💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Subject: Environment

  • What are Deemed Forests?

    deemed forest

    Central Idea

    • The Odisha government has rescinded a contentious order that declared the discontinuation of the ‘deemed forests’ category under the amended Forest Act.
    • This reversal comes after concerns were raised regarding the implications of the order on forest classification and protection.

    Understanding ‘Deemed Forests’

    • Definition: ‘Deemed forests’ refer to areas that are not formally classified as forests by central or state authorities in official records.
    • Legal Ambiguity: The term ‘deemed forests’ lacks a clear legal definition, including under the Forest Conservation Act of 1980.
    • Broad Interpretation: The Supreme Court’s T N Godavarman Thirumulpad Case (1996) embraced an expansive interpretation of forests. It encompassed statutorily recognized forests, irrespective of their reservation status, under the Forest Conservation Act.
    • Inclusive Scope: ‘Forest land’ within Section 2 of the Act extends beyond the dictionary meaning to include areas recorded as forests in government records, regardless of ownership, according to the court.

    Recent Relevance and Controversy

    • News Spotlight: The issue of ‘deemed forests’ has gained attention, particularly in Odisha and Karnataka, where allegations of unscientific classification and impact on agriculture and mining persist.
    • Calls for Reclassification: Advocates assert that ‘deemed forests’ should adhere to the dictionary meaning of forests, irrespective of ownership. Concerns have been raised about arbitrary classifications affecting farmers and mining activities.
    • Classification Challenges: Critics argue that the existing subjective classification lacks a well-defined scientific criterion, leading to conflicts and hardships for communities.

    Forest Classification in India

     

    The Forest Survey of India (FSI) classifies forest cover in 4 classes:

    1. Very Dense forest: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density of 70% and above.
    2. Moderately dense forest: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density between 40% and 70%.
    3. Open forests: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density between 10% and 40%.
    4. Scrubs: All forest lands with poor tree growth mainly of small or stunted trees having canopy density less than 10%.

     Motivations behind Reclassification

    • Reassessment in 2014: The Centre initiated a review of forest categorization in 2014 to address the classification process’s shortcomings.
    • Need for Objective Criteria: While the dictionary definition guided initial classifications, a lack of objective criteria resulted in subjective designations that hindered clarity and fairness.
    • Addressing Hardships: Officials classified land as ‘deemed forest’ without considering local needs, leading to difficulties for farmers and communities dependent on such lands.
    • Commercial Demands: Some regions categorized as ‘deemed forests’ hold commercial value for mining, prompting calls for reclassification.

    Implications in Odisha

    • State-Level Identification: Since 1996, Odisha had designated nearly 66 lakh acres as ‘deemed forest’ with the assistance of district-level expert committees. However, many of these areas were not officially recognized as forests in government records.
    • Controversy and Debate: The decision sparked controversy as experts and activists raised concerns about the potential ramifications of discontinuing the ‘deemed forest’ classification. The move could impact conservation efforts and the legal status of these lands.

    Conclusion

    • The Odisha government’s decision to reverse the order discontinuing the ‘deemed forests’ category underscores the significance of clear forest classification and protection policies.
    • The episode emphasizes the intricate balance between legal interpretations, conservation imperatives, and policy implementation in the realm of environmental protection.
    • Moving forward, it is essential for authorities to align policies with legal frameworks to ensure sustainable forest management and safeguard the delicate ecological balance.

  • Climate change impacts ancient moss Takakia

    Takakia

    Central Idea

    • Takakia, a unique moss genus that has thrived at high altitudes on the Tibetan Plateau for millions of years, has captured the attention of international scientists.
    • Astonishingly, the same habitat that nurtured Takakia for eons is now rapidly transforming due to climate change, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.

    Takakia and its Evolution

    • Adaptive Traits: Takakia is slender turf with finger-like leaves and resilience to harsh weather conditions. Genetic traits protecting it from frost and high UV radiation have evolved over 65 million years.
    • Living Fossil: Despite its rapidly evolving genome, Takakia’s physical appearance has remained unchanged for over 165 million years, making it a remarkable example of a living fossil.
    • Evolutionary Paradox: The juxtaposition of constant appearance and evolving genome poses an intriguing challenge for evolutionary biologists, shedding light on the species’ unique adaptation.

    Its scientific significance

    • Hybrid Characteristics: Takakia blends features from mosses, liverworts, and green algae, intriguing researchers for its evolutionary diversity.
    • Ancient Separation: Research confirms that Takakia’s divergence from other mosses occurred around 390 million years ago, soon after the emergence of the first land plants.

    Climate Change Impacts on Takakia

    • Changing Habitat: Takakia’s habitat, which sheltered it for millions of years, is now experiencing rapid climate change within decades.
    • Temperature and Glacier Shifts: Recorded measurements since 2010 indicate a temperature increase of nearly half a degree Celsius per year on the Tibetan Plateau, accompanied by a glacier’s retreat of almost 50 meters per year.
    • Species Resilience: Unlike some other plants that benefit from warming, Takakia’s populations have diminished over the study period. Its struggle to cope with rising temperatures raises concerns about its survival.

  • Sustainable business practices: Imperatives and pathways

    What’s the news?

    • The 2023 IPCC Report highlights that human-induced global warming of 1.1 degrees Celsius has led to unprecedented shifts in the Earth’s climate.

    Central idea

    • In recent decades, human activities have substantially contributed to the acceleration of climate change. The economic toll of climate change has been immense. The anticipated intensification of climate impacts underscores the urgent need for both mitigation and adaptation strategies.

    Climate Change and Shifting Business Paradigms for Environmental Sustainability

    • Climate Change Impact: Human activities have led to a significant increase in global warming, resulting in unprecedented climate changes. The 2023 IPCC Report highlights the Earth’s warming by 1.1 degrees Celsius due to human influence.
    • Economic Consequences: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates substantial economic losses of around US$1.3 trillion annually during 2011–2020, constituting 0.2 percent of global GDP. These losses stem from climate change-related damages, affecting both the economy and the environment.
    • Businesses and Sustainability: There’s a noticeable shift in business attitudes, moving away from pure profit-centric approaches to considering their social and environmental impacts. Many companies are now striving to balance economic, social, and environmental aspects—also known as the triple bottom line.
    • ESG and CSR Frameworks: Enterprises are adopting Environmental, Social, and governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) frameworks to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. This includes using renewable energy sources, improving stakeholder relationships, and engaging in environmentally responsible actions.
    • IBM Survey on Business Leaders’ Views: The IBM survey revealed that 51 percent of top business leaders and CEOs recognize the importance of environmental sustainability. This suggests growing awareness and concern among influential business figures.
    • Consumer Behavior: Consumers’ preferences are also changing. About 49 percent of consumers are willing to pay more for products labeled as sustainable or socially responsible. This indicates a shift in consumer behavior towards supporting eco-friendly products and companies.

    How are companies responding?

    • IKEA’s Environmental Priorities:
      • IKEA, a global furniture leader, has embraced climate finance for sustainable practices. They reduced their climate footprint by 5 percent in 2022, from 27.2 to 25.8 million tonnes.
      • IKEA’s transparency extends to disclosing outdoor air pollution across their supply chain. Their food section now offers 50 percent plant-based meals, aligning with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
    • NIKE’s Sustainable Business Approach:
      • NIKE, a renowned sportswear brand, echoes this trend by incorporating sustainable practices.
      • Their ESG Risk Rating of 19.6 reflects effective management of industry-specific ESG risks.
    • India’s Regulatory Push:
      • India’s Ministry of Corporate Affairs is propelling sustainability within the corporate sphere through the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct.
      • These guidelines emphasize resource-efficient, low-carbon technologies and accountability for environmental impact and stakeholder considerations.
    • Ather Energy’s Holistic EV Strategy:
      • Ather Energy, a Bengaluru-based EV startup, showcases a comprehensive strategy. Their approach involves building an entire charging infrastructure network and fostering a local, sustainable supply chain.
      • This strategy encompasses high-quality product creation and reusing/recycling outdated items.

