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Subject: Biodiversity

1. Ecology & Ecosystems
2. Indian Biodiversity

  • India has 718 snow leopards; most of them live in unprotected areas: Centre

    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.

  • Specie in news: Megamouth Shark

    Megamouth Shark

    Central Idea

    • In a historic moment for marine biology, a pregnant megamouth shark, a rare and elusive deepwater species, was discovered washed up on a beach in the Philippines.
    • This is only the 60th ever seen and the first ever observed to be pregnant.

    About Megamouth Shark

    Details
    Scientific Name Megachasma pelagios
    Discovery First discovered in 1976 off the coast of Hawaii.
    Appearance Large mouth, bulbous head, rubbery lip, dark grey/black body with a white underbelly.
    Size Up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length.
    Diet Filter feeder, consuming plankton, jellyfish, and small fish.
    Habitat Deepwater species, found at depths of 150 to 1,000 meters (490 to 3,280 feet).
    Behavior Rarely seen, swims with mouth open to filter food.
    Reproduction Presumed to be ovoviviparous, but details are largely unknown.
    Distribution Wide but rare distribution in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
    Conservation Status Least Concerned (IUCN)
    Scientific Interest Valued for its unique anatomy and role in the deep-sea ecosystem.

     

  • Species in news: Doubled-humped Camels

    camel

    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:

    1. Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
    2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
    3. 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

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”4pzhmg3s4f” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • New species: Abelmoschus Odishae

    odisha

    Central Idea

    • A scientist from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently discovered a new plant species of ‘wild okra’ named ‘Abelmoschus Odishae’.

    Wild Okra (Abelmoschus Odishae)

    • Its discovery occurred in a humid deciduous forest within the Banspal block of Keonjhar district, in Odisha.
    • This plant holds potential for use in hybridization to develop improved varieties with enhanced disease resistance.
    • It could significantly contribute to broadening the genetic diversity of okra.
    • Characteristics:
      1. This perennial shrub reaches up to 5 meters in height and features a densely hispid, spiny stem with backward-facing hairs.
      2. The plant is adorned with large, vibrant yellow flowers.
      3. Its seeds are nearly kidney-shaped, with short, robust, non-spiral trichomes.
      4. The seeds exhibit a high viability rate of 95 percent.

    About Okra

    • Commonly referred to as gumbo or ladies’ fingers, okra is a vegetable favored in warm climates.
    • Originating from the Eastern Hemisphere’s tropics, it is now extensively grown or found naturally in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere.
    • Rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, okra is a nutritious choice.
    • The vegetable is known for its mild flavor and distinctive texture, featuring a peach-like fuzz on its exterior and small, consumable seeds inside.

  • ‘Music Frog’ Species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

    Music Frog

    Central Idea

    • Scientists have identified a new species of ‘music frog’, named Nidirana noadihing, in Arunachal Pradesh, India.

    Nidirana noadihing: The Music Frog

    • Location: It came from the place, Noa-Dihing River, from where the specimens were collected.
    • Size: The frogs grow up to 6 cm, with males measuring between 1.8 to 2.3 inches and females between 2.4 to 2.6 inches.
    • Appearance: They have a robust body, a rounded snout, smooth skin with bony protrusions on their backs, and a pale cream line bordered with dark brown running down their bodies.
    • Eye Features: The frogs have irregularly shaped spots on their eyelids, moderately large eyes with gold-rimmed pupils, and dark brown irises with a golden spackle.
    • Colouration: Their throat, forelimbs, thighs, and lower legs are light brown and pinkish, while their groin and the outside of their thighs are pale yellow with irregular dark olive patches.

    Habitat and Behavior

    • Habitat: Nidirana noadihing inhabits swamps, ponds, and paddy fields, often constructing nests for egg-laying.
    • Vocalization: The species is distinguished by its unique call, which led to its discovery near the Noa-Dihing river.

  • Gujarat bans Conocarpus Plant

    Conocarpus

    Central Idea

    • Gujarat has issued a circular to control the growth of the exotic species Conocarpus, citing adverse impacts on the environment and human health.

