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Subject: Conservation & Mitigation

1. Conservation Progs.
2. Worldwide initiatives
3. Mitigation Strategies
4. Conventions and Protocols

  • Migratory Bats ‘surf’ storm front winds to save energy

    Migratory Bats ‘surf’ storm front winds to save energy

    Why in the News?

    The Common Noctule Bats are surf over the storm winds when they migrate thousands of miles across continents, reveals new research.

    About the Common Noctule Bats (Nyctalus noctula)

    • The common noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula) is one of the largest bat species in Europe.
    • It has a body length of 7–9 cm, a wingspan of 32–40 cm, and weighs between 18–40 grams.
    • Its fur is reddish-brown to golden-brown, darker on the back and lighter underneath, while its wings are long and narrow, designed for fast and sustained flight.
    • Features: 
      • Common noctules are known for their swift and high-altitude flight, reaching heights of up to 3,000 meters.
      • They are primarily insectivorous, feeding on moths, beetles, and other flying insects.
      • Their echolocation abilities allow them to detect and hunt prey with precision, even in complete darkness.
      • Although classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, common noctule bats face several threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization.
    • Habitat:
      • The common noctule bat is widely distributed across Europe, North Africa, and Asia, extending into Siberia and parts of China.
      • It is migratory, especially in central and eastern Europe, traveling long distances between summer breeding sites and winter hibernation sites.
      • It inhabits forests and woodlands, where it uses hollow trees for roosting, as well as urban areas, where it often roosts in buildings, attics, and bat boxes.
      • These bats also thrive in wetlands and grasslands, hunting over water bodies and open fields where insect populations are abundant.

    PYQ:

    [2012] Consider the following kinds of organisms:

    1. Bat

    2. Bee

    3. Bird

    Which of the above is/are pollinating agent/agents?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • How are Zebrafishes able to repair damaged hearts?

    Why in the News?

    A recent research revealed that the Zebrafish (a popular aquarium fish) can regenerate damaged heart muscle within 60 days, a capability absent in humans. The Hmga1 protein plays a key role in this process, offering potential insights for heart repair in mammals.

    Discovery of Hmga1’s Role in Zebrafish Heart Regeneration:

    • In zebrafish, the Hmga1 protein plays a pivotal role in activating dormant genes necessary for regeneration.
    • It removes molecular “roadblocks” on chromatin (DNA-packaging structures), shifting genes from an inactive state to active regeneration mode.
    • The Hmga1 gene, active during embryonic development in mice and humans, becomes inactive after birth.
    • In zebrafish, however, the gene remains active during heart regeneration, enabling the repair process.

    About Zebrafish

    • Zebrafish are small freshwater fish measuring 2-3 cm in length.
    • It is named for the horizontal blue stripes running along their bodies.
    • It is native to South Asia’s Indo-Gangetic plains and is commonly found in paddy fields, stagnant water, and streams.
    • It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

    Features of Zebrafish

    • Zebrafishes are known for their ability to regenerate almost all major organs, including the heart, brain, eyes, and spinal cord.
    • This unique trait makes them an important model in developmental biology and disease research.
    • They share approximately 70% of their genes with humans.
    • Over 80% of human disease-related genes have counterparts in zebrafish, making them valuable for studying genetic disorders.
    • They produce hundreds of embryos in a single clutch, enabling large-scale studies.
    • They are now preferred over rodent (guinea pigs) models for certain vertebrate development studies.
    • Widely used for regenerative biology and drug discovery due to their cost-effectiveness and rapid breeding.

  • Chhattisgarh first state to link Forest Ecosystem with Green GDP

    Why in the News?

    For the first time in India, Chhattisgarh has introduced an innovative framework that integrates the ecosystem services of its forests into the calculation of Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP). This initiative highlights the critical role forests play in supporting both environmental sustainability and economic growth.

    Highlights of the Chhattisgarh’s Plan

    • Forest contributions like carbon absorption, climate regulation, and biodiversity preservation will now be formally quantified and included in the state’s economic planning.
    • The initiative ensures forests are valued not just for their resources but for their broader ecological services.
      • With 44% of its land under forest cover, Chhattisgarh’s natural resources are vital for the livelihoods of millions and play a significant role in mitigating climate change.
    • The initiative aligns with ‘Developed India 2047’ vision, focusing on long-term ecological and economic sustainability.

