In News:

Three poachers were arrested for killing a sambar deer in the Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary (DEMWS), East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh.

Action Taken:

• Poachers Arrested: The poachers were booked under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and Arms Act 1959. The seized articles were handed over to the police, and a FIR was registered.
• Sanctuary Protection Efforts: The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) emphasized the need for intensified surveillance to prevent further hunting incidents. Public cooperation was urged to report such incidents for prompt action.

About Sambar Deer:

• Scientific Name: Rusa unicolor.
• Native Regions: Found across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
• Other Names: Known as Jarao in Nepal and Four-eyed deer in China.
• IUCN Red List: Listed as Vulnerable.

Key Features:

• Size: Stands between 1.2–1.4 meters at the shoulder.
• Weight: Can reach up to 550 kg, making it the largest oriental deer.
• Coat: Dark brown with a ruff around the neck, and unspotted.
• Antlers: Male sambar bears long, rugged antlers with three points (tines).
• Behavior: Elusive, most active at dusk and night.

Habitat:

• Water Dependency: Always found near water sources.
• Habitat Range: Dry deciduous forests, rainforests, and mixed forests.
• Social Structure: Often found alone or in small groups.

About Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary (DEMWS):

• Location: Situated in East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Established: Originally established as Lali Wildlife Sanctuary in 1976, renamed Daying Ering Memorial in 1986.
• Climate: Tropical, receiving both north-east and south-west monsoons.
• Waterways: Home to the Siang River, one of Arunachal's major rivers.

Flora:

• Vegetation: Composed mainly of riverine plains with a variety of thatch and grasses.
• Trees: Includes scattered patches of trees such as Termenelia myriocarpa, Dillenia indica, Albizia spp., and Bombax ceiba.

Fauna:

• Mammals: Includes Hog Deer, Wild Pig, Tiger, and Elephant.
• Birds: Over 150 species of birds, including endangered species like the White-Winged Wood Duck and Bengal Florican.

In News:

Octopuses and their relatives are a new animal welfare frontier

• Cephalopods are highly intelligent, marine invertebrates that include species such as octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish.
• They are members of the class Cephalopoda in the phylum Mollusca, which is known for its diversity and complex morphology.
• Cephalopods are often considered one of the most behaviorally and morphologically complex classes within this phylum.

Key Features and Anatomy

Cephalopods exhibit several distinctive features:

• Body Structure: They have a head-foot structure, where the head is merged with the foot, and arms/tentacles surround the head. The arms and tentacles are derivatives of the foot, with some species possessing additional appendages for grasping or movement.
• Tentacles and Beak: Cephalopods possess tentacles, often with suction cups or hooks for capturing prey. They also have beak-like jaws, which are used to break down food.
• Eyes and Vision: Their unique W-shaped pupils enhance their vision. Most cephalopods are believed to be colorblind, but they exhibit remarkable visual camouflage through chromatophores (pigment cells) and reflectors beneath their skin, which can produce a wide range of colors and patterns.
• Movement: Cephalopods use jet propulsion to move. By expelling water from their mantle cavity, they can quickly travel through the water. Some species, like octopuses, also "walk" using their arms, while squids and cuttlefish employ fins for propulsion.
• Circulatory System: They have three hearts. Two hearts pump deoxygenated blood, while the third pumps oxygenated blood. Their blood is blue due to the presence of copper-based hemocyanin, which is effective in cold, low-oxygen environments.
• Neural Systems: Cephalopods are known for their advanced nervous systems. A significant portion of the neurons, especially in octopuses, are not located in the central brain but are distributed across the arms in “mini-brains” or ganglia, which helps coordinate movement and sensory functions independently.

Cognitive Abilities

Cephalopods have garnered significant attention due to their impressive cognitive abilities. Their intelligence is demonstrated in several areas:

• Problem-Solving: They are capable of using tools and strategies to solve complex tasks, such as escaping enclosures or catching prey.
• Learning and Memory: Cephalopods exhibit sophisticated learning behaviors, including associative learning and memory. Some species are known to delay gratification, choosing more preferred food items over immediate but less desirable ones. They also show evidence of "reversal learning," where they can adjust their behavior in response to changing environmental cues.
• Camouflage and Communication: Cephalopods can manipulate their skin's color and texture for camouflage, aiding in hunting and predator avoidance. For example, the Australian giant cuttlefish uses its chromatophores to communicate with potential mates or warn off competitors.

Species Diversity

Cephalopods are classified into three primary superorders:

• Octopodiforms: Includes octopuses (e.g., Octopus vulgaris), which are known for their intelligence and ability to solve problems.
• Decapodiforms: Includes squids and cuttlefish (e.g., Sepia officinalis, Architeuthis dux), which possess unique locomotion and hunting strategies.
• Nautiloids: Includes the chambered nautilus, the only cephalopod with an external shell, which is considered more primitive compared to other cephalopods.

Ethical and Conservation Concerns

Due to their intelligence and advanced nervous systems, cephalopods are becoming a focus of ethical debates regarding their treatment. Recently, California and Washington have enacted bans on octopus farming, and Hawaii is considering similar measures. These decisions are driven by the growing understanding of cephalopods' cognitive abilities and their capacity for suffering. As a result, there are increasing calls for humane treatment regulations similar to those for vertebrates.

Environmental and Ecological Role

Cephalopods play crucial roles in marine ecosystems. As carnivorous predators, they help maintain the balance of marine food chains by hunting smaller prey. Some species, such as the cuttlefish, also play important roles in communicating and signaling within their species through visual displays.

In News:

The IPBES Nexus Report, formally titled The Assessment Report on the Interlinkages Among Biodiversity, Water, Food, and Health, was released to address the interconnected global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, water scarcity, and health risks. The report stresses that these challenges are deeply intertwined and cannot be solved separately; doing so would lead to ineffective or even counterproductive results.

Key Highlights of the Nexus Report

• Interconnections Between Global Challenges: The report emphasizes the strong interlinkages between the five major global challenges:
  • Biodiversity Loss
  • Water Scarcity
  • Food Insecurity
  • Health Risks
  • Climate Change

It argues that efforts to address these challenges independently are ineffective and often exacerbate the problems. For example, scaling up food production to combat hunger can put more pressure on land, water, and biodiversity.

• Economic Cost of Biodiversity Loss:
  • Global GDP Dependency: Over half of the global GDP (approximately $58 trillion annually) depends on nature. Biodiversity degradation significantly undermines productivity and economic output.
  • Unaccounted Costs: The neglect of biodiversity in economic activities contributes to a loss of $10-25 trillion annually.
  • Delayed Action: Delaying action on biodiversity conservation could double the costs within the next decade, potentially incurring $500 billion per year in additional costs.
• Synergistic Approach: The report identifies over 70 response options that promote synergistic outcomes across the five challenges. These include:
  • Restoring Carbon-Rich Ecosystems: Such as forests, soils, and mangroves to address climate change and biodiversity loss.
  • Managing Biodiversity to Prevent Disease Transmission: Effective biodiversity management reduces risks of diseases passing from animals to humans (zoonotic diseases).
  • Sustainable Diets: Promoting diets that are both healthy and environmentally sustainable.
  • Nature-Based Solutions: Implementing solutions that rely on natural processes to mitigate challenges like water scarcity and climate change.
• Inequality and Vulnerability: The report highlights how inequality exacerbates the challenges. Vulnerable populations, especially those living in areas where biodiversity has sharply declined, face increased health risks, malnutrition, and economic instability. 41% of people live in regions where biodiversity loss has been particularly severe, and 9% face high health burdens due to these declines.
• Principles for Transformative Change: The report outlines principles for achieving transformative change:
  • Equity and Justice: Ensuring fair distribution of resources and opportunities for all.
  • Pluralism and Inclusion: Embracing diverse perspectives and voices in policy-making.
  • Respectful Human-Nature Relationships: Recognizing and nurturing reciprocal relationships between humans and nature.
  • Adaptive Learning and Action: Continuously evolving policies and strategies based on feedback and new evidence.
• Urgency for Immediate Action: The report stresses that immediate action is critical. If the world continues to neglect biodiversity, it will face not only environmental collapse but also a missed opportunity for economic growth. Immediate implementation of nature-positive strategies could unlock $10 trillion in business opportunities and create 400 million jobs by 2030.

The IPBES Transformative Change Assessment Report

• This report builds upon the 2019 IPBES Global Assessment Report and advocates for transformative change to halt biodiversity loss and achieve global development goals. It defines transformative change as a system-wide shift in:
  • Views: Changing how we think about nature and its value.
  • Structures: Reforming systems of governance and organization.
  • Practices: Changing behaviors and practices that harm nature.

Key Challenges to Transformative Change:

• Disconnection from Nature: Human societies' disconnection from nature, often rooted in historical domination, is a major cause of biodiversity loss.
• Economic Inequality: The concentration of power and wealth exacerbates environmental degradation.
• Unsustainable Consumption: Unsustainable patterns of consumption and production are significant drivers of environmental harm.

Synergistic Strategies for Transformation:

• Conserve and Regenerate: Restore ecosystems that have both ecological and cultural value.
• Mainstream Biodiversity: Integrate biodiversity considerations into sectors like agriculture, forestry, and infrastructure development.
• Transform Economic Systems: Adopt policies such as true cost accounting and sustainability-based tax principles to internalize the environmental costs of economic activities.
• Inclusive Governance: Promote governance systems that involve all stakeholders, especially local communities, in decision-making.

In News:

The India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) was released by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun. This biennial report, published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), assesses the forest and tree resources of the country based on satellite data and field-based inventories. The ISFR 2023 is the 18th edition of this report, with the first published in 1987.

Key Findings

• Total Forest and Tree Cover:
  • Area: 827,357 sq km (25.17% of India's geographical area)
  • Breakdown:
    • Forest cover: 715,343 sq km (21.76%)
    • Tree cover: 112,014 sq km (3.41%)
  • Increase from 2021: An increase of 1,445 sq km, including:
    • Forest cover: +156 sq km
    • Tree cover: +1,289 sq km
• State-wise Forest and Tree Cover:
  • Top 3 States by Total Forest and Tree Cover Area:
    • Madhya Pradesh (85,724 sq km)
    • Arunachal Pradesh (67,083 sq km)
    • Maharashtra (65,383 sq km)
  • Top 3 States by Forest Cover:
    • Madhya Pradesh (77,073 sq km)
    • Arunachal Pradesh (65,882 sq km)
    • Chhattisgarh (55,812 sq km)
  • States with Maximum Increase in Forest and Tree Cover:
    • Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan
    • Mizoram, Gujarat, and Odisha showed the most significant increase in forest cover.
• Forest Cover Percentage (as a proportion of total geographical area):
  • Lakshadweep: 91.33% (Highest)
  • Mizoram: 85.34%
  • Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 81.62%
  • 19 States/UTs have over 33% forest cover, with 8 states having more than 75%.
• Mangrove Cover:
  • Total Mangrove Cover: 4,992 sq km (a decrease of 7.43 sq km from 2021).
  • Notable Changes: Gujarat saw the largest loss of mangroves, whereas Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra reported increases.
• Carbon Stock and Climate Targets:
  • Total Carbon Stock: 7,285.5 million tonnes (an increase of 81.5 million tonnes from the previous assessment).
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC):
    • India’s carbon stock has reached 30.43 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
    • Achieved an additional 2.29 billion tonnes of carbon sink compared to the 2005 baseline, towards the 2030 target of 2.5-3.0 billion tonnes.
• Bamboo and Timber Production:
  • Bamboo Bearing Area: Estimated at 154,670 sq km, an increase of 5,227 sq km since 2021.
  • Timber Potential: Estimated annual potential production of 91.51 million cubic meters from trees outside forests.

Achievements:

• There has been a notable increase in the forest and tree cover, particularly in states like Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan.
• The carbon stock in forests has increased, helping India make significant progress in its climate change mitigation goals.
• The bamboo bearing area has also expanded, promoting biodiversity and economic benefits through bamboo cultivation.

Concerns:

• Mangrove Loss: Gujarat experienced a notable decrease in mangrove area, highlighting the need for focused conservation efforts in coastal regions.

Forest Survey of India (FSI) Overview

• Established: 1981, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Mission: To assess, monitor, and research forest resources across India, providing data for sustainable management, national planning, and conservation.
• Headquarters: Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

In News:

A recent study has revealed a dramatic decline in the number of bird species at Assam's Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary (BBBS). The sanctuary, once home to a rich diversity of avian species, has experienced a 72% decline in bird species over the past 27 years. The study, published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, highlights the severe biodiversity crisis facing the sanctuary.

Key Findings:

• Bird Species Count Decline:
  • In 1997, the sanctuary recorded 167 bird species.
  • Recent surveys (2022-2024) have only recorded 47 species, marking a 71.85% decline in species count.
• Surveys:
  • 2011 Survey: Recorded 133 species (86 resident, 23 migratory, 24 local migrants).
  • 2017-2018 Survey: Found 120 species, along with a variety of other biodiversity, including macrophytes, fish, and aquatic ferns.
• Impact on Migratory Birds:
  • Migratory species like Brown Shrike, Citrine Wagtail, and White Wagtail (winter migrants), and the Lesser Kestrel (summer migrant) were recorded recently.
• Main Causes of Decline:
  • Anthropogenic Activities: Overfishing, poaching, excessive harvesting of aquatic plants, and egg collection.
  • Land Use Changes: Habitat degradation due to agriculture, machinery noise, and land being used as pasture areas.
  • Disruption of Food Chain: Habitat loss and changes in foraging and breeding grounds for both migratory and resident birds.
• Species of Concern:
  • Poached Birds: Lesser whistling duck, Fulvous whistling duck, White-breasted waterhen, Indian pond heron, Eastern spotted dove, and Yellow-footed green pigeon.
  • Threatened Species: The sanctuary is home to globally threatened species like the Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant.

About Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary:

• Location: Situated between Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts in Assam, the sanctuary spans 11.25 sq. km at an altitude of 90-95 meters above sea level.
• History: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1996, it was originally part of the Subansiri River which has now shifted 7 km from the wetland.
• Climate & Vegetation:
  • Moist tropical climate with an average annual rainfall of around 2,000 mm.
  • The vegetation includes flooded valley grasslands and wetland plants, providing crucial habitat for migratory birds.
• Significance for Avian Species:
  • Hosts a variety of migratory waterfowl, especially during the winter.
  • Home to globally threatened bird species like the Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant, along with resident birds such as the Indian Pond Heron and Fulvous Whistling Duck.

Conservation Efforts:

• The decline in bird species at the sanctuary has raised alarm about the degradation of wetland habitats.
  • The study emphasizes that habitat loss can disrupt the food chain, water table, and nutrient cycle, which in turn harms both the ecosystem and human communities.
• The authors of the study advocate for intense conservation efforts to restore and protect the sanctuary’s biodiversity.

Assam's Biodiversity:

• Assam is one of India's most biodiverse states, with around 950 bird species, including 17 endemic species.
• The state also hosts 55 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA), which are vital hotspots for avian species.

In News:

India conducts the first-ever satellite tagging of the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in Assam, a key step in wildlife conservation.

Key Highlights:

Objective of Tagging: The tagging aims to understand:

• Migratory patterns
• Range and distribution
• Habitat utilization, especially in fragmented river systems.

Key Participants:

• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
• Assam Forest Department
• Aaranyak (NGO)
• Funded by the National CAMPA Authority.

Significance of the Tagging:

• Technology Used: Lightweight satellite tags compatible with Argos systems were employed, minimizing interference with the dolphin’s movement despite its limited surfacing time (5-30 seconds).
• Insight into Dolphin Ecology: Helps fill knowledge gaps regarding habitat needs and seasonal migration, especially in disturbed river ecosystems.

Ganges River Dolphin – India's National Aquatic Animal:

• Endemic to India with around 90% of the population in India.
• Known for being nearly blind and using echolocation for navigation and hunting.
• Plays a crucial role as an apex predator and indicator species for river ecosystem health.

Project Dolphin:

• Launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2020, modeled after Project Tiger.
• Focuses on conservation of riverine and marine dolphins.
• A 10-year initiative funded by MoEFCC to safeguard dolphin populations and address ecosystem challenges.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN: Endangered.
• Protection: Included in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and CITES Appendix I.
• Major Threats: Habitat degradation, pollution, bycatch, and water abstraction, compounded by damming and sand mining.

Broader Impact:

• The tagging initiative contributes to evidence-based conservation strategies for Ganges River Dolphins.
• Will aid in the development of a comprehensive conservation action plan for the species.
• Expands the understanding of critical habitats within river ecosystems, benefiting both biodiversity and the communities dependent on these resources.

In News:

The Central Zoo Authority, under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has taken up the development of the ‘National Wildlife Health Policy in consultative workshop held in Indira Prayavaran Bhawan, New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

• Organized by: Central Zoo Authority (CZA), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• Event: Consultative workshop held at Indira Prayavaran Bhawan, New Delhi, on the development of the National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP).
• Purpose: To address health threats to wildlife and integrate wildlife health management with public and animal health.

Goals of the National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP):

• One Health Approach: Integrates human, animal, and environmental health, recognizing their interdependence.
• Focus Areas:
  • Prevent and control zoonotic diseases.
  • Improve disease surveillance and early detection, especially in protected areas.
  • Promote biosecurity measures and epidemic preparedness.
  • Enhance research and development in wildlife health management.
  • Advocate for community awareness on wildlife health and conservation.

Key Features of the Policy:

• Wildlife Health Management Unit (WHMU): Proposed unit to oversee the policy's implementation.
• Collaboration: Involves coordination with various stakeholders including government ministries, NGOs, academic institutions, and veterinary universities.
• Disease Surveillance: Establish protocols for monitoring and controlling wildlife diseases, especially in protected areas.
• Capacity Building: Training programs for professionals involved in wildlife conservation and health management.
• Biosecurity Protocols: Strengthen measures to reduce disease transmission risks.

Supporting Institutions:

• GISE Hub, IIT Bombay and Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India are providing support in policy development.

Challenges Addressed:

• Wildlife in India faces various health challenges including:
  • Infectious diseases (e.g., Canine Distemper Virus).
  • Habitat loss and climate change impacts.
  • Illegal wildlife trade and other anthropogenic pressures.
• India has over 91,000 wildlife species and more than 1,000 protected areas, making comprehensive health management crucial.

Expected Outcomes:

• Comprehensive Framework: A science-based framework for wildlife health, integrating ecological, human, and animal health.
• Disease Outbreak Response: Structured mechanisms for disease management, surveillance, and legal frameworks.
• Public Health Integration: Safeguard wildlife health, which directly impacts balanced ecosystems and biodiversity.