    Sustainability Challenges Faced by Companies

    • Climate change impacts supply chains, leading to transition risks and event-driven physical risks.
    • Environmental factors like water shortages and changing demand affect business operations.
    • Vendor credibility issues and logistical challenges disrupt supply chain stability.
    • Social factors, including communal disturbances and employee strikes, introduce uncertainties.
    • Ensuring profitability while investing in sustainable practices poses financial challenges.

    Strategies to Overcome Sustainability Challenges

    • Financing Green Transitions: To address the increased investments required, companies can allocate separate budgets for CSR and ESG activities, as evidenced by the IBM survey. Regulatory compliance would ensure dedicated budget allocations, fostering a commitment to sustainable practices over the long term.
    • Justifying Price Increases: As per the IBM survey, consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for sustainable products, even in developing countries. By emphasizing ethical marketing practices and leveraging social media, businesses can tap into this growing consumer trend.
    • Overcoming Technological Limitations: While traditional methods like paper backups remain useful, the evolution of technology can help in avoiding fraud and malpractice, as mentioned in the article. Embracing technology, with proper safeguards in place is essential for comprehensive sustainability.
    • Addressing Greenwashing Concerns: Organizations can counter doubts about the credibility of their sustainable practices by prioritizing brand awareness and emotional marketing. Through multi-stakeholder involvement and coordinated efforts, companies can establish themselves as genuine advocates of sustainability.

    Conclusion

    • Promoting sustainable business practices in the context of traditional profit-oriented models requires a multi-stakeholder approach, regulatory compliance, and governmental support. As the world moves toward universal business sustainability, businesses need to prioritize environmentally conscious practices, with stringent penalties for non-compliance and incentives for positive contributions to society and the environment.

  • Exploring Distance Tax: Transition from Oil-Dependent Revenue

    Central Idea

    • With the shift towards cleaner energy sources and the decline in oil consumption, governments are seeking alternative revenue sources to compensate for the loss of fuel tax income.
    • One such solution is the implementation of distance tax, a mileage-based user fee that can potentially mitigate revenue loss while encouraging sustainable transportation practices.

    Understanding Distance Tax

    • Concept: Distance tax, also known as mileage-based user fees or road-user charges, is a taxation method based on motorists’ road usage and mileage. The tax is proportional to the distance driven, incentivizing responsible vehicle usage.
    • Variable Rates: Distance tax rates can be flat, calculated per kilometer, or variable based on factors such as location and time. It can also vary according to the vehicle type.
    • Technology Implementation: Distance tax can be tracked through various technologies like automatic number plate recognition, radio frequency identification, or GPS-based systems. The latter, especially using the GPS-based toll collection system, holds promise for implementation in India.

    Advantages of Distance Tax

    distance tax

    • Revenue Recovery: As fuel consumption decreases due to the adoption of cleaner energy sources, distance tax offers a fuel-neutral method to recover lost tax revenue.
    • Encouraging Efficient Behavior: Distance tax promotes efficient vehicle usage, rewarding those who drive less and opting for environmentally friendly vehicles.
    • Managing Congestion: The tax can help manage traffic congestion by encouraging the use of small vehicles with lower carbon footprints.

    Comparing with Other Alternatives

    • Fuel Tax Increase: Raising fuel tax rates is an option, but it might not align with the transition to cleaner energy sources and could negatively impact consumers.
    • Annual Fees on EVs: Imposing annual fees on electric vehicles (EVs) could hinder the EV adoption rate.
    • GST and Toll Tax Increase: Hiking GST on EVs or increasing toll tax and electricity tax is politically challenging.

