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Subject: Conservation & Mitigation

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

  • In news: Gape Limitation

    This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in TH.

    What is Gape Limitation?

    • In ecology, the concept of ‘gape limitation’ sheds light on a simple yet crucial idea: predators can only eat prey that fit into their mouths.
    • It dictates the range of prey accessible to predators, influencing the dynamics of ecological communities.

    Imagine a predator fish species with a relatively small mouth or gape size. This fish species primarily feeds on small aquatic invertebrates like zooplankton and small crustaceans. Due to its limited gape size, it cannot consume larger prey items such as larger fish or large insects.Now, let’s introduce a different predator fish species with a larger mouth or gape size. This predator has a broader diet and can consume a wider range of prey items, including smaller fish and larger invertebrates.In this scenario, the predator with the larger gape size has a competitive advantage over the predator with the smaller gape size. It can exploit a greater variety of prey resources, potentially leading to differences in foraging success, growth rates, and overall fitness between the two predator species.This example demonstrates how gape limitation can influence the feeding ecology and interactions between predator and prey species in an ecosystem.

     

  • Fighting forest fires with a plan and community cooperation

    Why in the news? 

    The forest staff across the Kerala State are on alert with the onslaught of summer, with temperatures reaching as high as 40-41 degrees Centigrade, unusual for this time.

    Forest Fires in Kerala 

    • Kerala records relatively fewer forest fires compared to several other states in India, including Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Maharashtra.
    • Kerala’s forest cover, occupying 29.65% of the land, is dominated by deciduous and semi-deciduous woods that are drying up, especially on the forest periphery because of it Forest staff in Kerala are on alert
    •  Kerala reported 163 wildfire incidents since January, resulting in the burning of 230 hectares of forest, which is less compared to previous years.
    • Global Forest Watch data indicates 97 VIIRS(Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suit) fire alerts in Kerala between March 15 and 22, with only 5.2% of them classified as high-confidence alerts.Fires were responsible for 0.33% forest cover loss in Kerala between 2001 and 2022 according to Global Forest Watch.

    What is the frequency of forest fires in India?

    •  Escalation Of forest Fire : Forest fire season in India typically spans from November to June, during which hundreds of thousands of small and large fires occur annually. The frequency of fires tends to escalate from February onwards as summer approaches.
    • forest Fires as per (ISFR) : In its 2021 report, the biennial India State of Forest Report (ISFR) released by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) indicates that 35.47% of the forest cover is classified as fire-prone areas.

    Region more prone to forest Fire

    • Fires of severe magnitude occur frequently in dry deciduous forests, whereas evergreen, semi-evergreen, and montane temperate forests are relatively less susceptible to fires.
    • During the November to June period, the forests in Northeast India, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand face the highest risk of fires.For example in 2021, a string of forest fires occurred in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, the Nagaland-Manipur border, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, including within wildlife sanctuaries.
    • In 2024 forest Fires: According to data from the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Mizoram reported the highest number of forest fires (3,738), followed by Manipur (1,702), Assam (1,652), Meghalaya (1,252), and Maharashtra (1,215).

    Reason behind the forest fires in India 

    The majority of forest fires in India are ignited by human activities, including:

    • Agricultural Burning: Farmers often use fire to clear land for cultivation or to manage crop residues, leading to accidental fires spreading into nearby forests.For example Jhum (slash and burn cultivation)
    • Intentional Arson: Deliberate setting of fires for various reasons, such as land grabbing, hunting, or retaliatory actions.
    • Carelessness: Unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, or burning of waste materials can spark fires.
    • Climate Conditions: Dry and hot weather conditions during the summer months create favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires. .For example forest fires has worsen due to climate change as per UNEP

    Plan for Fighting forest Fires 

    • Early Detection: Implement systems for early detection of forest fires, such as fire watchtowers, aerial surveillance, and remote sensing technologies like drones and satellites.
    • Rapid Response: Develop well-trained and equipped firefighting teams capable of swift response to contain fires in their early stages before they escalate.
    • Controlled Burns: Conduct controlled burns during cooler and wetter months to remove excess vegetation and reduce the risk of large-scale wildfires during dry seasons.
    • Firebreaks: Create and maintain firebreaks by clearing vegetation along strategic points to halt the spread of fires.
    • Community Involvement: Educate local communities about fire prevention and train them in firefighting techniques. Encourage community participation in fire management efforts.
    • Equipment and Infrastructure: Ensure availability and proper maintenance of firefighting equipment such as hoses, pumps, bulldozers, and firefighting aircraft.

