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Subject: Environment

  • Alarm Bells for Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Region

    Hindu Kush Himalaya

    Introduction

    • The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) called for ‘bold action’ and ‘urgent finance’ to prevent collapse of Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH).

    About Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)

    Description
    Geographic Location South Asia, spanning Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
    Area Approximately 3,500,000 square kilometers
    “Water Tower of Asia” At least 12 rivers fan out in every direction across the Asian continent from it, including:

    – Syr Darya and Amu Darya towards the now-dead Aral Sea

    – Tarim toward the Taklamakan

    – Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra towards the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal

    – Yellow river towards the Gulf of Bohai

    – Yangtze towards the East China Sea

    – Mekong towards the South China Sea

    – Chindwin, Salween, and Irrawaddy towards the Andaman Sea
    Glaciers Home to thousands of glaciers, including Mount Everest and K2.

    A Region on the Brink

    • Biodiversity Hotspot: The HKH region, characterized by its remarkable biodiversity, is described as a ‘biosphere on the brink’ by experts.
    • Scope of Crisis: The speed and scale of habitat and nature loss in the HKH region are deemed ‘catastrophic,’ and urgent action is required.

    Alarming Statistics

    • Biodiversity Richness: The HKH region boasts four of the world’s 36 global biodiversity hotspots, 575 Protected Areas, and 335 important bird areas.
    • Biodiversity Loss: Despite conservation efforts, the region has witnessed the loss of 70% of its original biodiversity over the last century.
    • Human Dependence: 85% of mountain communities in the HKH region rely on this biodiversity for food, water, flood control, and cultural identity.
    • Population Pressure: With 241 million people residing in the HKH region, 31% face food insecurity, and half experience various forms of malnutrition.

    Human Impact

    • Threat to Humanity: The declining nature in the HKH region now endangers not only animal and plant life but also human societies.
    • Water Tower of Asia: This region, known as the ‘Water Tower of Asia,’ supplies essential ecosystem services, including clean water for one-third of the global population.

  • Rare Dusted Apollo Butterfly Spotted in Himachal Pradesh

    butterfly

    Introduction

    • In a remarkable discovery, the elusive Dusted Apollo butterfly (Parnassius stenosemus) was sighted and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh.

    Dusted Apollo

    • Historical Rarity: Dusted Apollo is a rare high-altitude butterfly, initially discovered in 1890.
    • Sighting Details: The butterfly was spotted and photographed in September 2023 during a trek to Manimahesh Lake in Chamba.
    • Wide Range: The Dusted Apollo’s distribution extends from Ladakh to West Nepal.
    • Altitude Preference: This unique butterfly thrives at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 4,800 meters in the inner Himalayas.
    • Comparing Species: Dusted Apollo closely resembles Ladakh Banded Apollo (Parnnasius stoliczkanus) but exhibits distinct features.

    Implications for Conservation

    • Rare Find: Dusted Apollo had never been photographed in Himachal Pradesh before.
    • Additional Discovery: Another rare species, Regal Apollo (Parnnasius charltonius), was also photographed at Manimahesh, protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
    • Commercial Significance: Apollo butterflies are commercially valuable and are targeted by poachers, emphasizing the need for conservation.
    • Endangered Species: Many Apollo butterfly species are endangered and require immediate conservation efforts.
    • Community Awareness: Raising awareness about poaching and the significance of these species is vital for their protection.
    • Conservation Measures: Suggested measures include establishing butterfly parks and conservation reserves in the state to safeguard these fragile creatures.

  • Ammonia Emission Reductions in Agriculture

    ammonia

    Introduction

    • Researchers have harnessed machine learning to provide precise estimates of ammonia emissions stemming from rice, wheat, and maize crops.
    • Their dataset allows for a crop-specific assessment of emission reduction potential, suggesting that effective fertilizer management in these crops could decrease atmospheric ammonia emissions from agriculture by up to 38%.

    Ammonia Emissions in Agriculture

    Ammonia (NH3) emissions primarily originate from agricultural activities, particularly livestock farming and the application of synthetic and organic fertilizers.

    1. Livestock Farming: Livestock, such as cattle, poultry, and swine, produce ammonia through the breakdown of urea in their urine and faeces. Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are major contributors to ammonia emissions.
    2. Fertilizer Application: Ammonia is released when synthetic fertilizers containing ammonium-based compounds (e.g., ammonium nitrate) are applied to crops. Manure from livestock can also be used as organic fertilizer, contributing to ammonia emissions.

    Why it matters?

    • Environmental Impact: Ammonia emissions can lead to air pollution, especially in areas with intensive agriculture. It can react with other pollutants to form fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which has adverse effects on human health and the environment.
    • Acid Deposition: Ammonia can undergo atmospheric transformation and contribute to acid rain, which can harm aquatic ecosystems, forests, and infrastructure.
    • Nutrient Loss: Ammonia emissions represent a loss of valuable nitrogen nutrients from agricultural systems. This can reduce the efficiency of fertilizer use and contribute to nitrogen pollution in water bodies.

    Significance of Ammonia Emissions

    • Environmental Impact: Atmospheric ammonia is a significant environmental pollutant, affecting ecosystems and human health globally.
    • Crop-Related Emissions: A substantial portion of anthropogenic ammonia emissions, 51-60%, originates from crop cultivation. Rice, wheat, and maize are responsible for approximately half of these emissions.

    Machine Learning-Based Modeling

    • Researchers’ Approach: The study employed machine learning to model ammonia emissions from rice, wheat, and maize farming worldwide. This modelling considered various factors such as climate, soil characteristics, crop types, irrigation, tillage practices, and fertilization methods.
    • Dataset Development: To train the model, researchers curated a dataset comprising ammonia emissions data from over 2,700 observations, gathered through a systematic review of published literature.
    • Global Emission Estimate: The model’s estimates revealed that global ammonia emissions reached 4.3 teragrams (4.3 billion kilograms) in 2018.

    Emission Reduction Potential

    • Optimizing Fertilizer Management: By spatially optimizing fertilizer management according to the model’s guidance, ammonia emissions from the three crops could potentially be reduced by 38%.
    • Strategies: The optimized strategy involves deeper placement of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers into the soil using conventional tillage practices during the growing season.

    Crop-Specific Contributions

    • Reduction Potential: Under the proposed fertilizer management scenario, rice crops could contribute to 47% of the total reduction potential. Maize and wheat could contribute 27% and 26%, respectively.
    • Emission Projections: Without management strategies, ammonia emissions could increase by 4.6% to 15.8% by 2100, depending on future greenhouse gas emissions levels.

    Conclusion

    • This study showcases how machine learning can provide valuable insights into ammonia emissions from crop cultivation.
    • By optimizing fertilizer management practices, substantial reductions in ammonia emissions from rice, wheat, and maize crops can be achieved, contributing to environmental sustainability.

  • Five more Wetlands added to Ramsar List

    wetland

    Introduction

    • Five more Indian wetlands have been added to the global list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, taking the total number of such highly recognised waterlogged ecosystems in the country to 80.
    • India is now the fourth-largest nation on the Ramsar map, trailing only behind the UK (175), Mexico (144), and China (82).
    • Tamil Nadu continues to have the maximum number of Ramsar sites (16) followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).

    List of newly designated Ramsar Sites:

    [1] Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve (Karnataka):

    • Spread over 98.76 hectares adjoining Ankasamudra village.
    • A biodiversity hotspot with over 210 plant species, 8 mammals, 25 reptiles, and 240 bird species.
    • Vital nesting and roosting ground for over 30,000 waterbirds, including the Painted Stork and Black-headed Ibis.

    [2] Aghanashini Estuary (Karnataka):

    • Covers 4,801 hectares at the confluence of Aghanashini River with the Arabian Sea.
    • Offers flood and erosion risk mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood support.
    • Sustains 6,000-7,500 families through fishing, agriculture, and traditional fish farming.
    • Acts as a natural barrier against storms and cyclones.

    [3] Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve (Karnataka):

    • A human-made wetland spanning nearly 50 hectares, originally designed for rainwater storage.
    • Home to 166 bird species, including 130 migratory birds.
    • Sanctuary for vulnerable and near-threatened species like the Common Pochard, River Tern, and Oriental Darter.
    • A crucial wintering ground for the Bar-headed Goose.

    [4] Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu):

    • Encompassing 453.72 hectares, it’s one of Tamil Nadu’s largest inland wetlands.
    • Facilitates groundwater recharge and supports agricultural activities.
    • Hosts around 198 bird species, including the Bar-headed Goose and Common Teal.

    [5] Longwood Shola Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu):

    • Named after “Solai,” meaning tropical rainforest in Tamil.
    • Integral to the Western Ghats’ unique biodiversity.
    • Provides sanctuary to globally endangered and vulnerable bird species like the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Blue Robin, and Nilgiri Wood-pigeon.
    • Home to 14 of the 26 endemic bird species of the Western Ghats.