Policy’s Strategic Alignment:

• National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31): The policy complements the action plan’s 103 conservation actions and 250 projects, including disease surveillance protocols in tiger reserves and other protected areas.
• Research & Development: Encourages the development of strategies to manage wildlife health and prevent disease outbreaks.

In News:

Wroughton’s free-tailed bat, a highly rare species of molossus bat, has been spotted at the Delhi Development Authority (DDA)’s Yamuna Biodiversity Park, marking a unique sighting.

Key Highlights:

• Species Overview: Wroughton’s free-tailed bat (Otomops wroughtoni) is a rare species of molossus bat, notable for its powerful flight and ecological importance in controlling insect populations and assisting in pollination.
• Conservation Status:

• IUCN: Listed as "Data Deficient".
• Protection: Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

• Geographical Distribution:
  • Primarily found in the Western Ghats, with a single known breeding colony.
  • Small colonies in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, and a solitary individual sighted in Cambodia.
• Physical Characteristics:

• Large in size, with huge ears extending beyond the muzzle.
• Bicoloured velvet fur.
• Noted for powerful flying capabilities, enabling long-distance foraging.

• Ecological Role:

• Regulates insect populations.
• Known for assisting in pollination.

• Habitat:

• Roosts in caves, or dark, damp, and slightly warm places, typically in moderate-sized colonies.

• Significance of the Delhi Sighting:

• The sighting at Yamuna Biodiversity Park is significant for Delhi, marking a rare occurrence in the region.
• Delhi's bat species: The city is home to about 14 bat species, with four species, including the Indian false vampire and Egyptian free-tailed bat, considered locally extinct.

• Conservation Efforts:

• Two decades of ecological restoration have created specialized niches in the area, aiding species rewilding and ecological balance.
• The Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram now serves as the only known roosting site for the Blyth’s horseshoe bat in Delhi NCR.

• Additional Notes:

• Wroughton’s free-tailed bat was considered critically endangered until 2000 due to its limited known population. However, the discovery of populations in other regions has led to a reclassification to "Data Deficient".
• Despite being discovered over a century ago, much about the bat's feeding ecology remains unknown.

In News:

Little Bunting recently spotted in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, a sighting previously unseen in the region.

About the Little Bunting:

• Scientific Name: Emberiza pusilla
• Family: Bunting family (Emberizidae)
• IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern

Distribution:

• Breeding Range: Far northeast Europe and northern Eurosiberia to the Russian Far East (taiga region).
• Migratory Pattern: Migrates to the subtropics during winter, with sightings in northern India, southern China, and northern Southeast Asia.

Physical Features:

• Size: Small bird, measuring 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 inches).
• Coloration:
  • White underparts with dark streaking on the breast and sides.
  • Chestnut face with a white malar stripe, black crown stripes, and a white eye-ring.
  • Fine dark border behind chestnut cheeks.
• Similarity: Resembles a small female reed bunting but with distinct black crown stripes.

Call and Song:

• Call: Distinctive "zik".
• Song: A rolling "siroo-sir-sir-siroo".

Habitat and Behavior:

• Typically found in agricultural areas, feeding on grains.
• Migration: Avoids extreme cold conditions, possibly due to climate change influencing its movement into Rajasthan.

Recent Sightings in India: Spotted in Gurugram, Chandigarh, northern Punjab, and now Rajasthan.

Conservation Significance: The sighting underscores the need to preserve forest areas and wetlands for migratory species like the Little Bunting.

In News:

The ongoing Franklin Fire in Malibu, California, has burned over 4,000 acres and affected around 22,000 people. Although the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, experts point to two key factors contributing to the intensity of the blaze: Santa Ana winds and climate change.

Santa Ana Winds

• Santa Ana winds are powerful, dry winds that typically occur in Southern California from October to January.
• They are caused when high-pressure systems over the Great Basin (the area between the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada) push air toward low-pressure areas over California’s coast.
• As the air moves downhill through mountain passes, it compresses and heats up, which significantly lowers the humidity—sometimes to levels below 10%—creating dry conditions. This extremely low moisture content dehydrates vegetation, making it highly susceptible to combustion.
• These winds have been a natural feature of California's weather, contributing to wildfires for years. However, when combined with other factors like climate change, their impact has become more severe.

The Role of Climate Change

While Santa Ana winds have long played a role in California's wildfires, climate change has exacerbated the situation in recent years. The state's wildfire season has lengthened due to rising global temperatures, which have led to:

• Warmer springs and summers.
• Earlier snowmelt in spring, which leaves vegetation drier for longer periods.
• Longer and more intense dry seasons, which cause increased moisture stress on vegetation.

As a result, forests and brushlands are now more vulnerable to fires. Climate change has also contributed to more extreme weather events, including heatwaves, which further dry out vegetation and create favorable conditions for wildfires.

Intensification of Wildfire Seasons

Recent studies have shown that California's wildfire season has grown longer over the past two decades. For example, a 2021 study in Nature Scientific Reports found that the state's annual burn season has shifted, with the peak fire season now occurring earlier in the year, from August to July. Additionally, research published in PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) in 2023 indicated that the largest wildfires in California history have occurred in the past 20 years, with five of the top 10 largest fires taking place in 2020 alone.

Looking Ahead

The situation is expected to worsen as climate change continues. If global temperatures rise by more than 3°C by the end of the century, as predicted by the United Nations, California’s wildfire risk will likely intensify. The combination of Santa Ana winds and increasingly dry conditions will continue to make areas like Malibu, and much of California, more prone to destructive wildfires.

In conclusion, while Santa Ana winds remain a natural contributor to California's wildfires, the influence of climate change has significantly lengthened the wildfire season, making wildfires more frequent, intense, and harder to control. The continued rise in global temperatures only accelerates these trends, posing a growing challenge for fire management and public safety in California.

In News:

On 11th December 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), hosted an event titled ‘Youth for the Himalaya: Innovate, Inspire, Impact’ to mark International Mountain Day.

Event Overview:

• The event was themed “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future – Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth.”
• It emphasized the critical role of young people in addressing the environmental challenges faced by the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
• The aim was to showcase youth-driven innovations contributing to the region's sustainability, catalyzing active youth participation in environmental actions. This initiative aligns with the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which encourages sustainable practices and collective environmental responsibility.

Key Highlights:

• Young changemakers, innovators, and stakeholders from across the country participated, including students, youth representatives, and members of the private sector, civil society, and government.
• The event highlighted discussions on sustainable solutions for the Himalayan region, integrating traditional knowledge with modern technological advancements in areas like eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
• Short films and videos produced by NIHE and IUCN, such as "Promoting Conservation of Threatened Plant Species in the Western Himalayas" and "Himalayan Futures: Voices from the Ground," were also showcased.

International Mountain Day

• International Mountain Day, observed every year on December 11th since 2003, was established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the sustainable development of mountain regions.
• Mountains cover about one-fifth of the Earth's surface and provide essential freshwater to half of humanity, supporting agriculture, clean energy, and health.

Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)

• The IHR spans 13 Indian states and union territories, stretching approximately 2,500 kilometers from west to east. It is a biodiversity hotspot with significant ecological and cultural value. However, it faces challenges such as unsustainable development, climate change impacts, cultural erosion, and rising tourism.

Key Concerns for IHR:

• Unsustainable Development: Infrastructure projects and deforestation disrupt ecosystems.
• Climate Change: Glacial melting and rising temperatures affect water resources and increase flood risks.
• Cultural Erosion: Modernization threatens traditional practices of indigenous communities.
• Tourism Pressure: Waste generation due to growing tourism puts immense pressure on the region's fragile ecology.

Measures for Protection:

• Sustainable Tourism: Promoting eco-tourism and enforcing capacity limits to minimize environmental impact.
• Water Management: Capturing glacial meltwater for agriculture and ecosystem support.
• Disaster Preparedness: Developing disaster management strategies and early warning systems for events like landslides and floods.
• Bio-Cultural Conservation: Protecting both natural biodiversity and indigenous cultural practices through designated zones.
• Integrated Development: Establishing a "Himalayan Authority" for coordinated development in line with Sustainable Development Goals.

In News:

• Madhav Gadgil, an Indian ecologist, received the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)'s Champions of the Earth Award in 2024.
• The Champions of the Earth Award is UNEP’s highest environmental honor, recognizing individuals, organizations, and governments for significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Contributions of Madhav Gadgil:

• Work in Western Ghats:
  • Gadgil is recognized for his seminal work in the Western Ghats, an ecologically sensitive region in India, which is a global biodiversity hotspot.
  • He chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), formed by the Indian government to assess the impacts of population pressure, climate change, and development on the region.
• Recommendations by WGEEP:
  • Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA): Recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats range as an ESA.
  • The WGEEP suggested dividing the Western Ghats into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) based on environmental sensitivity.
  • Development Restrictions: Proposed a ban on activities like mining, quarrying, thermal power plants, and large-scale hydropower projects in the most sensitive zones (ESZ-1).
  • Governance Recommendations: Suggested a bottom-to-top governance approach, beginning with Gram Sabhas, and the creation of a Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA) for effective management.
• Impact of Gadgil’s Work:
  • His research and recommendations have played a crucial role in shaping environmental policy and public opinion in India.
  • The UNESCO World Heritage status for the Western Ghats in 2012 was a significant step in global recognition of the region’s ecological importance.

