Why in the News?
A new study in the Journal of Comparative Psychology documents rare instances of Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) sharing freshly killed prey with humans.
About Killer Whales (Orcinus orca):
- Overview: Largest member of the dolphin family (Delphinidae), often called âwolves of the seaâ.
- Apex predators: At the top of the marine food chain.
- Physical traits:
- Black dorsal side, white underside, distinctive eye patch, saddle patch behind dorsal fin.
- Can grow up to 9 m, weigh over 5,000 kg, and swim up to 54 km/hr.
- Social structure: Live in pods led by a matriarch; highly coordinated hunters using complex tactics.
- Distribution: Found in all oceans worldwide, from polar to tropical seas, in both open and coastal waters.
- IUCN â Data Deficient: But many regional populations face threats from climate change, prey decline, and pollution.
Why do they offer their fresh prey to humans?
- Study Findings (2004â2024):
- Killer whales were observed offering whole prey to humans (fish, birds, mammals, etc.) in multiple oceans.
- In most cases, they waited for a human response before reclaiming or abandoning prey.
- Possible Reasons:
- Exploration/Curiosity: Reflects their advanced cognition and social curiosity; a way to learn about humans.
- Prosocial Behaviour: They are among the few species that share food within and outside their groups.
- Play Theory Rejected: Behaviour not limited to juveniles; adults also involved, often with whole prey.
- Scientific Thinking Analogy: Behaviour resembles âasking questionsâ and testing human reactions â a form of exploratory intelligence.
- Machiavellian Behaviour: Could sometimes be manipulative, as killer whales are known to steal fish and disrupt vessels.
| [UPSC 2023] Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?
Options: (a) Fishing cat (b) Orangutan * (c) Otter (d) Sloth bear |
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Why in the News?
Odonatologists have reconfirmed the presence of the elusive dragonfly species Crocothemis erythraea in the southern Western Ghats.
About Crocothemis erythraea Dragonfly:
- Species Type: A rare dragonfly species, usually found in Europe, Asia, and the Himalayas.
- Recent Finding: Reconfirmed in the Western Ghats, specifically in Kerala and Tamil Nadu high ranges.
- Comparison: Closely resembles the common lowland species Crocothemis servilia, leading to earlier misidentifications.
- Habitat Preference: Inhabits cooler, high-altitude areas above 550 metres.
- Historical Origin: Likely spread to South India during the Ice Age and survived in montane habitats such as Sholas and grasslands.
Significance of the Discovery:
- Biodiversity Insight: Demonstrates how ancient climate changes influenced current biodiversity patterns.
- Ecological Importance: Reinforces the Western Ghatsâ status as a biodiversity hotspot of global value.
- Conservation Message: Highlights the need to protect sensitive high-altitude habitats like Sholas and montane grasslands.
- Scientific Contribution: Adds to Indiaâs growing record of documenting and conserving rare species.
| [UPSC 2024] The organisms Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater are:
Options: (a) Birds (b) Fish (c) Insects* (d) Reptiles |
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Why in the News?
A 2025 survey by the West Bengal Forest Department shows an increase in saltwater crocodile population in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR).
About Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus):
- Largest living reptile and the largest of all crocodilians.
- Males grow much larger than females; females usually 2.5â3 m in length.
- Habitat: mangrove forests, swamps, rivers, and coastal waters; tolerant of varying salinity.
- Distribution in India: Odisha, West Bengal (Sundarbans), Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Behaviour: Apex predator, feeds on carcasses and diverse prey; communicates through barks, hisses, growls, chirps.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
- CITES: Appendix I (except populations of Australia, Indonesia, PNG â Appendix II).
- Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule I.
- Conservation Efforts: Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (1976, West Bengal) â breeding and conservation programme; 577 crocodiles released till 2022.
Other Crocodile Species in India:
- Gharial: Critically Endangered; survives in only 2% of former range; Found in small stretches of Chambal and a few other rivers.
- Mugger/Marsh Crocodile: Vulnerable; found in freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes.
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Why in the News?
A palm specie âPhoenix roxburghiiâ first described in the 17th-century botanical treatise Hortus Malabaricus has been recently confirmed.