    Back2Basics: Ramsar Convention

    Explanation
    Purpose International treaty aimed at conserving and promoting the sustainable use of wetlands.
    Establishment Established on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.
    Participating Countries 171 contracting parties (countries) as of September 2021.
    India and Ramsar Convention The first Ramsar Site in India, the Chilika Lake in Odisha, was designated in 1981.

     

  • New Species of Burrowing Frog: Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu

    Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu

    Introduction

    • In a remarkable discovery, researchers have unveiled an entirely new frog species Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu, the rain-welcoming frog, thriving within the urban landscape of Bengaluru.

    About Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu

    • A Fresh Discovery: Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu is not just a frog; it’s a newly identified frog species.
    • Name’s Significance: The name ‘Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu’ derives its meaning from its unique behavior of emerging from burrows with the onset of early showers, symbolizing its affinity for rain.
    • Distinctive Attributes: This recently unearthed amphibian boasts distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from known frog species.
    • Urban Adaptation: What sets Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu apart is its remarkable adaptation to urban surroundings. It showcases behaviors and physical attributes that equip it to overcome challenges posed by urbanization.
    • Scientific Confirmation: The research team employed advanced genetic analysis, in-depth morphological studies, and bio-acoustics to definitively establish the distinctiveness of this newfound amphibian.

  • Northern White Rhino IVF Project by BioRescue

    Northern White Rhino

    Introduction

    • The northern white rhino, once on the brink of extinction, saw its last male member pass away in 2018, leaving the subspecies on the verge of being lost forever.
    • However, a pioneering initiative was launched in 2015 by a group of international scientists known as BioRescue, to resurrect the northern white rhino through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

    About Northern White Rhino

    Details
    Scientific Name Ceratotherium simum cottoni
    Geographic Range Eastern and Central Africa
    Population Status Critically Endangered (Only 2 individuals alive) in 2024
    Physical Characteristics Grayish-white color, two horns, hump on the neck
    Social Behavior Solitary, occasionally seen in small groups
    Diet Herbivorous, primarily grazers
    Conservation Efforts Extensive efforts to save from extinction
    IUCN Red List Status Critically Endangered

    White Rhino Resurrection IVF Project

    • Project: BioRescue, a team of scientists from around the world, embarked on a mission to revive the northern white rhino through IVF in 2015.
    • Historic Breakthrough: In a remarkable achievement, scientists announced the first-ever rhino pregnancy via the transfer of a lab-made rhino embryo into a surrogate mother.
    • Persistence and Dedication: The breakthrough with a southern white rhino, a close relative, followed 13 attempts, showcasing the dedication of the scientists.

    Challenges on Road to Revival

    • Unique Challenge: Northern white rhinos face an unusual predicament due to the infertility of the last two surviving females, Najin and Fatu.
    • Surrogacy Complexity: Preparing a southern white female as a surrogate mother involves isolation, infection prevention protocols, and precise identification of the fertile window.
    • Genetic Viability: Even with successful IVF and surrogacy, the limited gene pool from eggs and sperm of deceased zoo rhinos poses a challenge.
    • Stem Cell Possibilities: Exploring stem cell techniques to broaden the gene pool shows promise but is experimental and challenging to implement in rhinos.

    Lessons from Conservation

    • Wild Resilience: Conservation efforts saved the southern white rhino from near-extinction, with their numbers rebounding from a mere 20 in the 19th century to over 17,000.
    • Crossbreeding Dilemma: Crossbreeding northern and southern subspecies is not a viable solution due to the loss of unique attributes.
    • Behavioral Legacy: Restoring a species requires more than genetic revival; it necessitates the transmission of behavioral traits learned from adults of the same species.

    The Race against Time

    • Critical Window: To preserve the northern white rhino’s unique behavioral traits, the first IVF calves must learn from the last two surviving females, Najin and Fatu.
    • Looming Deadline: With Najin at 35 and Fatu at 24, the window for this crucial interaction is closing, as northern white rhinos rarely live beyond 40 in captivity.
    • A Costly Endeavor: BioRescue, funded by the German government and donors, has invested millions in this project, raising questions about resource allocation and prioritization.

    The Bigger Picture

    • A Noble Cause: The effort to revive the northern white rhino stems from a sense of responsibility to counteract human-driven extinction.
    • Conservation Imperative: While the project is ambitious, critics raise concerns about neglecting other endangered species and the need to protect natural habitats.
    • Broader Crisis: Rhino populations across species face grave threats, including poaching, with one rhino poached every 16 hours in Africa.

