Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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The elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) was recently spotted in Haryana’s Damdama area during a research survey in the Aravallis. It is medium-sized with a yellowish-brown or olive shell and black blotches on each scute. During the breeding season, it develops a pink ring around its nostrils, and mature individuals show pinkish color around the nostrils and eyes. It is found in Sal deciduous and hilly evergreen forests across Southeast Asia, including parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Its IUCN status is Critically Endangered, and it is listed in CITES Appendix II.

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Mithun, a semi-domesticated bovine species, was recently spotted in Assam for the first time. Known as the “cattle of the mountain,” Mithun originated over 8,000 years ago and is believed to be a descendant of the wild Indian gaur. It is most concentrated in Northeast India, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, and is also found in Southeast Asia. Mithun resembles the Indian bison but is smaller, weighing 400-650 kg, with distinct horns and coloration. It is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Mithun is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and in CITES Appendix I.

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The Central government’s Project Cheetah, aimed at reintroducing African cheetahs to India, has reached a significant milestone two years after the species was declared extinct in 1952. Launched in 2022, this ambitious project marks the first intercontinental translocation of big cats. So far, 20 cheetahs have been relocated to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh—eight from Namibia in September 2022 and twelve from South Africa in February 2023. Since their arrival, eight adult cheetahs have died, but 17 cubs were born, with 12 surviving, bringing the total number of cheetahs in Kuno to 24. The project aims to conserve the species, restore ecosystems, and boost eco-tourism and local communities.

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A female elephant recently died from electrocution near a tribal colony close to Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala’s Thrissur district. Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1958, covers 125 sq. km in Thrissur. It is located in the catchment area of Peechi and Vazhani Dams and is part of the Palapilli-Nelliampathy forests. The terrain varies in altitude from 100 to 914 meters, with Ponmudi as the highest peak. The sanctuary has tropical forests, 50+ orchid species, rare medicinal plants, and valuable trees like teak.

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Researchers discovered two new fish species in Nagaland: Garra zubzaensis and Psilorhynchus kosygini. These are torrent minnows, small freshwater fish found in fast-flowing streams. Garra zubzaensis was found in the Zubza River, a Brahmaputra tributary in Kohima, with its habitat being fast-flowing, rocky streams. Psilorhynchus kosygini was discovered in the Tepuiki River, a Barak River tributary in Peren, thriving in fast-flowing, shaded waters. Both species are adapted to strong currents, using sucker-like structures to cling to surfaces and forage in rocky habitats

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Nine captive-bred pygmy hogs were recently released in Manas National Park, Assam. Pygmy hogs are the smallest and rarest wild pig species globally. They build their own nests, which have a roof, making them unique among mammals. As an indicator species, their presence shows the health of tall, wet grassland habitats. They thrive in undisturbed grasslands with dense grass, herbs, and young trees. The viable wild population is currently in the Manas Tiger Reserve. Pygmy hogs are critically endangered according to the IUCN and are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Manas National Park is located in Assam and is contiguous with Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park.

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The Negro River, a main tributary of the Amazon, recently dropped to its lowest level in 122 years. It is one of the largest tributaries of the Amazon River and one of the world’s largest rivers by discharge. Originating from eastern Colombia, it flows through Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil before joining the Amazon at Manaus. The river spans about 1,400 miles, with 850 miles in Brazil. The river was named “Negro” for its dark water due to decomposed organic matter and tannins. It is the world’s largest blackwater river. The Central Amazon Ecological Corridor, a giant protected area, surrounds it.

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The forest department held its first ‘Cyclothon’ to celebrate World Wildlife Week 2024 at the Kawal Tiger Reserve’s buffer zone. Kawal Tiger Reserve is in north-eastern Telangana, along the Godavari River. It covers an area of 2,015 sq. km in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. The government declared it a Tiger Reserve in 2012. The reserve features diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, rivers, and water bodies. It is part of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape, connecting to Tadoba-Andhari in Maharashtra and Indravati in Chhattisgarh.

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A study by researchers from South Africa and the UK found that artificial nests improve African penguins’ breeding success. African penguins have a black stripe, unique black chest spots, and pink glands above their eyes that turn pinker as they heat up. Males are larger than females and have bigger beaks. Penguins live near the shore and breed, molt, and rest in coastal habitats from Namibia to South Africa. They naturally breed in guano burrows, which shield them from heat. They feed on sardines and anchovies. Their average lifespan is 20 years. IUCN lists them as endangered due to habitat threats from global warming.

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Zimbabwe is investigating suspected lion poaching in Hwange National Park. Hwange National Park is located in Zimbabwe.
Hwange National Park houses half of Zimbabwe’s 100,000 elephants and over 100 mammal and 400 bird species. It is home to 19 large herbivores and eight large carnivores. The park is part of the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area. Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa.