Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Himalayan mountains are ecologically sensitive and culturally rich, yet often politically overlooked. In Ladakh, irresponsible tourism and rash development threaten unique wildlife adapted to extreme conditions. The Hanle valley, near the Indo-China border and part of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, is home to threatened species like the Pallas’s cat, Tibetan sand fox, snow leopard, and black-necked crane. Conservation efforts are vital to protect this fragile ecosystem.

Notes:
Researchers from the Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) at Christ College, Irinjalakuda, reported two new flower fly species, Mesembrius bengalensis and M. quadrivittatus, from Kerala’s Kole wetlands and Vilagan Kunnu hillocks. Flower flies, belonging to the Syrphidae family, mimic bees or wasps and are crucial pollinators. The Kole wetlands, Kerala’s largest brackish tropical ecosystem, lie between the Chalakudy and Bharathapuzha Rivers and are part of the central Asian Flyway for migratory birds.

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Researchers found that the Charles Darwin’s frog, native to the Andaman Islands, may be breeding in unnatural sites due to habitat loss and resource competition. This frog, part of the Dicroglossidae family, exhibits unique mating behavior, including males using complex calls and fighting rivals. The species is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

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Alarming tiger deaths and hunting incidents have been reported in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Located in Umaria district between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges, it became a national park in 1968 and a tiger reserve in 1993. Known for its valleys, hills, plains, and the historic Bandhavgarh fort, the reserve has tropical moist, deciduous forests with sal, mixed forest, grasslands, and bamboo.

Notes:
A four-ringed butterfly, the great four-ring (Ypthima cantliei), was rediscovered in Namdapha National Park after 61 years. Last seen in Assam in 1957, it was photographed during a 2018-19 survey. Identified by its morphology and habitat, this butterfly belongs to the Nymphalidae family, which has 6,000 species. India has 35 Ypthima species, with 23 in the northeast. China, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar also host significant Ypthima diversity.

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The Union Agriculture Minister announced an ₹18,000 crore plan to establish 100 export-oriented horticulture clusters over five years. Horticulture clusters are areas where specific crops are grown, processed, and marketed. This investment aims to improve quality and competitiveness of crops like apples and mangoes. By focusing on export standards, these clusters will help boost India’s global share in horticulture and increase farm income.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has analyzed precipitation and drought trends using the Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI). The SPI estimates wet or dry conditions based on long-term precipitation data, ideally over 30 years. It provides negative values for droughts and positive values for wet conditions. The index includes various timescales ranging from 1 to 72 months to assess the severity of conditions.

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The Chhattisgarh government has announced the creation of a new tiger reserve named Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve. It is located in northern Chhattisgarh near Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. It will be the state’s fourth tiger reserve after Indravati (in Bijapur district), Udanti-Sitanadi (Gariaband) and Achanakmar (Mungeli). The reserve combines areas from Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary. It hosts various animals like tigers, leopards, and bears, and is a source for major rivers including Hasdeo Gopad and Baranga.

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According to recent study, climate change may reduce the Malabar Tree Toad’s range by up to 68.7% in India’s protected areas. This toad is the only species in the genus Pedostibes and was first discovered in 1876 but not seen again until 1980. It was rediscovered in Silent Valley National Park, Kerala. It is endemic to India’s Western Ghats. It lives in evergreen to moist deciduous forests, climbing trees and dwelling in tree cavities. Unique among Indian toads for its tree-climbing ability, it breeds in water pools during the monsoon.

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India launched its first survey of high-risk glacial lakes in Tawang and Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative follows a glacial lake outburst flood in Sikkim’s South Lhonak lake last October. It is led by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). It is part of the National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Mission. The survey aims to assess risks and feasibility for early warning systems and other preventive measures. It will evaluate lake accessibility, geo coordinates, boundaries, elevation, and land use patterns to install early warning systems and weather stations.