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Chinese scientists recently announced that they have cloned a Rhesus monkey named ReTro that lived to adulthood. The scientists created ReTro using a slightly modified version to create Dolly the Sheep and other mammals like the long-tailed macaque, which was the first primate to be cloned.
03 February, 2024
Animals
River dolphins are a group of freshwater cetaceans that inhabit various river systems across Asia and South America. The Six Surviving River Dolphin Species include: Amazon, Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy, Tucuxi, and the Yangtze finless porpoise.The Chinese river dolphin was deemed 'probably extinct' in 2007. As per the IUCN Red list, Yangtze finless porpoise are classified as Critically Endangered.Amazon, Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy and Tucuxi are labeled as Endangered. Note: The Yangtze finless porpoise is the world’s only freshwater porpoise but it is included with the other freshwater cetaceans under the umbrella name ‘river dolphins’. The Amazon river dolphin also known as the pink river dolphin or boto is the largest river dolphin. About Gangetic River dolphin The…
02 February, 2024
Animals
In a first-of-its-kind model of convergence, Kanger Valley National Park is working with a coalition of various organizations and government departments to prepare a landscape-based ecological restoration plan for the national park. About Kanger Valley National Park Location: It is located in Jagdalpur, in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh state. It is located on the banks of the Kholaba River (tributary of the Godavari River). The National Park derives its name from the Kanger River, which flows in its length.It got the status of a national park in 1982. The average width of the park (north to south) is 6 km. while the…
02 February, 2024
Animals
A recent study has uncovered two potential new species of lamprey fish in California waters. About Lamprey Fish Lampreys are boneless, jawless fish with eel-like bodies that date back over 350 million years. They belong to a relic (primitive) group of jawless fish called Agnathans. They live in coastal and fresh waters and are found in temperate regions around the world, except Africa. Features: They range from about 15 to 100 centimetres (6 to 40 inches) long. Unlike "bony" fish like trout, cod, and herring, lampreys lack scales, fins, and gill covers. They breathe through a distinctive row of seven pairs of tiny gill openings located behind their mouths and eyes.…
02 February, 2024
Animals
An international team of marine biologists recently discovered a unique isopod, a form of crustacean, that has been formally identified as a new species of the genus Booralana. Isopods are an order of invertebrates (animals without backbones) that belong to the greater crustacean group of animals, which includes crabs and shrimp. Scientists estimate that there are around 10,000 species of isopods (all belonging to the order “Isopoda”). They also live in many different types of habitats, from mountains and deserts to the deep sea, and they are distributed worldwide. Features: They are one of the most morphologically diverse of all the crustacean groups, coming in many different shapes and…
28 January, 2024
Animals
Interest in indigenous cattle breeds like the Pulikulam is reviving which is famous for a local game called Jalikattu in TamilNadu. It is a popular draught and game breed of Tamil Nadu. The cattle originated from Pulikulam, a village located in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Palingu maadu, Mani maadu, Jallikattu maadu, Mattu maadu and Kilakattu maadu. These are maintained as migratory herds, and its draught and manure capabilities play a significant role in the rural livelihood of the communities rearing them for draught and organic agricultural production. This breed of cattle is famous for a local game…
28 January, 2024
Animals
The crash in their population from estimated 4 crores in the early 1980s to less than a lakh by 2007 in India is unprecedented in the animal world. Outside of the oceans, vultures are the only known obligate scavengers. The ecological, social and cultural significance of vultures in India may be summed up as: scavenging on animal carcasses and thereby helping keep the environment clean. There are nine species of vultures in India out of which three have been on critically endangered list of IUCN and also listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) Slender billed…
26 January, 2024
Animals
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP), also known as Darjeeling zoo was successful in breeding 77 snow leopards since the 1980s. Darjeeling Zoo is the world’s 2nd largest Snow Leopard breeding program next to New York’s Bronx Zoo. Scientific Name – Panthera uncia They are referred as the ‘ghost of the mountains’ for their camouflaging ability. Nativity – The alpine regions of Central Asia. Habitat – Rugged mountainous areas or non-forested areas covering an altitude between 3200m-5200m. Growing conditions – They have thick white-gray coat spotted with large black rosettes which helps them blend with Asia’s steep and rocky, high mountains and helps them to survive harsh cold climates. During the…
23 January, 2024
Animals
A rare and elusive bear, the Tibetan brown bear, has been recently sighted in Sikkim, making it the first confirmed record of the animal being sighted in India. Tibetan Brown Bear The Tibetan brown bear, also known as the Tibetan blue bear, is one of the rarest subspecies of bears in the world and is rarely sighted in the wild. Scientific Name: Ursus arctos pruinosus Distribution: Historically found mainly on the alpine eastern Tibetan plateau (4,500 to 5,000 metres) in eastern Tibet, western China, Nepal, and Bhutan. Remaining bears in the wild seem to be confined to eastern Tibet and Bhutan. Habitat: It inhabits alpine forests, meadows, and steppes, close…
22 January, 2024
Animals
Recently, a photographer has spotted an extremely rare all-white Gentoo penguin in Chilean Antarctica. Gentoo penguin It is exclusively found in the Southern Hemisphere between 45 and 65 degrees south latitude. Within this range, gentoos are found on the Antarctic Peninsula as well as many sub-Antarctic islands. One of the most predominant locations gentoos inhabit is the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Habitat: Gentoo penguins typically are found along the shoreline. This allows the penguins to be able to quickly access food while remaining close to their nest. The major difference between gentoo penguins and other penguin species are their…
22 January, 2024
Animals
Himalayan Wolf has been assessed for the first time in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List and categorised as ‘Vulnerable’. Himalayan Wolf The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas. It is also called Tibetan wolves, which live at more than 4,000 metres altitudes and are genetically distinct from grey wolves. Living at such high altitudes, these wolves have genetically adapted themselves to live in low oxygen (hypoxic) conditions. Distribution: In China, the Himalayan wolf lives on the Tibetan Plateau in the provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, Tibet, and western Sichuan. In northern India, it occurs in the Union…
20 January, 2024
Animals
Researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) found a new butterfly species in Karnataka’s Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu. Conjoined Silverline butterfly The butterfly species -- Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjuncta) found from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India. Features The new butterfly is the size of a one rupee coin but is invaluable to conservationists. It is endemic to mid-elevation evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. It has fused spots and bands on the underside of wings, and shiny silver lines in the centre of those bands. The two sites where they have been located are at an elevation of 900 meters (Iruppu Falls)…
19 January, 2024
Animals
Sea Turtle These are large, air-breathing reptiles that live in tropical and subtropical seas all over the world. Their shells are made up of an upper section (carapace) and a lower section (plastron). Hard scales or scutes cover all but the leatherback, and the number and arrangement of these scutes can be used to identify the species. The upper shell, or carapace, of each sea turtle species, varies in length, color, shape, and scale arrangement. Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle, Leatherback Sea Turtle, and Flatback Sea Turtle are…
01 January, 2024
Animals
Birdwatchers across India were able to document rare ‘pelagic’ (who spend a large portion of their lives on the open ocean) birds throughout 2023 just off the Karnataka coast. Brown Skua was sighted for the 1st time in Karnataka. Significant sightings - Sooty Shearwater, Brown Skua, Brown Booby, Streaked Shearwater and Masked Booby. Pomarine Skua, Arctic skua, Long-tailed skua, Swinhoes storm-petrel, Wilson’s storm-petrel, Flesh-footed shearwater, Persian shearwater, (greater, lesser, crested & Bridled (tern)).
31 December, 2023
Animals
The Nicobar pigeon is hailed as one of the most beautiful pigeons in the world. Habitat - It is native to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Malay Archipelago and some islands of Micronesia. Features - It is draped in a colorful plumage, with hues of green, blue, yellow and copper that explode into a bomb of colors in the sunlight. The bird’s feathers are iridescent due to the many layers of keratin air sacs in the feathers. Females Nicobar Pigeons are smaller in size than their male counterpart. Extinct birds - DNA studies have shown that it is also the only living…
30 December, 2023
Animals
The United Nations has declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids. Objective - It aims to build awareness of the untapped potential of camelids and to call for increased investment in the camelid sector, and the use of innovative practices and technologies. The decision to declare 2024 as the International Year of Camelids was made back in 2020. According to the official website of the Food and Agricultural Organization(FAO), camelids influence the lives of millions of households in more than 90 countries. The report stated that this decision has been made as these animals contribute to food security, nutrition and economic…
30 December, 2023
Animals
Thousands of sardine fish surface near Goa beach, experts call it ‘rare’ event, known as Sardine Run. Shoals of the marine species are fluttering in shallow waters along the coast at Keri-Terekhol, on the Goa-Maharashtra border. Shoals are a large group of fish that feed and swim together. Sardine Run happens due to sudden changes in the temperature of sea surface water. A drop or rise in sea surface temperature can induce migration of sardines in higher numbers and sometimes they are trapped in shallow waters. When the deeper water rises, it brings nutrient-rich water on top, triggering high food…
30 December, 2023
Animals
2 jumping spider species - Afraflacilla kerala and Afraflacilla adavathurensis were discovered recently from Kerala and Tamil Nadu respectively. Before the discovery of Afraflacilla kerala, only 3 species of the Afraflacilla genus had been found in India. Afraflacilla is a genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae). Most species are found in Eastern to Northern Africa and Australia, with 2 species found in Europe.
