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Type: Species

  • Kerala bans Oleander Flowers in Temple Offerings

    Why in the news?

    Kerala temple authorities have banned the use of oleander flowers in offerings following the accidental poisoning of a woman who chewed oleander leaves.

    What is Oleander?

    • Nerium oleander, commonly known as oleander or rosebay, is a plant cultivated worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. 
    • Known for its drought tolerance, the shrub is often used for ornamental and landscaping purposes.
    • In Kerala, it’s called arali or kanaveeram and is used for natural fencing along highways and beaches.
    • According to the IUCN Red List, Nerium oleander (Oleander) is classified as Least Concern

    Traditional Medicinal Uses:

    • Termed as “desert rose” in ancient texts, oleander has been trusted with its medicinal properties such as a hangover cure, in cancer treatments, and as an antiviral.
    • The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India mentions oleander, particularly the use of oil from the root bark to treat skin diseases.
    • oleander’s use in treating skin diseases, leprosy, wounds, itching, and parasites.

    Toxicity of Oleander:

    • Oleander is highly toxic due to cardiac glycosides present in all parts of the plant.
    • Cardiac glycosides like oleandrin and digitoxigenin exert pharmacological effects on the heart, leading to nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and, in severe cases, death..

    PYQ:

    [2018] Why is a plant called Prosopis Juliflora often mentioned in the news?

    (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics

    (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grow

    (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides

    (d) None of the above

  • Glyptothorax punyabratai: A New Catfish Species discovered  

    Why in the news?

    Glyptothorax punyabratai, a new catfish species, has been discovered in the Brahmaputra River drainage in Arunachal Pradesh.

    • The discovery was made by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), Lucknow, and published in the journal Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters.

    Glyptothorax punyabratai

    • It was collected from the Tung Stream, a tributary of the Tissa River, within the Brahmaputra River basin.
    • It has a unique rhomboidal-shaped thoracic adhesive apparatus, which is a specialized structure that helps the fish adhere to surfaces.
    • The holotype and paratype specimens are housed at the National Fish Museum-cum-Repository of the ICAR-NBFGR, Lucknow.
      • This discovery underscores the potential for both utilization and conservation of fish biodiversity in unexplored areas.

    PYQ:

    [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 correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Scintillating Sea Creatures and their Uniqueness

     

    Why in the News?

    “Scintillating” means sparkling or shining brightly, often used metaphorically to describe something lively, exciting, or brilliantly clever.

    Species Description Notable Features IUCN Status
    Seahorses

    		 Small, dragon-like creatures inhabiting tropical seas.
    • Vibrant colors and intricate camouflage
    • Unique parenting style with male nurturing eggs
    		 Status: Near Threatened
    Mantis Shrimp

     

    		 Colorful crustaceans found in tropical waters, known for hunting prowess.
    • Impressive stabbing or punching abilities
    • Display familial bonds
    		 Status: Least Concerned
    Octopus

    		 Highly intelligent marine creatures with a wise demeanor.
    • They have three functioning hearts.
    • Venomous beaks and powerful suckers.
    • Solitary nature, adept at camouflage
    		 Status: Least Concerned

    Recently, marine scientists have discovered a new Octopus nursery off the coast of Costa Rica.
    Starfish

    		 Also known as sea stars, possess remarkable regenerative abilities.

    Starfish have two stomachs – the pyloric and the cardiac stomach.
    • Each arm contains vital organs.
    • Starfish belongs to the phylum Echinodermata group. Echinodermata are so named owing to their spiny skin
    • They have a unique feeding method involving stomach extrusion.
    		 Status: The Sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) is Critically Endangered.
    Hermit Crabs

    		 Resourceful creatures use discarded shells for shelter.
    • They use empty snail shells or other hollow objects as a shelter for partial containment and protection of the body.
    • Hermit crabs occur in sandy- or muddy-bottomed marine waters and occasionally on land and in trees.
    • Status: Least Concerned
    • The majority of terrestrial hermit crab species worldwide have used trash as shells, according to a recent study by experts.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following animals

    1. Sea cow
    2. Sea horse
    3. Sea lion

    Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Criollo: Cattle Breed that can withstand Climate Change

    Why in the news?

    Irish researchers discovered that Criollo cattle are well-adapted to Climate Change due to their ability to thrive in hot and humid conditions, which they have developed over many years.