    Conclusion 

    Forest fires in India, exacerbated by climate conditions, pose significant threats. Kerala’s proactive measures and community involvement highlight effective strategies for prevention and control, crucial in mitigating the increasing frequency of fires nationwide.

     

     https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/natural-disasters/wildfires-will-be-more-frequent-larger-and-intense-due-to-climate-change-unep-81615

  • Indian Laurel Tree (Terminalia tomentosa)

    Why in the news?

    • Forest Department officials’ examination of an Indian laurel tree (Terminalia tomentosa) in Papikonda National Park has showcased its remarkable water storage capability.
    • This discovery sheds light on the indigenous knowledge shared by the Konda Reddi tribe regarding the tree’s unique attributes.

    Konda Reddi Tribe

     

    • The Konda Reddis are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the Godavari riverbanks and the hilly forest areas of Godavari and Khammam districts in Andhra Pradesh.
    • The family structure is patriarchal and patrilocal, with monogamy as the norm with some exceptions.
    • The Konda Reddis are primarily Hindus with folk customs, which involves local traditions and worship of community-level deities.
    • They have their own social control institution called ‘Kula Panchayat’.
    • Each village has a traditional headman known as ‘Pedda Kapu’, whose role is hereditary.
    • Their primary occupation is shifting cultivation, relying on forest flora and fauna for sustenance.
    • Jowar cultivation is prevalent, serving as their staple food.
    • They collect and sell non-timber forest products like tamarind, adda leaves, myrobolan, and broomsticks to supplement their income.

     

    About Papikonda NP

     

    • Papikonda NP is located in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.
    • It was established as a national park in the year 2008.
    • It is characterized by hilly landscapes, dense moist deciduous forest.
    • The presence of the Godavari River cuts through the Papikonda hill range of Eastern Ghats.

     

    About Indian Laurel Tree

    Description
    Scientific Name Terminalia tomentosa
    Common Names Indian Laurel Tree, Crocodile Bark Tree, Anjan Tree
    Habitat Found in Deciduous forests
    Bark Scissored and cracked bark, resembling crocodile skin (From November to February)
    Water Storage Ability Only 5-10% of trees observed to store water in the stem
    Water Storage Mechanism Development of lateral ridge, known as a wing, on trunk, indicating water presence
    Water Collection 4-6 litres of potable water can be collected from a fully grown tree by making a small hole in the wing
    Traditional Use Used by tribal communities, such as the Konda Reddi Tribe, as a water source during dry seasons
    Adaptability Thrives in various conditions, including harsh weather and drought

     

    PYQ:

    2015:

    In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?

    (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest

    (b) Tropical rain forest

    (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest

    (d) Temperate forest with grasslands

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The Indian Laurel Tree (Terminalia tomentosa) recently seen in news is famous for its:

    (a) Ability to store water in its trunk

    (b) Therapeutic use in the treatment of Cancer

    (c) Aromatic Timber

    (d) Pulp for paper industry

  • Criollo: Cattle Breed that can withstand Climate Change

    Why in the news?

    Irish researchers discovered that Criollo cattle are well-adapted to Climate Change due to their ability to thrive in hot and humid conditions, which they have developed over many years.

    About Criollo Cattle Breed

    Details
    Origin Latin America, particularly in regions such as Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America
    Historical Context
    • Criollo cattle trace their roots back to the arrival of Spanish cattle in the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries.
    • Initially brought from La Gomera in the Spanish Canary Islands, adapted to diverse environments.
    Physical Appearance
    • Small to medium-sized cattle with a compact body structure
    • Adapted to various climates, including tropical and subtropical regions
    • Short, sleek coat, often in various colors such as black, brown, or red
    Adaptability Known for their resilience and ability to thrive in harsh environments

    Well-suited to extensive grazing systems and low-input management practices
    Disease Resistance Developed natural resistance to various diseases prevalent in their native regions, such as tick-borne illnesses and parasites
    Economic Importance
    • Valued for their ability to utilize low-quality forages and adaptability to diverse environments
    • Serve as a sustainable source of meat and dairy products for local communities

     

    PYQ:

    2016:

    What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?

    1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.

    2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.

    3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The Criollo cattle breed has recently found mention in the news for its:

    (a) Breeding Capacity

    (b) Nutrients-rich Milk

    (c) Adaptability to Climate Change

    (d) Life Expectancy

  • Caracals on the brink of extinction in India

    Why in the news?

    • With only an estimated 50 individuals remaining, predominantly in western India, the caracal (Caracal caracal schmitzi) is on the verge of extinction in the country.
    • Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan and Kutch in Gujarat are the last strongholds for caracals in India, hosting around 28 and 20 individuals, respectively.

    About Caracals

    • Caracals are small wild cats known for their long ears with tufts and a reddish-tan or sandy-brown fur. It is called Siya Gosh in India.
    • It is nocturnal animal typically preys upon small mammals, birds, and rodents.
    • They live naturally in India, especially in Northwestern India. They are also found in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
    • They are found in Aravalli hill range, semi-deserts, savannahs, scrublands, and dry forests.
    • Caracals used to live all over Central India and the Indo-Gangetic plains, but they haven’t been spotted in those areas for 40 years.

    Conservation Status

    • Caracals are listed as ‘Least Concern‘ on the IUCN Red List globally.
    • It is listed as Near Threatened in India,
    • It falls in the Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

    Protection Efforts

    • In 2021, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) announced a plan to recover and increase the population of 22 species in India, including caracals.
    • Areas like Kutch, Aravalli mountains, Malwa plateau, and Bundelkhand region have been identified as potential habitats, with the Ranthambore-Kuno Landscape being a key conservation site.

    PYQ:

    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.

  • Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)

    Why in the news?

    The Forest Department and a temple authority at Ahobilam have imposed certain restrictions on visitors arriving at a shrine in Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).

    About Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

    Details
    Origin of Name Named after Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Srisailam Dam.
    Location Situated in the Nallamala hill range, part of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh.
    Area Largest tiger reserve area in India, covering a total area of 3727 sq km.
    Wildlife Sanctuaries Constituted by the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
    Vegetation Features tropical, dry, moist, deciduous vegetation with diverse flora and fauna.
    Topography Consists of plateaus, ridges, gorges, and deep valleys.
    River Krishna Traverses through the reserve for approximately 270 kilometers.
    Additional Information
    • Attained tiger reserve status in 1983.
    • Home to Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, and more.
    • Habitat contains several endemic species of plants.
    • Tropical dry deciduous forests with bamboo and grass undergrowth.

     

    PYQ:

    2020:

    Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

    (a) Corbett

    (b) Ranthambore

    (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam

    (d) Sunderbans

     

    2015:

    Consider the following pairs :

    Place of Pilgrimage: Location

    1.    Srisailam : Nallamala Hills

    2.    Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills

    3.    Pushkar : Mahadeo Hills

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    It is the largest tiger reserve in India, covering a total area of 3727 sq km. It is constituted by the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary and features tropical, dry, moist, deciduous vegetation with diverse flora and fauna.

    Which protected area is implied by the above description?

    (a) Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

    (b) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

    (c) Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

    (d) Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Tiger Reserve

  • South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) Ecoregion

    Why in the news?

    A recent study has revealed about undocumented biodiversity in the newly recognized South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) Ecoregion.

    What is SEAMA Ecoregion?

    • The SEAMA is a recently recognized ecoregion located in Southern Africa.
    • It spans across northern Mozambique and incorporating Mount Mulanje in Malawi.
    • SEAMA is distinguished by its mountainous terrain, encompassing diverse habitats such as montane forests, grasslands, and rock faces.
    • Despite its relatively recent recognition, SEAMA has been identified as a hub of biodiversity, hosting numerous species of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates.

    Recent Findings on SEAMA Ecoregion

    • Species Documentation: The researchers identified 127 plants, 45 vertebrates, and 45 invertebrate species, including two endemic genera of plants and reptiles.
    • Endemic Reptiles: SEAMA is home to 22 strictly endemic reptile species, most of which are threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation.
    • Global Significance: The remarkable diversity of SEAMA has prompted proposals to designate it as a new ecoregion of global biological importance.

    Conservation Challenges

    • Late Discovery: Despite being located in a region considered the birthplace of modern humans, the mountains of northern Mozambique remained largely unstudied until recent decades due to historical conflicts.
    • Deforestation Threats: SEAMA faces severe deforestation threats, with up to 18% of its primary humid forest cover lost since 2000.
    • Causes of Deforestation: Slash and burn shifting agricultural practices, along with charcoal production, are the primary drivers of deforestation in the region.

    PYQ:

    2013: Which one of the following pairs a correctly matched?

    Geographical feature and region

    (a) Abyssinian Plateau – Arabia

    (b) Atlas Mountains – Northwest Africa

    (c) Guiana Highlands – Southwest Africa

    (d) Okavango Basin – Patagonia

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The SEAMA Ecoregion often seen in news is located in-

    (a) Latin America

    (b) Europe

    (c) Africa

    (d) Asia

  • How much should developed countries pay for climate action?

    Why in the news? 