29 December, 2023
Animals
Missing for 42 years, flying squirrel resurfaces in Arunachal Pradesh. Flying Squirrel are one of the 50 species of gliding squirrels. Habitat - Northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) and southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) are the flying squirrel species found in North America. The third type, Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) is found in the temperate and tropical forests of India and other parts of Asia. It is a nocturnal species, meaning they are active at night. They have a special membrane between their front and back legs that allows them to glide through the air between trees. The Namdapha flying…
28 December, 2023
Animals
3 trafficked Sumatran orangutans were sent back from Thailand to Indonesia recently as part of a joint effort between the countries to tackle the illegal wildlife trade. The Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) is a species of orangutan that lives in the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. They are the largest non-human primates in Asia and the largest arboreal primates. Conservation Status IUCN - Critically Endangered CITES - Appendix I
28 December, 2023
Animals
Eurasian otter discovered for the 1st time in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala recently. It is a semiaquatic carnivorous mammal that is native to Eurasia. They are shy and nocturnal and found near small streams in the interior forests and distributed through Europe, Asia, and Africa. Conservation Status IUCN - Near Threatened. CITES - Appendix I. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 - Schedule II
28 December, 2023
Animals
The aardvark is a burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to Africa. The name aardvark comes from Afrikaans and means "earth pig" that hunts termites and ants at night. Aardvarks are found in sub-Saharan Africa, except for Namibia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Madagascar. Conservation Status IUCN - Least Concern.
28 December, 2023
Animals
Epiphytic orchids found in the Dooars and Darjeeling hills are dying out because of deforestation in their natural habitat. Orchids – A diverse group of flowering plants with vibrant and intricate flowers which belong to the family Orchidaceae. Range – Tropical rainforests, mountains, and even deserts. Distribution – India has over 1200 species of Orchids, 388 are endemic to India while 128 are endemic to the Western Ghats. The hot-spots of orchids in India are Himalayas, North-East India and Western Ghats and they are highest in Arunachal Pradesh followed by Sikkim and West Bengal. 3 Types – 60% of all orchids found in India are epiphytic, 447 are terrestrial…
27 December, 2023
Animals
Black tigers are a rare color variant of the Bengal tiger. They are not a separate species or subspecies of tiger. Their all-black color is due to pseudo-melanism, a condition that causes thick stripes that make the tawny background barely visible. Black tigers are only found in India's Similipal Tiger Reserve which also has the highest rate of black tiger sightings in the world. Similipal Tiger Reserve It is a national park and tiger reserve located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, that gets its name from the red silk cotton tree, "Simul". It has been designated as a tiger reserve in 1956 and…
27 December, 2023
Animals
The bonnet macaque is a species of Old-World monkey that is native to southern India. They are also known as Zati. They are highly arboreal and most abundant on the outskirts of human settlements. Subspecies - Dark-bellied bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata radiata) and Pale-bellied bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata diluta). Conservation Status IUCN – Vulnerable. CITES – Appendix II.
26 December, 2023
Animals
Epiphytic orchids found in the Dooars and Darjeeling hills are dying out because of deforestation in their natural habitat. Orchids – A diverse group of flowering plants with vibrant and intricate flowers which belong to the family Orchidaceae. Range – Tropical rainforests, mountains, and even deserts. Distribution – India has over 1200 species of Orchids, 388 are endemic to India while 128 are endemic to the Western Ghats. The hot-spots of orchids in India are Himalayas, North-East India and Western Ghats and they are highest in Arunachal Pradesh followed by Sikkim and West Bengal. 3 Types – 60% of all orchids found in India are epiphytic, 447 are terrestrial…
24 December, 2023
Animals
A recent study found that the oldest record ever of a yak being domesticated by humans has been found in Bangga, a settlement in Tibetan Autonomous Region in China. Yaks are large, sturdy mammals native to Tibet and China, but can also be found in Mongolia, Nepal, and Central Asia. Habitat - Alpine meadow, alpine steppe, and desert steppe & they are herbivorous in nature. Types – Domesticated Yak & Wild Yak. Conservation – IUCN - Domesticated yaks (Bos grunniens) are not listed as endangered but the wild subspecies of yak (B. grunniens mutus) are endangered.
