GS Paper: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Scientists document Sperm Whales ‘Phonetic Alphabet’

Why in the news?

A recent study has uncovered the intricate structure of their communication system, which appears to possess a “phonetic alphabet,” offering new insights into the depth of their social interactions.
- Sperm whales, the largest toothed whales, utilize a diverse array of vocalizations to communicate, including bursts of clicking noises known as ‘codas’.

About Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus)).

Sperm whales, the largest toothed whales
It has a series of vertical creases or wrinkles on its body and a small, inconspicuous dorsal fin located near the rear of its back.
The sperm whale uses ‘echolocation’ to navigate and locate prey during these deep dives.
- Prey: Sperm whales primarily feed on squid (including the giant squid) sharks and deep-sea fish.
- Habitat: Sperm whales are found in deep oceanic waters worldwide, from the equator to the edges of the pack ice in the Arctic and Antarctic.
- Behavior: Known for their exceptional diving capabilities, sperm whales can dive to depths of over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) and stay submerged for up to 90 minutes. They are social animals, typically found in groups called ‘pods’, which can contain up to twenty individuals.
Conservation Status: Listed as ‘VULNERABLE’ by the IUCN.
- Threats cause: Collisions with ships, entanglement in fishing gear, and noise pollution.

Insights from the Study:

Expressivity: The study, which utilized data from Project CETI demonstrated that sperm whale calls exhibit a broader range of expressivity than previously recognized, hinting at a nuanced mode of communication.
Social Dynamics: Like all marine mammals, sperm whales rely heavily on vocalizations as an integral aspect of their social interactions.
Contextual Analysis: The next phase of research aims to decipher the behavioural context surrounding sperm whale vocalizations, shedding light on their potential meanings.

About Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative)

Project CETI is a non-profit, interdisciplinary scientific and conservation initiative on a mission to listen to and translate the communication of sperm whales off the island of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean.

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following animals

Sea cow
Sea horse
Sea lion

Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

May 17, 2024

Explained Climate: Heatwaves and Climate Change

Why in the News?

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), heatwave conditions are affecting either the smaller regions or the larger geographical areas in India at every 26 days of the month.

What are the Heat Waves?

The “World Meteorological Organization” defines a heat wave as five or more consecutive days during which the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average maximum temperature by five degrees Celsius.
If the maximum temperature of any place continues to be more than 45 Degree Celsius consecutively for two days, it is called a heat wave condition.

Heatwaves in India:

Regional Observations: A place with a normal temperature of 40°C in summer is not experiencing a heatwave at 42-43°C, but another location with a normal temperature of 27-28°C is in a heatwave at 35°C.
- Heatwaves are common in northern, central, and eastern India during summer. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged due to climate change.
- In February 2023 (winter month for India), several regions experienced heatwaves with maximum temperatures 5 to 11 degrees higher than normal. (with a mean temperature 1.36°C higher than normal)
Predictions and Records: The outlook for heatwaves this year is grim, with predictions of prolonged heatwaves lasting 10 to 20 days in some areas, compared to the usual 4 to 8 days.
- In April 2023, Odisha experienced an 18-day heatwave, the second-longest in the state’s history.
- Gangetic West Bengal recorded the highest number of heatwave days in any month over the last 15 years. Eastern India recorded its warmest April ever.
Upcoming Heatwave: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a fresh spell of heatwaves starting over northwest India.

Impact of Heatwaves:

Impact on Resource Availability:
- Water Resources: It exacerbates water scarcity by drying up of water bodies, reducing water availability for agriculture and domestic use, and increasing competition for resources. This can lead to conflicts over water, affect irrigation practices, and impact water-dependent industries.
- Energy Resources: It increases electricity demand for cooling purposes, leading to strain on power grids and potential blackouts. This can disrupt economic activities, affect productivity, and impact vulnerable populations.
Impact on Health:
- Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to Dehydration and Cardiovascular and Respiratory diseases.
- Rapid rises in heat gain can compromise the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can result in a cascade of illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia.
- Health Ministry reported 264 heat-related deaths in the first six months of 2023. NCRB reported 730 heat-related deaths in the same year.

However, data collected and maintained by IMD and NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) showed a sharp decline in heat-related deaths ever since state governments and district administrations began implementing heat action plans.

Mitigation of Heatwaves:

Need to establish an Early Warning System: The Inter-Agency Coordination needs to alert residents on predicted high and extreme temperatures. Who will do what, when, and how is made clear to individuals and units of key departments, especially for health.
Increase Public Awareness and Community Outreach: Disseminating public awareness messages on how to protect against the extreme heat – wave through social media and advertisements. Additionally, the government needs to aware the general public through Television programs the Do’s and Dont’s for heat-related illnesses.

