Scientists document Sperm Whales ‘Phonetic Alphabet’

Prelims Only Species | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Sperm Whales, Project CETI

Why in the news?

A recent study has uncovered the intricate structure of their communication system, which appears to possess a “phonetic alphabet,” offering new insights into the depth of their social interactions.
- Sperm whales, the largest toothed whales, utilize a diverse array of vocalizations to communicate, including bursts of clicking noises known as ‘codas’.

About Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus)).

Sperm whales, the largest toothed whales
It has a series of vertical creases or wrinkles on its body and a small, inconspicuous dorsal fin located near the rear of its back.
The sperm whale uses ‘echolocation’ to navigate and locate prey during these deep dives.
- Prey: Sperm whales primarily feed on squid (including the giant squid) sharks and deep-sea fish.
- Habitat: Sperm whales are found in deep oceanic waters worldwide, from the equator to the edges of the pack ice in the Arctic and Antarctic.
- Behavior: Known for their exceptional diving capabilities, sperm whales can dive to depths of over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) and stay submerged for up to 90 minutes. They are social animals, typically found in groups called ‘pods’, which can contain up to twenty individuals.
Conservation Status: Listed as ‘VULNERABLE’ by the IUCN.
- Threats cause: Collisions with ships, entanglement in fishing gear, and noise pollution.

Insights from the Study:

Expressivity: The study, which utilized data from Project CETI demonstrated that sperm whale calls exhibit a broader range of expressivity than previously recognized, hinting at a nuanced mode of communication.
Social Dynamics: Like all marine mammals, sperm whales rely heavily on vocalizations as an integral aspect of their social interactions.
Contextual Analysis: The next phase of research aims to decipher the behavioural context surrounding sperm whale vocalizations, shedding light on their potential meanings.

About Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative)

Project CETI is a non-profit, interdisciplinary scientific and conservation initiative on a mission to listen to and translate the communication of sperm whales off the island of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean.

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following animals

Sea cow
Sea horse
Sea lion

Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

Preserving Rajasthan’s Semal Trees

Prelims Only Species | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Semal Trees and its habitat

Mains level: NA

Why in the News?

Despite its ecological importance, rampant harvesting of Semal Trees for bonfires poses a grave threat to their existence, undermining biodiversity and cultural heritage alike.

About Semal/ Silk Cotton Trees

The Semal tree, scientifically known as Bombax ceiba, is a deciduous tropical tree.
It is native to India, South-East Asia, and Northern Australia.
It can grow up to 60 meters tall. It has a distinctive straight trunk, often with spiky thorns, and a wide, spreading canopy.
It produces vivid red flowers that are large and attractive, making it quite conspicuous when in bloom.
The fruit of the Semal tree is a capsule that contains several seeds surrounded by a fibrous, cotton-like substance which is wind-dispersed.

Commercial Uses

The fibers extracted from the fruit, known as kapok, are used for stuffing pillows, mattresses, and life jackets due to their buoyancy and insulating properties.
The wood is soft and is often used for making paper, while in rural areas, it is used as fuelwood and for making cheap furniture.

Ecological Significance

Members of tribal communities consume the tree’s reddish root for food during the monsoons.
Larvae of the moth Bucculatrix crateracma feed on its leaves.
The golden-crowned sparrow weaves the lining of its nests with white cotton from its seeds.

Felling of a Semal Tree: Which laws are violated?

Rajasthan Forest Act 1953: This act prohibits various activities in reserved forests without prior permission. Specifically, it bars any unauthorized person from felling, uprooting, damaging, or otherwise harming trees. Violating these prohibitions can lead to penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the severity of the offence. Semal tree is not recorded in the state’s list of ‘rare, threatened, and endangered’ species. (Trees on this list enjoy priority conservation efforts.) (Indian Kanoon)
Forest (Conservation) Act 1980: This act is more comprehensive at the national level and was enacted to provide for the conservation of forests and to regulate deforestation. It requires that any non-forest use of forest land must have prior approval from the Central Government. This includes clearances for felling trees, which are only granted under specific conditions that ensure the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources. (UNEPLawEnvAssistantPlat)

PYQ:

[2015] In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?

(a) Tropical moist deciduous forest

(b) Tropical rainforest

(d) Temperate forest with grasslands

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Species in news: Himalayan Magpies

Prelims Only Species | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Himalayan Magpies

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

Blue magpie species are frequently observed from Kashmir to Myanmar.

About Himalayan Magpies

Magpies belong to the Corvidae family, which also includes crows, jays, and ravens.
These birds are typically noisy and inquisitive, often featured as omens in folklore around the world.
Species Distribution and Habitat:
- Gold-billed Magpie (Urocissa flavirostris): Also known as the yellow-billed blue magpie, this species inhabits high altitudes between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level, thriving in the high-altitude zones of the Himalayas from Kashmir to Myanmar.
- Red-billed Magpie: Found at slightly lower altitudes than the gold-billed magpie.
- Blue Magpie: Occupies lower altitudes and is more likely to be found near human settlements. It builds nests in rhododendron trees.
IUCN Status: ‘Least Concerned’

Observations:

The best sightings of yellow and red-billed magpies are along a trekking corridor in Western Sikkim, which spans from tropical forests at lower altitudes to Alpine landscapes.
Over 250 species of birds have been documented in this region, with significant bird activity around 2,500 meters.

PYQ:

[2014] If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses.

Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?

Painted Stork
Common Myna
Black-necked Crane

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

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New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

Kerala bans Oleander Flowers in Temple Offerings

Prelims Only Species | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Oleander Flowers

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

(d) None of the above

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New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

Glyptothorax punyabratai: A New Catfish Species discovered

Species | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Glyptothorax punyabratai and its natural habitat

Mains level: NA

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

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

Scintillating Sea Creatures and their Uniqueness

Prelims Only Species | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Scintillating Sea Creatures mentioned in the newscard

Mains level: NA

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

Sea cow
Sea horse
Sea lion

Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

Criollo: Cattle Breed that can withstand Climate Change

Species | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Criollo Cattle Breed

Mains level: NA

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

(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

(d) Life Expectancy

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Caracals on the brink of extinction in India

Prelims Only Species | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Caracals and their habitat in India

Mains level: NA

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.

(d) Both B and C stated above are correct in this context.

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

North Atlantic Right Whales: Threats and Conservation Imperatives

Species | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: North Atlantic Right Whales
Mains level: NA
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.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Possible Uptick in Hangul Population in Kashmir

Prelims Only Species | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Hangul (Kashmir Stag)

Mains level: NA

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

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

Post your responses here.

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Type: Species

Why in the news?

About Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus)).

Insights from the Study:

About Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative)

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Semal/ Silk Cotton Trees

Commercial Uses

Ecological Significance

Felling of a Semal Tree: Which laws are violated?

PYQ:

Why in the news?

About Himalayan Magpies

Observations:

PYQ:

Why in the news?

What is Oleander?

Traditional Medicinal Uses:

Toxicity of Oleander:

PYQ:

Why in the news?

Glyptothorax punyabratai

PYQ:

Why in the News?

PYQ:

Why in the news?

About Criollo Cattle Breed

PYQ:

Practice MCQ:

Why in the news?

About Caracals

Conservation Status

Protection Efforts

PYQ:

Why in the news?

Impact of Entanglement

About Right Whales

North Atlantic Right Whales

PYQ:

Practice MCQ:

In the news

About Hangul (Kashmir Stag)

Threats to Hanguls

About Dachigam National Park

Try this PYQ from CSP 2012: