Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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A new frog species named Nyctibatrachus kali (Kali Night Frog) has been discovered. It is found in Kali Tiger Reserve. The name comes from the nearby Kali River, after which the reserve is also named. It is a cryptic species, meaning it looks very similar to other frogs. It resembles the Kumbara Night Frog (Nyctibatrachus kumbara) discovered in 2014. Its sound is unique and similar to wood-chopping noise in forests. Kali Tiger Reserve is located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.

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A rare white female albino Himalayan tahr has been recorded in Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Bharmour, Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh. The sanctuary is the second largest in Himachal Pradesh and is known for its rich biodiversity and high-altitude ecosystem. Geographically, it lies between the Ravi and Chenab rivers and represents a high-altitude protected area. It is bordered by Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary in the south-east and Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary in the north-west.

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Blackbuck have been reintroduced into their natural habitat at Rampur grassland in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, supporting conservation efforts. The sanctuary is located in the northern part of Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh. It derives its name from the Bar and Nawapara forest villages situated within its core area. The sanctuary’s water sources are mainly tributaries of the Mahanadi River. The Balamdehi River forms its western boundary, while the Jonk River forms its northeastern boundary.

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Researchers have discovered three new species of rove beetles in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the region’s rich and largely unexplored biodiversity. The species—Megalopsilus arunachalensis, Megalopsilus mithun, and Megalopsilus microglossus—belong to the genus Megalopsilus and were reported in the journal Soil Organisms. The discovery was made through a collaboration between Rajiv Gandhi University and the University of Tübingen. These beetles were found in forest ecosystems such as decaying wood and moist leaf litter, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

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The American Rivers, a United States Conservation Organization, has declared the Potomac River as America’s most endangered river for 2026. The Potomac River is located in the east-central United States and flows through West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. It originates from North and South branches in the Appalachian Mountains and drains into the Chesapeake Bay. The river is about 616 km long, with 188 km tidal stretch.

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The Gauhati High Court directed the Assam government to respond to a petition regarding tree felling in the sanctuary without central forest clearance. Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the eastern fringe of Guwahati city, Assam. It was formed by merging South Amchang Reserve Forest, Amchang Reserve Forest, and Khanapara Reserve Forest. The sanctuary extends from the Brahmaputra River in the north to the forested hills of Meghalaya in the south.

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The Noyyal River is a tributary of the Kaveri River flowing through Tamil Nadu. It originates from small streams in the Vellingiri Hills. The river flows through Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Erode districts and joins the Cauvery in Karur district. It is a seasonal river, with significant flow during the monsoon. Earlier, it served as a major source of drinking water for the region. Currently, concerns over pollution have led farmers to demand river restoration and remediation efforts.

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Scientists discovered two new firefly species named Diaphanes meghalayanus and Diaphanes mawlynnong. They were found in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. This marks the first formal documentation of firefly species from the state. The name meghalayanus reflects its regional distribution, while mawlynnong is named after Mawlynnong. The naming also acknowledges the local Khasi community. Both species thrive in dark, humid environments with minimal human disturbance. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of Northeast India.

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Scientists discovered new fossils of an ancient platypus species in South Australia showing it had teeth, unlike modern platypuses. The Platypus is a semi-aquatic, egg-laying mammal endemic to eastern Australia. It belongs to a rare group of mammals called monotremes (egg-laying mammals). It inhabits freshwater systems ranging from tropical Queensland to Tasmania and the Australian Alps. It spends much of its time in burrows along riverbanks. Its conservation status is Near Threatened (IUCN).

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The Ministry of Environment has declared a 326.69 sq. km area around the Great Himalayan National Park as an eco-sensitive zone. The park is located in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh in the Western Himalayas. It includes four major valleys: Tirthan, Sainj, Parvati, and Jiwa Nal. The park is surrounded by protected areas like Pin Valley National Park and Rupi-Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary.