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Subject: Biodiversity

1. Ecology & Ecosystems
2. Indian Biodiversity

  • Pygmy Hog

    Why in the News?

    India’s Pygmy hog is rapidly declining due to loss and degradation of tall grassland habitats, even though it plays a critical role in maintaining grassland ecosystem health.

    About Pygmy Hog

    • Smallest and rarest wild pig species in the world
    • One of the few mammals that builds its own nest with a roof
    • Functions as an indicator species, reflecting grassland health

    Habitat

    • Prefers undisturbed tall grasslands with early succession riverine vegetation
    • Habitat includes dense tall grasses mixed with herbs, shrubs and young trees
    • Present distribution restricted to
      • Manas National Park
      • Orang National Park

    Ecological Role

    • Forages by digging soil using its snout
    • Feeds on roots, tubers, fruits, termites, earthworms and eggs
    • Improves soil aeration and fertility
    • Aids seed dispersal, supporting grassland regeneration

    Conservation Status

    • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
    • Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
    • Estimated wild population is very small, confined to Assam
    [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, 3 and 4

  • BNHS and NMCG launch project to protect Indian Skimmer

    Why in the news

    Bombay Natural History Society and National Mission for Clean Ganga have launched a new conservation project in Dehradun to protect the endangered Indian Skimmer in the Ganga Basin. The project was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Patil.

    About Indian Skimmer

    • Scientific name: Rynchops albicollis
    • IUCN status: Endangered
    • Habitat: Large rivers, estuaries, sandbars and islands
    • India hosts around 90 percent of the global population, making conservation nationally critical.

    Core objective

    • Protection of river sandbars, which are crucial nesting and breeding habitats for Indian Skimmer and other riverine birds.

    Major threats addressed

    • Sand mining on riverbeds
    • Altered river flows and sudden water releases from dams
    • Human and livestock disturbance
    • Predation and habitat fragmentation

    Geographical coverage

    • National Chambal Sanctuary
    • Upper Ganga near Bijnor and Narora
    • Ganga Yamuna confluence at Prayagraj
    • Lower Ganga near the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar

    UPSC Prelims pointers

    • Indian Skimmer nests on exposed river sandbars.
    • India holds the largest global population share of the species.
    • Project combines science, community participation, and river planning.
    • Linked with Namami Gange ecosystem restoration goals.
    [2014] With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements: 1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests

    2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness

    3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

  • Environmental (Protection) Fund

    Why in the news

    The Union Government notified detailed rules in January 2026 to operationalise the Environmental (Protection) Fund, a reform enabled by the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023.

    About

    • A statutory fund of the Government of India created to channel environmental penalties into pollution control, restoration, monitoring, research, and capacity building.
    • Converts monetary penalties into direct environmental remediation.

    Legal basis

    • Provided under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    • Detailed rules notified in January 2026.
    • Strengthened by the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which decriminalised several environmental offences while retaining penalties.

    Nodal authority

    • Administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change or any body notified by the Central Government.

    Aim

    • Ensure that pollution penalties are recycled for environmental protection, remediation, clean technology promotion, and stronger regulatory institutions.

    Key features

    • Sources of funds
      • Penalties under the Air Act 1981 and Environment Act 1986
      • Interest from investments
      • Other prescribed sources
    • Permitted uses (11 activities)
      • Pollution prevention and mitigation
      • Remediation of contaminated sites
      • Environmental monitoring equipment
      • Clean technology research
      • IT enabled regulatory systems
      • Laboratory infrastructure
      • Capacity building of regulatory bodies
    • Revenue sharing
      • 75% of penalty proceeds to the Consolidated Fund of the State or UT
      • 25% retained by the Centre
    • Governance: Dedicated Project Management Units at Central and State levels
    • Oversight and transparency
      • Audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India
      • Centralised online portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board
    [2019] Consider the following statements: The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to: 

    1. State the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought

    2. Lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Second Range wide Dolphin Survey

    Why in the News?

    The Second Range wide Dolphin Survey has been launched from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh under Project Dolphin to update dolphin population estimates, assess habitat quality and identify threats across India’s river systems.

    About Project Dolphin

    A national conservation initiative of the Government of India for protecting riverine and oceanic dolphins through habitat protection, scientific monitoring and community participation.

    Key details

    • Launched: 15 August 2020
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
    • Aim:
      • Conserve dolphin diversity in India
      • Address threats like pollution, habitat degradation, by catch and altered river flows
      • Involve local communities and stakeholders

    Key features

    • 10 year initiative with pan India coverage
    • Focus on riverine and oceanic species
    • Scientific surveys and monitoring for population trends
    • Linked with river ecosystem conservation and policy action

    Second Range wide Dolphin Survey

    • A pan India scientific estimation exercise to assess:
      • Dolphin population size
      • Distribution and habitat condition
      • Anthropogenic and ecological threats

    Covers riverine and estuarine dolphins in a structured manner.

    Implementation and coverage

    • Phase I:
      • Main stem of the Ganga from Bijnor to Ganga Sagar
      • Indus river system
    • Phase II: Brahmaputra, Ganga tributaries, Sundarbans delta and Odisha river and estuarine systems
    • Coordinating agency: Wildlife Institute of India
    • Implemented with State Forest Departments and conservation partners
    • Uses standardised protocols, hydrophones for acoustic monitoring and trained field teams

    Note: Oceanic dolphins in Indian waters include Indo-Pacific bottlenose (Tursiops aduncus), spinner (Stenella longirostris), seen along Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha coasts in Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

    Previous Survey Findings (2021 to 2023)

    • Around 6,327 riverine dolphins recorded across India
    • Highest populations: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
    • Followed by West Bengal and Assam
    • Small population of Indus River Dolphin recorded in the Beas system

    Prelims Takeaways

    • Project Dolphin was launched in 2020
    • Nodal ministry is MoEFCC
    • Second survey uses acoustic monitoring via hydrophones
    • Ganga and Brahmaputra systems are key dolphin habitats
    • India hosts both riverine and oceanic dolphins
    [2014] Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganga River Dolphins? 

    1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers

    2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers

    3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally

    4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

  • Dugong

    Why in the News?

    The Union government’s Expert Appraisal Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has asked Tamil Nadu to revise the design of the proposed International Dugong Conservation Centre at Manora in Thanjavur.

    About

    • Large, slow moving marine mammal, commonly called sea cow
    • Exclusively herbivorous, feeds only on seagrass
    • Recognised as a keystone species for seagrass ecosystems
    • Scientific name: Dugong dugon

    Habitat

    • Found in warm, shallow coastal waters of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean
    • Prefers seagrass meadows, estuaries, lagoons and nearshore areas
    • Strictly marine species, does not enter freshwater unlike manatees
    • IUCN status: Vulnerable as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature

    UPSC Prelims Pointers

    • Dugong is a marine mammal, not a fish
    • Only marine sirenian found in Indian waters
    • Depends entirely on seagrass meadows
    • Listed as Vulnerable by IUCN
    • Protection of dugongs also conserves coastal seagrass ecosystems
    [2015] With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 

    1. It is a herbivorous marine animal

    2. It is found along the entire coast of India

    3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

  • Doomsday Glacier Destabilisation and the Future of Antarctic Ice Sheets

    Why in the News?

    A recent scientific study has revealed increasing fracturing in the Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, indicating how large parts of the Antarctic ice sheets could collapse in the future. The findings were published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface.

    Thwaites Glacier (Doomsday Glacier)

    The Thwaites Glacier is a massive glacier in West Antarctica that drains ice from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet into the Amundsen Sea. It is one of the fastest changing glacier systems on Earth.

    Why it is called the Doomsday Glacier

    • Complete collapse could raise global sea levels by about 65 cm
    • Acts as a gateway glacier whose destabilisation can trigger wider ice sheet collapse
    • Focus area: Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf (TEIS), a floating extension of the glacier

    Pinning point and shear zone

    • TEIS is attached to an undersea ridge called a pinning point
    • Pinning points slow ice flow but also cause compression and fracturing
    • Upstream of the pinning point lies a shear zone where ice deforms intensely

    Fracture patterns observed

    • Ice fracturing occurred in two stages
      • Long fractures parallel to ice flow
      • Smaller fractures perpendicular to ice flow
    • Annual fracture length increased sharply
      • From about 165 km in 2002
      • To about 335 km in 2022

    Consequences of fracturing

    • Breakdown of the shear zone accelerates ice flow
    • Faster ice flow increases ice discharge into the ocean
    • Raises risk of destabilisation of the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet

    Prelims Pointers

    • Thwaites Glacier is located in West Antarctica
    • Known as the Doomsday Glacier due to sea level rise potential
    • Complete melt could raise sea levels by about 65 cm
    • Study used satellite and GPS data over two decades
    • West Antarctic Ice Sheet is a global climate tipping element
    [2021] With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements: 

    1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater

    2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Remarkable New Species Discovered in India in 2025

    Why in the News?

    In December 2025, Indian scientists announced the discovery of multiple new species across diverse ecosystems, ranging from the Eastern Himalayas to the Western Ghats, highlighting India’s rich and still underexplored biodiversity.

    Key New Species Discovered

    Bridgeoporus kanadii

    Type: Macro fungi
    Discovery region: West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh
    Habitat: Old growth Abies fir trees
    Key features:

    • Thick, leathery and massive fruiting body
    • Extremely sturdy, capable of bearing human weight
       Significance:
    • Indicates high fungal diversity in Eastern Himalayan forests
    • Highlights ecological value of old growth conifer ecosystems

    Rhinophis siruvaniensis

    Type: Non venomous shieldtail snake
     Family: Uropeltidae
     Discovery region: Siruvani Hills, Kerala, Western Ghats
     Key features:

    • Fossorial or burrowing lifestyle
    • Specialized tail shield for digging and protection
       Significance:
    • Adds to endemic reptile diversity of the Western Ghats
    • Reinforces the region as a global biodiversity hotspot

    Neelus sikkimensis

    Type: Springtail or Collembola
    Discovery region: High altitude cold desert soils of Sikkim, Eastern Himalayas
    Key features:

    • Wingless arthropod with a jumping organ called furcula
    • First record of the genus Neelus in India
       Significance:
    • Identified by Zoological Survey of India
    • Global species count of Neelus expanded to eight
    • Indicates biodiversity even in extreme cold environments

    Parasynnemellisia khasiana

    Type: Fungus
    Taxonomy: Completely new genus and species
    Discovery region: Khasi Hills near Mawsynram, Meghalaya
    Habitat: Dense bamboo forests in ultra high rainfall zones
    Key features:

    • Grows in association with bamboo ecosystems
    • Adapted to one of the wettest regions on Earth
       Significance:
    • Demonstrates unexplored microbial diversity of Northeast India

    Dolomedes indicus

    Type: Fishing spider
    Discovery region: Wayanad and Lakkidi, Western Ghats, Kerala
    Key features:

    • Semi aquatic spider
    • Can skate on water surfaces
    • Hunts aquatic insects and small fish

    Significance:

    • First confirmed fishing spider species in India
    • Highlights freshwater dependent arthropod diversity

    Ophiorrhiza mizoramensis

    Type: Flowering shrub
    Family: Rubiaceae or coffee family
    Discovery region: Murlen National Park, Mizoram
    Key features:

    • Grows up to one metre
    • Dark purplish pink tubular flowers
    • Unique stigma lobe structure

    Conservation status:

    • Provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered
    • Fewer than 200 mature individuals recorded

    Overall Significance

    • Confirms India as a megadiverse country
    • Highlights importance of Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats
    • Strengthens case for habitat conservation and taxonomy research
    • Shows climate resilient and niche specific species evolution

    Prelims Pointers

    • Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas are global biodiversity hotspots
    • New genus discovery indicates unexplored fungal diversity
    • High altitude ecosystems also host unique micro fauna
    • Many new species face immediate conservation threats
    [2022] With reference to ‘Gucchi’ sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements: 

    1. It is a fungus. 

    2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas

    3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India

    Which of the statements given above is correct? 