    Impact on Government Revenue

    • Oil Tax Dependency: Governments heavily rely on fuel tax revenues. In India, petroleum contributed to over 17.5% of the Centre’s revenue in 2022–23, and VAT on petroleum products accounted for 15% of all states’ and UTs’ revenue.
    • EV Transition Effects: The transition to EVs is predicted to reduce government revenue by 10.2%, equivalent to ₹1,457 crore, for Delhi by 2030. The Centre is also projected to lose 10% of its fuel tax revenue in Delhi due to EV adoption.

    Way Forward

    • Gamification and Rewards: Develop a smartphone app that tracks a user’s distance traveled and calculates their distance tax.
    • Dynamic Pricing Based on Emission Levels: Implement a tiered distance tax system that charges vehicles with higher emissions more than those with lower emissions.
    • Green Corridors and Bonus Miles: Designate certain routes as “green corridors” with reduced or waived distance tax rates and offer bonus miles or credits to users who choose these routes.
    • Voluntary Reduction Challenges: Launch voluntary challenges where users commit to reducing their mileage for a set period.
    • Carbon Offset Integration: Provide users with the option to use a portion of their distance tax payments to support carbon offset projects, such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives.

    Conclusion

    • Distance tax stands out as a viable solution to balance revenue streams while encouraging responsible driving behavior and greener vehicle choices.
    • It addresses the challenge of declining oil tax income while promoting a shift towards cleaner transportation methods.

  • Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO)

    amazon acto

    Central Idea

    • In a landmark move, 8 South American countries have joined forces to address the critical issue of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest at the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) summit, hosted by Brazil.
    • It is intriguing to know that this summit is the first gathering of its kind in 14 years since the group was established.

    What is ACTO?

    • Formation: ACTO is an international organization established to safeguard the Amazon basin and facilitate its sustainable development through international collaboration.
    • Founding Treaty: The Amazon Cooperation Treaty was crafted and signed on July 3, 1978, by Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
    • Evolution into ACTO: In 1995, these countries formalized their commitment by founding ACTO to actively pursue the objectives set forth in the original treaty.
    • Multilingual Platform: ACTO operates in four official languages: Dutch, English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

    Need for ACTO

    • Deforestation: Clearing of land for agriculture, logging, mining, and infrastructure development leads to extensive deforestation, reducing the forest’s size and disrupting ecosystems.
    • Climate Feedback Loop: Deforestation disrupted the Amazon’s role as a carbon sink, potentially turning it into a carbon source and exacerbating climate change.
    • Illegal Logging: Unregulated and unsustainable logging practices contribute to deforestation, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity.
    • Indigenous Land Encroachment: Encroachment on indigenous lands and territories disrupts traditional ways of life and cultural practices, impacting both communities and ecosystems.
    • Forest Fire: Uncontrolled fires, often intentionally set for land clearance, can spread rapidly, destroying vast areas of forest and releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

    ACTO’s Conservation and Development Initiatives

    • Amazonian Management: The ACTO member nations recognize that effective management of the Amazon basin is pivotal for advancing the well-being of its inhabitants.
    • Programs and Agreements: Collaborative programs and agreements have been established to ensure biodiversity preservation, promote conservation efforts, and manage the region’s resources.
    • Project GEF Amazonas: Funded by the Global Environment Facility, this program aims to secure agreement on a renewable and integrated water supply for sustainable development.
    • ACTO Biodiversity Program: This program focuses on maintaining a harmonious biological equilibrium to prevent fragmentation of Amazonian ecosystems.

    Key Milestone: The Manaus Declaration (2004)

    • Purpose: ACTO played a pivotal role in formulating the Manaus Declaration in 2004, which coordinated the development of the vast rainforest area covering approximately 2.9 million square miles.
    • Commitment Reiteration: The declaration reaffirmed member countries’ dedication to fostering social and economic development in the Amazon while preserving its unique cultures.