  • India has 718 snow leopards; most of them live in unprotected areas: Centre

    Central Idea:

    The report on the status of snow leopards in India, released by the Government of India and non-profit organizations, reveals that only 34% of the snow leopard habitat is legally protected. With snow leopards present in the country, the report emphasizes the need for a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at the Wildlife Institute of India for long-term population monitoring and conservation efforts.

    Key Highlights:

    • Snow Leopard Population: India is home to snow leopards, and their habitat covers square kilometers.
    • Legal Protection: Only a third of the snow leopard habitat in India is legally protected, posing a significant threat to the species.
    • Unprotected Areas: Nearly 70% of the crucial snow leopard habitat remains unprotected, highlighting the need for conservation measures.
    • Population Assessment: The four-year assessment conducted by SPAI using camera traps identified unique individuals.
    • Hotspots: Ladakh has the highest number of snow leopards, followed by Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

    Key Challenges:

    • Limited Legal Protection: The majority of snow leopard habitat lacks legal safeguards, exposing them to potential threats.
    • Undefined Range: The absence of an extensive nationwide analysis has left the snow leopard range in India undefined.
    • Population Estimate: The need for a revised estimate arises, challenging the previous range of snow leopards in India.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Snow Leopard Cell: Proposed dedicated unit for long-term monitoring and conservation efforts.
    • SPAI: The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India, coordinating the assessment.
    • Camera Traps: Utilized for capturing images of snow leopards at locations.
    • Vulnerable: Snow leopards are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

    Key Quotes:

    • “The snow leopard range in India remained undefined due to lack of an extensive nationwide analysis.”
    • “Regular assessments will offer valuable insights for identifying challenges, addressing threats, and formulating effective conservation strategies.”

    Key Statements:

    • The report emphasizes the necessity of a Snow Leopard Cell for effective conservation strategies.
    • Regular population assessments are crucial for understanding challenges and threats to snow leopards.

    Key Examples and References:

    • The report cites Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh as hotspots for snow leopards.
    • SPAI, with partners like the Wildlife Institute of India, conducted the assessment using camera traps.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Snow leopard occupancy was recorded in square kilometers, with an estimated presence in square kilometers.

    Critical Analysis:

    The report underscores the urgent need for increased legal protection and a dedicated conservation approach, citing the inadequacy of the previous population estimate and the undefined snow leopard range. The increased coverage of the region compared to 2016 is noted, but challenges persist, requiring immediate attention.

    Way Forward:

    • Establish Snow Leopard Cell: Create the proposed Snow Leopard Cell for consistent monitoring and organized studies.
    • Regular Assessments: Adopt a periodic population estimation approach every fourth year for continuous insights.
    • Legal Safeguards: Increase legal protection for the remaining unprotected snow leopard habitat.
    • Revised Population Estimate: Conduct a revised assessment to accurately determine the snow leopard population in India.
    • Public Awareness: Increase public awareness to garner support for snow leopard conservation efforts.

  • Indian Grey Wolf sighted in Chambal after Two Decades

    wolf

    Introduction

    • The recent sighting of an endangered Indian grey wolf within the vast expanse of the National Chambal Sanctuary in Etawah after 20 years has sparked immense excitement among wildlife enthusiasts and experts.

    About Indian Grey Wolf

    Conservation Status
    Scientific Name Canis lupus pallipes
    Adaptation to Climate Thrives in warmer conditions
    Social Behavior Travels in smaller packs, less vocal
    Physical Traits Size falls between Tibetan and Arabian wolves
    Preferred Habitat Scrublands, grasslands, semi-arid regions
    Wide Distribution Indian subcontinent to Israel, ~3,000 in India
    IUCN Listing Least Concern
    Legal Protection Schedule I of Wildlife Act, CITES Appendix I
    Major Threats Habitat loss, prey population decline

     

  • What is Humboldt’s Enigma and What does it mean for India?

    Humboldt’s Enigma

    Introduction

    • The question of where biodiversity is concentrated has intrigued explorers and naturalists for centuries. Humboldt has tried to answer this question.

    Humboldt’s Insights

    • Alexander von Humboldt: A polymath of the 18th century, Humboldt recorded diverse natural observations, proposing a relationship between temperature, altitude, humidity, and species distribution.
    • Mountain Exploration: During his exploration of South America, Humboldt studied plant distribution on mountains, noting variations with elevation.
    • Chimborazo Mountain: Humboldt used Chimborazo Mountain in Ecuador as an example, illustrating the concept of mountain diversity.

    What is Humboldt’s Enigma?

