Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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Botanists Birina Bhuyan and Selim Mehmud have discovered a new perennial herb species named Ophiorrhiza assamensis in Kamrup Metropolitan district, Assam. The plant belongs to the Rubiaceae family, commonly known as the coffee family, and the Ophiorrhiza genus. It is a small shade-loving herb with large ribbed leaves and clusters of small white flowers. Species of the Ophiorrhiza genus are known for producing camptothecin, a compound used in anti-cancer medicines. Ophiorrhiza assamensis has been provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD) under IUCN guidelines because of its highly localised population and threats from local development.

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Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh will use “bird hearing” technology to improve wildlife monitoring. The sanctuary is located in Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh, and lies in the Maikal range of the Satpura hills, known for rich biodiversity. It forms part of the Kanha–Achanakmar Corridor, linking Kanha National Park and Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, aiding wildlife movement.

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Two Przewalski’s horse foals were born at a reintroduction centre in the grasslands of central Kazakhstan. They are reportedly the first wild horses born on Kazakh soil in more than 200 years. Przewalski’s horse is considered the only living wild relative of the domestic horse. It inhabits open steppes, semi-deserts and grassy plains, including harsh winter environments. Historically, it occurred across the steppe grasslands of Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northern China. The IUCN Red List status of Przewalski’s horse is Endangered.

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Researchers have discovered a new species of darkling beetle in Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The new species has been named Steneucyrtus wayanadensis. It belongs to the genus Steneucyrtus and family Tenebrionidae. The specimens were collected from the Chethalayam Forest area during a scientific survey. Researchers used light traps at night to collect the specimens. The beetle has a blackish body with golden-green metallic iridescence. Its hard front wings, called elytra, are completely flat and lack rough/wrinkled texture.

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A new frog species, Ingerana aizawl, has been discovered in Mizoram. It was discovered at Hratdawng Stream, on the Mizoram University campus in Aizawl. The species was described by researchers from Mizoram University, Cotton University and Help Earth. Earlier, frogs from Mizoram were identified as Ingerana borealis. Genetic and morphological studies established that the Mizoram population represents a distinct species. Researchers used an integrative approach, combining physical characteristics with mitochondrial 16S rRNA DNA data. The closest relative identified was Ingerana occidens, from which it differs genetically by 4.8–6.6%.

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Spatial mapping and field verification of military installations will be undertaken in Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh. The exercise will use GPS, GIS mapping, geo-referencing and satellite imagery. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Ladakh. It is a cold desert wildlife sanctuary situated in the high-altitude Changthang region. The sanctuary contains ecologically sensitive areas, traditional grazing lands and human habitations. It provides habitat for wildlife adapted to the cold desert ecosystem.

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A new species of Begonia, named Begonia neelamorum, has been discovered in Keyi Panyor district, Arunachal Pradesh. It was found along the Keyi River at around 1,000 metres elevation, growing on steep, moist walls. The species is named after the Neelam clan of the Nyishi community, acknowledging their assistance during the expedition. It is currently known from a very limited area of about 3 sq km. With this discovery, the number of Begonia species recorded from Northeast India has increased to 54.

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Recently, Madhya Pradesh is developing its third cheetah habitat at Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (VDTR), earlier known as Nauradehi. The reserve was created by combining Nauradehi and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuaries and is located in the Bundelkhand region across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts, Madhya Pradesh. The initiative will help in the safe adaptation and release of cheetahs, strengthening wildlife conservation in India.

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Recently, Ladakh launched India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari focused on Snow Leopard conservation during Wildlife Week 2026. The initiative is implemented by the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation (SHAN) Society in collaboration with the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, UT Ladakh. Initially, the safari will operate in Rumbak, Shang and Uley, which are known for frequent snow leopard sightings. The programme will use open-back vehicles, trained local drivers and wildlife guides along designated routes.

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Sepahijala Zoological Park has welcomed three new Royal Bengal tiger cubs, taking the zoo’s tiger population to seven. Sepahijala Zoological Park is located in Tripura, near Bishalgarh in the Sepahijala/West Tripura region. It is approximately 25–30 km from Agartala, the capital of Tripura. The zoological park is situated within the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. It is known for rare primates such as Phayre’s langur (spectacled monkey) and its clouded leopard enclosures.