    Back2Basics: Amazon Rainforest

    • The Amazon Rainforest is a tropical rainforest situated in South America, primarily covering the Amazon Basin.
    • It extends across nine countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
    • Renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, the Amazon Rainforest harbors around 10% of Earth’s known species, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.
    • Encompassing approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, the Amazon Rainforest constitutes over half of the world’s remaining tropical rainforests.
    • Often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” the Amazon Rainforest plays a crucial role in global climate regulation by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis.

  • Species in news: Indian Eagle Owl

    indian owl

    Central Idea

    • The Indian eagle owl was recently classified species distinct from the Eurasian eagle owl.

    Indian Eagle-Owl

    • The Indian eagle-owl or rock eagle-owl, is a large horned owl species native to hilly and rocky scrub forests in the Indian Subcontinent.
    • It is splashed with brown and grey, and has a white throat patch with black small stripes.
    • Conservation Status: Least Concerned (IUCN), Appendix II (CITES)

    Key features

    • Distinct Species: Classified separately from the Eurasian eagle-owl, the Indian eagle-owl stands out with its imposing size, reaching up to two and a half feet in length and six feet in wingspan.
    • Nocturnal Secrets: Due to its nocturnal nature, limited knowledge is available about the bird, contributing to its aura of mystery.
    • Menacing Appearance: Prominent ear tufts resembling horns may have evolved to deter predators, giving the bird a threatening appearance.

    Threats from Superstitions

    • In rural India, the bird is considered a bearer of ill omens, and its loud double-hoot calls are linked to superstitions.
    • Folklore suggests that when trapped and starved, the Indian eagle-owl could speak in a human voice, foretelling the future of its listeners.

    Ecological significance

    • The Indian eagle owl’s diet of rodents, including rats and bandicoots, aligns well with open scrublands and agricultural regions, making it beneficial for farmers.
    • Owls nesting near agricultural lands have shown higher numbers of healthier owlets due to the abundance of rodents.

  • Species in news: Clouded Leopards

    clouded leopard

    Central Idea

    • International Clouded Leopard Day has been celebrated on 4th August since 2018.
    • Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have conducted a study on clouded leopards in Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve in western Assam.

    About Clouded Leopard

    • The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a wild cat found in dense forests from the foothills of the Himalayas to mainland Southeast Asia and South China.
    • It has large dusky-grey blotches and irregular spots and stripes on a dark grey or ochreous fur, resembling clouds, hence its name.
    • It is the first cat that genetically diverged from the common ancestor of the pantherine cats around 9.32 to 4.47 million years ago.
    • Currently, the clouded leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
    • It is listed in CITES Appendix I, and protected in most of its range.

    Habitat in India

    • It inhabits dense forests in states such as Sikkim, northern West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
    • It is the State animal of Meghalaya (Note: Clouded Leopard National Park is located in Tripura).

    Features of Clouded Leopards

    • The mainland clouded leopard is agile and strong, often compared to the Ice Age sabretooth due to its large canines.
    • It has rotating rear ankles that enable it to climb down headfirst from trees, distinguishing it from other felines.
    • The cat has cloud-like spots on its hide, making it easily identifiable.

  • Perucetus Colossus Whale:  Heaviest Animal that Ever Lived

    Perucetus Colossus Whale

    Central Idea

    • Scientists have unearthed fossils of an ancient giant whale species named Perucetus colossus in Peru.
    • With each vertebra weighing over 100 kgs and ribs measuring nearly 5 feet long, this colossal whale poses a potential contender for the title of the heaviest animal to have ever lived.

    About Perucetus Colossus Whale

    • Discovery: Fossils of Perucetus colossus (lived approximately 39 million years ago) were found more than a decade ago in Peru’s Ica desert, a region known for its rich marine fossils.
    • Enormous Size: The whale’s estimated length was around 66 feet (20 meters), shorter than some blue whales that grow over 100 feet.
    • Unique Weight: The ancient giant’s dense and heavy bones contributed to its impressive estimated weight, making it a slow swimmer, most likely dwelling in shallow, coastal waters.
    • Feeding Habits: Without the discovery of the skull, scientists are uncertain about the whale’s diet, speculating it may have scavenged on the seafloor or consumed vast amounts of krill and other marine organisms.

    Significance

    • Heaviest Known Animal: If confirmed, Perucetus colossus could surpass the blue whale’s title as the heaviest known animal, living or extinct.
    • Evolutionary Significance: The species highlights the capacity of evolution to generate organisms with characteristics beyond human imagination.
    • Paleontological Mystery: The absence of skull and tooth remains leaves the feeding behavior and ecological role of this ancient giant open to further investigation.

  • Cheetah deaths are a setback for the reintroduction project but they do not signal a failure

    What’s the news?

    • Tblisi, a female cheetah translocated from Namibia, has died at Kuno National Park. This is the ninth cheetah to die at Kuno, including three of the four cubs born there. With 30% of the 20 translocated cheetahs dead in just over four months, the alarm bells are ringing.

    Central idea

    • To safeguard our natural heritage, societies endowed with ethics and financial resources often reintroduce locally extinct species to benefit from the ecosystem services they provide. The cheetah’s historical presence in India, its role as an evolutionary force, and its potential as a flagship species for conservation highlight the importance of this reintroduction effort.

    Historical Presence of Cheetahs in India

    • The historical presence of cheetahs in India can be traced back to ancient times.
    • Prehistoric cave paintings, ancient texts, and the Sanskrit origin of the name cheetah provide evidence of its indigenous nature in the Indian subcontinent.
    • Recent genetic analysis has also confirmed that the extinct Indian cheetah originated in Persia.
    • Several Ethiopian fauna, such as the lion, the striped hyena, honey badger, caracal, and gazelles including the cheetah, are believed to have colonized India through Persia during ancient periods.

    Cheetah’s Role as an Evolutionary Force

    • Prey Population Control: By chasing and catching its prey, the cheetah naturally removes weak, sick, and young individuals from the population. This process ensures that only the fittest individuals survive, leading to a healthier and stronger prey population.
    • Maintaining Biodiversity: As a top carnivore, the cheetah plays a vital role in regulating the population of herbivores, such as the blackbuck, which is its major prey species. By controlling herbivore populations, the cheetah indirectly influences the abundance and distribution of other plant and animal species in the ecosystem, thereby contributing to biodiversity.
    • Balancing Ecosystem Dynamics: The cheetah’s presence helps maintain a balance between predator and prey species. This ecological equilibrium is essential for the overall stability and health of the ecosystem.
    • Ecosystem Services: Cheetahs, like other top carnivores, provide ecosystem services by influencing the behavior and distribution of their prey species. This, in turn, affects vegetation dynamics and nutrient cycling, contributing to the overall functioning of the ecosystem.

