Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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A new ant species, Leptanilla Voldemort, named after a Harry Potter villain, was found in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Belonging to a subterranean genus, it has a pale, translucent body with long mandibles, suggesting a predatory nature. This discovery illuminates understudied subterranean ecosystems, emphasizing the need for ongoing exploration in such areas.

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Recently discovered in India, the rare butterfly Neptis philyra was found in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tale Valley wildlife sanctuary. Known as the long-streak sailor, it boasts serrated wings with rich brownish-black above and yellow-brown below. Native to East Asia, it frequents evergreen forests, riverine vegetation, and rocky streams. Its habitat spans eastern Siberia, Korea, Japan, central, and southwest China. This marks the first sighting of the species in India.

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The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) will join the three-day synchronised Nilgiri Tahr census as a third-party observer. This census, starting April 29, is the first-ever synchronised effort to estimate the Nilgiri Tahr population. Collaborators include WWF-India, WII, and AIWC. Project Nilgiri Tahr, launched by the Tamil Nadu government, spans 2022-2027, aiming to safeguard the species and ensure its survival.

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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issues draft notification defining the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) for Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan. The ESZ aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and conserve wildlife. The sanctuary, established in 1983, houses endangered species like leopard, Indian wolf, and vulture. The draft proposes an ESZ of 348.60 sq km around the sanctuary’s core area. Public feedback is sought within 60 days. A Supreme Court directive mandates ESZs for all protected forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.

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The RBI and Finance Ministry could draw from ASEAN’s evolving green taxonomy for sustainable trajectories. Green taxonomy defines environmentally sound investments, aiding in preventing greenwashing and guiding informed investment decisions. It channels funds toward sustainable economic activities, encompassing climate mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. Activities must contribute substantially to environmental objectives, avoid significant harm, and adhere to social safeguards. Some taxonomies adopt a “traffic light” system for classifying environmental sustainability.

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Archaeological evidence reveals English red squirrels as hosts for leprosy-causing Mycobacterium leprae strains in medieval Winchester, renowned for its leprosarium and fur trade. Leprosy persists in Asia, Africa, and South America. Recent research identifies red squirrels, armadillos, and chimpanzees as natural M. leprae hosts. Red squirrels, arboreal and primarily herbivorous, boast sharp claws for climbing and swimming abilities. Their coat color varies regionally, shedding twice yearly. Found in Coniferous forests, they store excess food in caches, living up to 7 years. Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

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World Bee Day, observed on May 20, marks Anton Janša’s birth anniversary, a beekeeping pioneer. Established by the UN in 2017, it highlights bees’ crucial roles in food security, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. The 2024 theme, “Bee engaged with Youth,” focuses on involving young people in bee conservation efforts to protect these essential pollinators.

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Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India and the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board rediscovered the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog (Hylarana gracilis) in Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, after two centuries. This sanctuary, part of Project Elephant, houses Asian elephants and features diverse flora and fauna. The frog, once considered endemic to Sri Lanka, highlights ancient biogeographical connections dating back 15 million years.

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The number of endangered Iberian lynx in Spain and Portugal has nearly doubled since 2020. This lynx, known for its pointy ears, long legs, and spotted fur, is the world’s most endangered feline. It is sexually dimorphic and primarily nocturnal. Once widespread in the Iberian Peninsula, it now faces threats from human activities. Conservation efforts have improved its population, but it remains endangered according to the IUCN Red List.

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Male proboscis monkeys evolved their enhanced noses to attract mates, found only in Borneo’s rainforests. They’re among Asia’s largest monkeys with distinctive long noses and large stomachs. Habitats include coastal mangroves and riverine forests, with a diet mainly of leaves. They swim well with webbed fingers and toes, living in harem groups. Threatened by habitat loss from deforestation, they’re classified as Endangered by the IUCN and listed in CITES Appendix I.