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Subject: Biodiversity

1. Ecology & Ecosystems
2. Indian Biodiversity

  • International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 

    Why in the News

    India will host the first International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit in June 2026, with participation from around 95 countries. The summit is expected to adopt the Delhi Declaration on global big cat conservation.

    About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

    • A global alliance for big cat conservation
    • Launched by Narendra Modi in 2023
    • Conceived and led by India

    Objective

    • Promote:
      • Conservation of big cats
      • Habitat protection
      • Research and innovation
      • International cooperation

    Big Cats Covered under IBCA

    • Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. 
    [2020] 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

  • Blue Button (Porpita porpita) 

    Why in the News

    Large numbers of Porpita porpita, commonly called Blue Button, were recently found washed ashore at Girgaon Chowpatty. This phenomenon is often observed before the onset of the monsoon.

    What is Blue Button

    • A marine organism found floating on the sea surface
    • Not a single organism but a colonial species
    • Composed of multiple zooids working together as one unit
    • Often mistaken for jellyfish

    Key Characteristics

    • Small, disc shaped body with tentacles
    • Free floating organism
    • Each zooid performs specific functions: Feeding, Digestion, and Movement

    Comparison with Similar Species

    • Blue Button (Porpita porpita)
      • Harmless to humans
      • Mild or no sting
    • Portuguese Man o’ War
      • Venomous
      • Can cause painful stings

    Why They Appear on Shores

    • Linked to monsoon onset
    • Caused by:
      • Changes in sea temperature
      • Shifts in ocean currents
      • Strong winds pushing them ashore
    [2021] Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms? 
    1. Cnidarians 
    2. Fungi 
    3. Protozoa 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Barbary Macaque

    Why in the News

    Scientists studying the Barbary Macaque population in Gibraltar have observed geophagy (soil eating) behavior. This is believed to help them counter the harmful effects of tourist provided junk food.

    About Barbary Macaque

    • One of the 25 species of macaques worldwide
    • The only macaque species found outside Asia
    • The only non human primate in Europe and North Africa

    Distribution

    • Native range:
      • Atlas Mountains in Algeria and Morocco
    • Introduced population: Gibraltar
    • IUCN Red List: Endangered
    [2013] In which of the following states is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat? 
    1 Tamil Nadu
    2 Kerala 
    3 Karnataka 
    4 Andhra Pradesh 
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 
    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • State of India’s Bats Report  

    Why in the News?

    • First-ever national assessment “State of India’s Bats (2024–25)” highlights threats, neglect, and data gaps in bat conservation in India.

    Key Findings

    • Total bat species in India: ~135
    • 16 species endemic (found only in India)
    • 7 species threatened (IUCN Red List)
    • 35 species:
      • Not assessed / data deficient
    • Indicates serious knowledge gap

    About the Report

    • Title: State of India’s Bats (2024–25)
    • Led by:
      • Nature Conservation Foundation
      • Bat Conservation International
    • Contributors: 36 experts and 27 institutions
    [2024] Consider the following statements : 
    Statement-I : The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 
    Statement-II : The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals. 
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 
    a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I 
    b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I 
    c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect 
    d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

  • Indus River Dolphin  

    Why in the News?

    • Conservation reserves, citizen science, and habitat protection efforts are helping the Indus River Dolphin population recover in India, particularly in the Beas River.

    About the Indus River Dolphin

    • Scientific Name: Platanista minor
    • Common Name: Indus River Dolphin
    • Type: Freshwater river dolphin
    • One of the rarest mammals in the world
    • IUCN Status is Endangered

    Distribution

    • Primary Habitat: Indus River system (Pakistan)
    • India:
      • Beas River (Punjab) — small remnant population
    • Earlier found across:
      • Indus tributaries (Ravi, Sutlej, Chenab, Jhelum)

    Physical Appearance

    • Long, pointed snout
    • Visible teeth even when mouth is closed
    • Flexible neck (rare among dolphins)
    • Small dorsal fin
    [2019] Consider the following pairs: Wildlife Naturally found in 
    1. Blue-finned Mahseer: Cauvery River 
    2. Irrawaddy Dolphin: Chambal River 
    3. Rusty-spotted Cat: Eastern Ghats 
    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • IUCN Uplists Emperor Penguin and Antarctic Fur Seal to Endangered

    Why in the News?

    The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has uplisted the Emperor Penguin and Antarctic Fur Seal to the Endangered category, citing severe impacts of climate change and habitat loss.

    About Emperor Penguin

    • Largest penguin species in the world
    • Found only in Antarctica
    • Considered sentinel species of Antarctic ecosystem
    • IUCN Status: Endangered

    Antarctic Fur Seal

    About

    • Marine mammal
    • Member of eared seal family
    • IUCN Status: Endangered

    Habitat

    • Antarctic and Sub Antarctic waters
    • Major breeding ground:
      • South Georgia Island

    Key Threats

    • Climate change reducing krill population
    • Ocean warming pushing krill deeper
    • Food shortage for seals
    [2011] The ‘Red Data Books’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of:
    (a) Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
    (b) Threatened plant and animal species.
    (c) Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.
    (d) None of the above

  • Indian Softshell Turtle Rescued in Greater Noida

    Why in the News?

    Police in Greater Noida rescued 16 Indian Softshell Turtles from smugglers. The species is protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act.

    About Indian Softshell Turtle

    • Scientific Name: Nilssonia gangetica
    • Also called: Gangetic Softshell Turtle
    • Type: Freshwater turtle
    • Family: Trionychidae (soft shelled turtles)

    Conservation Status

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

    Habitat & Distribution

    • Found in river systems: Ganga, Indus, and Mahanadi
    • Countries: India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh
    • Habitat: Deep rivers, Lakes, Canals, and Muddy riverbeds

    Key Features

    • Leathery soft shell
    • Olive green colour
    • Long snorkel like nose
    • Size up to 94 cm
    • Omnivorous scavenger

    Why Smuggled

    • Myth of 20 claws brings good luck
    • Used in illegal wildlife trade
    • False medicinal beliefs
    [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.

  • Why Was a Sloth Bear Captured Near Shivamogga Airport in Karnataka?

    Why in News?

    The Karnataka Forest Department captured a female sloth bear near Shivamogga airport after it entered nearby villages and airport premises, raising concerns about human wildlife conflict.

    What Is Sloth Bear?

    • Scientific Name Melursus ursinus
    • Found in Indian Subcontinent
     • Habitat: Dry forests, Grasslands, Scrub forests
    • Known for Insect feeding, Strong claws, and Human conflict incidents

    Conservation Status

    • IUCN Status Vulnerable
    • Wildlife Protection Act 1972
    • Listed under Schedule I protection

    [2022] With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: 
    1 Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 
    2 When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 
    3 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 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

  • New Butterfly Species Named After Zubeen Garg

    Why in the news?

    A new butterfly species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s Leparada district has been named Euthalia zubeengargi in honour of Zubeen Garg, a cultural icon of Assam, whose death on September 19, 2025 triggered widespread public reaction.

    What Is the Newly Discovered Butterfly Species?

    • Scientific Name: Euthalia zubeengargi
    • Common Name Proposed: Basar Duke
    • Genus: Euthalia
    • Habitat: Semi evergreen forests
    • Elevation Range: 600 to 750 metres
    • Location: Leparada district, Arunachal Pradesh

    Why Is the Discovery Important?

    • Only Two Male Individuals recorded
    • One Collected Specimen
    • One Photographed in Wild
    • Indicates Rare or Highly Localised Species
    • Found in Forest Ecosystem of Eastern Himalayas

    [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

  • India’s Frogs: Conservation Gains through Science & Citizen Action

    Why in News

    • On World Frog Day (March 20), attention is drawn to India’s amphibians, where citizen science and conservation initiatives are helping address rising threats like climate change and habitat loss.

    Ecological Importance of Frogs

    • Act as link between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
    • Control insect populations (pests)
    • Serve as food for higher vertebrates
    • Help convert: → Insect biomass → Vertebrate biomass

    Global & Indian Status

    • As per International Union for Conservation of Nature:
      • Amphibians = most threatened vertebrates
      • 37 species extinct globally
    • India:
      • 450+ amphibian species
      • ~25% threatened
      • ~20% data deficient

    Major Threats to Frogs

    1. Disease (Historical Driver)

    • Chytridiomycosis caused by:
      • Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
      • Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
    • Affects frog skin (critical for respiration & ion balance)
    • Impact: → Affected >60% amphibians globally

    2. Climate Change (Current Major Driver)

    • Impacts 39% species
    • Causes:
      • Mismatch in monsoon timing
      • Breeding failures due to: Early rains + prolonged dry spells

    3. Habitat Loss

    • Impacts 37% species
    • Includes: Wetland loss, Deforestation, and Urbanisation. 
    [2024] Consider the following: 
    1. Butterflies 
    2. Fish 
    3. Frogs 
    How many of the above have poisonous species among them? 
    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None