Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Paleontologists recently discovered a new species of pterosaur, Nipponopterus mifunensis, from Japan’s Late Cretaceous period. Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that thrived throughout the Mesozoic Era. They were the first vertebrates to fly, using strong forelegs to launch into the air. Pterosaurs are not dinosaurs but are archosaurs, sharing a group with birds and crocodiles. The largest flying vertebrate, Quetzalcoatlus, was a pterosaur. They went extinct about 65.5 million years ago during the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event. Birds, descendants of dinosaurs, replaced pterosaurs as dominant flyers.

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Five bar-tailed godwits were recently spotted at Pulicat Lake by a naturalist. Bar-tailed godwits are known for their extraordinary endurance during migration. Their scientific name is Limosa lapponica. They are found in Europe, Asia, Alaska, Africa, the Persian Gulf, India, Southeast Asia, China, and Australia, breeding in the Arctic. In India, they winter in states like Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They hold the record for the longest non-stop flight, traveling 13,500 km from Alaska to Tasmania in 11 days. They are large waders with mottled brown plumage and a barred white tail. They are listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN.

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The Red-Breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva) was recently spotted at Ameenpur Lake in Hyderabad. It is a small bird (11-12 cm) from the Old World Flycatcher family. Males have a reddish-orange throat, while females are brown. The bird has a unique toe arrangement, aiding in clinging to branches. It migrates from Eastern Europe to South Asia to escape harsh winters. Breeds in Eastern Europe and Central Asia during spring and summer, migrating to India from October to March. It is listed as Least Concern by IUCN.

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The Markhor, a wild goat with spiral-shaped horns, was recently spotted in Noorkha village, Baramulla, North Kashmir. Markhors are large wild goats known for their thick fur, flowing beard, and corkscrew horns. They are diurnal animals, active in early mornings and late afternoons. Found in mountain areas of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. In Jammu and Kashmir, they inhabit Shopian, Banihal, Shamsbari, Kazinag Uri, and Pir Panjal ranges. The Markhor is Pakistan’s national animal and is listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN.

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A new species of damselfish was recently discovered off the Maldives. Damselfish are small, tropical marine fish from the family Pomacentridae, found in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans. They are deep-bodied, with forked tails and resemble cichlids. They are usually brightly colored in red, orange, yellow, or blue, and most are under 15 cm in length. Damselfish can be herbivores, omnivores, or carnivores, feeding on plants or small animals. They mostly inhabit reefs, with some, like anemone fish, living among sea anemones’ stinging tentacles.

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The Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Forest and Wildlife asked the district administration to report on illegal construction near Sultanpur National Park. Sultanpur National Park is located in Gurgaon, Haryana, 46 km from Delhi. Formerly Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, it covers 1.42 sq. km with marshy lakes and floodplains. The core area is 1.21 sq. km, containing Sultanpur Lake. It is a seasonal freshwater wetland fed by the Yamuna River’s Gurgaon canal and nearby agricultural runoff. It was recognized as a Ramsar site in 2021, it is also an Important Bird Area.

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The giant frog species Calyptocephallela gayi, also known as the Helmeted Water Toad, is losing habitat in Chile due to climate change and human activities. It is among the largest frogs globally, growing up to 32 cm (13 in) and weighing 1 kg (2.2 lbs). Known as a “living fossil,” it existed alongside dinosaurs. It has a broad head, large mouth, and lives in aquatic environments like lakes, rivers, and ponds, found in Chile’s lowlands up to 500 m elevation. It is listed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN. It faces threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and environmental decline.

Notes:
A study highlights the growing threat to non-human primates like the lion-tailed macaque due to increased human-wildlife interactions. The lion-tailed macaque, an Old-World monkey, is arboreal, diurnal, and sleeps high in rainforest canopies. It is territorial, with males defining home boundaries through calls, and communicates using 17 vocalizations. It is endemic to the Western Ghats. They are found in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It is classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN.

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Archaeologists urged the Tamil Nadu government to halt tungsten mining in Arittapatti due to its rich archaeological and ecological significance. Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss proposed declaring the 5,000-acre area a ‘protected biodiversity zone.’ Arittapatti, in Madurai, is Tamil Nadu’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site. It hosts Indian pangolins, slender lorises, pythons, and 250 bird species, including raptors like the Laggar Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, and Bonelli’s Eagle. The village holds historical treasures, including 2,200-year-old megalithic structures, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, Jain beds, and rock-cut temples.

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Assam introduced Anti-Depredation Squads near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in east of Guwahati, Assam. It was established in 1998 and spans 48.81 sq km. It is part of the Brahmaputra floodplains and includes Rajamayong and Pobitora Reserve Forests. The sanctuary is surrounded by small hills like Kasasila, Hatimuria, Boha, Kardia, Govardan, and Panbari. Pobitora has the highest density of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros in India. It contributed to the Indian Rhinoceros Vision 2020 by translocating eight rhinos to Manas National Park.