Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Recently, the Assam State Zoo team reported the first case of albinism in the checkered keelback, also called the Asian water snake. The checkered keelback is a medium-sized non-venomous snake native to Asia. It is widely found across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It lives in freshwater habitats like ponds, marshes, and rice fields. It is listed as Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Notes:
Recently, researchers began studying the rare cooperation between wild dolphins and traditional fishers in Ashtamudi Lake. Ashtamudi Lake is a freshwater lake in Kollam district, Kerala, and is the second largest lake after Vembanad Lake. Its name means Eight Braids in Malayalam, reflecting its palm-shaped branching. It is fed by the Kallada River and drains into the Arabian Sea. The region is also famous for its traditional coir industry. The lake supports rich biodiversity with 57 bird species, 97 fish species, and many endangered animals like pearl spot fish, mangrove crab, otter, and kingfisher.

Notes:
No registered breeders or authorised pet shops exist in India for African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus), yet they are widely sold in pet markets. Forest departments confirmed through Right to Information (RTI) replies that no breeder has registered with them. The species is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), requiring special permits and CITES certificates for domestic and international trade. African grey parrot is a medium-sized dusty grey bird, scientifically called Psittacus erithacus, and known as one of the most talented talking/mimicking birds. It has a lifespan of over 50 years and is listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Notes:
The Hawfinch was recently recorded at Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and East Asia. Its scientific name is Coccothraustes coccothraustes. It lives in forests, orchards, parks, and near streams. It is about 18 centimetres long with a wingspan of 29 to 33 centimetres. Its conservation status is Least Concern under the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
Government will set up National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands at a cost of ₹120 crore. It will be the nodal and monitoring agency for coral reef research across India. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is responsible for establishing the National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI). NCRRI will focus on coral reef research, conservation, and management. Coral reefs protect coasts from storms and strong waves, saving lives and property. Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) museum will introduce QR code-based digital access to species information.

Notes:
Land reclamation in the ravines of the Chambal River area increases risks of soil erosion, flooding, and loss of biodiversity. The Chambal, called Charmanvati in ancient times, is a major tributary of the Yamuna in the Gangetic drainage system. It is a perennial river originating from Janapav near Indore on the Vindhya range. It flows through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Notes:
A nest of the Rock Eagle Owl led the Telangana Forest Department to stop quarrying for over one month to protect the species. It is also called the Indian eagle-owl or Bengal eagle-owl. It is a large horned owl found in hilly scrub forests and rocky areas. The bird is brown-grey with a white throat patch and black stripes. It is mainly found in South Asian countries like India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Its status is Least Concern under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Notes:
A new study revealed that over 60,000 African penguins died from starvation between 2004 and 2011 due to a collapse in sardine stocks. The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is a flightless species adapted to marine life in southern African waters. They live mostly within 40 km of the shore, using coastal habitats for breeding, resting and moulting. Their distribution mainly covers Namibia and South Africa’s Atlantic coast. The species has an average wild lifespan of 20 years. Global warming is severely damaging their marine and coastal habitats. The IUCN lists the African penguin as Critically Endangered.

Notes:
A forest department team recently conducted a raid in the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, seizing a large number of deer heads, horns, and animal flesh, and arrested a poacher. Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kaimur district of Bihar. It lies in the Kaimur Hills range, a region known for its rugged and historically significant terrain. The Kaimur Hills are home to two ancient forts and the Mundeshwari Temple, regarded as one of the oldest Hindu temples in India. It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Bihar, covering an area of about 1,342 square kilometres.

Notes:
Community-led conservation initiatives at Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary have recently succeeded in restoring wild honey bee colonies, leading to improved pollination, healthier forests, and revival of associated wildlife. These efforts highlight the role of local community participation in strengthening ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation within protected areas. Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts of Assam. The sanctuary is renowned as the second protected habitat of the endangered golden langur, supporting a population of over 600 individuals, making it ecologically significant at the national level.