The Supreme Court halted the Assam government’s attempt to revoke a 26-year-old notification establishing the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a significant rhino population.
What was the reason behind this decision?
The Supreme Court asserted that withdrawing a notification for a wildlife sanctuary required permission from the National Board of Wildlife, and clarified its order does not impede actions to protect forest dwellers’ rights.
About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Often dubbed as ‘Mini Kaziranga,’ Pobitora shares a similar landscape and vegetation to its renowned counterpart.
The sanctuary shelters various endangered species, including one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, leopard cats, fishing cats, jungle cats, feral buffaloes, wild pigs, and Chinese pangolins.
Approximately 72% of Pobitora’s area comprises a wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccharum grasses, while the rest is covered by water bodies.
About One-Horned Rhino:
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable.
Habitat– Rhinos are mainly found in Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
Assam has an estimated 2,640 rhinos in four protected areas, i.e. Pabitora Wildlife Reserve, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Manas National Park.
About 2,400 of them are in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).
Prelims Question:
Which wildlife sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam?
a) Manas National Park
b) Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
c) Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park
d) Jim Corbett National Park
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The latest survey conducted by the Primate Research Centre NE India (PRCNE), Assam Forest Department has estimated a population of approximately 7,396 Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) in India.
AboutGolden Langur
Details
Identification
Recognizable by the color of their fur, which gives them their name.
Fur color changes with the seasons.
Young langurs are almost pure white.
Geographic Range
Found in Assam, India, and neighboring Bhutan year-round.
Inhabits an area bordered by the foothills of Bhutan (north), Manas river (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south).
Habitat
Occupies moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests, along with some riverine areas and savannahs in Assam and Bhutan.
Prefers living in the upper canopy of sub-tropical forests in the south and temperate forests in the north.
Conservation Status
IUCN: Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Key Habitats
Ripu Reserve Forest and Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary serve as vital habitats.
Fragmented habitats face instability and threats.
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2012:
Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal
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A recent state government notification has struck fear in Rajasthan community dwellers about losing access to forest produce and livelihoods.
Communities, particularly those in western Rajasthan, are concerned about the state’s proposal to classify Oran, Dev-vans and Rundhs (sacred groves) as deemed forests.
What are Sacred Groves?
Sacred groves of India are forest fragments of varying sizes, which are communally protected, and which usually have a significant religious connotation for the protecting community.
It usually consists of a dense cover of vegetation including climbers, herbs, shrubs and trees, with the presence of a village deity and is mostly situated near a perennial water source.
Sacred groves are considered to be symbols of the primitive practice of nature worship and support nature conservation to a great extent.
The introduction of the protected area category community reserves under the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 has introduced legislation for providing government protection to community-held lands, which could include sacred groves.
Historical references
Indian sacred groves are often associated with temples, monasteries, shrines, pilgrimage sites, or with burial grounds.
Historically, sacred groves find their mentions in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist texts, from sacred tree groves in Hinduism to sacred deer parks in Buddhism for example.
Sacred groves may be loosely used to refer to natural habitat protected on religious grounds.
Other historical references to sacred groves can be obtained in Vrukshayurveda an ancient treatise, ancient classics such as Kalidasa’s Vikramuurvashiiya.
There has been a growing interest in creating green patches such as Nakshatravana
Regulation of activities in Sacred Grooves
Hunting and logging are usually strictly prohibited within these patches.
Other forms of forest usage like honey collection and deadwood collection are sometimes allowed on a sustainable basis.
NGOs work with local villagers to protect such groves.
Traditionally, and in some cases even today, members of the community take turns to protect the grove.
Threats to such grooves
Threats to the groves include urbanization and over-exploitation of resources.
While many of the groves are looked upon as abode of Hindu deities, in the recent past a number of them have been partially cleared for construction of shrines and temples.
Total grooves in India
Around 14,000 sacred groves have been reported from all over India, which act as reservoirs of rare fauna, and more often rare flora, amid rural and even urban settings.
Experts believe that the total number of sacred groves could be as high as 100,000.
They are called by different names in different states:
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) recently released data shedding light on air pollution levels across urban centers in India during February 2024.
Surprisingly, Meghalaya’s Byrnihat emerged as the most polluted ‘city’ in the nation, sparking concerns about air quality in the otherwise cleaner Northeast region.
About Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)
CREA is a non-profit think tank researching energy and air pollution based in Helsinki (Finland).
It was established in 2019 with the goal of tracking the impacts of air pollution by providing data-backed research products.
Key Insights
(1) Alarming Pollution Levels in NE
Pollution Pinnacle: Byrnihat, an industrial town near the Assam border, recorded the highest levels of PM2.5 pollution in India, with a monthly average concentration of 183 µg/m3.