Conclusion: Need to improve collaboration with Non-governmental organizations and Civil society organizations to improve public spaces wherever necessary, improve water delivery systems in public areas, and other innovative measures to tackle heatwave conditions.

Mains PYQ:

Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

May 16, 2024

On Delhi’s mounting Waste Crisis | Explained

Why in the News?

On May 13, the Supreme Court stated that addressing the “horrible” issue of 3,800 metric tonnes of untreated Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) accumulating daily in the national capital requires moving beyond party politics.

What is the status of Delhi’s SWM system?

Population Growth and Waste Generation:
- According to the 2011 Census Data, New Delhi’s population was approximately 1.7 crore. However, this Population is expected to increase to around 2.32 crore.
- This increase will lead to a significant rise in waste generation, estimated at approximately 13,000 tonnes per day (TPD), which equates to roughly 1,400 truckloads daily.
- Presently, this daily waste generation accumulates to about 42 lakh tonnes per annum. The population is anticipated to reach 2.85 crore by 2031 due to which the waste generation could increase to 17,000 TPD.
Waste Collection: Around 90% of the waste generated in the city is collected by three municipal corporations:

Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
Delhi Cantonment Board
New Delhi Municipal Corporation

Waste Composition is of major types – Biodegradable Wet Waste (50-55%), Non-Biodegradable Dry Waste (around 35%), and Inert Waste (10% that does not decompose). The total collective capacity of these facilities is about 9,200 tonnes per day (TPD).

Issue of Unprocessed Waste Disposal:

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is disposing of 3,800 TPD of unprocessed waste in landfills.
Designated Landfills (Gazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla) are filled with unprocessed wet and dry waste, leading to significant environmental issues such as methane gas emissions, leachate production, and landfill fires.
The landfills have accumulated a total of 2.58 crore tonnes of legacy waste, covering 200 acres of land.

What are the challenges faced by MCD?

Lack of Waste Segregation at Source: Many households and commercial establishments do not segregate waste. Unprocessed mixed waste enters landfills as a result.
Land Availability for Waste Processing Plants: Waste processing plants require large land parcels (30-40 acres each). Securing such large tracts of land is challenging in Delhi.
Public Awareness and Practices: There is a lack of public awareness regarding proper waste management practices. This leads to littering and improper disposal habits. MCD’s focus shifts to clearing open points rather than processing wet waste.
Inadequate Waste Collection Services: Some areas suffer from irregular waste collection services. This contributes to waste buildup and increased littering.
Illegal Dumping: Waste is often illegally dumped in open areas and water bodies. This increases the pressure on the MCD and requires additional resources for cleanup.

What efforts need to be made by MCD?

Need for a Decentralized Approach: Given the challenges of identifying large land parcels, Delhi will need to partner with its neighboring States to set up a few of these composting plants.
- Additionally, the market for organic compost produced from wet waste lies in the neighboring States of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Need to work on Biodegradable Wet Waste: The design capacity for wet waste processing should be 9,000 TPD. This would require at least 18 composting or biogas plants (assuming each plant has a capacity of 500 TPD).
- Significant efforts will be needed to identify land, establish composting facilities, and ensure their proper operation to prevent biodegradable waste from reaching landfills.
Need to work on Non-Biodegradable Dry Waste: Approximately 2% of dry waste is recyclable and should be sent to recycling facilities. The remaining 33% of non-recyclable dry waste (plastics, paper, textile waste) can be used as RDF for power generation in waste-to-energy projects.
Coordination Among Stakeholders: Improved coordination between various Municipal Corporations to streamline waste collection and segregation processes by collaborating with private companies and non-governmental organizations is needed to enhance waste segregation and processing efforts.

Conclusion: Already, Biomining Initiative was launched in 2019 by the MCD to reduce the amount of waste. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted these efforts. Originally planned for completion by 2024, now expected to take an additional two to three years.

Mains PYQ:

Q What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC IAS/2018)

May 16, 2024

[pib] Sub-Committee for GRAP reviews the Air Quality scenario in New Delhi

Why in the News?