About Phoenix roxburghii:
- Origin: Named after William Roxburgh, regarded as the father of Indian Botany.
- Distribution: Found along Indiaâs eastern coast, Bangladesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Pakistan.
- Height: Grows up to 12â16 metres, taller than Phoenix sylvestris.
- Distinct Features:
- Solitary trunk
- Larger leaves and leaflets
- Musty-scented staminate flowers
- Large, obovoid orange-yellow fruits
Back2Basics: Indiaâs Oil Palm Scenario
- National Mission on Edible Oils â Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) (2021): Centrally sponsored, aims to boost domestic crude palm oil (CPO) production and reduce import dependence.
- Targets:
- Expand area to 10 lakh ha by 2025â26.
- Raise production from 0.27 lakh tonnes (2019â20) to 11.2 lakh tonnes (2025â26), further to 28 lakh tonnes (2029â30).
- Support Mechanisms: Viability Price (VP), Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), planting subsidy (âš29,000/ha), and special aid for NE & Andaman regions.
- Cultivation States: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala (98% of output); others include Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, and NE states.
- Potential vs Current: 28 lakh ha potential; only 3.7 lakh ha cultivated.
- Imports: India is the worldâs largest palm oil importer (9.2 million tonnes in 2023â24). Palm oil forms 60% of edible oil imports, sourced mainly from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
- Unique Advantage: Palm oil yields are 5Ă higher than traditional oilseeds.
| [UPSC 2021] With reference to ‘palm oil,’ consider the following statements:
1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.
2. Palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.
3. Palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Social Forestry Department of Vadodara rescued an Albino Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) from a freshwater lake in Chikhodra, Gujarat.
About Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata):
- Type: Small, freshwater softshell turtle native to South Asia
- Unique Feature: Named for femoral flaps on the plastron that cover the limbs when retracted
- Geographic Range: Found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar
- River Systems: Occurs in the Indus, Ganges, Irrawaddy, and Salween basins
- Habitat: Prefers shallow, quiet freshwater bodies like rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes, tanks, and canals with muddy or sandy bottoms for burrowing
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES Listing: Appendix II
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (maximum protection)
- Major Threats:
- Poaching for meat, blood-based potions, aphrodisiacs, and traditional medicine
- Illegal trade for fishing bait, livestock feed, leather, and exotic pets
- Habitat loss due to pollution, encroachment, and waterbody destruction
- Albino individuals especially targeted in the illegal pet market
| [UPSC 2013] Consider the following fauna of India:
1. Gharial 2. Leatherback turtle 3. Swamp deer
Which of the above is/are endangered?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3* (d) None |
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Why in the News?
In a move to combat rhino poaching, the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has launched the Rhisotope Project.
What is Rhisotope Project?Â
- Launched By: University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
- Initiation: Concept began in 2021; formally launched in July 2024.
- Objective: Prevent rhino poaching by making horns traceable and unsuitable for illegal trade.
- Pilot Site: Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, South Africa.
- Pilot Implementation: 20 rhinos injected with radioisotopes (exact isotope remains undisclosed) for testing.
How the Isotope Tagging Works?
- Isotope Basics: Uses radioactive isotopes that emit detectable radiation as they decay.
- Injection Method: A small hole is drilled into the horn; a low dose of isotope is inserted safely.
- Detection Mechanism: Radiation Portal Monitors at ports can detect tagged hornsâeven inside 40-foot containers, as proven using 3D-printed horn simulations.
Significance:
- Safety Assurance: No damage to rhinos observed; cytological tests showed no cellular or physiological harm.
- Impact on Illegal Trade: Horn becomes detectable, unusable, and toxic for illegal human consumption.
| [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:
1. Asiatic lion is naturally found In India only. Â Â 2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only. Â Â 3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?”
Options:  (a) 1 only * (b) 2 only  (c) 1 and 3 only  (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
A joint population census conducted by Kerala and Tamil Nadu has revealed the presence of 2,668 Nilgiri tahrs in the Western Ghats.
About Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius):
- Endemism: Found only in the Nilgiri Hills and southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, India.
- Ecological Role: Key grazer in the montane grassland ecosystem, influencing plant growth and grassland regeneration.
- Habitat:
- Open montane grasslands interspersed with shola forests (South Western Ghats montane rain forests eco-region).
- Occurs at elevations between 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 feet).
- Prefers steep rocky slopes, cliff edges, and grassy plateaus â areas with clear visibility to detect predators.
- Population: Estimated 3,122 individuals in the wild; Locally extinct in about 14% of its historical habitat.
- In Kerala (1,365): Eravikulam National Park (ENP) â largest single population (~841 individuals); Anamalai Hills landscape.
- In Tamil Nadu (1303): Mukurthi National Park; Grass Hills National Park; Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (lesser presence)
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
- Cultural Significance:
- Official state animal of Tamil Nadu.
- Mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature (~2,000 years ago).
- Seen in Mesolithic rock art (10,000â4,000 BC), indicating its deep historical importance.
| [UPSC 2018] Consider the following fauna of India:
1. Gharial 2. Leatherback turtle 3. Swamp deer
Which of the above is/are endangered?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 * (d) None |
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Why in the News?
The Asian giant tortoise (Manouria emys), the largest tortoise in mainland Asia, has been reintroduced into the Zeliang Community Reserve in Nagalandâs Peren district.
About Asian Giant Tortoise (Manouria emys):
- It is the largest tortoise in mainland Asia.
- Two subspecies: Manouria emys emys and Manouria emys phayrei.
- Uniquely, it lays eggs above ground in leaf-litter nests.
- Behaviour: It is solitary and active mostly during dawn and dusk.
- Found in evergreen and bamboo forests across India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
- Habitat in India: Nengpui WLS, Nongkhyllem WLS, and North Cachar Hills.
- Conservation status: IUCN â Critically Endangered; CITES â Appendix II; Wildlife Protection Act â Schedule IV.
- Major threats: Illegal hunting for meat, habitat degradation, forest fires, and bamboo removal.
| [UPSC 2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?
Options: (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger*
(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and how it is impossible to prevent its extinction
(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India
(d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context. |
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Why in the News?
A new study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) reveals that wind farms in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, have the highest recorded bird mortality rates globally.
Bird Mortality at Wind Farms: Key Findings
- Study Details: Conducted across 3,000 sq. km in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, covering 90 wind turbines and 272 bird species, including the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
- Carcass Count: 124 bird carcasses found within 150m radius of turbines.
- Annual Mortality Estimate: 4,464 birds per 1,000 sq. km, after corrections for detection gaps and scavenger interference.
- Control Sites: 28 sites (500â2,000m from turbines) found zero carcasses â indicating turbines as the direct cause.
- Reasons:
- Policy Gap: Onshore wind projects in India do not require Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), which weakens ecological safeguards.
Indiaâs Wind Energy Growth:
- Current Status: India added 3.5 GW of wind power in the first half of 2025 â an 82% YoY increase.
- Total Installed Capacity: Now stands at 51.3 GW.
- Untapped Potential: Estimated at 1163.9 GW at 150 meters above ground level (National Institute of Wind Energy).
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Comparison with Past Studies:
- 2019 Studies: Recorded just 0.47 bird deaths per turbine/year in Kutch and Davangere.
- Thar Desert Rate: 1.24 bird deaths per turbine/month â significantly higher.
- Contributing Factors:
- High bird density in Thar.
- Location along Central Asian Flyway.
- Collisions with turbine-linked power lines included in this study.
Proposed Mitigation Measures:
- Technological:
- Paint one turbine blade for visibility.
- Shut down turbines during peak migration or high-risk periods.
- Planning-Based:
- Careful Site Selection seen as most critical step.
- Use of tools like AVISTEP (Avian Sensitivity Tool for Energy Planning), which maps avian sensitivity across India.
- AVISTEP ranks zones as low to very high sensitivity â intended as a guide for site avoidance.
| [UPSC 2012] Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to:
Options: (a) the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species disease among them
(b) a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle persistent and fatal *
(c) scarcity of food available to them
(d) a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them |
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Why in the News?