    About Conocarpus Plant

    • Classified as invasive, Conocarpus is a mangrove
    • During the winter season, these trees produce flowers, releasing pollen in nearby regions.
    • In India, various public authorities have used it for landscaping purposes, including road medians, roadsides, and public gardens.
    • This tree is renowned for maintaining its dark green foliage year-round, even in harsh environmental conditions like extreme temperatures.
    • Its adaptability allows it to thrive in highly saline areas.
    • Conocarpus exhibits an excessive water-absorption trait from the soil, posing a threat to groundwater.
    • Its deep root system can disrupt infrastructure communication cables, drainage lines, and potable water pipelines.

    Previous bans

    • Telangana had previously banned the same plant species due to concerns over its impact.
    • Conocarpus is not the sole exotic plant species to fall out of favor.
    • In recent years, Delhi and Kerala have grappled with the need to curb the growth of non-indigenous trees that were adversely affecting local environments, flora, and fauna due to their prolific presence.

  • Balsams blossom in Munnar

    Central Idea

    • The genus Impatiens, locally known as Kasithumba and Onappovu, is currently enchanting tourists with its vibrant pink blooms in Munnar.

    What are Balsams?

    • Distinctive Feature: Balsams are commonly referred to as ‘touch-me-not’ due to the unique behavior of their mature seeds bursting open upon touch and distributing seeds.
    • Sign of Active Micro-Climate: Botanists suggest that the extensive flowering of balsams in Munnar indicates the continued activity of the microclimate in this hill station.
    • Indian Balsam Species: India hosts a total of 220 balsam species, with a significant presence of 135 species in the southern Western Ghats.
    • Balsam Paradise: Idukki, particularly the high ranges around Anamudi, is renowned for its rich diversity of wild balsams. Scientists often term the district as a ‘balsam paradise.’

    Conservation Efforts

    • Balsams in Munnar: Munnar boasts 46 balsam species, extending from Munnar to Chinnar and Bison Valley.
    • Protection in National Park: The Eravikulam National Park alone is home to over 40 wild balsam species, with the Forest Department ensuring their protection.
    • Unparalleled Diversity: Prasad G, working plan officer, highlights that Munnar’s altitude has unveiled 46 balsam species, a level of diversity unmatched elsewhere in the world.
    • Indicator Species: Balsams play a crucial role as indicator species for climate change. Any alterations in the climate of a region are often reflected in the population of these plants.

  • Gurnards: New fish species discovered in Bengal’s Digha harbour

    Gurnards

    Central Idea

    • Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have unveiled a captivating discovery— Gurnards, a new species of deep water marine fish, displaying a striking orange hue.
    • This remarkable find was made off the coast of Digha Mohana in West Bengal.

    Gurnards or Sea-robins

    • The newfound species falls within the Triglidae family, commonly referred to as gurnards or sea-robins.
    • Named Pterygotrigla intermedica, this species exhibits distinct characteristics that set it apart from its counterparts, such as Pterygotrigla hemisticta.
    • It marks the fourth species within the Pterygotrigla genus to be reported in India.
    • This family boasts a global diversity with a total of 178 species, emphasizing the significance of this discovery.

  • Mainstreaming Biodiversity: A Pivotal Step Towards a Sustainable Future

    Biodiversity

    Central Idea

    • The observance of International Biodiversity Day on May 22 serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role our natural world plays in addressing the climate change crisis and the threat to our future posed by declining biodiversity. Preserving and enhancing biodiversity emerges as a cost-effective approach to sequester carbon dioxide and mitigate climate change.

    What is Biodiversity?

    • Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms found on Earth, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and their interactions within ecosystems. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic diversity within species, and the diversity of ecosystems.
    • Biodiversity is not limited to specific areas but exists everywhere, from terrestrial habitats like forests, grasslands, and deserts to aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.
    • It also includes the diversity of habitats, ecological processes, and the complex web of relationships between organisms and their environment.
    • Biodiversity is crucial for the functioning of ecosystems and provides numerous benefits to humans. It supports essential ecosystem services, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, soil formation, and water purification.
    • Biodiversity also contributes to food security by providing a variety of crops, livestock, and wild foods. Additionally, it plays a vital role in medicine, as many pharmaceuticals are derived from natural sources.

    Biodiversity

    The Decline of Biodiversity: key contributing factors

    • Habitat Loss: The conversion of natural habitats into agricultural lands, urban areas, and industrial zones is a primary driver of biodiversity loss. Deforestation, land degradation, and habitat fragmentation disrupt ecosystems and displace numerous species.
    • Climate Change: Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events associated with climate change have a profound impact on biodiversity. Species may struggle to adapt or migrate quickly enough, leading to population declines and even extinction.
    • Pollution: Pollution, including air and water pollution, poses a severe threat to biodiversity. Chemical contaminants, such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial pollutants, can accumulate in ecosystems and harm both flora and fauna.
    • Overexploitation: Unsustainable harvesting of wildlife, overfishing, and illegal wildlife trade put immense pressure on species populations. This overexploitation disrupts ecological balance and can lead to the collapse of ecosystems.
    • Invasive Species: Non-native species introduced into new environments can outcompete native species, disrupt ecological interactions, and cause harm to local ecosystems. Invasive species often lack natural predators or controls, allowing them to multiply rapidly.
    • Agricultural Practices: Intensive agricultural practices, including the use of chemical inputs, monoculture farming, and the destruction of natural habitats for agriculture, contribute to the loss of biodiversity. This impacts both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
    • Disease and Pathogens: The spread of diseases and pathogens, both natural and human-mediated, can have devastating effects on wildlife populations. Diseases can cause mass die-offs and population declines, leading to decreased biodiversity.
    • Inadequate Conservation Efforts: Inadequate conservation measures, weak enforcement of protective laws, and insufficient funding for conservation initiatives contribute to the decline of biodiversity. Conservation efforts are often fragmented and not prioritized, further exacerbating the problem.
    • Lack of Public Awareness and Engagement: Limited awareness among the general public about the importance of biodiversity and the consequences of its decline hinders collective action. Engaging communities and fostering a sense of responsibility towards biodiversity is crucial for effective conservation.

    Reimagining Biodiversity Management: A holistic and inclusive approach

    • Multifunctional Landscapes: Moving beyond the traditional focus on forests, biodiversity management should encompass diverse ecosystems such as grasslands, savannas, alpine pastures, and deserts. Recognizing the value of multifunctional landscapes allows for the conservation and sustainable use of various ecological communities.
    • Community Engagement: Empowering local communities and indigenous groups in biodiversity management is crucial. Their traditional knowledge, practices, and direct involvement are valuable assets for effective conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Establishing platforms such as gram sabhas and biodiversity management committees facilitates community participation and decision-making.
    • Mainstreaming Biodiversity: Biodiversity considerations should be integrated into all sectors and aspects of society. Development programs, government departments, public and private institutions, and industries should incorporate biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices as core principles.
    • Policy and Legal Frameworks: Ensuring effective implementation of regulations, enforcing laws against biodiversity crimes, and revisiting policies that hinder biodiversity protection are key steps. It is also important to support the rights of indigenous communities and local stakeholders through legal mechanisms.
    • Education and Awareness: Promoting biodiversity education and raising awareness about its importance among the general public, policymakers, and stakeholders is crucial. This includes integrating biodiversity topics into educational curricula, conducting awareness campaigns, and disseminating information about the benefits of biodiversity conservation.
    • Research and Science-Based Approaches: Investing in scientific research, monitoring, and data collection is vital for evidence-based decision-making and effective biodiversity management. This includes studying biodiversity patterns, understanding ecosystem dynamics, and identifying key species and habitats for conservation priorities.
    • Collaborative Partnerships: Building partnerships and collaborations among various stakeholders is essential. This includes government agencies, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, local communities, and private sectors. Collaboration fosters knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and the implementation of joint initiatives for biodiversity conservation.
    • Sustainable Financing: Ensuring sustainable financing mechanisms for biodiversity conservation is crucial. This includes exploring innovative funding models, leveraging public-private partnerships, and integrating biodiversity into sustainable development financing frameworks.
    • International Cooperation: Collaborating at the global level is necessary to address transboundary biodiversity issues. Sharing best practices, knowledge exchange, and aligning efforts with international conventions and agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) can strengthen biodiversity management.

    Facts for prelims

    What is biosphere reserve?

    • Protected area: A biosphere reserve is an area of land or water that is protected by law in order to support the conservation of ecosystems, as well as the sustainability of mankind’s impact on the environment.

    Current status of Biosphere reserves

    • Worldwide: There are 738 biosphere reserves in 134 countries, including 22 transboundary sites.
    • In India:
    • Presently, there are 18 notified biosphere reserves in India. Ten out of the eighteen biosphere reserves are a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme list.
    • In India, the first biosphere reserve was designated by UNESCO in 2000, namely, the blue mountains of the Nilgiris stretching over Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.

    Our Role as Caretakers: key actions we can take as responsible stewards

    • Sustainable Land Use: Promoting sustainable land use practices is essential to minimize habitat loss and degradation. This includes supporting initiatives such as reforestation, afforestation, and sustainable agriculture that maintain ecosystem integrity.
    • Responsible Consumption: Making informed choices as consumers can have a significant impact on biodiversity. Supporting sustainable and ethically sourced products, reducing waste, and opting for environmentally friendly practices can reduce the demand for products that harm biodiversity.
    • Preservation of Natural Habitats: Protecting and preserving natural habitats, including forests, wetlands, and marine ecosystems, is critical. This involves advocating for the establishment and expansion of protected areas, national parks, and wildlife reserves.
    • Sustainable Fisheries: Supporting sustainable fishing practices, such as responsible fishing quotas, implementing fishing regulations, and avoiding overfishing, helps maintain healthy marine ecosystems and protect marine biodiversity.
    • Support Conservation Organizations: Contributing to and supporting conservation organizations and initiatives can make a significant difference. Donations, volunteering, and participation in citizen science projects can aid in research, conservation efforts, and advocacy for biodiversity protection.

    Biodiversity

    What is The National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Wellbeing?

    • Objective: The mission aims to integrate biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services into various sectors to address critical challenges related to climate change, regenerative agriculture, and ecosystem and public health.
    • Enhancing Human Wellbeing: The mission focuses on fostering human well-being by enhancing and conserving biodiversity. It aims to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty alleviation, nutrition and health, and environmental protection.
    • People-Centric Approach: The mission recognizes the importance of active engagement and participation of all citizens in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. It places people at the center of the mission’s activities.
    • Mainstreaming Biodiversity: The mission seeks to embed biodiversity considerations into development-oriented programs of both the public and private sectors. This ensures that biodiversity conservation becomes an integral part of decision-making processes and actions.
    • Education and Awareness: The mission aims to create awareness about the importance of biodiversity and foster curiosity about nature. It seeks to instill a sense of responsibility for safeguarding biodiversity in every child and student.
    • Nature-Based Solutions: The mission emphasizes the utilization of nature-based solutions to address challenges related to climate change, agriculture, and public health. It recognizes the value of ecosystems and biodiversity in providing sustainable solutions.
    • Traditional Knowledge and Community Participation: The mission promotes the integration of traditional knowledge and the active participation of local communities and indigenous groups in biodiversity management. It acknowledges their role in conservation efforts.
    • Sustainable Development Goals Alignment: The mission aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to contribute to poverty alleviation, nutrition and health, and environmental protection.
    • Pending Implementation: Although the mission has received preliminary approval from the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Council, it is still in the proposal stage and yet to be fully implemented.

    Biodiversity

    Conclusion

    • The mainstreaming of biodiversity represents a significant step toward securing a sustainable future. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and ecosystems, we must redefine our approach to biodiversity management. The proposed National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Wellbeing provides a roadmap and empowers all citizens to take part in safeguarding our precious natural heritage.

     

  • Species in news: Alligator Gar

    alligator-gar

    Central Idea: The Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) discovered a rare type of fish known as “Alligator Gar” for the first time during the ongoing cleaning of famous Dal Lake in Srinagar.

    Alligator Gar

    Information
    Scientific Name Atractosteus spatula
    Size and Weight Up to 8 feet in length, over 300 pounds
    Appearance Long, narrow body; crocodile-like head; sharp teeth
    Distribution Central and North America, freshwater habitats
    Fossil Record Traces back to the Early Cretaceous, over 100 million years ago
    Feeding Habits Voracious predator, feeds on fish, turtles, waterfowl, etc.
    Coloration Brown or olive on upper body, lighter underside
    Longevity Can live for several decades
    Conservation Status Least Concerned (IUCN)

     

     

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