    About Criollo Cattle Breed

    Details
    Origin Latin America, particularly in regions such as Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America
    Historical Context
    • Criollo cattle trace their roots back to the arrival of Spanish cattle in the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries.
    • Initially brought from La Gomera in the Spanish Canary Islands, adapted to diverse environments.
    Physical Appearance
    • Small to medium-sized cattle with a compact body structure
    • Adapted to various climates, including tropical and subtropical regions
    • Short, sleek coat, often in various colors such as black, brown, or red
    Adaptability Known for their resilience and ability to thrive in harsh environments

    Well-suited to extensive grazing systems and low-input management practices
    Disease Resistance Developed natural resistance to various diseases prevalent in their native regions, such as tick-borne illnesses and parasites
    Economic Importance
    • Valued for their ability to utilize low-quality forages and adaptability to diverse environments
    • Serve as a sustainable source of meat and dairy products for local communities

     

    PYQ:

    2016:

    What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?

    1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.

    2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.

    3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The Criollo cattle breed has recently found mention in the news for its:

    (a) Breeding Capacity

    (b) Nutrients-rich Milk

    (c) Adaptability to Climate Change

    (d) Life Expectancy

  • Caracals on the brink of extinction in India

    Why in the news?

    • With only an estimated 50 individuals remaining, predominantly in western India, the caracal (Caracal caracal schmitzi) is on the verge of extinction in the country.
    • Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan and Kutch in Gujarat are the last strongholds for caracals in India, hosting around 28 and 20 individuals, respectively.

    About Caracals

    • Caracals are small wild cats known for their long ears with tufts and a reddish-tan or sandy-brown fur. It is called Siya Gosh in India.
    • It is nocturnal animal typically preys upon small mammals, birds, and rodents.
    • They live naturally in India, especially in Northwestern India. They are also found in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
    • They are found in Aravalli hill range, semi-deserts, savannahs, scrublands, and dry forests.
    • Caracals used to live all over Central India and the Indo-Gangetic plains, but they haven’t been spotted in those areas for 40 years.

    Conservation Status

    • Caracals are listed as ‘Least Concern‘ on the IUCN Red List globally.
    • It is listed as Near Threatened in India,
    • It falls in the Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

    Protection Efforts

    • In 2021, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) announced a plan to recover and increase the population of 22 species in India, including caracals.
    • Areas like Kutch, Aravalli mountains, Malwa plateau, and Bundelkhand region have been identified as potential habitats, with the Ranthambore-Kuno Landscape being a key conservation site.

    PYQ:

    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.

  • North Atlantic Right Whales: Threats and Conservation Imperatives

    Why in the news?

    • North Atlantic right whales face a grave threat due to entanglement in fishing gear, contributing to their critically endangered status.
    • Entanglement not only leads to physical harm but also affects reproductive success, exacerbating the species’ decline.

    Impact of Entanglement

    • Lethal and Sublethal Effects: Entanglement in fishing gear leads to energy expenditure, reduced feeding efficiency, and physical injuries, ultimately impacting whales’ ability to reproduce and survive. Even minor entanglements have devastating consequences on female right whales.
    • Reproductive Implications: Females experiencing entanglement events, even classified as “minor,” exhibit reduced breeding rates, with potential long-term consequences for population recovery. Poor health and physical condition further impede breeding success.

    About Right Whales

    • Right whales are a group of large baleen whales belonging to the family Balaenidae.
    • There are three species of right whales:
    1. North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis),
    2. North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica), and
    3. Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis).
    • They are distinguished by their geographic distribution and slight differences in physical characteristics.
    • Right whales inhabit temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Southern Hemisphere.
    • They are often found in coastal areas during their feeding and breeding seasons but may migrate over long distances.
    • All three species of right whales are listed as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

    North Atlantic Right Whales

     

    • It is listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List.
    • Only around 360 individuals remain, with almost 90% having experienced entanglement at least once.

     

    PYQ:

    2015: With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments
    2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
    3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The North Atlantic Right Whales were recently seen in news for a peculiar behaviour. Identify the correct statement about the North Atlantic Right Whales:

    1. Entanglement in fishing net has led to permanent loss of breeding capability.
    2. Extinct due to commercial hunting.
    3. Generates large amounts of Aspergis, an aromatic substance.
    4. In-situ breeding was successful.

  • Possible Uptick in Hangul Population in Kashmir

    hangul

    In the news

    • Kashmir’s Hangul, a shy and endangered species of deer, has exhibited a robust breeding season, suggesting a hopeful future for its population in the Dachigam National Park.
    • The Hanguls population could surpass 300 this spring, marking the first time in over 30 years.

    About Hangul (Kashmir Stag)

    Details
    Scientific Name Cervus hanglu
    Habitat Dense riverine forests in high valleys and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, northern Himachal Pradesh
    Geographic Range Endemic to Kashmir and surrounding areas
    Distribution
    • Primarily found in Dachigam National Park;
    • Small population in Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
    Conservation Status
    • IUCN: Critically Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest level of protection)

    Threats to Hanguls

    • Predator Concerns: Hangul faces threats from predators like leopards and Asiatic Black Bears, necessitating further research and monitoring.
    • Environmental Challenges: Drying drainages and snowless glacial areas in Dachigam raise concerns about habitat sustainability, highlighting the impact of climate change.

