Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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The Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir across the Cauvery River recently breached the 100-foot mark, with a maximum level of 124.80 feet. Located in Mandya, Karnataka, the gravity dam was constructed between 1911 and 1931. Named after Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV and designed by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, its primary purposes are irrigation, hydroelectric power, and drought mitigation. The reservoir covers 130 sq. km.

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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.

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UNESCO designated 11 new biosphere reserves across Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Gambia, Italy, Mongolia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, and Spain, including two transboundary reserves. Audrey Azoulay emphasized their role in biodiversity conservation amidst global challenges. Biosphere reserves aid scientific research, inform environmental policies, and support local sustainable development. With these additions, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves now totals 759 sites in 136 countries, covering 7.44 million square kilometers, showcasing diverse ecosystems and involving 275 million people worldwide.

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A recent study reveals a lack of awareness regarding vulture conservation in the key habitats of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in Tamil Nadu. Established in 2013, STR connects with Mudumalai and Bandipur Tiger Reserves and features diverse forests. It is home to notable wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and sloth bears. Key concerns for the reserve include sandalwood smuggling and poaching, which threaten its ecological balance and conservation efforts.

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Recently, an unexpected hydrothermal eruption disrupted the stunning natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park. Established on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, located mainly in Wyoming, with portions in Montana and Idaho. It is famous for its geothermal features, including the Old Faithful geyser, and its diverse wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, and bison. Yellowstone’s creation marked the inception of the national park system and the global conservation movement, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural landscapes and biodiversity.

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Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady, Kerala, has taken a significant step by installing a wind turbine to power real-time monitoring cameras and Wi-Fi in its forest. Located in the Western Ghats, PTR is named after the Periyar River and supports a diverse ecosystem, including tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Its wildlife comprises elephants, tigers, wild pigs, and various primates such as the rare lion-tailed macaque. The reserve, home to tribal communities like the Mannans and Palians, also features key flora like teak and bamboos. The wind turbine aims to enhance conservation and connectivity in this critical habitat.

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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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Recently, scientists conducted a comprehensive survey of Lake Turkana in Kenya’s remote northern region. Lake Turkana is in northern Kenya, extending into Ethiopia. It lies in the Eastern Rift Valley and is fed by three rivers, with the Omo River contributing 90% of its water. It is Africa’s fourth-largest lake and the world’s largest permanent desert lake, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The surrounding region supports about 1 million people, relying on pastoralism, fishing, and some farming. The lake’s semi-saline waters, high evaporation rates, and fluctuating levels have hindered sustainable development, with past fishery commercialization attempts failing due to unpredictable conditions.

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Uttarakhand is the first Indian state to launch a Gross Environment Product Index (GEPI). GEPI evaluates ecological development influenced by human actions. It focuses on four pillars: air, soil, trees, and water. The formula is: GEP index = (Air-GEP index + Water-GEP index + Soil-GEP index + Forest-GEP index). GEPI helps assess the impact of human activities on ecosystems, measures contributions back to the environment, and quantifies the economic and welfare benefits of natural ecosystems.

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The World Bank has issued the world’s first carbon removal bond to support Amazon reforestation. The bond is worth $225 million and has a nine-year term. Investors’ returns are tied to the amount of carbon removed by new trees, not just emission reductions from preventing deforestation. This bond aims to protect the Amazon by financially incentivizing reforestation efforts.