Wildlife Conservation Efforts
2024 Global Nature Conservation Index
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nature Conservation Index
Why in the News?
India has been ranked 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024 with a score of 45.5 out of 100, placing it among the five worst performers alongside Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178), and Micronesia (177).
Reasons for India’s Low Ranking:
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About the Nature Conservation Index (NCI):
Details | |
Developed By | Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. |
Purpose | To assess each country’s progress in balancing conservation and development through data-driven analysis. |
Aim | To help governments, researchers, and organizations identify concerns and enhance conservation policies for long-term biodiversity protection. |
Launch Date | Launched on October 24, 2024. |
Scope | Ranks 180 countries based on their conservation efforts. |
Pillars of the Index | • Managing Protected Areas • Addressing Threats Against Biodiversity • Nature and Conservation Governance • Future Trends in Natural Resource Management |
Significance | Provides insights into conservation policies and practices, aiding in the global effort to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development. |
Key highlights of the reports:
- Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Costa Rica, and New Zealand ranked highest, showing strong conservation practices and governance.
- Nations with advanced climate adaptation policies (e.g., Sweden and Denmark) are better positioned to mitigate biodiversity risks from climate change.
- Despite Protected Areas, 46.9% of terrestrial and 67.5% of marine species are in decline worldwide.
- High-density nations such as Bangladesh and the Netherlands face intense biodiversity pressures, driving them to implement urban greening and sustainable practices.
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Why ‘protected’ areas are seeing faster biodiversity decline?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Climate Change; Biodiversity; Biodiversity Intactness Index;
Why in the News?
According to a recent study conducted by the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London, biodiversity is decreasing more rapidly within key protected areas than outside of them.
What did the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) say?
- The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) is a quantitative measure designed to assess the state of terrestrial biodiversity with its natural baseline, before significant human impact.
- It decreased by 1.88% points globally between 2000 and 2020, indicating a loss in the average natural biodiversity of regions worldwide.
- Within the 22% of ‘Critical Biodiversity Areas’ that are protected, biodiversity has declined by 2.1 percentage points, while non-protected areas saw a decline of 1.9 percentage points during the same period.
Why is the decline happening?
- Inadequate Ecosystem Protection: Many protected areas focus only on specific species rather than the entire ecosystem, failing to prioritize overall biodiversity intactness.
- Pre-existing Degradation: Some protected areas may have been already degraded before being designated as protected, limiting their effectiveness in conserving biodiversity.
- External Threats: Activities such as oil, gas, and mining concessions encroach on protected areas, leading to habitat destruction and further biodiversity loss.
- Climate Crisis Impact: Increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as droughts and wildfires, has severely affected protected areas, undermining their conservation efforts.
Steps taken by the Indian Government to conserve biodiversity:
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What should be done? (Way forward)
- Ecosystem-Centric Management: Shift focus from individual species to the overall health of ecosystems to ensuring comprehensive protection of habitats and their interdependent species.
- Strengthened Protection and Regulation: Implement stricter regulations to limit industrial activities (e.g., oil and gas exploration) within and around protected areas, alongside enforcing more robust land-use policies.
- Community Engagement and Education: Involve local communities in conservation efforts and enhance public awareness about biodiversity’s importance, fostering a collective responsibility for sustainable practices.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
US court to decide whether elephants get human rights
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Rights of nonhuman;
Why in the News?
Colorado’s highest court recently reviewed whether older African female elephants can legally contest their captivity, as the NonHuman Rights Project claims they are unlawfully confined.
What is nonhuman?
What is Legal personhood?
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What Constitutes Legal Personhood for Nonhuman Animals?
- Legal Personhood Definition: Legal personhood refers to the capacity of an entity to have legal rights and duties. In law, a “person” is not strictly limited to human beings; corporations, for example, are considered legal persons.
- Application to Nonhuman Animals: Extending legal personhood to nonhuman animals involves granting them certain legal rights, such as the right to not be unlawfully confined or exploited. This would require redefining animals’ status from property to beings with inherent rights.
- Arguments in Favor: Proponents argue that certain highly intelligent and socially complex animals, such as elephants, dolphins, and great apes, should be granted legal rights because they can experience suffering and possess a degree of autonomy akin to that of humans.
- Arguments Against: Opponents of legal personhood for animals argue that the legal system is designed for human society and extending personhood to animals could lead to complex legal issues.
- They contend that animal welfare can be ensured through legislative protections rather than redefining personhood.
How can societies balance animal welfare with cultural practices that might clash with today’s views on animal rights?
- Engagement and Dialogue: Encourage conversations between cultural leaders, communities, and animal rights advocates to understand different perspectives and find common ground on how to improve animal welfare while respecting traditions.
- Education and Awareness: Promote education about animal welfare and the capacity of animals to feel pain and suffering, helping communities to reconsider practices and adopt alternatives that align with both cultural values and humane treatment.
- Legal Frameworks: Implement laws that protect animal welfare while allowing for cultural practices to continue in a regulated manner, ensuring that such practices do not involve cruelty or inhumane treatment of animals.
What are the Rights of Animals in the Indian Context?
- Traditional and Cultural Practices: In India, animals play a significant role in various cultural and religious practices. For instance, cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, while elephants are used in festivals and ceremonies.
- Legal Framework for Animal Rights: India has several laws aimed at protecting animal rights, such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These laws establish standards for animal welfare and criminalize cruelty.
- However, they stop short of granting legal personhood to animals.
- Judicial Intervention: The Indian judiciary has taken progressive stances on animal rights in some cases.
- For example, the Uttarakhand High Court in 2018 declared all animals in the state to be legal entities, with citizens acting as guardians. This ruling emphasized the need to protect animals’ dignity and well-being, though it did not grant full legal personhood.
Conclusion: India can look toward a framework that balances animal welfare with cultural practices by adopting context-specific policies. This could include creating more robust welfare standards, engaging with communities to find humane alternatives, and fostering a cultural shift toward greater empathy for animals.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in the News?
- The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved 5 crucial roads, including 4 that pass through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- These include a route to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), India’s northernmost military outpost in Ladakh, which also houses the country’s highest airstrip.
About Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:
Details | |
Location | Ladakh, India, situated in the eastern part of the Karakoram Range. |
Area | 5,000 sq km (approximately), making it one of the largest high-altitude protected areas in India. |
Altitude Range | Ranges from about 4,200m to over 7,500m at the peak of Saltoro Kangri. |
Climate |
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Biodiversity | Home to species like the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope (chiru), Tibetan wild ass (kiang), ibex, and blue sheep (Bharal). The sanctuary also supports migratory bird species during certain times of the year. |
Flora | Sparse vegetation, with cold desert flora, including hardy grasses, shrubs, and medicinal plants. |
Rivers | Shyok and Nubra Rivers flow through the Ladakh region, providing crucial water sources for the sanctuary. |
Significance | Part of the larger trans-Himalayan ecosystem, offering a habitat for some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world. |
Conservation Challenges | Harsh climatic conditions, limited accessibility, and poaching threats to species like the chiru, whose undercoat is highly prized. |
Tourism and Access | Restricted due to its proximity to the international border with China. Special permits are required for researchers and travelers. |
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Govt printed, then shelved elephant census report as numbers fell by 20% in 5 years
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Government schemes and Initiatives; AMRUT;
Mains level: Shortcomings of AMRUT;
Why in the News?
Since February this year, hundreds of copies of the Environment Ministry’s elephant census report — “Status of Elephant in India 2022-23” — have remained unreleased, with the government attributing the delay to pending census data from the Northeast.
Findings of the Elephant Census Report:
- Significant Drop in Population: The report shows a 20% drop in India’s elephant population since 2017. The Central Indian and Eastern Ghats recorded a 41% dip, with some states like Southern West Bengal (84%), Jharkhand (68%), and Orissa (54%) experiencing major declines.
- Regional Breakdown: The Western Ghats also saw a decline of 18%, particularly in Kerala, where the population fell by 51%. The Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains recorded only a slight drop (2%), while the Northeast’s data was not updated, but is expected to see a reduction when properly modeled.
- Developmental Pressures: The report identified “mushrooming developmental projects,” particularly unmitigated mining, linear infrastructure construction, and habitat fragmentation, as key threats to elephants.
- Poaching, railway collisions, and electrocution were other significant risks.
- Fragmentation of Habitats: The once-contiguous populations, particularly in the Western Ghats and Central India, are becoming increasingly fragmented due to land-use changes, such as plantations, fencing, and human encroachment.
- Threats in the Northeast: Elephants in the Northeast are under threat from a mosaic of human habitation, plantations, mines, and oil refineries. Poaching for ivory is a serious issue in this region.
Note: “Mushrooming developmental projects” refers to the rapid, often uncontrolled expansion of infrastructure and industrial activities, such as mining, road construction, and urbanization, which disrupt ecosystems and natural habitats, impacting biodiversity.
Why Was the Report Shelved After Being Printed?:
- Delay in Northeast Data: The government cited delays in completing the census in the Northeast region as the primary reason for not releasing the report.
- The methodology and data collection, including advanced techniques like DNA profiling and camera traps, were not fully implemented in the region due to logistical challenges.
- Interim Status: The Ministry stated that the current report is an interim version and the final report, including Northeast data, is expected by June 2025. There is a reluctance to release incomplete data until a uniform methodology is applied across all regions.
What are the implications of this decline for elephant on conservation efforts?
- Need for Urgent Action: The significant decline in elephant populations, especially in the Central and Eastern regions, signals an urgent need for conservation strategies, including habitat restoration and strengthened protection measures.
- Impact of Development: The report emphasizes the need to address the impacts of developmental projects, which have severely fragmented elephant habitats, increasing human-elephant conflict and other risks such as poaching.
- Reevaluation of Conservation Policies: The findings suggest the necessity for reevaluating conservation policies to focus on maintaining elephant corridors, mitigating the impact of infrastructure projects, and fostering community support for conservation.
- Scientific Modelling: The shift to more sophisticated scientific modelling of elephant populations (mark-recapture techniques).
- Focus on Fragmented Landscapes: Future conservation strategies must address the fragmentation of landscapes, particularly in critical areas like the Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, and the Northeast, to reconnect elephant habitats and ensure their long-term survival.
Conclusion: The Elephant Census Report reveals a worrying decline in populations due to habitat fragmentation and developmental pressures. Urgent action is needed to restore habitats, strengthen protection, and reevaluate conservation policies to ensure long-term elephant survival.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in News: Golden Langur
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Golden Langur
Why in the News?
The construction of wildlife passages and artificial canopy bridges along the India-Bhutan border has been prompted by increased deaths of the endangered golden langur due to road accidents.
About Golden Langur
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Identification |
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Geographic Range |
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Habitat |
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Conservation Status |
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Habitat |
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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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in News: Swallowtail Butterfly
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Swallowtail Butterfly
Why in the News?
A recent study has found that the overexploitation of medicinal plants, is threatening the survival of swallowtail butterflies in the forest habitats of Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region.
About Swallowtail Butterfly
Details | |
Family and Species | Family: Papilionidae Global species: 573 Indian species: 77 |
Characteristics |
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Distribution | Found in tropical and temperate regions of Asia, Africa, Americas |
Habitat in India | Found in rainforests, woodlands, cultivated lands, and protected areas like the Western Ghats and Northeast India |
Host Plants | Depend on specific plants like Rutaceae, Aristolochiaceae, Lauraceae, and Magnoliaceae families for larval development |
Threats |
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Swallowtail Conservation Action Plan (SCAP) |
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Purpose | To protect and conserve endangered swallowtail species and prevent their extinction |
Focus Area | Focuses on habitat protection, host plant conservation, and population restoration |
Swallowtail-Rich Zones | Northeastern India designated as a key zone for swallowtail conservation under SCAP |
Legal Protection | 12 swallowtail species in India are under federal protection; Some species are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. |
Community Role | SCAP involves local communities in protecting host plants and preventing activities like illegal cattle grazing |
PYQ:[2016] Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’? (a) Arunachal Pradesh (b) Himachal Pradesh (c) Karnataka (d) Maharashtra |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Assam records 86% drop in Rhino Poaching since 2016
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project Rhino
Why in the News?
Kaziranga National Park and other protected habitats of the one-horned rhinoceros in Assam have witnessed an 86% drop in poaching since 2016.
Reduction in Rhino Poaching
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About Project Rhino:
Details | |
Launch Year | 2005 (Indian Rhino Vision, 2020) |
Objective | To achieve a wild population of at least 3,000 Greater One-Horned Rhinos spread over seven protected areas in Assam by 2020. |
Habitat | Terai floodplains of India and Nepal; currently found in Assam, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. |
Partners | • Assam Forest Department • Bodoland Territorial Council • World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) • International Rhino Foundation (IRF) • US Fish & Wildlife Service |
Key Actions | • Translocation of rhinos from Kaziranga and Pobitora to other protected areas (like Manas National Park) to reduce overcrowding. • Improving protection and security against poaching. |
Population Growth | • From 2008 to 2012, 18 rhinos were translocated to Manas National Park. • By 2020, 14 calves were born in Manas after translocation. |
Conservation Status | • IUCN Status: Vulnerable • CITES: Appendix I • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I |
Significance |
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PYQ:[2019] Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Cheetah Action Plan (CAP)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cheetah Action Plan (CAP)
Why in the News?
The Cheetah Action Plan (CAP) which aimed to introduce African cheetahs into India’s Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs), is completing its two years.
About Cheetah:
Cheetah Reintroduction in India:
Current Issues:
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What is Project Cheetah?
- Aim: To conserve threatened species and restore ecosystem functions. It is spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
- The plan involves partnering with other countries to conserve cheetahs, enhancing conservation and eco-tourism in India’s dry forests.
- The population should reach Kuno National Park’s capacity in 15 years, needing sustained support.
- Sunset Clause: The concept of a sunset clause in the context of Project Cheetah refers to the long-term criteria (at least 30-40 years) for establishing a viable cheetah population in India.
PYQ:[2012] Consider the following: (2012)
Which of the above are naturally found in India? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Why in the News?
Natural geographic separation is happening among Asiatic lion populations in Gujarat, and there is no immediate need to relocate them, says the director general of the International Big Cat Alliance.
About Asiatic Lion
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About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Details | |
Objective | Protect and conserve 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah. |
Initial Funding | ₹150 crore from the Government of India for five years, with additional funding from global agencies. |
Membership | Open to 96 range countries with natural big cat habitats. |
Key Activities | Advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity building, eco-tourism promotion, and resource mobilization. |
Governance | General Assembly, elected Council, and Secretariat. Secretary General appointed by the Assembly. |
Governance Framework | Based on the International Solar Alliance (ISA); finalized by the International Steering Committee. |
India’s Role |
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PYQ:[2012] Consider the following:
Which of the above are naturally found in India? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
What is Wallace Line?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wallace Line
Why in the news?
The Wallace Line, a distinct transition zone between Asia and Australia, has long fascinated researchers due to its unique characteristics.
What is Wallace Line?
Details | |
What is it? |
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Unique Features |
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Impact on Wildlife |
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Impact on Marine Species |
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Formation |
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Pleistocene Epoch Influence |
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Note:Weber Line more accurately defines the balance point where the influence of Asian and Australian species is nearly equal, whereas the Wallace Line marks a sharper divide. |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) spotted in Aravallis
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Elongated Tortoise
Why in the News?
The elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata), a critically endangered species, was recently spotted in Haryana’s Damdama area during a research survey in the Aravalli hills.
About Elongated Tortoise:
Details | |
Physical Features |
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Habitat |
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Indian Range | Present in the Chhota Nagpur plateau and Himalayan foothills at elevations up to 1,000 meters |
Threats |
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Ecological Role | Significant species in its ecosystems but highly vulnerable to environmental changes and anthropogenic pressures |
Population Decline | Significant population decline due to hunting, habitat degradation, and illegal wildlife trade, despite its wide distribution |
Conservation Status |
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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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in News: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Why in the News?
The Atlantic bluefin tuna, already heavily overfished, now faces a new threat from warming seas, causing it to migrate further north.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
Details | |
Scientific Classification | Family: Scombridae; Species: Thunnus thynnus. |
Common Names | Northern bluefin tuna, Giant bluefin tuna (for individuals over 150 kg), formerly known as “tunny”. |
Habitat and Range | Western and Eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea; extinct in the Black Sea. |
Size | Can weigh up to 680 kg; one of the largest Perciformes. |
Commercial Importance | Highly valued in the Japanese market for sushi and sashimi; foundation of a major global fishery. |
Conservation Status | Overfished; dramatic stock declines (72% in Eastern Atlantic, 82% in Western Atlantic);
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Why has Malaysia tweaked its ‘Orangutan Diplomacy’?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Orangutan Diplomacy
Why in the News?
Malaysia, after initially introducing its version of soft power called “Orangutan Diplomacy” following China’s successful “panda diplomacy,” has now reversed its decision.
What is Orangutan Diplomacy?
- It is a Malaysian strategy that seeks to use orangutan conservation as a tool of soft power, inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy.”
- It had first announced plans to gift orangutans (IUCN Status: Critically Endangered) to palm oil-buying countries.
- It engages other countries in conservation efforts, focusing on symbolic adoptions rather than sending animals abroad.
- Reasons behind:
- Palm Oil Industry Criticism: Malaysia faces criticism for deforestation due to palm oil plantations, threatening orangutans.
- Enhance Image: It aims to counter negative perceptions and showcase commitment to sustainability and position Malaysia as a leader in wildlife protection.
- Global Cooperation: It seeks to strengthen ties with major palm oil importers like China, India, and the EU through conservation partnerships.
Criticisms:
- Habitat Concerns: Critics argue real conservation requires protecting habitats, not just symbolic actions.
- Comparisons to Panda Diplomacy: Malaysia’s effort lacks the infrastructure and commitment seen in China’s panda conservation.
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
[pib] Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
Why in the News?
- Many individuals, organizations, and zoos in India currently possess living specimens of exotic animal species listed under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- These exotic species must be reported and registered as mandated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the PARIVESH 2.0 Portal.
Legal Framework for Reporting of Animals in Possession
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About Schedule IV of the WPA
Details | |
Protection Level | Provides legal protection to species, prohibiting their hunting, capture, or trade. Protection is less stringent compared to Schedules I & II. |
Offenses and Penalties | Violations can lead to fines and imprisonment, but penalties are generally less severe than those for species in higher schedules. |
New Amendment (2022) | The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, inserted a new Schedule IV for specimens listed in the CITES Appendices. |
Examples of Species | Flamingos, Hares, Falcons, Kingfishers, Magpie, and Horseshoe Crabs. |
Purpose | Ensures legal protection to prevent exploitation and population decline of species that are not critically endangered but still need protection. |
General Protection Role | Plays an important role in broader conservation efforts, offering safeguards to a wider range of species in India. |
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. |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Yaks from China stray into eastern Ladakh
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Himalayan Yaks
Why in the News?
Around 40 Chinese yaks ventured into Indian Territory in the “Demchok” area of eastern Ladakh and are currently under the control of the local villagers.
Grazing land issue at LAC:
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About Himalayan Yaks in India:
Details | |
Species | Belongs to the Bovini tribe, including bison, buffaloes, and cattle. |
Adaptation | Can tolerate extreme cold, down to -40°C; adapted for high altitudes with long, insulating hair. |
Cultural Significance | Valued by Himalayan peoples;
Linked to Tibetan Buddhism legend of Rinpoche. |
Raising Method | Traditionally reared under a transhumance system; involves significant hardship. |
Habitat | Endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and high-altitude regions. |
Altitude Preference | Thrives above 14,000 feet; typically climbs to 20,000 feet and rarely descends below 12,000 feet. |
Yak-Rearing States in India | Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir. |
Population Decline | 2019 census: 58,000 yaks in India, a 25% drop from 2012; decline due to low remuneration and market. |
Significance | Provides crucial nutritional and livelihood security for pastoral nomads in high-altitude regions. |
Threats | Climate change causing heat stress; inbreeding due to closed borders limiting genetic diversity. |
Protection Status* | – IUCN Red List: Vulnerable – CITES: Appendix I – Indian Wildlife Act: Schedule I |
Food Status* | Approved as a ‘food animal’ by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). |
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Neelakurinji included in Red List of threatened species
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Neelakurinji
Why in the News?
Neelakurinji has been categorized as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of threatened species for the first time under Criteria A2c.
About Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana)
Details | |
Blooming Cycle |
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Physical Description |
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Habitat and Distribution |
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Historical Blooming Records | Documented blooming in 1838, 1850, 1862, 1874, 1886, 1898, 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018. |
Cultural Significance |
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Ecological Importance |
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PYQ:[2011] The “Red Data Books” published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Specie in news: Charles Darwin’s Frog
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Charles Darwin’s Frog
Why in the News?
- The Charles Darwin frog, a species native to the Andaman Islands, is exhibiting unusual mating and egg-laying behaviors.
About Charles Darwin’s Frog
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Study and Findings:
- The frog species engages in upside-down mating and egg-laying behavior.
- The frogs increasingly use artificial objects, such as plastic sapling bags and discarded containers, as breeding sites.
- This shift is likely a response to habitat loss and fragmentation, forcing the frogs to adapt to rapidly changing environments.
PYQ:[2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are: (a) Birds |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
In news: Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project Cheetah, Banni Grasslands, Gandhi Sagar WLS
Why in the News?
- The Gandhi Sagar sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is the preferred location for the next batch of cheetah’s relocation plan.
- However, Banni in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat is also being prepared to house some of them.
Cheetah Reintroduction in India:
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About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
- It is located in western Madhya Pradesh and covers an area of 368.62 sq km.
- It is a flat rocky plateau characterized by shallow topsoil and exposed sheetrock.
- It is divided by the Chambal River, with the Gandhi Sagar dam and reservoir within its boundaries.
- Flora and Fauna:
- Flora: The sanctuary features a savannah ecosystem with open grasslands interspersed with dry deciduous trees. Riverine valleys within the sanctuary support evergreen vegetation.
- Fauna: The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including species like leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, grey wolves, golden jackals, jungle cats, Indian foxes, and marsh crocodiles.
About Banni Grasslands:
- The Banni Grassland is located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, covering around 3,847 square km.
- The climate is arid and semi-arid, with extremely hot summers (temperatures above 45°C) and mild winters (12°C to 25°C), receiving 300-400 mm of annual rainfall mainly during the monsoon.
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- Flora: Grasses such as Dichanthium, Sporobolus, and Cenchrus species, with salt-tolerant plants, shrubs, and trees like Acacia and the invasive Prosopis juliflora.
- Fauna: Indian wolf, hyena, chinkara, Great Indian Bustard, flamingos, and various raptors, reptiles, and invertebrates.
- It is inhabited by pastoral communities like the Maldharis, who rely on livestock grazing (cattle, buffalo, and sheep) for their livelihood.
- Agriculture is limited due to arid conditions, with some areas used for salt production.
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)
Which of the above are naturally found in India? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
845 Elephant Deaths recorded in Kerala in eight years
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Elephant conservation in India
Why in the News?
- Kerala’s forests have recorded 845 elephant deaths between 2015 and 2023.
- Studies indicate an increasing trend in the death rate over time.
Habitat and Population Challenges
Elephant Mortality: Key Trends
Influence of Herd Size on Survival:
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About Elephants in India
Details | |
Population Estimate |
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Leading States | Karnataka holds the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala. |
Conservation Status |
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Conservation Initiatives |
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PYQ:[2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Zoological Survey of India’s Report on Animal Discoveries 2023
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ZSI, Key highlights of the report.
Why in the News?
A report titled “Animal Discoveries 2023” by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) highlights significant new species findings in Maharashtra and across India.
New Species in Maharashtra:
- Maharashtra recorded 14 new animal species in 2023, with two species reported for the first time in India.
- Notably, among the 25 Arachnid species reported for the first time in India, two belong to Maharashtra—Steatoda Erigoniformis and Myrmarachne Spissa.
- Steatoda Erigoniformis: It is a species of spider known for its resemblance to the more dangerous black widow spiders. They are commonly referred to as “false widow spiders.”
- Myrmarachne Spissa: It is part of a group of spiders that mimic ants in appearance and behaviour, a trait known as myrmecomorphy. Previously reported in Sri Lanka, Myrmarachne Spissa’s discovery in Pune marks its first report from India, highlighting the region’s biodiversity significance.
Key Findings from the ZSI Report:
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Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India
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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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Central India’s land-use patterns, roads fragmenting gaur & sambar populations, threatening genetic diversity
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
Mains level: Observations made by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
Why in the news?
A recent study by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) found that land-use alterations and road construction in central India affect the genetic connectivity of two prominent herbivores: the gaur and the sambar.
What is Genetic diversity?
- Genetic diversity refers to the variety and variability of genetic material within a species or population, essential for adaptation, resilience to environmental changes, and long-term survival of organisms.
About National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
- NCBS is a premier research institute located in Bangalore, India that is part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) under the Department of Atomic Energy of the Government of India.
- The mandate of NCBS is to conduct fundamental research in the frontier areas of biology, ranging from the study of single molecules to ecology and evolution.
Observations made by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
- Impact of Habitat Modification: The NCBS study underscores the significant impact of habitat loss and fragmentation on wildlife populations, particularly highlighting how expanding linear infrastructure like highways and railway lines disrupts animal movement and genetic connectivity.
- Genetic Connectivity of Herbivores: It is the first study in India to investigate the genetic connectivity of large herbivores, specifically the gaur and sambar, at a landscape scale. The research reveals how these species are affected differently by landscape features and human activities, influencing their genetic diversity and ability to adapt to environmental changes.
- Conservation Urgency: The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation measures in fragmented habitats, such as Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra, where small and genetically isolated populations of herbivores require targeted interventions to ensure their survival and genetic health.
- Methodological Advances: Using advanced genetic techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS) and landscape genetics, the NCBS researchers demonstrated how these tools can provide crucial insights into population dynamics, genetic diversity, and the impacts of human-induced changes on wildlife populations.
Present Issues from Tiger reserves and Wildlife sanctuaries in MP and MH
- Habitat Fragmentation and Connectivity: Both states face significant challenges related to habitat fragmentation due to expanding linear infrastructure like highways and railway lines. These developments disrupt wildlife corridors essential for the movement of animals, leading to isolated populations and reduced genetic connectivity, as observed in the NCBS study.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Increasing instances of human-wildlife conflict pose a threat to both animals and human communities living near tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Encroachment of habitat for agriculture and settlements often results in conflicts over resources and occasionally leads to casualties among both wildlife and humans.
- Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Despite conservation efforts, tiger reserves and sanctuaries in MP and MH continue to face challenges related to poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Tigers and other endangered species are targeted for their skins, bones, and other body parts, driven by demand in illegal markets.
- Resource Extraction and Mining: Mining activities and resource extraction near protected areas pose significant environmental threats. These activities not only lead to habitat destruction but also contribute to pollution and disturbance, affecting the overall ecosystem health and biodiversity of these regions.
- Climate Change Impacts: The effects of climate change, such as erratic weather patterns and changing rainfall regimes, also impact tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in MP and MH. These changes can alter habitat suitability for wildlife species, affecting their distribution, migration patterns, and ability to adapt to new environmental conditions.
Way forward:
- Enhanced Habitat Connectivity and Protection: Implement measures to mitigate habitat fragmentation caused by linear infrastructure. This includes creating wildlife corridors over or under highways and railways to facilitate safe animal movement
- Integrated Conservation and Community Engagement: Foster collaboration between local communities, conservation organizations, and government agencies to address human-wildlife conflict and illegal activities like poaching.
Mains PYQ:
Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in the conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Threats to Island Reptiles and Cacti Highlighted by IUCN
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Species mentioned; IUCN.
Why in the News?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has issued an update on the threats faced by various reptile and cactus species due to invasive species and illegal trade.
Species highlighted by the IUCN
Species | Status Change | Reason for Decline | Location | Threats |
Ibiza Wall Lizard
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Near Threatened → Endangered | 50% population decline since 2010 due to invasive snake | Ibiza, Spain | Invasive horseshoe whip snake (Haemorrhoids Hippocrepis) |
Gran Canaria Giant Lizard
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Least Concern → Endangered | >50% decline since 2014 due to the introduction of California Kingsnake | Gran Canaria, Spain | California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis California) |
Gran Canaria Skink
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Least Concern → Endangered | >50% decline since 2014 due to the introduction of California Kingsnake | Gran Canaria, Spain | California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis California) |
Copiapoa Cacti
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Critically Endangered | 82% critically endangered, up from 55% in 2013 | Atacama Desert, Chile | Illegal trade for ornamental purposes, climate change impacts |
Back2Basics: IUCN Overview Table
Details | |
Founded | 1948 |
Headquarters | Gland, Switzerland |
Mission | To conserve nature and ensure the sustainable and equitable use of natural resources. |
Focus Areas |
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Influence |
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IUCN Red List |
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Categories of Extinction Risk |
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Global Targets Indicator | Serves as a headline indicator for SDGs and Aichi Targets |
IUCN Green Status of Species |
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PYQ:[2023] Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations? (a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature [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?
Select the correct using the code given below. |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Indian Star Tortoises rescued from Malaysia
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Star Tortoise; TRAFFIC
Why in the News?
Malaysia has seized about 200 smuggled Indian Star Tortoises and Turtles in a major crackdown. The Indian star tortoise is the single most confiscated species of freshwater tortoise in the world, according to wildlife trade watchdog TRAFFIC.
About Indian Star Tortoises (Geochelone elegans)
Details | |
Habitat |
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Threats |
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Protection Status |
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Back2Basics: TRAFFIC (Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce)
Details | |
Founded | 1976 |
Headquarters | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
Mission | Ensure that trade in wild plants and animals does not threaten the conservation of nature. |
Founding Partners | World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) |
Focus Areas |
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Governance |
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Staff Expertise | Biologists, conservationists, academics, researchers, communicators, investigators |
Global Network | Research-driven, action-oriented global network |
Key Functions |
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TRAFFIC in India |
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PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following:
Which of the above are naturally found in India? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Reviving Gharials in Kaziranga
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gharial and its conservation, Kaziranga NP
Why in the News?
In Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a lone female gharial has emerged as a significant presence, marking a potential revival for the species in the Brahmaputra River.
About Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve:
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About Gharial
- The Gharial is a fish-eating crocodile native to the Indian subcontinent.
- They are a crucial indicator of clean river water.
- It is also found in the rainforest biome of Mahanadi in Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, Odisha.
- Gharials are ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Species.
- The species is also listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- National Chambal Sanctuary along the river Chambal in Madhya Pradesh is the biggest protected area of the species.
Recent findings of Gharial in Kaziranga
- Gharials, distinguished by their long, narrow snouts, were believed to have disappeared from the Brahmaputra by the 1950s.
- The female gharial, initially spotted in 2021, has grown to nearly adult size, providing hope for their reintroduction into the ecosystem.
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Great Indian Bustard Recovery Plan
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Great Indian Bustard and its recovery
Why in the News?
- The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) approved Rs 56 crore for the next phase of the conservation program for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and the Lesser Florican for the 2024-2029 period.
Note: Both the Bustard and Lesser Florican are critically endangered, with only 140 Bustards and less than 1,000 Lesser Floricans surviving.
Back2Basics: Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)
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About Great Indian Bustards
- GIBs are the largest among the four bustard species found in India, the other three being MacQueen’s bustard, the lesser florican, and the Bengal florican.
- GIBs’ historic range included much of the Indian sub-continent but it has now shrunken to just 10 percent of it.
- Among the heaviest birds with flight, GIBs prefer grasslands as their habitats.
- GIBs are mainly found in Desert National Park, Rajasthan.
- Bustards face major threats, including habitat changes and collisions with power lines.
- Protection accorded:
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- Birdlife International: uplisted from Endangered to Critically Endangered (2011)
- Protection under CITES: Appendix I
- IUCN status: Critically Endangered
- Protection under Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule I
What is the GIB Recovery Plan?
- The proposal was prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
- The proposal includes:
- Rewilding Bustards bred in ex-situ conservation centres,
- Conducting detailed population studies, and
- Developing artificial insemination techniques.
Back2Basics: Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
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Why such a move?
- Indicator Species: The GIB is a key indicator species of grassland habitat, signalling the health of these environments.
- Population Decline: The population has declined from around 700 individuals to less than 150 due to habitat loss, predation, and death by overhead power lines.
- Supreme Court Order: The Supreme Court recognized the threat from power lines and constituted an expert committee to assess the feasibility of overhead and underground electric lines in the bustard’s habitats.
Conservation Efforts and Achievements
- Recovery Plan: Initial efforts began between 2012-2013 with a long-term recovery project, which firmed up in 2016 with a Rs 33.85 crore funding outlay.
- Funding and Agreements: The project was funded by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund, with a tripartite agreement in 2018 involving the Environment Ministry, Rajasthan Forest Department, and WII.
- In-Situ Breeding: Conservation breeding began in 2019, resulting in a founder population of 40 GIBs at the Ramdevra centre.
Achievements at Breeding Centres
- Successful Breeding: Eggs collected from the wild were incubated and chicks were hand-reared. The breeding centres now have a founder population of 40 GIBs.
- Scientific Reasoning: Creating a founder population prevents extirpation and captures genetic variability. The goal is to have at least 20 adult birds including 15 females.
Future Plans
- Next Phase (2024-2033): The immediate next phase will run until 2029, targeting the upgradation of the CBC at Ramdevra and the development of the Lesser Florican CBC at Sorsan.
- Population Surveys: Surveys will be conducted in Rajasthan and other range states to monitor population status.
- Release into the Wild: The most important target is releasing captive-bred GIBs into the wild, preceded by soft release in enclosures.
PYQ:[2020] With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? [2019] Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Worlds Oldest Prehistoric Ostrich Nest discovered in Andhra
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Megafauna, Archaeological evidence of Ostrichs in India
Why in the News?
Archaeologists have discovered a 41,000-year-old ostrich nest in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh.
Prehistoric Ostrich Nest: Details of the Discovery
- The nest, identified as the world’s oldest known ostrich nest, measures 9-10 feet in width.
- The nest was once home to 9-11 eggs but was capable of holding 30-40 eggs at a time.
- Ostriches are mega omnivores, weighing between 90 and 140 kg and standing seven to nine feet tall.
What are Megafauna?
- Megafauna generally refers to animals weighing more than 50 kg, though scientific definitions vary.
- The term was first used by Alfred Russel Wallace in his 1876 book, “The Geographical Distribution of Animals.”
- Megafauna can be classified into:
- Megaherbivores (plant-eaters),
- Megacarnivores (meat-eaters), and
- Megaomnivores (who eat both plants and meat).
Historical Evidence of Megafauna
- Early Documentation: Richard Lydekker in 1884 presented the earliest documented evidence of ostriches in the subcontinent, identifying the extinct Struthio asiaticus in the Dhok Pathan deposits in Upper Siwalik Hills, present-day Pakistan.
- Discoveries in Maharashtra: Archaeologist S A Sali in 1989 reported ostrich eggshell beads and engraved pieces dating back to 50,000–40,000 years ago at Patne, Maharashtra.
- CCMB Research in 2017: Researchers at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad established the presence of ostriches in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat 25,000 years ago.
Broader Implications and Studies
- Biogeographical Dispersion: The presence of ostriches in India is attributed to bio-geographical dispersion from the continental drifting of Gondwanaland.
- Late Quaternary Extinctions: The study, titled ‘Late Quaternary extinctions in the Indian Subcontinent,’ established that the disappearance of large animals began around 30,000 years ago, coinciding with the arrival of humans.
- Co-Evolution Hypothesis: The study supports the hypothesis that fauna and their resilience to extinction resulted from coevolution with hominins, with geographic isolation and abiotic factors accelerating extinction.
PYQ:[2018] The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of: (a) Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems. (b) Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs. (c) Large-scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity. (d) Mankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change. |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
[pib] Fauna of India Checklist Portal
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fauna of India Checklist Portal, ZSI
Why in the News?
- The Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has launched a portal documenting all animal species in India.
- The Portal was launched on the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata.
Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India
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About the Fauna of India Checklist Portal
- The portal consists of records of more than 100,000 animal species, prepared by over 150 scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) over two years.
- This checklist is the first comprehensive document on faunal species in India, covering 121 checklists of all known taxa across 36 phyla, including endemic, threatened, and scheduled species.
- It is a compilation of all animal species recorded in India since the 1750s, including endemic, threatened, and scheduled species.
- It provides essential data for conservation and management efforts, forming the basis for all biological sciences.
- Significance of Portal:
- With this, India has become the first country to prepare a checklist of its entire fauna, covering 104,561 species, positioning itself as a global leader in biodiversity conservation.
- The comprehensive documentation of India’s fauna aligns with Mission LiFE by providing crucial data for biodiversity conservation.
Details from the ZSI Report
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Significant Discoveries in 2023
- New Species: The 2023 findings include 112 hymenopterans, 86 arachnids, 47 new fishes, 20 reptiles, and two mammals.
- New Mammals: An ibex species found in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, named Capra himalayensis, and a new bat species, Miniopterus srinii, was discovered in Kodagu district, Karnataka.
- State Rankings: Kerala recorded the highest number of new discoveries with 101, followed by West Bengal with 72, Tamil Nadu with 62, and Arunachal Pradesh and Karnataka with 45 each.
About Mission LiFE
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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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Himalayan Serow recorded at Assam’s Raimona National Park
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Himalayan Serow; Raimona National Park.
Why in the News?
- A mainland serow aka. Himalayan Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis thar) was recorded at 96 metres above mean sea level in Raimona National Park, Assam.
- This is the lowest elevation recorded for the species beyond Bhutan, its natural habitat.
About Himalayan Serow
Details | |
About | Herbivore species.
Also known as Thar. Resembles a cross between a goat, a donkey, a cow, and a pig. |
Recognition | Official state animal of Mizoram. |
Distribution |
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Conservation Status |
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Back2Basics: Raimona National Park
Flora and Fauna:
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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. |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
South India’s First and Largest Leopard Safari at Bannerghatta Biological Park
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Leopard Safari at Bannerghatta Biological Park
Why in the News?
South India’s first and the country’s largest leopard safari was inaugurated at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP).
About Bannerghatta Biological Park
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Leopards in India
- The Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent.
- These are the smallest of the big cats.
- They are known for their ability to adapt to a variety of habitats.
- They are strong and agile predators that can climb trees and drag their prey up for safety.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
Do you know?As per, Status of Leopards in India Report, 2022:
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PYQ:[2012] Consider the following:
Which of the above are naturally found in India? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Mass Coral Bleaching in Lakshadweep: An Overview
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Coral Bleaching Events (GCBE), Lakshadweep, Corals
Why in the News?
Lakshadweep has been severely affected by the fourth global coral bleaching event (GCBE4), the most severe on record according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
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.
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Lakshadweep Specifics
- Kavaratti atoll survey indicated an 84.6% bleaching extent, with mass bleaching observed. Previous bleaching events in Lakshadweep were 81% (1998), 65% (2010), and 41.9% (2020).
- Species Impacted:
- Most impacted: Porites cylindrical, Porites lobata, Porites lutea, Acropora muricata, Montipora foliosa.
- Resilient species also showing signs: Acropora digitifera, Pocillopora grandis, Isopora palifera, Pavona venosa, Hydnophora microconos.
- Contributing Factors: Increased temperatures attributed to global warming; from April 1 to May 2, 2024, temperatures ranged between 29.6°C to 32.8°C.
Importance of Coral Reefs
- Marine Biodiversity: Support diverse marine life including fish, invertebrates, and algae.
- Coastal Protection: Act as natural barriers against erosion and storm surges.
- Local Economy: Provide sustenance and livelihood for local communities and attract tourists.
GCBE-4 and Indian Context
- Gujarat Coast: Monitoring coral bleaching mid-summer, with 30-40% bleaching observed annually; most corals recover.
- Tamil Nadu: Lesser impact in the Gulf of Mannar due to late bleaching onset and early monsoon reducing seawater temperatures.
- Temperature Reduction: The onset of monsoon has slightly reduced water temperatures in Lakshadweep.
- Recovery Uncertain: The long-term health of corals depends on sustained cooler conditions and the absence of further stressors.
Back2Basics: Corals
Types of CoralCorals are of two types — hard corals and soft corals:
Conditions Needed for Corals to Flourish
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PYQ:2014: Which of the following have coral reefs?
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
TN to allow regulated culling of Wild Boars
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wild Boars, Vermins under Schedule V.
Why in the News?
- The Tamil Nadu government has approved the controlled hunting of wild boars causing distress to farmers near forest areas.
- Presently, Wild boars are NOT listed as Vermin under the Schedule V of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
About the Farmers’ Conflict Resolution Committee
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Zoning for Culling Operations
- Areas adjacent to reserve forests will be divided into three zones:
- Zone A: Within one kilometre from forest limits.
- Zone B: One to five kilometres from forest limits.
- Zone C: Beyond five kilometres from forest limits.
- Restrictions: Shooting of wild pigs is prohibited within five kilometres of the reserve forest (Zones A and B).
- Scientific Approach to Culling:
- Scientific Methodology: The shooting of wild boars must adhere to a scientific approach, considering the intensity and frequency of conflict incidents.
- Expert Concerns: Experts highlight the ecological role of wild boars and caution against indiscriminate killing.
About Indian Wild Boar
Details | |
Scientific Name | Sus scrofa cristatus |
Habitat and Distribution | High grass, bushes, forests, high crops, dense forests, grasslands, scrublands, agricultural areas; Indian subcontinent, various altitudes from sea level to mountains |
Behaviour and Social Structure |
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Diet |
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Reproduction |
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Ecological Role |
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Conservation Status |
Proposed reclassification to Schedule V (vermin) due to agricultural damage. |
Present Culling | Section 11-B (1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 allows the Chief Wildlife Warden to issue special orders to kill dangerous wild animals. |
Back2Basics: Schedule III of WPA, 1972
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:
Legal Provisions:
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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. |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Striped Caecilian: Limbless Amphibian spotted in Kaziranga’s fauna
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Striped Caecilian, Herpetofauna
Why in the News?
- A limbless amphibian, the striped caecilian (Ichthyophis spp), has been newly identified within the 1,307.49 sq. km Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
- Assam’s wildlife officials reported its discovery during a herpetofauna survey.
Back2Basics: Herpetofauna
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About Striped Caecilian
- The Striped Caecilian (Ichthyophis spp.) is a type of limbless amphibian belonging to the family Ichthyophiidae.
- Caecilians are often mistaken for snakes or worms due to their elongated, cylindrical bodies and lack of limbs.
- They are primarily found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
- They usually live underground or in moist soil habitats.
Key features of the Striped Caecilian include:
- They have smooth, cylindrical bodies with a ringed or striped pattern, hence the name “striped.”
- Caecilians are predominantly fossorial (burrowing), spending most of their lives underground or in leaf litter. This behaviour makes them elusive and difficult to study.
- They are carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates found in soil and leaf litter.
- Their eyesight is generally poor, and they rely on chemoreception (sensing chemicals in the environment) to locate prey.
- Caecilians are known for their unique reproductive strategies, which can involve live births or laying eggs. Some species exhibit parental care, with adults guarding eggs or young offspring.
Significance: Kaziranga’s Biodiversity
- Kaziranga National Park’s diverse ecosystem, encompassing flood plains, wetlands, grasslands, and hill tracts, provides an ideal habitat for herpetofauna.
- The park hosts 24 amphibian species, 74 reptile species, and 21 of India’s 29 species of tortoises and freshwater turtles.
About Kaziranga National Park
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PYQ:[2024] The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater are: (a) Birds (b) Fish (c) Insects (d) Reptiles |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
In news: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, One-horned Rhino
Why in the News?
The monsoon has brought a measure of relief to animals especially the one-horned rhinoceros in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary dealing with extreme heat.
About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
- Often dubbed as ‘Mini Kaziranga,’ Pobitora shares a similar landscape and vegetation to its renowned counterpart.
- The sanctuary shelters various endangered species, including one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, leopard cats, fishing cats, jungle cats, feral buffaloes, wild pigs, and Chinese pangolins.
- Approximately 72% of Pobitora’s area comprises a wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccharum grasses, while the rest is covered by water bodies.
About One-Horned Rhino:
Note: About 2,400 of them are in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR). |
PYQ:[2019] Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Elephants have names for each other: New study
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Facts about Elephants
Why in the News?
- Recent studies utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have revealed that elephants possess unique names used to address each other, placing them among the select animals with this ability.
- Unlike animals such as parrots and dolphins, elephants do not imitate the calls of those they address, resembling humans in this communicative trait.
Naming Behavior in Elephants
- Unlike humans, elephants do not mimic the calls of the addressee, setting their communication apart from other animals.
- Published in Nature, the study titled ‘African elephants address one another with individually specific name-like calls’ involved researchers from institutions like Colorado State University and Save The Elephants.
Study Methodology
- Communication Methods: Contrary to popular belief, elephants predominantly communicate through low-pitched rumbles rather than trumpets, which are primarily emotional expressions.
- Data Analysis: Researchers analyzed recordings of wild female African savannah elephants and their offspring’s rumbles across various Kenyan national parks spanning from 1986 to 2022.
- AI Application: Using AI technology, they scrutinized 469 recorded rumbles to detect patterns indicating specific recipients of the communication.
- Success Rate: The AI model successfully identified the intended elephant recipient in 27.5% of cases, surpassing chance levels.
Observations
- Behavioural Observation: To validate their findings, researchers played back recorded rumbles to 17 elephants and noted heightened reactions when elephants heard their ‘names’, indicating recognition of individual names.
- Unique Communication: Unlike animals that imitate others’ calls, elephants display no evidence of imitation, suggesting a unique communication strategy.
Significance of the Study
- Sophisticated Communication: The study underscores elephants’ advanced communication abilities, challenging previous assumptions about their cognitive prowess.
- Human-Elephant Parallels: It draws parallels between human and elephant communication, fostering greater admiration for elephants and potentially mitigating human-elephant conflicts crucial for conservation efforts.
- Future Research: Further investigation is warranted to pinpoint the exact location of elephant names within rumbles and explore whether elephants assign names to objects besides individuals.
Back2Basics: Elephants in India
Details | |
Population Estimate |
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Leading States | Karnataka holds the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala. |
Conservation Status |
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Conservation Initiatives |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
World Crocodile Day 2024: In 50th year of India’s saurian conservation
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IUCN Status of Crocodiles of India
Mains level: Crocodile Conservation Project
Why in the news?
The successful Crocodile Conservation Project in Bhitarkanika National Park is escalating the human-crocodile conflicts affecting local communities.
About the Crocodile Conservation Project
- Launch and Objective: The Crocodile Conservation Project was launched in 1975 in Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha. The main objective was to protect the crocodiles’ natural habitat and revive the population through captive breeding due to the low survival rate of hatchlings in nature.
- Historical Context: Initiated barely three years after the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The project was launched due to the threat of extinction from indiscriminate killing for commercial purposes and severe habitat loss.
- Implementation and Success: Centers for breeding and rearing saltwater crocodiles, muggers, and gharials were started in 34 locations across various states in India under the guidance of HR Bustard. The project in Bhitarkanika, started by Sudhakar Kar and HR Bustard, has been the most successful, increasing the population from 95 in 1975 to 1,811 in the latest reptile census.
- Ongoing Efforts: Sudhakar Kar continues to provide technical expertise and methodology for the annual census of saltwater crocodiles even after retirement. Conservation of crocodiles is described as a lifelong mission by Kar.
IUCN Status of Crocodiles of India
Bhitarkanika National Park
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About the Issues Faced by Bhitarkanika
- Human-Crocodile Conflict: The increasing crocodile population has led to rising human-crocodile conflicts. Sudhakar Kar expressed concern over the conflicts, warning locals to avoid entering rivers, creeks, and waterbodies inhabited by estuarine crocodiles.
- Impact on Local Communities: Conflicts have led to 50 deaths since 2014. Local villagers have criticized politicians for not addressing the safety issues adequately, affecting political outcomes.
- Preventive Measures: Forest officials have erected barricades around 120 river ghats in and around Bhitarkanika to prevent crocodile attacks on humans.
- Political Implications: The human-crocodile conflict has influenced local political dynamics, with villagers expressing dissatisfaction with incumbents over safety concerns related to crocodile attacks.
Conclusion: Construct and maintain more robust protective barriers around water bodies, such as reinforced barricades and secure river ghats. Additionally, create safe, designated areas for water-related activities to minimize the risk of crocodile attacks.
Mains PYQ:
Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in the conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: India’s New Cheetah Habitat
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cheetah Reintroduction in India, Gandhi Sagar WLS
Why in the News?
- Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary will become the second home for cheetahs in India, after Kuno National Park. The final decision on importing cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa will be made after the monsoon season to avoid infection risks.
Cheetah Reintroduction in India:
About Cheetah:
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About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Located in western Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 368.62 sq km.
- It spans the Mandsaur (187.12 sq km) and Neemuch (181.5 sq km) districts, bordering Rajasthan.
- Situated on a flat rocky plateau characterized by shallow topsoil and exposed sheetrock.
- It is divided by the Chambal River, with the Gandhi Sagar dam and reservoir within its boundaries.
- Flora and Fauna:
- Flora: The sanctuary features a savannah ecosystem with open grasslands interspersed with dry deciduous trees. Riverine valleys within the sanctuary support evergreen vegetation.
- Fauna: The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including species like leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, grey wolves, golden jackals, jungle cats, Indian foxes, and marsh crocodiles.
Habitat Suitability for Cheetahs
- Officials cite Gandhi Sagar as having an ideal habitat parallel to Maasai Mara (a National Park) in Kenya, suitable for cheetahs.
- Plans include expanding the cheetah habitat to around 2,000 sq km, contingent upon cooperation with Rajasthan’s Bhainsrodgarh sanctuary.
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)
Which of the above are naturally found in India? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Formula for Flapping Frequency across Flying and Swimming Animals
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Flapping Frequency
Why in the news?
- Researchers at Roskilde University in Denmark discovered a formula that correlates the flapping frequency of winged and swimming animals to their mass and wing/fins size.
- The formula applies universally across a diverse range of species, from insects to birds, bats, penguins, whales, and even robotic ornithopters.
Formula for Flapping Frequency
- The formula was derived from Newton’s second law (F= mass x acceleration) applied to animals flapping wings to stay airborne.
- Factors considered in the derivation included air density, wing size, and the forces generated by wing movements.
Research Methodology
- The researchers derived the formula theoretically from Newton’s second law, relating the force needed to stay airborne or submerged to the wing/fins’ motion, air/water dynamics, and animal mass.
- They incorporated empirical observations into a constant C to account for specific shape and flight kinematics variations.
Application and Validity
- The formula’s validity was tested across various animals:
- 176 insect data points (e.g., bees, moths, dragonflies)
- 212 bird data points (from hummingbirds to swans)
- 25 bat data points
Formula Extension to Swimming Animals
- The formula also predicts the frequency of fin/fluke movements in swimming animals.
- Adjustments are made for water density and buoyancy effects, excluding fish with swim bladders.
Limitations and Modifications
- The formula applies well in conditions with high Reynolds numbers (Re), where fluid flow is streamlined.
- At low Re values, where viscosity dominates, modifications are needed.
- The equation holds as long as animal density variations do not exceed a factor of ten.
Insights and Future Research
- Insights from the formula include understanding flight efficiency and potential evolutionary pathways for winged animals.
- Future research aims to explore further insights hidden within the C constant, potentially revealing deeper principles governing animal flight and swimming dynamics.
PYQ:[2024] The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater are: (a) Birds (b) Fish (c) Insects (d) Reptiles |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
In news: Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Project Elephant
Why in the News?
- Ashwatthama, a 38-year-old elephant, died of electrocution near Karnataka’s Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.
- The High Court of Karnataka suo motu initiated a PIL petition to inquire about this incident attributed to a lack of care and diligence by concerned authorities.
Nagarahole Tiger Reserve
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Protective Measures: Project Elephant
- It was launched in the year 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with the following objectives:
- To protect elephants, their habitat & corridors
- To address issues of man-animal conflict
- The welfare of captive elephants
- It covers 23 states across India.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provides financial and technical support to major elephant range states in the country through the project.
- It contributed to the increase in the wild elephant population from around 25,000 in 1992 to about 30,000 in 2021.
Status of Elephant Conservation in India
Details | |
Population Estimate |
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Leading States | Karnataka holds the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala. |
Conservation Status |
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PYQ:[2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz: Protecting Kerala’s Frog Species
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz, Species mentioned
Why in the News?
The Centre for Citizen Science and Biodiversity Informatics, Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), has organised the event “Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz 2024”.
About Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz, 2024:
- This program aims to document Kerala’s frog species during the monsoon season.
- Objective: Cultivate scientific curiosity among the public and raise awareness about frog conservation through social media platforms, such as posters and articles.
- Bioblitz Definition: It’s an intensive survey conducted over time to identify and document as many species as possible within a designated area, a popular participatory survey method globally.
Project Details:
- Participation: People of all ages can contribute by uploading frog photographs and sounds via the iNaturalist app.
- Data Utilization: Scientific observations collected during the bioblits will contribute to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), facilitating biodiversity awareness, habitat conservation, and climate change research.
Need for such an event
- Monsoon heralds a festive season for frogs, marking their peak activity and breeding period.
- However, the survival of frogs, crucial indicators of ecosystem health, faces threats from climate change, habitat loss, and water pollution.
- As a result, 41% of the world’s frog species are on the IUCN Red List of endangered species, including those in Kerala.
Results of 2023:
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Back2Basics: Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
Details | |
Purpose | To provide free and open access to biodiversity data for research, conservation, and sustainable development |
Establishment | Established in 2001 |
Headquarters | Copenhagen, Denmark |
Members | Over 40 countries and economies, including government agencies, museums, research institutions, and NGOs |
Mission | Facilitate the digitisation and mobilization of biodiversity data, making it accessible and usable for scientific research and policy-making |
Core Functions |
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Data Availability | GBIF provides access to over 2 billion occurrence records of species worldwide, contributed by thousands of data publishers |
Legal Framework | GBIF operates under an intergovernmental treaty, the GBIF Agreement, and is governed by its members through an annual Governing Board |
Funding | Funding for GBIF comes from member countries and economies, as well as international organizations and private sector partners |
Contributions to Science and Policy |
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PYQ:[2015] With reference to an organization known as ‘Birdlife International’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
KAZA Summit 2024: Delegates renew calls to leave CITES
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About CITES;
Mains level: The Kaza Summit and its objectives;
Why in the news?
At the KAZA 2024 Summit in Livingstone, Zambia, delegates reiterated the urge for member states to withdraw from CITES because they seek approval to trade their plentiful ivory and wildlife items.
About the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
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What is Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA)?
- The Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) spans 520,000 square kilometers. It covers parts of five southern African nations. These nations are Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- The area is centered around the Okavango and Zambezi river basins. The combined elephant population in these nations represents over two-thirds of Africa’s total, estimated at around 450,000.
- Botswana has the largest elephant population within the region, with 132,000 elephants. Zimbabwe follows with 100,000 elephants.
Key Objectives of KAZA 2024 Summit :
- Conservation: Promote the sustainable management and conservation of wildlife across the five member states: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Economic Benefit: To explore ways to monetize abundant wildlife resources, particularly elephants, to fund conservation efforts and benefit local economies.
Dominant Issues:
- At the 19th meeting of the CITES conference in Panama in 2022, KAZA states and five other southern African countries advocated for opening up trade in ivory and elephant products.
- Southern African countries, including those in the KAZA region, argue that their large elephant populations contribute to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
- Despite repeated requests, CITES delegates rejected the proposal, leading to frustration among African countries.
- Ten countries, including KAZA states and others like Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania, declared a dispute with CITES. They criticized CITES for straying from its founding principles and adopting ideologies over science-based conservation strategies.
Way forward:
- Lobbying for Change: Advocacy for a more equitable and science-based approach to wildlife trade regulations within international frameworks like CITES.
- Regional Cooperation: Enhance collaboration among member states to develop joint conservation strategies and share best practices for managing human-wildlife conflicts.
- Diversification of Revenue Streams: Explore alternative sources of funding for conservation efforts, such as ecotourism, carbon credits, and sustainable agriculture.
Mains PYQ:
Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in the conservation of flora and fauna? (250 Words, 15 Marks) (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Where animals are dying by a thousand cuts
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 243(W)
Mains level: Environment Conservation;
Why in the News?
In the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, the farmers are using razor wire and electric fencing to defend their farms against stray cattle.
About the Wildlife Populations in the Biodiverse Terai Areas of Uttar Pradesh
- The Terai region in the U.P., encompassing districts like Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich, is known for its rich biodiversity, thriving sugarcane agriculture, and two tiger reserves.
- This area supports endangered species such as tigers, rhinoceros, swamp deer, and the Bengal florican. The landscape blends forests, grasslands, and agriculture, creating a habitat where people and wildlife coexist.
What does the Statistics say?
Constitutional Provision for the Protection of stray cattle:
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Present Conflicts and Conservation Challenges:
- Conflicts between humans and wildlife are common, including tiger attacks and crop damage by herbivores.
- Farmers near protected areas sometimes use lethal methods such as razor wire and high-voltage electric fencing along the farm-forest boundaries. The presence of stray cattle, or “chutta jaanwar,” has intensified conflicts and conservation challenges.
- Stray cattle disrupt wildlife movement corridors vital for species survival and potentially increase disease transmission risks to wild populations.
- The Unvaccinated stray cattle can transmit diseases like bovine tuberculosis and lumpy skin disease to wildlife, with cases reported in various Terai districts.
- The degradation of productive grasslands in protected areas further threatens the habitat of imperilled species.
Way Forward:
- Providing safe and comprehensive shelters: Construct adequate cow shelters outside protected areas to house stray cattle, preventing them from impacting wildlife habitats and agricultural fields.
- Promote and subsidize non-lethal fencing solutions for farmers to protect crops without harming wildlife, such as wildlife-friendly barriers.
- Invest in habitat restoration projects in the Terai, focusing on expanding and maintaining productive grasslands within protected areas to support wildlife populations.
- Enhanced monitoring and management: Implement comprehensive vaccination and disease monitoring programs for stray cattle to prevent disease transmission to wildlife.
- Strengthen enforcement against illegal cattle trade and vigilante activities that disrupt the livestock economy.
- Provide economic incentives and support for farmers to adopt alternative livelihoods that do not depend heavily on livestock, reducing the need for cattle rearing.
- Community Engagement and Education: Engage with local communities to educate them on the ecological impact of stray cattle and encourage participatory conservation efforts. Foster collaboration between farmers and wildlife authorities to develop sustainable solutions for coexisting with wildlife.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the status of forest resources in India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Blue Sheep (Bharal) and Himalayan Ibex (Tangor) Census in Himachal
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Blue Sheep (Bharal); Himalayan Ibex (Tangor).
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
- Wildlife authorities in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul & Spiti district have initiated surveys to estimate the population of Blue Sheep (bharal) and Himalayan Ibex (Tangor), vital prey species for the iconic snow leopard.
- This move aims to assess the region’s biodiversity and promote conservation efforts.
About the Species Mentioned
Bharal (Blue Sheep) |
Himalayan Ibex (Tangor) |
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Scientific Name | Pseudois nayaur | Capra sibirica hemalayanus |
Genus | Pseudois | Capra |
Distribution | India, Bhutan, China (Gansu, Ningxia, Sichuan, Tibet, Inner Mongolia), Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan | Himalayan region of India, Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal |
Features |
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Behavior | Active throughout the day, alternating between feeding and resting on grassy mountain slopes |
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Conservation Status | IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule 1 |
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
National Endangered Species Day, 2024
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Endangered Species Day, Species mentioned in the news
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
- National Endangered Species Day is an annual event that strives to raise awareness about the significance of safeguarding endangered species and their habitats.
- This year, National Endangered Species Day was celebrated on May 17.
What is National Endangered Species Day?
- National Endangered Species Day is observed every year on the 3rd Friday of May.
- This day was co-founded in 2006 by the Endangered Species Coalition and David Robinson.
- Robinson defines Endangered Species Day as a “worldwide day of action to rescue species and celebrate conservation triumphs”.
- Theme for 2024: “Celebrate Saving Species”.
- According to the IUCN Red List Analysis 2020, over 500 land animal species will likely go extinct in the next two decades if current trends continue.
Flagship species in India that are Endangered and often seen in the News:
Species |
Conservation Status |
Key Information |
Asian Elephant
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Ganges River Dolphin |
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Bengal Tiger |
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Red Panda |
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Asiatic Lion |
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Nilgiri Tahr |
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Lion-tailed Macaque
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Great Indian Bustard (GIB) |
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Golden Langur |
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Hangul (Kashmir Stag) |
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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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Scientists document Sperm Whales ‘Phonetic Alphabet’
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sperm Whales, Project CETI
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)).
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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)
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PYQ:[2013] Consider the following animals
Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Himalayan Magpies
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Himalayan Magpies
Mains level: NA
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?
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Orangutan uses Plant to treat wound
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Orangutan and its natural habitat
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
An orangutan was observed treating a wound with medicine from a tropical plant, showcasing how some animals employ natural remedies to alleviate their ailments.
- This behavior, documented in a recent study published in Scientific Reports, represents a novel instance of self-medication among wild animals.
About Orangutans
- Orangutans, are distinguished by their vivid red fur, are the largest arboreal mammals and spend the majority of their time in trees and forests.
- The name “orangutan” translates to “man of the forest” in Malay.
- They possess long, powerful arms and grasping hands and feet that facilitate movement through the branches.
- Highly intelligent, these great apes share 96.4% of genetic makeup of modern man.
- Orangutans primarily inhabit the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, specifically on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
- Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red list)
- Population: Bornean (Approximately 104,700); Sumatran (Approximately 13,846); Tapanuli (Around 800);
- Behavioral Features:
- These apes lead mostly solitary lives in the lowland forests, dining on wild fruits such as lychees, mangosteens, and figs, and drinking water collected in tree cavities.
- Orangutans are mainly frugivorous, they primarily eat fruits, and consume leaves, bark, insects, and occasionally small animals.
- They construct nests in trees with vegetation for sleeping at night and resting during the day.
- And, now they are found treating a wound with medicine from a Tropical plant.
PYQ:[2013] Consider the following:
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Mass Coral Bleaching in Lakshadweep Sea
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Marine heatwave, Coral Bleaching, Agatti Reef, DHW Indicator
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Extreme heatwaves along the Indian coast, coupled with marine heatwaves, have triggered Mass Coral Bleaching events in the Lakshadweep Sea.
Heatwaves Toll on Lakshadweep’s Coral:Researchers from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) conducted surveys across various Lakshadweep Islands.
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Lakshadweep’s Coral Treasure: Agatti Reef
- Agatti Island is part of the Lakshadweep archipelago, situated in the Arabian Sea.
- The island is surrounded by extensive coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
- The coral reefs around Agatti Island are composed of various coral species, including branching corals like Acropora, table corals like Acropora Hyacinthus, and massive corals like Porites.
- These corals form intricate reef structures that provide habitat and food for numerous marine organisms.
What causes Coral Bleaching?
- When exposed to conditions like heat stress, pollution, or high levels of ocean acidity, the zooxanthellae start producing reactive oxygen species not beneficial to the corals.
- So, the corals kick out the colour-giving algae from their polyps, exposing their pale white exoskeleton and leading to coral starvation as corals cannot produce their own food.
- Severe bleaching and prolonged stress in the external environment can lead to coral death.
Back2Basics: Corals
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PYQ:2014: Which of the following have coral reefs?
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Mapping: Garo Hills
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Garo Hills
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- Geological Survey of India (GSI) explorers have made a breakthrough, uncovering ancient fossils in Tolegre, South Garo Hills of Meghalaya.
- It is speculated that the fossils could be linked to the genera Rhodocetus or Amulocetus (now extinct), considered ancestors of modern whales.
About Garo Hills
- The Garo Hills, located in Meghalaya, are part of the Garo-Khasi range, one of the hill ranges in the northeastern region of India.
- They are situated in the western part of Meghalaya, bordering Bangladesh to the south and west.
- The terrain of the Garo Hills is rugged and hilly, characterized by dense forests, steep slopes, and deep valleys.
- The Nokrek is highest Peak, which stands at approximately 1,415 meters (4,642 feet) above sea level.
- The climate in the Garo Hills is typically humid subtropical, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which usually lasts from June to September.
- Numerous rivers and streams, including the Brahmaputra, Someshwari, and Jinjiram rivers crisscross this region.
- The region is also known for its picturesque waterfalls, such as the Pelga Falls, located near Tura, the largest town in the Garo Hills.
- The Nokrek National Park, located within, is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is home to various endangered species, including the Asian elephant and the red panda.
- The Garo Hills are inhabited predominantly by the Garo tribe, one of the major ethnic groups in Meghalaya.
PYQ:[2013] Consider the following pairs: 1. Nokrek Bio-Sphere Reserve : Garo Hills 2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range 3. Namdapha National Park: Daphla Hills Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Census to be conducted under Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project, Eravikulam National Park
Mains level: Conservation Strategies and Projects; Initiatives taken by government;
Why in the News?
After the launch of the Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project, the Tamil Nadu government gears up to assess the population of Nilgiri Tahr (state animal).
- The Forest Departments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala will collaborate in a synchronized way.
Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project (2022 to 2027):
- Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, the Tamil Nadu government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through-
- Surveys and radio telemetry studies;
- Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat;
- Address proximate threats; and
- Increase public awareness of the species.
- October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Niligiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies of the species in 1975.
- Historic significance of Nilgiri Tahr:
- Evidence in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years.
- The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture, and life.
About Nilgiri Tahr
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Operation Jumbo to capture Wild Elephants
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Operation Jumbo and prospect States
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Forest Department has resumed Operation Jumbo to capture trouble-causing wild elephants and fix radio collars in Hassan division of Karnataka.
What is Operation Jumbo?
- Operation Jumbo is a campaign launched by the Karnataka government to capture and radio-collar rogue wild elephants that frequently enter human habitations.
- It is effective in five districts of the state, namely Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Ramanagara, and Bengaluru.
- The objective of this operation is to manage elephant movement and mitigate conflicts through continuous tracking using GPS-equipped radio collars, which have a battery life of three years.
Implementation of Operation Jumbo
- The cost of capturing and radio-collaring each wild elephant is approximately Rs 22 lakh, with Rs 7 lakh spent on each radio collar imported from South Africa.
- The operation involves a diverse team of 70-80 individuals, including forest officers, veterinarians, mahouts, and other support staff.
- It includes tasks such as surveillance, tracking, darting wild animals from the back of trained elephants, and securing the rescued tusker.
Elephants in India
Details | |
Population Estimate |
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Leading States | Karnataka holds the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala. |
Conservation Status |
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Conservation Initiatives |
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PYQ:[2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:
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 |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Decoding the judgment on Jim Corbett
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Jim Corbett National Park
Mains level: Key points related the judgment
Why in the news?
In its March ruling, the Supreme Court highlighted the corrupt collaboration between politicians, forest officials, and local contractors that led to the illegal felling of 6,000 trees in the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.
Key points related the judgment
- Shift from Anthropocentrism to Eco-centrism: The Supreme Court emphasized the need for an eco-centric approach rather than anthropocentrism in ecotourism management.
- Ban on Tiger Safaris in Core Areas: : The court disagreed with the 2019 guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) permitting tiger safaris on the lines of a zoo in national parks, The court directed the banning of tiger safaris in core areas of national parks, aiming to minimize environmental damage and disturbance to wildlife habitats.
- Committee Formation for Feasibility Study: A committee was constituted to explore the feasibility of permitting tiger safaris in peripheral areas of national parks across India, indicating a cautious approach towards balancing tourism with conservation goals.
What the court missed
Absence of Well-Defined Methodology: The court’s decision to recover the cost of restoration from errant individuals and officers lacks a well-defined methodology, making it challenging to accurately assess the damage done to the green cover of Jim Corbett.
Suggestive measures
- Need for Ecosystem Services-Based Valuation: In light of growing degradation of biodiversity hotspots and support for revenue-generating eco-tourism, there is a need for a valuation method based on ecosystem services, which includes benefits like food, water, and climate regulation.
- Precedent on Ecosystem Services: The court could have set a precedent by prioritizing ecosystem services over eco-tourism or highlighting the need for a precise law and policy regarding ecosystem services, which play a crucial role in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
- Reference to International Court of Justice (ICJ) Ruling: The reasoning provided by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Costa Rica v. Nicaragua (2018) regarding the compensability of damage to the environment could have been used to better understand methodologies for evaluating environmental damage and loss of ecosystem services
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Jim Corbett underscores a shift towards eco-centric ecotourism management, banning tiger safaris in core areas. However, the absence of a clear restoration methodology and the need for ecosystem services-based valuation remain unaddressed, suggesting room for improvement.
Mains PYQ
Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
The blurry lines between wildlife ‘capture’ and ‘rescue’
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Blurred lines between "rescue" and "capture"
Why in the news?
The human-animal conflict in India is a significant issue, with several lives lost and property damage due to the increasing interactions between humans and wildlife
Difference between between wildlife ‘capture’ and ‘rescue’
- Capture: It refers to the act of taking wild animals into custody, often due to conflicts with humans, such as when an animal poses a threat to human safety or property. This may involve trapping, sedating, or physically restraining the animal. The primary goal of capture is to ensure human safety and prevent further damage. Captured animals may be relocated, rehabilitated, or, in some cases, euthanized, depending on the situation and the animal’s condition.
- Rescue: It refers to the act of providing assistance to wild animals in distress, such as those injured, orphaned, or trapped in a dangerous situation. The primary goal of rescue is to help the animal recover and, if possible, return it to the wild. Rescue efforts may involve medical treatment, rehabilitation, and release back into the wild.
Blurred lines between “rescue” and “capture”
- Guidelines vs. Reality: Despite government guidelines discouraging capture without considering preventative measures, in practice, animals are often captured hastily rather than adopting non-invasive approaches.
- Case of Elephant “Rescue”: An elephant was captured under the pretext of rescue from a coffee plantation but was subsequently released 200 km away in an unfamiliar landscape, leading to further complications and ultimately its death.
- Unintended Consequences: The attempt to “rescue” the elephant resulted in its straying into a neighboring state, highlighting the unintended consequences and potential risks associated with such actions.
- Case of Leopard “Rescue”: Similarly, a leopard was “rescued” after being sighted in an agricultural field, but it died shortly after for unknown reasons, raising questions about the efficacy and ethics of such operations.
Issues related to rescue of snakes
- High Frequency of Interactions: Interactions with snakes are more frequent than with other wild animals, resulting in higher incidences of misguided rescue attempts.
- Failure to Distinguish Between Actions: There’s a lack of distinction between capture, removal, and rescue when managing conflicts with snakes, leading to poor handling and unnecessary removal from habitats under the guise of rescue operations.
- Issues with Relocation: Relocated snakes have poor survival prospects and relocation doesn’t effectively resolve conflict, potentially increasing future conflict occurrences.
- Harmful Effects of “Rescue” Operations: Such operations can cause physical trauma, injuries, and stress to animals, reducing their post-release survival chances.
Suggestive measures
- Education and Training: Provide comprehensive training to wildlife rescuers on species-specific rescue techniques and emphasize the importance of non-invasive approaches.
- Habitat Restoration: Focus on habitat conservation and restoration to reduce human-snake conflicts and provide natural habitats for snakes.
- Research and Monitoring: Conduct research to understand snake behavior and ecology better, enabling more informed rescue and relocation decisions.
- Collaboration: Foster collaboration between wildlife authorities, conservation organizations, and local communities to develop effective strategies for managing human-snake conflicts sustainably.
Conclusion
Enhanced training, habitat restoration, research, and collaboration are vital for navigating the blurry lines between wildlife “capture” and “rescue,” ensuring humane and effective management of human-animal conflicts in India.
Mains question for practice
Q Discuss the blurred lines between wildlife “capture” and “rescue” in India, highlighting issues and proposing measures for effective human-animal conflict management.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Invasive Alien Species and their Management
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Invasive Alien Species
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration sought assistance from the Wildlife Institute of India to manage the increasing population of chital (spotted deer) in Ross Island, officially known as the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island.
Chital in Andaman Islands
About Chital(spotted deer)
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Definition of Invasive Alien Species (IAS):
- The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines invasive alien species (IAS) as species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution poses a threat to biological diversity.
- These species encompass animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms, and can affect various types of ecosystems.
- According to the CBD, characteristics of IAS include their ability to “arrive, survive, and thrive” in new environments.
- The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, organized under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Legal Definition in India:
- In India, the legal definition of IAS, as per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), is narrower.
- It refers to species of animal or plant not native to India whose introduction or spread may threaten or adversely impact wildlife or its habitat.
- Notably, this definition EXCLUDES species within India that may be invasive to specific regions, such as the chital in the Andamans.
Examples of Invasive Wildlife in India:
- Fish Species:
- Examples include the African catfish, Nile tilapia, red-bellied piranha, and alligator gar.
- These species were introduced to fulfill the demand for maintaining aquariums.
- Reports indicate their presence in various inland systems and lakes in India.
- Turtle Species:
- Notably, the red-eared slider, a favored exotic pet in India, is often abandoned in local water bodies.
- Originating from North America, this species is known for outcompeting local freshwater species due to its rapid reproduction.
Impact of IAS on Native Flora and Fauna
- Disruption of Ecosystem Balance:
- Invasive species act as disruptors in the food chain, disturbing the balance of ecosystems.
- In habitats lacking competition, invasive species can dominate the entire ecosystem.
- Specific Examples:
- In Keoladeo Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the African catfish has been observed preying on waterfowl and migratory birds.
- Studies have shown that the proliferation of chital in the Andamans has negatively impacted the regeneration of native vegetation, as these deer are known to consume seeds and seedlings.
IAS’ Economic Impact:
- Global Perspective:
- A report by the UN-founded Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in September 2023 revealed that approximately 37,000 established alien species were introduced worldwide, with roughly 200 new alien species introduced annually.
- The economic cost of IAS globally surpassed $423 billion annually in 2019, primarily due to the damage inflicted on natural ecosystems.
- Local Implications:
- In India, the National Biodiversity Action Plan of 2019, published by the National Biodiversity Authority, highlighted the economic impact of invasive species such as the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis).
- This invasive species, native to North America, has significantly affected cotton crops in the Deccan region, leading to substantial yield losses.
PYQ:[2023] Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations? (a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
In news: Gape Limitation
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gape Limitation
Mains level: NA
This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in TH.
What is Gape Limitation?
- In ecology, the concept of ‘gape limitation’ sheds light on a simple yet crucial idea: predators can only eat prey that fit into their mouths.
- It dictates the range of prey accessible to predators, influencing the dynamics of ecological communities.
Imagine a predator fish species with a relatively small mouth or gape size. This fish species primarily feeds on small aquatic invertebrates like zooplankton and small crustaceans. Due to its limited gape size, it cannot consume larger prey items such as larger fish or large insects.Now, let’s introduce a different predator fish species with a larger mouth or gape size. This predator has a broader diet and can consume a wider range of prey items, including smaller fish and larger invertebrates.In this scenario, the predator with the larger gape size has a competitive advantage over the predator with the smaller gape size. It can exploit a greater variety of prey resources, potentially leading to differences in foraging success, growth rates, and overall fitness between the two predator species.This example demonstrates how gape limitation can influence the feeding ecology and interactions between predator and prey species in an ecosystem. |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Caracals on the brink of extinction in India
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Caracals and their habitat in India
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- With only an estimated 50 individuals remaining, predominantly in western India, the caracal (Caracal caracal schmitzi) is on the verge of extinction in the country.
- Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan and Kutch in Gujarat are the last strongholds for caracals in India, hosting around 28 and 20 individuals, respectively.
About Caracals
- Caracals are small wild cats known for their long ears with tufts and a reddish-tan or sandy-brown fur. It is called Siya Gosh in India.
- It is nocturnal animal typically preys upon small mammals, birds, and rodents.
- They live naturally in India, especially in Northwestern India. They are also found in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
- They are found in Aravalli hill range, semi-deserts, savannahs, scrublands, and dry forests.
- Caracals used to live all over Central India and the Indo-Gangetic plains, but they haven’t been spotted in those areas for 40 years.
Conservation Status
- Caracals are listed as ‘Least Concern‘ on the IUCN Red List globally.
- It is listed as Near Threatened in India,
- It falls in the Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Protection Efforts
- In 2021, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) announced a plan to recover and increase the population of 22 species in India, including caracals.
- Areas like Kutch, Aravalli mountains, Malwa plateau, and Bundelkhand region have been identified as potential habitats, with the Ranthambore-Kuno Landscape being a key conservation site.
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. |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Forest Department and a temple authority at Ahobilam have imposed certain restrictions on visitors arriving at a shrine in Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).
About Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Details | |
Origin of Name | Named after Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Srisailam Dam. |
Location | Situated in the Nallamala hill range, part of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. |
Area | Largest tiger reserve area in India, covering a total area of 3727 sq km. |
Wildlife Sanctuaries | Constituted by the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary. |
Vegetation | Features tropical, dry, moist, deciduous vegetation with diverse flora and fauna. |
Topography | Consists of plateaus, ridges, gorges, and deep valleys. |
River Krishna | Traverses through the reserve for approximately 270 kilometers. |
Additional Information |
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PYQ:2020: Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”? (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam (d) Sunderbans
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
Practice MCQ:It is the largest tiger reserve in India, covering a total area of 3727 sq km. It is constituted by the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary and features tropical, dry, moist, deciduous vegetation with diverse flora and fauna. Which protected area is implied by the above description? (a) Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (b) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (c) Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (d) Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Tiger Reserve |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) Ecoregion
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SEAMA Ecoregion
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
A recent study has revealed about undocumented biodiversity in the newly recognized South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) Ecoregion.
What is SEAMA Ecoregion?
- The SEAMA is a recently recognized ecoregion located in Southern Africa.
- It spans across northern Mozambique and incorporating Mount Mulanje in Malawi.
- SEAMA is distinguished by its mountainous terrain, encompassing diverse habitats such as montane forests, grasslands, and rock faces.
- Despite its relatively recent recognition, SEAMA has been identified as a hub of biodiversity, hosting numerous species of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates.
Recent Findings on SEAMA Ecoregion
- Species Documentation: The researchers identified 127 plants, 45 vertebrates, and 45 invertebrate species, including two endemic genera of plants and reptiles.
- Endemic Reptiles: SEAMA is home to 22 strictly endemic reptile species, most of which are threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation.
- Global Significance: The remarkable diversity of SEAMA has prompted proposals to designate it as a new ecoregion of global biological importance.
Conservation Challenges
- Late Discovery: Despite being located in a region considered the birthplace of modern humans, the mountains of northern Mozambique remained largely unstudied until recent decades due to historical conflicts.
- Deforestation Threats: SEAMA faces severe deforestation threats, with up to 18% of its primary humid forest cover lost since 2000.
- Causes of Deforestation: Slash and burn shifting agricultural practices, along with charcoal production, are the primary drivers of deforestation in the region.
PYQ:2013: Which one of the following pairs a correctly matched? Geographical feature and region (a) Abyssinian Plateau – Arabia (b) Atlas Mountains – Northwest Africa (c) Guiana Highlands – Southwest Africa (d) Okavango Basin – Patagonia
Practice MCQ:The SEAMA Ecoregion often seen in news is located in- (a) Latin America (b) Europe (c) Africa (d) Asia |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Captive Elephant Transfer Rules, 2024
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Captive Elephant Transfer Rules, 2024
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
- The Union Environment Ministry has notified a set of rules called the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024.
- Elephants, classified as Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972 enjoy special protection, but certain provisions allow for their translocation under specific circumstances.
Existing Regulations on Elephant Transfer
- Legal Framework: The Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972 prohibits the capture or trade of elephants, whether wild or captive, without appropriate authorization.
- Special Provisions: While strict regulations govern elephant transfer, exceptions exist for educational, scientific, or religious purposes, subject to approval from wildlife authorities.
- Amendment: The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 expanded the scope of elephant transfers, raising concerns among activists about potential exploitation and illegal trafficking.
Captive Elephant Transfer Rules, 2024: Key Highlights
- Circumstances for the Transfer of Captive Elephants:
Transfer may be warranted under the following circumstances:
- Incapability of the owner: When the owner is incapable of adequately ensuring the elephant’s welfare.
- Superior Care: If it is determined that the elephant will receive superior care in the new environment compared to its current situation.
- Improvised maintenance: The Chief Wildlife Warden may find it necessary to transfer the elephant for its improved maintenance based on the specific circumstances of the case.
- Transfer Within the State:
- Veterinarian Check: Prior to any transfer within the state, a veterinarian must confirm the elephant’s health status.
- New habitat verification: The suitability of both the current and prospective habitats must be assessed by the Deputy Conservator of Forests.
- Chief Wildlife Warden’s Role: He/She holds the authority to approve or reject the transfer based on these evaluations.
- Transfer Outside the State:
Similar conditions apply for transferring elephants beyond state boundaries in addition to-
- Genetic Profile Registration: Additionally, the elephant’s genetic profile must be registered with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) before the transfer.
- Requirements for Elephant Transfer:
- Accompanying the Master: The elephant must be accompanied by a mahout and an elephant assistant. Adequate provisions for feeding and watering must be arranged during transport.
- Fitness Certificate: A health certificate issued by a veterinary practitioner confirming fitness for transport is obligatory.
- Quarantine Mandate: Transport should commence after the completion of any required quarantine period for contagious diseases.
- Refreshment: Tranquillisers or sedatives: This may be administered to manage nervous or temperamental elephants as prescribed by the veterinary practitioner.
PYQ:
2020: With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:
- The leader of an elephant group is a female.
- The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
- An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
- Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 4 only
- 3 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the Captive Elephant Transfer Rules, 2024 recently notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MoEFCC), consider the following statements:
- For transferring outside of a state, an elephant’s genetic profile must be registered with the Environment Ministry before the transfer.
- The authority to approve or reject the transfer vests with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
North Atlantic Right Whales: Threats and Conservation Imperatives
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: North Atlantic Right Whales
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- North Atlantic right whales face a grave threat due to entanglement in fishing gear, contributing to their critically endangered status.
- Entanglement not only leads to physical harm but also affects reproductive success, exacerbating the species’ decline.
Impact of Entanglement
- Lethal and Sublethal Effects: Entanglement in fishing gear leads to energy expenditure, reduced feeding efficiency, and physical injuries, ultimately impacting whales’ ability to reproduce and survive. Even minor entanglements have devastating consequences on female right whales.
- Reproductive Implications: Females experiencing entanglement events, even classified as “minor,” exhibit reduced breeding rates, with potential long-term consequences for population recovery. Poor health and physical condition further impede breeding success.
About Right Whales
- Right whales are a group of large baleen whales belonging to the family Balaenidae.
- There are three species of right whales:
- North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis),
- North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica), and
- Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis).
- They are distinguished by their geographic distribution and slight differences in physical characteristics.
- Right whales inhabit temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Southern Hemisphere.
- They are often found in coastal areas during their feeding and breeding seasons but may migrate over long distances.
- All three species of right whales are listed as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
North Atlantic Right Whales
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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?
- IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments
- IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
- 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:
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
The North Atlantic Right Whales were recently seen in news for a peculiar behaviour. Identify the correct statement about the North Atlantic Right Whales:
- Entanglement in fishing net has led to permanent loss of breeding capability.
- Extinct due to commercial hunting.
- Generates large amounts of Aspergis, an aromatic substance.
- In-situ breeding was successful.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
What are the rules for elephant transfers? | Explained
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972;
Mains level: Concerns about the Wildlife Protection Act and the establishment of private zoos;
Why in the news?
The Centre has notified a set of rules called the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024 that liberalises the conditions under which elephants may be transferred within or between States.
What are the rules around the transfer and transport of elephants?
- Legal Protection: Elephants are classified as Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, prohibiting their capture or trade, whether wild or captive, except for specific purposes.
- Special Purposes: Section 12 of the Act allows for the translocation of Schedule I animals for special purposes such as education, scientific research, wildlife population management, and specimen collection for recognized zoos/museums.
- Ownership of Captive Elephants: Captive elephants, due to their historical roles in forest management, timber transport, and religious ceremonies, fall under a special category and can be owned. However, strict rules govern their transfer.
- Permission Requirement: Section 40(2) of the Wildlife Protection Act mandates written permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden for the acquisition, possession, and transfer of captive elephants.
- Amendment in 2021: In 2021, the Environment Ministry introduced an amendment allowing the transfer of elephants for “religious or any other purposes,” departing from the previous restriction against transactions of a commercial nature.
- Controversy: The broad interpretation of the amendment raised concerns among activists and researchers regarding potential trafficking and illegal commercial transactions. Opposition from a standing committee, led by former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, was overruled, and the amendment was passed into law.
What do the updated rules say?
- Reasons for Transfer: New relaxations allow for the transfer of captive elephants when the current owner is unable to maintain them or when the Chief Wildlife Warden deems it necessary for better upkeep.
- Approval Process: Before a transfer within the state, the elephant’s health must be verified by a veterinarian, and the Deputy Conservator of Forests must confirm the suitability of both the current and prospective habitats. The Chief Wildlife Warden decides whether to approve or reject the transfer based on these documents.
- Interstate Transfer: Similar conditions apply if the transfer involves moving the elephant outside of a state. The elephant’s genetic profile must be registered with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
- Permission Process: Previously, transferring an elephant across states required permissions from the Chief Wildlife Wardens of every state the elephant would pass through. Now, only permissions from the originating and recipient states are necessary for interstate transfers.
What do the updates mean?/ concerns about the Wildlife Protection Act and the establishment of private zoos
- Lax Enforcement for Elephants: While the Wildlife Protection Act imposes restrictions on trafficking of wild animals, including elephants, critics argue that enforcement has become lax, particularly in the case of elephants.
- Establishment of Private Zoo: The establishment of India’s largest private zoo in Jamnagar, Gujarat, affiliated with the Reliance Foundation, has raised questions about the treatment and sourcing of elephants.
- Purpose of the Zoo: While the zoo is described as a rescue center aimed at rehabilitating traumatized and injured elephants, among other wildlife, concerns have been raised about its actual operations.
- Controversial Hosting: The zoo reportedly hosts around 200 elephants, including “healthy animals,” which has sparked controversy. Critics question the need to host healthy animals in a rescue center and raise doubts about the welfare and origins of these elephants.
- Source of Elephants: There are concerns that some of the elephants in the zoo may have been sourced from the wild rather than being captive-bred or rescued. This raises ethical and conservation concerns about the impact on wild elephant populations.
Conclusion: Address lax enforcement of wildlife protection laws for elephants. Ensure transparency in private zoo operations and strict adherence to ethical sourcing guidelines. Prioritize conservation efforts and welfare of captive and wild elephant populations.
PYQ Mains-
Q- How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
A turf war with the wild
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Forest in Kerala and comparison with forest in other states
Mains level: Measures to address human-wildlife conflict
Why in the news?
- Instances of human-animal conflict are on the rise in Kerala with the summer heat, scarcity of food, and loss of habitat forcing wild animals to stray into human habitations for sustenance.
Context-
- Vulnerability of tribal communities living in such areas. While they have intricate knowledge of the forest and its resources, they lack the protective measures and resources available to more urbanized populations, leaving them more susceptible to the dangers of wildlife encounters.
Human-animal conflict in Kerala-
- Surge in Incidents: Kerala has experienced a significant increase in human-animal conflict incidents across its districts, attributed to the state’s significant forest cover and densely populated settlements near wildlife habitats.
- Human Casualties: Human-wildlife conflicts have resulted in a substantial loss of human lives, with 93 reported deaths in 2023-24. The previous year recorded 98 human casualties.
- Hotspot District: Wayanad stands out as a hotspot for human-animal conflicts, with 69 reported deaths between 2011 and 2024. Incidents involve encounters with wild elephants and, in one case, a tiger attack.
- Diverse Wildlife Involved: Human-animal conflicts in Kerala involve various species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, wild gaurs, wild boars, and monkeys. This diversity underscores the complexity of managing conflicts across different ecosystems and habitats.
- Impact on Livelihoods: The conflicts have severe repercussions on people’s livelihoods, particularly those dependent on agriculture and farming. Attacks by wild animals prevent farmers from cultivating their land, leading to economic hardship and food insecurity.
- Vulnerable Communities: Vulnerable communities like tribal groups and small-scale farmers are disproportionately affected by human-animal conflicts. Limited resources and infrastructure exacerbate their vulnerability to wildlife attacks, as seen in the case of Abraham Palatt and his family.
Steps taken by Government to deal these issues –
- State-Specific Disaster: The Kerala government declared human-animal conflict as a state-specific disaster in March, becoming the first state to do so. This decision signifies the severity and urgency of addressing the issue.
- Responsibility Shift: Management of human-animal conflicts now falls under the purview of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), with a committee headed by the Chief Minister established for this purpose.
- Community Involvement: The government plans to involve local communities through neighborhood groups to enhance surveillance on forest fringes. These groups will collaborate with government agencies and elected representatives to disseminate alerts about wildlife presence.
- Recruitment and Equipment: The government aims to strengthen surveillance by recruiting more forest watchers and establishing rapid response teams equipped with firearms, surveillance devices, drones, tranquilizing guns, and advance warning systems.
- Inter-State Collaboration: An inter-State coordination committee involving the Forest departments of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu has been formed to address human-wildlife conflicts collectively. This initiative aims to share intelligence and resources to mitigate conflicts, particularly along interstate borders.
Measures to address human-wildlife conflict-
- Forest Quality Improvement: Improving the quality of forests through measures such as reducing fragmentation and patchiness can help create healthier ecosystems that support a more balanced coexistence between humans and wildlife.
- Conservation Mission with Tribal Communities: Involving tribal communities in conservation efforts ensures their participation and traditional knowledge is valued. Collaborative conservation initiatives can promote sustainable practices and protect both biodiversity and livelihoods.
- Rejuvenation of Natural Forest Streams: Restoring natural water sources in forests is crucial for wildlife habitat and can help mitigate conflicts by providing essential resources within their natural environment.
- Removal of Invasive Plants and Replanting Indigenous Species: Removing invasive plant species and replanting indigenous ones can restore ecological balance and support native wildlife populations, reducing their reliance on human-impacted areas.
- Utilization of MGNREGS: Leveraging government schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to support conservation efforts can provide employment opportunities while simultaneously contributing to environmental restoration projects.
- Awareness Programs on Responsible Tourism: Educating tourists about responsible behavior around wildlife can minimize human-wildlife conflicts caused by human disturbance. This includes emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance and respecting wildlife habitats.
- Effective Institutional Framework: Establishing a robust institutional framework at various levels of governance, from local to inter-state, is essential for coordinated action in managing human-wildlife conflicts. This involves collaboration between different government departments, wildlife authorities, and local communities.
Conclusion-
Human-wildlife conflicts surge in Kerala, endangering lives and livelihoods. Government initiatives, community involvement, and conservation efforts are crucial for mitigating conflicts and fostering coexistence, ensuring a sustainable future for both humans and wildlife.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Supreme Court forms panel for Great Indian Bustard Conservation
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
- The Supreme Court has taken a decisive step by forming an expert committee to address the pressing issue of conserving the endangered Great Indian Bustard.
About Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
- GIBs are the largest among the four bustard species found in India, the other three being MacQueen’s bustard, lesser florican, and the Bengal florican.
- It is state bird of Rajasthan.
- It is considered the flagship bird species of grassland.
- Protection Status:
- Birdlife International: Uplisted from Endangered to Critically Endangered (2011)
- Protection under CITES: Appendix I
- IUCN status: Critically Endangered
- Protection under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
Threats to GIBs
- Overhead power transmission: Due to their poor frontal vision, can’t detect powerlines in time and their weight makes in-flight quick maneuvers difficult.
- Windmills: Coincidentally, Kutch and Thar desert are the places that have witnessed the creation of huge renewable energy infrastructure.
- Noise pollution: Noise affects the mating and courtship practices of the GIB.
- Changes in the landscape: by way of farmers cultivating their land, which otherwise used to remain fallow due to frequent droughts in Kutch.
- Cultivation changes: Cultivation of cotton and wheat instead of pulses and fodder are also cited as reasons for falling GIB numbers.
PYQ:
2014: Consider the following pairs:
Protected Area: Well-known for
- Bhitarkanika, Odisha — Salt Water Crocodile
- Desert National Park, Rajasthan — Great Indian Bustard
- Eravikulam, Kerala — Hoolock Gibbon
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2
- 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), consider the following statements:
- It is the largest among the bustard species found in India.
- It is state bird of Rajasthan as well as Gujarat.
- It is considered the flagship bird species of deserts.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
[pib] Exercise Tiger Triumph-24
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Tiger Triumph-24
Mains level: Not Much
Why in the news
- The third edition of the bilateral tri-service ‘Exercise Tiger Triumph– 24’ between India and the US will be held on the Eastern Seaboard in the US from March 18 to 31.
Exercise Tiger Triumph-24
- The primary aim of this exercise is to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the US military for conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
- It is being held since 2019. The second edition was conducted in 2022.
- The exercise focuses on refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enable rapid and smooth coordination between the forces of both countries during HADR operations.
- Participants include:
- Indian Navy: Ships with integral helicopters and landing crafts, navy aircraft, Indian Army personnel and vehicles, Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters, and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).
- US Military: US Navy ships with embarked troops from the US Marine Corps and US Army.
- Indian and US naval assets, along with troops and equipment, are deployed for the Sea Phase after the harbor phase.
All Major Defence Exercises between India and the US
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Significance of the Exercise
- Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The exercise serves to strengthen the strategic partnership and cooperation between India and the United States.
- Preparedness: Both countries aim to enhance their readiness and capabilities to respond to humanitarian crises and natural disasters effectively.
- Cooperation: The exercise underscores the commitment of India and the US to international peace and security by collaborating on humanitarian missions.
Practice MCQ:
How many of the given are joint defence exercises between India and the US?
- Yudh Abhyas
- Malabar
- Cope India
- Vajra Prahar
- Mitra Shakti
- Garuda Shakti
Select the correct option:
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Places in news: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pobitora WLS, One-Horned Rhino and its habitat
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The Supreme Court halted the Assam government’s attempt to revoke a 26-year-old notification establishing the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a significant rhino population.
What was the reason behind this decision?
- The Supreme Court asserted that withdrawing a notification for a wildlife sanctuary required permission from the National Board of Wildlife, and clarified its order does not impede actions to protect forest dwellers’ rights.
About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Often dubbed as ‘Mini Kaziranga,’ Pobitora shares a similar landscape and vegetation to its renowned counterpart.
- The sanctuary shelters various endangered species, including one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, leopard cats, fishing cats, jungle cats, feral buffaloes, wild pigs, and Chinese pangolins.
- Approximately 72% of Pobitora’s area comprises a wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccharum grasses, while the rest is covered by water bodies.
About One-Horned Rhino:
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Prelims Question:
Which wildlife sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam?
a) Manas National Park
b) Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
c) Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park
d) Jim Corbett National Park
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
7,396 Golden Langur in India, reveals survey
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Golden Langur
Mains level: NA
In the news
- The latest survey conducted by the Primate Research Centre NE India (PRCNE), Assam Forest Department has estimated a population of approximately 7,396 Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) in India.
About Golden Langur
Details | |
Identification |
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Geographic Range |
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Habitat |
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Conservation Status |
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Key Habitats |
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Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 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
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre finally a reality
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gangetic Dolphin, Project Dolphin
Mains level: NA
In the news
- The inauguration of the National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Patna marks a significant step towards the conservation of the Gangetic Dolphin.
- The NDRC aims to facilitate in-depth studies on various aspects of Gangetic dolphins, including behavior, survival skills, food habits, and mortality factors.
- Led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, this pioneering institute promises to advance scientific understanding and foster conservation efforts for this iconic species.
Key Facts about Gangetic Dolphin
Details | |
Discovery | Platanista gangetica also known as the “Tiger of the Ganges,” was officially discovered in 1801. |
Habitat | Historically distributed in major river systems of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, including the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu. |
Features |
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Importance |
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Major Threats |
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Protection Status |
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Government Initiatives |
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Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2015:
Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
(a) Saltwater crocodile
(b) Olive ridley turtle
(c) Gangetic dolphin
(d) Gharial
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Possible Uptick in Hangul Population in Kashmir
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hangul (Kashmir Stag)
Mains level: NA
In the news
- 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.
About Hangul (Kashmir Stag)
Details | |
Scientific Name | Cervus hanglu |
Habitat | Dense riverine forests in high valleys and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, northern Himachal Pradesh |
Geographic Range | Endemic to Kashmir and surrounding areas |
Distribution |
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Conservation Status |
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Threats to Hanguls
- Predator Concerns: Hangul faces threats from predators like leopards and Asiatic Black Bears, necessitating further research and monitoring.
- Environmental Challenges: Drying drainages and snowless glacial areas in Dachigam raise concerns about habitat sustainability, highlighting the impact of climate change.
About Dachigam National Park
- DNP boasts diverse flora and fauna, encompassing deep valleys, rocky outcrops, wooded slopes, and alpine pastures.
- Spanning altitudes from 1600 m to 4200 m above sea level, the park is divided into upper and lower regions, each harboring unique ecosystems.
- The park is home to a plethora of plant species, including wild cherry, pear, plum, walnut, oak, pine, and elm, fostering a biodiverse ecosystem.
- Apart from hangul, the park supports a variety of wildlife, including musk deer, brown bears, leopards, Himalayan black bears, jungle cats, and species of wild goats like markhor and ibex.
Try this PYQ from CSP 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
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Novel Behaviour of Elephants
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Social behaviours of elephant, Project Elephant
Mains level: NA
In the news
- A recent study aims to delve into the peri-mortem and post-mortem strategies of Asian elephants, offering insights into their behavior in shared human spaces amid environmental changes.
- The study area covered fragmented forests, tea estates, agricultural lands, and military establishments in the vicinity of the Gorumara Wildlife Division and Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal.
Elephants in India
Details | |
Population Estimate | India hosts the largest population of wild Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), with around 29,964 individuals,
Approximately 60% of the global population (2017 census). |
Leading States | Karnataka holds the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala. |
Conservation Status | IUCN Red List: Endangered.
CMS: Appendix I. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I, CITES: Appendix I. |
Conservation Initiatives | 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. |
Recent findings
- Peri-Mortem Strategies: Asian elephants were found to carry carcasses by trunks and legs before burying them in a ‘legs upright’ position.
- Herding Behavior: Elephant herds exhibit avoidance behavior, choosing parallel routes to bypass paths where calf carcasses were buried.
- Burial Locations: Calves were buried in irrigation drains of tea estates, indicating a preference for specific locations.
- Herding Dynamics: The unique positioning of carcasses suggests careful handling by herd members, highlighting their care and affection toward deceased calves.
- Space Constraints: Prioritizing the burial of the head before the feet indicates strategic decision-making in situations of spatial limitations.
Environmental Context and Elephant Behavior
- Impact of Environmental Changes: Rapid environmental transformations and habitat destruction push elephants to explore human-dominated areas, resulting in the emergence of novel behaviors.
- Limited Documentation: While similar behaviors are documented in African contexts, elephant calf burial in the Asian context remains largely undocumented.
General Social Behaviour of Elephants
Elephants exhibit a wide range of social behaviors that highlight their complex and intelligent nature.
- Matrilineal Social Structure: Elephants live in multi-tiered societies, starting with family units consisting of related females and their calves. These family units form bonds with other families, creating clans and sub-populations. The herds are led by a senior matriarch who makes decisions on movement and resources.
- Communication: Elephants communicate through various calls, gestures, and physical contact. They have a sophisticated communication system involving over sixty different calls, including trumpets and rumbles that convey information across long distances.
- Empathy and Mourning: Elephants display empathy by comforting distressed companions through physical contact and vocal sounds. They have been observed mourning their dead, showing behaviors akin to mourning seen in humans.
- Cooperative Behavior: Elephant herds cooperate in raising their young, with adolescent females assisting in caring for calves. They also engage in cooperative actions like adopting an infant tormented by predators or helping wounded elephants by stopping bleeding and providing support.
- Individual Personalities: Elephants have distinct personalities that influence their interactions within the group. Some elephants show strong leadership qualities, while others are more introverted. These individual traits impact how they interact with other elephants.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2020:
Q. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:
- The leader of an elephant group is a female.
- The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
- An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
- 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
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
India’s Leopard Population rises to 13,874
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Leopard
Mains level: Read the attached story
In the news
- The Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, released the report on the Status of Leopards in India at New Delhi.
About Indian Leopard
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About the Fifth Cycle of Leopards Estimation
- The fifth cycle leopard population estimation was conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII), in collaboration with State Forest Departments.
- It covered 18 States of India, and focused on about 70% of the animals’ expected habitat.
- The estimation focused on forested habitats within 18 tiger states, covering major tiger conservation landscapes. Non-forested and high Himalayan regions were excluded.
- A comprehensive foot survey spanning 6,41,449 km and camera traps at 32,803 locations resulted in 85,488 photo-captures of leopards, providing valuable insights into their distribution and abundance.
Key Findings
- Population Estimate: India’s leopard population is estimated at 13,874 individuals, signifying stability compared to the 2018 estimate. Notably, this estimation covers 70% of leopard habitat, excluding areas like the Himalayas and semi-arid regions.
- Regional Trends: While Central India witnesses a stable or slightly growing population, regions like the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains experience a decline. Overall, there’s a 1.08% per annum growth in sampled areas.
- State-wise Distribution: 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).
- Habitats: Tiger Reserves or sites with highest leopard population are, Nagarajunasagar Srisailam (AP), followed by Panna (MP), and Satpura (AP).
- Declining Trends: While Uttarakhand reported a 22% decline in the big cat numbers — reportedly due to poaching and man-animal conflict, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and West Bengal saw a collective 150% rise to 349 animals.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2012
Q. 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
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
[pib] Establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Mains level: NA
In the news
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, has approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with headquarters in India.
About the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
- Objective: The IBCA aims to spearhead efforts towards the protection and conservation of the 7 major big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
- Funding: The Government of India has pledged an initial support of Rs. 150 crore for the first five years. Additionally, the alliance will explore contributions from bilateral and multilateral agencies, financial institutions, and donor agencies to augment its corpus.
- Membership: Membership to the alliance will be open to 96 “range” countries, which are nations containing the natural habitat of the seven big cats.
- Activities: The alliance’s activities will include advocacy, partnership building, knowledge dissemination through an e-portal, capacity building, eco-tourism promotion, and financial resource mobilization.
Governance Structure
- Composition: The governance structure of IBCA includes a General Assembly comprising all member countries, a Council of elected member countries, and a Secretariat.
- Appointment: The General Assembly appoints the Secretary General of IBCA upon the recommendation of the Council.
- Framework: The alliance’s governance framework, drafted on the lines of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), will be finalised by the International Steering Committee (ISC).
India’s Role in Big Cat Conservation
- Big Cat Diversity: India is home to five of the seven major big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
- Conservation Efforts: India has undertaken significant conservation efforts, as reflected in the increase in tiger and lion populations. For instance, India now hosts about 70% of the world’s tiger population, and the Asiatic lion population in Gir National Park has shown steady growth.
- Cheetah Reintroduction: Cheetahs, once extinct in India since 1952, have been reintroduced into the wild. Eight cheetahs were imported from Namibia and released into the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in November 2022.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Human-Wildlife Conflict in Kerala: Causes and Remedies
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Read the attached story
Mains level: Man-Animal Conflit and its mitigation
Introduction
- The escalation of human-wildlife conflict incidents in Kerala, exemplified by recent protests in Wayanad, underscores the urgent need to address the underlying causes of such conflicts.
- Kerala grapples with a surge in human-animal conflicts, predominantly involving elephants, tigers, bison, and wild boars, wreaking havoc in districts like Wayanad, Kannur, Palakkad, and Idukki.
Understanding the Conflict
- Geographical Dynamics: Kerala’s significant forest cover, encompassing nearly 30% of its area, juxtaposed with densely populated human settlements and agricultural plantations near wildlife habitats, sets the stage for frequent human-animal conflicts.
- Magnitude of Conflict: State Forest Department data reveals over 48,000 incidents of crop damage due to human-wildlife conflict between 2013-14 and 2018-19, with wild elephants being the primary culprits, followed by wild boars and bonnet macaques.
Root Causes of Conflict
- Changing Land Use: Increased cultivation around wildlife habitats and changing cropping patterns exacerbate conflicts by encroaching upon natural habitats and altering animal migratory routes.
- Conservation Efforts: While conservation initiatives have led to the resurgence of animal populations like elephants and tigers, they have inadvertently intensified conflicts due to habitat depletion.
- Human Activities: Movement of livestock and humans in wildlife habitats, especially during odd hours, further exacerbates conflicts by triggering defensive responses from animals.
Proposed Solutions and Their Efficacy
- Physical Barriers: Strategies like elephant-proof trenches and solar power fences have shown promise in mitigating conflicts but face challenges such as inadequate maintenance and breaches by locals.
- Eco-Restoration Policy: The Forest department’s plan to restore ecosystems by planting indigenous species aims to deter animals from agricultural lands, yet its effectiveness hinges on implementation and sustenance.
- Early Warning Systems: Adoption of early warning systems, including drones and human watchers, could help track animal movements and prevent confrontations, but their widespread adoption remains limited.
Addressing Challenges with Wild Boars
- Culling Initiatives: While the state awaits approval to declare wild boars as vermin, local bodies have been empowered to cull them as a last resort, alongside strategies like capture, neutering, and relocation.
- Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ): Despite the legislative assembly’s plea to exempt Kerala from ESZ norms, conservationists advocate for its implementation to mitigate conflicts, acknowledging the challenges posed by Kerala’s population density and land scarcity.
Legal Framework and Conservation Initiatives
[A] Wildlife Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
- The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Encompassing measures to prohibit hunting, safeguard wildlife habitats, and establish protected areas, this act forms the cornerstone of India’s wildlife preservation efforts.
- The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Complementing existing legislation, this act, in alignment with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, fortifies conservation endeavors without undermining other forest and wildlife laws.
[B] National Conservation Strategies
- National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016): Centered on fortifying protected area networks, conserving endangered species and their habitats, curbing wildlife trade, and promoting research and education, this plan embodies India’s commitment to wildlife preservation.
- Project Tiger: A pioneering initiative under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change since 1973, Project Tiger aims to create safe havens for the majestic big cats within India’s national parks.
- Project Elephant: Launched in 1992, this centrally sponsored scheme endeavors to protect elephants, conserve their habitats and ensure safe migration corridors, thereby safeguarding the iconic species’ future.
Conclusion
- Balancing conservation efforts with the safety and livelihoods of Kerala’s populace requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of human-wildlife conflicts.
- Collaborative efforts involving stakeholders, stringent regulatory measures, and sustainable conservation practices are imperative to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife in Kerala’s diverse landscape.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Kerala seeks to amend the Wildlife Protection Act
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972
Mains level: Man-Animal Conflit and its mitigation
Introduction
- The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 aiming to tackle the escalating human-animal conflict in the state.
What is Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972?
- WPA provides for the protection of the country’s wild animals, birds and plant species, in order to ensure environmental and ecological security.
- It provides for the protection of a listed species of animals, birds and plants, and also for the establishment of a network of ecologically-important protected areas in the country.
- It provides for various types of protected areas such as Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks etc.
There are six schedules provided in the WPA for the protection of wildlife species which can be concisely summarized as under:
Schedule I |
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Schedule II |
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Schedule III & IV |
|
Schedule V | Contains animals which can be hunted. |
Schedule VI | Plants that are forbidden from cultivation. |
Kerala’s Demands for Amendment
- Section 11 Amendment: Kerala proposes amending Section 11(1)(A) to empower Chief Conservators of Forests (CCF) instead of Chief Wildlife Wardens (CWLW) to permit hunting of Schedule I mammals. This seeks to expedite decision-making at the local level in handling human-wildlife conflicts.
- Declaration of Wild Boar as Vermin: Kerala urges the Centre to declare wild boars as vermin under Section 62, allowing controlled culling to mitigate threats to life and livelihoods.
Major Reason: Escalating Human-Animal Conflict
- Rising Incidents: Kerala has witnessed a surge in human-animal conflicts, particularly involving elephants and wild boars, causing extensive damage to lives and crops.
- Government Data: In 2022-23, there were 8,873 wild animal attacks, including 4,193 by elephants and 1,524 by wild boars. These incidents resulted in 98 deaths and significant crop loss.
- Wild Boar Menace: Wild boars, in particular, are notorious for ravaging farmlands, with 20,957 incidents of crop damage recorded from 2017 to 2023.
Challenges and Implications
- Urgent Action Needed: Kerala’s plea for amendments highlights the pressing need for effective measures to address the human-animal conflict.
- Local Empowerment: Empowering local forest authorities can lead to quicker responses to wildlife threats, ensuring both human safety and wildlife conservation.
- Balancing Conservation and Livelihoods: Striking a balance between conservation and livelihood concerns is crucial for sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Conclusion
- Kerala’s proactive stance in advocating for amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act underscores its commitment to confronting the challenges posed by the human-animal conflict.
- These proposed changes aim to protect both citizens and biodiversity, reflecting a holistic approach towards environmental and socio-economic well-being.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) COP14 begins in Uzbekistan
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- The Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (COP14) will be hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, in Samarkand from 12-17 February 2024
- CMS COP is a Triennial Event.
About Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)
Information | |
About |
|
Aim |
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Legal Instruments under CMS | Range from legally binding Agreements to less formal MoUs |
Appendices |
|
India and the CMS |
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Migratory Species | Wild animals whose populations cyclically and predictably cross national boundaries |
Efforts made by India |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Horseshoe Crab: Living Fossils of the Sea
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Horseshoe Crab and its conservation
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- Environmental groups have petitioned the U.S. government to grant endangered species protection to the American horseshoe crab.
- Horseshoe crabs, often called “living fossils,” have existed since before the age of dinosaurs.
About Horseshoe Crab
Description | |
Habitat | Shallow coastal waters with soft sandy or muddy bottoms;
Spawns primarily on intertidal beaches during summer-spring high tides. |
Taxonomic Division | Chelicerata, a division of Arthropoda, comprising spiders, scorpions, harvestmen, mites, and ticks; characterized by segmented body and limbs, and a chitinous exoskeleton. |
Status | Referred to as a marine “living fossil” due to minimal evolutionary changes over time. |
Geographic Range | American horseshoe crab: Eastern coast of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico.
Indo-Pacific species (Tri-spine, Coastal, Mangrove): Mainly in coastal waters of India, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. |
Habitat in India | Odisha serves as the largest habitat for horseshoe crabs in India. |
Conservation Status | Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. |
IUCN Status | American horseshoe crab: Vulnerable.
Tri-spine horseshoe crab: Endangered. Other two are not listed yet. |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Northern White Rhino IVF Project by BioRescue
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Northern White Rhino
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
- The northern white rhino, once on the brink of extinction, saw its last male member pass away in 2018, leaving the subspecies on the verge of being lost forever.
- However, a pioneering initiative was launched in 2015 by a group of international scientists known as BioRescue, to resurrect the northern white rhino through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
About Northern White Rhino
Details | |
Scientific Name | Ceratotherium simum cottoni |
Geographic Range | Eastern and Central Africa |
Population Status | Critically Endangered (Only 2 individuals alive) in 2024 |
Physical Characteristics | Grayish-white color, two horns, hump on the neck |
Social Behavior | Solitary, occasionally seen in small groups |
Diet | Herbivorous, primarily grazers |
Conservation Efforts | Extensive efforts to save from extinction |
IUCN Red List Status | Critically Endangered |
White Rhino Resurrection IVF Project
- Project: BioRescue, a team of scientists from around the world, embarked on a mission to revive the northern white rhino through IVF in 2015.
- Historic Breakthrough: In a remarkable achievement, scientists announced the first-ever rhino pregnancy via the transfer of a lab-made rhino embryo into a surrogate mother.
- Persistence and Dedication: The breakthrough with a southern white rhino, a close relative, followed 13 attempts, showcasing the dedication of the scientists.
Challenges on Road to Revival
- Unique Challenge: Northern white rhinos face an unusual predicament due to the infertility of the last two surviving females, Najin and Fatu.
- Surrogacy Complexity: Preparing a southern white female as a surrogate mother involves isolation, infection prevention protocols, and precise identification of the fertile window.
- Genetic Viability: Even with successful IVF and surrogacy, the limited gene pool from eggs and sperm of deceased zoo rhinos poses a challenge.
- Stem Cell Possibilities: Exploring stem cell techniques to broaden the gene pool shows promise but is experimental and challenging to implement in rhinos.
Lessons from Conservation
- Wild Resilience: Conservation efforts saved the southern white rhino from near-extinction, with their numbers rebounding from a mere 20 in the 19th century to over 17,000.
- Crossbreeding Dilemma: Crossbreeding northern and southern subspecies is not a viable solution due to the loss of unique attributes.
- Behavioral Legacy: Restoring a species requires more than genetic revival; it necessitates the transmission of behavioral traits learned from adults of the same species.
The Race against Time
- Critical Window: To preserve the northern white rhino’s unique behavioral traits, the first IVF calves must learn from the last two surviving females, Najin and Fatu.
- Looming Deadline: With Najin at 35 and Fatu at 24, the window for this crucial interaction is closing, as northern white rhinos rarely live beyond 40 in captivity.
- A Costly Endeavor: BioRescue, funded by the German government and donors, has invested millions in this project, raising questions about resource allocation and prioritization.
The Bigger Picture
- A Noble Cause: The effort to revive the northern white rhino stems from a sense of responsibility to counteract human-driven extinction.
- Conservation Imperative: While the project is ambitious, critics raise concerns about neglecting other endangered species and the need to protect natural habitats.
- Broader Crisis: Rhino populations across species face grave threats, including poaching, with one rhino poached every 16 hours in Africa.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
India has 718 snow leopards; most of them live in unprotected areas: Centre
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India
Mains level: urgent need for increased legal protection and a dedicated conservation approach
Central Idea:
The report on the status of snow leopards in India, released by the Government of India and non-profit organizations, reveals that only 34% of the snow leopard habitat is legally protected. With snow leopards present in the country, the report emphasizes the need for a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at the Wildlife Institute of India for long-term population monitoring and conservation efforts.
Key Highlights:
- Snow Leopard Population: India is home to snow leopards, and their habitat covers square kilometers.
- Legal Protection: Only a third of the snow leopard habitat in India is legally protected, posing a significant threat to the species.
- Unprotected Areas: Nearly 70% of the crucial snow leopard habitat remains unprotected, highlighting the need for conservation measures.
- Population Assessment: The four-year assessment conducted by SPAI using camera traps identified unique individuals.
- Hotspots: Ladakh has the highest number of snow leopards, followed by Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Key Challenges:
- Limited Legal Protection: The majority of snow leopard habitat lacks legal safeguards, exposing them to potential threats.
- Undefined Range: The absence of an extensive nationwide analysis has left the snow leopard range in India undefined.
- Population Estimate: The need for a revised estimate arises, challenging the previous range of snow leopards in India.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Snow Leopard Cell: Proposed dedicated unit for long-term monitoring and conservation efforts.
- SPAI: The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India, coordinating the assessment.
- Camera Traps: Utilized for capturing images of snow leopards at locations.
- Vulnerable: Snow leopards are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
Key Quotes:
- “The snow leopard range in India remained undefined due to lack of an extensive nationwide analysis.”
- “Regular assessments will offer valuable insights for identifying challenges, addressing threats, and formulating effective conservation strategies.”
Key Statements:
- The report emphasizes the necessity of a Snow Leopard Cell for effective conservation strategies.
- Regular population assessments are crucial for understanding challenges and threats to snow leopards.
Key Examples and References:
- The report cites Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh as hotspots for snow leopards.
- SPAI, with partners like the Wildlife Institute of India, conducted the assessment using camera traps.
Key Facts and Data:
- Snow leopard occupancy was recorded in square kilometers, with an estimated presence in square kilometers.
Critical Analysis:
The report underscores the urgent need for increased legal protection and a dedicated conservation approach, citing the inadequacy of the previous population estimate and the undefined snow leopard range. The increased coverage of the region compared to 2016 is noted, but challenges persist, requiring immediate attention.
Way Forward:
- Establish Snow Leopard Cell: Create the proposed Snow Leopard Cell for consistent monitoring and organized studies.
- Regular Assessments: Adopt a periodic population estimation approach every fourth year for continuous insights.
- Legal Safeguards: Increase legal protection for the remaining unprotected snow leopard habitat.
- Revised Population Estimate: Conduct a revised assessment to accurately determine the snow leopard population in India.
- Public Awareness: Increase public awareness to garner support for snow leopard conservation efforts.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Indian Grey Wolf sighted in Chambal after Two Decades
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Grey Wolf
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The recent sighting of an endangered Indian grey wolf within the vast expanse of the National Chambal Sanctuary in Etawah after 20 years has sparked immense excitement among wildlife enthusiasts and experts.
About Indian Grey Wolf
Conservation Status | |
Scientific Name | Canis lupus pallipes |
Adaptation to Climate | Thrives in warmer conditions |
Social Behavior | Travels in smaller packs, less vocal |
Physical Traits | Size falls between Tibetan and Arabian wolves |
Preferred Habitat | Scrublands, grasslands, semi-arid regions |
Wide Distribution | Indian subcontinent to Israel, ~3,000 in India |
IUCN Listing | Least Concern |
Legal Protection | Schedule I of Wildlife Act, CITES Appendix I |
Major Threats | Habitat loss, prey population decline |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Saving the Great Indian Bustard
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Great Indian Bustard
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The Supreme Court has called upon the Centre to unveil its strategy for preserving the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) by February.
Why discuss this?
- Recognizing the urgent need to safeguard this bird species, the court acknowledges the significant threat posed by high transmission power lines in the natural habitats of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- These areas are not only vital for the GIB but also play a crucial role in India’s renewable energy initiatives, particularly solar power.
- Striking a balance between GIB conservation and international commitments to reduce carbon emissions through renewable energy is the challenge at hand.
Great Indian Bustard: An Overview
- Significance: GIBs are the largest among India’s four bustard species and are considered flagship birds of grasslands.
- Conservation Status: Critically endangered, with historic habitat reduced to just 10 percent.
- Protection Measures: Listed under CITES Appendix I, IUCN status: Critically Endangered, and under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
- Threats: Overhead power transmission, poor vision, windmills, noise pollution, landscape changes, and alterations in cultivation patterns pose significant threats to GIBs.
Conservation vs. Solar Power Dilemma
- International Commitments: India has global commitments to reduce carbon emissions and promote alternative energy sources such as solar power.
- Striking a Balance: The Supreme Court emphasizes the need to find a middle ground that preserves the GIB while ensuring the availability of solar power.
- Safety Concerns: Underground power lines are deemed dangerous, necessitating innovative solutions.
Challenges and Concerns
- Ineffective Bird Diverters: Current bird diverters installed in key GIB habitats are either sub-standard or have failed to prevent collisions.
- Government’s Role: The Court questioned the government’s intentions and seeks a clear plan to address the GIB’s conservation and the solar power expansion.
- Data on Bird Diverters: The Chief Justice inquired about authentic data or government-monitored studies on the effectiveness of bird diverters.
Try this PYQ:
Q.Consider the following pairs:
Protected Area: Well-known for
- Bhitarkanika, Odisha — Salt Water Crocodile
- Desert National Park, Rajasthan — Great Indian Bustard
- Eravikulam, Kerala — Hoolock Gibbon
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (CSP 2014)
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) is set to take place in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the region’s commitment to wildlife conservation, with a special focus on hornbills.
- This festival, scheduled from January 18-20, 2024, at Seijosa in the Pakke Kessang district, brings together diverse communities to unite in their efforts to protect these iconic birds and promote environmental awareness.
Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival
- Festival’s Theme: “Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh”
- Meaning: Translating to “Let Our Hornbills Remain” in the Nyishi language, this year’s theme underscores the critical importance of preserving these magnificent birds.
- Conservation Advocacy: PPHF serves as a platform to advocate for the protection of hornbill populations and their natural habitats.
Emphasis on Wildlife Conservation
- Hornbill Species: The Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Arunachal Pradesh is home to four hornbill species: Wreathed, Great Indian, Oriental Pied, and the endangered Rufous-necked hornbill.
- Nyishi Tribal Contribution: The festival recognizes the Nyishi, Arunachal Pradesh’s largest tribal group, for their pivotal role in hornbill conservation. They transitioned from hunting hornbills to becoming advocates for their preservation.
- Alternative Income: PPHF aims to generate alternative sources of income for the region and raise awareness about PTR and its surroundings, fostering economic development while preserving the environment.
Back2Basics: Great Indian Hornbill
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (uplisted from Near Threatened in 2018), CITES: Appendix I
- The great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) also known as the great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill, is one of the larger members of the hornbill family.
- The great hornbill is long-lived, living for nearly 50 years in captivity.
- It is predominantly fruit-eating, but is an opportunist and preys on small mammals, reptiles and birds.
- Its impressive size and colour have made it important in many tribal cultures and rituals.
- A large majority of their population is found in India with a significant proportion in the Western Ghats and the Nilgiris.
- The nesting grounds of the birds in the Nilgiris North Eastern Range are also believed to support some of their highest densities.
- Referred to as ‘forest engineers’ or ‘farmers of the forest’ for playing a key role in dispersing seeds of tropical trees, hornbills indicate the prosperity and balance of the forest they build nests.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Himalayan Wolf Listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on IUCN Red List
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Himalayan Wolf
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), a distinct lupine species inhabiting the Himalayas, has recently been classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.
- This classification highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this unique predator.
About Himalayan Wolf
- Taxonomic Status: Long a subject of taxonomic ambiguity, the Himalayan Wolf has been confirmed as a genetically unique lineage of wolves.
- Population Estimate: The IUCN Red List estimates the population of mature individuals to be between 2,275 and 3,792, acknowledging the uncertainty of this figure.
- Geographical Range: The Himalayan Wolf is found across the Himalayan range of Nepal and India and extends across the Tibetan Plateau.
- Population in India: In the Indian Himalayas, the population is estimated to be between 227 and 378 mature individuals, primarily in Ladakh and the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, with potential small populations in Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
Conservation Challenges
- Habitat Decline: The species faces a continuing decline in habitat quality and extent.
- Conflict with Livestock: Livestock depredation conflicts are significant, exacerbated by habitat modification and depletion of wild prey.
- Hybridization Threats: Increasing populations of feral dogs in regions like Ladakh and Spiti pose a threat of hybridization.
- Illegal Hunting: The Himalayan Wolf is hunted illegally for its fur and body parts, contributing to its declining numbers.
Conservation Strategies Proposed
- Habitat and Prey Restoration: Securing and restoring healthy wild prey populations and landscapes, and establishing wildlife habitat refuges.
- Improved Livestock Management: Enhancing livestock guarding methods, including predator-proof corral pens, sustainable herding practices, and holistic management practices.
- Feral Dog Population Management: Addressing the growing challenge of feral dogs that threaten the Himalayan Wolf through hybridization.
- Trans-boundary Conservation Efforts: Collaborative efforts among range countries for research, monitoring, and conservation.
- Herding/Pasture Management: Improving practices in regions where wolves are heavily dependent on livestock, such as in Ladakh.
- Inclusion in Conservation Programs: Incorporating the Himalayan Wolf in conservation programs to promote public acceptance and reduce persecution.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Kyrgyzstan declares Snow Leopard as National Symbol
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Snow Leopard
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian country, has declared the snow leopard as its national symbol.
About Snow Leopard
Details | |
Habitat | Mountainous regions of Central and Southern Asia; in India: western and eastern Himalayas. |
Indian Geographical Range | Western Himalayas (J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) and Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh). |
Project Snow Leopard (2009) | Aims to strengthen wildlife conservation in the Himalayan high altitudes, involving local communities. |
Conservation Status | IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
CITES: Appendix I Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I |
India’s Conservation Efforts | Flagship species for high altitude Himalayas.
Part of GSLEP Programme since 2013. Himalaya Sanrakshak community programme (2020). National Protocol on Snow Leopard Population Assessment (2019) SECURE Himalaya project (GEF-UNDP funded). Listed in 21 critically endangered species for recovery by MoEF&CC. Conservation breeding at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. |
GSLEP Programme | Inter-governmental alliance of 12 snow leopard countries (India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan), focusing on ecosystem value awareness. |
Living Himalaya Network Initiative | WWF’s initiative across Bhutan, India (North-East), and Nepal for conservation impact in the Eastern Himalayas. |
Significance of the Snow Leopard
- The snow leopard symbolizes the health and stability of mountain ecosystems, which cover a significant portion of the global territory.
- The snow leopard has been a totem animal in ancient Kyrgyz culture, associated with the legendary figure Manas.
- The harmony between humans and nature, symbolized by the snow leopard, is portrayed in Chyngyz Aitmatov’s novel “When Mountains Fall.”
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Rediscovery of Namdapha Flying Squirrel in Arunachal Pradesh
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Namdapha flying squirrel, missing for 42 years, has been sighted again in Arunachal Pradesh.
- This rare species was last documented in 1981 in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve.
Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Details | |
Species Name | Namdapha Flying Squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) |
Type | Arboreal, nocturnal flying squirrel |
Endemic Region | Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India |
Habitat | Tall Mesua ferrea jungles, often on hill slopes in the catchment area of the Dihing River, northeastern India |
First Discovery | Known from a single specimen collected in Namdapha National Park in 1981 |
Physical Description | – Reddish, grizzled fur with white above
– Pale grey crown, orangish patagium, white underparts |
Genus Significance | Was the sole member of its genus until the discovery of other species like Biswamoyopterus laoensis (2013) and Biswamoyopterus gaoligongensis (2018) |
Conservation Status | IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Wildlife Protection Act Status: Schedule I |
Threats | Threatened by poaching and possibly habitat destruction |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Fewer migratory birds in Sultanpur National Park this season
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sultanpur National Park
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Sultanpur National Park has observed a 20-30% decrease in the number of migratory birds this season, as reported by forest department officials.
- Estimates show a reduction in bird numbers, with current figures ranging between 8,000 to 10,000, compared to the expected 15,000.
About Sultanpur National Park
- Sultanpur NP is located at Sultanpur village on Gurugram-Jhajjar highway, 15 km from Gurugram, Haryana and 50 km from Delhi.
- It was a bird sanctuary, ideal for birding and bird lookers. Its area covers approximately 142.52 hectares.
- Migratory birds start arriving in the park in September. Birds use the park as a resting place till the following March-April.
- During summer and monsoon months the park is inhabited by many local bird species.
- In April 1971, the Sultanpur Jheel inside the park (an area of 1.21 sq. km.) was accorded Sanctuary status under section 8 of the Punjab Wildlife Preservation Act of 1959.
- The status of the park was upgraded to National Park in July 1991 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Significance of the NP
- Spanning 1.42 sq km, it is recognized as a national park, wildlife sanctuary, and a Ramsar site since 2021.
- It is one of the few NPs in the small state of Haryana.
- Another NP in Haryana is Kalesar National Park.
Important Fauna at the Park
- Mammals: Blackbuck, Nilgai, Hog deer, Sambar, Leopard etc.
- Birds: Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane etc.
Annual Migratory Patterns
- Typical Arrival: Migratory birds usually begin arriving in the first week of October.
- Annual Visitation: By the end of January each year, around 22,000 birds visit Sultanpur Park. However, this year’s numbers are anticipated to be much lower.
Possible Reasons for Reduced Migration
- Temperature Changes: Wildlife experts suggests that milder winters in regions like Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe might be influencing migration patterns.
- Food Availability: If migratory birds continue to find sufficient food in their native regions, they may not feel compelled to migrate.
- Local Climate Impact: The local temperature at Sultanpur Park has not dropped significantly to align with the birds’ migratory patterns.
- Effect of Smog: Smog and air pollution could also be contributing factors to the altered migratory behavior.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
[pib] Indian Tent Turtles rescued in Lucknow
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Tent Turtles
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Zonal Unit, Lucknow, acted on specific intelligence to intercept an illegal wildlife trade of 436 baby Indian Tent turtles.
About Indian Tent Turtles
Details | |
Scientific Classification | Pangshura tentoria, Family: Geoemydidae |
Diet | Mainly herbivorous, active swimmer. |
Habitat | Prefers still water pools on river sides and slow running water near river banks. |
Distribution | Native to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. |
Conservation Status | – Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
– IUCN Status: Least Concern – CITES: Appendix II. |
Major Threats | Illegal trade in the pet market due to its attractive appearance. |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Specie in news: Saiga Antelope
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Saiga Antelope
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Saiga Antelope has been reclassified from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
About Saiga Antelope
Details | |
Scientific Name | Saiga tatarica |
Physical Characteristics | Notable for its distinctive bulbous nose; relatively small, with a thin build and long, thin legs |
Habitat | Primarily found in the steppe region of Central Asia and Eastern Europe |
Population Distribution | Predominantly in Kazakhstan and Russia, with smaller populations in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Mongolia |
Conservation Status | IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
CITES: Appendix II |
Major Threats | Poaching for horns (used in traditional medicine), habitat loss, and disease outbreaks like pasteurellosis |
Diet | Herbivorous, feeding on a variety of grasses and plants |
Breeding | Known for its rapid population growth under favorable conditions; breeds in large herds |
Migration | Notable for long-distance seasonal migrations |
Cultural Significance | Featured in the folklore and culture of the local steppe communities |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Places in news: Kambalakonda WLS
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kambalakonda WLS
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre situated along the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary’s periphery, near PM Palem in Visakhapatnam, features a new Nature Interpretation Centre.
About Kambalakonda WLS
Details | |
Location | Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India |
Establishment | Declared in 1970 under the Wildlife Protection Act of India |
Area | Approximately 71 square kilometers (27 square miles) |
Ecosystem | Dry evergreen forests and scrubland |
Biodiversity | Home to Indian leopards, deer species, wild boar, jackals, reptiles, birds, and medicinal plants |
Flora | Predominantly dry evergreen forests with moist deciduous patches |
Tourism and Recreation | Offers trekking, bird watching, and nature walks |
Accessibility | Easily accessible from the city of Visakhapatnam |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Doubled-humped Camels
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Double-Humped Camels
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Indian Army has inducted double-humped camels for patrolling and logistical support along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.
About Double-Humped Camels
- The Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), is also known as the Mongolian camel, domestic Bactrian camel or two-humped camel.
- Their name comes from the ancient historical region of Bactria.
- It is a large even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of Central Asia.
- It has two humps on its back, in contrast to the single-humped dromedary.
- The humps are plump and pliable. They store fat, which can be converted into water and energy when food and water resources are scarce during harsh winters.
- A small population of Bactrian camel exists in the Nubra valley of Ladakh.
Significance of deployment
- These camels serve to patrol the LAC and provide logistical aid to troops in the difficult, barren landscape of Eastern Ladakh.
- They can carry 170 kg and patrol up to 15 km without rest, surpassing the load capacity of mules previously used by the army.
- The Army’s 14 corps is deploying these camels in strategic areas like Depsang and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) along the LAC.
Try this PYQ from the 2019 CS Prelims:
Q. Consider the following statements:
- Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
- Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
- One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Asola Bhatti WLS
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Delhi High Court is considering staying a forest department ‘Walkathon’ event in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Asola Bhatti WLS
- Location: Situated in the southern part of Delhi and extends into Faridabad and Gurugram districts of Haryana.
- Spread: Occupies 32.71 sq. km on the Aravalli hill range’s Southern Delhi Ridge, bordering Delhi and Haryana.
- Connectivity: Forms a part of Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve to the Delhi Ridge.
- Vegetation: Classified under Northern Tropical Thorn Forests.
- Plant Adaptations: Features plants with xerophytic characteristics like thorns, wax-coated and succulent leaves.
- Flora: Characterized by the presence of the exotic Prosopis juliflora and the native Diospyros montana.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to species such as Golden Jackals, Striped-Hyenas, Indian Crested-Porcupines, Civets, Jungle Cats, various snakes, Monitor Lizards, and Mongoose.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Places in news: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has made a crucial recommendation to designate the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, adjacent to the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, as a core critical tiger habitat.
Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: It is situated in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district, Karnataka.
- Geographic Area: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a 30.32 sq km expanse and was officially declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the State.
- Unique Geography: The sanctuary includes the backwaters of Nugu dam on its western side and shares borders with Alaganchi State Forest, a part of Bandipur TR, on the southwest side.
- Flora and Fauna: Despite recovering from past degradation, the flora of Nugu shares similarities with Bandipur. The sanctuary supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including elephant, tiger, leopard, wild dog, striped hyena, sloth bear, gaur, sambhar, chital, and four-horned antelope.
- Riverine Wildlife: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to two important riverine wildlife species: the smooth-coated otter and the marsh crocodile, emphasizing its rich biodiversity.
Conservation Efforts
- Buffer Area: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and serves as a buffer area for Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
- Ecological Significance: This sanctuary offers an inviolate and ideal habitat for tigers and elephants, making it a prime candidate for Core/Critical Tiger Habitat status within Bandipur TR.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Rethinking the 2022 Wildlife Protection Act
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022
Mains level: Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022, concerns, impact and way forward
What’s the news?
- The recent inclusion of a plethora of species in the new schedules of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022 has raised numerous questions among ecologists.
Central idea
- The inclusion of a multitude of species in its schedules has raised concerns about the lack of an objective and replicable process. While the intention behind the amendment is to enhance conservation efforts, it is imperative to address the issues it raises in terms of conservation, its impact on people, and its implications for research.
Overview of the New Act
- Schedule 1: Houses around 600 species of vertebrates and numerous invertebrates, with the highest protection.
- Schedule 2: Contains roughly 2,000 species, including 1,134 bird species.
- Alignment with CITES: The act also incorporates the CITES appendices.
Concerns for Conservation
- Ambiguity in Resource Allocation: The act does not provide a clear direction on prioritizing species for resource allocation.
- Uniform Protection Levels: Species ranging from tigers to jackals and from great Indian bustards to common barn owls are accorded the same protection level.
- Unintended Consequences: Acts meant to conserve might sometimes yield counterproductive results. For instance, listing the invasive spotted deer (chital) in Schedule 1 has inadvertently protected it, despite the harm it inflicts on the Andaman Islands’ ecosystem.
Impact on Humans
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: The WLPA underlines the concept of co-existence, often neglecting the harm certain species can cause to humans, both physically and psychologically. By elevating wild pigs and nilgai to Schedule 1, the act potentially limits states’ abilities to cull problematic animals, disregarding farmers’ concerns.
- Traditional Practices Overlooked: Despite hunting and use of certain animals being traditional practices, the WLPA imposes restrictions. There’s a lack of balance between conservation needs and societal traditions.
- Research Constraints: The listing of a vast number of species could inhibit research. Securing permits for research becomes a convoluted process. Furthermore, the act’s implications on citizen science and data sharing remain unclear.
Broader Issues
- Some ecologists have been observed to neglect the broader issues.
- Their operations sometimes resemble ‘parachute science’, taking more than they give back to local communities.
- The implications of this act not only hinder research, but also severely impact these communities.
Way Forward
- Transparent Inclusion Process: Develop a replicable and objective process for the inclusion of species in the schedules. This could be based on ecological significance, population sizes, and expert consultations.
- Reassess and Reclassify Species: A re-evaluation of species, especially those like the spotted deer in the Andaman Islands, is necessary. Reallocating species between schedules can ensure more appropriate protection levels.
- Resource Allocation Blueprint: Given the vast number of species included, a clear guideline for resource allocation is essential. It should be based on urgency, ecological significance, and conservation viability.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: Design a more nuanced policy for managing conflicts. It should include better conflict response, compensation schemes, and awareness programs, especially in areas where Schedule 1 species are in direct conflict with human populations.
- Reconsideration of Traditional Practices: Address the disconnect between the Act and traditional practices by incorporating provisions for regulated and sustainable use of species, especially where they are abundant and pose no threat to their populations.
Conclusion
- The imperative now is a balanced approach that ensures human safety, bases management actions on research, and permits observation without harming the ecosystem, respecting both human rights and wildlife conservation.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Nilgiri Tahr
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nilgiri Tahr
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In a continued effort to conserve the Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Nadu launched Project Nilgiri Tahr last year.
- Now, the state is focusing on establishing a standardized protocol with Kerala for counting the population of this endangered species.
About Nilgiri TahrIUCN Conservation Status: Endangered Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I
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Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project
- Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, TN government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through-
- Surveys and radio telemetry studies;
- Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat;
- Address proximate threats; and
- Increase public awareness of the species.
- The project is to be implemented from 2022 to 2027.
- Furthermore, October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Niligiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies of the species in 1975.
Historic significance of Nilgiri Tahr
- There are multiple references to the Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years.
- The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture and life.
- It was designated as the State animal in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Illicit Red Sand Boa Trade in India
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Red Sand Boa
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- A recent report by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India exposes 172 incidents of red sand boa (Eryx johnii) seizures spanning 2016-2021.
- It is illicitly traded under the notion of its role in black magic practices.
About Red Sand Boa
- The Red Sand Boa is a rare non-poisonous snake with applications in medicine, cosmetics, and even black magic, making it highly valued in the global market.
- Among the general public, it is referred to as the “Two-headed Snake” due to its thick tail with a rounded tip, resembling two heads.
Conservation Status
- Trading and possessing the red sand boa violate the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
- The species is categorized in Schedule IV of the WPA.
- Additionally, the red sand boa is listed in Appendix II of CITES.
- It holds a ‘Near Threatened’ classification by the IUCN, with a diminishing population trend.
Prime moving factor for trade: Social Media
- The study underscores the pivotal role of social media, particularly platforms like YouTube, as conduits for illegal trade.
- YouTube videos act as interfaces for buyers and sellers, occasionally facilitating transactions via WhatsApp.
- In 2021, approximately 200 videos advertising sand boas for sale on YouTube were identified.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Places in news: Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Hoolock Gibbons
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam, home to the endangered western hoolock gibbon, is facing habitat fragmentation due to a railway track that divides the sanctuary.
Hoolock Gibbons
- They are a unique primate species, inhabit various regions across India’s northeastern part, particularly in states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
- These arboreal creatures are known for their distinctive vocalizations and tree-dwelling behavior.
- There are two recognized species of hoolock gibbons found in India: the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).
- These gibbons play an essential role in the ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal and maintaining forest health.
Conservation status
- IUCN Red List:
-
- Western Hoolock Gibbon: Classified as Endangered
- Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Classified as Vulnerable
- Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act 1972: both listed on Schedule 1 of the
About Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
- The HGS is located in the Jorhat district of Assam, India.
- It was established in 1997 as a protected area primarily to conserve the western hoolock gibbon, an endangered primate species.
- The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 20.98 square kilometers.
- Set aside initially in 1881, its forests used to extend to the foothills of the Patkai mountain range.
- It contains India’s only gibbons – the hoolock gibbons, and Northeastern India’s only nocturnal primate – the Bengal slow loris.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
State of India’s Birds (SoIB) Report, 2023: Key Highlights
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: State of India’s Birds (SoIB) Report, 2023
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The State of India’s Birds (SoIB) report based on data collected from approximately 30,000 birdwatchers has unveiled concerning trends regarding India’s bird population.
- The study highlights a substantial decline in numerous bird species, attributing this decline to a range of factors.
About SoIB Report
- The SoIB report aims to evaluate the conservation status of a wide range of species regularly present in India.
- It is published by a partnership involving 13 governmental and non-governmental organizations, including SACON, WII, and ZSI.
- The report extensively employs data from over 30 million observations on eBird by more than 30,000 birdwatchers.
- The report assesses distribution range size, abundance trends over the long term and since 2015, and information from the IUCN Red List to categorize Indian species into Low, Moderate, and High Conservation Priority tiers.
Key Highlights of the Report
- Widespread Decline: Among the species analyzed, 60% of those assessed for long-term trends show decline, while 40% exhibit a decline in current annual trends.
- Raptors and Vultures: Birds consuming vertebrates and carrion, including raptors and vultures, have significantly declined, possibly due to pollutants or prey availability reduction.
- Endemics and Biodiversity Hotspots: Endemic species in the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot have experienced rapid declines over the past decades.
- Positive Outlook: Certain generalist species, exemplified by the Indian peafowl, demonstrate remarkable increases in abundance, with a 150% rise observed over the past decades.
- Conservation Priority: The report classifies species into High, Moderate, and Low Conservation Priority, with 178 species as High Priority, 323 as Moderate, and 441 as Low Priority. Noteworthy species include the Ruddy shelduck, Indian courser, Narcondam hornbill, and Nicobar megapode.
Identified Threats to Bird Species
- The report underscores threats encompassing forest degradation, urbanization, energy infrastructure.
- Birds are highly impacted by environmental pollutants like Nimesulide affecting vulture populations, climate change’s impacts on migratory species, avian diseases, and illegal hunting and trade.
Actions and Research Implications
- Targeted Conservation: The report advocates for the conservation of specific groups, such as grassland specialists that have suffered a more than 50% decline, highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving grassland ecosystems.
- Long-Term Monitoring: The significance of continuous, systematic bird population monitoring is emphasized to comprehend subtle fluctuations in bird numbers.
- In-Depth Research: Further research is needed to understand the causes behind both declines and increases in bird populations.
- Synergy among Policies: The report calls for the harmonization of policies related to river, water, and wasteland development, recognizing the multifaceted role of abundant, widespread bird species.
- Citizen Participation: Citizen Engagement plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation, warranting an essential role in the action plan for bird population and habitat preservation.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Ecological Significance of Northeast India
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Umiam Lake
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- A recent case involving Umiam Lake in Meghalaya highlights the delicate balance between economic growth and ecological preservation in Northeast India.
Umiam Lake
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Umiam Lake and the Environment
- PIL on Cleanliness: The Meghalaya High Court heard a PIL concerning Umiam Lake’s cleanliness, emphasizing the need to protect natural beauty amid development.
- Guidelines Insufficiency: The court noted that the Meghalaya Waterbodies Guidelines did not address the pressing issue of unchecked construction around waterbodies.
Ecological Significance of North East
- Biodiverse Region: Northeast India boasts abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals, and fresh water. It features vital biodiversity hotspots like the Garo-Khasi-Jaintia hills and the Brahmaputra valley.
- Environmental Challenges: Despite being industrially underdeveloped, deforestation, floods, and existing industries threaten the region’s fragile ecosystem.
Legal Framework for Environmental Protection
- Environmental Laws: India has formulated several environmental laws, particularly in the 1980s. Offences against the environment are treated as “public nuisance” under sections of the Indian Penal Code.
- District Council Autonomy: The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution grants District Councils autonomy, limiting state authority over matters like land use. This lack of regulation impacts land preservation around water bodies.
Role of PILs and Judicial Activism
- Environmental Litigation: PILs and judicial activism under Articles 32 and 226 have led to impactful environmental litigation, imposing penalties and guidelines.
- National Green Tribunal: The National Green Tribunal imposed heavy fines on states like Meghalaya and Manipur for illegal mining and improper waste management.
Sustainable Development and Ecology
- Negative List in NEIDS: The North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) incorporates a “Negative List,” excluding entities without compliance with environmental standards from incentives.
- Holistic Policy Approach: The “Act Fast for Northeast” policy should encompass both trade and commerce and the preservation of the environment to achieve balanced development.
- Need for Comprehensive Legislation: A uniform and comprehensive environmental legislation that addresses environmental concerns at all levels of governance is crucial.
Conclusion
- The delicate balance between development and environmental preservation is crucial for Northeast India’s future.
- Sustainable policies, strict enforcement of guidelines, and holistic development approaches are vital to ensure the region’s rich ecology thrives alongside economic growth.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Places in news: Yasuni National Park
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Yasuni National Park
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Ecuadorians made a historic decision by rejecting oil drilling by a referendum in Yasuni National Park, a biodiverse Amazonian region.
About Yasuni National Park
- Yasuni National Park, declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1989, spans 1 million hectares and harbors exceptional biodiversity.
- It is part of the Amazon rainforest, which itself is a global hotspot for species diversity.
- It is situated in the northeastern part of Ecuador, within the Napo and Pastaza provinces.
- It covers an area of approximately 9,820 square km (3,791 square miles).
- The park is considered one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth.
Unique features
- Biodiversity: It is estimated that Yasuni contains around 670 species of birds, over 150 species of amphibians, and numerous large mammals like jaguars, pumas, and tapirs.
- Indigenous Communities: Yasuni is home to several indigenous communities, including the Waorani and Kichwa peoples, who have lived in the area for generations and have a deep connection to the land.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Indian Eagle Owl
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Eagle Owl
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Indian eagle owl was recently classified species distinct from the Eurasian eagle owl.
Indian Eagle-Owl
- The Indian eagle-owl or rock eagle-owl, is a large horned owl species native to hilly and rocky scrub forests in the Indian Subcontinent.
- It is splashed with brown and grey, and has a white throat patch with black small stripes.
- Conservation Status: Least Concerned (IUCN), Appendix II (CITES)
Key features
- Distinct Species: Classified separately from the Eurasian eagle-owl, the Indian eagle-owl stands out with its imposing size, reaching up to two and a half feet in length and six feet in wingspan.
- Nocturnal Secrets: Due to its nocturnal nature, limited knowledge is available about the bird, contributing to its aura of mystery.
- Menacing Appearance: Prominent ear tufts resembling horns may have evolved to deter predators, giving the bird a threatening appearance.
Threats from Superstitions
- In rural India, the bird is considered a bearer of ill omens, and its loud double-hoot calls are linked to superstitions.
- Folklore suggests that when trapped and starved, the Indian eagle-owl could speak in a human voice, foretelling the future of its listeners.
Ecological significance
- The Indian eagle owl’s diet of rodents, including rats and bandicoots, aligns well with open scrublands and agricultural regions, making it beneficial for farmers.
- Owls nesting near agricultural lands have shown higher numbers of healthier owlets due to the abundance of rodents.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Clouded Leopards
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Clouded Leopard
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- International Clouded Leopard Day has been celebrated on 4th August since 2018.
- Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have conducted a study on clouded leopards in Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve in western Assam.
About Clouded Leopard
- The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a wild cat found in dense forests from the foothills of the Himalayas to mainland Southeast Asia and South China.
- It has large dusky-grey blotches and irregular spots and stripes on a dark grey or ochreous fur, resembling clouds, hence its name.
- It is the first cat that genetically diverged from the common ancestor of the pantherine cats around 9.32 to 4.47 million years ago.
- Currently, the clouded leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- It is listed in CITES Appendix I, and protected in most of its range.
Habitat in India
- It inhabits dense forests in states such as Sikkim, northern West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- It is the State animal of Meghalaya (Note: Clouded Leopard National Park is located in Tripura).
Features of Clouded Leopards
- The mainland clouded leopard is agile and strong, often compared to the Ice Age sabretooth due to its large canines.
- It has rotating rear ankles that enable it to climb down headfirst from trees, distinguishing it from other felines.
- The cat has cloud-like spots on its hide, making it easily identifiable.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Cheetah deaths are a setback for the reintroduction project but they do not signal a failure
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cheetahs and other species in news
Mains level: Reintroduction of the Cheetahs in India, significance, conservation challenges and way ahead
What’s the news?
- Tblisi, a female cheetah translocated from Namibia, has died at Kuno National Park. This is the ninth cheetah to die at Kuno, including three of the four cubs born there. With 30% of the 20 translocated cheetahs dead in just over four months, the alarm bells are ringing.
Central idea
- To safeguard our natural heritage, societies endowed with ethics and financial resources often reintroduce locally extinct species to benefit from the ecosystem services they provide. The cheetah’s historical presence in India, its role as an evolutionary force, and its potential as a flagship species for conservation highlight the importance of this reintroduction effort.
Historical Presence of Cheetahs in India
- The historical presence of cheetahs in India can be traced back to ancient times.
- Prehistoric cave paintings, ancient texts, and the Sanskrit origin of the name cheetah provide evidence of its indigenous nature in the Indian subcontinent.
- Recent genetic analysis has also confirmed that the extinct Indian cheetah originated in Persia.
- Several Ethiopian fauna, such as the lion, the striped hyena, honey badger, caracal, and gazelles including the cheetah, are believed to have colonized India through Persia during ancient periods.
Cheetah’s Role as an Evolutionary Force
- Prey Population Control: By chasing and catching its prey, the cheetah naturally removes weak, sick, and young individuals from the population. This process ensures that only the fittest individuals survive, leading to a healthier and stronger prey population.
- Maintaining Biodiversity: As a top carnivore, the cheetah plays a vital role in regulating the population of herbivores, such as the blackbuck, which is its major prey species. By controlling herbivore populations, the cheetah indirectly influences the abundance and distribution of other plant and animal species in the ecosystem, thereby contributing to biodiversity.
- Balancing Ecosystem Dynamics: The cheetah’s presence helps maintain a balance between predator and prey species. This ecological equilibrium is essential for the overall stability and health of the ecosystem.
- Ecosystem Services: Cheetahs, like other top carnivores, provide ecosystem services by influencing the behavior and distribution of their prey species. This, in turn, affects vegetation dynamics and nutrient cycling, contributing to the overall functioning of the ecosystem.
Economic Benefits of Reintroduction
- Ecotourism Revenue: Reintroducing cheetahs can boost ecotourism in the regions where they are present. Tourists from India and around the world are likely to visit these areas to witness the magnificent cheetahs in their natural habitat.
- Employment Opportunities: The growth of ecotourism and wildlife-related activities creates employment opportunities for local residents. Jobs in hospitality, guiding, park management, and conservation efforts can improve the livelihoods of nearby communities.
- Community-Based Ecotourism: The presence of cheetahs can encourage the development of community-based ecotourism initiatives. Local communities can actively participate in tourism ventures, leading to a sense of ownership and empowerment.
- Sharing of Gate Receipts: Revenue generated from ecotourism and wildlife tourism can be shared with nearby buffer zone villages. This revenue-sharing model incentivizes local communities to support and protect the cheetah population, fostering positive attitudes towards conservation.
- Increase in Real Estate Value: Areas surrounding national parks and wildlife reserves with cheetah populations may experience an increase in real estate value due to their proximity to these ecologically significant regions.
- Research and Education Opportunities: The reintroduction of cheetahs presents opportunities for research and educational programs. Institutions and researchers can conduct studies on cheetah behavior, ecology, and conservation, contributing to scientific knowledge and environmental education.
- Wildlife-Based Enterprises: The presence of cheetahs can encourage the development of wildlife-based enterprises, such as handicrafts, souvenirs, and local products, catering to tourists interested in supporting local communities and conservation efforts.
- Positive Perception: Successful reintroduction projects can enhance India’s international image as a country committed to wildlife conservation and ecological restoration. This positive perception can attract international support and collaborations for further conservation initiatives
Challenges in Reintroduction and Conservation
- Mortality Risks: During the reintroduction process, cheetahs may face various mortality risks, such as snaring, attacks by leopards and feral dogs, starvation, disease, and road kills.
- Adaptation to Indian Conditions: The cheetahs being reintroduced are originally from Southern Africa, which has a different climate and photoperiod than India.
- Enclosed Protected Areas: Some cheetahs have experienced management-related deaths within enclosed protected areas, such as cubs dying due to malnourishment and females being killed by males.
- Disease Management: Cheetahs may be susceptible to certain diseases in the Indian environment.
- Genetic Diversity: The reintroduced population may suffer from reduced genetic diversity due to the small number of individuals initially brought in. A lack of genetic diversity can lead to inbreeding depression and hamper the long-term viability of the population.
- Interactions with Livestock: Cheetahs may occasionally prey on livestock, leading to conflicts with local communities.
Way forward
- Scientific Research and Planning: Conduct thorough scientific research to understand the ecological requirements of cheetahs, their prey species, and the potential habitats for reintroduction. Develop a detailed plan that addresses the challenges, risks, and opportunities involved in the reintroduction process.
- Habitat Restoration and Protection: Identify and restore suitable habitats for cheetahs, ensuring sufficient prey availability and minimizing human-wildlife conflicts. Implement measures to protect these habitats from further fragmentation and encroachment.
- Disease Management: Implement disease surveillance and management protocols to monitor the health of reintroduced cheetahs and prevent the spread of diseases to other wildlife and domestic animals.
- Genetic Diversity: Ensure genetic diversity among the reintroduced cheetah population by carefully selecting individuals from different sources and considering genetic health in the reintroduction process.
- International Collaboration: Foster collaboration with other countries, such as Namibia and South Africa, from where the cheetahs are sourced, to ensure the welfare and continued support for the reintroduced cheetahs.
- Public Awareness: Raise public awareness about the importance of cheetah conservation and the ecological role of these majestic animals. Educate people about the benefits of coexisting with cheetahs and supporting their reintroduction.
Conclusion
- Reintroducing cheetahs to India is a crucial step towards ecological security. With continued efforts, support from the government, and active involvement of local communities, the cheetah’s return to the Indian landscape can become a symbol of successful conservation and sustainability.
Also read:
Radio collars are killing the cheetahs in Kuno. Here is how — and why
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Experts laud Centre’s move to ban aceclofenac, ketoprofen
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Species of vultures
Mains level: Role of vultures in the ecosystem, threats to vulture population and conservation efforts,
What’s the news?
- The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of ketoprofen and aceclofenac and their formulations for animal use under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of 40) in a notification dated July 31, 2023
Central idea
- Experts dedicated to vulture conservation have warmly welcomed this initiative, recognizing it as a game changer for India’s beleaguered vulture population. However, the true test lies in the effective implementation of the ban, while the experts also advocate for extending similar protective measures to other raptors (birds of prey).
What are Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac?
- Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and alleviate fever. They belong to the same class of medications, but have slight differences in their chemical structures and properties.
Background
- In the 1990s, India witnessed a sharp decline in its vulture populations due to the use of diclofenac, a pain reliever administered to cattle.
- Vultures feeding on cattle carcasses ingested the drug, leading to their painful deaths.
- The alarming revelation in 2004 showed that 97% of the vulture population had been lost, primarily affecting species like oriental white-backed vultures, long-billed vultures, and slender-billed vultures.
The Vulture Recovery Plan
- In response to the crisis, the Indian government and various agencies formulated a Vulture Recovery Plan in 2004.
- The plan aimed to ban the veterinary use of diclofenac, find safer substitutes, and establish conservation breeding centers for vultures.
- Since vultures are slow breeders and have long lifespans, any increase in the annual mortality rate above 5% could threaten their survival.
- In 2006, the use of diclofenac as a veterinary drug was banned and later gazetted in 2008.
- The ban prompted the recommendation to use the safer drug, meloxicam, as an alternative.
- Despite this progress, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ketoprofen and aceclofenac, still pose a threat to vultures.
Threats posed by Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac to vultures
- Conversion to Toxic Metabolites: When cattle or other livestock are treated with ketoprofen or aceclofenac, these drugs can be metabolized and converted into toxic compounds, such as diclofenac. Diclofenac is extremely harmful to vultures and can cause kidney failure and death when they consume the carcasses of treated animals.
- Slow Metabolism in Vultures: Vultures have a slow metabolism compared to other birds, which makes them more susceptible to the harmful effects of these drugs. The accumulation of toxic metabolites in their bodies over time can lead to severe health issues and fatalities.
- Scavenging Behavior: Vultures are obligate scavengers, meaning they primarily feed on carrion (dead animals). However, this scavenging behavior makes them highly vulnerable to ingesting contaminated animal remains.
Challenges in Implementation
- Conflicting Situations on the Ground: One of the key challenges in implementing the ban is the presence of conflicting situations on the ground. While many experts and organizations support the ban to protect vultures, there may be opposing views from stakeholders who have vested interests in the use of these drugs.
- Role of State and Central Governments: While the ban decision comes from the central government, it is essential to observe how the state and central governments collaborate to enforce the prohibition effectively.
- Immediate Implementation and Awareness: The ban has been introduced without a specified date for implementation, making it an immediate measure. This calls for swift action from state authorities and relevant agencies to ensure that the ban is followed promptly.
- Potential Opposition to the Ban: Given the significance of livestock and agriculture in India, there may be opposition to the ban from certain quarters, who rely on the use of Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac for animal treatment.
- Extending Safety Measures to Other Raptors: Ensuring the safety of drugs for other raptors might require additional research and testing to understand potential risks and adverse effects on these birds.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Enforcement: Collaborate closely between state and central governments to ensure effective enforcement of the ban. Implement regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance to deter violations.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate veterinarians, farmers, drug suppliers, and the public about the ban’s importance for vulture conservation.
- Monitor and Evaluate Impact: Set up a robust monitoring system to assess the ban’s effectiveness in curbing drug usage and its impact on vulture populations.
- Research and Safe Alternatives: Explore safer alternatives to Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac for veterinary use that do not harm vultures or the environment.
- Extend Safety Measures to Other Raptors: Conduct studies to determine the safety of drugs for other raptor species and consider their conservation needs in regulatory measures.
- International Collaboration: Engage in international collaborations to share knowledge and experiences in vulture conservation and protect these birds globally
Conclusion
- The ban on ketoprofen and aceclofenac marks a positive development in vulture conservation efforts in India. To ensure success, immediate action is required, and public awareness should be raised. The collective efforts of the government, experts, and stakeholders are essential to safeguard India’s vultures and preserve their ecological importance
Also read:
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Captive breeding of Himalayan Vultures achieved
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Himalayan Vulture
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In a remarkable achievement for conservation efforts, researchers have successfully recorded the first instance of captive breeding of the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in India.
About Himalayan Vultures |
|
Scientific Name | Gyps himalayensis |
Range and Habitat | Found in the Himalayan region and adjoining areas of India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. Inhabit high-altitude mountainous regions. |
Feeding Habits | Scavengers that feed on carrion, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases. |
Conservation Status | Near Threatened (IUCN)
Schedule-IV (WPA) |
Breeding Behavior | Build nests on cliffs and rocky ledges. Monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. |
Cultural Significance | Hold cultural and religious importance in some Himalayan cultures as symbols of purification and spiritual significance. |
Details of the Breeding Process
- Date and Nestling: The successful hatching of a Himalayan vulture nestling was observed on March 14, 2022, at the Assam State Zoo, Guwahati. The nestling was later moved to an artificial brooding facility on March 15.
- Observations: Researchers closely observed the housing, feeding, frequency of feed, and the growth and coloration of the nestling.
- Vulture Conservation Breeding Centers: India has established four Vulture Conservation Breeding Centers (VCBC) in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal. These centers focus on conserving White-rumped vultures, Slender-billed vultures, and Indian vultures, all of which are categorized as ‘Critically Endangered.’
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Radio collars are killing the cheetahs in Kuno. Here is how — and why
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project Cheetah, Cheetah- characteristics and conservation status
Mains level: Project cheetah, Significance of cheetahs reintroduction, conservation failures and way forward
What’s the news?
- Till now, eight translocated cheetahs at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP) have died.
Central idea
- The recent deaths of two cheetahs in Kuno due to suspected septicaemia from festering neck wounds caused by radio collars have raised concerns about the reintroduction project. Similar injuries have been observed in three other cheetahs. This unexpected setback has puzzled experts familiar with the routine use of collars for monitoring and research purposes in both India and Africa.
What are collars on animals?
- Collars on animals refer to devices worn around the neck or attached to the neck area of an animal. These collars serve various purposes depending on the specific context and the type of animal involved.
What are Radio Collars used on Cheetahs?
- Radio collars are like tracking collars which utilizes radio signals for monitoring animals.
- They are commonly used in wildlife research to gather information about animal movements, home ranges, and social interactions.
- Radio collars can provide valuable insights into the behaviour and ecology of animals in the wild.
The Problem with Collars
- Carrying a device on the body for an extended period can have adverse effects.
- A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research highlighted the higher presence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the wrists of watch wearers, which can lead to sepsis or death.
- Similarly, domestic dogs often develop acute moist dermatitis or hot spots under collars, worsened by tick or flea bites.
- Moreover, tight-fitting collars can cause pressure necrosis and hair loss around the neck, resembling bedsores
Factors Influencing Vulnerability of Cheetahs in Kuno
- Cheetahs possess a furrier winter coat compared to tigers or leopards, which retains more water and takes longer to dry.
- This prolonged moisture exposure weakens the skin over time.
- A study criticized the 3% collar weight rule for not considering animal athleticism.
- Accelerometer-based research revealed that collars exert forces on cheetahs during movement equivalent to up to 18 times the collar’s weight.
- This weight burden, particularly on a wet coat, may have adverse effects on cheetahs during high-speed sprints.
- Cheetahs may be vulnerable to local pathogens to which Indian tigers and leopards are immune.
- Alternatively, the cheetahs might have carried dormant pathogens that thrived under new conditions, given their weakened immunity due to stress
What needs to be done?
- An immediate action is to track, immobilize, and evaluate all cheetahs for neck injuries caused by the radio collars.
- Reevaluating the use of radio collars and exploring collar modifications or alternatives.
- Developing lighter collars and ensuring proper fitting to minimize the risk of collar-induced injuries.
- Non-invasive tracking methods that do not require collars could be explored.
- Providing appropriate veterinary care and treatment
- Understand and identify the specific pathogens causing collar-induced infections in the cheetahs of Kuno
- Collaboration among wildlife biologists, veterinarians, researchers, and conservationists is crucial. Consultation and sharing knowledge and experiences.
FYI: Some common types of collars used on animals
- Identification Collars: Collars with tags or labels are often used on domestic pets such as dogs and cats for identification purposes.
- Tracking Collars: Tracking collars are commonly used in wildlife research and conservation Equipped with GPS or radio transmitters – monitor movement and behavior of animals.
- Electric Fencing Collars: To train livestock and other animals to avoid crossing designated boundaries. Electric fencing systems and deliver a mild electric shock
- Training Collars: Training collars, also known as e-collars or shock collars, are used in dog training to aid in obedience training or behavior correction- mild electrical stimulation or vibrations to reinforce desired actions
Conclusion
- The recent collar-induced injuries and deaths of cheetahs in Kuno have posed a significant challenge to the reintroduction project. It is crucial to address the issues to ensure the success and well-being of the cheetahs. However, finding a solution that balances collar use with the cheetahs’ safety and health remains a complex task.
Also read: The impact of cheetahs on India’s grasslands
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Atlantic Menhaden
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Atlantic Menhaden
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Researchers have discovered that the population of ospreys, a fish-eating bird, is facing a decline due to the decreasing numbers of Atlantic menhaden, their primary food source.
- The depletion of menhaden, a small silvery fish, is attributed to commercial fishing practices.
- The decline in osprey reproduction reflects the broader ecological impact of reduced menhaden numbers.
About Atlantic Menhaden
- Atlantic menhaden, scientifically known as Brevoortia tyrannus, is a species of fish belonging to the Clupeidae family.
- They are commonly found along the Atlantic coast of North America, ranging from Florida to Nova Scotia.
- Atlantic menhaden play a vital ecological role and have significant commercial and ecological importance.
Importance of Atlantic Menhaden
- Role in Coastal Ecosystem: Menhaden play a crucial role in the ecology of coastal waters along the Eastern Seaboard, providing sustenance for larger fish, marine mammals, and birds.
- Nutrient-Rich and Filtering Capacity: Menhaden are nutrient-rich, containing omega-3 fatty acids, and they filter substantial quantities of ocean water while consuming smaller organisms like plankton.
Commercial Fishing Impact
- Increased Catch Allowance: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission raised the allowable catch of menhaden to 233,550 metric tons for the next two years, a 20% increase from previous years.
- Fishery Quota: The commission maintained a quota of 51,000 metric tons for the Chesapeake Bay’s reduction fishery, where menhaden are used for bait and fish products.
- Ecological Concerns: Critics argue that the removal of significant menhaden quantities is degrading the ecosystem, negatively affecting species like ospreys and striped bass that rely on menhaden.
Low Reproductive Numbers and Menhaden Depletion
- In mid-June, researchers found only three young ospreys out of 84 nests checked in Mobjack Bay, part of the Chesapeake Bay.
- Scientists at the College of William & Mary, monitoring the local osprey population for over 50 years, recorded the lowest reproductive number.
- The decline in breeding success is attributed to the depletion of Atlantic menhaden, the osprey’s primary food source.
Lawsuit and Ecosystem Protection
- Recreational Fishermen Lawsuit: A group of recreational fishermen from Maryland sued the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, claiming it contributed to the menhaden decline by endorsing quotas that harm fish populations and the recreational fishing industry.
- Commercial Fishing Practices: Critics highlight the negative impact of industrial techniques used by companies like Omega Protein, which catch menhaden in unsustainable quantities, contributing to the decline of other species and damaging ecosystems.
- Restoring Menhaden Stocks: Non-profit organizations advocate for rebuilding menhaden populations along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Positive Signs beyond Chesapeake Bay
- Menhaden Recovery: Outside the Chesapeake Bay, menhaden populations have increased since the Atlantic commission took measures to address overfishing in 2012, leading to a recovery of the fish population within two years.
- Ecological Impact: The recovery of menhaden populations has brought back various predators such as humpback whales, tuna, sharks, and bald eagles off the coasts of New York and New Jersey.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
What is Ambergris?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ambergris
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The discovery of a sperm whale carcass on the shore of the Canary Island of La Palma has led to an extraordinary find.
- During the post-mortem examination, a pathologist found ambergris, a highly valuable substance often referred to as “floating gold,” stuck in the whale’s colon.
- The estimated worth of the retrieved lump of ambergris is around €500,000 (Rs 4,47,62,500).
What is Ambergris?
- Origin: Ambergris is a waxy substance formed in the digestive system of protected sperm whales.
- Formation: One theory suggests that ambergris is produced in the gastrointestinal tract of sperm whales to aid the passage of hard objects ingested during feeding.
- Appearance and Odour: Freshly passed ambergris is light yellowish and fatty, but it ages and turns waxy, taking on red-brownish colors. It possesses a mild, earthy, sweet smell with hints of marine odor.
Uses and Rarity of Ambergris
- Perfume Industry: Traditionally, ambergris is used in the production of perfumes, adding a musky note.
- Historical Uses: In the past, ambergris was utilized to flavor food, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco in certain cultures.
- Rarity and Value: Ambergris is a scarce substance, contributing to its high demand and significant price in the international market.
Legal Restrictions in India
- Wildlife Protection Act: Sperm whales, the source of ambergris, are a protected species under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act in India.
- Illegal Possession and Trade: The possession and trade of ambergris and its by-products, including in India, are prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
- Smuggling and Trade Routes: Smuggling networks involved in ambergris trade often procure the substance from coastal areas in India and transport it through countries with comparatively less stringent sea trade regulations.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Diversity for Restoration (D4R) Tool
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: D4R Tool
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool, has been modified to adapt to the Indian context by researchers from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).
- The tool aims to support restoration programs in India by improving decision-making and promoting sustainable development.
What is D4R tool?
- The Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool is a tool developed by Bioversity International.
- It is designed to assist in promoting effective agroforestry and ecosystem restoration.
- The tool aims to improve decision-making in restoration programs by providing information on tree species selection and their ecological benefits.
Key features and functions of the D4R
- Species Identification: Helping users identify tree species that align with their restoration objectives.
- Geographic Suitability: Assisting in determining which plant species are best suited for specific geographic locations.
- Resilience and Adaptation: Identifying species that can withstand local stresses and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
- Seed Procurement: Providing information on areas and regions to obtain seeds for the required species.
- Plant Functional Traits: Incorporating information on economic and ecological uses of tree species to guide selection.
- Habitat Suitability Modeling: Predicting suitable habitats for specific tree species based on present and future climate scenarios.
- Comprehensive Information: Providing details on commercial benefits, physiological resilience, windbreaking capabilities, nitrogen-fixing, and pollinator support of tree species.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Places in news: Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Debrigarh, a wildlife sanctuary in Odisha’s Bargarh district, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming completely free of any human settlement.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Geographic Position: The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bargarh district of Odisha, near the city of Sambalpur and adjacent to the Hirakud Dam.
- Total Area: The sanctuary spans a total area of 346.91 km2, providing ample space for the preservation of wildlife and their natural habitats.
- Flora and Fauna: The sanctuary boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 40 species of mammals, 200 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, 12 species of amphibians, 42 species of fishes, 39 species of odonates, 85 species of butterflies, and 38 species of spiders.
- Aquatic Biodiversity: The sanctuary’s unique feature is its support for both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. The presence of the Hirakud reservoir contributes to the sanctuary’s appeal, attracting numerous migratory waterfowl during winter.
- Medicinal flora: The sanctuary is home to over 250 plant species, many of which hold significant ethnobotanical and medicinal value.
Why in news?
- Peaceful rehabilitation: Debrigarh stands out as one of the few wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha where human settlements have been completely removed.
- Voluntary Relocation: The relocation of 400 families was carried out through a series of consultations, without the use of force.
- Exceptional Cases: Debrigarh joins Nalabana Bird Sanctuary in Chilika Lake as an exceptional example of wildlife sanctuaries without permanent human settlements.
Positive Impact on Wildlife Conservation
- Reduction in Conflict: The relocation has immediately resulted in a tangible drop in man-wildlife conflicts within the 353.81 sq. km Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary.
- Tiger Incursion Example: The sanctuary’s inviolability was recently demonstrated when a tiger from neighboring Chhattisgarh crossed over into Debrigarh.
- Preservation of Habitat: Removing human settlements from critical wildlife sanctuaries ensures the preservation and protection of biodiversity.
Benefits to Villagers and Sanctuary
- Improved Living Conditions: The relocation was necessary as the villagers lacked access to basic facilities such as electricity, healthcare, and education.
- Compensation: Each eligible family received ₹15 lahks as compensation for their voluntary relocation, ensuring their well-being in new settlements.
- Win-Win Situation: The relocation serves the interests of both the villagers, who gain access to better facilities, and the sanctuary, which is now free from human settlements.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Is Project Cheetah failing?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project Cheetah
Mains level: Translocation of wildlife, Issues and challenges
Following the death of three cheetah cubs this week, the Centre has appointed a new steering committee, comprising national and international experts, to oversee the implementation of Project Cheetah.
What is Project Cheetah?
- After being reported extinct in India for seven decades, the cheetah is set to make a comeback through ‘Project Cheetah’.
- The Government of India reintroduced eight African cheetahs, consisting of five females and three males, at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
Origin and Approval of Project Cheetah
- Project Cheetah received approval from the Supreme Court of India in January 2020 as a pilot program to reintroduce the cheetah species to the country.
- The initiative was first proposed in 2009 by Indian conservationists in collaboration with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), a non-profit organization headquartered in Namibia.
- The CCF is dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of cheetahs in their natural habitats.
Chronology of events
- Medieval times: During the Mughal Period, they were extensively used for hunting, and Emperor Akbar owned a menagerie of 1,000 cheetahs. Various states in Central India, particularly Gwalior, had cheetahs for a long time.
- 1947: The country’s last three surviving cheetahs were shot by Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh, the ruler of a small princely state in Chhattisgarh. India’s last spotted cheetah died in the Sal forests of Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district in 1948, leading to the animal’s official extinction in India in 1952.
- 1970s: The first concrete efforts to reintroduce the cheetah began in the 1970s during talks with Iran’s Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlavi. The plan involved swapping India’s Asiatic lions for Iran’s Asiatic cheetahs.
- 2009: Another attempt was made to acquire Iranian cheetahs, but it was unsuccessful as Iran did not permit the cloning or export of its cheetahs.
- 2012: The reintroduction project was halted in 2012 when the Supreme Court ordered a stay on it.
- 2020: In 2020, South African experts surveyed four potential reintroduction sites: Kuno-Palpur, Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Madhav National Park.
Basis of recent translocation
- Coexistence approach: India’s approach is unique as it aims to reintroduce the cheetah in an unfenced protected area using a coexistence approach.
- Fenced protection: Fencing has been successful in other countries but limits population growth and range.
- Perfect breeding area selection: Kuno NP’s core conservation area is largely free of human-made threats.
Various challenges
- Retaliatory killing: Anthropogenic threats like snaring for bush meat and retaliatory killings pose risks to the cheetahs.
- Fencing issues: Maintaining cheetahs and their prey base in an enclosure is considered impossible.
- Habitation stress: Captivity and changes in habitat induce anxiety and stress, hindering reproduction.
- Acclimatization issues: The climate, prey species, and overall conditions in Kuno forest may not stimulate mating and reproduction.
- Prolonged captivity: Concerns are raised about the prolonged captivity of cheetahs before translocation, which may have increased stress and vulnerability.
Is the project a failure?
(1) Understanding adaptation challenges
- The deaths among cheetahs must be considered in light of their natural lifespan and the difficulties they face in adapting to Indian conditions.
- Daksha, a female cheetah, died from injuries sustained during a violent mating attempt by two males, which aligns with known predator behavior.
(2) Immediate assessment is an absurdity
- The success of wildlife breeding programs is not an overnight phenomena. It is premature to judge at this juncture.
- The increase in lion and tiger populations in Gir, Gujarat also took sustained efforts over decades.
(3) Complexities and Publicity of the Project
- The cheetahs’ arrival in India followed extensive government planning, Supreme Court hearings, negotiations with multiple countries, logistical challenges, and the PM’s involvement.
- The project received significant publicity. This necessarily doesn’t mean that the PM has a Midas touch.
Conclusion
- The relocation program is considered an experiment, and every death and birth should not be seen as a definitive success or failure.
- However, clear criteria and timelines must be established for project managers to determine if adjustments are necessary.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Private: Kishtwar High Altitude National Park
Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Olive Ridley Turtles
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Olive RIdley Turtles
Mains level: NA
Millions of baby Olive Ridley Turtles crawled towards the Bay of Bengal after emerging from eggshells along Odisha’s Rushikulyabeach in the Ganjam district.
Olive Ridley Turtles
Description | |
Scientific name | Lepidochelys olivacea |
Habitat | Warm and tropical waters |
Found in | Pacific and Indian Oceans |
Nesting sites | Rushikulya rookery in Odisha |
Largest mass nesting site | Coast of Odisha in India |
Conservation status | Vulnerable in IUCN Red List |
Listed in | Schedule 1 in Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 |
Special feature: Mass nesting
Notable behavior | Arribadas |
Nesting habits | Synchronized mass nesting and return to the same beach where they hatched |
Nest structure | Conical nests about one and a half feet deep, dug with hind flippers |
Incubation period | 45 to 60 days, influenced by temperature of the sand and atmosphere |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
India’s first Mangrove Pitta Birds Census conducted in Odisha
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mangrove Pitta Bird
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The article talks about the first-ever census of mangrove pitta birds conducted in two coastal districts of Odisha, India.
About Mangrove Pitta
- The mangrove pitta (Pitta megarhyncha) belongs to the family of pittas, the Pittidae.
- The mangrove pitta species is distributed in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
- These pitta species have fragmented distribution and considered ‘Near Threatened’ by IUCN. These pittas are monotypic species.
Focus of the Census
- In this census, a total of 179 individual mangrove pitta birds were counted.
- The census mainly focused on the mangrove patches along the coasts of Kendrapara and Jagatsingpur districts.
- Information was collected on the distribution, habitat, and breeding of mangrove pittas along the coastal mangroves.
- The census was carried out by point count method, either by walking in the forest or using country boats in the creeks.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Fernarium at Eravikulam National Park
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ferns, ENP
Mains level: NA
Eravikulam National Park, located in Munnar, India, is known for its natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, and has recently introduced a new attraction – a Fernarium.
What are Ferns?
- Ferns are a type of vascular plant that reproduces via spores, rather than seeds.
- They have distinctive leaves, called fronds, which are often intricately divided into smaller leaflets.
- Ferns can grow in a wide variety of environments, from rainforests to deserts, and they play an important role in many ecosystems as a habitat for animals, as well as by providing food and shelter for a variety of other plants.
Importance of Ferns
- Ferns are ecological indicators of healthy forests, and the climatic conditions inside the park are suitable for growing ferns.
- Ferns are part of the Epiphytic family and grow naturally in soilless conditions.
- They obtain water and nutrients through leaching from trees, and a large number of ferns are found on trees inside the park.
Fernarium @ Eravikulam
- The Fernarium is a collection of ferns and it is the first of its kind in Munnar.
- Currently, 52 varieties of ferns have been planted, and the plan is to cover all 104 varieties that are found in the park.
- This initiative aims to provide visitors with awareness about the biodiversity of the park.
Back2Basics: Eravikulam National Park
Location | Perched 7000 ft. above sea level, the Park was a former hunting preserve of British planters |
Designation | Declared a Sanctuary in 1975, and a National Park in 1978 |
Significance | Protects the highly endangered mountain goat, Nilgiri Tahr, and is the land of the Neelakurinji flower that blooms once in twelve years |
Extent | Covers an area of 97 sq. km of rolling grasslands and high-level sholas |
Climate | Receives heavy showers during the southwest (June/July) and retreating (October/November) Monsoons; one of the wettest areas in the world |
Topography | Undulating terrain with grass, hillocks, and sholas; highest peak south of the Himalayas, the Anamudi, is located here |
Vegetation | Majorly covered with rolling grasslands, with several patches of shola forests; important flora includes Actinodaphne bourdilloni, Microtropis ramiflora, Strobilanthus Kunthianus (Neela Kurinji), etc. |
Wildlife Population | 29 species of mammals, including the endemic Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Tiger, Leopard, Giant Squirrel, and wild dog; 140 species of birds, including 10 unique to the Western Ghats; more than 100 varieties of butterflies and 20 species of amphibians are also recorded here. |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
What is the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CITES, WPA Act
Mains level: Not Much
A person in UP was booked under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, for “illegally” keeping and nursing an injured Sarus crane (Grus Antigone) he found in his village.
About Sarus
- The Sarus crane is usually found in wetlands and is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh.
- Standing at 152-156 centimetres, it is the world’s tallest flying bird.
What is Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972?
- WPA provides for the protection of the country’s wild animals, birds and plant species, in order to ensure environmental and ecological security.
- It provides for the protection of a listed species of animals, birds and plants, and also for the establishment of a network of ecologically-important protected areas in the country.
- It provides for various types of protected areas such as Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks etc.
There are six schedules provided in the WPA for the protection of wildlife species which can be concisely summarized as under:
Schedule I: | These species need rigorous protection and therefore, the harshest penalties for violation of the law are for species under this Schedule. |
Schedule II: | Animals under this list are accorded high protection. They cannot be hunted except under threat to human life. |
Schedule III & IV: | This list is for species that are not endangered. This includes protected species but the penalty for any violation is less compared to the first two schedules. |
Schedule V: | This schedule contains animals which can be hunted. |
Schedule VI: | This list contains plants that are forbidden from cultivation. |
What is the law on animals and birds under Schedule IV?
- Species mentioned under Schedules III and IV relate to the prohibition on dealings in trophy and animal articles without a license, purchase of animals by a licensee, and restriction on transportation of wildlife.
- Section 48 of the Act specifically states that any wild animal or animal article can be transported only after obtaining permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden or any other officer authorised by the state.
- Section 44 provides for issuing licenses to taxidermists, eating houses (hotels or restaurants), and dealers in animal articles, preserved animal parts or trophies, uncured trophies (whole or any unpreserved part of an animal), captive animals, and snake venom of such species.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Reintroduction of Cheetahs and Its Potential Impact
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cheetah- characteristics and conservation status
Mains level: Reintroduction of species and Its Overall Impact
Central Idea
- India has embarked on a conservation plan to reintroduce the cheetah into the country, with the aim of establishing a self-sustaining population at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park. The initiative has translocated eight African cheetahs from Namibia and 12 from South Africa since September 2022. Can this initiative succeed in helping India’s grasslands?
Know about Cheetahs
- Appearance: Cheetahs have a distinctive appearance, with a slender, muscular body, long legs, and a spotted coat. They have black tear marks on their faces that help to protect their eyes from the sun’s glare.
- Speed: Cheetahs are the fastest land animals in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour in short bursts.
- Diet: Cheetahs are obligate carnivores and typically hunt during the day.
- Conservation status: Cheetahs are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with an estimated population of less than 7,000 individuals in the wild. Their numbers have declined due to habitat loss, hunting, and other threats, and they are at risk of extinction in many parts of their range.
- Reproduction: Cheetahs have a relatively low genetic diversity, which makes them more vulnerable to disease and other threats.
Cheetah reintroduction plan
- The plan is to introduce roughly 20 cheetahs annually for the next 8-10 years, and the goal is to establish a population of 21 adults in Kuno National Park in 15 years.
- The larger habitat of 3,000-5,000 sq km, which is larger than the 748 sq km where the cheetahs are based, could accommodate up to 40 cheetahs.
The impact of cheetahs on India’s grasslands: Illustration
- Regulate herbivore populations: Cheetahs are predators that primarily hunt herbivores such as antelopes, gazelles, and other small to medium-sized ungulates. By preying on these herbivores, cheetahs can help regulate their populations, preventing them from overgrazing and causing damage to the grasslands.
- Increase biodiversity: The presence of cheetahs in the grasslands is expected to increase biodiversity by creating a more balanced ecosystem. By regulating the populations of herbivores, cheetahs can prevent certain species from dominating the ecosystem, allowing other species to thrive.
- Promote grassland health: Overgrazing by herbivores can damage the grasslands, leading to soil erosion and other ecological problems. By regulating herbivore populations, cheetahs can help maintain the health of the grasslands, ensuring that they continue to provide important ecosystem services.
- Ecotourism: The presence of cheetahs in India’s grasslands could also boost ecotourism in the region, providing economic benefits to local communities.
- Challenges: However, there are also potential challenges associated with the reintroduction of cheetahs to India’s grasslands, such as competition with other predators and potential conflicts with human activities.
The impact of cheetahs on India’s grasslands: Opinion
- Reintroduction programme can improve India’s grasslands: Cheetahs indicate the overall wellness of open areas, meadows, and grasslands because they need these habitats to survive. The health of the cheetah population can, therefore, be an indicator of the health of the grasslands.
- Opinion in contrast: Some expert disagrees and argues that restoring open natural ecosystems, including grasslands, should begin by addressing the problems that led to their degradation and decline. The arrival of the cheetahs will not save India’s grasslands, and there are already issues, such as large tracts of open natural ecosystems being categorised as wasteland and granted to renewable energy projects, including solar panels.
Example: Reintroduction of species contributing to the development of a larger ecosystem:
- Project Tiger in India: The project started with nine reserves and now has 53 reserves making up 2.3% of the country’s geographical area. Scientists worked to establish source and sink dynamics and the concept of how exclusively investing in an umbrella can bring in a compelling, inclusive engagement with people and areas beyond.
- Wolves in Yellowstone national park, US: The reintroduction of wolves and beavers in the Yellowstone ecosystem in the US as a global example based on solid science. The presence of wolves helped to control the population of elk, which had been overgrazing and damaging the park’s vegetation. As a result, the vegetation began to recover, which in turn led to increases in other species such as beavers, songbirds, and fish.
FYI: Impact of the Project Tiger
- Project Tiger was launched by the Government of India in 1973, has made a significant impact on tiger conservation and the ecosystem in India.
- Increase in tiger population: Project Tiger has been successful in increasing the tiger population in India. The latest tiger census conducted in 2018 estimated that there were around 2,967 tigers in India, an increase from the previous census in 2014 which estimated the population to be around 2,226.
- Restoration of degraded ecosystems: The conservation efforts under Project Tiger have also helped to restore degraded ecosystems. For example, in the Sariska Tiger Reserve, efforts have been made to restore degraded grasslands and create water sources, which has resulted in the return of several species that were previously absent.
- Expansion of tiger habitat: The project has also helped to expand the habitat available to tigers in India. The creation of new protected areas and improved management of existing ones has resulted in an increase in the area of tiger reserves from 9 to 51, covering an area of more than 71,000 square kilometers.
- Protection of other species: The conservation efforts under Project Tiger have had a positive impact on other species in the ecosystem as well. The protection of tiger habitats has helped to conserve a wide range of flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, and various bird species.
- Reduction in human-wildlife conflict: The conservation efforts under Project Tiger have helped to reduce human-wildlife conflict by providing alternative livelihoods and increasing awareness about conservation among local communities. This has helped to reduce retaliatory killings of tigers and other wildlife
- Challenges: Despite the success of Project Tiger, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed. Poaching, habitat loss, and human-tiger conflict remain significant threats to tiger populations in India.
Remarks: The success of the translocation exercise
- According to the experts it took two and a half to three years for tigers to acclimate to Indian conditions in Sariska.
- In cheetah project, they expect it to take longer since cheetahs are coursers that require large tracts of terrain.
- While others believes that a clear picture of success will emerge when the animals not only survive but start reproducing, leading to a self-sustaining population.
Conclusion
- The reintroduction of cheetahs to India can help establish a self-sustaining population and contribute to the global survival of the species. However, it remains to be seen if they can successfully acclimate to Indian conditions and if they will have a significant impact on India’s grasslands. Nevertheless, the initiative highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the need to address the root causes of environmental degradation.
Mains Question
Q. What is the significance of India’s cheetah reintroduction plan, and can it help improve the country’s grasslands? Illustrate
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Yellowstone NP celebrates its 151st anniversary
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Yellowstone NP
Mains level: Not Much
Yellowstone National Park, which celebrated its 151st anniversary earlier this week, is widely considered to be the first national park in the world.
Yellowstone National Park
- It is a large protected area located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, although it also extends into Montana and Idaho.
- It was established in 1872 and is widely considered to be the first national park in the world.
- It spans an area of over 9,000 sq. km comprising lakes, canyons, rivers, iconic geothermal features such as the Old Faithful geyser, and mountain ranges.
Some key features and attractions of Yellowstone National Park include:
- Geothermal features: Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and steam vents. The most famous of these is Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts on a regular schedule.
- Wildlife: Yellowstone is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, and moose. Visitors can see these animals in their natural habitats throughout the park.
- Scenic drives: The park has several scenic drives, including the Grand Loop Road, which takes visitors to many of the park’s major attractions.
- Fishing: The park has many rivers and lakes that offer excellent fishing opportunities, including the Yellowstone River.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
World Wildlife Day- 2023: 50 years of the CITES
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CITES, its appendices
Mains level: Read the attached story
March 3 marks the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.
Why is World Wildlife Day marked?
- March 3 marks the anniversary of CITES’ establishment.
- CITES is considered a landmark agreement on conservation that focuses on ensuring the sustainability of endangered species.
- In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 3 as the UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of protecting the world’s wild animals and plants.
- This was as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973 on this day.
What is the CITES?
- CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
- It is as an international agreement aimed at ensuring “that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival”.
- It was drafted after a resolution was adopted at a meeting of the members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1963.
- It entered into force on July 1, 1975, and now has 183 parties.
- The Convention is legally binding on the Parties in the sense that they are committed to implementing it; however, it does not take the place of national laws.
- India is a signatory to and has also ratified CITES convention in 1976.
CITES Appendices
- CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls.
- All import, export, re-exports and introduction from the sea of species covered by the convention has to be authorized through a licensing system.
- It has three appendices:
- Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade-in specimens of these species are permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
- Appendix II provides a lower level of protection.
- Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling trade.
A critical assessment
- Having wildlife allowed to be traded further legitimises their movement and increases the possibility of their illegal trade.
- Nearly two-thirds of cases, CITES protections lag after a species is determined to be threatened by international trade a/c to NatGeo.
- For example, while pangolins were finally added to Appendix I in 2017, an estimated million were trafficked between 2000 and 2013.
- Its laxity has been questioned, on matters such as the ivory trade being allowed at times despite the convention banning it in 1989.
Conclusion
- CITES needs to evolve to address new challenges and work more closely with other international agreements and initiatives.
- There is a need of continued efforts to protect wildlife and biodiversity and the need for international cooperation and collaboration to achieve this goal.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Underwater noise emissions pose threat to Indian Marine species: Study
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNE
Mains level: Noise Pollution
Central idea: The rising man-made (anthropogenic) underwater noise emissions (UNE) from ships in the Indian waters are posing a threat to the life of marine mammals like Bottlenose Dolphin, Manatees, Pilot Whale, Seal, and Sperm Whale.
What is Underwater Noise Emissions (UNE)?
- Underwater noise emissions (UNE) refer to sounds that are produced underwater as a result of various human activities such as shipping, oil and gas exploration, military sonar, and construction.
- UNE can have a significant impact on marine life, as many marine animals rely on sound for communication, navigation, and foraging.
- Excessive underwater noise can interfere with these activities, and can even cause physical harm to marine animals in some cases.
- As a result, there is growing concerned about the potential impact of UNE on marine ecosystems, and efforts are being made to better understand and mitigate these impacts.
UNE and marine life
- Impacts behavioural aspects: The main form of energy for multiple behavioural activities of marine mammals, which include mating, communal interaction, feeding, cluster cohesion and foraging, is based on sound.
- Threats posed by UNE: The sound that radiates from ships on a long-term basis affects them and results in internal injuries, loss of hearing ability, change in behavioural responses, masking, and stress.
Key findings about Indian waters
- Continuous shipping movement is identified to be a major contributor to the increase in the global ocean noise level.
- The UNE or underwater sound pressure levels in the Indian waters are 102-115 decibels, relative to one microPascal (dB re 1µ Pa).
- The East Coast level is slightly higher than that of the West, where there is an increase by a significant value of about 20 dB re 1µPa.
- “The frequencies of ships’ underwater self-noise and machinery vibration levels are overlapping the marine species’ communication frequencies in the low-frequency range of less than 500 Hz.
- This is called masking, which could have led to a change in the migration route of the marine species to the shallow regions and also making it difficult for them to go back to the deeper water.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Pangolins
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pangolin
Mains level: Wildlife trade
The World Pangolin Day was observed on February 18.
Why in news?
- A not-for-profit organization working on the international trade of animals and plants, has brought out a fact sheet reporting that 1,203 pangolins have been found in illegal wildlife trade in India from 2018 to 2022.
Pangolins
IUCN status: Endangered
- India is home to two species of pangolin.
- While the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is found in northeastern India, the Indian Pangolin is distributed in other parts of the country as well as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
- Both these species are protected and are listed under the Schedule I Part I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
- Commonly known as ‘scaly anteaters’, the toothless animals are unique, a result of millions of years of evolution.
- Pangolins evolved scales as a means of protection. When threatened by big carnivores like lions or tigers they usually curl into a ball.
- The scales defend them against dental attacks from the predators.
Why protect Pangolins?
- Pangolins are currently the most trafficked wildlife species in the world.
- These Scales has now become the main cause of the pangolin’s disappearance.
- The scales are in high demand in China, where they are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Pangolin meat is also in high demand in China and Southeast Asia.
- Consequently, pangolins have seen a rapid reduction in population globally. The projected population declines range from 50 per cent to 80 per cent across the genus.
Try this PYQ:
Consider the following animals:
- Hedgehog
- Marmot
- Pangolin
To reduce the chance of being captured by predators which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/protect its/their vulnerable parts?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3
Post your answers here.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
CITES database reveals Red Sanders smuggling
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Red Sanders
Mains level: Not Much
The CITES trade database has recorded 28 incidents of Red Sanders confiscation, seizure, and specimen from the wild being exported from India.
Red Sanders
- The species, Pterocarpus santalinus, is an Indian endemic tree species, with a restricted geographical range in the Eastern Ghats.
- It is a very slow-growing tree species that attains maturity in natural forests after 25-40 years.
- It is endemic to a distinct tract of forests in Andhra Pradesh.
- It is mainly found in Chittoor, Kadapa, Nandhyal, Nellore, Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh.
- It was classified as ‘near threatened’ in 2018 and has now joined the ‘endangered’ list once again in 2021.
- It is listed under Appendix II of CITES and is banned from international trade.
Legal protection in India
- The Union Environment Ministry had decided to keep Red Sanders (red sandalwood) OUT of the Schedule VI of Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, arguing that this would discourage the cultivation of the rare plant species.
- Schedule VI regulates and restricts the cultivation, possession, and sale of a rare plant species.
Threats to this specie
- Red Sanders are known for their rich hue and therapeutic properties, are high in demand across Asia, particularly in China and Japan.
- They are used in cosmetics and medicinal products as well as for making furniture, woodcraft and musical instruments.
- Its popularity can be gauged from the fact that a tonne of Red Sanders costs anything between Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore in the international market.
Try this question from CSP 2016:
Q.With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:
- It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
- It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Post your answers here.
Back2Basics: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
- It is as an international agreement aimed at ensuring “that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival”.
- It was drafted after a resolution was adopted at a meeting of the members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1963.
- It entered into force on July 1, 1975, and now has 183 parties.
- The Convention is legally binding on the Parties in the sense that they are committed to implementing it; however, it does not take the place of national laws.
- India is a signatory to and has also ratified CITES convention in 1976.
CITES Appendices
- CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls.
- All import, export, re-exports and introduction from the sea of species covered by the convention has to be authorized through a licensing system.
- It has three appendices:
- Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade-in specimens of these species are permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
- Appendix II provides a lower level of protection.
- Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling trade.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Olive Ridley Turtles
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Olive RIdley Turtles
Mains level: NA
Hundreds of vulnerable Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) have washed ashore along the coastline between Kakinada and Antarvedi in the Godavari region during the ongoing annual breeding season on the east coast.
Why in news?
- The wastewater from the aqua ponds is also being released into the sea.
- This is suspected to be one of the reasons for the mortality of turtles
Olive Ridley Turtles
- The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a medium-sized species of sea turtle found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
- In the Indian Ocean, the majority of olive ridleys nest in two or three large groups at Rushikulya rookery near Gahirmatha in Odisha.
- The coast of Odisha in India is the largest mass nesting site for the olive ridley, followed by the coasts of Mexico and Costa Rica.
- The species is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List, Appendix 1 in CITES, and Schedule 1 in Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Special feature: Mass nesting
- They are best known for their behavior of synchronized nesting in mass numbers, termed Arribadas.
- Interestingly, females return to the very same beach from where they first hatched, to lay their eggs.
- They lay their eggs in conical nests about one and a half feet deep which they laboriously dig with their hind flippers.
- They hatch in 45 to 60 days, depending on the temperature of the sand and atmosphere during the incubation period.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Herpetofauna and the Impact of crop pesticides
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Herpetofauna , Intraguild predation
Mains level: Herpetofauna , ecological importance and threats
Context
- The demand for land for food production always results in an uncomfortable trade-off between agricultural expansion and species conservation. One can see an example of this trade-off in paddy fields, whose unique combination of wet and drylands provide ideal habitats for amphibians and reptiles. However, Amphibians and reptiles are bearing the brunt of crop intensification.
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Ecological services provided by herpetofauna
- Herpetofauna: Amphibians and reptiles are cold-blooded animals, together referred to as herpetofauna, provide immense ecological services.
- As biological control agents: Frogs and toads, for instance, act as biological control agents by feeding on crop pests. Several salamanders and tadpoles of frogs help in controlling mosquito and mosquito-borne diseases by feeding on the larvae.
- Efficient pollinators and improves soil quality: They also help improve soil quality and aeration, aid in dispersal of seeds and in pollination. There are almost 40 species of lizards including skinks and geckos that are efficient pollinators.
Threats faced by herpetofauna
- Increased use of pesticides and fertilizers: The diversity and abundance of these herpetofauna are rapidly declining with increased use of pesticides, fertilisers, land conversion, changes in cropping systems and the reduced proportion of natural vegetation.
- Threatened by agriculture and management practices: According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 1,532 species of Anurans (frogs) and 825 species of reptiles in the world are critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable due to agriculture and its management practices.
- Particularly threatened in India: They appear to be particularly threatened in India which has a high amphibian diversity most of them are endemic to the region and, as per the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, had the largest cropland area over the last decade, followed by the US and China.
- Being cold-blooded, amphibians and reptiles have unique physiological demands: They are extremely sensitive to microclimates (with a narrow range of soil humidity, moisture, light flux, acidity, air and soil temperature) and microhabitats (they have small habitats like grass cover and low dispersal range; maximum lifetime dispersal for frogs and toads is 12 km). This makes them particularly susceptible to agricultural intensification. However, the researchers find a distinct difference in the way it affects amphibians and reptiles.
Survey to understand the impact of crop intensification
- To understand the impact of crop intensification on the populations and diversity of herpetofauna, researchers from the University of Calcutta conducted a year-long survey of farm lands in Odisha’s Baleswar district.
- Almost 90 per cent of the 250,550 hectares of cultivable land in the district is under paddy.
Did you know?
- Baleswar district, of Odisha is known as “Rice bowl of the state”.
Comment if any place in your state is recognized as such
Findings of the Survey
- Low diversity in high cropping intensity: The abundance of amphibians was almost half and their diversity was low in areas with high cropping intensity, pesticide application and low natural vegetation when compared with areas where less-intensive farming is practised.
- Amphibians are more exposed to pesticides: The difference is because amphibians are more exposed to pesticide contamination than reptiles as their skin is highly permeable and performs both respiration and water uptake.
- Species are going through an extinction debt: The researchers suggest the species are rather going through an extinction debt wherein there is a lag between the impact of agricultural intensification on them and their response to it.
- Reptiles face a higher threat from conflicts with humans: The real impact of the current intensification of agriculture on reptiles would be felt much later. When compared with amphibians, reptiles like snakes face a higher threat from conflicts with humans. Encroachment of forest areas and misconceptions and myths result in the indiscriminate killing of snakes irrespective of them being venomous or harmless.
- Intraguild predation: The researchers also find that in areas where the diversity of the frog population is lesser, the numbers of beneficial arthropods have reduced due to intraguild predation. If this reduction in populations of both predators continues, it will disrupt the natural system of suppressing crop pest abundance.
What is mean by intraguild predation?
- A phenomenon where more than one species feed on the same prey and therefore competitors feed on each other.
- For example, when one predator, like a lion, hunts and kills another predator, like a hyena, for food.
- It’s when animals that are both hunters, compete against each other for the same prey.
- It is just like how two kids might fight over a candy bar.
Way ahead
- The study shows unless a threshold abundance of frogs is maintained, their impacts will be far from beneficial to agriculture.
- Semi-natural and natural vegetation and buffer strips such as ditches, provide chances to increase numbers of alternate prey, intermediate hosts of target pests and increase the availability of nutritional plant resources.
- Semi-natural patches are beneficial for arthropod communities and can raise their numbers to enhance crop pest regulation.
Conclusion
- To optimize the benefits from existing farmland, the researchers recommend that biodiversity research be holistic so more organisms get targeted ecological services.
Mains question
Q. What are herpetofauna? Highlight the Ecological services provided by herpetofauna and discuss the threats faced by herpetofauna.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Silent Valley Bird Species goes up to 175
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Silent Valley National Park
Mains level: NA
A bird survey conducted at the Silent Valley National Park identified 141 species, of which 17 were new. So far, 175 species of birds have been spotted in Silent Valley.
Silent Valley National Park
- It is located in the border of Mannarkkad Taluk of Palakkad district, Nilambur Taluk of Malappuram district, Kerala, and Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.
- This national park has some rare species of flora and fauna. This area was explored in 1847 by the botanist Robert Wight.
- It is located in the rich biodiversity of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Mukurthi peak, the fifth-highest peak in South India, and Anginda peak are also located in its vicinity.
- Bhavani River, a tributary of Kaveri River, and Kunthipuzha River, a tributary of Bharathappuzha river, originate in the vicinity of Silent Valley.
- The Kadalundi River has also its origin in Silent Valley.
New species spotted
- Brown wood owl, Banded bay cuckoo, Malabar woodshrike, White-throated kingfisher, Indian nightjar, Jungle nightjar, and Large cuckooshrike were among the 17 species newly identified in the Silent Valley.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nilgiri Tahr
Mains level: Not Much
The Tamil Nadu government launched an initiative for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr, the State animal.
Nilgiri TahrIUCN Conservation Status: Endangered Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I
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Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project
- Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, TN government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through-
- Surveys and radio telemetry studies;
- Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat;
- Address proximate threats; and
- Increase public awareness of the species.
- The project is to be implemented from 2022 to 2027.
- Furthermore, October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Niligiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies of the species in 1975.
Historic significance of Nilgiri Tahr
- There are multiple references to the Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years.
- The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture and life.
- It was designated as the State animal in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
No Rhinos poached in Assam in 2022
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Rhino
Mains level: Not Much
Assam CM announced that no rhinos were poached in the state in 2022.
Indian Rhinoceros
- The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is found only in the Brahmaputra valley, parts of North Bengal, and parts of southern Nepal.
- It has a single black horn that can grow up to 60 cm, and a tough, grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives the animal its characteristic armour-plated look.
- It is listed as Vulnerable (better than endangered, worse than near threatened) in the IUCN Red List; it was earlier placed in the endangered category.
- It is listed as a Schedule I animal in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Why are Rhinos poached for horns?
- Ground rhino horn is used in traditional Chinese medicine to cure a range of ailments, from cancer to hangovers, and also as an aphrodisiac.
- In Vietnam, possessing a rhino horn is considered a status symbol.
- Due to demand in these countries, poaching pressure on rhinos is ever persistent against which one cannot let the guard down.
Flourishing population
- According to the WWF, there are around 3,700 Indian rhinos in the wild today.
- Assam’s Kaziranga National Park (KNP) alone has 2,613 animals, according to a census carried out in March 2022.
- There are more than 250 other rhinos in the Orang, Pobitora, and Manas parks.
- The WWF says the “recovery of the greater one-horned rhino is among the greatest conservation success stories in Asia”.
Try this PYQ:
Q. Consider the following statements:
- Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
- Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
- One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
What are Orans?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Orans, Sacred grooves
Mains level: Not Much
Oran Bachao Yatras are taking place in Rajasthan for the protection of orans or sacred groves facing the threat of destruction due to the land being allotted for renewable energy infrastructure and high-tension power lines.
What are Orans?
- Orans are Community Conserved Areas protected for their sacred values.
- They include woodlots, pastures, orchards, sacred groves, and habitats usually centered around sources of water such as natural springs, rivulets, or artificially constructed ponds.
- Additionally, there is usually a shrine dedicated to a local deity at the heart of an Oran.
- Their traditional boundaries are based on landmarks or geographical milestones established by indigenous and agro-pastoral communities associated with them.
- Orans are usually defined by a strong community-territory relationship and a well-functioning governance system.
Reasons for the Yatra
- Named after local deities and medieval warriors, orans hold religious and social significance as small forest patches in the middle of the mighty Thar desert.
- Orans also form the natural habitat for India’s most critically endangered bird, the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, which is also the State bird of Rajasthan.
- GIBs have died during the last few years because of collision with power lines, making this the most significant threat to the majestic birds.
Back2Basics: Sacred Grooves
- Sacred groves of India are forest fragments of varying sizes, which are communally protected, and which usually have a significant religious connotation for the protecting community.
- It usually consists of a dense cover of vegetation including climbers, herbs, shrubs and trees, with the presence of a village deity and is mostly situated near a perennial water source.
- Sacred groves are considered to be symbols of the primitive practice of nature worship and support nature conservation to a great extent.
- The introduction of the protected area category community reserves under the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 has introduced legislation for providing government protection to community-held lands, which could include sacred groves.
Historical references
- Indian sacred groves are often associated with temples, monasteries, shrines, pilgrimage sites, or with burial grounds.
- Historically, sacred groves find their mentions in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist texts, from sacred tree groves in Hinduism to sacred deer parks in Buddhism for example.
- Sacred groves may be loosely used to refer to natural habitat protected on religious grounds.
- Other historical references to sacred groves can be obtained in Vrukshayurveda an ancient treatise, ancient classics such as Kalidasa’s Vikramuurvashiiya.
- There has been a growing interest in creating green patches such as Nakshatravana
Regulation of activities in Sacred Grooves
- Hunting and logging are usually strictly prohibited within these patches.
- Other forms of forest usage like honey collection and deadwood collection are sometimes allowed on a sustainable basis.
- NGOs work with local villagers to protect such groves.
- Traditionally, and in some cases even today, members of the community take turns to protect the grove.
Threats to such grooves
- Threats to the groves include urbanization, and over-exploitation of resources.
- While many of the groves are looked upon as abode of Hindu deities, in the recent past a number of them have been partially cleared for construction of shrines and temples.
Total grooves in India
- Around 14,000 sacred groves have been reported from all over India, which act as reservoirs of rare fauna, and more often rare flora, amid rural and even urban settings.
- Experts believe that the total number of sacred groves could be as high as 100,000.
- They are called by different names in different states:
- Sarna in Bihar
- Dev Van in Himachal Pradesh
- Devarakadu in Karnataka
- Kavu in Kerala
- Dev in Madhya Pradesh
- Devarahati or Devarai in Maharashtra
- Lai Umang in Maharashtra
- Law Kyntang or Asong Khosi in Meghalaya
- Kovil Kadu or Sarpa Kavu in Tamil Nadu
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill and the Forests rights
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: WPA, FRA, CITES, etc.
Mains level: Issues with wildlife conservation , forests rights and criminalization laws
Context
- Rajya Sabha passed the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021. The Lok Sabha had passed the Bill in the Monsoon Session. While aspects of protecting species against wildlife trade in line with international standards have scrutinised by civil society, MPs and the Parliamentary Standing Committee, the impact of the criminal legal framework fostered by the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) is less known.
Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022
- The latest amendment invests in this conception of protected areas and species by adding to the list of protected species and augmenting the penal repercussions.
- The Bill amends the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 by increasing the species protected under the law.
- There are 50 amendments to the Act proposed in the Bill.
- Substituting the definition of ‘Tiger and other Endangered Species’ to ‘Wild Life’, this Bill includes flora, fauna and aqua under its protection.
- The Bill also regulates wild life trade as per the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
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Criminal laws and wildlife conservation in latest amendment
- Criminal laws remain unchallenged: The need for criminal laws to assist wildlife conservation has remained unchallenged since its conception.
- Human- animal conflict not interpreted correctly: From regulated hunting to complete prohibition and the creation of ‘Protected Areas (PA)’ where conservation can be undertaken without the interference of local forest-dwelling communities, State and Forest Department control over forests and the casteist underpinnings of conservation would not have been possible without criminal law. In this context, pitting wildlife species against communities as human-animal conflict has eluded the true cost of criminalisation under the WPA.
- Questionable WPA’s policing framework: The recent move to increase penalties by four times for general violations (from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000) and from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 for animals receiving the most protection should raise questions about the nature of policing that the WPA engenders.
Study by the Criminal Justice and Police Accountability Project (CPA Project) in Madhya Pradesh
- Records found says forest dwellers are majority of accused in wildlife related crimes: found that persons from oppressed caste communities such as Scheduled Tribes and other forest-dwelling communities form the majority of accused persons in wildlife-related crimes.
- Found that forest department use threat of criminalisation for cooperation: The Forest Department was found to use the threat of criminalisation to force cooperation, apart from devising a system of using community members as informants and drawing on their loyalty by employing them on a daily wage basis.
- Cases filed not only for serious crimes: Cases that were filed under the WPA did not pertain solely to the comparatively serious offence of hunting; collecting wood, honey, and even mushrooms formed the bulk of prosecution in PAs.
- Cases files are still pending: Over 95% of the cases filed by the Forest Department are still pending.
- Most cases filed were for hunting were lesser protected animals: Hunting offences that were primarily filed against Schedule III and IV animals (wild boars) which have lesser protection than tigers and elephants formed over 17.47% of the animals ‘hunted’ between 2016-20. Among the animals hunted the highest, only one in top five belonged to Schedule I (peacock). Surprisingly, fish (only certain species relegated to Schedule I) formed over 8% of the cases filed. A whopping 133 cases pertaining to fishing (incorrectly classified as Schedule V species) were filed in the last decade in Madhya Pradesh.
- Making FRA subservient to the WPA: Forest rights, individual and collective, as part of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) were put in place to correct the injustice meted out by forest governance laws. These rights recognised forest-dependent livelihoods. But in inviolate PAs, making the FRA subservient to the WPA, thereby impeding its implementation.
What is forest rights Act, 2006?
- Recognizing rights of forest dwelling communities: The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 recognizes the rights of the forest dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources, on which these communities were dependent for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural needs.
- Aim to balance rights and protect: It aimed to protect the marginalised socio-economic class of citizens and balance the right to environment with their right to life and livelihood.
- Individual rights: The Act encompasses Rights of Self-cultivation and Habitation which are usually regarded as Individual rights.
- Community forest rights: Community Rights as Grazing, Fishing and access to Water bodies in forests, Habitat Rights for PVTGs, Traditional Seasonal Resource access of Nomadic and Pastoral community, access to biodiversity, community right to intellectual property and traditional knowledge, recognition of traditional customary rights and right to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any community forest resource for sustainable use.
Conclusion
- Criminal cases filed by the department are rarely compounded since they are meant to create a ‘deterrent effect’ by instilling fear in communities. Fear is a crucial way in which the department mediates governance in protected areas, and its officials are rarely checked for their power. Unchecked discretionary policing allowed by the WPA and other forest legislations have stunted the emancipatory potential of the FRA. Any further amendments must take stock of wrongful cases (as in the case of fishing) and resultant criminalization of rights and lives of forest dwelling communities.
Mains question
Q. Briefly explain the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022. Illustrate with an example how criminal laws and wildlife conservation are working under the Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Rights Act.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Three Himalayan medicinal plants enter IUCN Red List
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IUCN
Mains level: Not Much
Three medicinal plant species found in the Himalayas have made it to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species following a recent assessment.
Species assessed-
- Meizotropis pellita : ‘Critically Endangered’
- Fritilloria cirrhosa : ‘Vulnerable’
- Dactylorhiza hatagirea : ‘Endangered’
(1) Meizotropis pellita
- Commonly known as Patwa, is a perennial shrub with restricted distribution that is endemic to Uttarakhand.
- The species is listed as ‘critically endangered’ based on its limited area of occupancy (less than 10 sq. km)
- The species is threatened by deforestation, habitat fragmentation and forest fires.
- The essential oil extracted from the leaves of the species possesses strong antioxidants and can be a promising natural substitute for synthetic antioxidants in pharmaceutical industries.
(2) Fritillaria cirrhosa
- Also called, Himalayan fritillary, it is a perennial bulbous herb.
- It is reasonable to conclude a decline of at least 30% of its population over the assessment period (22 to 26 years).
- Considering the rate of decline, long generation length, poor germination potential, high trade value, extensive harvesting pressure and illegal trade, the species is listed as ‘vulnerable’.
- In China, the species is used for the treatment of bronchial disorders and pneumonia.
- The plant is also a strong cough suppressant and source of expectorant drugs in traditional Chinese medicine.
(3) Dactylorhiza hatagirea
- Known as Salampanja, it is threatened by habitat loss, livestock grazing, deforestation, and climate change.
- It is extensively used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and other alternative systems of medicine to cure dysentery, gastritis, chronic fever, cough and stomach aches.
- It is a perennial tuberous species endemic to the Hindu Kush and Himalayan ranges of Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Back2Basics: IUCN Red List
- The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species founded in 1964, has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
- It uses a set of criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of thousands of all species and subspecies.
- A series of Regional Red Lists are produced by countries or organizations, which assess the risk of extinction to species within a political management unit.
- The IUCN aims to have the category of every species re-evaluated every five years if possible, or at least every ten years.
- For plants, the 1997 Red List is the most important source.
- The formally stated goals of the Red List are-
- to provide scientifically based information on the status of species and subspecies at a global level,
- to draw attention to the magnitude and importance of threatened biodiversity,
- to influence national and international policy and decision-making, and
- to provide information to guide actions to conserve biological diversity.
Red List Categories of IUCN
Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups specified through criteria such as rate of decline, population size, area of geographic distribution, and degree of population and distribution fragmentation. They are:
- Extinct (EX) – beyond reasonable doubt that the species is no longer extant.
- Extinct in the wild (EW) – survives only in captivity, cultivation and/or outside native range, as presumed after exhaustive surveys.
- Critically endangered (CR) – in a particularly and extremely critical state.
- Endangered (EN) – very high risk of extinction in the wild, meets any of criteria A to E for Endangered.
- Vulnerable (VU) – meets one of the 5 red list criteria and thus considered to be at high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction without further human intervention.
- Near threatened (NT) – close to being at high risk of extinction in the near future.
- Least concern (LC) – unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
- Data deficient (DD)
- Not evaluated (NE)
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
RS clears Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CITES, WPA Act
Mains level: Read the attached story
The Rajya Sabha has passed the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022.
Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022
- The Bill amends the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 by increasing the species protected under the law.
- There are 50 amendments to the Act proposed in the Bill.
- Substituting the definition of ‘Tiger and other Endangered Species’ to ‘Wild Life’, this Bill includes flora, fauna and aqua under its protection.
- The Bill also regulates wild life trade as per the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Key propositions
(1) Implementing CITES
- The Bill aims to implement CITES — which was signed in Washington D.C. on March 3, 1973, and later amended in 1979 — to trade plant and animal specimens with other governments.
- Regulating the possession of specimens, the Bill defines ‘specimen’ as any animal or plant (dead or alive).
- It also constitutes a Management authority which will issue permits for the trade of scheduled specimens in accordance with CITES.
- The Centre can designate a management authority to grant export or import permits for the trade of specimens and a scientific authority to give advice on the trade impact on the survival of the specimens, as per the Bill.
(2) Classification of specimens
- Classifying animals into two specially protected schedules, the Bill prohibits their trade by anyone, barring certain exceptions.
- The Bill removes the present schedule for vermin species and inserts a new schedule for specimens listed for extinction under CITES.
- The Bill also lists 131 mammals, 112 birds, 43 birds, 26 fishes, 63 insects, 388 corals under schedule I and 41 mammals, 864 birds, 12 reptiles, 58 insects, molluscs, and sponges under schedule II.
- A separate schedule for plants is also listed.
(3) Prohibitions
- The Bill seeks to empower the Centre to regulate or prohibit the import, trade, possession or proliferation of plant or animal species not native to India – invasive alien species.
- Apart from states, the Centre too can notify a conservation reserve — an area adjacent to national parks and sanctuaries.
- Any person can voluntarily surrender any captive animals or animal products to the Chief Wild Life Warden (an appointee of state governments).
- However, no compensation will be paid to the person for it and the surrendered items become the property of the state government.
- Under the Bill, the fine for General violation is up to Rs 1,00,000 and for specially protected animals is at least Rs 25,000.
Concerns raised
(1) Elephants transportation
- The amendment has given huge discretion for the transportation of live elephants and expressed concern on protecting the animal.
- The elephant is a national heritage animal for India.
- The Standing Committee accepted the religious significance of the elephant, but the Minister has also included the words ‘any other purpose’
(2) Vermins
- The damage to the national economy due to crop depredation by wild animals has never been computed.
- Since 1972, the WLPA has identified a few species — fruit bats, common crows and rats — as vermin.
- Killing animals outside this list was allowed under two circumstances:
- Under Section 62 of WLPA, given sufficient reasons, any species other than those accorded the highest legal protection (such as tigers and elephants but not wild boars or nilgais) can be declared vermin at a certain place for a certain time.
- Under Section 11 of WLPA, the chief wildlife warden of a state can allow the killing of an animal, irrespective of its status in the Schedules, if it becomes “dangerous to human life”.
- The issue of the declaration of Vermins has since entered the realm of centre-state politics.
Back2Basics: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- WPA provides for the protection of the country’s wild animals, birds and plant species, in order to ensure environmental and ecological security.
- It provides for the protection of a listed species of animals, birds and plants, and also for the establishment of a network of ecologically-important protected areas in the country.
- It provides for various types of protected areas such as Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks etc.
There are six schedules provided in the WPA for the protection of wildlife species which can be concisely summarized as under:
Schedule I: | These species need rigorous protection and therefore, the harshest penalties for violation of the law are for species under this Schedule. |
Schedule II: | Animals under this list are accorded high protection. They cannot be hunted except under threat to human life. |
Schedule III & IV: | This list is for species that are not endangered. This includes protected species but the penalty for any violation is less compared to the first two schedules. |
Schedule V: | This schedule contains animals which can be hunted. |
Schedule VI: | This list contains plants that are forbidden from cultivation. |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Supreme Court seeks government’s response on evolving ‘Project Great Indian Bustard’
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Great Indian Bustard
Mains level: Not Much
The Supreme Court sought the government’s response about evolving a ‘Project Great Indian Bustard’ conservation program like the ‘Project Tiger’ to bring attention to the peril faced by the critically endangered bird species.
Great Indian Bustards
- GIBs are the largest among the four bustard species found in India, the other three being MacQueen’s bustard, lesser florican, and the Bengal florican.
- GIBs’ historic range included much of the Indian sub-continent but it has now shrunken to just 10 percent of it. Among the heaviest birds with flight, GIBs prefer grasslands as their habitats.
- GIBs are considered the flagship bird species of grassland.
On the brink of extinction
- The GIB population in India had fallen to just 150.
- Pakistan is also believed to host a few GIBs and yet openly supports their hunting.
Protection accorded
- Birdlife International: uplisted from Endangered to Critically Endangered (2011)
- Protection under CITES: Appendix I
- IUCN status: Critically Endangered
- Protection under Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule I
Threats
- Overhead power transmission
- Poor vision: Due to their poor frontal vision, can’t detect powerlines in time and their weight makes in-flight quick maneuvers difficult.
- Windmills: Coincidentally, Kutch and Thar desert are the places that have witnessed the creation of huge renewable energy infrastructure.
- Noise pollution: Noise affects the mating and courtship practices of the GIB.
- Changes in the landscape: by way of farmers cultivating their land, which otherwise used to remain fallow due to frequent droughts in Kutch.
- Cultivation changes: Cultivation of cotton and wheat instead of pulses and fodder are also cited as reasons for falling GIB numbers.
Supreme Court’s intervention
- The Supreme Court has ordered that all overhead power transmission lines in core and potential GIB habitats in Rajasthan and Gujarat should be undergrounded.
- The SC also formed a three-member committee to help power companies comply with the order.
Conservation measures
- In 2015, the Central government launched the GIB species recovery program.
- Under the program, the WII and Rajasthan Forest departments have jointly set up conservation breeding centers where GIB eggs are harvested from the wild.
- They have been incubated artificially and hatchlings raised in a controlled environment.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
What are Sacred Grooves?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sacred Grooves
Mains level: Not Much
This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in the Sunday edition of TH.
What are Sacred Grooves?
- Sacred groves of India are forest fragments of varying sizes, which are communally protected, and which usually have a significant religious connotation for the protecting community.
- It usually consists of a dense cover of vegetation including climbers, herbs, shrubs and trees, with the presence of a village deity and is mostly situated near a perennial water source.
- Sacred groves are considered to be symbols of the primitive practice of nature worship and support nature conservation to a great extent.
- The introduction of the protected area category community reserves under the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 has introduced legislation for providing government protection to community-held lands, which could include sacred groves.
Historical references
- Indian sacred groves are often associated with temples, monasteries, shrines, pilgrimage sites, or with burial grounds.
- Historically, sacred groves find their mentions in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist texts, from sacred tree groves in Hinduism to sacred deer parks in Buddhism for example.
- Sacred groves may be loosely used to refer to natural habitat protected on religious grounds.
- Other historical references to sacred groves can be obtained in Vrukshayurveda an ancient treatise, ancient classics such as Kalidasa’s Vikramuurvashiiya.
- There has been a growing interest in creating green patches such as Nakshatravana
Regulation of activities in Sacred Grooves
- Hunting and logging are usually strictly prohibited within these patches.
- Other forms of forest usage like honey collection and deadwood collection are sometimes allowed on a sustainable basis.
- NGOs work with local villagers to protect such groves.
- Traditionally, and in some cases even today, members of the community take turns to protect the grove.
Threats to such grooves
- Threats to the groves include urbanization, and over-exploitation of resources.
- While many of the groves are looked upon as abode of Hindu deities, in the recent past a number of them have been partially cleared for construction of shrines and temples.
Total grooves in India
- Around 14,000 sacred groves have been reported from all over India, which act as reservoirs of rare fauna, and more often rare flora, amid rural and even urban settings.
- Experts believe that the total number of sacred groves could be as high as 100,000.
- They are called by different names in different states:
- Sarna in Bihar
- Dev Van in Himachal Pradesh
- Devarakadu in Karnataka
- Kavu in Kerala
- Dev in Madhya Pradesh
- Devarahati or Devarai in Maharashtra
- Lai Umang in Maharashtra
- Law Kyntang or Asong Khosi in Meghalaya
- Oran in Rajasthan
- Kovil Kadu or Sarpa Kavu in Tamil Nadu
What lies ahead?
- The groves have great research value in in situ conservation of rare, endangered and threatened plant species.
- It is high time that public awareness is created about the importance of these sacred groves, developmental activities are banned and the felling of trees or removal of any other vegetation is completely stopped.
- This is possible only by way of enacting a special law for the protection and management of sacred groves.
- As the management practices and other rituals vary from state to state, the concerned state governments may promulgate such an act as suitable for the state.
- The idea should be to protect certain rare, endangered and threatened plant species in the era of global warming and climate change.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
India’s abstains in CITES vote on reopening Ivory Trade
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CITES, its appendices
Mains level: Not Much
India’s decision not to vote against a proposal to re-open the international trade in ivory at the ongoing conference of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
What is CITES?
- CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
- It is as an international agreement aimed at ensuring “that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival”.
- It was drafted after a resolution was adopted at a meeting of the members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1963.
- It entered into force on July 1, 1975, and now has 183 parties.
- The Convention is legally binding on the Parties in the sense that they are committed to implementing it; however, it does not take the place of national laws.
- India is a signatory to and has also ratified CITES convention in 1976.
CITES Appendices
- CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls.
- All import, export, re-exports and introduction from the sea of species covered by the convention has to be authorized through a licensing system.
It has three appendices:
- Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade-in specimens of these species are permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
- Appendix II provides a lower level of protection.
- Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling trade.
What is the news?
- India remained absent during the CITES conference aimed to re-open the international trade in ivory.
Why such move by India?
- Elephant remains one of India’s most powerful cultural and religious symbols.
- A pioneer in banning even the domestic trade in ivory in 1986, India has always been at the forefront of global elephant conservation initiatives.
What is the tussle over Ivory?
- The international ivory trade was globally banned in 1989 when all African elephant populations were put in CITES Appendix I.
- However, the populations of Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe were transferred to Appendix II in 1997, and South Africa’s in 2000 to allow two “one-off sales”.
- This is because ivory stockpiled from natural elephant deaths and seizures from poachers.
- Subsequently, Namibia’s proposal for allowing a regular form of controlled trade in ivory by delisting the elephant populations of the four countries from Appendix II was rejected at CoP17 (2016) and CoP18 (2019).
- At the ongoing CoP19, the proposal was moved by Zimbabwe but met the same fate.
- These are low income countries often battling to generate some revenue from Ivory trade.
India and ivory trade
- The endangered Asian elephant was included in CITES Appendix I in 1975, which banned the export of ivory from the Asian range countries.
- In 1986, India amended The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to ban even domestic sales of ivory.
- After the ivory trade was globally banned, India again amended the law to ban the import of African ivory in 1991.
- In 1981 when New Delhi hosted COP3, India designed the iconic CITES logo in the form of an elephant.
- Over the years, India’s stand has been unequivocal on the ivory issue.
What has changed now?
- After protracted negotiation, India signed an agreement in July with Namibia to fly in cheetahs.
- India has agreed to promote “sustainable utilisation and management of biodiversity” by supporting advances in this area of bilateral cooperation “at international forums including meetings of” CITES.
- While the word “ivory” was not mentioned, Namibia sought India’s support under this agreement.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Arittapatti: Tamil Nadu’s first biodiversity heritage site
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Arittapatti, Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)
Mains level: Not Much
The Tamil Nadu Government has issued a notification declaring Arittapatti in Melur block, Madurai district, a biodiversity heritage site.
About Arittapatti
- Arittapatti village, rich in ecological and historical significance, houses around 250 species of birds including three important raptors -birds of prey, namely the Laggar Falcon, the Shaheen Falcon and Bonelli’s Eagle.
- It is also home to wildlife such as the Indian Pangolin, Slender Loris and pythons.
- The biodiversity-rich area is surrounded by a chain of seven hillocks or inselbergs that serve as a watershed, charging 72 lakes, 200 natural springs and three check dams.
- The Anaikondan tank, built during the reign of Pandiyan kings in the 16th century is one among them, the government notification said.
- Several megalithic structures, rock-cut temples, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions and Jain beds add to the historical significance of the region.
What is a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)?
- Biodiversity Heritage Sites are rich Biodiversity Areas and are important components of local ecosystems which are being conserved and managed by the society.
- BHS are declared as per provision under Section 37(1) of Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- The State Government may, from time to time in consultation with the local bodies, notify the areas of biodiversity importance as biodiversity heritage sites under this Act.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Himalayan Gray Langur
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Himalayan Langur
Mains level: Not Much
Differences in altitude make a primate species in the same Himalayan habitat choose between flowers and fruits as food options beyond their staple menu of leaves, a new study has revealed.
Himalayan Gray Langur
- The Himalayan (Kashmir) Gray Langur or the Chamba Sacred Langur (Semnopithecus ajax) is a colobine, meaning leaf-eating monkey.
- It is considered an endangered species in IUCN red list.
- According to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the langur is a protected species under Schedule II.
- Globally, its population is estimated to be less than 1,500 mature individuals in 15-20 groups.
Protection measures
- The Gray Langur was once considered a sub-species of the Semnopithecus entellus, commonly known as the Bengal Sacred Langur or Hanuman Langur, but it was separated as a species in 2005.
- Two protected habitats of the species namely Machiara National Park and Dachigam National Park are located in politically disturbed areas.
- Machiara National park is in Pak-Occupied Kashmir where there is very little scope for scientific inputs.
Try this PYQ:
Q.Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda, Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetah, Blue Bull, Great Indian Bustard.
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey, Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion Tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur, Cheetah
Post your answers here.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Snow Leopard
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Snow Leopard
Mains level: Not Much
The first-ever recording of the snow leopard from the Baltal-Zojila region has renewed the hope for the elusive predator in the higher altitudes of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Why in news?
- Not much is known about the number of snow leopards in J&K and Ladakh.
- The Snow Leopard Population Assessment of India (SPAI) has been concluded so far in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
- The estimated population of the great cat is 50 and 100 in these two States respectively.
Snow Leopard
- Snow leopards live in the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Asia.
- In India, their geographical range encompasses a large part of the western Himalayas, including the UTs of J&K and Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalayas.
- Project Snow Leopard was launched in 2009 for strengthening wildlife conservation in the Himalayan high altitudes.
- It aims at promoting a knowledge-based and adaptive conservation framework that fully involves the local communities, who share the snow leopard’s range, in conservation efforts.
Conservation status
- In the IUCN- Red List, the snow leopard is listed as Vulnerable.
- In addition, the snow leopard, like all big cats, is also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).
- In India, the snow leopard is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, giving it the highest protection status under the country’s laws.
Conservation Efforts by India
- The Government of India has identified the snow leopard as a flagship species for the high altitude Himalayas.
- India is also party to the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Programme since 2013.
- HimalSanrakshak: It is a community volunteer programme, to protect snow leopards, launched in October 2020.
- In 2019, First National Protocol was also launched on Snow Leopard Population Assessment which has been very useful for monitoring populations.
- SECURE Himalaya: Global Environment Facility (GEF)-United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded the project on conservation of high altitude biodiversity and reducing the dependency of local communities on the natural ecosystem.
- Project Snow Leopard (PSL): It was launched in 2009 to promote an inclusive and participatory approach to conserve snow leopards and their habitat.
- Snow Leopard is on the list of 21 critically endangered species for the recovery programme of the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change.
- Snow Leopard conservation breeding programme is undertaken at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Programme
- The GSLEP is a high-level inter-governmental alliance of all the 12 snow leopard range countries.
- The snow leopard countries namely, India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
- It majorly focuses on the need for awareness and understanding of the value of Snow Leopard for the ecosystem.
Living Himalaya Network Initiative
- Living Himalayas Initiative (LHI) is established as one of WWF’s global initiatives to bring about transformational conservation impact across the three Eastern Himalayan countries of Bhutan, India (North-East) and Nepal.
- Objectives of LHI include adapting to climate change, connecting to habitat and saving iconic species.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Rhino horns are shrinking
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Rhino
Mains level: Not Much
The horns of rhinoceroses may have become smaller over time from the impact of hunting, according to a recent study spanning more than five centuries.
About Indian Rhino
- The Indian rhinoceros also called the greater one-horned rhinoceros and great Indian rhinoceros is a rhinoceros native to the Indian subcontinent.
- It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and Schedule I animal in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- It once ranged across the entire northern part of the Indian Subcontinent, along the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra River basins, from Pakistan to the Indian-Myanmar border.
- Poaching for rhinoceros horn became the single most important reason for the decline of the Indian rhino.
Why are Rhinos poached for horns?
- Ground rhino horn is used in traditional Chinese medicine to cure a range of ailments, from cancer to hangovers, and also as an aphrodisiac.
- In Vietnam, possessing a rhino horn is considered a status symbol.
- Due to demand in these countries, poaching pressure on rhinos is ever persistent against which one cannot let the guard down.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Amur Falcon
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Amur Falcon
Mains level: NA
The Amur falcons have begun to arrive in Manipur after travelling over 20,000 km.
Amur Falcon
- The Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is a small raptor of the falcon family.
- It breeds in south-eastern Siberia and Northern China before migrating in large flocks across India and over the Arabian Sea to winter in Southern and East Africa.
How it migrates?
- Locally known as Akhuipuina, the bird arrives mainly in Manipur and Nagaland on its southbound migration from breeding grounds in North China, Eastern Mongolia and far-east Russia.
- They travel to Manipur en-route to its wintering grounds in South Africa.
- The one-way journey via India is about 20,000 km long and the birds do this twice a year.
- They spend three-four weeks in many parts of Manipur to build fat reserves by preying on termites that emerge around this time.
Conservation status
- It is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and included under its Schedule IV.
- It is listed in the IUCN Red list as Least Concern.
- Hunting of the birds or possessing its meat is punishable with imprisonment up to three years or a fine up to Rs 5,000.
- In 2018, the forest department started a conservation programme by radio-tagging the birds to study their migratory route.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Dolphins return to the Ganga
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gangetic Dolphin
Mains level: Not Much
Dolphins have started coming back to the Ganga with improvement in the quality of the river water made possible by the Namami Gange Programme.
About Gangetic Dolphin
- The Gangetic river system is home to a vast variety of aquatic life, including the Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica).
- It is one of five species of river dolphin found around the world.
- It is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems.
- An adult dolphin could weigh between 70 kg and 90 kg. The breeding season of the Gangetic dolphin extends from January to June.
- They feed on several species of fishes, invertebrates etc.
Threats to Gangetic dolphins
- The construction of dams and barrages and increasing pollution has led to a decline in the population of aquatic animals in the rivers in general and of dolphins in particular.
- Aquatic life is an indicator of the health of river ecosystems.
- As the Gangetic dolphin is at the top of the food chain, protecting the species and its habitat will ensure
How are they conserved?
- Although efforts to save them were started in the mid-1980s, the estimates suggest the numbers have not risen as a result.
- The Gangetic dolphin remains listed as Endangered by the IUCN.
- After the launch of Ganga Action Plan in 1985, the government on November 24, 1986, included Gangetic dolphins in the First Schedule of the Indian Wildlife (Protection), Act 1972.
- This was aimed at checking hunting and providing conservation facilities such as wildlife sanctuaries.
- For instance, Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary was established in Bihar under this Act.
- It has been recognized as National Aquatic Animal of India.
Policy moves for conservation
- The government had prepared The Conservation Action Plan for the Ganges River Dolphin 2010-2020.
- The National Mission for Clean Ganga celebrates October 5 as National Ganga River Dolphin Day.
- There is also Project Dolphin on the lines of Project Tiger, which has helped increase the tiger population.
Try this PYQ:
Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
(a) Saltwater crocodile
(b) Olive ridley turtle
(c) Gangetic dolphin
(d) Gharial
Post your answers here.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Places in news: Khangkhui Mangsor
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Khangkhui Cave
Mains level: NA
A colony of bats was evicted from a Khangkhui Mangsor cave system in Manipur with a Palaeolithic past to make it tourist-friendly.
Khangkhui Mangsor
- The Khangkhui, locally called Khangkhui Mangsor, is a natural limestone cave about 15 km from Ukhrul, the headquarters of Ukhrul district.
- Excavations carried out by Manipur’s archaeologists had revealed the cave was home to Stone Age communities.
- The cave was also used as a shelter by the local people during the Second World War after the Japanese forces advanced to Manipur and the adjoining Nagaland.
Why in news?
- The cave housed large roosting populations of bats belonging to the Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae families.
- They were however killed and evicted from the Khangkhui cave after 2016-17 purportedly to make it more tourist-friendly.
Do you know?
The longest is Krem Liat Prah in the Jaintia Hills, which is 30.957 km long. The word “Krem” means cave in the local Khasi language
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Great Indian Bustards
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Great Indian Bustard
Mains level: NA
The recent sighting of three Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) deep in Pakistan’s Cholistan desert has given rise to speculation that the endangered birds might have flown across the international border from India.
Great Indian Bustards
- GIBs are the largest among the four bustard species found in India, the other three being MacQueen’s bustard, lesser florican, and the Bengal florican.
- GIBs’ historic range included much of the Indian sub-continent but it has now shrunken to just 10 percent of it. Among the heaviest birds with flight, GIBs prefer grasslands as their habitats.
- GIBs are considered the flagship bird species of grassland.
Protection accorded
- Birdlife International: uplisted from Endangered to Critically Endangered (2011)
- Protection under CITES: Appendix I
- IUCN status: Critically Endangered
- Protection under Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule I
Threats
- Overhead power transmission: This has resulted in the electrocution of the bustards.
- Poor vision: Due to their poor frontal vision, can’t detect powerlines in time and their weight makes in-flight quick maneuvers difficult.
- Windmills: Coincidentally, Kutch and Thar desert are the places that have witnessed the creation of huge renewable energy infrastructure.
- Noise pollution: Noise affects the mating and courtship practices of the GIB.
- Changes in the landscape: by way of farmers cultivating their land, which otherwise used to remain fallow due to frequent droughts in Kutch.
- Cultivation changes: Cultivation of cotton and wheat instead of pulses and fodder are also cited as reasons for falling GIB numbers.
Try this PYQ:
Q.Consider the following pairs:
Protected Area: Well-known for
- Bhitarkanika, Odisha — Salt Water Crocodile
- Desert National Park, Rajasthan — Great Indian Bustard
- Eravikulam, Kerala — Hoolock Gibbon
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (CSP 2014)
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Efforts for Vulture Conservation
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian vulture
Mains level: Efforts for Vulture Conservation, Role of vultures in the ecosystem, threats to vulture population
Context
- The Tamil Nadu government formed a committee to set up an institutional framework for the effective conservation of vultures. The State is home to four species of vultures the white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), long-billed vultures (Gyps indicus), the Asian king vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) and the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus).
Are the vulture population decreasing?
- Absolute numbers are low: While the population of the vultures in the Nilgiris, Erode and Coimbatore districts has remained largely stable, experts state that the numbers are still extremely low, and that even a single poisoning event could lead to several of the species going locally extinct, especially the long-billed and Asian king vulture.
- Fewer hatchings of vultures: Over the last few years, breeding seasons have also seen fewer hatchings than is the norm, with experts attributing the cause to lesser availability of prey as well as erratic weather.
The status of Vultures in Tamilnadu
- Sighting of vultures in Nilgiris, erode and Coimbatore: While there have been reported sightings of vultures in other districts including Dharmapuri; essentially the Nilgiris, Erode and Coimbatore districts are believed to form one of the largest contiguous expanses where vultures are spotted.
- In the Tiger reserves and forest areas: Home to the nesting sites of three of the four species of vultures seen in the State, the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, parts of the Nilgiris forest division and the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve are crucial strongholds for the vultures in southern India.
- Sighting of Himalayan griffon vulture: Occasional migrants such as the Himalayan griffon vulture and the Cinerous vulture are also spotted each year.
- Larger population of vultures in the South of Vindhiya mountain range: Tamil Nadu boasts the largest population of vultures south of the Vindhiya Mountain Range. In the Nilgiris, researchers and forest department officials estimate that there are between 100 and 120 white-rumped vultures, 10 and 15 long-billed vultures and less than 10 Asian king vultures.
- Spotted at Sigur plateau: Though Egyptian vultures are spotted in the Sigur plateau, encompassing the Nilgiris and Erode districts, they are not believed to use the landscape to breed, while researchers still remain unsuccessful in tracing the breeding sites of the critically endangered Asian king vulture.
Role of vultures in the Ecosystem
- As scavengers: vultures help prevent the spread of many diseases and can remove toxins from entering the environment by consuming carcasses of dead cattle/wildlife before they decompose.
What are the Threats to the Vulture population?
- Temple Tourism and increased activities around the temple: There are multiple. For one, temple tourism in the Sigur plateau is centered primarily around vulture habitats, such as Siriyur, Anaikatty and Bokkapuram. Over the last few years, there have been recorded instances of vultures abandoning nesting sites located too close to temples inside these reserves, with activists calling for strict controls on the amount of people allowed to attend these festivals.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Experts also agree that the use of some Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to treat cattle, such as diclofenac, nimesulide, ketoprofen among others, has led to the crash in vulture populations across India.
- Spread of invasive weeds: Another threat is the spread of invasive weeds such as the Lantana camara in vulture landscapes, which hinder the birds from scavenging as their large wingspans require plenty of open area to safely land and to take to the skies in case of any major threats.
- Vulnerable to even natural drugs: Unfortunately, their tolerance for harmful substances does not extend to manmade drugs.
- Climate change and forest fires: Finally, due to the illegal tapping of water along the streams running through these areas, possible climate change, and forest fires, the Terminalia arjuna trees, that many vultures use as nesting sites are disappearing.
Steps taken to protect the vultures
- Banning the harmful drugs: The State government has banned the use of diclofenac, a drug, to treat cattle, while there are strict restrictions for the sale of other NSAIDs in the Nilgiris, Erode and Coimbatore districts.
- Vulture census: Additionally, as the vultures in the Sigur plateau utilize landscapes in neighboring Karnataka and Kerala, experts have called for a synchronous vulture census to accurately identify vulture populations and nesting sites.
Conclusion
- Only through a multipronged approach of increasing the amount of food available to the birds and managing invasive species can vulture numbers start rebounding.
Mains Question
Q. What important role does vulture plays in ecosystem? What are the efforts taken by central government for conservation of vultures in India?
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Living Planet Report 2022: Wildlife populations decline by 69% in 50 years
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Living Planet Report, Index
Mains level: Not Much
There has been a 69 per cent decline in the wildlife populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish, across the globe in the last 50 years, according to the latest Living Planet Report by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
What is Living Planet Report?
- The Living Planet Report is published every 2 years by the World Wide Fund for Nature since 1998.
- It is based on the Living Planet Index and ecological footprint calculations.
- The report is the world’s leading, science-based analysis, on the health of our planet and the impact of human activity.
Issues raised by various versions of the report
- The 2018 report found a “decline of 60% in population sizes” of vertebrate species overall from 1970 to 2014.
- The tropics of South and Central America had an 89% loss compared to 1970.
- The 2018 report calls for new goals post-2020 alongside those of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
- The 2020 report says systemic changes are necessary to stop the destruction of global wildlife populations, including a complete overhaul of food production and consumption industries.
- The 2022 report found that vertebrate wildlife populations have declined by an average of almost 70% since 1970, and attributes the loss primarily to agriculture and fishing.
What is the Living Planet Index (LPI)?
- The Living Planet Index (LPI) is a measure of the state of the world’s biological diversity based on population trends of vertebrate species from terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats.
- The LPI was adopted by the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) as an indicator of progress towards its 2011-2020 targets.
- It can play an important role in monitoring progress towards the post-2020 goals and targets negotiated at COP15 this December.
Features of the LPI | Common misconceptions |
The LPI is shows the average rate of change in animal population sizes | The LPI doesn’t show numbers of species lost or extinctions, although some populations do decline to local extinction |
Species and populations in the LPI show increasing, declining and stable trends | Not all species and populations in the LPI are in decline |
About half of the species we have in the LPI show an average decline in population trend | The LPI statistic does not mean that 69 per cent of species or populations are declining |
The average change in population size in the LPI is a decline of 69 per cent | The LPI statistic does not mean that 69% populations or individual animals have been lost |
The LPI represents the monitored populations included in the index | The LPI doesn’t necessarily represent trends in other populations, species or biodiversity as a whole |
The LPI includes data for threatened and non-threatened species – if it’s monitored consistently over time, it goes in! | The species in the LPI are not selected based on whether they are under threat, but as to whether there is robust population trend data available |
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Eco-Sensitive Zones: SC may take up Kerala’s review
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)
Mains level: Not Much
The Supreme Court has indicated that it may consider taking up Kerala’s review of the Supreme Court’s judgment to have a 1km eco-sensitive zone ringing protected forests, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across the country.
What are the Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)?
- Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas notified by the MoEFCC around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.
- They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.
How are they demarcated?
- The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does NOT mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”.
- However, Section 3(2)(v) of the Act, says that Central Government can restrict areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall be carried out or shall not, subject to certain safeguards.
- Besides Rule 5(1) of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 states that central government can prohibit or restrict the location of industries and carrying on certain operations or processes on the basis of certain considerations.
- The same criteria have been used by the government to declare No Development Zones (NDZs).
Defining its boundaries
- An ESZ could go up to 10 kilometres around a protected area as provided in the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002.
- Moreover, in the case where sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for landscape linkage, are beyond 10 km width, these should be included in the ESZs.
- Further, even in the context of a particular Protected Area, the distribution of an area of ESZ and the extent of regulation may not be uniform all around and it could be of variable width and extent.
Activities Permitted and Prohibited
- Permitted: Ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, use of renewable energy sources, and adoption of green technology for all activities.
- Prohibited: Commercial mining, saw mills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise etc), the establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood, Tourism activities like hot-air balloons over the National Park, discharge of effluents or any solid waste or production of hazardous substances.
- Under regulation: Felling of trees, the establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erection of electrical cables, drastic change of agriculture system, e.g. adoption of heavy technology, pesticides etc, widening of roads.
What is the recent SC judgment that has caused an uproar in Kerala?
- On June 3, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court heard a PIL that sought to protect forest lands in the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, but was later expanded to cover the entire country.
- In its judgment, the court while referring to the 2011 guidelines as “reasonable”, directed all states to have a mandatory 1-km ESZ from the demarcated boundaries of every protected area.
- It also stated that no new permanent structure or mining will be permitted within the ESZ.
- If the existing ESZ goes beyond 1-km buffer zone or if any statutory instrument prescribes a higher limit, then such extended boundary shall prevail, the court, as per the Live Law report, said.
Why are people protesting against it?
- There is a high density of human population near the notified protected areas.
- Farmer’s groups and political parties have been demanding that all human settlements be exempt from the ESZ ruling.
- The total extent of the wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala is eight lakh acres.
- If one-km of ESZ is demarcated from their boundaries, around 4 lakh acres of human settlements, including farmlands, would come within that purview.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Sloth Bear
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sloth Bear
Mains level: NA
The first World Sloth Bear Day was observed yesterday to generate awareness and strengthen conservation efforts around the unique bear species endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
Sloth Bear
- The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is an important species and endemic to the Indian subcontinent with small populations in Nepal and Sri Lanka.
- Classified as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, sloth bears are endemic to the Indian sub-continent and 90% of the species population is found in India.
- Listed under Schedule I of the (Wildlife Protection) Act of India, 1972, the species has the same level of protection as tigers, rhinos and elephants.
- Commercial international trade of the sloth bear (including parts and derivatives) is prohibited as it is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
- The sloth bears are omnivorous and survived on termites, ants and fruits.
Why protect sloth bears?
- For a long time, sloth bears were exploited as dancing bears. Though the practice has been banned there are still a few cases of rescue.
- Sloth bears are one of the most aggressive extant due to large human populations often closely surrounding reserves that hold bears.
- Aggressive encounters and attacks are relatively frequent, though in some places, attacks appear to be a reaction to encountering people accidentally.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
What are the Big Seven Cats?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Big cats
Mains level: NA
We often get confused to differentiate between Cheetah/Bagh/Sher/Puli. The cheetah, which is being re-introduced to India from Africa, is not to be confused with the leopard, which too has spots that look somewhat similar.
How are all Big Cats differentiated?
[A] Genus Panthera
- This is the genus of large wild cats that can roar but can’t purr.
- Among them, the lion, the leopard, and the jaguar are more closely related, while the other strand has the tiger and the snow leopard.
- The snow leopard is an exception to the rest of the group in that it can’t roar.
(1) Tiger (Panthera Tigris)
Size: 75-300 kg | IUCN status : Endangered
- Jim Corbett’s “large-hearted gentleman with boundless courage”, the solitary and strongly territorial tiger is the largest of all wild cats and also the earliest Panthera member to exist.
- Primarily a forest animal, they range from the Siberian taiga to the Sunderban delta.
- The national animal of India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and South Korea, the tiger was voted the world’s favourite animal ahead of the dog in a 2004 Animal Planet global online poll.
(2) Lion (Panthera Leo
Size: 100-250 kg | IUCN status: Vulnerable
- Native to Africa and Asia, the lion is the most social cat, and lives in groups called prides.
- They prefer open forests such as scrubland, and adult males have a prominent mane.
- The lion is arguably the most widely recognised animal symbol in human culture — be it the Ashoka pillar in Sarnath, the main entrance to Buckingham Palace, or the 20th Century Fox and MGM logo.
(3) Jaguar (Panthera Onca)
Size: 50-110 kg | IUCN status: Near Threatened
- The largest cat in the Americas, the Jaguar has the strongest bite force of all wild cats, enabling it to bite directly through the skull of its prey.
- Melanistic (black) Jaguars are common and are often called black panthers.
- Jaguar was a powerful motif in the Mayan and Aztec civilisations.
(4) Leopard (Panthera Pardus)
Size: 30-90 kg | IUCN status: Vulnerable
- Similar in appearance to the Jaguar with a rosette patterned coat, the leopard was described by Jim Corbett as “the most beautiful of all animals” for its “grace of movement and beauty of colouring”.
- The most adaptable of all big cats, they occupy diverse habitats at all altitudes across Africa and Asia.
- Like black jaguars, melanistic leopards are called black panthers.
- In some African cultures, leopards are considered to be better hunters than lions.
(5) Snow leopard (Panthera Uncia)
Size: 25-55 kg | IUCN status : Vulnerable
- The ghost of the mountains, this smokey-grey cat lives above the snow line in Central and South Asia.
- The most elusive of all big cats, it cannot roar, and has the longest tail of them all — which comes in handy for balance while hunting along the cliffs, and also gives warmth when wrapped around the body.
- The snow leopard is the state animal of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
[B] Genus Puma
- Closely related to the domestic cat, this genus has only one extant species, the cougar.
Cougar (Puma concolor)
Size: 40-100 kg | IUCN status: Least Concern
- The cougar is the second-largest cat in the Americas. (The Jaguar is the largest.)
- Cougars are also called ‘mountain lion’ and ‘panther’ across their range from the Canadian Yukon to the Southern Andes.
- Concolor is latin for “of uniform colour”. The Incas designed the city of Cusco in the shape of a cougar.
[C] Genus Acinonyx
- This is a unique genus within the cat family, with only one living member, the cheetah.
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Size: 20-70 kg | IUCN status: Vulnerable
- The fastest land mammal, the cheetah is the only cat without retractable claws — the grip helps it accelerate faster than any sports car (0-100 km/hr in 3 seconds).
- Cheetahs are not aggressive towards humans, and they have been tamed since the Sumerian era.
- They don’t breed well in captivity — picky females play hard to get.
- Cheetahs are not really big, and they hunt during the day to avoid competing with other big cats.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Cheetah reintroduction
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: environment conservation
Context
- This is the world’s first intercontinental translocation of a carnivore. It is even more unique because this is the first time cheetahs has reintroduced in an unfenced protected area (PA).
- The Government is preparing to translocate the first batch from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
About Asiatic Cheetah
- Feature: Cheetah, the world’s fastest land animal was declared extinct in India in 1952.
- Status: The Asiatic cheetah is classified as a “critically endangered” species by the IUCN Red List, and is believed to survive only in Iran.
- Reintroduction: It was expected to be re-introduced into the country after the Supreme Court lifted curbs for its re-introduction.
- Extinction: From 400 in the 1990s, their numbers are estimated to have reached to 50-70 today, because of poaching, hunting of their main prey (gazelles) and encroachment on their habitat.
What caused the extinction of cheetahs in India?
- Reduced fecundity and high infant mortality in the wild
- Inability to breed in captivity
- Sport hunting
- Bounty killings
Why reintroduce Cheetahs?
- Climate Change Mitigation: It will enhance India’s capacity to sequester carbon through ecosystem restoration activities in cheetah conservation areas and thereby contribute towards the global climate change mitigation goals.
- Reintroductions of large carnivores have increasingly been recognized as a strategy to conserve threatened species and restore ecosystem functions.
- The cheetah is the only large carnivore that has been extirpated, mainly by over-hunting in India in historical times.
- India now has the economic ability to consider restoring its lost natural heritage for ethical as well as ecological reasons.
Why was Kuno National Park chosen for Cheetah Reintroduction?
- Both Cheetah and Asiatic Lions share the same habitats semi-arid grasslands and forests that stretch across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
- The rainfall, temperature, and altitude in the Sheopur district, where Kuno is situated, are equivalent to those of South Africa and Namibia.
- In addition, Kuno contains a diverse population of prey species, including peafowl, wild pigs, gazelle, langurs, chital, sambhar, and nilgai.
What are the Other Recent Initiatives for Wildlife Conservation in India?
Legal Framework:
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- Environment Protection Act, 1986
- The Biological Diversity Act, 2002
India’s Collaboration with Global Wildlife Conservation Efforts:
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
- Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- Global Tiger Forum (GTF)
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Peninsular Rock Agama (Psammophilus dorsalis)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Peninsular Rock Agama
Mains level: Not Much
A study carried out by researchers from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, undertook to characterise urbanisation in the region and also to understand where the rock agama reside in and around Bengaluru specifically.
Why in news?
- The study examined several environmental factors that could affect the presence of the lizard and revealed that they are found mainly in rocky places and warm spots.
- Thus, the inference is that conservation efforts must point towards retaining rocky patches even while reviving landscapes by planting trees.
Peninsular Rock Agama
- The Peninsular Rock Agama (Psammophilus dorsalis) is a type of garden lizard has a strong presence in southern India.
- This lizard is a large animal, strikingly coloured in orange and black.
- They do not generate their own body heat, so they need to seek warmth from external sources like a warm rock or a sunny spot on the wall.
- They are important in ecology from different aspects — they can indicate which parts of the city are warming, and their numbers show how the food web is changing.
- Habitat loss and other such features of urbanisation have affected the presence of the animal in urban centres.
Why study them?
- Insects are critical components of a healthy ecosystem as they provide so many services, including pollination.
- So, while rock agamas are interesting in themselves, they are also a good model system to understand other aspects of the ecosystem.
- In cities such as Bengaluru, there is a lot of flora and fauna that is rapidly disappearing.
- The rock agama is one such species which is dependent on rocky scrub habitats which are being converted into buildings and plantations.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Species in news: Great Indian Bustard
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Great Indian Bustard
Mains level: Not Much
The critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has adopted an altogether new behaviour of giving clutch of two eggs at a time after getting additional protein diet during the monsoon season.
Great Indian Bustards
- GIBs are the largest among the four bustard species found in India, the other three being MacQueen’s bustard, lesser florican, and the Bengal florican.
- GIBs’ historic range included much of the Indian sub-continent but it has now shrunken to just 10 percent of it. Among the heaviest birds with flight, GIBs prefer grasslands as their habitats.
- GIBs are considered the flagship bird species of grassland.
Protection accorded
- Birdlife International: uplisted from Endangered to Critically Endangered (2011)
- Protection under CITES: Appendix I
- IUCN status: Critically Endangered
- Protection under Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule I
Threats
- Overhead power transmission
- Poor vision: Due to their poor frontal vision, can’t detect powerlines in time and their weight makes in-flight quick maneuvers difficult.
- Windmills: Coincidentally, Kutch and Thar desert are the places that have witnessed the creation of huge renewable energy infrastructure.
- Noise pollution: Noise affects the mating and courtship practices of the GIB.
- Changes in the landscape: by way of farmers cultivating their land, which otherwise used to remain fallow due to frequent droughts in Kutch.
- Cultivation changes: Cultivation of cotton and wheat instead of pulses and fodder are also cited as reasons for falling GIB numbers.
On the brink of extinction
- The GIB population in India had fallen to just 150.
- Pakistan is also believed to host a few GIBs and yet openly supports their hunting.
Supreme Court’s intervention
- The Supreme Court has ordered that all overhead power transmission lines in core and potential GIB habitats in Rajasthan and Gujarat should be undergrounded.
- The SC also formed a three-member committee to help power companies comply with the order.
Conservation measures
- In 2015, the Central government launched the GIB species recovery program.
- Under the program, the WII and Rajasthan Forest departments have jointly set up conservation breeding centers where GIB eggs are harvested from the wild.
- They have been incubated artificially and hatchlings raised in a controlled environment.
Try this PYQ
Q.Consider the following pairs:
Protected Area: Well-known for
- Bhiterkanika, Odisha — Salt Water Crocodile
- Desert National Park, Rajasthan — Great Indian Bustard
- Eravikulam, Kerala — Hoolock Gibbon
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (CSP 2014)
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
African cheetahs still stuck in transit
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Asiatic Cheetah
Mains level: Not Much
India’s ambitious project to translocate African cheetahs has missed an unofficial deadline of August 15.
Asiatic Cheetah
- Cheetah, the world’s fastest land animal was declared extinct in India in 1952.
- The Asiatic cheetah is classified as a “critically endangered” species by the IUCN Red List, and is believed to survive only in Iran.
- It was expected to be re-introduced into the country after the Supreme Court lifted curbs for its re-introduction.
Distribution of cheetahs in India
- Historically, Asiatic cheetahs had a very wide distribution in India.
- There are authentic reports of their occurrence from as far north as Punjab to Tirunelveli district in southern Tamil Nadu, from Gujarat and Rajasthan in the west to Bengal in the east.
- Most of the records are from a belt extending from Gujarat passing through Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha.
- There is also a cluster of reports from southern Maharashtra extending to parts of Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- The distribution range of the cheetah was wide and spread all over the subcontinent. They occurred in substantial numbers.
- The cheetah’s habitat was also diverse, favouring the more open habitats: scrub forests, dry grasslands, savannahs and other arid and semi-arid open habitats.
What caused the extinction of cheetahs in India?
- The major reasons for the extinction of the Asiatic cheetah in India:
- Reduced fecundity and high infant mortality in the wild
- Inability to breed in captivity
- Sport hunting and
- Bounty killings
- It is reported that the Mughal Emperor Akbar had kept 1,000 cheetahs in his menagerie and collected as many as 9,000 cats during his half-century reign from 1556 to 1605.
- The cheetah numbers were fast depleting by the end of the 18th century even though their prey base and habitat survived till much later.
- It is recorded that the last cheetahs were shot in India in 1947, but there are credible reports of sightings of the cat till about 1967.
Conservation objectives for their re-introduction
- Based on the available evidence it is difficult to conclude that the decision to introduce the African cheetah in India is based on science.
- Science is being used as a legitimising tool for what seems to be a politically influenced conservation goal.
- This also in turn sidelines conservation priorities, an order of the Supreme Court, socio-economic constraints and academic rigour.
- The issue calls for an open and informed debate.
Issues in re-introduction
- Experts find it difficult whether the African cheetahs would find the sanctuary a favorable climate as far as the abundance of prey is concerned.
- The habitat of cheetahs is needed to support a genetically viable population.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Centre to file review petition on Eco-Sensitive Zones in SC
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has said that the Ministry will file a review petition in the Supreme Court urging a relook into its judgment on eco-sensitive zones.
Why in news?
- The Supreme Court has earlier directed that every protected forest, national park and wildlife sanctuary across the country should have a mandatory eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of a minimum one km starting from their demarcated boundaries.
Why such move?
- The purpose of declaring ESZs around national parks, forests and sanctuaries is to create some kind of a “shock absorber” for the protected areas.
- These zones would act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to those involving lesser protection.
What are the Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)?
- Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas notified by the MoEFCC around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.
- They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.
How are they demarcated?
- The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does not mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”.
- However, Section 3(2)(v) of the Act, says that Central Government can restrict areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall be carried out or shall not, subject to certain safeguards.
- Besides Rule 5(1) of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 states that central government can prohibit or restrict the location of industries and carrying on certain operations or processes on the basis of certain considerations.
- The same criteria have been used by the government to declare No Development Zones (NDZs).
Defining its boundaries
- An ESZ could go up to 10 kilometres around a protected area as provided in the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002.
- Moreover, in the case where sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for landscape linkage, are beyond 10 km width, these should be included in the ESZs.
- Further, even in the context of a particular Protected Area, the distribution of an area of ESZ and the extent of regulation may not be uniform all around and it could be of variable width and extent.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Wildlife Protection Bill gets LS nod
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CITES, WPA Act
Mains level: Read the attached story
The Lok Sabha passed the Wildlife (Protection), Amendment Bill, with no significant modifications to the version of the Bill presented in the House for discussion.
What is the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972?
- WPA provides for the protection of the country’s wild animals, birds and plant species, in order to ensure environmental and ecological security.
- It provides for the protection of a listed species of animals, birds and plants, and also for the establishment of a network of ecologically-important protected areas in the country.
- It provides for various types of protected areas such as Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks etc.
- The act is also against Taxidermy, which is the preservation of a dead wild animal as a trophy, or in the form of rugs, preserved skins, antlers, horns, eggs, teeth, and nails.
- In the case of wild birds and reptiles, the act also forbids disturbing or damaging their eggs.
- The act was amended in the year 2006 and its purpose is to strengthen the conservation of tigers and other endangered species by combating crimes against them through the special Crime Control Bureau.
There are six schedules provided in the WPA for protection of wildlife species which can be concisely summarized as under:
Schedule I: | These species need rigorous protection and therefore, the harshest penalties for violation of the law are for species under this Schedule. |
Schedule II: | Animals under this list are accorded high protection. They cannot be hunted except under threat to human life. |
Schedule III & IV: | This list is for species that are not endangered. This includes protected species but the penalty for any violation is less compared to the first two schedules. |
Schedule V: | This schedule contains animals which can be hunted. |
Schedule VI: | This list contains plants that are forbidden from cultivation. |
Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill: Key Features
(1) CITES
- CITES is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
- Under CITES, plant and animal specimens are classified into three categories (Appendices) based on the threat to their extinction.
- The Convention requires countries to regulate the trade of all listed specimens through permits.
- It also seeks to regulate the possession of live animal specimens. The Bill seeks to implement these provisions of CITES.
(2) Obligations under CITES:
- The Bill provides for the central government to designate a: (i) Management Authority, which grants export or import permits for trade of specimens, and (iii) Scientific Authority, which gives advice on aspects related to impact on the survival of the specimens being traded.
- Every person engaging in trade of a scheduled specimen must report the details of the transaction to the Management Authority.
- As per CITES, the Management Authority may use an identification mark for a specimen.
- The Bill prohibits any person from modifying or removing the identification mark of the specimen.
- Additionally, every person possessing live specimens of scheduled animals must obtain a registration certificate from the Management Authority.
(3) Rationalising schedules
- Currently, the Act has six schedules for specially protected plants (one), specially protected animals (four), and vermin species (one).
- Vermin refers to small animals that carry disease and destroy food.
- The Bill reduces the total number of schedules to four by:
- Reducing the number of schedules for specially protected animals to two (one for greater protection level)
- Removes the schedule for vermin species
- Inserts a new schedule for specimens listed in the Appendices under CITES (scheduled specimens)
(4) Invasive alien species
- The Bills empowers the central government to regulate or prohibit the import, trade, possession or proliferation of invasive alien species.
- Invasive alien species refers to plant or animal species which are not native to India and whose introduction may adversely impact wild life or its habitat.
- The central government may authorise an officer to seize and dispose the invasive species.
(5) Control of sanctuaries
- The Act entrusts the Chief Wild Life Warden to control, manage and maintain all sanctuaries in a state.
- The Chief Wild Life Warden is appointed by the state government.
- The Bill specifies that actions of the Chief Warden must be in accordance with the management plans for the sanctuary.
- These plans will be prepared as per guidelines of the central government, and as approved by the Chief Warden.
- For sanctuaries falling under special areas, the management plan must be prepared after due consultation with the concerned Gram Sabha.
- Special areas include a Scheduled Area or areas where the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 is applicable.
- Scheduled Areas are economically backward areas with a predominantly tribal population, notified under the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.
(6) Conservation reserves
- Under the Act, state governments may declare areas adjacent to national parks and sanctuaries as a conservation reserve, for protecting flora and fauna, and their habitat.
- The Bill empowers the central government to also notify a conservation reserve.
(7) Surrender of captive animals
- The Bill provides for any person to voluntarily surrender any captive animals or animal products to the Chief Wild Life Warden.
- No compensation will be paid to the person for surrendering such items.
- The surrendered items become property of the state government.
Back2Basics: CITES
- CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
- It is as an international agreement aimed at ensuring “that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival”.
- It was drafted after a resolution was adopted at a meeting of the members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1963.
- It entered into force on July 1, 1975, and now has 183 parties.
- The Convention is legally binding on the Parties in the sense that they are committed to implementing it; however, it does not take the place of national laws.
- India is a signatory to and has also ratified CITES convention in 1976.
CITES Appendices
- CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls.
- All import, export, re-exports and introduction from the sea of species covered by the convention has to be authorized through a licensing system.
It has three appendices:
- Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade-in specimens of these species are permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
- Appendix II provides a lower level of protection.
- Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling trade.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2022:
Q. With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements:
- Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
- When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
- Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
Post your answers here.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Why is Karnataka opposing Centre’s draft Eco-Sensitive Area norms for Western Ghats?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ESA in Western Ghats
Mains level: Issues with ESA
The Union Environment Ministry’s latest draft notification on Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) in the Western Ghats is facing stiff opposition in Karnataka.
What is the news?
- The MoEFCC had issued a draft notification that demarcated large parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra as eco-sensitive areas.
- Among these states, Karnataka contains the largest geographical share of the notified areas in the Western Ghats, at 20,668 sq km.
ESA in Western Ghats
- In 2013, the Kasturirangan committee had submitted a report which recommended that 37% of the Western Ghats, covering an area of 59,940 sq km be classified as ESA.
- On the basis of this, several drafts were introduced which were subsequently rejected by the surrounding states, including Karnataka.
What is ESA?
- Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas notified by the MoEFCC around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.
- They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.
How are they demarcated?
- The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does NOT mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”.
- However, Section 3(2)(v) of the Act, says that Central Government can restrict areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall be carried out or shall not, subject to certain safeguards.
- Besides Rule 5(1) of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 states that central government can prohibit or restrict the location of industries and carrying on certain operations or processes on the basis of certain considerations.
- The same criteria have been used by the government to declare No Development Zones (NDZs).
Defining its boundaries
- An ESZ could go up to 10 kilometres around a protected area as provided in the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002.
- Moreover, in the case where sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for landscape linkage, are beyond 10 km width, these should be included in the ESZs.
- Further, even in the context of a particular Protected Area, the distribution of an area of ESZ and the extent of regulation may not be uniform all around and it could be of variable width and extent.
Activities Permitted and Prohibited
- Permitted: Ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, use of renewable energy sources, and adoption of green technology for all activities.
- Prohibited: Commercial mining, saw mills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise etc.), the establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood, Tourism activities like hot-air balloons over the National Park, discharge of effluents or any solid waste or production of hazardous substances.
- Under regulation: Felling of trees, the establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erection of electrical cables, drastic change of agriculture system, e.g. adoption of heavy technology, pesticides etc, widening of roads.
What does the new draft notification for the Western Ghats say?
- The draft notification demarcates 46,832 sq km in the five states Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa and Tamil Nadu as ESA in the Western Ghats.
- Kerala is excluded from the draft notification and it had earlier undertaken the exercise of demarcating ESA in the state by physical verification.
- Among the five states, 20,668 sq km of the ESA lies in Karnataka, 1,461 sq km in Goa, 17,340 sq km in Maharashtra, 6,914 sq km in Tamil Nadu and 449 sq km in Gujarat.
- According to the notification, the concerned state governments are responsible for monitoring and enforcing the provisions of the notification.
What are the curbs that the state governments will have to implement?
- The draft notification states there shall be a complete ban on mining, quarrying and sand mining in the ESA.
- All existing mines are to be phased out within five years from the date of issue of the final notification or on the expiry of the existing mining lease.
- It also bars setting up of new thermal power projects and expansion of existing plants in the sensitive area, and the banning of all new ‘Red’ category industries.
- The construction of new townships and area development projects will also be prohibited in the areas.
- ‘Orange’ category industries, with a pollution index score of 41-59, such as jute processing and ‘White’ industries that are considered non-polluting will also be allowed with strict compliance.
What were the suggestions by the Kasturirangan panel?
- The panel, formed in 2012, was tasked with the mandate of taking a “holistic view of the issue, and to bring synergy”.
- It aimed to protecting the environment and biodiversity, while maintaining the needs and aspirations of the local and indigenous people, of sustainable development and environmental integrity of the region.
- The report had recommended a blanket ban on mining, quarrying, red category industries and thermal power projects.
- It also stated that the impact study of infrastructural projects on the forest and wildlife should be conducted before permission is given.
What is Karnataka’s stand on the matter?
- The Karnataka government has been firm in rejecting the implementation of the guidelines.
- It has staunchly opposed to the Kasturirangan committee report on Western Ghats.
- It urged that declaring Western Ghats as ESA would adversely affect the livelihood of people in the region.
- Environmental experts consider the state government’s decision to be disastrous for the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Cheetahs likely to arrive in Kuno before August 15
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Asiatic Cheetah
Mains level: Cheetah reintroduction project
India came one step closer to bringing back the world’s fastest animal, the Cheetah to the country with an agreement signed in New Delhi with Namibia.
Asiatic Cheetah
- Cheetah, the world’s fastest land animal was declared extinct in India in 1952.
- The Asiatic cheetah is classified as a “critically endangered” species by the IUCN Red List, and is believed to survive only in Iran.
- It was expected to be re-introduced into the country after the Supreme Court lifted curbs for its re-introduction.
Distribution of cheetahs in India
- Historically, Asiatic cheetahs had a very wide distribution in India.
- There are authentic reports of their occurrence from as far north as Punjab to Tirunelveli district in southern Tamil Nadu, from Gujarat and Rajasthan in the west to Bengal in the east.
- Most of the records are from a belt extending from Gujarat passing through Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha.
- There is also a cluster of reports from southern Maharashtra extending to parts of Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- The distribution range of the cheetah was wide and spread all over the subcontinent. They occurred in substantial numbers.
- The cheetah’s habitat was also diverse, favouring the more open habitats: scrub forests, dry grasslands, savannahs and other arid and semi-arid open habitats.
What caused the extinction of cheetahs in India?
- The major reasons for the extinction of the Asiatic cheetah in India:
- Reduced fecundity and high infant mortality in the wild
- Inability to breed in captivity
- Sport hunting and
- Bounty killings
- It is reported that the Mughal Emperor Akbar had kept 1,000 cheetahs in his menagerie and collected as many as 9,000 cats during his half-century reign from 1556 to 1605.
- The cheetah numbers were fast depleting by the end of the 18th century even though their prey base and habitat survived till much later.
- It is recorded that the last cheetahs were shot in India in 1947, but there are credible reports of sightings of the cat till about 1967.
Conservation objectives for their re-introduction
- Based on the available evidence it is difficult to conclude that the decision to