A Central Zoo Authority (CZA) report reveals a major conservation error â the critically endangered Alpine musk deer was wrongly replaced by the Himalayan musk deer in Indiaâs breeding programmes.
Back2Basics: Central Zoo Authority (CZA):
- Establishment: Formed in 1992 under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Mandate: Captive breeding, zoo oversight, and assigning species to zoos.
- Expanded Scope (2022): Includes rescue centres, off-display facilities, and conservation breeding centres.
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About Alpine Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster):
- Not a true Deer: closer to goats and antelopes (Bovidae).
- Musk Sac: Males have a visible musk sac between the testes.
- Canines: Grows fang-like canines during the mating season.
- Habitat: Found at 3,000â5,000 m in forests of the Himalayas.
- Range: India (J&K, HP, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal), Nepal, Bhutan, China.
- Diet: Eats grasses, leaves, lichens, mosses, and twigs.
- Behaviour: Solitary and crepuscular (active at dawn/dusk).
- Legal Protection:Â IUCN Status Critically Endangered (2014), CITES Appendix I; Indian Wildlife Act- Schedule I.
- Threats: Poaching for musk and habitat loss.
- Key Habitats: Askot, Gangotri & Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuaries (Uttarakhand).
| [UPSC 2020] Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat?
1. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary 2. Gangotri National Park
3. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary 4. Manas National Park
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
A team of Indian scientists has discovered a new species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
What are Lichens?
- Lichens are symbiotic organisms, composed of a fungus (mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner (photobiont)âeither a green alga or a cyanobacterium.
- The fungus provides structure and protection, while the photobiont produces food through photosynthesis.
- Lichens are key ecological contributors:
- They build soil by breaking down rocks.
- Serve as bioindicators of environmental and air quality.
- Provide food for insects and small animals.
- Despite being often overlooked, lichens are vital to ecosystem stability and resilience.
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About the Newly Discovered Lichen Species:
- Discovery: Allographa effusosoredica was discovered in the Western Ghats by MACS-Agarkar Research Institute, Pune.
- First of Its Kind: First Indian Allographa species confirmed using molecular data.
- Biodiversity Addition: 53rd Allographa species in India; 22nd from the Western Ghats.
- Funding Support: Research funded by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under a lichen symbiosis project.
Key Features Revealed:
- Morphology: Crustose body with effuse soredia; Contains norstictic acidârare among related species.
- Algal Partner: Photobiont identified as Trentepohlia, expanding understanding of tropical lichen symbiosis.
- Molecular Markers: Analysis used fungal markers (mtSSU, LSU, RPB2) and algal marker (ITS).
- Phylogenetic Placement: Closely related to Allographa xanthospora; visually similar to Graphis glaucescens.
| [UPSC 2014] Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of:
Options: (a) algae and bacteria (b) algae and fungi* (c) bacteria and fungi (d) fungi and mosses |
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Why in the News?
The Assam Forest Department is conducting DNA profiling of 2,500 rhino horns using the Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS) to aid wildlife forensics and curb illegal trade.
What is Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS)?
- Overview: It is a wildlife forensic tool designed to combat rhino poaching through DNA profiling.
- Development: It was originally developed by South Africa and later adapted for use in India.
- Working: The system helps build a genetic database of individual rhinos by collecting DNA from horns, tissues, dung, or blood samples.
- Utility: Each rhino has a unique DNA profile, making it possible to match confiscated horns with individual animals or poaching locations.
- Implementing Agency: In India, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is responsible for RhODIS genetic analysis under the RhODIS India program.
- Applications of RhODIS: The system plays a vital role in linking seized rhino horns to poaching incidents, providing admissible forensic evidence in court cases, tracking illegal wildlife trade routes and criminal networks, and monitoring genetic diversity and population health over time.
About One-Horned Rhinoceros:
- Overview: The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is a herbivorous megafauna species native to the Indian subcontinent.
- Distinctive Features: It is also called the Indian rhinoceros and is characterized by its single black horn and thick, armor-like skin.
