The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) is happening in Ottawa, Canada.
The goal is to finalize a global agreement on plastic pollution by November this year.
Whatis the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)?
INC is a committee that aims to develop alegally binding international instrumentto end plastic pollution by 2025, as mandated by United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/14.
It began working in November 2022 at Punta del Este, Uruguay (INC-1).
The second meeting (INC-2) took place in May-June, 2023 at Paris, France.
INC is scheduled to complete its work by the end of 2024.
Key Points from INC-4:
Previous meetings (INC-1, INC-2, INC-3) paved the way for this one.
They’re focusing on cutting out unnecessary plastic use while still using it for important things like renewable energy.
Future Prospects:
INC-5 will happen in Busan, South Korea, and it’s meant to finalize everything.
After that, leaders from different countries will sign the agreement.
PYQ:
[2014] With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’
(b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
(c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment.
When the Indian government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019, it’s target was to cut the concentration of atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) by 20-30% by 2024, from 2017 levels. This was later revised to 40% by 2026.
What is the NCAP?
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in India in January 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
The NCAP aims to achieve reductions in PM10 levels through various measures.
What is PM10?
PM 10, also known as particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometers.
PM 10 particles can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and prolonged exposure to high levels of PM 10 can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death.
Key features of NCAP (Note: asked in UPSC 2020 mains)
Target: Achieving 20% to 30% reduction target in Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations by 2024, where 2017 is kept as the base year for the comparison of concentration. But it has been revised to 40% by 2026.
Cities based on air quality:Identification of 122 non-attainment cities across the country based on the 2014-2018 Air Quality data.
City specific plans: Preparation of city-specific action plans, including measures to strengthen the monitoring network, reduce vehicular/industrial emissions, and increase public awareness.
Coordination between centre, state and local: Facilitating collaborative, multi-scale, and cross-sectoral coordination between the relevant central ministries, state governments, and local bodies.
Right mix with exixting policies: Establishing a right mix with the existing policies and programs, including the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and other government initiatives related to climate change.
Changes as per additional scientific information: Constant change, activity, and progress to get evolved based on the additional scientific and technical information as they emerge.
Monitoring station: Increasing the number of monitoring stations in the country, including rural monitoring stations, technology support, and data analysis.
Awareness and capicity building: Emphasis on awareness and capacity building initiatives, including public awareness campaigns, training programs, and research and development activities.
Challenges related to NCAP
Lack of fund Utilization: On average, only 60% of the allocated funds have been utilized so far, with 27% of cities spending less than 30% of their designated budgets. Notably, Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru have spent 0% and 1% of their NCAP funds, respectively.
Implementation Delays: Delays in implementing CAAPs are attributed to various factors, including bureaucratic hurdles such as delays in approvals from competent authorities and the absence of standard operating procedures.
Technical Challenges: Technical challenges, such as defining technical specifications for tendering processes and procuring necessary equipment like mechanical sweepers and electric buses, contribute to implementation delays.
How scientific tool can help?
Emissions Inventory (EI): EIs provide crucial insights into local pollution sources and their contributions, aiding in forecasting future emissions and shaping targeted pollution control strategies.
Source Apportionment (SA) Studies: SA studies offer detailed analyses of contributions from various pollution sources, including distant ones.
Role of Air Quality (AQ) Modelling: AQ modelling helps in understanding pollution dispersion, including from distant sources.
Role of EI, SA and AQ: Combining EI, SA studies, and AQ modelling allows for a comprehensive understanding of pollution sources, their contributions, and dispersion patterns.
Conclusion:
Implement stricter monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely and efficient fund utilization. Regular audits and reviews can help identify underutilization and take corrective actions promptly.
Mains PYQ
Q What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the government of India? (UPSC IAS/2020)
After the launch of the Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project, the Tamil Nadu government gears up to assess the population of Nilgiri Tahr (state animal).
The Forest Departments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala will collaborate in a synchronized way.
Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project (2022 to 2027):
Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, the Tamil Nadu government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through-
Surveys and radio telemetry studies;
Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat;
Address proximate threats; and
Increase public awareness of the species.
October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Niligiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies of the species in 1975.
Historic significance of Nilgiri Tahr:
Evidence in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years.
The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture, and life.
About Nilgiri Tahr
It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India.
