IUCN lists Hump-backed Mahseer as Critically Endangered

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed Hump-backed Mahseer as Critically Endangered in the Red List of Threatened Species.

Hump-backed Mahseer

The Hump-backed Mahseer is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish and is referred to as tiger of the water. The Hump-backed Mahseer is found only in the Cauvery river basin including Pambar, Kabini and Bhavani rivers. There are about 16 species of mahseer in India.

There is a need for strong willingness and cooperation from a range of stakeholders in three states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka across the River Cauvery which is one of India’s most contested rivers.

Shoal, an international organisation working to conserve freshwater species has initiated ‘Project Mahseer’ in collaboration with other stakeholders to enable conservation action for the hump-backed mahseer.

Hornbill

Great hornbill which was earlier categorised as “Near Threatened”. It is now “Vulnerable” due to high hunting pressure coupled with habitat loss and deforestation. The wreathed hornbill has moved from “Least Concern” to “Vulnerable” by IUCN.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2019