- Conservation Status: It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, in Appendix I of CITES, and under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India).
- Major Habitats in India: Its primary habitats include Kaziranga, Pobitora, Manas, and Orang National Parks in Assam; Jaldapara and Gorumara National Parks in West Bengal; and the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
- Population Growth: Its has increased from around 1,500 in the 1980s to over 4,000 in 2024, with Assam alone holding 80% of the global population. Kaziranga National Park houses the largest population, with 2,613 rhinos as per 2022 data.
- Primary Threats: Major threats include poaching for horns driven by illegal wildlife trade and false beliefs about medicinal value, as well as habitat degradation due to floods, encroachment, and climate change.
- Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (Project Rhino):Â It was launched in 2005, aimed to spread the rhino population across seven protected areas.
| [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:
1. Asiatic lion is naturally found In India only.
2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only*Â (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
A team of Indian conservationists has identified a new butterfly species, Zographetus mathewi, in the biologically rich Western Ghats.
About Zographetus mathewi
- Overview: Zographetus mathewi is a newly identified species of skipper butterfly.
- Taxonomic Classification: It belongs to the family Hesperiidae and the genus Zographetus Watson, 1893.
- Distribution: This species is endemic to the low-elevation forests of Kerala, Western Ghats.
- Genus: It is the 15th species in the Zographetus genus and the 5th recorded in India.
- Publication and Naming: Published in the journal Entomon, the butterfly was named in honour of George Mathew, a noted Indian entomologist.
Key Features of Zographetus mathewi
- Similarity with Other Species: It closely resembles Zographetus ogygia but differs in wing venation patterns and genitalia structure in both male and female butterflies.
- Species Group Traits: It belongs to the Zographetus satwa species-group, which is known for swollen forewing veins in males as a secondary sexual trait, a distinct basal hair tuft on the underside of the forewing, and yellow-ochre scaling on the hindwing underside.
| [UPSC 2025] Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements :
I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) I only  (b) I and III  (c) II only (d) II and III* |
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Why in the News?
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has granted approval for diverting 142.76 hectares of forest land in Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka.
About Lion-Tailed Macaque:
- Scientific Classification: The Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), also known as the Wanderoo or Bearded Monkey, is an primate species endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
- Distribution: It is found primarily in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- Physical Characteristics: Recognized by a silver-white mane surrounding a black face and a lion-like tuft at the end of its tail, the body is covered in glossy black fur, and both sexes look similar.
- Habitat and Behaviour
- Preferences: The species inhabits tropical evergreen rainforests, and is also found in monsoon forests and shola-grassland ecosystems.
- Habitat: It is arboreal (tree-dwelling) and diurnal (active during the day).
- Elevation Range: Typically lives at altitudes between 600 and 1,800 metres above sea level.
- Human Avoidance: Known for being shy, it tends to avoid human contact, staying high in the forest canopy.
- Social Structure: Lives in social groups of 8 to 20 individuals, usually led by a dominant male.
- Behaviour:
- Dietary Habits: Primarily frugivorous, eating fruits, but also consumes leaves, stems, flowers, buds, fungi, and occasionally insects and small animals.
- Communication System: Possesses a rich vocal communication system with over 17 distinct vocalizations.
- Territorial Behavior: Males use loud calls to mark territory and warn intruders.
- Conservation Status:
-
- IUCN Status: Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- Legal Protection: Appendix I of CITES; Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Population and Conservation Efforts:
-
- Population: It is estimated at around only 2,500 individuals.
- Key Protected Area: The Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka hosts the largest known population in any protected area, with around 700 individuals.
- Ecological Importance:
- Serves as an indicator species for rainforest health.
- Plays a vital role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following fauna:
1. Lion-tailed Macaque 2. Malabar Civet 3. Sambar Deer
How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None |
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Why in the News?
The Great Hornbill (Malamuzhakki Vezhambal)âKeralaâs State bird and a symbol of forest biodiversityâwas spotted far outside its usual habitat.
About the Great Hornbill (Malamuzhakki Vezhambal)
- Overview: The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is the largest hornbill species found in India.
- Attributes: It is known for its striking yellow casque on the upper mandible, which is hollow and used in vocalisation and courtship.
- Official Recognition: It is the State Bird of Kerala (as well as Arunachal Pradesh) and is revered in many indigenous cultures for its majestic appearance.
- Conservation Status: It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN and is protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Habitat: It primarily inhabit evergreen and moist deciduous forests, especially in the Western Ghats, the Himalayan foothills, and Northeast India.
- Prey Behaviour: They are frugivorous, feeding mainly on figs and other forest fruits, but they may occasionally consume small mammals, birds, and insects.
- Ecological Significance:Â They are known as âforest engineersâ or âfarmers of the forestâ, they play a key role in seed dispersal of tropical trees, indicating the health and balance of their forest ecosystems.
| [UPSC 2016] In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat? Options: (a) Sand deserts of northwest India (b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir (c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat (d) Western Ghats * |
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Why in the News?
Researchers in Assam have discovered a new tree species, Garcinia kusumae, locally called thoikora, adding to the Garcinia genus in a notable botanical find.
About Garcinia kusumae:
- Species Identity: Garcinia kusumae is a newly discovered evergreen tree species that is endemic to Assam, India.
- Genus and Local Name: It belongs to the Garcinia genus, locally called thoikora in Assamese.
- Discovery: It was discovered in 2024 by Jatindra Sarma, during a field survey in Bamunbari, Baksa district.
- Botanical Traits: It is dioecious, grows up to 18 metres, flowers between February and April, and fruits between May and June.
- Distinct Features: It differs from similar species by having up to 15 staminate flowers per fascicle, fewer stamens, and blackish resinous berries.
- Ethnobotanical Uses: Its fruit is used in sherbet, fish curries, and for diabetes and dysentery remedies; the seed aril is eaten raw with condiments.
What is the Garcinia Genus?
- Taxonomy: Garcinia is the largest genus in the Clusiaceae family, comprising trees and shrubs.
- Geographical Spread: It is found in tropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australasia, especially in rainforests.
- Notable Characteristics: The genus is known for floral diversity, medicinal value, and culinary applications.
- Presence in India: India hosts 33 species and 7 varieties of Garcinia, with Assam having 12 species and 3 varieties.
- Famous Species: Commonly known species include Garcinia indica (kokum), Garcinia cowa, and Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen).
- Utility and Significance: It is important for ethnobotanical uses, rural livelihoods, and climate-resilient forestry.
- Traditional Practices: Several species are used in traditional food, medicine, and rituals.
| [UPSC 2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp.
In which part of India has it been discovered?
Options: (a) Andaman Islands* (b) Anaimalai Forests (c) Maikala Hills (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast |
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Why in the News?
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) released Version 2.0 of the Checklist of Fauna of India, documenting 105,244 species and subspecies.
Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India
- The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale in 1916.
- It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India, based in Kolkata.
- It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
- The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
- Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
- The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.
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Key Findings About ZSIâs Work and Discoveries (2024â25):
- Significant Animal Discoveries:
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- New Genus: Dravidoseps gouensis â a new genus of skink (lizard) from Western Ghats
- New Species of Snakes: Anguiculus dicaprioi â named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio, belongs to the Colubridae family
- Other Reptiles: 2 new genera and 37 new species of reptiles discovered
- Amphibians: 5 new amphibian species, including frogs from northeastern and southern India
- Other Invertebrates: Multiple new insect species, particularly among beetles, moths, flies, and bees
- Highest representation among newly discovered species were insects, especially:
- Coleoptera (beetles)
- Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies)
- Diptera (flies)
- Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps)
| [2020] With reference to Indiaâs Biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:
(a) Birds
(b) Primates
(c) Reptiles
(d) Amphibians |
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Why in the News?
A new species of flowering plant, Begonia nyishiorum, has been discovered in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
About Begonia nyishiorum:
- Overview: Begonia nyishiorum is a recently identified flowering plant found in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, and is endemic to this region.
- Scientific Recognition: It was officially described in June 2025 in Novon, a peer-reviewed journal published by the Missouri Botanical Garden.