22 December, 2023
Animals
Ukraine war could wreck efforts to save and rewild Europe’s great wild bovid. The wisent once roamed across Europe at the end of the last ice age was almost wiped out by 1927 from Europe. Conservation efforts in its last remaining strongholds, including Ukraine and Russia, have raised hopes of a revival. Threats - Rapid environmental change and hunting by humans. Hunting caused range loss in the north and east of the wisent’s distribution, while land use change was responsible for losses in the west and south. At present, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening the hopes of this species revival. Ecosystem Engineer - The…
20 December, 2023
Animals
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science’s (IISc) have identified that peptides (short protein) produced from Budgett’s frog can combat enzymes of disease causing pathogens. Other common names are Hippo Frog and the Freddie Kruger Frog. Scientific name - Lepdibatrachus laevis Habitat – In inland waters in Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia. Growing condition – Being carnivorous, they mainly feed on other frogs (particularly tadpoles), snails and insects. During dry season, it remains in burrows and they will shed skin layers from to form a waterproof cocoon to keep them moist. In rainy season, it will go back into the water to breed and feed. Characteristics – They are highly intelligent and very aggressive.…
18 December, 2023
Animals
Researchers at Berhampur University, Odisha have discovered a new species of marine amphipod found in Chilika Lake. Amphipods They are commonly called Scuds or side swimmers. They are found commonly in both surface and subterranean freshwater habitats. They constitute the most diverse and ubiquitous (being everywhere) group in freshwater. Amphipods are a significant group in the marine ecosystem and play a vital role in the marine food chain. They also serve as indicators for studying the impact of climate change and health of coastal ecosystems. Demaorchestia alanensis It is a shrimp-like crustacea of genus Demaorchesti and was named Demaorchestia alanensis after global…
16 December, 2023
Animals
Saiga Tatarica was changed from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Saiga, the odd-faced antelope has roamed the earth since the last Ice Age. They are medium sized hoofed mammal that belongs to the family Bovidae. They lives in herds in treeless steppe country. Hoofed mammal are animals with a hard, nail-like case called a hoof covering each toe on their feet. Sub-species - The Saiga has two sub-species Saiga tatarica (found in most of the range) and Saiga tatarica mongolica (found only in Mongolia). The antelope were once found throughout the Eurasian Steppe,…
16 December, 2023
Animals
The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle. Green sea turtles are found in temperate and tropical waters around the world. In India, they can be found on the west and east coasts, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Green sea turtles are mainly herbivorous and eat sea grass. Conservation Status IUCN – Endangered Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act.
11 December, 2023
Animals
Uttar Pradesh has made the Gangetic Dolphin as the state’s aquatic animal recently. The dolphin has already recognized as the national aquatic animal. These dolphins are found in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Ghaghra, Rapti, and Gerua. Conservation Status IUCN - Endangered species. Schedule –I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Project Dolphin - Launched in 2016 by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
11 December, 2023
Animals
A recent study found that electric eels can release enough electricity to genetically modify small fish larvae, which is known as electroporation, a gene delivery technique. Electroporation is a technique that uses an electrical field to increase the permeability of cell membranes. This allows larger molecules, such as DNA, drugs, and chemicals, to enter the cell.
10 December, 2023
Animals
Geneticists and conservationists have joined forces to re-introduce the Dodo, extinct since the late 17th century. It is an extinct flightless bird that was endemic to the Island of Mauritius. Dodos were large birds, approximately 3-feet tall. Extinction reasons – Climate change and human behaviour.
08 December, 2023
Animals
It is the largest wild cats and the umbrella species found from northern Mexico southward to northern Argentina. Jaguars are the largest of South America's big cats and the third largest cats in the world. Conservation Status IUCN - Near Threatened. CITES - Endangered. International Jaguar Day, celebrated on November 29 every year.
30 November, 2023
Animals
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, GoI is organizing the 19th Working Party on Data Collection and Statistics (WPDCS19) of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) About - IOTC is an intergovernmental organization that manages tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean and adjacent seas. Establishment - The Agreement for the establishment of the IOTC was adopted in 1993 and entered into force in 1996. It was created within the framework of the UN Food and Agricultural Organization’s (FAO) Constitution. Headquarters - Victoria, Seychelles. Objective - Appropriate management, conservation and optimum utilisation of stocks and encouraging sustainable development of fisheries based…
29 November, 2023
Animals
Ecologists from Mexico’s National Autonomous University recently relaunched a fundraising campaign to bolster conservation efforts for axolotls. Axolotls are paedomorphic or neotenic aquatic salamanders. Neoteny is a process in which there is a slowing down of the development of an organism. The ability to retain juvenile or larval traits by an adult is called pedomorphosis. They are amphibians (can live both in water and on land) with feathery gills and lungs. It is also called as Water Monster. Habitat - Only found in Lake Xochimilco, near Mexico City. Lake Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Characteristics - Axolotls are made of cartilage instead of bone. It…
29 November, 2023
Animals
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is a tree-dwelling herbivorous marsupial of Australia. Koalas are folivore specialists, feeding mainly on Eucalyptus leaves, and occasional leaves of other plant species. Conservation status – IUCN - Endangered. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection affecting many koalas in South East Queensland. Australia is planting kola corridors to save them. Marsupials are a group of mammals that are also known as pouched mammals.
24 November, 2023
Animals
Scientists have discovered a new species of 'music frog', Nidirana noadihing in Arunachal Pradesh recently. The speciality of this new species of frog is that both the male and female are vocal. Habitat - Swamps, ponds and paddy fields, and they often construct nests to lay their eggs. The new species was named after the Noa-Dihing River, which is near where the specimens were discovered and collected. Noa-Dihing is a tributary of Brahmaputra, originates in Arunachal Pradesh and flows through Assam and joins the Brahmaputra at Dihingmukh. The new species confirmed for the first time that the Nidirana genus has been found in India. Nidirana species…
24 November, 2023
Animals
Giant tortoises were once so abundant on the Galapagos archipelago off Ecuador. The Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis niger) is the largest living species of tortoise. It is also one of the longest-lived land vertebrates, with an average lifespan of over 100 years. Of the 15 species of giant tortoises that once lived in the Galapagos, 3 are now extinct. The Galapagos National Park (Ecuador's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was established to collect eggs from the wild and incubate them at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
14 November, 2023
Animals
The White-cheeked macaque is a species of macaque found only in Medog County in southeastern Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. Conservation status – Endangered (IUCN Red List) It is not covered by the Wildlife Protection Act of India. Along with White-Cheeked Macaques and Arunachal Macaque, Assamese Macaque (Macaca assamensis) and Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) reported from the same landscape.
12 November, 2023
Animals
It is a new species of gecko discovered in the Western Ghats (endemic) near Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu. The new species is also called Rashid’s dwarf gecko as it is the smallest (approx. 2 inches) among the genus. The dwarf gecko has been found in small numbers and it is endemic to the Western Ghats. So far, 93 species of gecko have been documented and this is the 94th species.
08 November, 2023
Animals
Pancorius sebastiani, a new species of jumping spider, was discovered from the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, Kerala. It belongs to the genus Pancorius Simon, 1902, and Salticidae family. The Pancorius genus of Asian jumping spiders is primarily distributed in south east Asia. While its distribution was hitherto limited to the east and northeastern regions in India, the new species is the first to be reported from the south.
08 November, 2023
Animals
Giraffes could go extinct soon as there are now fewer than 70,000 mature individuals left in the wild. Scientific Name - Giraffa camelopardalis Habitat – They use both semi-arid savannah and savannah woodlands in Africa. They can live as long as 25 years and eat a very wide variety of trees and shrubs. Giraffes are the world’s tallest mammals and an African icon. Status – IUCN Red List currently recognises 1 species of giraffe and 9 subspecies which is vulnerable as a whole while some are Critically Endangered. Threat – They have declined by 40% in the last 30 years and there are 5 biggest threats in recent times. Habitat loss –…
08 November, 2023
Animals
Pied avocet - A migratory bird species that breeds in Europe and Central Asia, arriving in Africa and southern Asia during winters. Greater painted snipe and Slaty breasted rail, Brown crake - spotted at Visakhapatnam. Great crested grebe - A winter migrant to India (found in all wetlands of Srikakulam and some places in Visakhapatnam). Other species spotted in Andhra Pradesh - Lesser florican, Terek sandpiper, Jerdon’s courser and green munia, spot-billed pelicans.
07 November, 2023
Animals
The Kerala government's appeal of the order of the Kerala High Court is rejected by the Supreme Court. The Kerala government's appeal against the Kerala High Court's directive to move Arikomban (Wild Elephant), the "rice tusker" of Munnar, to the Parambikulam tiger reserve was recently dismissed by the Supreme Court. About the translocation of elephant The act of transporting an elephant from its natural habitat to another location is referred to as translocation. This procedure is frequently used to address human-elephant conflict (HEC), in which elephants kill humans occasionally while damaging crops and destroying homes. The procedure of catching,…
27 April, 2023
Animals
Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 were just published by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairy. In accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, these Rules replace the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001. Highlight of the rule The relevant local bodies/municipalities/Municipal Corporations and Panchayats are to carry out the Animal Birth Control Programme for the sterilisation and immunisation of stray dogs. A recognised organisation by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) must conduct the Animal Birth Control Programme. The ABC and Anti Rabies Programmes must be put into…
21 April, 2023
Animals
International Big Cat Alliance The Indian Government has proposed to head a massive International Alliance to Safeguard Big Cats, and it has pledged support for the initiative over a five-year period with a financing commitment of USD $100 million (over Rs 800 crore). About The proposed International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) will aim to protect and conserve the seven main big cats, including the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah. The alliance will be open to membership for 97 "range" countries, which house the large cat species' original habitat, as well as other interested countries, international organisations,…
17 March, 2023
Animals
Orangutans Four police officers in Chennai were recently suspended for helping orangutan smugglers. About orangutans: With arms far longer than their legs, orangutans—the largest arboreal mammals—are exceptionally well suited to living in the trees. They have long, curled fingers and toes on their feet, as well as grasping hands. They lack an external tail that may be seen and have recognisable fingerprints. From southern China to the Indonesian island of Java, orangutans once roamed the jungles of south-east Asia. Only two islands remain where they can be found today: Borneo and Sumatra. In just the last 60 years, the population…
03 March, 2023
Animals
