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Type: Species

  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Axolotl: Mexico City’s Unofficial World Cup Mascot Facing Extinction

    11 June 2026 | Prelims OnlySpecies | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the news?

    Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the axolotl has emerged as Mexico City’s unofficial mascot. However, conservationists have raised concerns that the popularity of the critically endangered amphibian has not translated into meaningful efforts to protect its rapidly disappearing habitat.

    About Axolotl

    • Common name: Axolotl
    • Scientific name: Ambystoma mexicanum
    • Group: Amphibian (salamander).
    • Endemic to: Mexico, particularly the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico City.
    • Name derived from: The Nahuatl word meaning “water monster”.

    Unique Features

    • Exhibits neoteny, retaining larval characteristics throughout its life.
    • Remains aquatic throughout its life cycle.
    • Breathes through External gills and oxygen absorption through its skin.
    • Extraordinary regenerative ability can regrow limbs, Parts of the spinal cord, Heart tissue, and Portions of the brain.

    Conservation Status

    • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered.
    • Wild populations have witnessed a drastic decline.

    [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?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Scientists Discover New Species in Angola’s Lisima Plateau

    8 June 2026 | Discovered / FoundPrelims OnlySpecies | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the news?

    Wildlife experts under the Wilderness Project discovered several new insect and spider species during an expedition to the Lisima Plateau in Angola.

    Newly Identified Species

    • 8 new dragonfly species.
    • 3 new grasshopper species.
    • Around:
      • 60 new butterflies and moths.

    Other Notable Discoveries

    • Armoured predatory cricket.
    • New copper caterpillar species and butterfly.
    • Fluorescent crowned crab spider.
    • Blood-orange ladybird orb-web spider.

    Fluorescent Crowned Crab Spider

    • Special Feature: Fluoresces under ultraviolet (UV) light.
    • Fluorescence may help:
      • Communication
      • Camouflage
      • Predator avoidance.

    Ladybird Orb-Web Spider

    • Feature: Mimics ladybirds using bright coloration.
    • Purpose: Warns predators about:
      • Toxicity
      • Bitter taste.
    • Example of: Mimicry in nature.

    About Lisima Plateau

    • Remote plateau region in: Angola.

    Hydrological Importance

    • Feeds four major African river systems:
      • Congo River
      • Okavango River
      • Zambezi River
      • Cuanza River.

    Global Biodiversity Context

    • Around 8.7 million species exist globally.
    • Only about: 1.5 million species are documented.
    • Extinction Concern: More than 800 animal species extinct since 1500 due to human activities.

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    1.Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
    2.Some mushrooms have psycho- active properties.
    3.Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
    4.Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All four

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Long-tailed Duskhawker Rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh

    28 May 2026 | Discovered / FoundSpecies | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in News?

    A rare dragonfly species, the Long-tailed Duskhawker, has been rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh after 110 years in Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve.

    About the Species

    • Scientific name: Gynacantha khasiaca
    • Belongs to the order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies)
    • Known for:
      • Near 360° vision
      • Compound eyes with thousands of lenses
      • Ability to hover still in air

    Rediscovery

    • Last recorded in 1914 from the erstwhile Abor Hills
    • Rediscovered at Deban in Namdapha National Park in October 2024
    • Study published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa

    Ecological Importance of Dragonflies

    Dragonflies and damselflies are:

    • Predators and prey in freshwater ecosystems
    • Indicators of healthy aquatic habitats
    • Important for ecological balance

    Odonata Diversity

    • Global: 6,442 species across 693 genera
    • India: 504 species and 27 subspecies
    • Arunachal Pradesh: Around 110 species recorded

    Distribution of Long-tailed Duskhawker

    Apart from Arunachal Pradesh, reported from:

    • Assam
    • Maharashtra
    • Meghalaya
    • Uttarakhand
    • West Bengal

    Significance of Rediscovery

    • Highlights rich biodiversity of Northeast India
    • Emphasises habitat protection and biodiversity monitoring
    • Shows importance of citizen science in conservation

    About Namdapha National Park

    • Located in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh
    • One of India’s largest protected areas
    • Known for tropical rainforests and rich wildlife diversity

    [2017] Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?
    1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
    2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
    3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
    Select the correct using the code given below:

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Seizure of Indian Red Sand Boa in Telangana

    19 May 2026 | Prelims OnlySpecies | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized two live Indian Red Sand Boa snakes in Warangal, Telangana, during an operation against illegal wildlife trade.

