×

UPSC Courses

DNA banner

DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 21 January, 2023

  • 5 Min Read

Indian Star Tortoise

Indian Star Tortoise

  • An extensive loss in the genetic diversity and habitat of the Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) has been linked to illegal commerce and ill-informed translocations, according to a recent study.
  • The study urges the use of scientific breeding and argues for an appropriate conservation strategy to deal with the species' fragmented distribution.

What are the Indian Star Tortoise's Key Facts?

  • Habitat: Indian star tortoises can be found all throughout the Indian subcontinent, notably in West Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Central and Southern regions of India.
  • It frequently inhabits arid, open environments including grasslands, scrub woodlands, and rocky outcrops.

Threat:

  • The species is dealing with two problems: one is a threat to its habitat, and the other is a loss of genetic diversity.
  • An growing amount of urbanization and agricultural operations have a significant impact on the species' extremely fragmented habitat.
  • The genetic diversity of Indian star tortoises has been reduced as a result of the subsequent hybridization of these species over time.
  • Additionally, according to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, the foreign pet market accounts for 90% of the traffic in star tortoises.

Protection Status:

  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • Wild Life Protection Act 1972: Schedule IV
  • Schedule IV: This list is for species that are not endangered. It includes protected species but the penalty for any violation is less compared to Schedules I and II.
  • Convention on International Trade in Species (CITES): Appendix I.

Source: The Hindu


Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

Recently, Prime Minister announced Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana under which 1 crore households will get rooftop solar power systems. India’s Status of Current Solar Capacity India currently stands at 4th place globally in solar power capacity. As per Ministry of New an

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)- NGO 

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) registration of two prominent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) — Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and World Vision India (WVI) have been cancelled this month. What is FCRA? Key provisions of FCRA, 2010 Key aspects Description

Voice clone-AI

Voice clone fraud has been on the rise in India. AI voice cloning – It is the process of creating a synthetic replica of a person’s voice through machine learning and speech synthesis technology.It is called as voice deepfakesor audio deepfakes. Objective – To achieve a high level of na

Science communication- how to promote

Steps taken by India to promote Science Communication Publications and Information Directorate (PID) - An organisation under Council of Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) established in 1951 for publishing and disseminating scientific information in India. National science magazines- The PI

Universal Basic Income (UBI)- Analysis

Universal Basic Income (UBI) can strengthen welfare architecture and unlock the nation’s latent demographic potential. UBI - It is an income support mechanism typically intended to reach all or a very large portion of the population regardless of their earnings or employment status. Objective- To provide enough to co

Toppers

Search By Date

Newsletter Subscription
SMS Alerts

Important Links

UPSC GS Mains Crash Course - RAW Prelims Answer Key 2024