Himalayan Yak The Himalayan Yak has been approved as a 'food animal' by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). The move is expected to help slow the decline of the high-altitude bovine animal's population by incorporating it into the conventional milk and meat industries. Food animals are those that are raised for food production or human consumption. About Himalayan Yak: The Yak is a member of the Bovini tribe, which also includes bison, buffaloes, and cattle. It can withstand temperatures as low as -40° C. They have long hair that hangs off their sides like a curtain,…
07 December, 2022
Animals
Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act The Union Government recently proposed 61 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960. More on the news The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy has prepared the draught Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, (Amendment) Bill-2022. The following are the draft's key provisions: Imprisonment for animal cruelty: For killing an animal, the draft proposes a maximum 5-year prison sentence plus a fine. A new clause has been proposed to address this. The Act defines gruesome cruelty as "an act that causes extreme pain and suffering to the animals, which may…
02 December, 2022
Animals
World Sloth Bear Day On October 12, 2022, the inaugural World Sloth Bear Day was marked in an effort to raise awareness about and support conservation efforts for this rare bear species that is only found on the Indian subcontinent. The International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) sloth bear expert team accepted the proposal made by Wildlife SOS India, an organisation that has been working to protect and conserve sloth bears for more than 20 years, and declared the day to be observed globally. About Sloth Bear: One of the eight bear species that can…
12 October, 2022
Animals
Asiatic Caracal The Caracal is struggling to survive, although both species (Cheetahs and Caracal) had a similar distribution in the past. The caracal is on the verge of extinction in India and it is essential to find suitable areas to conserve it. About Asiatic caracal: Scientific Name: Caracall caracal schmitzi It is an elusive medium-sized and locally threatened felid (cat) species, which has been widely reported to be on the brink of extinction in India. The reasons are large-scale hunting, illegal trading and loss of natural habitats are considered significant threats to the species. Habitat : Rajasthan,Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana , Uttar Pradesh,…
20 September, 2022
Animals
ASIATIC BLACK BEAR Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, and the Himachal Pradesh Forest department have calculated the density and the population of Asiatic black bears in two Protected Areas of Himachal Pradesh. About black bears Scientists have calculated the population density of the bears for Darangati Wildlife Sanctuary and Rupi Bhaba. The asiatic black bear is also called the Himalayan bear, Tibetan bear, or moon bear. They are members of the bear family found from southern Iran to the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and parts of eastern Asia, including Japan. The Asiatic black bear is omnivorous as they…
21 July, 2022
Animals
Indian Rhino/ Great One Horned Rhino It is the largest Rhino species found in Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and India. It is Vulnerable and in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. 22 September is Rhino Day. India is home to 2,200 rhinos, or over 85 % population. In India, it is found in UP, West Bengal and Assam. According to WWF data from 2012, Assam has 91 % of the total Rhino in India which is mainly concentrated in Kaziranga National Park (Largest absolute population), and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (largest density in the World). Others are Manas Tiger Reserve, Orang Tiger…
23 September, 2021
Animals
Shailendra Singh wins Behler Turtle Conservation Award Indian biologist Shailendra Singh has been awarded the Behler Turtle Conservation Award for bringing three critically endangered turtle conservation species back from the brink of extinction. A press statement issued by the headquarters of the Turtle Survival Alliance earlier this week said: “For some species, such as the red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga), northern river terrapin (Batagur baska), and black softshell turtle (Nilssonia nigricans), Dr. Singh and his team’s efforts are the last hope for their wild survival in the country.” The award has been bestowed by several global bodies involved in turtle…
03 September, 2021
Animals
Ladakh adopts State animal and bird Ladakh adopted two endangered species, snow leopard and black-necked crane, as State animals and State birds, two years after it was carved out as a separate Union Territory (UT) from the erstwhile State of J&K. “The snow leopard (Panther unica) and black-necked crane (Grus nicricollis) shall be the State animal and State bird respectively of the UT of Ladakh from the date of issue of the notification,” reads an order issued by the Lieutenant Administration (LG) of Ladakh. Black-necked crane, only found in the Ladakh region, was the State bird of J&K before August…
02 September, 2021
Animals
Crocodile species in India There are 3 species of crocodilians in India — Saltwater/ Estuarine Crocodile; Mugger/ Marsh/ Indian/ Broad snouted Crocodile and Gharial or Gavial or Fish eating crocodile Mugger Crocodile or Marsh Crocodile or Broad snouted crocodile It is mainly a freshwater species, and found in lakes, rivers and marshes. It is Vulnerable in IUCN; Appendix I of CITES; Schedule I of WPA. Its habitat includes wetlands (inland), marine neritic (shallow part of the ocean), artificial/aquatic & marine. Vadodara is the only city in India where crocodiles live in their natural habitat amidst the human population. It is extinct in Myanmar and Bhutan and possibly extinct in Bangladesh. Recently Gujarat relocated Mugger…
05 July, 2021
Animals
Great Indian Bustard poaching Great Indian Bustard and Conservation Efforts It is one of the heaviest Flight birds. They have weak eyesight. Habitat is grassland (not covered under Forest Conservation Act, 1980). It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent found in Central India, west India and eastern Pakistan. Bustard species found in India: Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican; Houbara Bustard in Pakistan. It is considered the flagship/ indicator grassland species, representing the health of the grassland ecology. No species can replace it. It has an L-shaped habitat = Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and…