    About Green GDP

    • Green GDP is an alternative metric for assessing economic growth that includes the environmental costs of economic activities.
    • It subtracts the value of natural resource depletion and environmental degradation from traditional GDP to provide a more accurate picture of economic well-being.
    • Introduced in the 1993 United Nations Handbook of National Accounting: Integrated Environmental and Economic Accounting under the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework.
    • Key Features:
      • Aims to measure the sustainability of economic growth.
      • Focuses on valuing ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and water resources.
      • Provides insights into the trade-offs between economic growth and environmental conservation.
    • Calculation:
      • Green GDP = Traditional GDP – Costs of Environmental Degradation – Costs of Resource Depletion.
    • Challenges: Incomplete environmental data, reliance on subjective assumptions, difficulty in valuing ecosystem services, and the absence of a universal calculation framework, often oversimplifying nature’s intrinsic worth.

    Government Initiatives for Green GDP Accounting

    • Green National Account Framework: It integrates environmental considerations into national accounting systems. It captures the value of natural resources, costs of pollution, and benefits of ecosystem services like clean air and water.
    • System of Environmental-Economic Accounting, 2012 (SEEA): It was adopted by India under UN guidelines to create databases for natural capital accounting and informed policymaking.
    • RBI Estimates: Green GDP for 2019 was ₹167 trillion, reflecting a 10% adjustment from traditional GDP. It is supported by organizations like TERI and Indian Statistical Institute to refine valuation methodologies.

  • India’s emissions inventory & efforts at mitigation

    Why in the News?

    India recently shared a report about its efforts to fight climate change. The report includes details about how much greenhouse gases (GHG) the country produces and the steps it has taken to reduce these emissions as part of its global climate promises.

    What is the Biennial Update Report (BUR)?

    • The Biennial Update Report (BUR) is a detailed report that developing countries, including India, submit to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This report outlines their efforts toward climate action, as mandated under the Paris Agreement.
    • BURs include an overview of national circumstances related to climate, socio-economic factors, and forestry, along with a comprehensive inventory of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their sources. They also detail national action plans for emission mitigation and the support received for climate-related initiatives.

    What are the BUR-4’s highlights and submissions on emissions inventory?

    • Total GHG Emissions: In 2020, India’s total GHG emissions were reported at 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. After accounting for land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF), net emissions were 2,437 million tonnes, reflecting a 7.93% decrease from 2019 levels.
    • Reduction in Emissions Intensity: The report indicates that from 2005 to 2020, India’s emissions intensity of GDP decreased by 36%. This metric measures GHG emissions per unit of economic output, highlighting improved energy efficiency and a shift towards renewable energy sources.
    • Sectoral Contributions: The energy sector was the largest contributor to emissions, accounting for 75.66%, with electricity production alone responsible for 39% of total emissions. Agriculture contributed 13.72%, while industrial processes and waste management accounted for 8.06% and 2.56%, respectively.

    What does BUR-4 say about the status of India’s climate commitments?

    • The BUR-4 outlines India’s commitment to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, aiming for a 45% reduction in GDP emission intensity by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
    • The report notes that between 2005 and 2021, India created an additional carbon sink of approximately 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through enhanced forest and tree cover, contributing significantly to its climate goals.

    What has the report said about India’s tech needs for climate-conscious growth? (Way forward)

    • Advanced Technologies for Low-Carbon Growth: The report emphasizes the necessity for adopting cutting-edge technologies across various sectors, including solar energy, wind energy, bioenergy, electric vehicles, and carbon capture and storage.
    • Capacity Building: Strengthening institutional frameworks and workforce capabilities is essential for effective implementation of climate policies and programs. This involves training personnel and developing skills necessary to manage and operate advanced technologies.
    • Financial and Technological Support: The BUR-4 identifies a significant gap in technology transfer from developed countries, which hampers India’s ability to implement necessary climate solutions. India calls for increased international cooperation to facilitate technology transfer, eliminate intellectual property barriers, and provide financial assistance to support its climate initiatives.
    • Integration of Technology in Key Sectors: The report highlights the importance of integrating advanced technologies into critical sectors that contribute to emissions, such as agriculture and energy.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q ‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC IAS/2022)

  • Annual Ground Water Quality Report – 2024

    Why in the News?

    The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 was released by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti.  Conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the report provides a scientific baseline for groundwater quality across India.

    Annual Groundwater Quality Report, 2024: Key Highlights

    Monitoring Scale

    • Data collected from 15,200 locations and 4,982 trend stations both before and after the monsoon.

    Contamination Levels

    • Nitrate
      • 20% of samples exceeded the safe limit of 45 mg/L.
      • Hotspots include Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra (>40% of samples), Telangana (27.48%), Andhra Pradesh (23.5%), and Madhya Pradesh (22.58%).
      • States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland remain within safe limits.
    • Fluoride
      • 9.04% of samples above permissible limits.
      • Affected states: Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
    • Arsenic
      • Detected in Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains (West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh).
      • Linked to cancer and skin lesions.
    • Uranium
      • 42% of Rajasthan and 30% of Punjab samples exceed 100 ppb.
      • Over-exploited zones in Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh also show elevated levels, posing kidney damage risks.

    Agricultural Suitability

    • SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) & RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate): 81% of samples suitable for irrigation; 100% suitability in North-Eastern states.
    • High Sodium: Elevated levels in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, risking soil degradation.
    • Salinity (as a measure of Electrical Conductivity (EC)): High in Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Karnataka.

    Temporal Trends

    • Seasonal Improvements: Post-monsoon recharge improves EC (salinity) and fluoride levels.
    • Stable Nitrate since 2015 in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat.
    • Rising Nitrate (2017–2023) in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana.

    Hotspots of Contamination

    • Nitrate:
      • Rajasthan (Barmer, Jodhpur), Maharashtra (Wardha, Jalgaon), Andhra Pradesh (Palnadu), Tamil Nadu (Villupuram), Punjab (Bathinda).
    • Uranium:
      • Over-exploited aquifers in Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat.
    • Arsenic:
      • Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar.

    What are the key factors contributing to decline in Groundwater quality?

    Groundwater quality declines due to:

    • Industrialization, with untreated waste introducing heavy metals and chemicals into aquifers, and agricultural practices, where excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides leads to nitrate contamination.
    • Urbanization worsens the problem through improper waste disposal, sewage leakage, and landfill contamination.
    • Over-extraction for agriculture and domestic use lowers water tables, exposing aquifers to pollutants like arsenic and uranium.
    • Climate change and poor livestock waste management further exacerbate contamination and reduce aquifer recharge.

    Government Initiatives to conserve Groundwater

    • Jal Jeevan Mission – Groundwater Component (2023): Ensures source sustainability for rural water supply by focusing on groundwater recharge and sustainable extraction with local governance participation.
    • Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain (2021): A nationwide campaign promoting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, emphasizing the creation of water conservation structures.
    • National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (Updated 2020): Maps groundwater aquifers to guide sustainable management, particularly in over-exploited areas.
    • Atal Bhujal Yojana (2019): Focuses on sustainable groundwater management through community participation in seven water-stressed states, with decentralized planning involving Gram Panchayats.

    PYQ:

    [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​

  • In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    Tigress Zeenat, originally from Maharashtra’s Tadoba, was relocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve after straying through Jharkhand into West Bengal, complicating tracking efforts.

    In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

    About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)

    Details
    Geographical Features
    • Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
    • Twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to 1515 meters above mean sea level.
    • Undulating and hilly terrain, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
    • Inhabited by tribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
    • Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; brought under Project Tiger in 1973.
    • Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
    Flora and Fauna
    • Flora: Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal as the dominant tree species.
    • Fauna: Rich wildlife, including Leopards, Gaurs, Elephants, Langurs, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bears, Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Porcupines, Pythons, Sambar, Pangolins, and more.
    • It is critical habitat for birds, including migratory species like Bar-Headed Geese and Brahmini Ducks, and home to freshwater snails (Radix genus) in its water bodies.
    • Melanistic Tigers:
      • Similipal hosts 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers (AOTE-2023-24), including 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers with unique black-striped patterns due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.
      • It is the only wild habitat in the world with pseudo-melanistic tigers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.

    Which one of the following could be this?

    (a) Bhitarkanika

    (b) Chandipur-on-sea

    (c) Gopalpur-on-sea

    (d) Simlipal

  • Marine Heatwave killed four million Alaska seabirds

    Why in the News?

    The 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave (MHW) killed over four million common murres (Uria aalge) (IUCN: Least Concerned) in Alaska. A study published in Science revealed that this event marked the largest recorded vertebrate die-off linked to warming oceans.

