Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India
Mains level: urgent need for increased legal protection and a dedicated conservation approach
Central Idea:
The report on the status of snow leopards in India, released by the Government of India and non-profit organizations, reveals that only 34% of the snow leopard habitat is legally protected. With snow leopards present in the country, the report emphasizes the need for a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at the Wildlife Institute of India for long-term population monitoring and conservation efforts.
Key Highlights:
- Snow Leopard Population: India is home to snow leopards, and their habitat covers square kilometers.
- Legal Protection: Only a third of the snow leopard habitat in India is legally protected, posing a significant threat to the species.
- Unprotected Areas: Nearly 70% of the crucial snow leopard habitat remains unprotected, highlighting the need for conservation measures.
- Population Assessment: The four-year assessment conducted by SPAI using camera traps identified unique individuals.
- Hotspots: Ladakh has the highest number of snow leopards, followed by Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Key Challenges:
- Limited Legal Protection: The majority of snow leopard habitat lacks legal safeguards, exposing them to potential threats.
- Undefined Range: The absence of an extensive nationwide analysis has left the snow leopard range in India undefined.
- Population Estimate: The need for a revised estimate arises, challenging the previous range of snow leopards in India.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Snow Leopard Cell: Proposed dedicated unit for long-term monitoring and conservation efforts.
- SPAI: The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India, coordinating the assessment.
- Camera Traps: Utilized for capturing images of snow leopards at locations.
- Vulnerable: Snow leopards are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
Key Quotes:
- “The snow leopard range in India remained undefined due to lack of an extensive nationwide analysis.”
- “Regular assessments will offer valuable insights for identifying challenges, addressing threats, and formulating effective conservation strategies.”
Key Statements:
- The report emphasizes the necessity of a Snow Leopard Cell for effective conservation strategies.
- Regular population assessments are crucial for understanding challenges and threats to snow leopards.
Key Examples and References:
- The report cites Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh as hotspots for snow leopards.
- SPAI, with partners like the Wildlife Institute of India, conducted the assessment using camera traps.
Key Facts and Data:
- Snow leopard occupancy was recorded in square kilometers, with an estimated presence in square kilometers.
Critical Analysis:
The report underscores the urgent need for increased legal protection and a dedicated conservation approach, citing the inadequacy of the previous population estimate and the undefined snow leopard range. The increased coverage of the region compared to 2016 is noted, but challenges persist, requiring immediate attention.
Way Forward:
- Establish Snow Leopard Cell: Create the proposed Snow Leopard Cell for consistent monitoring and organized studies.
- Regular Assessments: Adopt a periodic population estimation approach every fourth year for continuous insights.
- Legal Safeguards: Increase legal protection for the remaining unprotected snow leopard habitat.
- Revised Population Estimate: Conduct a revised assessment to accurately determine the snow leopard population in India.
- Public Awareness: Increase public awareness to garner support for snow leopard conservation efforts.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Punganur Cows
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
- On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Prime Minister made headlines by feeding Punganur cows at his residence in New Delhi.
- His gesture not only symbolized a cultural tradition but also shed light on this unique cattle breed.
About Punganur Cows
- Origin: Punganur cows hail from the Punganur municipality in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district.
- Dwarf Stature: These cows are exceptionally small, measuring just 70-90 cm in height, with an average weight ranging from 115-200 kg.
- Distinctive Features: They are known for their broad foreheads, short horns, and are ideal for small-scale dairy and organic farming.
- Milk Yield: Punganur cows are recognized for their rich milk production, yielding 3 to 5 liters of milk daily.
- Temple Use: Many temples in Andhra Pradesh, including the renowned Tirupati Thirumala Temple, use the milk of Punganur cows for Ksheeraabhishekam (milk offerings to deities).
- Varied Costs: The cost of these cows ranges from Rs 1 lakh to 10 lakhs, depending on factors like purity and health.
Nutrition in Punganur Cow’s Milk
- Presence of Gold: Notably, the milk from Punganur cows contains an element identified as ‘Au’, the chemical symbol for gold.
- High-Fat Content: Punganur cow’s milk boasts a high-fat content of eight percent, in contrast to 3 to 4 percent in other indigenous breeds.
- Nutrient-Rich: This milk is rich in Omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, offering significant nutritional benefits.
- Medicinal Value: The milk is believed to possess medicinal properties, contributing to overall health.
Resilience and Adaptability
- Drought-Resistant: Punganur cows exhibit remarkable resilience, with the ability to thrive on dry fodder like grass, straw, and hay.
- Docile Temperament: They have a calm and manageable temperament, making them easy to handle.
- Disease Resistance: These cows are resistant to common diseases and parasites, adding to their appeal.
Breed Protection Measures
- Threat of Extinction: At one point, Punganur cattle faced extinction due to a shift towards hybrid cattle for higher milk production.
- Mission Punganur: In 2020, the Andhra Pradesh government initiated ‘Mission Punganur’ with an allocation of Rs 69.36 crore to boost the cattle population using IVF technology.
- Enhancing Reproduction: The mission aimed to enhance reproductive efficiency, with plans to produce 8.5 offspring from each cow within five years.
- PMO’s Involvement: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is also part of the conservation efforts, rearing a group of Punganur cattle.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Himalayan Wolf
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), a distinct lupine species inhabiting the Himalayas, has recently been classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.
- This classification highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this unique predator.
About Himalayan Wolf
- Taxonomic Status: Long a subject of taxonomic ambiguity, the Himalayan Wolf has been confirmed as a genetically unique lineage of wolves.
- Population Estimate: The IUCN Red List estimates the population of mature individuals to be between 2,275 and 3,792, acknowledging the uncertainty of this figure.
- Geographical Range: The Himalayan Wolf is found across the Himalayan range of Nepal and India and extends across the Tibetan Plateau.
- Population in India: In the Indian Himalayas, the population is estimated to be between 227 and 378 mature individuals, primarily in Ladakh and the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, with potential small populations in Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
Conservation Challenges
- Habitat Decline: The species faces a continuing decline in habitat quality and extent.
- Conflict with Livestock: Livestock depredation conflicts are significant, exacerbated by habitat modification and depletion of wild prey.
- Hybridization Threats: Increasing populations of feral dogs in regions like Ladakh and Spiti pose a threat of hybridization.
- Illegal Hunting: The Himalayan Wolf is hunted illegally for its fur and body parts, contributing to its declining numbers.
Conservation Strategies Proposed
- Habitat and Prey Restoration: Securing and restoring healthy wild prey populations and landscapes, and establishing wildlife habitat refuges.
- Improved Livestock Management: Enhancing livestock guarding methods, including predator-proof corral pens, sustainable herding practices, and holistic management practices.
- Feral Dog Population Management: Addressing the growing challenge of feral dogs that threaten the Himalayan Wolf through hybridization.
- Trans-boundary Conservation Efforts: Collaborative efforts among range countries for research, monitoring, and conservation.
- Herding/Pasture Management: Improving practices in regions where wolves are heavily dependent on livestock, such as in Ladakh.
- Inclusion in Conservation Programs: Incorporating the Himalayan Wolf in conservation programs to promote public acceptance and reduce persecution.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Snow Leopard
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian country, has declared the snow leopard as its national symbol.
About Snow Leopard
|
Details |
| Habitat |
Mountainous regions of Central and Southern Asia; in India: western and eastern Himalayas. |
| Indian Geographical Range |
Western Himalayas (J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) and Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh). |
| Project Snow Leopard (2009) |
Aims to strengthen wildlife conservation in the Himalayan high altitudes, involving local communities. |
| Conservation Status |
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I |
| India’s Conservation Efforts |
Flagship species for high altitude Himalayas.
Part of GSLEP Programme since 2013.
Himalaya Sanrakshak community programme (2020).
National Protocol on Snow Leopard Population Assessment (2019)
SECURE Himalaya project (GEF-UNDP funded).
Listed in 21 critically endangered species for recovery by MoEF&CC.
Conservation breeding at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. |
| GSLEP Programme |
Inter-governmental alliance of 12 snow leopard countries (India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan), focusing on ecosystem value awareness. |
| Living Himalaya Network Initiative |
WWF’s initiative across Bhutan, India (North-East), and Nepal for conservation impact in the Eastern Himalayas. |
Significance of the Snow Leopard
- The snow leopard symbolizes the health and stability of mountain ecosystems, which cover a significant portion of the global territory.
- The snow leopard has been a totem animal in ancient Kyrgyz culture, associated with the legendary figure Manas.
