Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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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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A recent study in Current Biology explored the evolutionary adaptations of Sea Robins, a unique fish species known for their “walking” abilities. These bottom-dwelling fish, found in tropical and subtropical oceans, have six leg-like appendages that are extensions of their fins. This adaptation allows them to walk on the seafloor and taste hidden prey. The study reveals that the genes responsible for these appendages are similar to those that form human limbs, offering insights into how ancient fish evolved into four-limbed animals, including humans.

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The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) suspended the membership of the National Zoological Park, or Delhi Zoo. The decision was due to concerns over the poor conditions of the lone African elephant at the zoo. WAZA is the global umbrella organization for zoos and aquariums, established in 1935. It represents the zoo and aquarium community worldwide. The organization’s mission focuses on animal care, environmental education, and global conservation. WAZA’s members include prominent zoos, aquariums, and regional associations, along with affiliate organizations like zoo veterinarians and educators.

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The participatory forest management project in Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve is called “Vidiyal Vanapathukappu Sangam” which translates to “The Dawn Forest Protection Group” and primarily involves former poachers and sandalwood smugglers turned protectors of the reserve. This project actively engages former poachers, providing them with alternative livelihoods like tourist guiding and anti-poaching activities. The project has been credited with significantly reducing poaching in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and safeguarding the area’s sandalwood reserve.

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Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is introducing a ropeway safari for the first time. It is the largest and oldest tiger reserve in the state, located in Chandrapur district. The name “Tadoba” comes from a local deity worshipped by forest tribes, while “Andhari” refers to the Andhari River. The reserve covers 625.4 sq. km, including 116.55 sq. km of Tadoba National Park and 508.85 sq. km of Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. It connects to Nagzira-Navegaon and Pench Tiger Reserves, situated in the Central Plateau province of the Deccan Peninsula.

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Hurricane Oscar made landfall in Cuba, leading to its worst power outage since Hurricane Ian in 2022. The storm has resulted in at least six fatalities and extensive blackouts lasting four nights. The storm triggered widespread power outages, disrupting daily life and leading to protests in areas like Santos Suárez and central Havana. The blackout has severely affected families, highlighting the ongoing struggles of the Cuban population in the wake of natural disasters.

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Scientists have discovered a new snake species in the Western Himalayas, named Anguiculus dicaprioi after actor Leonardo DiCaprio. It belongs to the Colubridae family, which includes over 1,800 snake species. The new species has many small teeth, grows about 22 inches long, and features a broad collar with dark brown spots. It has a robust skull and steeply domed snout, living at around 6,000 feet elevation. Commonly known as ‘DiCaprio’s Himalayan snake,’ it is found in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Nepal. These snakes are most active from late May to August and are non-venomous.

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The Sudasari Great Indian Bustard Breeding Centre in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, successfully bred a great Indian bustard using artificial insemination. This breeding center is part of the Bustard Recovery Program, initiated in 2016, aimed at captive breeding and reintroducing the GIB into the wild. The great Indian bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds and the state bird of Rajasthan, found mainly in arid grasslands. They are critically endangered, facing threats from hunting, agricultural intensification, and power lines. Indian initiatives include habitat improvement and conservation breeding programs to protect the species.

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Severe cyclone ‘Dana’ hit India’s eastern coast, bringing heavy rains and winds of 100-120 km/h. It caused major damage to infrastructure and crops in Odisha and West Bengal. The name ‘Dana,’ meaning ‘generosity’ in Arabic, was suggested by Qatar. In Arabic culture, ‘Dana’ also refers to a valuable and perfectly sized pearl, symbolizing beauty.

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Assam’s Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary faces a severe biodiversity crisis, with bird diversity dropping over 70%. This small 11.25 sq.km wetland spans the Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts and was declared a sanctuary in 1996. Originally part of the River Subansiri system, the river now flows 7 km away. The sanctuary has a moist tropical climate, receiving about 2000 mm of rainfall annually.