Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
A rare sighting of the Red-necked Falcon was recently recorded in Kawal Tiger Reserve. Scientifically known as Falco chicquera, it is a medium-sized bird of prey found in India and parts of Africa. The species is recognised by its reddish-brown crown and neck, bluish-grey upperparts, and agile flight. It inhabits open woodlands, dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and agricultural landscapes. The falcon is known for hunting in pairs, especially during dawn and dusk. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is classified as Near Threatened.

Notes:
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management recently completed documentation and ground-truthing of most wetlands in Maharashtra. It was established in 2011 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as an autonomous institution for coastal conservation and management. Its headquarters is located in Chennai. The organisation promotes integrated and sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems for the welfare of coastal communities.

Notes:
Researchers rediscovered Vaccinium piliferum in the forests of Vijoynagar in Arunachal Pradesh after nearly 188 years. The species was found in Changlang district near tributaries of the Noa-Dihing River in the Eastern Himalayan region. Vaccinium piliferum is a rare and endangered wild relative of blueberry species and belongs to the Ericaceae family, which also includes cranberries. The plant was originally recorded in 1836 during the colonial period. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the species as Endangered.

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new species of toad named Duttaphrynus dhara in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The species prefers forest-edge and semi-natural habitats. It is a small forest-associated toad with a compact body, wider head, and rough skin covered with pointed keratinised warts. The toad has a brown body with black patches, dark fingers and toes, and a creamy white underside with black blotches. It differs from closely related species such as Duttaphrynus stuarti and Duttaphrynus chandai.

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The Eastern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought responses regarding alleged unauthorized tree felling in Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-Sensitive Zone. The issue is linked to the New Bongaigaon–Goalpara Town–Kamakhya railway track doubling project. Deepar Beel is a Ramsar Wetland and a notified wildlife sanctuary located near Guwahati in Assam. It serves as a critical elephant corridor and an important biodiversity hotspot. The wetland acts as a natural flood buffer for Guwahati during the monsoon and supports local livelihoods and hydrological stability.

Notes:
Indian botanists discovered a new species of flowering plant, Crotalaria phulei, in the Khairi-Umred forest near Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is named after Savitribai Phule, India’s first woman teacher. The species belongs to the Fabaceae (legume) family. It is an undershrub that grows up to 1.5 metres in height. The plant produces pods with distinctive mottled creamy-olive seeds. It closely resembles Crotalaria juncea and Crotalaria shrirangiana.

Notes:
Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Uttar Pradesh has been designated as India’s 100th Ramsar Site. It is located in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh. The wetland is known for its rich avifaunal biodiversity and attracts both migratory and resident birds. The designation marks a major milestone in India’s wetland conservation efforts. Ramsar Sites are wetlands recognized under the Ramsar Convention for their international importance. India now has 100 Ramsar Sites, reflecting its commitment to wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience.

Notes:
Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh launched the NZP Saathi App at the National Zoological Park. The NZP Saathi App is a smart digital zoo guide available on Android and iOS. It provides interactive digital maps, smart navigation to animal enclosures & facilities and thematic tours such as Express Tour, Family Tour, Grand Zoo Tour, and My Tour. The initiative aims to improve visitor convenience and promote digital transformation at the National Zoological Park.

Notes:
Researchers have discovered a new frog species named Ingerana occidens. Ingerana occidens, also called the western trickle frog, is a newly identified species of frog. It was discovered in the Garo Hills and Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, located south of the Brahmaputra River. DNA analysis showed an 18% genetic difference between the new species and Ingerana borealis, confirming it as a distinct species. The species name “occidens” comes from the Latin word for “west.” The name was chosen because its habitat represents the westernmost known range of any species in the Ingerana genus.

Notes:
Recently, the fourth eco-tourism season at Amangarh Tiger Reserve was extended by 15 days. It is located in Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh. The reserve forms part of the Terai-Bhabar ecosystem, a unique forest belt along the foothills of the Himalayas. Amangarh was originally a part of Jim Corbett National Park. After the creation of Uttarakhand in 2000, the Amangarh sector remained in Uttar Pradesh.