- The harmony between humans and nature, symbolized by the snow leopard, is portrayed in Chyngyz Aitmatov’s novel “When Mountains Fall.”
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Field Pansy Flower
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Researchers have found that a flower species in Paris, the field pansy (Viola arvensis), is evolving rapidly, exhibiting reduced nectar production and smaller flower sizes.
- This study aims to understand the impact of these evolutionary changes on plant-pollinator interactions.
Changing Nature of Field Pansy
- Decreased Nectar and Size: The wild pansy variety in Paris showed a 20% reduction in nectar production and a 10% decrease in flower size.
- Comparative Analysis: Scientists compared current flower growth with seeds from 20-30 years ago, observing notable changes.
- Adaptation to Pollinator Decline: The evolution towards self-pollination in field pansies is attributed to the decreasing availability of insect pollinators.
- Experimental Design: The study employed the “resurrection ecology” method, planting seeds from the 1990s and 2000s alongside their 2021 descendants.
Implications of Self-Pollination and Evolutionary Shifts
- Contrast with Angiosperm Convention: The move towards self-pollination deviates from the typical reliance of angiosperms on insects for pollination.
- Long-Term Coevolution: The traditional plant-insect relationship, involving nectar production for pollination, has evolved over 100 million years.
- Genetic Analysis: Population genetics analysis revealed a 27% increase in selfing rates, with consistent trait shifts across studied populations.
Concerns and Potential Consequences
- Short-Term Benefits, Long-Term Risks: While self-pollination may offer short-term advantages, it poses long-term survival threats to plants amid environmental changes.
- Feedback Loop Risks: Reduced nectar production could lead to further declines in pollinator populations, creating a detrimental eco-evolutionary feedback loop.
- Network Degradation: The study highlights the degradation of plant-pollinator networks, as observed in previous research.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Namdapha flying squirrel, missing for 42 years, has been sighted again in Arunachal Pradesh.
- This rare species was last documented in 1981 in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve.
Namdapha Flying Squirrel
|
Details |
| Species Name |
Namdapha Flying Squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) |
| Type |
Arboreal, nocturnal flying squirrel |
| Endemic Region |
Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India |
| Habitat |
Tall Mesua ferrea jungles, often on hill slopes in the catchment area of the Dihing River, northeastern India |
| First Discovery |
Known from a single specimen collected in Namdapha National Park in 1981 |
| Physical Description |
– Reddish, grizzled fur with white above
– Pale grey crown, orangish patagium, white underparts |
| Genus Significance |
Was the sole member of its genus until the discovery of other species like Biswamoyopterus laoensis (2013) and Biswamoyopterus gaoligongensis (2018) |
| Conservation Status |
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Wildlife Protection Act Status: Schedule I |
| Threats |
Threatened by poaching and possibly habitat destruction |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Tent Turtles
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Zonal Unit, Lucknow, acted on specific intelligence to intercept an illegal wildlife trade of 436 baby Indian Tent turtles.
About Indian Tent Turtles
|
Details |
| Scientific Classification |
Pangshura tentoria, Family: Geoemydidae |
| Diet |
Mainly herbivorous, active swimmer. |
| Habitat |
Prefers still water pools on river sides and slow running water near river banks. |
| Distribution |
Native to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. |
| Conservation Status |
– Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
– IUCN Status: Least Concern
– CITES: Appendix II. |
| Major Threats |
Illegal trade in the pet market due to its attractive appearance. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Saiga Antelope
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Saiga Antelope has been reclassified from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
About Saiga Antelope
|
Details |
| Scientific Name |
Saiga tatarica |
| Physical Characteristics |
Notable for its distinctive bulbous nose; relatively small, with a thin build and long, thin legs |
| Habitat |
Primarily found in the steppe region of Central Asia and Eastern Europe |
| Population Distribution |
Predominantly in Kazakhstan and Russia, with smaller populations in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Mongolia |
| Conservation Status |
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
CITES: Appendix II |
| Major Threats |
Poaching for horns (used in traditional medicine), habitat loss, and disease outbreaks like pasteurellosis |
| Diet |
Herbivorous, feeding on a variety of grasses and plants |
| Breeding |
Known for its rapid population growth under favorable conditions; breeds in large herds |
| Migration |
Notable for long-distance seasonal migrations |
| Cultural Significance |
Featured in the folklore and culture of the local steppe communities |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mauritian Dodo
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Mauritian authorities are now working to resurrect the human-caused extinct bird ‘Dodo’.
About Mauritian Dodo
|
Details |
| Scientific Name |
Raphus cucullatus |
| Physical Characteristics |
Large, flightless bird; about 1 meter tall, weighing 10-18 kg; large beak, stubby wings. |
| Habitat |
Endemic to Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean; lived in forests and possibly coastal areas. |
| Discovery and Extinction |
Discovered by Dutch Colonist in late 16th century; extinct by the late 17th century, last sighting around 1662. |
| Causes of Extinction |
Human hunting and introduced species like rats, pigs, and monkeys. |
| Diet |
Likely fruits, nuts, seeds, bulbs, and possibly small animals. |
| Behavior |
Exhibited no fear of humans due to lack of natural predators. |
| Cultural Impact |
Symbol of extinct and endangered species; featured in the phrase “as dead as a dodo.” |
| Representation |
Depicted in literature and art, notably in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” |
Science of De-Extinction
- Genetic Blueprint: The first step in de-extinction is obtaining a complete and accurate genome of the species.
- Genome Sequencing: Paleo-geneticists have successfully sequenced the dodo’s genome using DNA from a museum specimen.
- Comparative Genomics: The dodo’s genome is being compared with that of its closest extinct and extant relatives to identify unique dodo traits.
Process of Resurrecting
- Editing Genetic Material: The project involves editing the primordial germ cells (PGCs) of the Nicobar pigeon, the dodo’s closest living relative, to express dodo traits.
- Interspecies Surrogacy: These edited PGCs will be inserted into chicken embryos, with chickens acting as interspecies surrogates to potentially birth a dodo offspring.
- Physical Resemblance: The aim is to create a bird physically indistinguishable from historical accounts of the dodo.
Challenges and Concerns
- Scientific Hurdles: Experts emphasize the complexity of recreating a species and the time required for selective breeding to achieve dodo-like characteristics.
- Habitat Restoration: Mauritius’ transformed landscape poses challenges for reintroducing the dodo, necessitating the control or removal of invasive species.
- Alternative Habitats: The project considers reintroducing dodos to more pristine, uninhabited islands like Round Island and Aigrettes.
Motivations behind the Project
- Ecosystem Restoration: Reintroducing the dodo could help restore mutualistic relationships in Mauritius’ ecosystem, particularly in seed dispersal.
- Conservation Technology: The techniques developed could aid in conserving and restoring other endangered avian species.
- Symbolic Value: The project is driven by a desire to create ‘conservation optimism’, using the dodo as a symbol of hope in the face of human-caused extinctions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Megamouth Shark
Mains level: Not Much
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
|
Details
|
| Scientific Name |
Megachasma pelagios |
| Discovery |
First discovered in 1976 off the coast of Hawaii. |
| Appearance |
Large mouth, bulbous head, rubbery lip, dark grey/black body with a white underbelly. |
| Size |
Up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length. |
| Diet |
Filter feeder, consuming plankton, jellyfish, and small fish. |
| Habitat |
Deepwater species, found at depths of 150 to 1,000 meters (490 to 3,280 feet). |
| Behavior |
Rarely seen, swims with mouth open to filter food. |
| Reproduction |
Presumed to be ovoviviparous, but details are largely unknown. |
| Distribution |
Wide but rare distribution in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. |
| Conservation Status |
Least Concerned (IUCN) |
| Scientific Interest |
Valued for its unique anatomy and role in the deep-sea ecosystem. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Double-Humped Camels
Mains level: NA
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:
- Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
- Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
- 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.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wild Okra (Abelmoschus Odishae)
Mains level: NA
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:
-
- This perennial shrub reaches up to 5 meters in height and features a densely hispid, spiny stem with backward-facing hairs.
- The plant is adorned with large, vibrant yellow flowers.
- Its seeds are nearly kidney-shaped, with short, robust, non-spiral trichomes.
- 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.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lantana Camara
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In an exhibition in Bengaluru, sculptures of elephants made from Lantana camara gained popular attraction.
About Lantana Camara
- Lantana camara, commonly known as lantana, belongs to the verbena family (Verbenaceae) and originates from the American tropics.
- Lantana was introduced to India in the early 19th century as an ornamental plant during the British colonial period. Its colorful flowers made it popular in gardens.
