Type: Species

Central Idea

• In a historic moment for marine biology, a pregnant megamouth shark, a rare and elusive deepwater species, was discovered washed up on a beach in the Philippines.
• This is only the 60th ever seen and the first ever observed to be pregnant.

About Megamouth Shark

Central Idea

• Indian Army has inducted double-humped camels for patrolling and logistical support along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

About Double-Humped Camels

• The Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), is also known as the Mongolian camel, domestic Bactrian camel or two-humped camel.
• Their name comes from the ancient historical region of Bactria.
• It is a large even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of Central Asia.
• It has two humps on its back, in contrast to the single-humped dromedary.
• The humps are plump and pliable. They store fat, which can be converted into water and energy when food and water resources are scarce during harsh winters.
• A small population of Bactrian camel exists in the Nubra valley of Ladakh.

Significance of deployment

• These camels serve to patrol the LAC and provide logistical aid to troops in the difficult, barren landscape of Eastern Ladakh.
• They can carry 170 kg and patrol up to 15 km without rest, surpassing the load capacity of mules previously used by the army.
• The Army’s 14 corps is deploying these camels in strategic areas like Depsang and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) along the LAC.

Try this PYQ from the 2019 CS Prelims:

Q. 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

Post your answers here.

Central Idea

• A scientist from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently discovered a new plant species of ‘wild okra’ named ‘Abelmoschus Odishae’.

Wild Okra (Abelmoschus Odishae)

• Its discovery occurred in a humid deciduous forest within the Banspal block of Keonjhar district, in Odisha.
• This plant holds potential for use in hybridization to develop improved varieties with enhanced disease resistance.
• It could significantly contribute to broadening the genetic diversity of okra.
• Characteristics:

• 1. This perennial shrub reaches up to 5 meters in height and features a densely hispid, spiny stem with backward-facing hairs.
  2. The plant is adorned with large, vibrant yellow flowers.
  3. Its seeds are nearly kidney-shaped, with short, robust, non-spiral trichomes.
  4. The seeds exhibit a high viability rate of 95 percent.

About Okra

• Commonly referred to as gumbo or ladies’ fingers, okra is a vegetable favored in warm climates.
• Originating from the Eastern Hemisphere’s tropics, it is now extensively grown or found naturally in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere.
• Rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, okra is a nutritious choice.
• The vegetable is known for its mild flavor and distinctive texture, featuring a peach-like fuzz on its exterior and small, consumable seeds inside.

Central Idea

• Scientists have identified a new species of ‘music frog’, named Nidirana noadihing, in Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Nidirana noadihing: The Music Frog

• Location: It came from the place, Noa-Dihing River, from where the specimens were collected.
• Size: The frogs grow up to 6 cm, with males measuring between 1.8 to 2.3 inches and females between 2.4 to 2.6 inches.
• Appearance: They have a robust body, a rounded snout, smooth skin with bony protrusions on their backs, and a pale cream line bordered with dark brown running down their bodies.
• Eye Features: The frogs have irregularly shaped spots on their eyelids, moderately large eyes with gold-rimmed pupils, and dark brown irises with a golden spackle.
• Colouration: Their throat, forelimbs, thighs, and lower legs are light brown and pinkish, while their groin and the outside of their thighs are pale yellow with irregular dark olive patches.

Habitat and Behavior

• Habitat: Nidirana noadihing inhabits swamps, ponds, and paddy fields, often constructing nests for egg-laying.
• Vocalization: The species is distinguished by its unique call, which led to its discovery near the Noa-Dihing river.

Central Idea

• Gujarat has issued a circular to control the growth of the exotic species Conocarpus, citing adverse impacts on the environment and human health.

About Conocarpus Plant

• Classified as invasive, Conocarpus is a mangrove
• During the winter season, these trees produce flowers, releasing pollen in nearby regions.
• In India, various public authorities have used it for landscaping purposes, including road medians, roadsides, and public gardens.
• This tree is renowned for maintaining its dark green foliage year-round, even in harsh environmental conditions like extreme temperatures.
• Its adaptability allows it to thrive in highly saline areas.
• Conocarpus exhibits an excessive water-absorption trait from the soil, posing a threat to groundwater.
• Its deep root system can disrupt infrastructure communication cables, drainage lines, and potable water pipelines.

Previous bans

• Telangana had previously banned the same plant species due to concerns over its impact.
• Conocarpus is not the sole exotic plant species to fall out of favor.
• In recent years, Delhi and Kerala have grappled with the need to curb the growth of non-indigenous trees that were adversely affecting local environments, flora, and fauna due to their prolific presence.