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 243, falling under the ‘Poor’ category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- In response to this, the Sub-Committee under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) convened to assess the situation and strategize under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

The GRAP was conceived as a response to the alarming findings of a WHO study in 2014, which ranked Delhi as the most polluted city globally.
It is a framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
The Supreme Court (M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India Case, 2016) approved GRAP after multiple expert consultations.
First GRAP was notified in January 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Implementation of GRAP:

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) took over the responsibility of implementing GRAP in 2021.
Before 2021, the SC appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) would instruct states to enforce GRAP measures.
The CAQM recommendations depend on the Air Quality Index (AQI) and meteorological predictions provided by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Revised measures to implement:

Air Quality Stage	AQI Range	Measures to be implemented
Stage I (Poor)	201-300	Enforce NGT/Supreme Court’s order on over-aged diesel/petrol vehicles.
Stage II (Very Poor)	301-400	Implement rigorous actions to combat air pollution at identified hotspots.
Stage III (Severe)	401-450	Impose strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles. Suspend physical classes in schools for primary grade children up to Class 5 in certain areas.
Stage IV (Severe Plus)	>450	Prohibit the entry of four-wheelers registered outside Delhi, except for electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel vehicles.

Current Air Quality Scenario: Factors Contributing

The GRAP sub-committee noted the following natural causes exacerbating dust suspension across the National Capital Region (NCR):

Fluctuating wind patterns,
Higher convection rates, and
Arid weather conditions.

Additionally, increased instances of agricultural residue burning and forest fires in neighboring states were identified as potential contributors to deteriorating air quality.

Action Plan suggested by GRAP Sub-Committee

Intensive Drives at Pollution Hotspots: The concerned Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) and NCR committees were tasked with conducting rigorous inspections at major pollution hotspots, prioritizing dust abatement measures.
Enhanced Dust Control Measures: Measures such as increased deployment of water sprinklers and mechanical road sweeping equipment were recommended to mitigate dust levels.
Preventing Open Burning: Vigilance against instances of open burning, including municipal solid waste (MSW) and agricultural residue, was emphasized to curb further pollution.
Strict Enforcement: Dust Control & Management Cells (DCMCs) and enforcement teams were instructed to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts at construction sites and road projects.
Inspections and Compliance: Flying Squads of CPCB were directed to conduct thorough inspections and take appropriate action against violators of environmental regulations.

PYQ:

[2016] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

1. Carbon dioxide

2. Carbon monoxide

3. Nitrogen dioxide

4. Sulphur dioxide

5. Methane

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

May 16, 2024

Preserving Rajasthan’s Semal Trees

Why in the News?

Despite its ecological importance, rampant harvesting of Semal Trees for bonfires poses a grave threat to their existence, undermining biodiversity and cultural heritage alike.

About Semal/ Silk Cotton Trees

The Semal tree, scientifically known as Bombax ceiba, is a deciduous tropical tree.
It is native to India, South-East Asia, and Northern Australia.
It can grow up to 60 meters tall. It has a distinctive straight trunk, often with spiky thorns, and a wide, spreading canopy.
It produces vivid red flowers that are large and attractive, making it quite conspicuous when in bloom.
The fruit of the Semal tree is a capsule that contains several seeds surrounded by a fibrous, cotton-like substance which is wind-dispersed.

Commercial Uses

The fibers extracted from the fruit, known as kapok, are used for stuffing pillows, mattresses, and life jackets due to their buoyancy and insulating properties.
The wood is soft and is often used for making paper, while in rural areas, it is used as fuelwood and for making cheap furniture.

Ecological Significance

Members of tribal communities consume the tree’s reddish root for food during the monsoons.
Larvae of the moth Bucculatrix crateracma feed on its leaves.
The golden-crowned sparrow weaves the lining of its nests with white cotton from its seeds.

Felling of a Semal Tree: Which laws are violated?

Rajasthan Forest Act 1953: This act prohibits various activities in reserved forests without prior permission. Specifically, it bars any unauthorized person from felling, uprooting, damaging, or otherwise harming trees. Violating these prohibitions can lead to penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the severity of the offence. Semal tree is not recorded in the state’s list of ‘rare, threatened, and endangered’ species. (Trees on this list enjoy priority conservation efforts.) (Indian Kanoon)
Forest (Conservation) Act 1980: This act is more comprehensive at the national level and was enacted to provide for the conservation of forests and to regulate deforestation. It requires that any non-forest use of forest land must have prior approval from the Central Government. This includes clearances for felling trees, which are only granted under specific conditions that ensure the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources. (UNEPLawEnvAssistantPlat)

PYQ:

[2015] In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?

(a) Tropical moist deciduous forest

(b) Tropical rainforest

(d) Temperate forest with grasslands

May 14, 2024

Species in news: Himalayan Magpies

Why in the news?