    Key Highlights

    • The operation was conducted by the Hyderabad zonal unit of DRI.
    • Officials acted on intelligence regarding illegal sale of live snakes in the grey market.
    • Two live snakes were recovered from the suspect’s bag during an undercover decoy operation.

    About Indian Red Sand Boa

    • Scientific name: Eryx johnii
    • Non-venomous burrowing snake species found in India.
    • Often targeted in illegal wildlife trade due to superstitions and false medicinal beliefs.

    Legal Protection

    • The species is protected under: Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

    Significance of Schedule I

    • Provides the highest level of legal protection.
    • Hunting, possession, and trade are prohibited.

    Action Taken

    • The snakes and accused were handed over to the Forest Range Officer, Warangal.
    • Further investigation is underway to identify possible wildlife trafficking networks.
    [2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? 
    [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 not 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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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Blue Button (Porpita porpita) 

    2 May 2026 | Species | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News

    Large numbers of Porpita porpita, commonly called Blue Button, were recently found washed ashore at Girgaon Chowpatty. This phenomenon is often observed before the onset of the monsoon.

    What is Blue Button

    • A marine organism found floating on the sea surface
    • Not a single organism but a colonial species
    • Composed of multiple zooids working together as one unit
    • Often mistaken for jellyfish

    Key Characteristics

    • Small, disc shaped body with tentacles
    • Free floating organism
    • Each zooid performs specific functions: Feeding, Digestion, and Movement

    Comparison with Similar Species

    • Blue Button (Porpita porpita)
      • Harmless to humans
      • Mild or no sting
    • Portuguese Man o’ War
      • Venomous
      • Can cause painful stings

    Why They Appear on Shores

    • Linked to monsoon onset
    • Caused by:
      • Changes in sea temperature
      • Shifts in ocean currents
      • Strong winds pushing them ashore
    [2021] Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms? 
    1. Cnidarians 
    2. Fungi 
    3. Protozoa 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Indus River Dolphin  

    13 April 2026 | Prelims OnlySpecies | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    • Conservation reserves, citizen science, and habitat protection efforts are helping the Indus River Dolphin population recover in India, particularly in the Beas River.

    About the Indus River Dolphin

    • Scientific Name: Platanista minor
    • Common Name: Indus River Dolphin
    • Type: Freshwater river dolphin
    • One of the rarest mammals in the world
    • IUCN Status is Endangered

    Distribution

    • Primary Habitat: Indus River system (Pakistan)
    • India:
      • Beas River (Punjab) — small remnant population
    • Earlier found across:
      • Indus tributaries (Ravi, Sutlej, Chenab, Jhelum)

    Physical Appearance

    • Long, pointed snout
    • Visible teeth even when mouth is closed
    • Flexible neck (rare among dolphins)
    • Small dorsal fin
    [2019] Consider the following pairs: Wildlife Naturally found in 
    1. Blue-finned Mahseer: Cauvery River 
    2. Irrawaddy Dolphin: Chambal River 
    3. Rusty-spotted Cat: Eastern Ghats 
    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Kashmir Scientists Cultivate Rare Morel Mushrooms 

    13 April 2026 | Prelims OnlySpecies | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    • Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar successfully cultivated Morel mushrooms (Morchella) in controlled conditions for the first time.
    • Considered a major scientific breakthrough due to the mushroom’s complex growth requirements.

