Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
A rare sighting of the Common Bronzeback Tree Snake was recorded in the Belrayan range of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Lakhimpur Kheri district, Uttar Pradesh. Scientifically known as Dendrelaphis tristis, it is a non-venomous arboreal snake found across South and Southeast Asia. The species inhabits forests, Himalayan foothills, gardens, and urban green spaces, preferring life in treetops. It is also known as the Indian Bronzeback Tree Snake or Daudin’s Bronzeback. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species is classified as Least Concern.

Notes:
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India discovered a new leopard gecko species named Eublepharis jhuma in the rocky hills near Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar. It is the first leopard gecko species recorded in Bihar. The species was named after Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, the first woman Director of the Zoological Survey of India, whose nickname is “Jhuma.” The gecko has unique physical and genetic characteristics, including distinctive scales, toe lamellae, and tail regeneration patterns. It is a medium-sized reptile with a dark brown body marked by pale spotted bands.

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Scientists discovered a new species of tardigrade named Actinarctus odissi off the northeast coast of Odisha. The microscopic marine organism was found in the shallow waters of the Bay of Bengal near Markandi coast. Tardigrades are popularly known as “water bears.” The species name “odissi” honours Odissi. This is the first new discovery from the genus Actinarctus in 43 years. The species has a dome-shaped body with transparent wing-like structures called alae.

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Saudi Arabia became the 26th member of the International Big Cat Alliance. International Big Cat Alliance is a global coalition focused on conserving seven major big cat species — Tiger, Lion, Jaguar, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, and Puma. The alliance was launched by India in 2023 during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Project Tiger.

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Researchers discovered a new species of toad named Duttaphrynus dhara in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The species prefers forest-edge and semi-natural habitats. It is a small forest-associated toad with a compact body, wider head, and rough skin covered with pointed keratinised warts. The toad has a brown body with black patches, dark fingers and toes, and a creamy white underside with black blotches. It differs from closely related species such as Duttaphrynus stuarti and Duttaphrynus chandai.

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A new species of lizard named Mesalina bishnoi has recently been discovered in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan. The species was found near Gajner in an arid habitat with rocky soil and sparse desert vegetation. It is the first confirmed record of the genus Mesalina in India. The species has been named after the Bishnoi community in recognition of their commitment to wildlife and environmental conservation. Currently, Mesalina bishnoi is known only from the Bikaner district and is considered endemic to the Thar biogeographic region.

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The Supreme Court of India recently ordered the removal of encroachments and demolition of illegal structures in the Agasthyamalai landscape. The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is located in the southern part of the Western Ghats across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It was included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves under UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme in 2016. The biosphere reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance in the Western Ghats region.

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Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India and University of Madras discovered a new species of damselfly named Mortonagrion santha. It was discovered in Dasarathpur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The species was found near a small farm pond surrounded by coconut plantations. It belongs to the genus Mortonagrion, known for highly secretive insects that blend into shaded coastal vegetation. The new species is distinct from its closest relative, Mortonagrion arthuri, found in Southeast Asia.

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Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has released the first scientific assessment report on the Greater Hog Badger. The Greater Hog Badger (Arctonyx collaris) is a nocturnal, small burrowing omnivorous mammal. It is locally known as “mati gahori” in Assam. The greater hog badger and northern hog badger are found in India. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, its conservation status is Vulnerable.

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Researchers have discovered a new genus and species of tiger moth named Antaram idukki in the southern Western Ghats. It was discovered in Idukki district, Kerala. So far, the species is known only from the Idukki region. Tiger moths play an important ecological role as pollinators, especially for plants that bloom at night. They also serve as a food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife.