1. India Adds 3 New Ramsar Sites on Independence Day 2024
Tags: Environment
On the eve of Independence Day 2024, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, announced the addition of three new wetlands to India's list of Ramsar sites, bringing the total to 85.
An Overview of the News
The newly designated Ramsar sites are Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh.
With the inclusion of these three sites, the total area of Ramsar sites in India now stands at 1,358,067.757 hectares.
India, a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since 1982, has significantly increased its Ramsar sites from 26 (between 1982-2013) to 59 (from 2014-2024).
Top States: Tamil Nadu now leads with the highest number of Ramsar sites (18), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).
Details of the New Ramsar Sites:
Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu):
Area: 125.865 hectares
Location: Uthukuli Taluk, Tiruppur District
Biodiversity: Home to 191 bird species, 87 butterfly species, and more.
Importance: Vital for bird nesting, agriculture, and groundwater recharge.
Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu):
Area: 5,151.6 hectares
Location: Villupuram District, near Pondicherry
Biodiversity: Key stopover for migratory birds, breeding ground for fish.
Unique Features: Comprises brackish water, estuarine parts, and supports degraded mangrove patches.
Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh):
Area: 20,050 hectares
Location: Near Itarsi town, part of Satpura Tiger Reserve
Biodiversity: Important habitat for aquatic flora, fauna, and migratory birds.
Significance: Largest protected area in Madhya Pradesh, also used for irrigation, power generation, and aquaculture.
2. New Plant Species Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
Tags: Environment State News
Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have identified a new plant species named Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii in the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Papum Pare district, Arunachal Pradesh.
An Overview of the News
The species is named in honor of Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Dash, a BSI Scientist, to acknowledge his significant contributions to plant and ecological research in the Indian Himalayan region.
The research findings were detailed by authors Samrat Goswami and Rohan Maity in the Indian Journal of Forestry.
Characteristics of Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii
Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii belongs to the family Acanthaceae and the genus Phlogacanthus.
It is closely related to Phlogacanthus Guttatus (Wall) Nees, but can be distinguished by differences in the calyx form and size, staminodes, and corona color.
In India, the Phlogacanthus genus comprises 13 species, predominantly found in the northeastern and eastern Himalayan states.
About Arunachal Pradesh
It is a state located in the northeastern region of India. It shares its borders with the countries of Bhutan, China and Myanmar.
Establishment:- 20 February 1987
Capital:- Itanagar (Executive Branch)
Chief Minister:- Pema Khandu
Official flower:- Rhynchostylis retusa
Official Animal:- Gayal
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3. Houston Zoo Administers First-Ever mRNA Vaccine to Combat Deadly EEHV in Elephants
Tags: Environment International News
Tess, a 40-year-old Asian elephant at Houston Zoo, received the first-ever dose of an mRNA vaccine to prevent elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) 1A.
An Overview of the News
The vaccine was created by virologists at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM).
Tess was vaccinated on Tuesday, June 18.
Effectiveness will be measured by antibody levels in her blood and monitoring for side effects.
The dosage for Tess was based on studies with mRNA vaccines in horses.
Collaboration and Contributions
The vaccine is the result of a long-term collaboration between the Houston Zoo and Dr. Paul Ling at BCM’s Department of Virology and Microbiology.
Contributors include Jessica Watts, a graduate student in Dr. Ling’s laboratory, and Dr. Jeroen Pollet at Texas Children’s Hospital and the National School of Tropical Medicine at BCM.
Research funded by the Houston Zoo, a private foundation, International Elephant Foundation (IEF), and Colossal Biosciences.
Global Impact
The protocol developed at the Houston Zoo and BCM is utilized globally for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating EEHV.
The collaboration has saved elephant lives worldwide and is essential for the long-term survival of elephant populations.
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHV)
It is also known as Elephantid betaherpesvirus 1 (ElHV-1), is a type of herpesvirus.