- This shrub has the ability to spread across forest floors, climb like a creeper over trees, and easily intertwine with native vegetation.
- Lantana is highly adaptable, thriving in diverse ecosystems.
Impacts on Local ecosystem
- Lantana’s invasive nature poses a serious threat to native flora and fauna. It competes with native plants for resources, often leading to a reduction in native biodiversity.
- It forms dense thickets that alter the structure of habitats that impede the movement of animals and change the microhabitat conditions, such as light availability and soil composition.
- It can invade agricultural land, reducing crop yields, and can also infest pastures, impacting grazing for livestock.
- It is toxic to livestock and can cause health issues if ingested. This adds to the economic burden for farmers who need to ensure their animals do not graze on lantana-infested land.
- The plant increases the risk of fire in the ecosystems it invades because it forms dense thickets that can easily catch and spread fire.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Music Frog
Mains level: NA
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.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ghol Fish
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Gujarat government’s decision to declare the ‘Ghol’ as the state fish highlights its uniqueness and economic value.
About Ghol Fish
- The Ghol fish or the Blackspotted Croaker, is a significant species in marine fisheries.
- It belongs to the family Sciaenidae and is scientifically known as Protonibea diacanthus.
- It is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Persian Gulf to Indonesia and north to Japan.
- The Ghol fish is characterized by its robust body, brownish color, and the presence of black spots on its sides.
- It has a large mouth and a slightly protruding lower jaw.
- This species can grow quite large, with some individuals reaching up to 1 meter in length and weighing around 25 kilograms.
Economic Value of Ghol
- The Ghol fish is highly valued, especially for its fish maw (dried swim bladder), which is a delicacy and used in traditional medicines, particularly in East Asian markets.
- The fish maw is believed to have various health benefits and is often used in soups and stews.
- It can fetch high prices in the market, sometimes as much as Rs 25,000 per kilogram.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Conocarpus Plant
Mains level: NA
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.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nilgiri Tahr
Mains level: Not Much
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.
About Nilgiri Tahr
IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered
Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I
- It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India.
- It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
- The Nilgiri tahr inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests eco-region.
- At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally known as sholas.
- Eravikulam National Park is home to the largest population of this Tahr.
- It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild. It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.
|
Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project
- Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, TN government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through-
- Surveys and radio telemetry studies;
- Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat;
- Address proximate threats; and
- 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.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gurnards or Sea-robins
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have unveiled a captivating discovery— Gurnards, a new species of deep water marine fish, displaying a striking orange hue.
- This remarkable find was made off the coast of Digha Mohana in West Bengal.
Gurnards or Sea-robins
- The newfound species falls within the Triglidae family, commonly referred to as gurnards or sea-robins.
- Named Pterygotrigla intermedica, this species exhibits distinct characteristics that set it apart from its counterparts, such as Pterygotrigla hemisticta.
- It marks the fourth species within the Pterygotrigla genus to be reported in India.
- This family boasts a global diversity with a total of 178 species, emphasizing the significance of this discovery.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mithun/Gayal
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently recognized the mithun as a ‘food animal,’ opening doors for its commercial use.
About Mithun
- The Mithun, also known as the Gayal (scientifically Bos frontalis), is believed to have evolved from the Indian Gaur or bison.
- It was first described in 1804 by Aylmer Bourke Lambert.
- It holds significant cultural and socio-economic importance among tribes like the Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, and Adi in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Its habitat spans Northeast India, Bangladesh, northern Myanmar, and Yunnan, China.
- It is often referred to as the ‘cattle of the mountain.’
- The gayal serves as the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
Conservation status
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I.
Recognition as a ‘Food Animal’
- This move has sparked efforts to help farmers and tribal communities benefit economically from the sale and processing of mithun meat.
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has introduced the M-ANITRA app, facilitating the registration of Mithun farmers as both “buyers” and “sellers” to engage in competitive trade.
- Mithun farmers from various villages in Northeast India have been participating in training programs conducted by organizations like the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun.
- Farmers are adopting practices to protect mithun, including enclosures, night shelters, and vaccinations.
- Mithuns, when sold as meat, can fetch high prices, with an average selling price of Rs 300 per kg.
- The opportunity to commercially sell mithun meat is generating excitement among farmers.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Red Sand Boa
Mains level: Not Much
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.
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