- Feature: The species is notable for its crimson, fringed scales (indumentum) on light green petioles, a distinct trait among Asian begonias.
- Habitat and Range: It thrives on moist, shaded mountain slopes between 1,500 and 3,000 metres in altitude.
- Ecological Sensitivity: Known from only two forest locations, the plant is potentially vulnerable and warrants conservation attention.
- Name Origin: The species name nyishiorum honours the Nyishi tribe, known for their traditional ecological stewardship of local forests.
About the Nyishi Tribe:
- Overview: The Nyishi are the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh, with a population of about 300,000.
- Name Meaning: The word “Nyishi” combines âNyiâ (man) and âShiâ (being), signifying a civilised human in their language.
- Linguistic Identity: Their language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family, although its origins remain debated among scholars.
- Geographic Spread: They live in eight districts of Arunachal Pradesh (like East Kameng, Papum Pare, and Kurung Kumey) and parts of Assam.
- Livelihood Practices: Their economy includes slash-and-burn farming, hunting, fishing, and handicrafts such as bamboo work and weaving.
- Key Festivals: They celebrate Boori-Boot (Feb) for unity, Nyokum (Feb) for prosperity, and Longte (Apr) for protection from evil.
- Social Structure: Nyishi society is patrilineal and clan-based, with no caste system or rigid social hierarchy.
- Role of Women: Women are seen as symbols of peace and prosperity, and marriages involve reciprocal family exchanges that build community ties.
| [UPSC 2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp.
In which part of India has it been discovered?
Options: (a) Andaman Islands* (b) Anaimalai Forests (c) Maikala Hills (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast |
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Why in the News?
The elusive dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, has been rediscovered in Assamâs Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL) after being thought locally extinct.
About Dhole:
- Overview: The dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, is a carnivorous mammal from the Canidae family.
- Habitat: Historically, dholes inhabited southern Russia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia but are now limited to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China.
- Clusters in India: In India, dholes are found mainly in the Western and Eastern Ghats, the Central Indian Landscape, and the Northeast.
- Key States: According to a 2020 study, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh lead in dhole conservation efforts.
- Social Behaviour: Dholes live in packs of up to 30 but may also hunt solo or in pairs depending on prey availability.
- Ecological Role: As predators, dholes help regulate prey populations and maintain ecosystem balance.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix II (not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so if trade is not closely controlled).
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II (considered important for conservation and are granted a high degree of protection).
Back2Basics: Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL)
- Geographic Spread: KKAL is located south of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, comprising Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and the Karbi Anglong Hills.
- Ecological Importance: KNP is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, known for rich, unmodified ecosystems.
- Wildlife Corridor: KKAL facilitates seasonal migration during Brahmaputra floods, supporting species movement and survival.
- Flagship Species: The landscape hosts the worldâs largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as Bengal tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and wild buffalo.
- B2B Corridor: KKAL forms a vital link in the proposed Bhutan-to-Burma (B2B) Connected Landscape, a 1,400 km biodiversity corridor across northeast India.
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Why in the News?
Researchers from Chennai have discovered a new species of jumping spider, âSpartaeus karigiriâ, belonging to the Spartaeinae subfamily.
About the Spartaeus karigiri :
- Spartaeus karigiri is a newly discovered species of jumping spider, part of the Spartaeinae subfamily within the Salticidae (jumping spider) family.
- It was first identified in the Karigiri (Elephant Hill) region of Devarayanadurga, Karnataka, and is named after this location.
- The species marks the first recorded instance of the Spartaeus genus being found in India, extending its previously known range from Southeast Asia.
- Field specimens were also collected from Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu, suggesting a broader habitat.
Key Features:
- Genus Identification: Belongs to the Spartaeus genus, known for its intelligent predation and visual hunting tactics.
- Habitat: Found in rocky outcrops and forested terrain; prefers crevices and protected microhabitats.
- Hunting Behaviour: Likely exhibits web-invasion hunting methods and prey mimicry, similar to other Spartaeinae members.
| [UPSC 2025] Regarding the Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:
I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only (b) I and III (c) II only (d) II and III * |
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