Subject: Conservation & Mitigation

Why in the News?

The Bengal Florican, a rare grassland bird, is facing severe population decline, with fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining worldwide due to shrinking floodplain grasslands.

About Bengal Florican

• Scientific Name: Houbaropsis bengalensis
• Type: Bustard species
• Habitat:
  • Alluvial floodplain grasslands
  • Gangetic Brahmaputra plains

Grass species in habitat:

• Imperata cylindrica
• Saccharum spontaneum
• Saccharum bengalense
• Desmostachya bipinnata

Unique Behaviour

• Male performs vertical jumps
• Displays wing movements and vocal calls
• Known as Lekking behaviour
  • Multiple males display together
  • Attract females

Local Names:

• Assamese: Ulu mora
• Bodo: Daotriling

Distribution

India

Major strongholds:

• Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)
• Manas National Park (Assam)
• Kaziranga National Park
• Orang National Park
• Dibru Saikhowa National Park
• Majuli river islands
• Arunachal Pradesh grasslands

Outside India

• Nepal
• Cambodia (Tonle Sap floodplain)

Why Bengal Florican is Important

• Indicator species for grassland ecosystem
• Flagship species for South Asian grasslands
• Helps maintain ecological balance

[2020] With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? 1 It is spread over two districts. 2 There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3 It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard. 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

Why in the News?

In March 2026, the World Bank released a landmark report titled “New Water-Food Nexus Framework” ahead of World Water Day. The report warns of a “Global Water Bankruptcy,” stating that current water management can sustainably support food for only 3.4 billion people, far short of the 10 billion projected by 2050.

Economic Impact of Productivity:

• A 10% increase in agricultural productivity can lead to a 2.5–3% reduction in poverty.
• Expanding irrigation in rainfed areas could potentially create 245 million jobs globally.

Global Water Bankruptcy:

• The UN and World Bank warn that water crises are no longer “temporary” but a structural state of bankruptcy.
• South Asia (including India) is flagged for overexploiting resources, while Sub-Saharan Africa is noted for underusing available water.

The “New Water-Food Nexus Framework”: 

• The report categorizes nations into four quadrants to guide policy:
  • Water-secure food exporter: Abundant water, exports calories (e.g., Brazil).
  • Water-secure food importer: Has water but relies on trade for food.
  • Water-stressed food exporter: High water risk but remains a major exporter (India falls here).
  • Water-stressed food importer: Lacks water and relies on imports (e.g., Middle East).

[2023] Consider the following statements:  Statement-I: According to the United Nations’ ‘World Water Development Report, 2022’, India extracts more than a quarter of world’s groundwater withdrawal each year.  Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory.  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 is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Why in the news?

The Kerala Forest Department is attempting to capture the wild elephant Muttikomban in Vadakkanad, Wayanad district, with plans to confine it in a kraal at Muthanga and convert it into a Kumki elephant, triggering scientific, legal and conservation concerns.

Why Is Muttikomban Being Targeted?

• Repeated crop damage in farms and plantations
• Frequent movement into settlements
• Recent death of farmer Rajeev
• Locals suspect Muttikomban responsible

However

• No scientific evidence linking elephant to death
• No camera trap or forensic confirmation
• No record of previous human killing

What Is a Kraal?

• Wooden enclosure used to confine wild elephants
• Used during taming and training process
• Step before conversion into Kumki elephant

What Is a Kumki Elephant?

• Trained captive elephant
• Used to control wild elephants
• Used during capture operations
• Used in forest management

Why Are Experts Opposing Capture?

Legal Concerns

• Wildlife Protection Act 1972
• Capture allowed only as Last Resort
• Requires Verified Threat Evidence
• Experts say Legal criteria not met

Ethical Concerns

• Stress during tranquilisation
• Captivity of wild elephant
• Possible Violation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act

[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