Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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Leopardus pardinoides, the clouded tiger cat, is a small wild cat that was proposed as a new species in 2024. A member of the tiger cat complex, it boasts short, round ears and a long tail. Inhabiting high-altitude cloud forests across Central and South America, this small wild cat is distinguished by having only one pair of mammae/teats.

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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.

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The Global Society for the Preservation of Baobabs and Mangroves (GSPBM) launches a pioneering effort to revive Madagascar’s iconic baobab trees. These long-lived giants, also known as the “upside-down tree,” are crucial for biodiversity. With nine species worldwide, they store water in their massive trunks, supporting life in arid landscapes. Found mainly in Africa and Madagascar, baobabs symbolize resilience, earning them the title “Tree of Life” for their ecological significance.

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In a milestone for India, the Eurasian otter was recently radio-tagged in Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. This marks the first instance of such tagging in the country. India is also home to two other otter species: the Smooth-coated otter and the Asian small-clawed otter. The Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) is classified as near threatened by the IUCN, with protected status under India’s Wildlife Protection Act and CITES Appendix I. It boasts brown fur, webbed feet, and unique adaptations for its aquatic lifestyle.

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Scientists recently discovered that Leaf Litter Frogs emit ultrasonic sounds as a defense against predators. These high-frequency screams, inaudible to humans, are a survival strategy for the most abundant frog species in forest communities. Found in Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, they inhabit leaf litter and low vegetation. Females are the largest at 64mm. Despite their unique adaptation, they are categorized as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Ultrasonic waves exceed human hearing frequencies.

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Scientists recently found 160 marine species in the Salas y Gomez ridge, an oceanic ridge in the Southeastern Pacific. This region, isolated by the Atacama Trench and the Humboldt Current System, boasts high marine endemism. Most waters are beyond national jurisdiction, leaving 73% of the area unprotected. The discovery, including at least 50 new species, was made during an expedition to Rapa Nui (Easter Island), fueling consideration for high seas marine protection.

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Over 40 years, ISRO’s satellite imagery reveals a 178% expansion of the Gepang Gath glacial lake in Himachal Pradesh, growing from 36.49 to 101.30 hectares by 2022. ISRO warns of a 1.96-hectare yearly increase, signaling heightened risk. Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) threaten downstream communities, triggered by natural dam failures due to factors like avalanches and extreme weather. Recent GLOFs in Sikkim caused severe flooding, damaging infrastructure and raising concerns over future events.

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A new plant species, Stellaria mcclintockiae, has been identified by researchers in the Nelliyampathy hills, belonging to the Stellaria (Caryophyllaceae species) group. Named in tribute to geneticist Barbara McClintock, it’s the first of its kind discovered in southern India. The species exhibits distinct traits compared to others in the wild, marking a significant addition to botanical knowledge. Stellaria mcclintockiae is classified within the Stellaria media group, enriching our understanding of plant diversity.

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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issues draft notification defining the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) for Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan. The ESZ aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and conserve wildlife. The sanctuary, established in 1983, houses endangered species like leopard, Indian wolf, and vulture. The draft proposes an ESZ of 348.60 sq km around the sanctuary’s core area. Public feedback is sought within 60 days. A Supreme Court directive mandates ESZs for all protected forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.

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ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) found severe coral bleaching in Lakshadweep Sea due to prolonged maritime heatwaves since October 2023. Corals, sessile organisms, suffered due to warm waters, ejecting algae, their food source. Lakshadweep’s islands, mostly coral atolls, rely on coral-derived soil. Bleaching affects major islands like Bitra, Kiltan, Amini, Andrott, Kalpeni, and Kavaratti. Coral reefs, vital ecosystems, face significant threat in the region due to rising sea temperatures.