Type: Species

Central Idea

• In a continued effort to conserve the Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Nadu launched Project Nilgiri Tahr last year.
• Now, the state is focusing on establishing a standardized protocol with Kerala for counting the population of this endangered species.

Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project

• Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, TN government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through-

1. Surveys and radio telemetry studies;
2. Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat;
3. Address proximate threats; and
4. Increase public awareness of the species.

• The project is to be implemented from 2022 to 2027.
• Furthermore, October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Niligiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies of the species in 1975.

Historic significance of Nilgiri Tahr

• There are multiple references to the Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years.
• The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture and life.
• It was designated as the State animal in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance.

Central Idea

• A recent report by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India exposes 172 incidents of red sand boa (Eryx johnii) seizures spanning 2016-2021.
• It is illicitly traded under the notion of its role in black magic practices.

About Red Sand Boa

• The Red Sand Boa is a rare non-poisonous snake with applications in medicine, cosmetics, and even black magic, making it highly valued in the global market.
• Among the general public, it is referred to as the “Two-headed Snake” due to its thick tail with a rounded tip, resembling two heads.

Conservation Status

• Trading and possessing the red sand boa violate the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
• The species is categorized in Schedule IV of the WPA.
• Additionally, the red sand boa is listed in Appendix II of CITES.
• It holds a ‘Near Threatened’ classification by the IUCN, with a diminishing population trend.

Prime moving factor for trade: Social Media

• The study underscores the pivotal role of social media, particularly platforms like YouTube, as conduits for illegal trade.
• YouTube videos act as interfaces for buyers and sellers, occasionally facilitating transactions via WhatsApp.
• In 2021, approximately 200 videos advertising sand boas for sale on YouTube were identified.

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.

Central Idea

• Researchers have discovered that the population of ospreys, a fish-eating bird, is facing a decline due to the decreasing numbers of Atlantic menhaden, their primary food source.
• The depletion of menhaden, a small silvery fish, is attributed to commercial fishing practices.
• The decline in osprey reproduction reflects the broader ecological impact of reduced menhaden numbers.

About Atlantic Menhaden

• Atlantic menhaden, scientifically known as Brevoortia tyrannus, is a species of fish belonging to the Clupeidae family.
• They are commonly found along the Atlantic coast of North America, ranging from Florida to Nova Scotia.
• Atlantic menhaden play a vital ecological role and have significant commercial and ecological importance.

Importance of Atlantic Menhaden

• Role in Coastal Ecosystem: Menhaden play a crucial role in the ecology of coastal waters along the Eastern Seaboard, providing sustenance for larger fish, marine mammals, and birds.
• Nutrient-Rich and Filtering Capacity: Menhaden are nutrient-rich, containing omega-3 fatty acids, and they filter substantial quantities of ocean water while consuming smaller organisms like plankton.

Commercial Fishing Impact

• Increased Catch Allowance: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission raised the allowable catch of menhaden to 233,550 metric tons for the next two years, a 20% increase from previous years.
• Fishery Quota: The commission maintained a quota of 51,000 metric tons for the Chesapeake Bay’s reduction fishery, where menhaden are used for bait and fish products.
• Ecological Concerns: Critics argue that the removal of significant menhaden quantities is degrading the ecosystem, negatively affecting species like ospreys and striped bass that rely on menhaden.

Low Reproductive Numbers and Menhaden Depletion

• In mid-June, researchers found only three young ospreys out of 84 nests checked in Mobjack Bay, part of the Chesapeake Bay.
• Scientists at the College of William & Mary, monitoring the local osprey population for over 50 years, recorded the lowest reproductive number.
• The decline in breeding success is attributed to the depletion of Atlantic menhaden, the osprey’s primary food source.

Lawsuit and Ecosystem Protection

• Recreational Fishermen Lawsuit: A group of recreational fishermen from Maryland sued the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, claiming it contributed to the menhaden decline by endorsing quotas that harm fish populations and the recreational fishing industry.
• Commercial Fishing Practices: Critics highlight the negative impact of industrial techniques used by companies like Omega Protein, which catch menhaden in unsustainable quantities, contributing to the decline of other species and damaging ecosystems.
• Restoring Menhaden Stocks: Non-profit organizations advocate for rebuilding menhaden populations along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts to maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Positive Signs beyond Chesapeake Bay

• Menhaden Recovery: Outside the Chesapeake Bay, menhaden populations have increased since the Atlantic commission took measures to address overfishing in 2012, leading to a recovery of the fish population within two years.
• Ecological Impact: The recovery of menhaden populations has brought back various predators such as humpback whales, tuna, sharks, and bald eagles off the coasts of New York and New Jersey.