EEHV can cause a highly fatal hemorrhagic disease when transmitted to young Asian elephants.
In African elephants, related forms of these viruses are generally benign, sometimes causing small growths or lesions.
Some types of EEHV can cause a highly fatal disease in Asian elephants, with up to 80% mortality in severely affected individuals.
The disease can be treated with the rapid application of antiviral drugs.
Treatment with antiviral drugs has been effective in about a third of cases.
About Houston Zoo
Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Date Opened: September 1922
Size: 55 acres (22 hectares)
Situated Within: Hermann Park
Number of Animals: Over 6,000
Number of Species: More than 900
Annual Visitors: Around 2 million
Ranking: Second most visited zoo in the United States (surpassed only by the San Diego Zoo)
Accreditation: Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
4. New Species of Dogfish Shark, Squalus hima, Discovered Off Kerala Coast
Tags: Environment State News
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of dogfish shark off the coast of Kerala.
An Overview of the News
Named Squalus Hima, this species was identified based on its unique characteristics, including the number of teeth, trunk and head heights, fin structure, and fin color.
The discovery was made from samples collected at a fishing harbor in Kerala near the Arabian Sea.
Characteristics and Significance
Dogfish, a small shark species, are highly sought after for their fins, liver oil, and meat, often being caught as bycatch by fishermen.
The new species, Squalus hima, stands out due to its distinctive morphological features.
The discovery of this species underscores the rich marine biodiversity of the region and highlights the importance of preserving deep-sea ecosystems.
Research and Surveys
A total of 13 specimens were collected from the southwest coast of India during surveys conducted up to 1000 meters along the coastline.
These surveys, part of the Deep Ocean Mission conducted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, aimed to understand the diversity of deep-sea sharks in the region.
The taxonomic re-evaluation of the genus Squalus in the Indo-Pacific and other regions has led to the discovery of many previously undescribed species, contributing significantly to marine biology.
NOTE:- |
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India's (ZSI) regional center in Gopalpur, Odisha, have identified a new species of snake eel, Ophichthus suryai, along the Odisha coast. Scientists Discover Rare Blue Ant Species, Paraparatrechina neela, in Eastern Himalayas After 121 Years. |
About Kerala
Capital - Thiruvananthapuram
Chief minister - Pinarayi Vijayan
Rajya Sabha - 9 seats
Lok Sabha - 20 seats
Symbols of Kerala:-
Bird - Great hornbill
Flower - Golden shower tree
Fruit - Jackfruit
Mammal - Indian elephant
Tree - Coconut Tree
About Zoological Survey of India
Founded - 1 July 1916
Headquarters - Kolkata
Director - Dr. Dhriti Banerjee
Additional Information:-
The Vizhinjam Port in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, achieved a historic milestone with the arrival of its first container ship, 'San Fernando'.
On 23rd June 2024, Kozhikode in north Kerala became India's first UNESCO "City of Literature."
Thiruvananthapuram Airport Earns India's First Zero Waste to Landfill Accolade.
5. India to Sign BBNJ Agreement for High Seas Biodiversity Protection
Tags: Environment
The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved India's signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
An Overview of the News
Aimed at conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in 'High Seas', beyond national jurisdiction.
Ministry of Earth Sciences to spearhead India's efforts in implementing the agreement.
Minister's Commitment to Environmental Conservation
Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Earth Sciences, reaffirmed India's commitment to global environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Emphasized signing and subsequent ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, aligning with scientific progress and international collaboration.
Key Features of the BBNJ Agreement
International Treaty: Under UNCLOS, focuses on protecting marine biodiversity through global cooperation.
Provisions: Prohibits sovereign rights over high seas resources, promotes equitable benefit-sharing, and advocates ecosystem-based management.
Benefits for India: Includes strategic presence in high seas, enhanced marine conservation efforts, and opportunities for scientific research and technology transfer.
UNCLOS:
Foundation: Adopted in 1982, in force since 1994, regulates maritime boundaries, rights to marine resources, and environmental protection.