    Economic Benefits of Reintroduction

    • Ecotourism Revenue: Reintroducing cheetahs can boost ecotourism in the regions where they are present. Tourists from India and around the world are likely to visit these areas to witness the magnificent cheetahs in their natural habitat.
    • Employment Opportunities: The growth of ecotourism and wildlife-related activities creates employment opportunities for local residents. Jobs in hospitality, guiding, park management, and conservation efforts can improve the livelihoods of nearby communities.
    • Community-Based Ecotourism: The presence of cheetahs can encourage the development of community-based ecotourism initiatives. Local communities can actively participate in tourism ventures, leading to a sense of ownership and empowerment.
    • Sharing of Gate Receipts: Revenue generated from ecotourism and wildlife tourism can be shared with nearby buffer zone villages. This revenue-sharing model incentivizes local communities to support and protect the cheetah population, fostering positive attitudes towards conservation.
    • Increase in Real Estate Value: Areas surrounding national parks and wildlife reserves with cheetah populations may experience an increase in real estate value due to their proximity to these ecologically significant regions.
    • Research and Education Opportunities: The reintroduction of cheetahs presents opportunities for research and educational programs. Institutions and researchers can conduct studies on cheetah behavior, ecology, and conservation, contributing to scientific knowledge and environmental education.
    • Wildlife-Based Enterprises: The presence of cheetahs can encourage the development of wildlife-based enterprises, such as handicrafts, souvenirs, and local products, catering to tourists interested in supporting local communities and conservation efforts.
    • Positive Perception: Successful reintroduction projects can enhance India’s international image as a country committed to wildlife conservation and ecological restoration. This positive perception can attract international support and collaborations for further conservation initiatives

    Challenges in Reintroduction and Conservation

    • Mortality Risks: During the reintroduction process, cheetahs may face various mortality risks, such as snaring, attacks by leopards and feral dogs, starvation, disease, and road kills.
    • Adaptation to Indian Conditions: The cheetahs being reintroduced are originally from Southern Africa, which has a different climate and photoperiod than India.
    • Enclosed Protected Areas: Some cheetahs have experienced management-related deaths within enclosed protected areas, such as cubs dying due to malnourishment and females being killed by males.
    • Disease Management: Cheetahs may be susceptible to certain diseases in the Indian environment.
    • Genetic Diversity: The reintroduced population may suffer from reduced genetic diversity due to the small number of individuals initially brought in. A lack of genetic diversity can lead to inbreeding depression and hamper the long-term viability of the population.
    • Interactions with Livestock: Cheetahs may occasionally prey on livestock, leading to conflicts with local communities.

    Way forward

    • Scientific Research and Planning: Conduct thorough scientific research to understand the ecological requirements of cheetahs, their prey species, and the potential habitats for reintroduction. Develop a detailed plan that addresses the challenges, risks, and opportunities involved in the reintroduction process.
    • Habitat Restoration and Protection: Identify and restore suitable habitats for cheetahs, ensuring sufficient prey availability and minimizing human-wildlife conflicts. Implement measures to protect these habitats from further fragmentation and encroachment.
    • Disease Management: Implement disease surveillance and management protocols to monitor the health of reintroduced cheetahs and prevent the spread of diseases to other wildlife and domestic animals.
    • Genetic Diversity: Ensure genetic diversity among the reintroduced cheetah population by carefully selecting individuals from different sources and considering genetic health in the reintroduction process.
    • International Collaboration: Foster collaboration with other countries, such as Namibia and South Africa, from where the cheetahs are sourced, to ensure the welfare and continued support for the reintroduced cheetahs.
    • Public Awareness: Raise public awareness about the importance of cheetah conservation and the ecological role of these majestic animals. Educate people about the benefits of coexisting with cheetahs and supporting their reintroduction.

    Conclusion

    • Reintroducing cheetahs to India is a crucial step towards ecological security. With continued efforts, support from the government, and active involvement of local communities, the cheetah’s return to the Indian landscape can become a symbol of successful conservation and sustainability.

    Also read:

    Radio collars are killing the cheetahs in Kuno. Here is how — and why

  • Experts laud Centre’s move to ban aceclofenac, ketoprofen

    What’s the news?

    • The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of ketoprofen and aceclofenac and their formulations for animal use under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of 40) in a notification dated July 31, 2023

    Central idea

    • Experts dedicated to vulture conservation have warmly welcomed this initiative, recognizing it as a game changer for India’s beleaguered vulture population. However, the true test lies in the effective implementation of the ban, while the experts also advocate for extending similar protective measures to other raptors (birds of prey).

    What are Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac?

    • Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and alleviate fever. They belong to the same class of medications, but have slight differences in their chemical structures and properties.

