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Subject: Conservation & Mitigation

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

  • Self-pollination in Field Pansy Flower  

    Field Pansy Flower

    Central Idea

    • Researchers have found that a flower species in Paris, the field pansy (Viola arvensis), is evolving rapidly, exhibiting reduced nectar production and smaller flower sizes.
    • This study aims to understand the impact of these evolutionary changes on plant-pollinator interactions.

    Changing Nature of Field Pansy

    • Decreased Nectar and Size: The wild pansy variety in Paris showed a 20% reduction in nectar production and a 10% decrease in flower size.
    • Comparative Analysis: Scientists compared current flower growth with seeds from 20-30 years ago, observing notable changes.
    • Adaptation to Pollinator Decline: The evolution towards self-pollination in field pansies is attributed to the decreasing availability of insect pollinators.
    • Experimental Design: The study employed the “resurrection ecology” method, planting seeds from the 1990s and 2000s alongside their 2021 descendants.

    Implications of Self-Pollination and Evolutionary Shifts

    • Contrast with Angiosperm Convention: The move towards self-pollination deviates from the typical reliance of angiosperms on insects for pollination.
    • Long-Term Coevolution: The traditional plant-insect relationship, involving nectar production for pollination, has evolved over 100 million years.
    • Genetic Analysis: Population genetics analysis revealed a 27% increase in selfing rates, with consistent trait shifts across studied populations.

    Concerns and Potential Consequences

    • Short-Term Benefits, Long-Term Risks: While self-pollination may offer short-term advantages, it poses long-term survival threats to plants amid environmental changes.
    • Feedback Loop Risks: Reduced nectar production could lead to further declines in pollinator populations, creating a detrimental eco-evolutionary feedback loop.
    • Network Degradation: The study highlights the degradation of plant-pollinator networks, as observed in previous research.

  • Rediscovery of Namdapha Flying Squirrel in Arunachal Pradesh

     

    Namdapha Flying Squirrel

    Central Idea

    • The Namdapha flying squirrel, missing for 42 years, has been sighted again in Arunachal Pradesh.
    • This rare species was last documented in 1981 in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve.

    Namdapha Flying Squirrel

    Details
    Species Name Namdapha Flying Squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi)
    Type Arboreal, nocturnal flying squirrel
    Endemic Region Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India
    Habitat Tall Mesua ferrea jungles, often on hill slopes in the catchment area of the Dihing River, northeastern India
    First Discovery Known from a single specimen collected in Namdapha National Park in 1981
    Physical Description – Reddish, grizzled fur with white above

    – Pale grey crown, orangish patagium, white underparts
    Genus Significance Was the sole member of its genus until the discovery of other species like Biswamoyopterus laoensis (2013) and Biswamoyopterus gaoligongensis (2018)
    Conservation Status IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

    Wildlife Protection Act Status: Schedule I
    Threats Threatened by poaching and possibly habitat destruction

  • Fewer migratory birds in Sultanpur National Park this season

    Sultanpur National Park

    Central Idea

    • The Sultanpur National Park has observed a 20-30% decrease in the number of migratory birds this season, as reported by forest department officials.
    • Estimates show a reduction in bird numbers, with current figures ranging between 8,000 to 10,000, compared to the expected 15,000.

    About Sultanpur National Park

    • Sultanpur NP is located at Sultanpur village on Gurugram-Jhajjar highway, 15 km from Gurugram, Haryana and 50 km from Delhi.
    • It was a bird sanctuary, ideal for birding and bird lookers. Its area covers approximately 142.52 hectares.
    • Migratory birds start arriving in the park in September. Birds use the park as a resting place till the following March-April.
    • During summer and monsoon months the park is inhabited by many local bird species.
    • In April 1971, the Sultanpur Jheel inside the park (an area of 1.21 sq. km.) was accorded Sanctuary status under section 8 of the Punjab Wildlife Preservation Act of 1959.
    • The status of the park was upgraded to National Park in July 1991 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

    Significance of the NP

    • Spanning 1.42 sq km, it is recognized as a national park, wildlife sanctuary, and a Ramsar site since 2021.
    • It is one of the few NPs in the small state of Haryana.
    • Another NP in Haryana is Kalesar National Park.

    Important Fauna at the Park

    • Mammals: Blackbuck, Nilgai, Hog deer, Sambar, Leopard etc.
    • Birds: Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane etc.

    Annual Migratory Patterns

    • Typical Arrival: Migratory birds usually begin arriving in the first week of October.
    • Annual Visitation: By the end of January each year, around 22,000 birds visit Sultanpur Park. However, this year’s numbers are anticipated to be much lower.

    Possible Reasons for Reduced Migration

    • Temperature Changes: Wildlife experts suggests that milder winters in regions like Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe might be influencing migration patterns.
    • Food Availability: If migratory birds continue to find sufficient food in their native regions, they may not feel compelled to migrate.
    • Local Climate Impact: The local temperature at Sultanpur Park has not dropped significantly to align with the birds’ migratory patterns.
    • Effect of Smog: Smog and air pollution could also be contributing factors to the altered migratory behavior.

  • An uphill struggle to grow the Forest Rights Act

    Forest Rights Act, 2006 | IASbaba

    Central idea

    The Forest Rights Act (FRA) aims to rectify historical injustices faced by forest communities, addressing issues through individual and community forest rights. Implementation challenges, political opportunism, and bureaucratic resistance hinder the FRA’s potential to democratize forest governance. Despite recognizing past injustices, the FRA’s full realization faces obstacles.

    Key Highlights:

    • The Forest Rights Act (FRA) and its Aim: The FRA, enacted in 2006, seeks to rectify historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities due to colonial forest policies.
    • Acknowledgment of Injustices: It recognizes the disruption caused by the colonial takeover of forests, imposition of eminent domain, and subsequent injustices post-Independence.
    • Addressing Issues through Recognition: The FRA tackles ‘encroachments,’ access, and control by recognizing individual and community forest rights, fostering decentralized forest governance.

    Key Challenges:

    • Implementation Hurdles: Challenges include political opportunism, forester resistance, bureaucratic apathy, and a distorted focus on individual rights.
    • Concerns in Individual Rights Recognition: Shabby recognition of individual forest rights, especially in ‘forest villages,’ remains a concern.
    • Obstacles in Community Rights Recognition: Slow and incomplete recognition of community rights to access and manage forests (CFRs) faces opposition from the forest bureaucracy.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Defining Concepts: Individual Forest Rights (IFRs), Community Forest Rights (CFRs), ‘Forest encroachments,’ Eminent domain, ‘Grow More Food’ campaign, Net Present Value fees, Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Forest (Conservation) Act 1980.

    Key Quotes:

    • Highlighting the Lag in Delivering Promises: “17 years after it was enacted, the FRA has barely begun to deliver on its promise of freeing forest-dwellers from historic injustices.”
    • Opposition to CFRs: “The forest bureaucracy vehemently opposes CFRs as it stands to lose its zamindari (control).”

    Key Statements:

    • FRA’s Remarkable Aspects: The FRA stands out for acknowledging historical injustices and providing redress through the recognition of individual and community forest rights.
    • Lacunas in Implementation: Implementation challenges include political misrepresentation, bureaucratic hindrance, and slow recognition of community rights.

    Key Examples and References:

    • State Recognition of CFRs: Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh are highlighted as states recognizing CFRs, with Maharashtra enabling their activation through de-nationalizing minor forest produce.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Scale of Challenge: Estimates indicate that 70%-90% of the forests in central India should be under CFRs, emphasizing the magnitude of the challenge in implementing community rights.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Addressing Issues in Individual Rights Focus: The article critiques the distorted focus on individual rights, digital processes causing hardships, and the forest bureaucracy’s opposition to community rights.
    • Importance of Understanding FRA’s Intent: Emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the FRA’s intent to address historical injustices and democratize forest governance.

    Way Forward:

    • Comprehensive Recognition: To realize the FRA’s potential, there is a need for comprehensive recognition of both individual and community forest rights.
    • Appreciation of Intent: Political leaders, bureaucrats, and environmentalists must appreciate the spirit and intent of the FRA to ensure meaningful implementation and address historical injustices.

  • [pib] Indian Tent Turtles rescued in Lucknow

    Indian Tent Turtles

    Central Idea

    • The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Zonal Unit, Lucknow, acted on specific intelligence to intercept an illegal wildlife trade of 436 baby Indian Tent turtles.

    About Indian Tent Turtles

    Details
    Scientific Classification Pangshura tentoria, Family: Geoemydidae
    Diet Mainly herbivorous, active swimmer.
    Habitat Prefers still water pools on river sides and slow running water near river banks.
    Distribution Native to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
    Conservation Status – Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

    – IUCN Status: Least Concern

    – CITES: Appendix II.
    Major Threats Illegal trade in the pet market due to its attractive appearance.

  • [pib] Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme

    Central Idea

    • The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has introduced the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme to promote sustainable management of forests and trees outside forests.

    Understanding Forest Certification

    • Definition: Forest certification is a process for evaluating the quality of timber, wood, pulp products, and non-timber forest products against set standards.
    • Purpose: It ensures that forest products are sourced from responsibly managed forests or recycled materials.

    Forest and Wood Certification Scheme

    • Voluntary Certification: The scheme offers voluntary third-party certification to encourage sustainable forest management and agroforestry.
    • Certification Types: Includes Forest Management Certificates, Trees outside Forest Management Certificate, and chain of custody certification.
    • Standards: The Forest Management certification is based on the Indian Forest Management Standard, which includes 8 criteria, 69 indicators, and 254 verifiers.

    Implementation and Oversight

    • Scheme Operating Agency: The Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, will manage the scheme.
    • Accreditation Body: The Quality Council of India will accredit certification bodies to assess adherence to the standards.
    • Advisory Council: The Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council, comprising members from various eminent institutions and ministries, will oversee the scheme.

    Significance of Forest Certification

    • Buyer Assurance: Helps buyers identify products sourced from well-managed forests or recycled materials.
    • Discouraging Illegal Sources: Aims to reduce the use of supplies from illegal sources.
    • Holistic Benefits: Ensures that forest activities contribute to environmental, social, and economic benefits.

  • Specie in news: Saiga Antelope

    Saiga Antelope

    Central Idea

    • The Saiga Antelope has been reclassified from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

    About Saiga Antelope

    Details
    Scientific Name Saiga tatarica
    Physical Characteristics Notable for its distinctive bulbous nose; relatively small, with a thin build and long, thin legs
    Habitat Primarily found in the steppe region of Central Asia and Eastern Europe
    Population Distribution Predominantly in Kazakhstan and Russia, with smaller populations in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Mongolia
    Conservation Status IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

    CITES: Appendix II
    Major Threats Poaching for horns (used in traditional medicine), habitat loss, and disease outbreaks like pasteurellosis
    Diet Herbivorous, feeding on a variety of grasses and plants
    Breeding Known for its rapid population growth under favorable conditions; breeds in large herds
    Migration Notable for long-distance seasonal migrations
    Cultural Significance Featured in the folklore and culture of the local steppe communities

  • Places in news: Kambalakonda WLS

    Kambalakonda

    Central Idea

    • The Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre situated along the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary’s periphery, near PM Palem in Visakhapatnam, features a new Nature Interpretation Centre.

    About Kambalakonda WLS

    Details
    Location Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India
    Establishment Declared in 1970 under the Wildlife Protection Act of India
    Area Approximately 71 square kilometers (27 square miles)
    Ecosystem Dry evergreen forests and scrubland
    Biodiversity Home to Indian leopards, deer species, wild boar, jackals, reptiles, birds, and medicinal plants
    Flora Predominantly dry evergreen forests with moist deciduous patches
    Tourism and Recreation Offers trekking, bird watching, and nature walks
    Accessibility Easily accessible from the city of Visakhapatnam

  • Specie in news: Mauritian Dodo

    Mauritian Dodo

    Central Idea

    • Mauritian authorities are now working to resurrect the human-caused extinct bird ‘Dodo’.

    About Mauritian Dodo

    Details
    Scientific Name Raphus cucullatus
    Physical Characteristics Large, flightless bird; about 1 meter tall, weighing 10-18 kg; large beak, stubby wings.
    Habitat Endemic to Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean; lived in forests and possibly coastal areas.
    Discovery and Extinction Discovered by Dutch Colonist in late 16th century; extinct by the late 17th century, last sighting around 1662.
    Causes of Extinction Human hunting and introduced species like rats, pigs, and monkeys.
    Diet Likely fruits, nuts, seeds, bulbs, and possibly small animals.
    Behavior Exhibited no fear of humans due to lack of natural predators.
    Cultural Impact Symbol of extinct and endangered species; featured in the phrase “as dead as a dodo.”
    Representation Depicted in literature and art, notably in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”

    Science of De-Extinction

    • Genetic Blueprint: The first step in de-extinction is obtaining a complete and accurate genome of the species.
    • Genome Sequencing: Paleo-geneticists have successfully sequenced the dodo’s genome using DNA from a museum specimen.
    • Comparative Genomics: The dodo’s genome is being compared with that of its closest extinct and extant relatives to identify unique dodo traits.

    Process of Resurrecting

    • Editing Genetic Material: The project involves editing the primordial germ cells (PGCs) of the Nicobar pigeon, the dodo’s closest living relative, to express dodo traits.
    • Interspecies Surrogacy: These edited PGCs will be inserted into chicken embryos, with chickens acting as interspecies surrogates to potentially birth a dodo offspring.
    • Physical Resemblance: The aim is to create a bird physically indistinguishable from historical accounts of the dodo.

    Challenges and Concerns

    • Scientific Hurdles: Experts emphasize the complexity of recreating a species and the time required for selective breeding to achieve dodo-like characteristics.
    • Habitat Restoration: Mauritius’ transformed landscape poses challenges for reintroducing the dodo, necessitating the control or removal of invasive species.
    • Alternative Habitats: The project considers reintroducing dodos to more pristine, uninhabited islands like Round Island and Aigrettes.

    Motivations behind the Project

    • Ecosystem Restoration: Reintroducing the dodo could help restore mutualistic relationships in Mauritius’ ecosystem, particularly in seed dispersal.
    • Conservation Technology: The techniques developed could aid in conserving and restoring other endangered avian species.
    • Symbolic Value: The project is driven by a desire to create ‘conservation optimism’, using the dodo as a symbol of hope in the face of human-caused extinctions.

  • Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

    asola bhatti

    Central Idea

    • The Delhi High Court is considering staying a forest department ‘Walkathon’ event in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.

    About Asola Bhatti WLS

    • Location: Situated in the southern part of Delhi and extends into Faridabad and Gurugram districts of Haryana.
    • Spread: Occupies 32.71 sq. km on the Aravalli hill range’s Southern Delhi Ridge, bordering Delhi and Haryana.
    • Connectivity: Forms a part of Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve to the Delhi Ridge.
    • Vegetation: Classified under Northern Tropical Thorn Forests.
    • Plant Adaptations: Features plants with xerophytic characteristics like thorns, wax-coated and succulent leaves.
    • Flora: Characterized by the presence of the exotic Prosopis juliflora and the native Diospyros montana.
    • Wildlife Diversity: Home to species such as Golden Jackals, Striped-Hyenas, Indian Crested-Porcupines, Civets, Jungle Cats, various snakes, Monitor Lizards, and Mongoose.