It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
The Nilgiri tahr inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests eco-region.
At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally known as sholas.
It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild. It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.
Conservation Status:
IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered
Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I
Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills of Kerala is home to the largest population of this Tahr.
October 7 is celebrated as ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ to honour E.R.C. Davidar, the man who was responsible for conducting first studies of the species in 1975.
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)
Q) ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC 2017)
Prelims
With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017) 1. It is an initiative of the European Union. 2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets. 3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).Select the correct answer using the codes given below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
Note4Students:
Prelims: Climate Change Reports;
Mains: Environmental Governance; Climate Justice;
Mentor comments:Recently, climate variability in the form of floods and cyclones has destroyed crops, property and infrastructure, as well as in negative impacts on human health and well-being. All of these impacts set back general socio-economic development. Also globally, Climate change impacts, an array of Internationally guaranteed Human Rights. States have their own set of challenges to take effective measures to redress these climate impacts, and therefore, to mitigate climate change, and to ensure that all human beings have the necessary capacity to adapt to the climate crisis. We must ensure climate justice requires climate action to be consistent with existing human rights, standards, and principles.
Let’s learn
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Why in the News?
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that countries have a responsibility to protect their citizens from the consequences of climate change, setting a legal precedent for future climate litigation.
Recently, our Supreme Court has also underscored the urgency of recognizing climate change as a human rights crisis.
These two landmark decisions have set important precedents for legal accountability and policy action to address the adverse impacts of climate change on individuals and communities.
How is the Climate crisis interrelated with Human Rights?
The 5th Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change confirms that climate change is caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases.
This year’s unprecedented heat was accompanied by other alarming trends, including ocean heat accumulation, sea level rise, Antarctic Sea ice loss, and glacier retreat.
Among other impacts, climate change negatively affects people’s rights to health, housing, water, and food.
Countries such as Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Finland, South Korea, South Africa, and Philippines have enacted comprehensive climate laws that have facilitated the mobilization of public sector resources, increased capacity for climate action, and promoted cross-sectoral collaboration.
Challenges faced by India:
Rising Temperatures and Natural Disasters: More than 80% of its population lives in districts that are at risk of climate-induced disasters. They are majorly affecting livelihoods, food security, and exacerbating existing socio-economic inequalities.
Agri-dependent Population: With a 1.2 billion growing population and its high dependence on agriculture, India probably will be severely impacted by continuing climate change.
Melting of Himalayan Glaciers: Global observations of melting glaciers suggest that climate change is well underway in the region, with glaciers receding at an average rate of 10–15 meters per year.
Forest Wealth on decrease: India’s forests are already changing because of socioeconomic pressures; virgin forest areas are less dense and monocultures and plantations are preferred to native species. These conditions will be greatly exacerbated by climate change.
Forest Fires: As per State of the Forest Report 2019, over 36% of India’s forest cover is prone to fires, recently being the Nilgiri Forest Fires.
Efforts made by the Indian Government:
Worked on Decoupling Emissions: India has achieved two of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets:
First, by reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33% to 35% from the 2005 level.
Second, by achieving 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, well ahead of the target year of 2030.
Sustainable Development Goals: India’s localization model for the SDGs, has successfully integrated into local-level planning through multi-tiered and multi-stakeholder processes.
For example, in programs like poverty alleviation, food security, access to clean water and sanitation, and gender equality.
Judicial Intervention: Looking at the impacts of climate change from a rights perspective, affecting humanity’s right to health, life, and liberty, the Supreme Court has brought them within the purview of Constitutional Fundamental Rights.
Measures to Enhance India’s Climate Governance:
To Mitigate Climate Change: States must act to limit anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (e.g. mitigate climate change), including through regulatory measures, to prevent to the greatest extent possible the current and future negative human rights impacts of climate change.
Restoring Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change: States must build adaptive capacities in vulnerable communities, by devoting adequate resources to the realization of the economic, social and cultural rights of all persons, particularly those facing the greatest risks.
To Ensure Effective Remedy for Human Rights: States should be accountable to rights-holders for their contributions to climate change including for failure to adequately regulate the emissions of businesses under their jurisdiction.
To Ensure Equity: Those who have contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions (i.e. the poor, children, and future generations) are those most affected. Hence bringing Equity is a must.
The Chipko Movement, initiated in Uttarakhand in early 1973, commemorates its 50th anniversary.
About Chipko Movement
The Chipko Movement originated in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand (then part of the state of Uttar Pradesh) in India.
It was triggered by the deforestation activities carried out by contractors, which threatened the livelihoods of local communities and led to environmental degradation.
It is said to be inspired by the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan. The Bishnois are known for their environmentalism. (non-violent resistance)
The movement derived its name from the act of villagers hugging trees and physically preventing them from being felled, thereby protecting the forests.
The movement was led by local activists, primarily women from rural areas, who played a significant role in its success. Prominent leaders included Sunderlal Bahuguna, Chandi Prasad Bhatt (founded an organization called Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal ) and Gaura Devi, among others.
Villagers used traditional methods of protest, such as forming circles around trees and tying sacred threads (rakhi) on them to symbolize their unity and commitment to conservation.
Recognition: Sunderlal Bahuguna, was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Impact of Chipko Movement
It inspired similar movements in different parts of India, such as the Narmada Bachao Andolan, Appiko Movement (Karnataka) and the Silent Valley Movement.
It demonstrated the significance of Eco-Feminism and the impact that a non-violent, peaceful and environment-loving community can have.
Mains PYQ Relevance: Q “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (UPSC IAS/2022) Q Does the right to a clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and judgments of the apex in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2015)
Prelims:
With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? (UPSC CSE 2020) 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 the 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
Note4Students:
Prelims: Recent Supreme Court judgments;
Mains: Environmental Governance;
Mentor comments: Mrs. Indira Gandhi once in herStockholm Conference speech which was derived from ‘Atharva Veda’ to outline the need for maintaining Ecological Balance, concluded “What of thee I dig out, let that quickly grow over. Let me not hit thy vitals or thy heart. ” On similar lines, the efforts made by the Supreme Court of India in the Constitutionalization of Environmental Problems can be very much attributed when it Constitutionalized the subject of Environmental Governance by adding Article 48(A) and 51-A (g) through the 42nd Constitutional Amendmentin 1976. Further, in the M C Mehta vs Union of India case (1985), the Supreme Court introduced the ‘Doctrine of Absolute Liability’ which undermines the hazardous industries liable for harming the ecological balance by their industrial activities. This time too (in April 2024), the Apex Court said the Rights to Life (Article 14) and Right to Equality (Article 21)cannot be fully realized without a clean, stable environment.
Let’s learn
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Why in the News?
In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court of India recognized the existence of a fundamental right to be free from the adverse impacts of climate change (hereinafter ‘the right’). The judgment has garnered significant attention from environmentalists, mostly focusing only on its impacts on the protection of the Great Indian Bustard.
The Right
Great Indian Bustard Conservation vs. Renewable Energy Development: Rajasthan and Gujarat are home to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, but also have significant potential for solar and wind power. A public interest litigation sought conservation of the bustard and a ban on further construction of solar and wind energy infrastructure due to the hazard posed by power lines to the bustards.
Supreme Court’s Initial Order: The Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on the laying of overhead power lines in a large area, including priority and potential bustard conservation areas. It also ordered the undergrounding of existing power lines.
Government’s Challenge the order: The government challenged the order citing international climate commitments, stating the ban covered a larger area than necessary and undergrounding power lines was impractical. It attributed the bustard decline to factors like poaching and habitat destruction.
Supreme Court’s Modification: The Court modified the initial order, recalling the blanket prohibition on transmission lines and tasked a committee to assess the feasibility of undergrounding power lines and identifying conservation measures. The committee’s report is expected by July 2024.
Recognition of Right Against Climate Change: The Supreme Court recognized a right against the adverse impacts of climate change, rooted in Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life) of the Indian Constitution, along with India’s climate change actions and scientific consensus.
Non-binding Recognition: The Court’s recognition of the right isn’t in the operative part of the judgment, hence not binding. Its influence on future climate action remains to be seen.
Just transition framework
Transition Framework: Conservationist Debadityo Sinha suggests adopting the just transition framework, aiming to make transitions to a low carbon economy more equitable and inclusive. This approach considers the interests of workers, vulnerable communities, and small and medium-sized enterprises affected by slow carbon transition projects like solar energy.
Advantages of the Just Transition Framework:
Precludes adversarial choices: It avoids pitting climate action against biodiversity protection, advocating for inclusive climate action sensitive to varied rights and interests.
Expanding the concept to include non-human interests.: If used in the final decision, this case could become a frontrunner in just transition litigation, contributing to expanding the concept to include non-human interests.
A ‘shared burden’
Shared Responsibility: The burden of articulating and enforcing the right falls not only on the state but also on activists, litigants, and academics. They contribute to the process of recognition, articulation, and enforcement of rights, indirectly or directly.
Inclusivity and Effectiveness: The focus is on making the right against climate change inclusive and effective, ensuring that it considers diverse perspectives and addresses the needs of all stakeholders, including marginalized communities and non-human interests.
Importance of Participation: Active participation from various stakeholders is crucial in shaping the content and implementation of the right against climate change, fostering collaboration between the judiciary, state, activists, litigants, and academics.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s recognition of a right against climate change underscores the need for inclusive climate action. Embracing the just transition framework and fostering shared responsibility and participation are crucial for effective implementation.
BACK2BASICS: About Great Indian Bustard (GIB):
The GIB is the State bird of Rajasthan. It is also considered India’s most critically endangered bird and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. Its population of about 150 in Rajasthan accounts for 95% of its total world population. However, GIBs have been facing a threat to their survival because of intensive agricultural practices, the laying of power lines, and industrialization.
The Union Environment Ministry has rolled out norms for the Green Credit Programme (GCP).
Guidelines and Modifications:
The Environment Ministry’s recent guidelines empower ‘States’ to determine afforestation density based on local conditions, acknowledging the variability in forest ecosystems.
Indigenous species are prioritized, and naturally occurring seedlings are retained to foster ecosystem resilience.
What is Green Credit Programme (GCP)?
The GCP as notified on October 13, 2023 by the government of India, is an innovative market-based mechanism.
It involves various stakeholders like- individuals, farmers, communities, private sector industries, and companies.
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), based in Dehradun, serves as the GCP Administrator, responsible for programme implementation, management, monitoring, and operation.
Initially, the GCP focuses on water conservation and afforestation.
What are Green Credits?
The green credit rules notified under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 defines ‘green credit’ as a single unit of an incentive provided for a specific activity that delivers a positive impact on the environment.
Each tree planted and evaluated by the ICFRE after two years could yield one ‘green credit,’ which can be utilized in two ways:
Compliance with forest laws necessitating recompense for forest land diversion.
The ICFRE, alongside experts, is developing the Green Credit Registry and trading platforms to facilitate the registration, buying, and selling of green credits.
To obtain green credits, individuals and entities must register their activities through the central government’s dedicated app/website (www.moefcc-gcp.in).
The administrator verifies activities through a designated agency, with self-verification for small projects. Once verified, the administrator issues a tradeable green credit certificate.
Activities under GCP
The GCP includes numerous activities, such as:
Description
Tree Plantation-based Green Credit
Promotes increasing the green cover through tree plantations and related activities.
Water-based Green Credit
Promotes water conservation, harvesting, and efficiency, including wastewater treatment and reuse.
Sustainable Agriculture-based Green Credit
Promotes natural and regenerative agricultural practices, land restoration, and soil health improvement.
Waste Management-based Green Credit
Promotes sustainable waste management practices, including collection, segregation, and treatment.
Air Pollution Reduction-based Green Credit
Promotes measures to reduce air pollution and other pollution abatement activities.
Mangrove Conservation and Restoration-based Green Credit
Promotes conservation and restoration of mangroves, critical ecosystems for coastal protection and biodiversity.
Ecomark-based Green Credit
Encourages manufacturers to obtain Ecomark labels for their goods and services, signifying environmental sustainability.
Sustainable Building and Infrastructure-based Green Credit
Promotes sustainable practices in building and infrastructure development, including energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and eco-friendly construction materials.
Future prospects
The programme is currently in a pilot phase, with ongoing deliberations on:
Quantifying the contributions of shrubs and grasses to green credits;
Equivalence between green and carbon credits;
Allocation of credits for compensatory afforestation.
PYQ:
[2011] Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol
(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota
(c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission
(d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.
Chennai’s main drinking water source Veeranam Lake dries up.
Its supply was halted due to the lack of inflow from the Mettur dam located across the Kaveri River.
About Veeranam Lake
Veeranarayanapuram Lake, commonly known as Veeranam Lake, serves as a crucial water source for Chennai city.
It is a manmade lake with 16-km long dam. It was about 20 km long and 7 km wide back then in 10th century.
It situated approximately 235 km away in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.
The lake, located near Kattumannarkoil, has a storage capacity of around 1,465 million cubic feet (mcft) and plays a vital role in supplying water to Chennai.
Historical Significance of Veeranam Lake
Constructed during the 10th century by Rajaditya Chola, a ruler of the Greater Cholas.
It was originally named as Veeranarayana Mangalam Lake,
It was built with the efforts of Rajaditya Chola and his soldiers during their leisure time while camped at Thirumunaipadi for a war against Pallava kings.
Water Sources and Inflow
Veeranam Lake primarily receives water from the Kollidam River via the Vadavaru River.
The lake’s inflow is supplemented by water released from the Mettur dam through the Kollidam River and Lower Anicut, ensuring sufficient water availability during certain periods.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
The Forest Department has resumed Operation Jumbo to capture trouble-causing wild elephants and fix radio collars in Hassan division of Karnataka.
What is Operation Jumbo?
Operation Jumbo is a campaign launched by the Karnataka government to capture and radio-collar rogue wild elephants that frequently enter human habitations.
It is effective in five districts of the state, namely Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Ramanagara, and Bengaluru.
The objective of this operation is to manage elephant movement and mitigate conflicts through continuous tracking using GPS-equipped radio collars, which have a battery life of three years.
Implementation ofOperation Jumbo
The cost of capturing and radio-collaring each wild elephant is approximately Rs 22 lakh, with Rs 7 lakh spent on each radio collar imported from South Africa.
The operation involves a diverse team of 70-80 individuals, including forest officers, veterinarians, mahouts, and other support staff.
It includes tasks such as surveillance, tracking, darting wild animals from the back of trained elephants, and securing the rescued tusker.
Elephants in India
Details
Population Estimate
India hosts the largest population of wild Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), with around 29,964 individuals,
Approximately 60% of the global population (2017 census).
Leading States
Karnataka holds the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered.
CMS: Appendix I.
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I,
CITES: Appendix I.
Conservation Initiatives
Project Elephant launched in 1992, covering 23 states across India.
Contributed to the increase in wild elephant population from around 25,000 in 1992 to about 30,000 in 2021.
Establishment of Elephant Reserves. Total 33 in numbers covering approximately 80,777 Sq.km.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:
The leader of an elephant group is a female.
The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A pack of wild dogs, or Dholes, in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) have suffered severe exfoliating skin infection which is an alarming fungal and bacterial infection.
AboutMudumalai Tiger Reserve
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris District, at the intersection of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first biosphere reserve, alongside Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Bandipur National Park (Karnataka), Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley.
The name “Mudumalai” signifies “the ancient hill range,” dating back 65 million years to the formation of the Western Ghats.
Flora: The reserve boasts tall grasses, including Elephant Grass, and diverse flora such as giant bamboo, Teak, and Rosewood.
Fauna: It is home to flagship species like the Tiger and Asian Elephant, as well as the Indian Gaur, Spotted Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and Jungle Cat, among others.
With over 260 bird species, Mudumalai hosts 8% of India’s avian species, including rare birds like the Malabar grey hornbill and Malabar pied hornbill.
Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)
Details
Name
Dhole (Cuon alpinus)
Native Range
Central, South, East, and Southeast Asia
Distribution in India
Most of India south of the Ganges, Central Indian Highlands, Western and Eastern Ghats, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Terai region of Indo-Gangetic Plain
Other Names
Asian wild dog, Asiatic wild dog, Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red dog, mountain wolf
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered
CITES: Appendix II
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
Social Structure
Lives in big, loosely organized groups with several breeding females
Factors Contributing to Decline
Habitat loss, loss of prey, competition with other species, persecution due to livestock predation, disease transfer from domestic dogs
Significance
Besides the tiger, it is the only large carnivore in India that is under IUCN’s ‘endangered’ category.
PYQ:
[2019] Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
(a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
(b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
(c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
(d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