Blue magpie species are frequently observed from Kashmir to Myanmar.

About Himalayan Magpies

Magpies belong to the Corvidae family, which also includes crows, jays, and ravens.
These birds are typically noisy and inquisitive, often featured as omens in folklore around the world.
Species Distribution and Habitat:
- Gold-billed Magpie (Urocissa flavirostris): Also known as the yellow-billed blue magpie, this species inhabits high altitudes between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level, thriving in the high-altitude zones of the Himalayas from Kashmir to Myanmar.
- Red-billed Magpie: Found at slightly lower altitudes than the gold-billed magpie.
- Blue Magpie: Occupies lower altitudes and is more likely to be found near human settlements. It builds nests in rhododendron trees.
IUCN Status: ‘Least Concerned’

Observations:

The best sightings of yellow and red-billed magpies are along a trekking corridor in Western Sikkim, which spans from tropical forests at lower altitudes to Alpine landscapes.
Over 250 species of birds have been documented in this region, with significant bird activity around 2,500 meters.

PYQ:

[2014] If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses.

Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?

Painted Stork
Common Myna
Black-necked Crane

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

May 13, 2024

19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York

Why in the news?

Recently, during the 19th Session (10th May 2024) of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York, a significant report titled “International Forest Governance” was published.

About International Forest Governance:

The report “Critical Review of Trends, Drawbacks, and New Approaches” authored by the Science-Policy Programme (SciPol) of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) was released.
It marked the first global synthesis on international forest governance in 14 years.

The report exposes the rising trend of ‘Climatization’ of forests:

About Climatization of forests:

Shift in Emphasis: The trend involves a notable shift in focus towards valuing forests primarily as carbon sinks, rather than recognizing their essential ecological and social functions.
Carbon Sequestration Priority: Political and financial orientations have increasingly prioritized carbon sequestration in forests as a means to address climate change issues. This emphasis often leads to the overshadowing of other aspects of forest management.
Neglect of Long-Term Sustainability: The emphasis on carbon sequestration may result in neglecting the long-term sustainability of forests. Forest management strategies that prioritize carbon storage may not necessarily align with broader ecological and social sustainability goals.

Risks and their impacts:

Ongoing Crises: Despite efforts to reduce deforestation, significant challenges persist, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic inequalities. These crises pose substantial threats to global sustainability and well-being.
Commodification Risks: The commodification of forests for carbon capture introduces risks that may exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder effective forest management practices.

Market-based Versus Non-market Approaches:

Market-Based Solutions: There has been significant traction in market-based solutions such as forest carbon trading and zero-deforestation supply chains. These approaches aim to incentivize sustainable forest management practices through economic mechanisms.
Exacerbation of Inequities: Despite their popularity, market-based solutions may exacerbate existing inequities within forest governance systems. Certain stakeholders or regions may benefit disproportionately, while others may be marginalized or disadvantaged.
Non-market mechanisms: As an alternative, non-market mechanisms, including state regulation and community-led initiatives, are suggested to offer more just and effective pathways for forest governance.

Policy recommendations as per the Report:

Holistic Valuation of Forests: Policymakers should reevaluate forests beyond their role as carbon sinks, recognizing their multifaceted ecological, social, and economic values.
Equitable Governance: Policymakers should prioritize inclusive decision-making processes that ensure the voices of marginalized groups, such as indigenous and local communities, are heard and respected.
Protection of Rights and Livelihoods: Policies should prioritize the protection of the rights and livelihoods of resource-dependent communities.

Way Forward:

Integrated Forest Management: Governments and international organizations should adopt integrated approaches to forest management that recognize and balance the ecological, social, and economic values of forests.
Strengthening Governance Structures: Policymakers should work to strengthen governance structures at local, national, and international levels to ensure more equitable decision-making processes.

Mains PYQ:

Q Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC 2020)

May 11, 2024

Kerala bans Oleander Flowers in Temple Offerings

Why in the news?

Kerala temple authorities have banned the use of oleander flowers in offerings following the accidental poisoning of a woman who chewed oleander leaves.

What is Oleander?

Nerium oleander, commonly known as oleander or rosebay, is a plant cultivated worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.
Known for its drought tolerance, the shrub is often used for ornamental and landscaping purposes.
In Kerala, it’s called arali or kanaveeram and is used for natural fencing along highways and beaches.
According to the IUCN Red List, Nerium oleander (Oleander) is classified as Least Concern

Traditional Medicinal Uses:

Termed as “desert rose” in ancient texts, oleander has been trusted with its medicinal properties such as a hangover cure, in cancer treatments, and as an antiviral.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India mentions oleander, particularly the use of oil from the root bark to treat skin diseases.
oleander’s use in treating skin diseases, leprosy, wounds, itching, and parasites.

