Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

Mapping: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

India Mapping Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Dhole, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

A pack of wild dogs, or Dholes, in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) have suffered severe exfoliating skin infection which is an alarming fungal and bacterial infection.

About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris District, at the intersection of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first biosphere reserve, alongside Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Bandipur National Park (Karnataka), Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley.
The name “Mudumalai” signifies “the ancient hill range,” dating back 65 million years to the formation of the Western Ghats.
Flora: The reserve boasts tall grasses, including Elephant Grass, and diverse flora such as giant bamboo, Teak, and Rosewood.
Fauna: It is home to flagship species like the Tiger and Asian Elephant, as well as the Indian Gaur, Spotted Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and Jungle Cat, among others.
- With over 260 bird species, Mudumalai hosts 8% of India’s avian species, including rare birds like the Malabar grey hornbill and Malabar pied hornbill.

Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)

	Details
Name	Dhole (Cuon alpinus)
Native Range	Central, South, East, and Southeast Asia
Distribution in India	Most of India south of the Ganges, Central Indian Highlands, Western and Eastern Ghats, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Terai region of Indo-Gangetic Plain
Other Names	Asian wild dog, Asiatic wild dog, Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red dog, mountain wolf
Conservation Status	IUCN Red List: Endangered CITES: Appendix II Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
Social Structure	Lives in big, loosely organized groups with several breeding females
Factors Contributing to Decline	Habitat loss, loss of prey, competition with other species, persecution due to livestock predation, disease transfer from domestic dogs
Significance	Besides the tiger, it is the only large carnivore in India that is under IUCN’s ‘endangered’ category.

PYQ:

[2019] Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?

(a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

(b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park

(d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)

India Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

The Forest Department and a temple authority at Ahobilam have imposed certain restrictions on visitors arriving at a shrine in Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).

About Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

	Details
Origin of Name	Named after Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Srisailam Dam.
Location	Situated in the Nallamala hill range, part of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh.
Area	Largest tiger reserve area in India, covering a total area of 3727 sq km.
Wildlife Sanctuaries	Constituted by the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
Vegetation	Features tropical, dry, moist, deciduous vegetation with diverse flora and fauna.
Topography	Consists of plateaus, ridges, gorges, and deep valleys.
River Krishna	Traverses through the reserve for approximately 270 kilometers.
Additional Information	Attained tiger reserve status in 1983. Home to Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, and more. Habitat contains several endemic species of plants. Tropical dry deciduous forests with bamboo and grass undergrowth.

PYQ:

2020:

Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

(a) Corbett

(b) Ranthambore

(d) Sunderbans

2015:

Consider the following pairs :

Place of Pilgrimage: Location

1. Srisailam : Nallamala Hills

2. Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills

3. Pushkar : Mahadeo Hills

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Practice MCQ:

It is the largest tiger reserve in India, covering a total area of 3727 sq km. It is constituted by the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary and features tropical, dry, moist, deciduous vegetation with diverse flora and fauna.

Which protected area is implied by the above description?

(a) Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

(b) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

(d) Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Tiger Reserve

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-Sri Lanka

Katchatheevu Island Conundrum

India Mapping | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Katchatheevu Island

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

Prime Minister recently claimed that the then PM Indira Gandhi had given away the island of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka for no reason.

About Katchatheevu Island

Katchatheevu is a small, uninhabited island measuring merely 285 acres, lying between India and Sri Lanka.
It is situated in the Palk Strait.
It was originally owned by the king of Ramnad (present-day Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu).
The island is used by fishermen to dry their nets.
Despite its modest size, the island holds significant religious significance, housing Anthony’s church, a centuries-old Catholic shrine revered by devotees from both nations.
Beyond its religious connotations, Katchatheevu is a vital ecosystem, supporting diverse flora and fauna endemic to the region’s maritime environment.

A Quick Recap of its History

During the British rule, it was administered jointly by India and Sri Lanka.
In the early 20th century, Sri Lanka claimed territorial ownership over the islet.
India ceded the island to Sri Lanka, through a joint agreement in 1974; India further gave up its fishing rights in the region in 1976.

Present Issue

In 1974 and 1976 treaties were signed between the two countries to demarcate the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
However, the agreement could not stop the fishermen from fishing in these waters, as fishermen know no boundary.

Culmination of the Political Dispute

Unresolved Issue: While Indian fishermen retained certain access rights to the island, the agreements failed to address key concerns regarding fishing rights, leading to simmering discontent among fishing communities.
Sri Lankan Atrocities: The civil war in Sri Lanka overshadowed the Katchatheevu issue, with Indian fishermen facing arrests and allegations of mistreatment by the Sri Lankan navy.
Renewed Demands: Instances of fishermen’s rights violations reignited calls for the retrieval of Katchatheevu by Tamil Nadu politicians, who highlighted the plight of affected fishing communities.
Present Backlash: The agreement sparked widespread protests and political backlash in Tamil Nadu, with regional parties and activists condemning the perceived abandonment of Indian sovereignty over Katchatheevu.

