Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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A new freshwater crab species, Ghatiana karnataka, has been scientifically described from the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka. It is the 15th known species of the genus Ghatiana in the Western Ghats. Eight Ghatiana species, including the new species, are endemic to Karnataka. Ghatiana karnataka has a dark purple body and light pink claws and can be found throughout the year near perennial streams in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. The species is considered a bio-indicator, as its presence suggests a relatively clean, undisturbed and healthy forest ecosystem. The discovery highlights the biodiversity richness of the Western Ghats

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A new Himalayan flowering plant has been formally named Impatiens nimspurjai in honour of legendary Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja. The plant was discovered in Myagdi district of Nepal at an altitude of around 2,800–2,900 metres. It belongs to the genus Impatiens and the family Balsaminaceae. The naming recognises Purja’s contribution to mountaineering and high-altitude environmental conservation, including the Big Mountain Cleanup initiative. Purja famously climbed all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in six months and six days in 2019.

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The Madras High Court has declared the Tamirabharani (Porunai) River a deity, granting it legal personhood. The court ruled that no one has the right to pollute the river, including in the name of religion. However, immersion of ashes in the river has been permitted. The Tamirabharani originates from Agastyarkoodam Peak in the Pothigai Hills of the Western Ghats. It flows through Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts before entering the Gulf of Mannar. It is described as Tamil Nadu’s only perennial river, receiving water from both the Southwest and Northeast Monsoons.

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Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam recorded the first-ever sighting of the rare migratory Smew (Mergellus albellus). Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 70.13 sq km and is located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Nagaon district, Assam. It forms part of the Laokhowa–Burhachapori ecosystem and is a notified buffer of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary supports more than 225 bird species and diverse wildlife, including the greater one-horned rhinoceros, elephant, Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic water buffalo.

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A monsoon bird survey at Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, recorded 124 bird species. The survey was conducted by the Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division and Warblers and Waders. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, in the Western Ghats. It was established in 1983 and covers an area of about 53 sq km. The sanctuary lies around the catchment area of the Karamana River and Peppara Dam. It forms part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve and supports diverse forest ecosystems.

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Researchers from Ravenshaw University and Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Netherlands have identified a new species of tiny bivalve from Odisha. The new species has been named Deltachion ravenshaw (D. ravenshaw). The species was named after Ravenshaw University in recognition of its role in the research. It belongs to the Donacidae family of bivalves, generally found in shallow, sandy marine habitats. The species was discovered during a macrobenthic survey at Astaranga, near the mouth of the Devi River in Puri. It was found in the sandy intertidal stretches of the Devi estuary.

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The black robin, also known as karure or Chatham Island black robin, has been named New Zealand’s Bird of the Year 2026. It received more than 25,000 votes, finishing ahead of the kākāpō and kārearea (New Zealand falcon). More than 105,000 people participated in the 2026 competition. The black robin is naturally found only in the Chatham Islands, around 800 km east of mainland New Zealand. The species faced an extreme population decline and was reduced to just five birds by 1980, including only one fertile female named Old Blue. Conservationists used intensive breeding programmes and even employed Chatham Island tits as foster parents to help raise black robin chicks.

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Recently, Hebbal Lake has been in the news over the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA)’s proposed 2.28-km short tunnel and elevated corridor project. Hebbal Lake is a historic, man-made urban lake in northern Bengaluru. It was created by Kempe Gowda in 1537 and is one of the lakes traditionally associated with Bengaluru’s early lake system. The lake is ecologically important for groundwater recharge, flood management and biodiversity, particularly as a habitat for resident and migratory birds. The proposed project is intended to ease traffic congestion in the Hebbal area.

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The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has announced a synchronised All-India Sarus Crane Survey on 10–11 October 2026 to estimate the bird’s population and identify conservation priorities. The survey aims to establish a reliable national population baseline, identify important habitats, map breeding and feeding sites, and develop evidence-based conservation strategies. The Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone) is the world’s tallest flying bird, reaching approximately 1.5 metres in height. It is the only resident breeding crane species in India and is closely associated with wetlands, marshes, grasslands and agricultural landscapes. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the Sarus Crane is classified as Vulnerable.

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India’s first Red List Assessment of Ecosystems (RLE) project was officially launched at Kollam, Kerala. Initiated by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), this pioneering one-year study aims to assess ecological collapse risks across all 14 districts of the state. The project covers diverse ecosystems ranging from high-altitude mountain summits to midland and coastal habitats. By establishing baseline spatial data and ecological risk categories, the initiative will assist local self-government bodies in targeted ecorestoration and sustainable land-use planning.