Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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A lion-tailed macaque (LTM) gave birth at the Chamundi Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre near Mysuru, Karnataka. The lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) is an Old World monkey, known for its males marking territory with calls. They have 17 vocalisations and are characterised by a grey mane around their face, resembling a beard, and a lion-like tufted tail. These primates are native to India, living in the fragmented rainforests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The species is endangered due to habitat destruction.

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Researchers from the University of Kerala recently presented a study at the Estuarine & Coastal Sciences Association (ECSA) 60 conference in Hangzhou, revealing significant ecological decline in Veli-Akkulam Lake. Over 30 years, non-native species have invaded the lake, altering its nutrient flow and disrupting the food web. Using the Ecopath Model, the study highlights a major decline in native species like prawns and cichlids, while invasive species have surged. Initially, in the 1990s, the lake was rich in native species, but now, its ecosystem is severely impacted. Veli-Akkulam Lake, a 20-acre freshwater lake in Kerala, is fed by the Veli River.

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Ratapani Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is aiming to gain the status of a tiger reserve, with government support. It is located in Raisen and Sehore districts, covering 825.90 sq km. The sanctuary features rocky forests and an aquatic environment in the Vindhya Hills, parallel to the Narmada River. Kolar River forms its western boundary. It includes Bhimbetika, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for rock shelters and paintings. The sanctuary also has historical and religious sites like Ginnourgarh Fort, POW camp, and Ratapani Dam.

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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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According to recent reports, a rare brown vine snake has been spotted in Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh. It emerged as a species never previously documented in the wildlife history of Dudhwa National Park or the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. This is the second remarkable reptile discovery in Dudhwa, following the rediscovery of the rare red coral Khukri snake in 2019.

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Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park’s Red Panda Program is a finalist for the 2024 WAZA Conservation Award. Between 2022 and 2024, nine captive-bred red pandas were released into Singalila National Park, West Bengal. The zoo collaborates with institutions and the government of India for habitat restoration. It has a Biobanking and Genetic Resource Facility to preserve gametes, tissues, and DNA of Red Pandas and other endangered species. The award winner will be announced at the 79th WAZA Annual Conference on 7th November in Taronga Zoo, Australia.

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Five Russian mountaineers recently died on an expedition on Mount Dhaulagiri. Mount Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,167 meters (26,795 feet). It is located in west-central Nepal, part of the Himalayan range, and is the highest mountain entirely in Nepal. Known for snowy peaks and glaciers, Dhaulagiri means “white mountain” in Sanskrit. The first successful climb was by Swiss climber Max Eiselin in 1960. The mountain is challenging due to its tough terrain and unpredictable weather.

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The Indonesian government plans partial closures of Komodo National Park in 2025 to mitigate the negative impacts of a growing number of tourists on the fragile ecosystem, primarily aimed at protecting the iconic Komodo dragons. The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard species, scientifically known as Varanus komodoensis. It lives on Komodo Island and nearby Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia. Komodo dragons grow up to 3 meters long, weigh about 135 kg, and have yellow, forked tongues. They can reproduce through parthenogenesis when isolated from males. Known for their venomous bite, they can occasionally attack humans. Lifespan is 30 years, and they are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

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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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Rajasthan Forest Department halted construction of a large complex in the buffer zone of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR). It is located in Sawai Madhopur district, Rajasthan. It was established as a sanctuary in 1955 and became part of Project Tiger in 1973, gaining national park status in 1980. The reserve spans 1,334 square kilometers, with a 392 square kilometer core zone. It lies at the junction of the Aravali and Vindhya ranges, featuring rugged hills, grasslands, forests, lakes, and rivers. The UNESCO-listed Ranthambore Fort is a key attraction within the reserve.