PYQ:

Consider the following statements:

1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.

2. “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.

3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2020)

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

Practice MCQ:

With reference to the Katchatheevu Island recently seen in news, consider the following statements:

1. During the British rule, it was administered by India.

2. India ceded the island to Sri Lanka, through a joint agreement in 1974 but holds fishing rights in the region.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) Ecoregion

India Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: SEAMA Ecoregion

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

A recent study has revealed about undocumented biodiversity in the newly recognized South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) Ecoregion.

What is SEAMA Ecoregion?

The SEAMA is a recently recognized ecoregion located in Southern Africa.
It spans across northern Mozambique and incorporating Mount Mulanje in Malawi.
SEAMA is distinguished by its mountainous terrain, encompassing diverse habitats such as montane forests, grasslands, and rock faces.
Despite its relatively recent recognition, SEAMA has been identified as a hub of biodiversity, hosting numerous species of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates.

Recent Findings on SEAMA Ecoregion

Species Documentation: The researchers identified 127 plants, 45 vertebrates, and 45 invertebrate species, including two endemic genera of plants and reptiles.
Endemic Reptiles: SEAMA is home to 22 strictly endemic reptile species, most of which are threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation.
Global Significance: The remarkable diversity of SEAMA has prompted proposals to designate it as a new ecoregion of global biological importance.

Conservation Challenges

Late Discovery: Despite being located in a region considered the birthplace of modern humans, the mountains of northern Mozambique remained largely unstudied until recent decades due to historical conflicts.
Deforestation Threats: SEAMA faces severe deforestation threats, with up to 18% of its primary humid forest cover lost since 2000.
Causes of Deforestation: Slash and burn shifting agricultural practices, along with charcoal production, are the primary drivers of deforestation in the region.

PYQ:

2013: Which one of the following pairs a correctly matched?

Geographical feature and region

(a) Abyssinian Plateau – Arabia

(b) Atlas Mountains – Northwest Africa

(d) Okavango Basin – Patagonia

Practice MCQ:

The SEAMA Ecoregion often seen in news is located in-

(a) Latin America

(b) Europe

(d) Asia

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Indian Ocean Power Competition

Places in news: Afanasy Nikitin Seamount

India Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: International Seabed Authority (ISBA), AN Seamount

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

India has applied to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) for exploration rights in the Afanasy Nikitin (AN) Seamount in the Indian Ocean outside its jurisdiction.
India’s application is motivated by reports of Chinese vessels conducting reconnaissance in the same region, raising concerns about strategic interests and resource competition.

About International Seabed Authority (ISBA)

The ISBA is an intergovernmental organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
It was established in 1994 and headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica.
ISA is tasked with regulating mineral-related activities in the international seabed area beyond national jurisdiction, which includes polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts.
The Authority issues exploration and exploitation contracts to countries and private entities for deep-sea mining activities, subject to certain regulations and environmental safeguards.
ISA comprises various organs, including the Assembly, the Council, the Legal and Technical Commission, and the Secretariat, each with specific functions related to deep-sea mining regulation.
According to Article 156(2) of the UNCLOS, all UNCLOS parties are members of ISBA.
As of 2023 has 169 members, including 168 member states and the European Union.
India became a member of the UNCLOS in 1994.

About AN Seamount

The AN Seamount, located about 3,000 km from India’s coast, is a substantial structural feature in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.
A seamount is a large submarine landform that rises from the ocean floor without reaching the surface, and thus is not an island.
It is 400 km-long and 150 km-wide. From an oceanic depth of about 4,800 metres it rises to about 1,200 metres.
It was discovered during a marine research expedition, named after the Russian explorer Afanasy Nikitin.
It is renowned for its polymetallic nodules containing cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper

Continental Shelf Claims and Implications

Sri Lanka has applied for continental shelf claims up to 500 nautical miles beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), citing a special provision.
India, noting Chinese presence, has staked a claim for exploration rights to prevent future consequences.
India has also applied for permission to explore another region, spanning 3,00,000 square km, called the Carlsberg Ridge in the Central Indian Ocean to investigate for polymetallic sulphides, which are reportedly rich in copper, zinc, gold and silver.

PYQ:

2021: Consider the following statements:

The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on seafloor in international waters.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Practice MCQ:

Consider the following statements about the International Seabed Authority (ISBA):

ISBA is an intergovernmental organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
All UN members are naturally parties to the ISBA.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Tourism Sector

Geo-Heritage Sites in India

India Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Geo-Heritage Sites in India

Mains level: NA

Why in the news

Pandavula Gutta, an ancient geological marvel predating the Himalayan hills, has been officially designated as Telangana’s sole Geo-heritage site.
Also the 165 million-year-old meteor Ramgarh Crater in Rajasthan was declared geo-heritage site.

[A] Pandavula Gutta

Pandavula Gutta is located in Jayashankar Bhupalpally District in Telangana.
It is known for its rock art and geological heritage.
The site features Paleolithic cave paintings depicting wildlife and symbols.
Discovered in 1990, it showcases habitation from the mesolithic to medieval times.
Recognized as the sole Geo-heritage site in Telangana, older than the Himalayan hills.

[B] Ramgarh Crater

The Ramgarh Crater, also known as Ramgarh structure, Ramgarh Dome, and Ramgarh astrobleme, is a meteor impact crater located near the town of Ramgarh in Baran district of Rajasthan.
It is established as an asteroid impact crater in India, excavated within sandstone, shale, and limestone horizons of the Lower Bhander Group of the Vindhyan Region.
It was formed by a meteorite impact, with a diameter of 3.2 kilometers and an elevation of over 200 meters above the surrounding terrain.
It is declared Conservation Reserve, namely Ramgarh Conservation Reserve, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and a notified wetland under Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017.

What are Geo-Heritage Sites?

Geo-Heritage Sites in India are geological features of significant importance, either culturally or inherently, that provide insights into the Earth’s evolution or serve educational purposes.
These sites are recognized and protected by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the respective State governments.
India presently has 34 National Geological Heritage Monument Sites.
Examples:

1. Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya
2. Majuli Island in Assam
3. Chabimura in Tripura

Purpose:

1. Promote geotourism
2. Preserve unique geological formations
3. Enhance geological literacy among the public

Tap this link to read more about all Geo-Heritage Parks in India:

https://vikaspedia.in/education/childrens-corner/geological-heritage-sites-of-india

PYQ:

Q.Which one of the following statements is correct? (2021)

Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora River.
Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal River.
Pandu-Lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada River.
Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari River.

Practice MCQ:

Which of the given statements about the Ramgarh Structure is NOT correct?

It is an asteroid impact crater.
It is located in the Deccan Plateau.
It is a notified wetland under Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017.
It is under Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

In news: Popocatepetl Volcano

India Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Popocatepetl Volcano
Mains level: NA
In the news
- Popocatepetl, Mexico’s most dangerous active volcano has erupted 13 times in the past day, hurling columns of ash and smoke into the sky.
About Popocatepetl Volcano
- Popocatepetl — which means “Smoking Mountain” in the Aztec Nahuatl language — is located in central Mexico roughly 72 km southeast of Mexico City.
- Popocatepetl is situated in the eastern half of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, in Central Mexico.
- It lies on the border between the states of Puebla and Morelos.
- The summit of Popocatepetl stands at an elevation of about 5,426 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest peak in Mexico after Citlaltepetl (Pico de Orizaba).
Geological Details
- Popocatepetl is a stratovolcano (composite volcano) characterized by its steep, conical shape built up by successive layers of volcanic ash, lava flows, and pyroclastic materials.
- It is one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, with documented eruptions dating back to the 14th century.
- In the modern era, significant eruptions have occurred in 1947, 1994, 2000, 2005, and ongoing activity since 2013.
- The volcano’s eruptions are primarily andesitic to dacitic in composition, characterized by the eruption of viscous lava flows and explosive eruptions producing ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and lahars (mudflows).
Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2021