    As the climate bomb ticks, Global Climate negotiators are working on a new global climate finance budget ahead of COP29 in Baku this November.
    • In 2009, developed countries committed to paying $100 bn every year. However, they failed to do so.

    Context:

    • The 2022 climate change conference (COP 28) held in Sharm el-Sheikh decided to establish a Loss and Damage Fund. 
    • These funds would work as a “transition away” from fossil fuels, and a promise to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030.
    • On March 22, a two-day meeting was concluded in Copenhagen, Denmark, the first minister-level climate meeting for this year, and a ‘New Collective Quantitative Goal’ was finalized.

    What is the New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG)?

    • NCQG represents the yearly sum that developed countries must gather from 2025 onward to finance climate action in developing nations.
    • It has to be higher than the $100 billion that developed countries, collectively, had promised to raise every year from 2020, but had failed to deliver.

     

    Collective Funds need to ensure effective Climate Action:

    • UN Climate Change Report (2021): According to a report by UN Climate Change, developing countries would need approximately $6 trillion annually between 2021 and 2030 to implement their climate action plans.
    • Estimation in Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement: The final agreement at Sharm el-Sheikh included estimates suggesting that a global transition to a low-carbon economy could require about $4-6 trillion annually until 2050.
    • Global GDP Percentage: While these estimates vary, an approximate range of $5-7 trillion annually is suggested to effectively address climate change. This would require deploying about 5-7% of the global GDP towards climate action.
    • Renewable Energy Capacity: Meeting the target of tripling renewable energy capacity, as agreed in Dubai, is estimated to cost $30 trillion by 2030, according to the International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA).

    Prospects for a Realistic New Annual Climate Finance Target:

    • Current Funding Shortfall: The UNFCCC, responsible for organizing climate meetings and facilitating the implementation of climate agreements, is facing a severe shortage of funds. Its budget is currently less than half funded, which hampers its ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.
    • Call for Increased Climate Finance: There is a call for developed countries to commit to significantly higher levels of climate finance. India, for instance, has called for the New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) to be set at least at $1 trillion per year 
    • Need of Innovative Funding Sources: Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, emphasized the need for innovative funding sources to meet the substantial financial requirements for climate action.  
    • Dependence on Contributions: The UNFCCC relies heavily on contributions from countries and voluntary organizations to carry out its work. 

    How will this money be used?

    • On-time Delivery: Ensuring effective delivery of the new funding is essential for achieving meaningful impact.
    • Transparent and Inclusive Monitoring: Developing countries emphasize the need for a transparent and inclusive process to monitor and measure the agreed-upon amount.  
    • Distribution Across Needs: The new funding is distributed across different climate action areas such as mitigation, adaptation, and addressing loss and damage as per need 

    Conclusion: Developed countries must commit to higher climate finance, possibly $1 trillion annually, for effective action. Innovative funding sources and transparent monitoring are crucial for impactful distribution across climate action areas.

    Mains PYQs

    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 IAS/2017)

     

  • On Sustainable Building Materials | Explained

    Why in the News? 

    Recently, post COVID-19, India is experiencing a sudden increase in construction. Although expansion offers economic prospects and enhanced living conditions, yet it also presents notable environmental hurdles.

    The Major Environmental Concerns Due to the Construction Sector:

    • The cement sector is a hard-to-abate sector in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, but it is an equally critical contributor to the economic development of the country.
    • India is the second largest producer of cement in the world and plans to almost double its production by 2030. It accounts for over 33% of India’s electricity usage, contributing to environmental degradation and climate change.
    • Globally, about 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions can be traced back to the built environment sector, which includes buildings, the distribution systems that supply water and electricity, and the roads, bridges, and transportation systems.
    • The UNEP report makes a case for “Avoid-Shift-Improve” strategies to reduce emissions.

    Government Initiatives to make the Construction Sector become energy efficient:

    • The India Cooling Action Plan: It forecasts an eight-fold increase in cooling demand between 2017 and 2037, emphasizing the need for thermal comfort while reducing active cooling demand. Reducing cooling demand by 20-25% and refrigeration demand by 25-30% by the year 2037 are the goals of this plan.
    • Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS): Initiatives like the Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) and Residential Energy Conservation Building Code are crucial steps towards improving energy efficiency in residential buildings.
    • Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV): Introducing metrics such as the Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV) play a significant role in measuring heat transfer through a building’s envelope, thereby enabling better energy efficiency. Lower RETV values are associated with cooler indoor environments and reduced energy consumption. The recommended RETV of 15W/m2 or less promotes optimal efficiency, improved occupant comfort, and lower utility expenses.

     

    Materials used in the Construction sector

    • Popular Building Materials: Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks, red bricks, fly ash, and monolithic concrete (Mivan) are commonly used materials in construction.
    • Preference for Monolithic Concrete: Despite sustainability concerns, monolithic concrete construction is favored by developers for its speed, strength, quality, and scalability, particularly in high-rise buildings and skyscrapers.
    • AAC Blocks as Thermally Efficient: RETV evaluation shows AAC blocks consistently have the lowest RETV across all climatic conditions, indicating their potential as a thermally efficient material.
    • Embodied Energy Differences: The literature review reveals substantial differences in embodied energy among materials, with monolithic concrete having an embodied energy 75 times greater than AAC blocks.
    • Sustainability Concerns: Sustainability concerns are prominent across all materials. Red bricks contribute to resource depletion, emissions, and waste, while AAC blocks and monolithic concrete also have environmental impacts

    Measures to improve sustainable material

    • Adopt “Avoid-Shift-Improve”: Implement policies and regulations that incentivize the use of sustainable building materials and practices, such as tax incentives, subsidies, and green building certifications.
    • Investing in R&D: Allocate resources for research and development initiatives aimed at creating new, sustainable building materials with improved thermal performance, reduced embodied carbon, and enhanced climate resilience.
    • Promote Market Collaborations: Foster partnerships between academia, government agencies, and industry stakeholders,  in sustainable construction practices and materials development.
    • Awareness: Create consumer awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of sustainable construction and encourage demand for eco-friendly building materials, driving market demand and adoption.

    Conclusion: India’s construction boom poses environmental challenges. Initiatives like Eco-Niwas Samhita improve energy efficiency. AAC blocks show promise for thermal efficiency. Future steps include R&D, industry collaboration, policy support, and fostering market demand for sustainable materials.

    Mains PYQ

    Q) Adoption of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free of criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model. (UPSC IAS/2013)

    Q) Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart vilages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • Captive Elephant Transfer Rules, 2024

    What is the news?

    • The Union Environment Ministry has notified a set of rules called the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024.
    • Elephants, classified as Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972 enjoy special protection, but certain provisions allow for their translocation under specific circumstances.

    Existing Regulations on Elephant Transfer

    • Legal Framework: The Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972 prohibits the capture or trade of elephants, whether wild or captive, without appropriate authorization.
    • Special Provisions: While strict regulations govern elephant transfer, exceptions exist for educational, scientific, or religious purposes, subject to approval from wildlife authorities.
    • Amendment: The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 expanded the scope of elephant transfers, raising concerns among activists about potential exploitation and illegal trafficking.

    Captive Elephant Transfer Rules, 2024: Key Highlights

    1. Circumstances for the Transfer of Captive Elephants:

    Transfer may be warranted under the following circumstances:

    • Incapability of the owner: When the owner is incapable of adequately ensuring the elephant’s welfare.
    • Superior Care: If it is determined that the elephant will receive superior care in the new environment compared to its current situation.
    • Improvised maintenance: The Chief Wildlife Warden may find it necessary to transfer the elephant for its improved maintenance based on the specific circumstances of the case.
    1. Transfer Within the State:
    • Veterinarian Check: Prior to any transfer within the state, a veterinarian must confirm the elephant’s health status.
    • New habitat verification: The suitability of both the current and prospective habitats must be assessed by the Deputy Conservator of Forests.
    • Chief Wildlife Warden’s Role: He/She holds the authority to approve or reject the transfer based on these evaluations.
    1. Transfer Outside the State:

    Similar conditions apply for transferring elephants beyond state boundaries in addition to-

    • Genetic Profile Registration: Additionally, the elephant’s genetic profile must be registered with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) before the transfer.
    1. Requirements for Elephant Transfer:
    • Accompanying the Master: The elephant must be accompanied by a mahout and an elephant assistant. Adequate provisions for feeding and watering must be arranged during transport.
    • Fitness Certificate: A health certificate issued by a veterinary practitioner confirming fitness for transport is obligatory.
    • Quarantine Mandate: Transport should commence after the completion of any required quarantine period for contagious diseases.
    • Refreshment: Tranquillisers or sedatives: This may be administered to manage nervous or temperamental elephants as prescribed by the veterinary practitioner.

     

    PYQ:

    2020: With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

    1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
    2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
    3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
    4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 4 only
    3. 3 only
    4. 1, 3 and 4 only

     

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the Captive Elephant Transfer Rules, 2024 recently notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MoEFCC), consider the following statements:

    1. For transferring outside of a state, an elephant’s genetic profile must be registered with the Environment Ministry before the transfer.
    2. The authority to approve or reject the transfer vests with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. Only 1
    2. Only 2
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2