Byrnihat vs. National Averages: Byrnihat’s PM2.5 levels were significantly higher than those in Bihar’s Araria, the second-most polluted city, highlighting the severity of pollution in the former.
Northeastern Representation: Other northeastern cities such as Nalbari, Agartala, Guwahati, and Nagaon also featured among the 30 most polluted cities in India, indicating a broader regional trend of worsening pollution levels.
(2) Cleanest Cities and Regional Disparities
Positive Performers: Sivasagar, Silchar, Aizawl, and Imphal emerged as the cleanest cities in the region, with PM2.5 concentrations below the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
National Rankings: Sivasagar secured the second position nationally, underscoring its exemplary air quality standards.
(3) Silver Lining: Improvements and Opportunities
Positive Trends: February witnessed a notable improvement in air quality, with 36 cities classified under the ‘good’ category, reflecting positive strides in pollution mitigation efforts.
Opportunities for Progress: The data signals opportunities for collaborative action and policy interventions to address environmental challenges and safeguard public health.
Implications and Recommendations
Monitoring Imperative: The data underscores the urgent need to enhance air quality monitoring infrastructure in the northeastern states to effectively track pollution levels.
Environmental Concerns: Unregulated industrial operations, inadequate public transportation, rampant construction, and other factors contribute to the deteriorating air quality in the region, necessitating stringent regulatory measures.
The recent Supreme Court ruling on tiger safaris in Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park has ignited discussions on wildlife conservation and tourism development.
The Court has condemned the unlawful felling of over 6,000 trees for constructing buildings under the guise of eco-tourism.
About Jim Corbett National Park
Details
Establishment
Established on August 8th, 1936 (originally as Hailey National Park)
Part of World Wide Fund for Nature’s Terai Arc Landscape Program
Flagship Species
Focus on Bengal tiger, Asiatic elephant, Great One-horned rhino
Geographical Features
Ridges, streams, plateaus, ravines, grasslands, deciduous woods, pine forests
Importance
Designated as Important Bird Area by Birdlife International;
Key role in wildlife conservation efforts
Court’s Decision on Jim Corbett NP
Petition against Captive Animal Holding: The Supreme Court addressed a petition opposing captive animal holding in the national park.
Permitted Tiger Safaris: The Court allowed the establishment of tiger safaris in peripheral and buffer zones with specified conditions.
Balancing Tourism and Ecosystem Preservation: The Court aimed to maintain a delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving sensitive ecosystems within Jim Corbett National Park.
Impact of Tourism on Locals & Wildlife
Tourism as a Livelihood: Locals rely on tourism for income, with transportation, tourist safaris, food centers, and accommodation facilities contributing significantly.
Infrastructure and Conservation: Tourism infrastructure obstructs wildlife corridors, impacting conservation efforts. The phasing out of Dhikala tourism complex is deemed necessary to comply with legal requirements.
Animal-Centric Approach: The Supreme Court emphasizes an animal-centric approach over tourist-centric policies to ensure conservation in national parks.
The inauguration of the National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Patna marks a significant step towards the conservation of the Gangetic Dolphin.
The NDRC aims to facilitate in-depth studies on various aspects of Gangetic dolphins, including behavior, survival skills, food habits, and mortality factors.
Led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, this pioneering institute promises to advance scientific understanding and foster conservation efforts for this iconic species.
Key Facts about Gangetic Dolphin
Details
Discovery
Platanista gangetica also known as the “Tiger of the Ganges,” was officially discovered in 1801.
Habitat
Historically distributed in major river systems of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, including the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu.
Features
Essentially blind, hunts by emitting ultrasonic sounds.
Frequently found alone or in small groups, usually with a calf.
Females larger, give birth once every 2-3 years.
Importance
Indicator of river ecosystem health.
Designated National Aquatic Animal (2009) and State Aquatic Animal of Assam.
Major Threats
Unintentional killing in fishing gear.
Poaching for dolphin oil.
Habitat destruction due to development and pollution.
Prelims: Q1. Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of [UPSC CSE 2019]
a) Anti-malarial drug b) Biodiesel c) Pulp for the paper industry d) Textile fiber
Q2. If the National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country? [UPSC CSE 2012]
1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through the recycling of wastewater. 2. The water requirement of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water. 3. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India. 4. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore wells and for installing motors and pump sets to draw groundwater will be completely reimbursed by the Government.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 3 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Mains: 1. How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? ( UPSC CSE 2019)
2. ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India are affected by climate change? (UPSC CSE 2017)
3. Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian subContinent. (UPSC CSE 2014)
From The Hindu
Note4Students:
Mains: Biodiversity Conservation strategies;
Prelims: Plastic Pollution; Himalayan Ecosystem;
Mentor comments:Plastic pollution is widespread, reaching from mountaintops to ocean depths, even infiltrating human lungs and placenta. Microplastics, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, are found in various environments like the Himalayan mountains, rivers, and lakes. Unscientific plastic disposal is causing soil and water pollution in the Indian Himalayan Region and impacting its biodiversity, which is having an adverse impact on the fresh water sources that communities downstream depend on. Empowering local bodies and creating the necessary infrastructure for waste management in the Indian Himalayan Region need immediate attention.