Toxicity of Oleander:

Oleander is highly toxic due to cardiac glycosides present in all parts of the plant.
Cardiac glycosides like oleandrin and digitoxigenin exert pharmacological effects on the heart, leading to nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and, in severe cases, death..

PYQ:

[2018] Why is a plant called Prosopis Juliflora often mentioned in the news?

(a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics

(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grow

(d) None of the above

May 11, 2024

Artificial Rain through Cloud Seeding

Why in the news?

The Uttarakhand government faced scrutiny from the Supreme Court following Forest fires that claimed lives in the state.

Justices highlighted the inefficacy of relying solely on cloud-seeding or rain gods to address the crisis.

Case Study: Experimenting Artificial Rain in India

A recent study published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS) highlighted the success of a cloud seeding trial in Maharashtra’s Solapur region, which resulted in an 18% increase in rainfall compared to normal patterns.
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune and other institutes conducted this study.
The experiment targeted warm convective clouds with a height above zero degrees Celsius, releasing calcium chloride particles to stimulate rainfall.
Spanning from 2017 to 2019, the experiment analyzed 276 clouds using advanced tools like automatic rain gauges, radars, radiometers, and aircraft.
Glaciogenic seeding, attempted in clouds containing both ice and water, did not significantly impact rainfall at the seeding location, according to the study’s findings.

About Cloud-Seeding

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique aimed at altering precipitation patterns by dispersing substances into clouds to stimulate rainfall or snowfall.
It is used to mitigate hail, disperse fog, and either induce precipitation or prevent it from occurring in subsequent days.
It involves the dispersal of substances like silver iodide, potassium iodide, dry ice, and hygroscopic materials such as table salt into the atmosphere.
Techniques include:

Static seeding: promotes ice particle formation in supercooled clouds, and
Dynamic seeding: enhances convective cloud development through the release of latent heat.

Dispersion methods range from aircraft and ground-based generators to newer approaches like drones delivering electric charges or infrared laser pulses.

Limitations: Impact on Environment and Health

Concerns persist regarding the potential accumulation of seeding agents in sensitive ecosystems, although detailed studies have shown negligible impacts.
The chemicals used, such as silver iodide, may potentially damage the environment and cause health issues like iodine poisoning in high concentrations

PYQ:

[2019] In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

(a) Creating the artificial rains in some regions

(b) Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones

(d) Reducing the global warming

May 10, 2024

Tiger Translocation in Sahyadri-Konkan Wildlife Corridor

Why in the news?

Maharashtra’s plan to increase tigers count in Sahyadri-Konkan Wildlife Corridor by translocating tigers from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) (Chandrapur, Maharashtra) underscores the critical role of wildlife corridors in conservation efforts.

About Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)

Tadoba became one of India’s earliest national parks when it was declared in 1955, alongside Kanha National Park.
The name “Tadoba” is derived from the deity “Tadoba” or “Taru,” worshipped by local Gond Tribals, and “Andhari” refers to the Andhari River flowing through the reserve.
It was later expanded and officially merged with the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary in 1993 to form the TATR.
TATR is regarded as one of the world’s most preferred destinations for tiger sightings and is a critical part of Project Tiger, aimed at conserving tigers in India.
The reserve has 115 tigers, including 88 within the forest and 27 in the areas immediately surrounding the reserve.

About Sahyadri-Konkan Wildlife Corridor

The Sahyadri-Konkan corridor (Sahyadri-Radhanagari-Goa-Karnataka), plays a vital role in conserving wildlife, particularly tigers, in the northern Western Ghats region.
It spans throughout the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, specifically through the Western Ghats, one of the world’s eight biodiversity hotspots.
Protected Areas Connected:

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (includes Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) and Chandoli National Park) and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra);
Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and Kali Tiger Reserve (includes Anshi National Park and Dandeli WLS) in (Karnataka);
Mollem National Park, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (Goa).

Fauna: Tiger (Panthera tigris), Indian leopard (Panthera pardus), dhole (Cuon alpinus), and sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), etc.
The Western Ghats, including parts of the corridor, are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 due to their outstanding universal value in terms of biodiversity and endemic species.

PYQ:

[2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

(a) Corbett

(b) Ranthambore

(d) Sunderbans

May 9, 2024