BBNJ Agreement: Becomes the third implementation agreement under UNCLOS, alongside those for mineral resources and fish stocks management.
Global Participation: Over 160 countries have ratified UNCLOS, ensuring equitable and orderly use of the world's oceans.
6. India Unveils World’s First Comprehensive Fauna Checklist
Tags: Environment
India becomes the first country to prepare a comprehensive checklist of its entire fauna, covering 104,561 species.
An Overview of the News
Launched by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav on the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata.
Government’s Commitment to Biodiversity
PM’s Vision for Nature: PM Modi’s vision emphasized through programs like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and Mission LIFE, promoting sustainable consumption and conservation.
International Initiatives: The International Big Cat Alliance and the successful relocation of cheetahs to India highlight the government's efforts in biodiversity conservation.
Fauna of India Checklist Portal
Comprehensive Document: The portal is the first of its kind, including 121 checklists of all known taxa covering 36 phyla. It also includes endemic, threatened, and scheduled species.
Resource for Stakeholders: An invaluable reference for taxonomists, researchers, academicians, conservation managers, and policymakers.
Animal Taxonomy Summit–2024
Second Summit by ZSI: The summit focuses on three themes: Taxonomy, Systematics and Evolution; Ecology and Animal Behaviour; and Biodiversity and Conservation.
Participation and Discussions: 350 delegates from four countries, including the Natural History Museum, London, will participate, with 21 plenary/lead lectures and 142 oral/poster presentations.
Outcome: Recommendations will be conveyed to the Government of India for biodiversity conservation.
Publications and Initiatives
New Discoveries: ‘Animal Discoveries–2023’ and ‘Plant Discoveries-2023’ featuring new species and records.
Other Publications: ‘Fauna of India–109 barcodes’, ‘Catalogue of Hoverflies’, ‘Catalogue of Muscidae’, ‘Flora of India Series’, and the ‘Barcode Atlas of Indian Fishes’.
Celebrating Conservation: ‘ROAR - Celebrating 50 years of Project Tiger’ book released.
International Society of Zoology (ISZ): Launched by Jitendra Kumar to enhance global biodiversity understanding and protection.
Collaboration and Cultural Events
MoUs Signed: ZSI exchanged 10 MoUs with various universities, colleges, and national institutes for better coordination and benefits to the masses.
Cultural Performance: The event concluded with a cultural performance, attended by officials, scientists, researchers, and vice chancellors from various institutions.
7. India's Largest Leopard Safari Opens at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru
Tags: Environment State News
India's largest and third leopard safari has been launched at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), located 25 kilometers south of Bengaluru.
An Overview of the News
The safari, inaugurated recently, currently houses eight leopards with plans to increase the number in the future.
Spanning 20 hectares, the safari is secured with railway barricades and enclosed with 4.5-meter-tall chain-link mesh and mild steel sheets to ensure the leopards remain within boundaries.
About Bannerghatta Biological Park
Established in 2004, BBP was carved out of Bannerghatta National Park and is under the administration of the Zoo Authority of Karnataka.
Encompasses 731.88 hectares, featuring a zoo, butterfly park, and rescue center.
Focuses on scientific development, conservation, and breeding of endangered species.
Offers safaris for tigers, lions, bears, and herbivores, alongside facilities for bird, reptile, and mammal enclosures.
List of National Parks in Karnataka:
Nagarhole National Park
Located in Karnataka's Kodagu district.
Known for its lush woods, streams, hills, and waterfalls.
Home to tigers, Gaur, elephants, Indian leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, and deer.
Bandipur National Park
Established in 1974 as a Tiger Reserve.
Significant habitat for wild elephants.
Anshi National Park
Created in 1987 from Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Part of Project Tiger since 2007.
Located adjacent to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kudremukh National Park
Known for dense forests and scenic waterfalls like Kadambi and Hanumangundi.