Let’s Learn.
Why in the News?
Recently, the NGT issued notices to the MoEFCC, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Himalayan states on waste dumping in eco-sensitive areas by tourists and commercial establishments.
What do the Recent Reports reveal about Himalayan Plastic Pollution?
The Himalayan Clean up that was conducted by the Integrated Mountain Initiative with Zero Waste Himalayas and the National Productivity Council of India’s waste audit results (2023) showed that 92.7% of trash was plastic, with 72% of waste being non-recyclable plastic.
The Social Development for Communities Foundation highlighted towns drowning in plastic waste, prompting notices from the National Green Tribunal to address waste dumping in eco-sensitive areas.
About the recent Plastic Waste Crisis and the Changing Consumption Patterns:
Rapid Urbanization: Unplanned urbanization and altered production-consumption patterns contribute significantly to the plastic waste crisis in the Indian Himalayan Region. Local communities face challenges due to poor waste management practices, impacting their health and environment.
Tourism Impact: The surge in tourist numbers exacerbates the plastic waste issue, with over 400 million tourists visiting Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh since 2010. Plastic waste is found extensively in the region, affecting wildlife like Greater adjutant storks in Assam and causing pollution in rivers such as the Nambul in Manipur.
Legal Mandate for Waste Management in the Indian Himalayan Region:
Regulatory Framework:
Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM) 2016: Forms part of the regulatory framework for plastic waste management in India, emphasizing waste segregation at source.
Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2016 and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) 2022: Comprise the legal mandate for plastic waste management at the country level, with a focus on waste segregation and disposal.
State Initiatives:
Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim Laws: Both states have enacted special laws banning plastics, with Himachal Pradesh implementing a buy-back policy for non-recyclable plastics.
Mizoram and Tripura: Mizoram has made by-laws under PWM, while Tripura has enacted municipal by-laws and established a State-level task force to combat single-use plastics.
What are the Challenges being faced during Implementation?
Waste Segregation and Management Issues:
Mandate for Segregation: SWM/PWM/EPR collectively mandate waste segregation at the source, including different types of plastics, for effective disposal.
Reality Check: Despite the requirement on paper, landfills are overwhelmed with mixed waste, indicating a gap between policy and practice.
Implementation and Local Bodies:
Lack of By-laws: Only few states and local bodies have enacted necessary by-laws to implement waste management mandates effectively.
Power Devolution: Unclear collaboration mandates between local bodies and producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) hinder effective waste management.
Infrastructure Challenges:
Deficient Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure impedes waste management efforts, leading to landfill overflow and environmental pollution.
Hill Areas Neglect: While SWM recognizes hill areas’ special needs, these considerations are often overlooked in mandates for local bodies and PIBOs under PWM and EPR.
Way Forward:
Addressing Data gaps: Closing data gaps on waste generation, utilizing existing schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission and Finance Commission grants, and leveraging initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Kosh Trust and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) can bolster waste management efforts in the region.
Allocating Resources: Empowering local bodies, establishing necessary infrastructure, promoting waste segregation through public education, and considering the unique challenges of mountain waste management are essential steps.
Supporting Biodiversity: Ensuring geographical fairness in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets and valuing EPR certificates in the region can incentivize proper waste processing. Collaboration among various schemes like Smart Cities can further advance scientific waste management practices in the Indian Himalayan Region.
Kashmir’s Hangul, a shy and endangered species of deer, has exhibited a robust breeding season, suggesting a hopeful future for its population in the Dachigam National Park.
The Hanguls population could surpass 300 this spring, marking the first time in over 30 years.
About Hangul (Kashmir Stag)
Details
Scientific Name
Cervus hanglu
Habitat
Dense riverine forests in high valleys and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, northern Himachal Pradesh
Geographic Range
Endemic to Kashmir and surrounding areas
Distribution
Primarily found in Dachigam National Park;
Small population in Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
Conservation Status
IUCN: Critically Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest level of protection)
Threats to Hanguls
Predator Concerns: Hangul faces threats from predators like leopards and Asiatic Black Bears, necessitating further research and monitoring.
Environmental Challenges: Drying drainages and snowless glacial areas in Dachigam raise concerns about habitat sustainability, highlighting the impact of climate change.
About Dachigam National Park
DNP boasts diverse flora and fauna, encompassing deep valleys, rocky outcrops, wooded slopes, and alpine pastures.
Spanning altitudes from 1600 m to 4200 m above sea level, the park is divided into upper and lower regions, each harboring unique ecosystems.
The park is home to a plethora of plant species, including wild cherry, pear, plum, walnut, oak, pine, and elm, fostering a biodiverse ecosystem.
Apart from hangul, the park supports a variety of wildlife, including musk deer, brown bears, leopards, Himalayan black bears, jungle cats, and species of wild goats like markhor and ibex.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2012:
Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal
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A recent study aims to delve into the peri-mortem and post-mortem strategies of Asian elephants, offering insights into their behavior in shared human spaces amid environmental changes.
The study area covered fragmented forests, tea estates, agricultural lands, and military establishments in the vicinity of the Gorumara Wildlife Division and Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal.
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.
Recent findings
Peri-Mortem Strategies: Asian elephants were found to carry carcasses by trunks and legs before burying them in a ‘legs upright’ position.
Herding Behavior: Elephant herds exhibit avoidance behavior, choosing parallel routes to bypass paths where calf carcasses were buried.
Burial Locations: Calves were buried in irrigation drains of tea estates, indicating a preference for specific locations.
Herding Dynamics: The unique positioning of carcasses suggests careful handling by herd members, highlighting their care and affection toward deceased calves.
Space Constraints: Prioritizing the burial of the head before the feet indicates strategic decision-making in situations of spatial limitations.
Environmental Context and Elephant Behavior
Impact of Environmental Changes: Rapid environmental transformations and habitat destruction push elephants to explore human-dominated areas, resulting in the emergence of novel behaviors.
Limited Documentation: While similar behaviors are documented in African contexts, elephant calf burial in the Asian context remains largely undocumented.
General Social Behaviour of Elephants
Elephants exhibit a wide range of social behaviors that highlight their complex and intelligent nature.
Matrilineal Social Structure: Elephants live in multi-tiered societies, starting with family units consisting of related females and their calves. These family units form bonds with other families, creating clans and sub-populations. The herds are led by a senior matriarch who makes decisions on movement and resources.
Communication: Elephants communicate through various calls, gestures, and physical contact. They have a sophisticated communication system involving over sixty different calls, including trumpets and rumbles that convey information across long distances.
Empathy and Mourning: Elephants display empathy by comforting distressed companions through physical contact and vocal sounds. They have been observed mourning their dead, showing behaviors akin to mourning seen in humans.
Cooperative Behavior: Elephant herds cooperate in raising their young, with adolescent females assisting in caring for calves. They also engage in cooperative actions like adopting an infant tormented by predators or helping wounded elephants by stopping bleeding and providing support.
Individual Personalities: Elephants have distinct personalities that influence their interactions within the group. Some elephants show strong leadership qualities, while others are more introverted. These individual traits impact how they interact with other elephants.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2020:
Q. 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) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
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The Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, released the report on the Status of Leopards in India at New Delhi.
About Indian Leopard
The Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent.
These are the smallest of the big cats.
They are known for their ability to adapt to a variety of habitats.
They are strong and agile predators that can climb trees and drag their prey up for safety.
Conservation Status:
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
About the Fifth Cycle of Leopards Estimation
The fifth cycle leopard population estimation was conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII), in collaboration with State Forest Departments.
It covered 18 States of India, and focused on about 70% of the animals’ expected habitat.
The estimation focused on forested habitats within 18 tiger states, covering major tiger conservation landscapes. Non-forested and high Himalayan regions were excluded.
A comprehensive foot survey spanning 6,41,449 km and camera traps at 32,803 locations resulted in 85,488 photo-captures of leopards, providing valuable insights into their distribution and abundance.
Key Findings
Population Estimate: India’s leopard population is estimated at 13,874 individuals, signifying stability compared to the 2018 estimate. Notably, this estimation covers 70% of leopard habitat, excluding areas like the Himalayas and semi-arid regions.
Regional Trends: While Central India witnesses a stable or slightly growing population, regions like the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains experience a decline. Overall, there’s a 1.08% per annum growth in sampled areas.
State-wise Distribution: Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards in the country – 3907 (2018: 3421), followed by Maharashtra (2022: 1985; 2018: 1,690), Karnataka (2022: 1,879 ; 2018: 1,783) and Tamil Nadu (2022: 1,070; 2018: 868).
Habitats: Tiger Reserves or sites with highest leopard population are, Nagarajunasagar Srisailam (AP), followed by Panna (MP), and Satpura (AP).
Declining Trends: While Uttarakhand reported a 22% decline in the big cat numbers — reportedly due to poaching and man-animal conflict, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and West Bengal saw a collective 150% rise to 349 animals.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2012
Q. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal
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