Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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A new plant species Fimbristylis wayanadensis has been discovered in the high-altitude regions of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India. It belongs to the group of sedges, which are grass-like plants characterized by triangular stems. The species was identified during a scientific expedition in the Wayanad district of Kerala. The name wayanadensis honours its place of discovery. It is found in transitional zones between rocky terrains and high-altitude grasslands, at elevations up to 1,900 meters.

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Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) is located in the Nallamala hill ranges of Andhra Pradesh and is one of the largest tiger reserves in India. It is named after the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Srisailam Dam situated in the region. The reserve comprises two wildlife sanctuaries: Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary. The Krishna River flows through the reserve, shaping its ecology and biodiversity. Recently, plans have been revived to establish a tiger enclosure to care for injured, abandoned, or orphaned tiger cubs.

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The rapid reappearance of water hyacinth in the Mula-Mutha River highlights the lack of a long-term solution to invasive aquatic weeds. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a free-floating invasive aquatic plant native to tropical South America and now found worldwide except Antarctica. It grows rapidly in nutrient-rich, slow-moving freshwater and can double its biomass in about five days, forming dense mats. These mats degrade water quality, block sunlight, disrupt ecosystems, and hinder irrigation and water flow. The plant reproduces through fragmentation and seeds, making it difficult to control, as cutting does not eliminate it.

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India has emerged as the evolutionary cradle of Jamun (genus Syzygium), with origins tracing back about 80 million years. Earlier, Jamun was believed to have originated in Australia or Southeast Asia, but new research suggests an East Gondwanan origin with early presence in India. Jamun belongs to the family Myrtaceae and is also known as black plum or Indian black cherry. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and widely distributed across Asia and Australia. India is a leading producer, with Maharashtra topping production. Bahadoli Jamun received GI tag in 2024, and cultivation is expanding across several states.

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Scientists recorded a rare orchid species named Eulophia picta for the first time in central Andhra Pradesh. It is a medium-to-small, hot-growing terrestrial orchid commonly called the Nodding Swamp Orchid. It is distributed from India to Southeast Asia and Australia, occurring in moist grasslands, sandy coastal areas, and rainforests. It also grows in semi-deciduous and dry lowland forests up to about 1000 m elevation.

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Scientists observed that Barbary Macaque populations in Gibraltar practice geophagy (soil-eating behavior). The behavior is linked to consumption of tourist-provided junk food, which disturbs their natural diet. Barbary Macaque is the only macaque species found outside Asia and the only non-human primate in North Africa and Europe. It is naturally distributed in the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco, with an introduced population in Gibraltar. It inhabits cedar forests, rocky cliffs, and mountainous regions. The IUCN status of Barbary Macaque is Endangered.

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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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Cacti are desert plants known for thick fleshy stems and protective spines. New research suggests that cacti can form new species more rapidly than previously believed despite their slow growth. Cacti are mainly native to the deserts of North and South America and are highly adapted to hot, dry climates. They store large amounts of water in their stems, helping them survive long dry periods. Their stems have protective layers to reduce evaporation, while specialized roots quickly absorb rainwater. Most cacti possess a columnar shape that minimizes surface area and reduces water loss.

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Assam recently carried out the first legally approved export of agarwood chips to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Agarwood is a highly valuable fragrant wood used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicines. The export marks an important step in promoting Assam’s aromatic and forest-based products in international markets. The move is expected to benefit local growers and boost legal trade in agarwood products. It grows naturally in Northeast India, mainly in Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur.

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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recovered live Red Sand Boa snakes from an illegal wildlife trade operation in Warangal. Scientifically known as Eryx johnii, the Red Sand Boa is a non-venomous snake found in dry regions of the Indian subcontinent. The species is endemic to India, Pakistan, and Iran. It prefers sandy and loose soil habitats and spends most of its time underground. The snake is known for its thick reddish-brown body and “double-headed” appearance due to its tail shape. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, it is classified as Near Threatened.