    Background

    • In the 1990s, India witnessed a sharp decline in its vulture populations due to the use of diclofenac, a pain reliever administered to cattle.
    • Vultures feeding on cattle carcasses ingested the drug, leading to their painful deaths.
    • The alarming revelation in 2004 showed that 97% of the vulture population had been lost, primarily affecting species like oriental white-backed vultures, long-billed vultures, and slender-billed vultures.

    The Vulture Recovery Plan

    • In response to the crisis, the Indian government and various agencies formulated a Vulture Recovery Plan in 2004.
    • The plan aimed to ban the veterinary use of diclofenac, find safer substitutes, and establish conservation breeding centers for vultures.
    • Since vultures are slow breeders and have long lifespans, any increase in the annual mortality rate above 5% could threaten their survival.
    • In 2006, the use of diclofenac as a veterinary drug was banned and later gazetted in 2008.
    • The ban prompted the recommendation to use the safer drug, meloxicam, as an alternative.
    • Despite this progress, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ketoprofen and aceclofenac, still pose a threat to vultures.

    Threats posed by Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac to vultures

    • Conversion to Toxic Metabolites: When cattle or other livestock are treated with ketoprofen or aceclofenac, these drugs can be metabolized and converted into toxic compounds, such as diclofenac. Diclofenac is extremely harmful to vultures and can cause kidney failure and death when they consume the carcasses of treated animals.
    • Slow Metabolism in Vultures: Vultures have a slow metabolism compared to other birds, which makes them more susceptible to the harmful effects of these drugs. The accumulation of toxic metabolites in their bodies over time can lead to severe health issues and fatalities.
    • Scavenging Behavior: Vultures are obligate scavengers, meaning they primarily feed on carrion (dead animals). However, this scavenging behavior makes them highly vulnerable to ingesting contaminated animal remains.

    Challenges in Implementation

    • Conflicting Situations on the Ground: One of the key challenges in implementing the ban is the presence of conflicting situations on the ground. While many experts and organizations support the ban to protect vultures, there may be opposing views from stakeholders who have vested interests in the use of these drugs.
    • Role of State and Central Governments: While the ban decision comes from the central government, it is essential to observe how the state and central governments collaborate to enforce the prohibition effectively.
    • Immediate Implementation and Awareness: The ban has been introduced without a specified date for implementation, making it an immediate measure. This calls for swift action from state authorities and relevant agencies to ensure that the ban is followed promptly.
    • Potential Opposition to the Ban: Given the significance of livestock and agriculture in India, there may be opposition to the ban from certain quarters, who rely on the use of Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac for animal treatment.
    • Extending Safety Measures to Other Raptors: Ensuring the safety of drugs for other raptors might require additional research and testing to understand potential risks and adverse effects on these birds.

    Way Forward

    • Strengthen Enforcement: Collaborate closely between state and central governments to ensure effective enforcement of the ban. Implement regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance to deter violations.
    • Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate veterinarians, farmers, drug suppliers, and the public about the ban’s importance for vulture conservation.
    • Monitor and Evaluate Impact: Set up a robust monitoring system to assess the ban’s effectiveness in curbing drug usage and its impact on vulture populations.
    • Research and Safe Alternatives: Explore safer alternatives to Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac for veterinary use that do not harm vultures or the environment.
    • Extend Safety Measures to Other Raptors: Conduct studies to determine the safety of drugs for other raptor species and consider their conservation needs in regulatory measures.
    • International Collaboration: Engage in international collaborations to share knowledge and experiences in vulture conservation and protect these birds globally

    Conclusion

    • The ban on ketoprofen and aceclofenac marks a positive development in vulture conservation efforts in India. To ensure success, immediate action is required, and public awareness should be raised. The collective efforts of the government, experts, and stakeholders are essential to safeguard India’s vultures and preserve their ecological importance

    Also read:

    Efforts for Vulture Conservation