    About Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)

    Details
    What is it?
    • As per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), prolonged periods of sea surface temperatures rising 3 to 4°C above average for at least five consecutive days.
    • IMD defines a marine heat wave (MHW) as a period when the sea’s temperature is above the 90th percentile(seasonally varying threshold) for at least 5 consecutive days.
    • Can last from weeks to years, depending on intensity and extent.
    • Frequency: Increasing in both occurrence and intensity due to climate change.
    • Identified as one of the most significant stressors on global marine ecosystems, causing large-scale disruptions.
    Key Observations on MHWs 2014-2016 Pacific MHW:

    • Caused the death of over 4 million common murres (Uria aalge) in Alaska, the largest vertebrate die-off linked to warming oceans.
    • Highlighted rapid and severe population declines in marine birds and a lack of ecosystem recovery even years later.
    • Increasing frequency and intensity are reshaping ecosystems, creating new survival challenges for marine species.
    • Evidence of shifts in marine environments, disrupting population dynamics.
    Impacts of MHWs On Ecosystems: 

    • Mass Mortality: Loss of habitat-forming species like kelps and corals, degrading ecosystems.
    • Trophic Cascades: Displacement of lower-trophic species and reduced ecosystem productivity.

    On Marine Species: 

    • Reduced breeding success and increased mortality.
    • Example: 2014–2016 Pacific MHW killed half the common murre population in Alaska.

    On Biodiversity: 

    • Loss of key predators disrupts food webs.
    • Threatened species face survival challenges due to limited adaptability.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26ºC isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March.
    2. OMT collected during January-March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long term mean.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Rules that still manacle the captive elephant

    Why in the News?

    The Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules contain ambiguities that could enable the illegal trade of elephants.

    What are the current welfare standards for captive elephants?

    • Legal Framework: Elephants are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, but enforcement is weak.
      • The Kerala High Court has issued directions to ensure compliance with the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012, yet many elephants lack proper ownership documentation, indicating illegal possession.
    • Exploitation for Commercial Gain: Captive elephants are often used in religious festivals and tourism, which the Kerala High Court described as “commercial exploitation” devoid of concern for their well-being.
      • This exploitation is exacerbated by the competitive nature of temple festivals where the number of elephants paraded is prioritized over their welfare.
    • Physical and Psychological Impact: Captive elephants endure harsh conditions, including inadequate diets, lack of proper medical care, and exposure to stressful environments during festivals.
      • Mortality rates among captive elephants due to these factors is approximately 33% of recorded captive elephants in Kerala died between 2018 and 2024.

    What are the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012? 

    • The rules for captive elephants mandate age-based definitions, housing space standards, nutritional requirements (e.g., 250 kg fodder for adults), regular health monitoring, and restrictions on using elephants in the musth.
    • A management committee oversees implementation, ensuring welfare through multi-department collaboration, including forestry, veterinary, and animal welfare representatives.

    What are the ambiguities in the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules?

    The Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), aim to regulate the movement of captive elephants within and between states in India. However, these rules contain several ambiguities that raise concerns among animal rights activists and experts regarding their potential misuse

    • Ambiguity in Transfer Rules: Vague criteria for elephant transfers, such as inadequate care or potential for better maintenance, risk enabling unauthorized sales disguised as legitimate transactions.
    • Ownership Transfer Oversight: Shifting application responsibility to the deputy conservator of forests, instead of the CWW, weakens protections and facilitates improper transfers, potentially treating elephants as movable assets.
    • Transport Justification Gap: The absence of a requirement to justify temporary interstate transport allows leasing or renting of elephants, further commodifying and jeopardizing their welfare.
    • Weak Genetic Profiling: Despite mandates for recording genetic profiles, lax monitoring can enable illegal captures to be misrepresented as legitimate ownership.
    • Database Deficiency: The lack of a national database tracking ownership and genetic details of captive elephants hampers regulation and increases the risk of illegal transfers.
    • Inadequate Exploitation Safeguards: The rules fail to sufficiently prevent the commercial use of elephants in religious events or entertainment, incentivizing wild captures under false pretences.

    How do captivity conditions affect the physical and psychological well-being of elephants?

    • Physical Health: Elephants in captivity often suffer from malnutrition due to a poor diet that lacks the variety available in the wild. For instance, some are only fed glucose-rich fodder instead of a balanced diet.
    • Psychological Well-being: The social nature of elephants means that isolation and abusive training methods can lead to severe psychological distress. The use of capture belts and other coercive training devices has been criticized for causing both physical and emotional harm.
    • High Incidence of Distress: Anecdotal evidence suggests that captive elephants frequently exhibit signs of distress, including aggressive behavior or attempts to escape, which can endanger both themselves and surrounding humans.

    What reforms are necessary to improve the management and care of captive elephants? (Way forward)

    • Strengthening Regulation: There is a need for clearer regulations to prevent the commercial exploitation of elephants. The current rules allow for ownership transfers without prohibiting commercial transactions, which could facilitate illegal wildlife trade.
    • Implementation of Humane Practices: Mandating humane birth control measures and prohibiting the use of live elephants in entertainment could help reduce the number entering captivity.
      • Alternatives like electronic simulations could replace live elephants in religious ceremonies.
    • Monitoring and Accountability: The rules should require post-mortem examinations for deceased elephants during transfers to ensure accountability.
    • Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborative efforts involving civil society, government bodies, and NGOs are essential to develop comprehensive guidelines that prioritize elephant welfare over commercial interests.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Discuss the ambiguities in the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024 and suggest reforms needed to address these issues. (250 words) 15M

  • African Wild Cat (Leptailurus serval)

    African Wild Cat (Leptailurus serval)

    Why in the News?

    The Border Security Force (BSF) has rescued a Serval, the African wild cat (Leptailurus serval) from an alleged wildlife smuggling attempt along the India-Bangladesh border.

    About African Wild Cat (Leptailurus serval):

    Details
    About
    • Scientific Name: Leptailurus serval
    • Common Name: African Wild Cat, Serval
    • Family: Felidae
    • Physical Description: Medium-sized wild cat with a slim, long-legged body, tawny coat with black spots and stripes, and large rounded ears. Can leap 3 meters (10 feet) vertically.
    Habitat and Features
    • Found across Sub-Saharan Africa.
    • Preferred Habitats: Savannahs, grasslands, and wetlands; avoids arid regions and dense forests.
    • Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Uses acute hearing to hunt.
    • Behavior: Solitary, nocturnal or crepuscular, and communicates through vocalizations and scent-marking.
    • Reproduction: Breeds year-round, with 2–3 kittens per litter; gestation period is 74 days.
    Conservation Status
    • IUCN Red List: Listed as Least Concern.
    • CITES: Included in Appendix II to regulate trade.

    Threats: Habitat loss, illegal hunting for fur, and conflicts with humans (e.g., poultry attacks).

     

    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 code given below:

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

  • Species: Lion-Tailed Macaque

    Why in the News?

    A new study highlights that increased food provisioning and habituation to human presence endanger the lion-tailed macaque, a endangered species found only in the Western Ghats of India. Roads crossing the macaque habitats in eight key locations—Anamalai Hills, Nelliyampathy, Nilambur Ghats, Sholayar, Gavi, Sabarimala, Vallimalai Hills, and Agumbe—have facilitated frequent human-animal interaction. 

    Note: The mention of this species as a ‘critically endangered’ is a metaphor used in the newspaper. It does not represent its original IUCN Red List status.

    About Lion-tailed macaque

    Details
    • Scientific Name: Macaca silenus
    • Also known as: Lion-tailed macaque, Wanderoo, Bearded Monkey
    • Has black fur with a distinctive gray or silver mane around the face (in both sexes), often referred to as the “beard ape.”
    • Threats: Habitat loss, hunting, and wood harvesting
    • Significance: Indicator of rainforest health and an umbrella species for conserving other wildlife in its region.
    Habitat
    • Endemic to the Western Ghats in India (states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu). 
    • Primarily tropical evergreen rainforests, but they are also found in monsoon forests.
    Behavioral Features
    • Shy and Avoidant: Unlike other macaques, they tend to avoid humans when possible.
    • Arboreal and Diurnal: Spend most of their time in trees and are active during daylight.
    • Communication: Possess up to 17 vocalizations; males define territory boundaries through calls. 
    • Diet: Primarily frugivorous, but also consume leaves, stems, flowers, buds, fungi, and occasionally small animals.
    Conservation Status
    • IUCN: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I

    (Estimated 4,200 individuals remaining)

     

    PYQ:

    [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