Diverse fauna includes lion-tailed macaque, tiger, leopard, wild dog, Malabar giant squirrel, common langur, and sloth bear.
Mudumalai National Park
Shares boundaries with Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Noted for its elephant and tiger populations.
Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated around 245 kilometers from Bangalore.
About Karnataka
Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)
Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah
Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot
Bird:- Indian roller
8. New Plant Species 'Petrocosmea arunachalense' Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
Tags: Environment Science and Technology
Researchers from the Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre (APRC) of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have identified a new plant species named 'Petrocosmea arunachalense'.
An Overview of the News
The species was discovered in the Mandala region of West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh.
'Petrocosmea arunachalense' is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Gesneriaceae family.
This find marks only the second known species of the Petrocosmea genus in India.
The discovery has been documented in the Nordic Journal of Botany.
The research underscores Arunachal Pradesh's rich biodiversity and emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts.
Dr. Krishna Chowlu, along with researchers Akshath Shenoy and Ajit Ray from APRC, Itanagar, led the discovery.
About Arunachal Pradesh
It is a state located in the northeastern region of India. It shares its borders with the countries of Bhutan, China and Myanmar.
Establishment:- 20 February 1987
Capital:- Itanagar (Executive Branch)
Chief Minister:- Pema Khandu
Official flower:- Rhynchostylis retusa
Official Animal:- Gayal
9. New Plant Species 'Emblica chakrabartyi' Found in Kerala Forests
Tags: Environment
A new plant species, 'Emblica chakrabartyi,' has been unearthed by a team of scientists in Kerala, specifically from Adichilthotti within the Edamalayar forest range.
An Overview of the News
This newly discovered species is dedicated to Tapas Chakrabarty, a former scientist at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), in recognition of his contributions to the study of Phyllanthaceae
Characteristics of Emblica chakrabartyi:
Taxonomy: Belongs to the gooseberry (Phyllanthaceae) family and thrives as shrubs in tropical rainforests.
Global Presence: 55 species of the genus Emblica worldwide, with this species being the 11th from India.
Distinctive Features:
Size: Grows to approximately 2 meters in height.
Leaves: Large, shiny, elongated oval leaves reaching up to 13 cm in length.
Flowers: Yellowish green with six petals. Flowering and fruiting occur from December to June. Male flowers are found in inflorescence, while female flowers are solitary, located on the leaf axils.
Fruits: Brown to black when ripe, with seeds measuring about 8-9 mm in diameter.
Expedition Details:
Research Project: Conducted as part of a University Grants Commission (UGC) sponsored research project.
Population: A population of approximately 55 plants was discovered during the expedition.
About Kerala
Capital - Thiruvananthapuram
Chief minister - Pinarayi Vijayan
Districts - 14
Rajya Sabha - 9 seats
Lok Sabha - 20 seats
Symbols of Kerala:-
Bird - Great hornbill
Flower - Golden shower tree
Fruit - Jackfruit
Mammal - Indian elephant
Tree - Coconut Tree
10. Ligdus Garvale: New Spider Species Identified in Karnataka
Tags: Environment
A team of naturalists discovered a new species of jumping spider, Ligdus Garvale, in Garvale village, Kodagu district, Karnataka. The discovery has been published in thejournal Zootaxa.
An Overview of the News
This is the second recorded instance of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, with the first being Ligdus Chelifer reported from Myanmar by Thorell in 1895.
Ligdus Garvale is a high canopy jumper, often going unnoticed, and constructs a double-layered web for retreat that resembles Pseudoscorpions.
Over 600 spider species have been identified in Karnataka, with an increase in jumping spider sightings.
About Jumping Spiders
Jumping Spiders are the largest family of spiders, with over 6,380 species in the family Salticidae.
Features include:
Brightly coloured
Diurnal (active during the day)
Four pairs of eyes
Size ranges from 2 to 22 mm.
About Karnataka
Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)
Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah
Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot
Bird:- Indian roller