    • Sun’s Energy: Tropical areas receive more solar energy, fostering greater primary productivity and biodiversity due to the availability of ecological niches.
    • Mountain Exception: Mountains, despite being outside the tropics, have been an exception to the rule, posing Humboldt’s enigma.

    Biodiversity Drivers

    • Earth’s History, Geography, and Climate: These factors are the primary drivers of mountain diversity.
    • Geological Processes: Mountains serve as ‘cradles’ for new species due to geological processes like uplifts, creating new habitats.
    • Climatic Stability: Climatologically stable mountains act as ‘museums,’ preserving species over time.
    • Coastal Tropical Sky Islands: Examples like the Shola Sky Islands in the Western Ghats exhibit both cradle and museum characteristics.

    Eastern Himalaya: An Anomaly

    • Diversity Beyond Tropics: Eastern Himalaya boasts exceptional diversity, challenging the conventional tropical biodiversity paradigm.
    • Multiple Factors: Climate dissimilarity and geological heterogeneity contribute to high biodiversity.
    • Climate Variability: Different temperature and rainfall levels on the same mountain support diverse biomes.

    Unresolved Questions

    • Complexity of Biodiversity: Numerous factors drive diversification and Humboldt’s enigma in different regions, leading to over a hundred hypotheses.
    • Data Limitations: Fine-scale species occurrence data are lacking, hindering precise explanations.
    • Call for Research: India’s under-studied areas need more extensive research, including the use of genetics, to understand true biodiversity.
    • National Initiatives: Programs like the National Mission on Himalayan Studies and Biodiversity need strengthening to support basic research.

    Conclusion

    • Humboldt’s enigma represents one facet of mountain biodiversity, offering opportunities for study and insights into global climate and landscape change issues.

  • Minimal Radioactive Discharges from Indian Nuclear Plants: Study

    radio

    Introduction

    • A recent study conducted by researchers at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, analyzed 20 years of radiological data (2000-2020) from six nuclear power plants in India.
    • The findings highlight the minimal impact of radioactive discharges from these plants on the environment.
    • The study aims to reinforce India’s commitment to its nuclear power program, challenging unfounded beliefs and influencing public and policy perspectives.

    Radiological Analysis and Plant Selection

    • Twenty-Year Data: The analysis covered radiological data from 2000 to 2020 from seven nuclear power plants.
    • Focus on Fission Products: The study focused on concentrations of fission products and neutron-activated nuclides within a 5 km radius of each nuclear plant, considering samples collected up to a maximum radius of 30 km.

    Gaseous and Liquid Discharges

    • Components of Gaseous Waste: The gaseous waste released into the atmosphere included fission product noble gases, Argon-41, radioiodine, and particulate radionuclides (cobalt-60, strontium-90, caesium-137, and tritium).
    • Liquid Discharge Components: Liquid discharge consisted of fission product radionuclides (radioiodine, tritium, strontium-90, caesium-137) and activation products like cobalt-60.
    • Strict Regulatory Compliance: The discharges underwent dilution and dispersion, adhering to strict radiological and environmental regulatory regimes.

    Radiological Measurements and Concentrations

    • Air Particulates: Average gross alpha activity in air particulates across all seven nuclear plants remained below 0.1 megabecquerel (mBq) per cubic meter.
    • Specific Markers: Concentrations of iodine-131, caesium-137, and strontium-90 in air particulates were below 1 mBq per cubic meter for iodine-131, with caesium-137 and strontium-90 concentrations three orders lower and below 10 microbecquerel per cubic meter.

    Water Bodies and Sediments

    • Rivers, Lakes, and Sea Water: Caesium-137 and strontium-90 concentrations in rivers and lakes were below 5 mBq per liter, and sea water near the nuclear plants registered less than 50 megabecquerel per liter.
    • Sediment Analysis: Sediment analysis revealed that caesium-137 concentration was highest at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station, while strontium-90 concentration peaked at the Narora Atomic Power Station.

    Tritium Detection and Total Doses

    • Tritium Presence: Tritium was detectable at all sites except the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Station, where it was not detected during the study period.
    • Total Doses: Though total doses remained below regulatory limits, Rajasthan, Madras, and Tarapur power plants showed relatively higher total doses. Efforts are being made to further limit doses at these sites to keep them as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).

    Conclusion

    • The BARC study’s comprehensive analysis concludes that the environmental impact of Indian nuclear power plants, based on 20 years of radiological data, has been minimal.
    • The findings not only emphasize the safe operation of these plants but also contribute to dispelling unwarranted beliefs, supporting India’s commitment to advancing its nuclear power program.
    • The study’s insights are poised to shape public and policy perspectives on nuclear energy in the country.