    About Morel Mushrooms (Morchella)

    • Scientific name: Morchella
    • Local name (Kashmir): Kangaech
    • Type: Rare edible wild mushroom
    • Habitat:
      • High-elevation forests
      • Appears during short rainy season
    • Market Price: ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per kg (one of the world’s most expensive mushrooms)

    Why Morels Are Expensive

    • Naturally grows in very specific environmental conditions
    • Short harvesting window
    • Difficult to locate in dense forests
    • Labour-intensive collection
    • High global demand in gourmet cuisine

    Cultivation Methods Achieved

    • Polyhouse cultivation (Controlled environment)
    • Open-field cultivation (Natural conditions simulation)
    [2022] With reference to ‘Gucchi’ sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements: 
    1 It is a fungus. 
    2 It grows in some Himalayan forest areas. 
    3 It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    (a) 1 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Puri Airport Proposal Rejected Over Migratory Bird Risk

    11 April 2026 | Species | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has recommended against setting up the Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri, citing risk from migratory birds and proximity to Chilika Lake Ramsar site.

    Key Highlights

    • Proposed Airport: Shree Jagannath International Airport
    • Location: Sipasurubali village, Puri (Odisha)
    • Land Required: 471.401 hectares
    • Near: Chilika Lake (Ramsar Wetland)

    WII warned:

    • Migratory birds pose bird strike risk to aircraft
    • Project may threaten:
      • Migratory birds
      • Olive Ridley turtles
      • Irrawaddy dolphins

    About Chilika Lake

    • Location: Odisha
    • Type: Brackish water lagoon
    • Status: Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance)
    • Asia’s largest coastal lagoon
    • Important habitat for:
      • Migratory birds
      • Irrawaddy dolphins
      • Fish biodiversity

    About Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

    • Established: 1982
    • Location: Dehradun
    • Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
    • Role:
      • Wildlife research
      • Conservation advice
      • Environmental assessments
    [2019] Consider the following pairs: 1 Blue-finned Mahseer : Cauvery River 2 Irrawaddy Dolphin : Chambal River 3 Rusty-spotted Cat : Eastern Ghats How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only one and three (d) None

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Indian Softshell Turtle Rescued in Greater Noida

    8 April 2026 | Species | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    Police in Greater Noida rescued 16 Indian Softshell Turtles from smugglers. The species is protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act.

    About Indian Softshell Turtle

    • Scientific Name: Nilssonia gangetica
    • Also called: Gangetic Softshell Turtle
    • Type: Freshwater turtle
    • Family: Trionychidae (soft shelled turtles)

    Conservation Status

    • IUCN Status: Endangered
    • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
    • CITES: Appendix I

    Habitat & Distribution

    • Found in river systems: Ganga, Indus, and Mahanadi
    • Countries: India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh
    • Habitat: Deep rivers, Lakes, Canals, and Muddy riverbeds

    Key Features

    • Leathery soft shell
    • Olive green colour
    • Long snorkel like nose
    • Size up to 94 cm
    • Omnivorous scavenger

    Why Smuggled

    • Myth of 20 claws brings good luck
    • Used in illegal wildlife trade
    • False medicinal beliefs
    [2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? 
    (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 now 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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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    India’s Frogs: Conservation Gains through Science & Citizen Action

    19 March 2026 | Species | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in News

    • On World Frog Day (March 20), attention is drawn to India’s amphibians, where citizen science and conservation initiatives are helping address rising threats like climate change and habitat loss.

    Ecological Importance of Frogs

    • Act as link between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
    • Control insect populations (pests)
    • Serve as food for higher vertebrates
    • Help convert: → Insect biomass → Vertebrate biomass

    Global & Indian Status

    • As per International Union for Conservation of Nature:
      • Amphibians = most threatened vertebrates
      • 37 species extinct globally
    • India:
      • 450+ amphibian species
      • ~25% threatened
      • ~20% data deficient

    Major Threats to Frogs

    1. Disease (Historical Driver)

    • Chytridiomycosis caused by:
      • Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
      • Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
    • Affects frog skin (critical for respiration & ion balance)
    • Impact: → Affected >60% amphibians globally

    2. Climate Change (Current Major Driver)

    • Impacts 39% species
    • Causes:
      • Mismatch in monsoon timing
      • Breeding failures due to: Early rains + prolonged dry spells

    3. Habitat Loss

    • Impacts 37% species
    • Includes: Wetland loss, Deforestation, and Urbanisation. 
    [2024] Consider the following: 
    1. Butterflies 
    2. Fish 
    3. Frogs 
    How many of the above have poisonous species among them? 
    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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