Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, boasts rich biodiversity including rare species like the brown palm civet, recently discovered by the Discover Koyna group. Endemic to the Western Ghats, these civets play a crucial role in seed dispersal, promoting native rainforest growth. A 2021 study highlighted their habitat spanning 21,853 sq km across the Ghats, with significant populations in Anamalai, Nilgiris, and other reserves. The sanctuary, integral to the UNESCO-listed Western Ghats, houses diverse flora like teak and wildlife such as Indian bison and leopards. It’s closely associated with the Koyna Dam, a vital water source in Maharashtra.

Notes:
A 4-month-old Asiatic bear cub was rescued from Kolortang village in Lohit district and transferred to the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation in Pakke Tiger Reserve. Pakke Tiger Reserve, located in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Kameng district, spans 862 sq. km and features diverse habitats. It is a transition zone between Indian and Malayan ecoregions, with elevations from 100 to 2,000 meters. The Nyishi tribe aids in its conservation.

Notes:
The Philippines has been selected to host the board of the “Loss and Damage” fund, a significant step in aiding communities affected by climate change. This decision arose during UN talks focused on financial support for nations impacted by global warming. The World Bank will temporarily oversee the fund for four years, though concerns exist regarding its influence, particularly from powerful funding nations like the US. The Philippines aims to enhance global climate policy discussions, given its vulnerability to natural disasters.

Notes:
The Romanian parliament approved the culling of nearly 500 brown bears to control overpopulation, shocking animal lovers worldwide. Brown bears, Europe’s largest carnivores, are omnivorous and fast, running at 30 mph. Found in diverse habitats, they play key roles as predators and seed dispersers. Romania hosts over 60% of Europe’s brown bears. Despite this, their conservation status is “Least Concern” by IUCN, and they’re listed in CITES Appendix I.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Japan’s meteorological agency warns of a higher chance of strong earthquakes and tsunamis on the Nankai Trough. The Nankai Trough is a subduction zone in the Pacific Ocean where two tectonic plates meet. It stretches about 900 km from Shizuoka, near Tokyo, to the southern tip of Kyushu Island. Massive earthquakes, called “megathrust quakes,” occur here every century or two, often in pairs. These quakes can trigger dangerous tsunamis along Japan’s southern coast.

Notes:
Three more Indian wetlands have been added to the Ramsar list, including Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary, and Tawa Reservoir. Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary is in Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu, named after King Nanjarayan who restored the lake. Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary, declared in 2021, is a brackish shallow lake on the Coromandel Coast in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, and is rich in biodiversity. Tawa Reservoir, the largest protected area in Madhya Pradesh, is located inside the Satpura Tiger Reserve at the confluence of the Tawa and Denwa rivers.

Notes:
Typhoon Ampil hit the Tokyo area with heavy rains and mudslide warnings in northern Japan. The typhoon has led to hundreds of cancellations, impacting travel plans. With gusts up to 180 km/h, there are warnings for floods, landslides, and violent gusts. Climate change is making this typhoon season particularly intense, challenging Japan’s preparedness and response.

Notes:
A Mumbai-based lepidopterist recorded 85 butterfly species during a four-day expedition at Tale Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Subansiri district. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Subansiri district. The sanctuary is a plateau covering 337 sq. km and is situated at an altitude of 2400 meters.
Rivers like Pange, Sipu, Karing, and Subansiri flow through the sanctuary. It is home to the Apatani tribe, known for their unique customs and handicrafts. The sanctuary features subtropical and alpine forests, including unique flora like Pleioblastus simone bamboo and various medicinal plants.

Notes:
Poba Reserve Forest in Assam’s Dhemaji district will soon become a wildlife sanctuary. It is a rainforest in northeastern Assam, created in 1924, covering 10,221 hectares. It is located near the Himalayan foothills. The forest is bordered by the Siang, Dibang, and Lohit rivers, Brahmaputra, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, and Jonai villages. Ethnic groups like Mising, Bodo, Sonowal Kachari, and Hajong inhabit the area. Rich in flora and fauna, including slow loris, capped langur, and wild boar. Home to 45 species of birds and reptiles, and diverse fish species. Important migratory route for elephants, connecting other wildlife areas.