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 âTiger of the Ganges,â 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.
Letâs 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 Indiaâs 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:Â 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 Sixth Assembly session of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEA-6) was convened at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
It focussed on the pivotal role of multilateralism in addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Abut United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)
Details
Purpose
Highest-level decision-making body on environmental matters within the United Nations system.
Establishment
Established in 2012 during the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).
Frequency
Typically convenes every two years in Nairobi, Kenya.
Membership
Consists of all 193 UN Member States and representatives from observer countries and organizations.
Decision-Making
Adopts resolutions and decisions on global environmental issues.
UNEA-6: Theme and Focus
Theme: Effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Focus: Planning the role of multilateralism in shaping global environmental policy to combat the pressing challenges facing our planet.
Key Outcomes
[A] Environmental Multilateralism
High-Level Dialogues: UNEA-6 dedicated a day to discussing cooperation and convergence with multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), emphasizing effective implementation at both national and global levels.
Importance: MEAs play a critical role in addressing specific environmental issues at national, regional, and global levels, providing essential frameworks for international environmental governance.
[B] Energy Transition to Renewable Sources
Rapid Adoption of Renewable Energy: The session emphasized the need for three times the current renewable energy capacity by 2030 to foster a nature and people-positive planet.
Global Standards Development: Efforts are underway to establish globally acceptable standards for renewable energy, ensuring environmental sustainability and responsible sourcing of minerals.
[C] Plastic Pollution
Call for Action: Discussions centered on a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, aiming to introduce strong reuse provisions and harmonize definitions of reuse and circularity.
Current Scenario: More than half of global plastic production comprises single-use plastics, with significant leakage into the environment.
[D] Role of Nature-Based Solutions
Potential: Nature-based solutions, including reforestation and land restoration, offer promising avenues to combat the climate crisis and restore biodiversity.
Financial Constraints: Despite their potential, nature-based solutions receive only a fraction of the required funding, highlighting the need for increased investment and innovative financing mechanisms.
Conclusion
As UNEA-6 unfolds, stakeholders worldwide are poised to collaborate and drive actionable solutions to safeguard our planet for future generations.
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 animalsâ 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: Â Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards in the country â 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 â 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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The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) announced the discovery of a new marine species, Melanochlamys droupadi, named after the esteemed President of India, Droupadi Murmu.
About Melanochlamys Droupadi
Geographical Origin: Melanochlamys droupadi was first sighted off the shores of Digha in West Bengal and Udaipur in Odisha, marking its exclusive habitat.
Distinctive Features: Characterized by its short, blunt cylindrical body and smooth dorsal surface adorned with two unequal shields, this species showcases unique anatomical traits.
Morphological Identification: The species was meticulously examined for morphological, anatomical, and molecular characteristics, confirming its taxonomic classification within the Melanochlamys genus.
Physical Attributes: It is a small invertebrate reaching up to 7 mm in length, exhibits a brownish-black hue with a striking ruby red spot.
Biological nature: It is hermaphroditic (possessing both male and female reproductive organs, structures, and tissue) and predominantly inhabits intertidal zones along sandy beaches.
Habitat and Reproduction
Ecological Niche: The species is typically found in the intertidal zone, leaving distinctive crawl marks along sandy beaches.
Reproductive Cycle: Reproduction occurs primarily between November and January, marking a critical phase in the species’ life cycle.
Distribution and Taxonomy
Indo-Pacific Realm: While species of the Melanochlamys genus are predominantly found in temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, Melanochlamys droupadi stands out as a truly tropical species.
Research Insights: A study conducted by ZSI researchers sheds light on the species’ behavior, highlighting its unique ability to secrete transparent mucus, forming a protective sheath against sand grains.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, has approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with headquarters in India.
About the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Objective: The IBCA aims to spearhead efforts towards the protection and conservation of the 7 major big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
Funding: The Government of India has pledged an initial support of Rs. 150 crore for the first five years. Additionally, the alliance will explore contributions from bilateral and multilateral agencies, financial institutions, and donor agencies to augment its corpus.
Membership: Membership to the alliance will be open to 96 “range” countries, which are nations containing the natural habitat of the seven big cats.
Activities: The alliance’s activities will include advocacy, partnership building, knowledge dissemination through an e-portal, capacity building, eco-tourism promotion, and financial resource mobilization.
Governance Structure
Composition: The governance structure of IBCA includes a General Assembly comprising all member countries, a Council of elected member countries, and a Secretariat.
Appointment: The General Assembly appoints the Secretary General of IBCA upon the recommendation of the Council.
Framework: The alliance’s governance framework, drafted on the lines of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), will be finalised by the International Steering Committee (ISC).
India’s Role in Big Cat Conservation
Big Cat Diversity: India is home to five of the seven major big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
Conservation Efforts: India has undertaken significant conservation efforts, as reflected in the increase in tiger and lion populations. For instance, India now hosts about 70% of the world’s tiger population, and the Asiatic lion population in Gir National Park has shown steady growth.
Cheetah Reintroduction: Cheetahs, once extinct in India since 1952, have been reintroduced into the wild. Eight cheetahs were imported from Namibia and released into the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in November 2022.
Mexico City’s iconic jacaranda trees, known for their stunning purple blooms in spring, are experiencing an unusual phenomenon this year, with some trees blooming as early as January instead of their typical spring awakening.
AboutJacaranda Trees
Jacaranda is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Bignoniaceae.
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, with some species found in the Caribbean and Africa.
Known for its stunning clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purple, blue, or white, Jacaranda trees are prized as ornamental plants in parks, gardens, and urban landscapes worldwide.
Jacaranda trees hold cultural significance in various regions, such as Brazil, where their blooming heralds the arrival of spring, and South Africa, where they are commonly planted in urban areas.
Some species of Jacaranda produce valuable timber, prized for its lightweight nature, durability, and attractive grain pattern, suitable for furniture and decorative woodworking.
While generally not invasive, Jacaranda trees can become weedy in introduced regions, though their ornamental value often outweighs any negative impacts, making them well-tolerated in urban landscapes.
The Odisha government’s estimation of the tiger population in its forests has been reported to be 30 Royal Bengal Tigers, while the All India Tiger Estimation-2022 report has found only 20 tigers present.
About All Odisha Tiger Estimation:
The State tiger census was conducted by the State Forest Department.
According to the census, the State has 30 Tigers out of which Similipal Tiger Reserve recorded 27 tigers in the wild.
The remaining three belong to Hirakud wildlife division (Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary), Paralakhemundi territorial division and Keonjhar territorial and wildlife division.
Methodology: The census was conducted using camera-trapping exercises.
About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
Concerned over the sizeable number of pseudo-melanistic tigers in its Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), largely due to inbreeding, the Odisha government has written to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to consider introducing female tigers from other landscapes to the reserve.
Details
Location and Size
Located in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj District, spanning 2750 sq km.
Surrounded by high plateaus and hills;
Khairiburu and Meghashini peaks reach 1515 m.
History
Initially a hunting ground, designated as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973,
Later declared a wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve.
Flora and Fauna
Rich biodiversity includes tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, diverse bird species, King cobras, orchids, and medicinal plants.
Tribes
Inhabited by tribes like Kolha, with traditional conservation practices.
UNESCO Recognition
UNESCO listed it as a Biosphere Reserve in May 2009 due to its ecological significance.
Recent Events
A significant fire in 2021 posed a threat to the reserve’s biodiversity, highlighting ongoing conservation challenges.
Global Recognition
Recognized as a Global Network of Biospheres site since 2009.
Melanism in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
Genetic Anomaly: Melanism, a genetic condition, results in increased melanin production, leading to black or nearly black skin, feathers, or hair in animals.
Pseudo-Melanism: The royal Bengal tigers of Similipal boast a unique lineage with elevated melanin levels, resulting in black and yellow interspersed stripes on their coats, making them pseudo-melanistic rather than entirely black.
Genetic Mutation: Research indicates that a single mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene causes Similipal’s black tigers to develop distinctive striped patterns.
Inbreeding and Isolation: Genetic analyses suggest that Similipal’s black tigers may have originated from a small founding population, leading to inbreeding due to isolation from other tiger populations.
What are the Population Dynamics and Conservation Efforts made by Odisha Govt?
High Frequency: Approximately 37% of tigers in Similipal Tiger Reserve exhibit pseudo-melanistic traits, highlighting the prevalence of this unique phenotype.
Conservation Measures: Odisha plans to establish a melanistic tiger safari near Similipal, aiming to raise awareness about tiger conservation and provide visitors with an opportunity to observe these rare big cats up close.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2020:
Q. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under âCritical Tiger Habitatâ?
(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
(d) Sunderbans
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