    About Dachigam National Park

    • DNP boasts diverse flora and fauna, encompassing deep valleys, rocky outcrops, wooded slopes, and alpine pastures.
    • Spanning altitudes from 1600 m to 4200 m above sea level, the park is divided into upper and lower regions, each harboring unique ecosystems.
    • The park is home to a plethora of plant species, including wild cherry, pear, plum, walnut, oak, pine, and elm, fostering a biodiverse ecosystem.
    • Apart from hangul, the park supports a variety of wildlife, including musk deer, brown bears, leopards, Himalayan black bears, jungle cats, and species of wild goats like markhor and ibex.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2012:

    Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

    (a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass

    (b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard

    (c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)

    (d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”6naow7100o” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your responses here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • Melanochlamys Droupadi: New Sea Slug specie named after President Murmu

     

    President Draupadi Murmu

    In the news

    • The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) announced the discovery of a new marine species, Melanochlamys droupadi, named after the esteemed President of India, Droupadi Murmu.

    About Melanochlamys Droupadi

    • Geographical Origin: Melanochlamys droupadi was first sighted off the shores of Digha in West Bengal and Udaipur in Odisha, marking its exclusive habitat.
    • Distinctive Features: Characterized by its short, blunt cylindrical body and smooth dorsal surface adorned with two unequal shields, this species showcases unique anatomical traits.
    • Morphological Identification: The species was meticulously examined for morphological, anatomical, and molecular characteristics, confirming its taxonomic classification within the Melanochlamys genus.
    • Physical Attributes: It is a small invertebrate reaching up to 7 mm in length, exhibits a brownish-black hue with a striking ruby red spot.
    • Biological nature: It is hermaphroditic (possessing both male and female reproductive organs, structures, and tissue) and predominantly inhabits intertidal zones along sandy beaches.

    Habitat and Reproduction

    • Ecological Niche: The species is typically found in the intertidal zone, leaving distinctive crawl marks along sandy beaches.
    • Reproductive Cycle: Reproduction occurs primarily between November and January, marking a critical phase in the species’ life cycle.

    Distribution and Taxonomy

    • Indo-Pacific Realm: While species of the Melanochlamys genus are predominantly found in temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, Melanochlamys droupadi stands out as a truly tropical species.
    • Research Insights: A study conducted by ZSI researchers sheds light on the species’ behavior, highlighting its unique ability to secrete transparent mucus, forming a protective sheath against sand grains.

  • New Marine Species: Parhyale Odian from Chilika Lake

    Introduction

    • Researchers at Berhampur University in Odisha have made a remarkable discovery, unveiling a new species of marine amphipod from Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon on India’s east coast.

    About Parhyale Odian

    • Parhyale odian is a newly discovered species of marine amphipod.
    • It belongs to the genus Parhyale and was found in Chilika Lake, Odisha, India.
    • The species was named after the native language of Odisha, Odia.
    • Its discovery raises the global species count within the genus Parhyale to 16.
    • It is approximately eight millimeters in length and brown in color.
    • Parhyale odian possesses 13 pairs of legs.
    • Its distinguishing feature is a stout robust seta on the surface of the propodus of the male gnathopod.

  • Horseshoe Crab: Living Fossils of the Sea

    Horseshoe Crab

    Introduction

    • Environmental groups have petitioned the U.S. government to grant endangered species protection to the American horseshoe crab.
    • Horseshoe crabs, often called “living fossils,” have existed since before the age of dinosaurs.

    About Horseshoe Crab

    Description
    Habitat Shallow coastal waters with soft sandy or muddy bottoms;

    Spawns primarily on intertidal beaches during summer-spring high tides.
    Taxonomic Division Chelicerata, a division of Arthropoda, comprising spiders, scorpions, harvestmen, mites, and ticks; characterized by segmented body and limbs, and a chitinous exoskeleton.
    Status Referred to as a marine “living fossil” due to minimal evolutionary changes over time.
    Geographic Range American horseshoe crab: Eastern coast of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico.

    Indo-Pacific species (Tri-spine, Coastal, Mangrove): Mainly in coastal waters of India, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan.
    Habitat in India Odisha serves as the largest habitat for horseshoe crabs in India.
    Conservation Status Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
    IUCN Status American horseshoe crab: Vulnerable.

    Tri-spine horseshoe crab: Endangered.

    Other two are not listed yet.