Q. Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition

PM inaugurates Naval Base and Airstrip in Agalega Island, Mauritius

India Mapping | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Agalega Island
Mains level: Read the attached story
In the news
- PM Modi in collaboration with his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth, inaugurated a series of projects on Mauritius’ Agalega Island.
Agalega Island: A Strategic Location
- Agaléga are two outer islands of Mauritius located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers north of Mauritius island.
- The islands have a total area of 2,600 ha (6,400 acres).
- Notable settlements include Vingt Cinq on the North Island and Sainte Rita on the South Island, serving as primary hubs for residents and economic activities.
Significance of New Airstrip and the Base
- India’s Strategic Presence: The inauguration of a new airstrip and jetty underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its influence in the southwestern Indian Ocean, aligning with its broader strategic objectives.
- Economic Impetus: Agalega Island’s strategic location facilitates trade and connectivity in the Indian Ocean region, enhancing economic opportunities for Mauritius and neighboring countries.
- Trade Security: With a significant portion of India’s trade traversing the Indian Ocean, the development of infrastructure on Agalega Island contributes to safeguarding trade routes and ensuring maritime security.
Benefits for Mauritius
- Developmental support: Historically a slave plantation, North Agalega Island reflects the legacy of colonial exploitation, with its main town, Vingt Cinq, evoking the brutality of slavery.
- Strategic boost: India’s development initiatives aim to ameliorate conditions for the island’s inhabitants, alongside bolstering Mauritian Defence Force operations.
India’s Strategic Imperative
- Counterbalancing Chinese Influence: India’s developmental endeavors on Agalega Island serve as a proactive measure to counter China’s expanding ‘String of Pearls’ strategy, safeguarding its regional interests and sovereignty.
- Enhanced Security Infrastructure: By upgrading security infrastructure, including facilities for surveillance and monitoring, Mauritius strengthens its security apparatus, contributing to overall regional stability and resilience.
- Regional Cooperation: The projects on Agalega Island are aligned with India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy initiative, aimed at fostering regional development and security cooperation among Indian Ocean Rim countries.
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Panchayati Raj Institutions: Issues and Challenges

In news: Mayor’s Election

India Mapping | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Mayor in ULBs, Powers and functions
Mains level: NA
PC: Hindustan Times

Introduction
- The Supreme Court has nullified the outcome of the mayoral election held on January 30 in Chandigarh.
Who is a Mayor?
- In India, the mayor is the head of an urban local body, which is responsible for providing essential services and infrastructure to the residents of a city or town.
- The mayor is usually elected by the members of the Municipal Corporation or Council.
- He/She serves as the ceremonial head of the local government.
History of Mayor’s elections in India
- Municipal corporation mechanisms in India was introduced during British Rule with formation of municipal corporation in Madras (Chennai) in 1688, later followed by municipal corporations in Bombay (Mumbai) and Calcutta (Kolkata) by 1762.
- However the process of introduction for an elected President in the municipalities was made in Lord Mayo’s Resolution of 1870.
- Since then the current form and structure of municipal bodies followed is similar to Lord Ripon’s Resolution adopted in 1882 on local self-governance.
- The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 was introduced providing for the transfer of 18 different powers to urban local bodies, including the election of a mayor and to recognise them which included Municipal Corporations, Nagar Panchayats, and Municipal Councils.
Elections and tenure
- The method of electing mayor and their tenure varies for each city in India.
- In Bengaluru (Karnataka) the election process is indirect with a tenure being for one year.
- In Mumbai (Maharashtra) it follows indirect elections with tenure for 2.5 years and Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) follows a directly elected mayor with a term for 5 years.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Governs the local civic body.
- Fixed tenure varying in different towns.
- First citizen of city.
- Has two varied roles:
1. Representation and upholding of the dignity of the city during ceremonial times and
2. Presiding over discussions of the civic house with elected representatives in functional capacity.
- The Mayor’s role is confined to the corporation hall of presiding authority at various meetings relating to corporation.
- The Mayor’s role extends much beyond the local city and country as the presiding authority at corporation meetings during visits of a foreign dignitary to the city as he is invited by the state government to receive and represent the citizens to the guest of honour.
- At government, civic and other social functions he is given prominence.
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Wetland Conservation

Five more Wetlands added to Ramsar List

India Mapping Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Ramsar Wetlands

Mains level: Read the attached story

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.

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Type: India Mapping

Why in the news?

About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)

PYQ:

Why in the news?

About Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

PYQ:

Practice MCQ:

Why in the news?

About Katchatheevu Island

A Quick Recap of its History

Present Issue

Culmination of the Political Dispute

PYQ:

Practice MCQ:

Why in the news?

What is SEAMA Ecoregion?

Recent Findings on SEAMA Ecoregion

Conservation Challenges

PYQ:

Practice MCQ:

Why in the news?

About International Seabed Authority (ISBA)

About AN Seamount

Continental Shelf Claims and Implications

PYQ:

Practice MCQ:

Why in the news

[A] Pandavula Gutta

[B] Ramgarh Crater

What are Geo-Heritage Sites?

Tap this link to read more about all Geo-Heritage Parks in India:

PYQ:

Practice MCQ:

In the news

About Popocatepetl Volcano

Geological Details

Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2021

In the news

Agalega Island: A Strategic Location

Significance of New Airstrip and the Base

Benefits for Mauritius

India’s Strategic Imperative

Introduction

Who is a Mayor?

History of Mayor’s elections in India

Elections and tenure

Roles and Responsibilities

Introduction

List of newly designated Ramsar Sites:

[1] Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve (Karnataka):

[2] Aghanashini Estuary (Karnataka):

[3] Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve (Karnataka):

[4] Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu):

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

Back2Basics: Ramsar Convention