  • This project contributed to the increase in the wild elephant population from around 25,000 in 1992 to about 30,000 in 2021.
• Establishment of Elephant Reserves. Total 33 in numbers covering approximately 80,777 Sq.km.

Cheetah Reintroduction in India:

• In India, cheetahs disappeared in the early 1950s due to hunting and the loss of their habitat.
• The ‘Action Plan for Reintroduction of Cheetah in India /Project Cheetah (2022)’ aims to bring cheetahs from African countries to various national parks.
• It is spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
• Recently, cheetahs from Namibia were reintroduced in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.

About Cheetah:

• The cheetah is a fast-running big cat native to Africa and central Iran, capable of speeds up to 80 to 128 km/h.
• They live in various habitats like savannahs, arid mountains, and hilly deserts.
• Cheetahs live in three main groups: females with cubs, male coalitions, and solitary males.
• They hunt during the day, preferring dawn and dusk.
• The global cheetah population was 6,500 mature individuals, according to the most recent IUCN assessment in 2021.
• They are listed as VULNERABLE by the IUCN.
• The Asiatic Cheetah is one of the five subspecies of cheetah, critically endangered and found only in Iran.

PYQ:

[2024]  Consider the following statements:

1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.

2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.

3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

[2012]  Consider the following: (2012)

1. Black-necked crane
2. Cheetah
3. Flying squirrel
4. Snow leopard

Which of the above are naturally found in India?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Results of 2023:

• In 2023, KFRI conducted the Monsoon Croaks project, witnessing enthusiastic participation from citizens across Kerala.
• Highlights: Around 200 citizen scientists uploaded 1,223 observations, identifying approximately 80 amphibian species, including those listed on the IUCN Red List.
• Notable Species:  The top most observed species is the Wayanad Bush Frog (Pseudophilautus wynaadensis).
  • Following closely is the Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus).
  • Other important amphibian species recorded in the bioblitz include:
  • Critically Endangered Resplendent Shrub frog (Raorchestes resplendens).
  • Endangered Malabar Torrent Toad (Blaira ornata).
  • Small Tree Frog (Rhacophorus lateralis).
  • Vulnerable Anaimalai Flying Frog (Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus).
  • Near Threatened Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis).

• Promote and facilitate collaboration and data sharing among members
• Develop standards and tools for data mobilisation, quality, and interoperability
• Provide technical infrastructure for publishing, indexing, and accessing biodiversity data

• Contributes to global assessments such as the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
• Supports the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other international initiatives related to biodiversity conservation

PYQ:

[2015] With reference to an organization known as ‘Birdlife International’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
2. The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Bharal (Blue Sheep)

Himalayan Ibex (Tangor)

• Slate grey coat with bluish shine
• Horns grow upwards, curve out, and then towards the back

• Large curved horns with notches on the front
• Light brown to reddish-brown coat, white belly, black and white markings on legs
• Thick, woolly coat in winter, shed in early summer

• Usually found in small herds, sometimes around 50 together;
• Can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h

Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule 1

Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule 1

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following fauna of India :

1. Gharial

2. Leatherback turtle

3. Swamp deer

Which of the above is/are endangered?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None

Species

Conservation Status

Key Information

• IUCN: Endangered
• CITES Appendix I;
• Schedule I (WPA, 1972)

• Symbol of Heritage: Plays a key role in forest and grassland ecosystems.
• Threats: Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching for tusks.

• Conservation Needs: Sustained efforts are crucial to ensure their survival and maintain biodiversity.

• IUCN: Endangered
• CITES: Appendix I;
• Schedule I (WPA, 1972)

• Critical Habitat: Found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems.
• Challenges: Water extraction, pollution, and river traffic.
• Population Decline: Less than 2,000 individuals remain in India.

• IUCN: Endangered
• CITES Appendix I;
• Schedule I (WPA, 1972)

• Iconic Predator: Represents a significant part of India’s wildlife.
• Current Status: Numbers are increasing, but threats like poaching and habitat loss persist.
• Habitat: Found across varied ecosystems, from forests to mangroves.

• IUCN: Endangered
• CITES: Appendix I
• Schedule I (WPA, 1972)

• Status: Significant decline due to habitat loss and poaching.
• Habitat Zones: Found in the eastern Himalayas and parts of Northeast India.
• Conservation Importance: Serves as an indicator species for the health of the Himalayan forests.

• IUCN: Endangered
• CITES: Appendix I
• Schedule I (WPA, 1972)

• Last Refuge: Exclusively found in Gir National Park, Gujarat.
• Population Challenges: Threats include poaching and accidental deaths from open wells and fences.
• Conservation Strategies: Involves habitat restoration and stricter anti-poaching laws.

• IUCN: Endangered
• Schedule I (WPA, 1972)

• Mountain Inhabitant: Lives in the mountainous regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Population Pressure: Climate change and human interference are major threats.
• Survival Strategies: Requires focused conservation to stabilise its declining population.

• IUCN: Endangered
• CITES Appendix I;
• Schedule I (WPA, 1972)

• Distinct Appearance: Notable for its silver mane, found in the Western Ghats.
• Critical Decline: Population affected by habitat fragmentation and human interaction.
• Behavioural Changes: Adjustments in their natural behaviours due to human activities are concerning.

• IUCN: Critically Endangered
• CITES Appendix I;
• Schedule I (WPA, 1972)

• IBs are the largest among India’s four bustard species and are considered flagship birds of grasslands.
• Habitat reduced to just 10 per cent.
• Overhead power transmission, poor vision, windmills, noise pollution, landscape changes, and alterations in cultivation patterns pose significant threats to GIBs.

• IUCN: Endangered
• CITES Appendix I;
• Schedule I (WPA, 1972)

• Approximately 7,396 Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) in India as per a census conducted by Assam Forest Department.

• IUCN: Critically Endangered
• CITES: Appendix I;

• Kashmir’s Hangul, a shy and endangered species of deer, has exhibited a robust breeding season, suggesting a hopeful future for its population in the Dachigam National Park.
• The Hanguls population could surpass 300 this spring, marking the first time in over 30 years.

PYQ:

[20I2] Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass

(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard

(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)

(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

Heatwaves Toll on Lakshadweep’s Coral:

Researchers from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) conducted surveys across various Lakshadweep Islands.

• • The Degree Heating Week (DHW) indicator in Lakshadweep has soared above 4 °C-weeks, as per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
    • This elevation in DHW levels poses a substantial risk of coral bleaching, posing a severe threat to the region’s marine ecosystems.
• Should DHW surpass 12 °C-weeks, it could trigger an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, leading to multispecies mortality.

• Prolonged marine heatwaves since October 2023 have inflicted substantial stress on the coral reefs, exacerbating bleaching phenomena.
  • A marine heatwave is characterized by seawater temperatures exceeding a seasonally-varying threshold (often the 90th percentile) for at least 5 consecutive days.

Back2Basics: Corals

• Coral are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
• These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues in a mutualistic relationship.
• The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis.
• In return, the zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons.
• Corals are marine invertebrates or animals which do not possess a spine.
• They are the largest living structures on the planet.
• Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live together to form a colony, which grow when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves.
• Coral reefs are also called the “rainforests of the seas”.

Types of Coral

Corals are of two types — hard corals and soft corals:

1. Hard corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater to build hard, white coral exoskeletons. Hard corals are in a way the engineers of reef ecosystems and measuring the extent of hard coral is a widely-accepted metric for measuring the condition of coral reefs.
2. Soft corals attach themselves to such skeletons and older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the years. These growing multiplying structures gradually form coral reefs.

Conditions needed for Corals to Flourish

• Extensive submarine platforms for the formation of colonies by the coral polyps (not more than 90m below sea level).
• High mean annual temperature ranging 20-21 degree Celsius.
• Clean sediment-free water because muddy water or turbid water clogs the mouths of coral polyps resulting into their death.
• Oceanic salinity ranging between 27-30 ppt.
• Ocean currents and waves, as they bring food supply for the polyps.

PYQ:

2014: Which of the following have coral reefs?

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

About Nilgiri Tahr

• • It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India.
  • It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
  • The Nilgiri tahr inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests eco-region.
  • At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally known as sholas.
  • It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild. It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.
• Conservation Status:

• • IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I
• Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills of Kerala is home to the largest population of this Tahr.
• October 7 is celebrated as ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ to honour E.R.C. Davidar, the man who was responsible for conducting first studies of the species in 1975.

• India hosts the largest population of wild Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), with around 29,964 individuals,
• Approximately 60% of the global population (2017 census).

• IUCN Red List:  Endangered.
• CMS: Appendix I.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I,
• CITES: Appendix I.

• Project Elephant launched in 1992, covering 23 states across India.
• Contributed to the increase in wild elephant population from around 25,000 in 1992 to about 30,000 in 2021.
• Establishment of Elephant Reserves. Total 33 in numbers covering approximately 80,777 Sq.km.

PYQ:

[2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only