18 April, 2021
Animals
Dolphin boom in Odisha’s Chilika lake Syllabus subtopic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Prelims and Mains focus: about the census and its findings; about Irrawaddy dolphins and why they are important; about Chilika lake Dolphin boom in Odisha’s Chilika lake The population of dolphins in Chilika, India’s largest brackish water lake, and along the Odisha coast has doubled this year compared with last year. The wildlife wing of the State Forest and Environment Department released the final data on the dolphin census conducted in January and February this year, indicating a spectacular growth in numbers. Divided into…
11 April, 2021
Animals
IUCN Declares African Elephants as Critically Endangered The IUCN has declared African Forest elephants as ‘critically endangered’ and Savanna (or bush) elephants as ‘endangered’. Previously IUCN listed both African elephants as “vulnerable”. But now it has opted to list them separately. It is after genetic evidence proved that both are different species. About African Elephants African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth. They are slightly larger than Asian Elephants and can be identified by their larger ears (Asian elephants have smaller, rounded ears.) Elephants are matriarchal, suggesting they live in female-led groups. The matriarch is usually the biggest and oldest. African elephants are keystone species…
30 March, 2021
Animals
Great Indian Bustard and Conservation Efforts It is one of the heaviest Flight birds. They have weak eyesight. Habitat is grassland (not covered under Forest Conservation Act, 1980). It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent found in Central India, west India and eastern Pakistan. Bustard species found in India: Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican; Houbara Bustard in Pakistan. It is considered as the flagship/ indicator grassland species, representing the health of the grassland ecology. No species can replace it. It has an L-shaped habitat = Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The largest…
16 March, 2021
Animals
Sharks Conservation in India As per a recent study, the global population of sharks and rays reduced by over 70% in the past 5 decades. About Sharks: Sharks come under a subclass of fish species called Elasmobranchii. The species in this subclass have skeletons made from cartilage and not bones. They use gills to filter oxygen from the water. Sharks inhabit 3 major marine habitats such as continental shelves, deep-sea and open ocean. Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years—long before the dinosaurs- In the Silurian era. India is the second-largest shark fishing nation in the world. Conservation…
14 March, 2021
Animals
Himalayan Serow A Himalayan Serow has been spotted in Manas Tiger Reserve, Assam. It is a mammal that is somewhere between a goat and an antelope, which is a high-altitude dweller found 2,000-4,000 metres above sea level. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species Status - ‘Vulnerable’. It is listed under Schedule I of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides absolute protection. A black-necked crane (Near-threatened) and white-bellied heron (Critically Endangered) were also recently sighted in Manas. Manas National Park This national park is located at the foothills of the Bhutan-Himalayas, Assam and…
03 March, 2021
Animals
Snow Leopard Also known as Ghost of the mountains acts as an indicator of the health of the mountain ecosystem in which they live, due to their position as the top predator in the food web. Habitation: The Snow Leopard lives at high altitudes in the steep mountains of Central and Southern Asia, and in an extremely cold climate. They inhabit the higher Himalayan and trans-Himalayan landscape in the states/union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. India is a unique country to have a good presence of 5 big cats, including the Snow Leopard.…
28 February, 2021
Animals
African Swine Fever Virus Scientists have found a natural mutation in the African swine fever virus (ASFV) that could be less deadly than the strain that ravaged the world’s largest pig herd in 2018 and 2019. ASFV is an intra cytoplasmically-replicating DNA arbovirus, which is the sole member of the family Asfarviridae. ASF is a severe viral disease that affects wild and domestic pigs resulting in a highly lethal haemorrhagic fever but doesn’t affect humans. It has an almost 100% case fatality rate (CFR). Transmission of the ASFV could be through, Direct contact with an infected or wild pig (alive or dead),…
23 February, 2021
Animals
Siberian Mammoths Scientists have recovered and sequenced the oldest DNA on record, from the molars of mammoths that roamed Siberia up to 1.2 million years ago. Until now, the oldest DNA came from a horse that lived in Canada's Yukon Territory about 700,000 years ago. Researchers gained insights into mammoth evolution and migration by comparing the DNA to that of mammoths that lived more recently (4,000 years ago). The molars of the mammoths were discovered near the Krestovka River, Adycha River and the Chukochya River.
22 February, 2021
Animals
Dickinsonia Fossils Found in Bhimbetka Caves Researchers discovered three fossils in Madhya Pradesh. These fossils are possible of the earliest known living animal named ‘Dickinsonia’ (550-million-year-old). The fossils are found on the roof of Auditorium Cave at Bhimbetka Rock Shelters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh. The fossil can be identified from the white leaf-like patches with a central vertebra (central midrib) and connecting veins. These are the only Dickinsonia fossils available in the country. They are similar to those seen in South Australia. Dickinsonia : It is an extinct genus of basal animals. They lived…
15 February, 2021
Animals
Humboldt Penguin Humboldt penguin is named after the cold ocean current, known as the Humboldt current (discovered by German explorer Alexander von Humboldt), which is typical for the natural habitat of this species of penguin (west coast of South America). Its habitat is highly influenced by the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current flowing northward from Antarctica, which is vital to the productivity of plankton and krill and fosters fish abundance. Migration: When not raising chicks, these penguins have been known to travel long distances at sea to find food, especially in recent years as prey species become increasingly scarce.
14 February, 2021
Animals
Dolphin killed by a group in UP A video of a group of men and boys in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh district beating to death a Gangetic river dolphin surfaced on social media on Friday. An endangered species, the Gangetic River Dolphin is recognised as the National Aquatic Animal. The Pratapgarh police said they had arrested three persons and sent them to jail. Further legal action was being taken. Killing the Gangetic River Dolphin is a punishable offence under Section 9/51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the FIR said. The motive behind the crime is not yet known. In August,…
09 January, 2021
Animals
Pangolin and Porcupine Pangolin Out of the 8 species of Pangolin in the World, Indian and Chinese Pangolin are found in India. Indian Pangolin The Indian pangolin is an endangered animal that is rarely sighted in forests. The Indian Pangolin is the only scaly mammal hunted for meat and used in traditional Chinese medicine. They are nocturnal. Indian Pangolins are among the most trafficked wildlife species in the World. The projected population declines range from 50% to 80% across the genus. Scientists radio-tag Indian pangolin for the 1st time. It is under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.…
05 January, 2021
Animals
Great India Bustard (GIB) or Godawan Context: Great Indian Bustard is an important topic for UPSC Prelims Examination 2021. It is one of the most repeated questions in the UPSC Prelims Examination. It is one of the heaviest Flight birds. They have weak eyesight. Habitat is grassland (not covered under Forest Conservation Act, 1980). It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent found in Central India, west India and eastern Pakistan. Bustard species found in India: Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican; Houbara Bustard in Pakistan. It is considered as the flagship/ indicator grassland species, representing the health of…
23 December, 2020
Animals
The Status of Leopards in India 2018 Report Context: Leopard is an important topic for UPSC Prelims Examination 2021. It is one of the most repeated questions in the UPSC Prelims Examination. It revealed that the Western Ghats was home to close to 3,387 leopards. The population of leopards in India has gone up by 60 %, as per the ‘Status of Leopard in India 2018’ report. India now has 12,852 leopards, witnessing a substantial increase in comparison to the 2014 data. Camera traps were used to obtain leopards’ photographs in the Western Ghats. About Leopards: The leopard population was…
23 December, 2020
Animals
Great Indian Bustard The Wildlife Institute of India proposed to put all power transmission lines passing through Great Indian Bustard (GIB) habitat underground. GIB, a bird native to India and Pakistan, is the State Bird of Rajasthan. The largest population is found in Rajasthan. Quick FACTS The GIB is one of the heaviest flying bird endemics to the Indian subcontinent. They are primarily terrestrial birds. The GIB lays one egg every 1-2 years and the success rate of these eggs is 60-70 per cent. However, this rate has been reduced to 40-50 % due to predators like foxes and dogs. Today less…
21 December, 2020
Animals
Indian Bison An Indian Bison, or Gaur, in Pune’s urban landscape, died due to human-animal conflict. It is mainly found in South and Southeast Asia. Location: Native to South and Southeast Asia in India, they are found in Nagarhole, Bandipur, Masinagudi National Parks and BR Hills. Conservation Status: Vulnerable in IUCN Red List. Included in the Schedule I of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972. Important Facts: It is the tallest species of wild cattle found in India and the largest extant bovine. Recently, the first population estimation exercise of the Indian Gaur (Bison) was carried out in the Nilgiris Forest Division, Tamil Nadu. Recently, the conservation breeding of Gaur was started at…
17 December, 2020
Animals
Himalayan Griffon Vulture It is a migratory bird species native to the Himalayas, has been spotted in Point Calimere wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. It is usually found in high-altitude regions. They originate from the Himalayan Chain and Plateau of Tibet. The IUCN status of the bird is Near-threatened. It is listed in Appendix II of the CITES.
17 December, 2020
Animals
Peacock soft-shelled turtle Peacock soft-shelled turtle - vulnerable species have been rescued from a fish market in Assam’s Silchar. Scientific Name: Nilssonia hurum. Features: They have a large head, downturned snout with a low and oval carapace of dark olive green to nearly black, sometimes with a yellow rim. The head and limbs are olive-green; the forehead has dark reticulations and large yellow or orange patches or spots, especially behind the eyes and across the snout. Males possess relatively longer and thicker tails than females. Habitat: India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. In India, it is widespread in the northern and central parts of the Indian subcontinent. These are found in rivers, streams, lakes and ponds with mud…
01 December, 2020
Animals
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