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

  • Kolleru Lake

    Why in the News?

    • Kolleru Lake is gaining recognition for its black dried fish, now popular in domestic and international markets.

    What is Black Dried Fish

    • A traditional sun dried fish product
    • Prepared by drying small freshwater or brackish water fish without heavy salting
    • Dark colour develops due to natural oxidation and fermentation during drying
    • Strong aroma and long shelf life

    Location and Physical Features

    • One of the largest freshwater lakes in India
    • Located in Andhra Pradesh, near Eluru
    • Lies in the inter-deltaic plain of Krishna and Godavari
    • Acts as a natural flood-balancing reservoir for both rivers
    • Shallow lake in nature

    Hydrology

    • Receives water from Budameru, Ramileru, Tammileru, Errakalva rivers
    • Also fed by 18 drains
    • Drains into the Bay of Bengal through Upputeru outlet

    Ecological Importance

    • Known as Peerless Fisherman’s Paradise and Bird Heaven
    • Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in November 1999
    • Designated a Ramsar Wetland in November 2002
    • Supports over 20 million migratory birds annually
    • Key species: Grey pelican, Painted stork, Open billed stork
    • Hosts migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia, and the Himalayas

    Socio-Economic Significance

    • Sustains livelihoods through fishing, duck farming, and paddy cultivation
    • Traditional black dried fish is a unique local product with growing market value

    Prelims Pointers

    • Largest freshwater lake in Andhra Pradesh
    • Ramsar site and wildlife sanctuary
    • Flood moderation role for Krishna and Godavari
    • Internationally known for migratory birds and fisheries
    Consider the following statements: (2023)

    1. Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 

    2. Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 

    3. Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. 

    How many of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

  • Dhasan River 

    Why in the News?

    The National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi, dismissed an appeal challenging the cancellation of environmental clearance for sand mining in the Dhasan River in Jhansi district.

    About Dhasan River

    • A right bank tributary of the Betwa River
       • Betwa River is a tributary of the Yamuna
       • Flows through the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
       • Known as Dasharna in the ancient period
    • Originates in Begumganj tehsil, Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh
       • Forms the south eastern boundary of Lalitpur district, Uttar Pradesh

    Infrastructure

    • Lehchura Dam is built across the Dhasan River
       • Primarily an irrigation dam
       • Supplies water through the Dhasan Canal System (DCS) for agricultural use

    Prelims Pointers

    • Dhasan is a right bank, not left bank tributary
       • Flows through Bundelkhand, a drought prone region
       • Ancient name Dasharna is important for history culture linkage
       • Sand mining issues fall under NGT jurisdiction
    Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds? [2018] 

    1. Decreased salinity in the river 

    2. Pollution of groundwater 

    3. Lowering of the water-table 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

  • Himalayan Red Fox 

    Why in the News?

    A roadside sighting of a Himalayan Red Fox near Pangong Tso in Ladakh went viral on social media. Wildlife authorities cautioned that human interaction with wild animals can disturb their natural behaviour and pose ecological risks.

    About Himalayan Red Fox

    • Subspecies of the widespread red fox
      • One of the most adaptable predators of high altitude Himalayan ecosystems

    Conservation Status

    • Classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List

    Distribution

    • Native to the Himalayan mountain range
      • Found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet
      • In India, distributed across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh

    Key Facts about Pangong Tso

    • High altitude endorheic lake in the Ladakh Himalayas
      • One third lies in India and two thirds in China
      • World’s highest saltwater lake
      • Known for changing colours such as blue, green, and reddish shades

    Prelims Pointers

    • Himalayan Red Fox shows high ecological adaptability
      • Pangong Tso is saline and landlocked
      • Wildlife disturbance from tourism is an emerging conservation concern
      • Least Concern species can still face localised threats
    Consider the following: (2012)

    1. Black-necked crane 

    2. Cheetah 

    3. Flying squirrel 

    4. Snow leopard. 

    Which of the above are naturally found in India? 

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