Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Kerala has emerged as the top state in India for new faunal discoveries in 2024, with 101 species, as per a new report by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The ZSI documented a record-breaking 683 species and subspecies in 2024, the highest ever in a single year since 2008. The report Animal Discoveries: New Species and New Records 2024 was released by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav during ZSI’s 110th anniversary in Kolkata. Of the 683 species, 459 are new to science globally, and 224 are recorded for the first time in India. Karnataka (82), Arunachal Pradesh (72), Tamil Nadu (63), and West Bengal (56) followed Kerala in discoveries.

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The Pale-capped Pigeon was recently spotted in Dehing Patkai National Park, Assam, marking a rare and important sighting for birdwatchers and conservationists. It is also called the Purple Wood Pigeon due to its dark purplish-maroon colour. It is found locally across parts of northern and northeastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The bird lives mainly in primary or secondary evergreen forests, and also in bamboo groves and farmlands near forests.

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Recently, a new species of dragonfly named Lyriothemis abrahami was officially discovered in Kerala, India. It was earlier misidentified as Lyriothemis flava due to similar appearance. It breeds in small water pools inside tree holes, highlighting its forest-dependent nature. It is found in lowland rainforests to mid-elevation evergreen and deciduous forests between 50 m to 1,100 m altitude. This discovery raised Kerala’s total odonate (dragonfly and damselfly) species count to 191, including 78 endemic species. It serves as an indicator of forest health, supporting the need for habitat conservation.

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Recently, a team of birders recorded India’s first confirmed sighting in 46 years of the Long-billed Bush Warbler in Suru Valley, Ladakh. The Long-billed Bush Warbler is scientifically known as Locustella major. It is a medium-sized songbird with a long tail and long bill, measuring about 15–17 cm. It is found in Central Asian mountains, including parts of India, China, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. Its habitat includes grassy slopes, upland terraced fields, and forest edges at altitudes of 2400–3600 metres. It is listed as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

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Recently, two new bush frog species named Raorchestes jadoh and Raorchestes jakoid were discovered in Meghalaya. Raorchestes jadoh is named after “Jadoh”, a traditional rice-and-meat dish of the Khasi community. Raorchestes jakoid is named after the Khasi word “jakoid”, meaning frog. These frogs skip the tadpole stage and hatch directly as miniature adults. Raorchestes jadoh was found in Langtor, Eastern West Khasi Hills, at 1,655 metres above sea level. Raorchestes jakoid was recorded in Lawbah, East Khasi Hills, at 815 metres elevation. The frogs were found in bushes and trees near human settlements, showing ecological adaptability.

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Recently, the ‘Matri Van’ initiative was launched by the Union Ministers for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Housing and Urban Affairs. It is part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ programme of the Government of India. Matri Van is a theme-based urban forest to be developed over 750 acres in the Aravalli Hill area. It aims to promote biodiversity, public well-being, and urban sustainability through mother-nature-inspired efforts. It includes removal of invasive Kabuli Kikar (Prosopis juliflora) and plantation of native Dhak and Amaltash trees.

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A cloudburst caused flash floods in high-altitude villages of Dharali in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, due to sudden heavy rainfall over the Kheer Ganga River, a tributary of the Alaknanda River. A cloudburst is a sudden, very intense rainfall of more than 100 mm within one hour over a small area (about 10 square kilometers). It is common in mountainous areas like the Himalayas due to terrain and weather patterns. Orographic lifting pushes moist air upwards over mountains, causing rapid cooling and heavy rain. Strong upward air currents hold raindrops at height; sudden weakening causes all water to fall at once.

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Recently, the central government initiated steps to include the Pampa River under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). Pampa is the third longest river in Kerala after the Periyar River and Bharathappuzha River. It is called ‘Dakshina Bhageerathi’ or the Ganga of Kerala, with deep religious importance linked to Sabarimala temple. Pilgrims to Sabarimala take a holy dip in the Pampa before and after the trek.

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The Supreme Court (SC) recently directed the state of Goa to maintain status quo over the Mhadei-Kotigaon area. SC called for a report from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), an expert body assisting the court on environment issues, on notifying Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas as a tiger reserve. The direction followed a petition by Goa Foundation opposing state clearances for commercial projects in the area. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located in North Goa along the Western Ghats, bordering Karnataka and Maharashtra. The Mhadei (Mondovi) River flows through the sanctuary.

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Recently, a Forest Department patrol at Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS), Maharashtra, discovered a poached pangolin. Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. It is named after Goddess Tipai shrine in Tipeshwar village. The sanctuary lies in Patanbori and Parwa ranges of the Pandarkawad Forest Division. Four rivers—Purna, Krishna, Bhima, and Tapti—flow through it, making it the “Green Oasis of Eastern Maharashtra.” The land has basaltic volcanic soil and supports village livelihoods.