Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Rajasthan State governments recently alarmed community dwellers by designating ‘orans’ as deemed forests, sparking fears of restricted access to forest resources. Orans, sacred spaces abundant in biodiversity with water bodies, are community-managed forests sustaining traditional water resources. These areas serve as vital spaces for herders, communal gatherings, festivals, and daily resource extraction, impacting the livelihoods of rural communities. The notification has raised concerns about the potential loss of access to essential forest produce for villagers.

Notes:
Despite conservation efforts, Kashmir’s hangul deer, also known as the Kashmir stag, faces extinction. This shy and sensitive species, the only surviving Asiatic sub-species of the European red deer, is Jammu and Kashmir’s state animal. Endemic to Kashmir’s hills, particularly in Dachigam National Park, it suffers from habitat loss and poaching. Critically endangered according to IUCN and listed in CITES Appendix I, urgent measures are needed to save it from disappearing.

Notes:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA) 1972. Applicants must apply to the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) for elephant transfer, who verifies facilities and forwards the request to the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW). In-state transfers are approved within seven days by the CWW, while inter-state transfers involve coordination between CWWs.

Notes:
Scientists from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation in India discovered Cnemaspis vangoghi, a new lizard species in Tamil Nadu’s Southern Western Ghats. Named after Vincent Van Gogh, it measures up to 3.4 cm and sports a striking coloration reminiscent of ‘The Starry Night’. Preferring rocky habitats, it can be found on buildings and trees. Alongside C. vangoghi, another species, Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis, was identified in the same region. Both species inhabit low-elevation forests in the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve.

Notes:
The Forest Department conducted the annual wildlife census at Point Calimere, located in Kodiakkarai, Tamil Nadu. Also known as Cape Calimere, it’s situated on the Coromandel Coast, about 9 km south of Vedaranyam. This area boasts historical significance with structures like the Kodi Kuzhagar temple from the Chola period and a Chola lighthouse, destroyed during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The forests here are remnants of the East Deccan dry evergreen forests ecoregion.

Notes:
The forest department is eradicating Senna spectabilis, a highly invasive tree, from Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR). Originally introduced as ornamental trees by private estates, the Madras High Court ordered their removal due to ecological impact on local reserves. Belonging to the legume family, native to South and Central America, it’s also known as golden wonder tree for its bright yellow flowers. Despite medicinal uses, including treating ringworm and food-borne pathogens, its removal is necessary for preserving local ecology.

Notes:
Mumbai, India, is the first city in India to install 210 artificial reefs, which are being built in the Arabian Sea near Worli Koliwada. The RPG Foundation (RPGF) has funded the initiative, which is part of its Project Nature marine conservation initiative. The reefs are made from recycled cement and cost Rs 62 lakh to install. The reefs are a significant milestone in marine conservation. They will provide a steady supply of commercial fish and benefit local fishermen.

Notes:
Miraj, a town in Maharashtra’s Sangli district, famed for crafting sitars and tanpuras, earns Geographical Indication (GI) tags. These instruments are highly sought after by classical musicians and film industry professionals. Craftsmanship from Miraj is renowned, with artisans claiming their instruments are favored by prominent artists for their quality and sound.

Notes:
Neptis philyra, a rare butterfly species known as the long-streak sailor, was recently discovered in India’s Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Previously found in east Asia, it boasts serrated wings with rich brownish-black on top and yellow-brown underneath, featuring a distinctive “hockey stick” pattern on the forewing. Part of the Nymphalidae family, it thrives in habitats like evergreen forests and rocky streams, marking a significant addition to India’s biodiversity.

Notes:
Madhya Pradesh is leading in implementing the Green Credit Programme, with 500+ approved land parcels for tree plantation across 10 states in two months. 10,000 hectares of land are earmarked. MP has the highest approved degraded forest land (954 hectares), followed by Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Assam. Public sector undertakings will carry out plantations to earn green credits. The program focuses on ecosystem services, promoting non-carbon environmental actions, benefiting local soil, water, and ecosystems.