About the Champions of the Earth Award:

• History & Significance:
  • Established in 2005, the award recognizes trailblazers working towards addressing the triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
  • Since its inception, it has honored 122 laureates who have shown outstanding leadership in environmental conservation.
• 2024 Awardees:
  • Madhav Gadgil (India) – for his work on the Western Ghats.
  • Sonia Guajajara (Brazil) – for advocacy for Indigenous rights and environmental protection.
  • Amy Bowers Cordalis (USA) – for her work in Indigenous rights and ecosystem restoration.
  • Gabriel Paun (Romania) – for defending Europe’s old growth forests from illegal logging.
  • Lu Qi (China) – for contributions to afforestation and combating desertification.
  • SEKEM (Egypt) – for advancing sustainable agriculture.

Key Facts about UNEP:

• UN Environment Programme (UNEP):
  • Established in 1972, UNEP is a leading global authority on environmental issues.
  • UNEP aims to address climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution through scientific research, policy support, and public advocacy.
  • UNEP is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya and works closely with 193 Member States to tackle the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.

In News:

Recently, a Markhor, a rare wild goat with spiral-shaped horns, was spotted in Noorkha village of Boniyar in Baramulla district, North Kashmir.The animal was seen near a waterfall in Noorkha, prompting locals to alert the authorities.

Key Highlights:

• The Markhor (Capra falconeri) is a large, wild goat species native to mountainous regions in Central and South Asia, including countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and others.
• The species is considered endangered and is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• The Markhor population in India is concentrated in areas like Shopian, Banihal Pass, Shamsbari, and Kazinag in Jammu and Kashmir.An estimated 300 Markhors live in Kashmir's dense pine and birch forests.
• Threats and Conservation Status:
  • The Markhor faces threats due to human activities and natural factors, leading to a decline in its population.
  • It is classified as 'Near Threatened' on the IUCN Red List and protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act and the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Act.
  • Significance of the Sighting:The sighting of the Markhor has excited both villagers and wildlife enthusiasts, as these animals are not typically found outside their natural habitats, particularly near human settlements.

In News:

• The Coimbatore District Collector, granted community and individual forest rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, to tribal settlements in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) on December 6, 2024.These rights were handed over to three tribal settlements and 14 families at a function in Coimbatore.

Key Highlights:

• Community Forest Rights:
  • Three tribal settlements in ATR—Nagaroothu I, Nagaroothu II, and Chinnarpathi—were granted community rights.
  • These rights allow the settlements to collect forest produce excluding timber, such as mango, amla, honey, tamarind, and grass for making brooms.

• Individual Forest Rights:
  • Individual rights were granted to 14 families from the Old Sarkarpathy tribal settlement.
  • The families had requested these rights for traditional cultivation practices passed down by their ancestors.
  • The individual rights were approved after the recommendation of a sub-divisional committee and scrutiny by a district-level committee.

• About the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006:
  • Purpose: The FRA was enacted to address historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities and ensure their livelihood and food security.
  • Key Provisions:
    • Individual Rights: Self-cultivation, habitation, and in-situ rehabilitation.
    • Community Rights: Access to grazing, fishing, water bodies in forests, and protection of traditional knowledge and customary rights.
  • Eligibility: Rights can be claimed by any community or individual who has lived in the forest for at least three generations (75 years) before December 13, 2005.
  • Critical Wildlife Habitats: The Act mandates that critical wildlife habitats in national parks and sanctuaries remain inviolate for wildlife conservation.

• Authorities Involved in Vesting Forest Rights:
  • Gram Sabha: Initiates the process for determining the nature and extent of rights.
  • Sub-Divisional Level Committee: Examines resolutions passed by the Gram Sabha.
  • District Level Committee: Grants final approval for forest rights.

• Challenges with Forest Rights Implementation:
  • The Xaxa Committee pointed out several challenges in the implementation of the FRA, such as:
    • Arbitrary rejection of claims.
    • Lack of deadlines for claims processing.
    • Unaddressed rights of communities displaced by development projects.

• About Anamalai Tiger Reserve:
  • Located in the Anamalai Hills of Pollachi and Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, at an altitude of 1,400 meters.
  • Established as a tiger reserve in 2007, it is surrounded by multiple protected areas like the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Eravikulam National Park.

• Biodiversity in Anamalai Tiger Reserve:
  • Habitats: The reserve contains wet evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and unique habitats like montane grasslands and marshy grasslands.
  • Flora: The reserve is home to around 2,500 species of angiosperms, including species like balsam, orchids, and wild relatives of cultivated crops such as mango, jackfruit, cardamom, and pepper.
  • Fauna: It supports various wildlife species, including tigers, Asiatic elephants, sambars, spotted deer, leopards, jackals, and jungle cats.

In News:

Preserving India’s sacred groves can help country achieve its conservation & climate goals.

Sacred Groves in India:

• Sacred groves are forest patches that are culturally and spiritually important for various communities.
• They are known by different names across India: sarnas in Jharkhand, devgudis in Chhattisgarh, and orans in Rajasthan.
• Groves vary in size from small clusters of trees to expansive forests covering several acres.

Threats to Sacred Groves:

• Sacred groves are increasingly under threat due to deforestation, mining, and development activities.
• Many sacred groves are being displaced or degraded, putting biodiversity and cultural practices at risk.

Ecological and Cultural Importance:

• Sacred groves are rich in biodiversity and serve as important carbon sinks, contributing to climate change mitigation.
• They have been maintained by indigenous communities for centuries, creating a deep connection between people and nature.
• Sacred groves also play a crucial role in preserving indigenous spiritual practices and cultural heritage.

Contribution to Climate and Conservation Goals:

• India’s climate commitment of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 requires the protection of forests, including sacred groves.
• Sacred groves, when properly managed, can help in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
• Preserving these groves can support forest conservation and foster coexistence with wildlife, ensuring a balance between development and environmental preservation.

Role of Indigenous Communities:

• Indigenous communities have long used sacred groves to regulate the use of forest resources and ensure environmental sustainability.
• Before modern ecological concepts, sacred groves were seen as natural conservation practices guided by spiritual beliefs.
• This traditional wisdom can be leveraged to enhance conservation efforts in India.

Examples of Successful Sacred Grove Conservation:

• Waghoba Grove in Maharashtra:
  • Located in Chinchwadi village, the Taata chi Vanrai grove is dedicated to Waghoba, the tiger deity, and covers eight acres.
  • Local communities, including the Thakars, have successfully resisted illegal timber extraction and helped conserve the grove, witnessing the return of wildlife like leopards.
  • Worship of Waghoba has played a significant role in preserving forest patches and fostering human-animal coexistence.
• Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve:
  • Sacred groves around the Tadoba Reserve, dedicated to Waghoba, are important in reducing human-wildlife conflicts by promoting spiritual ties with the forest.

Government and Community Efforts:

• The Jharkhand government introduced the concept of gherabandi (boundary walls) in 2019 to conserve sacred groves.
• In Chhattisgarh, the renovation of sacred groves has been undertaken to protect and restore these areas.
• Despite these efforts, challenges remain in involving local communities and integrating sacred groves into broader conservation policies.

The Role of OECMs in Sacred Grove Conservation:

• Sacred groves are considered part of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), which are areas conserved for biodiversity outside protected regions.
• OECMs recognize the cultural, spiritual, and socio-economic value of these areas and promote sustainable conservation practices that benefit both biodiversity and local communities.
• Sacred groves play an essential role in achieving long-term biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.

In News:

Wisdom, the world’s oldest known wild bird, a Laysan albatross, has laid her estimated 60th egg at the age of 74. This remarkable event occurred at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Pacific Ocean, part of the Hawaiian Archipelago.

Background on Wisdom and Laysan Albatrosses

Wisdom, first banded as an adult in 1956, has been a part of the albatross population in the Pacific for decades. Laysan albatrosses are known for their strong migratory habits and lifelong pair bonding.

The Life Cycle of the Laysan Albatross

The egg incubation process for Laysan albatrosses is shared between both parents and lasts around seven months. Once the chick hatches, it takes five to six months to develop before it is ready to take its first flight over the ocean. These seabirds, which predominantly feed on squid and fish eggs, spend the majority of their lives soaring across the open seas.

Wisdom’s longevity and success in raising up to 30 chicks over her lifetime have been notable achievements. While Laysan albatrosses typically live up to 68 years, Wisdom’s age surpasses this average by several years.

About the Laysan Albatross

The Laysan albatross (Phoebastriaimmutabilis) is a large seabird found across the North Pacific. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands host nearly the entire population of Laysan albatrosses, with most breeding pairs found on islands like Laysan and Midway Atoll. These birds are known for their long-distance soaring capabilities, with some covering hundreds of miles a day without flapping their wings.

Laysan albatrosses have blackish-brown upper wings and backs, with flashes of white in their primary feathers. They are monogamous, forming lifelong bonds with a single mate. Despite their impressive flying ability and vast range, their population is currently listed as "Near Threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In News:

The recent negotiations for a global treaty aimed at curbing plastic pollution, held in Busan, South Korea, concluded without reaching a legally binding agreement. This marked the fifth round of discussions since the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) initiated the process in March 2022, with the goal of finalizing a treaty by the end of 2024. The failure to adopt a treaty was primarily due to disagreements over production cap goals and the elimination of specific plastic chemicals and products.

Key Points of Dispute

• Production Cap Goals: A coalition of over 100 countries, including many from Africa, Latin America, and the European Union, pushed for clear production cap goals in the treaty. They argued that such measures are essential for effective regulation of plastic pollution.
• Opposition from Oil-Producing Nations: Conversely, a group of “like-minded countries” such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, and Iran opposed these provisions. They contended that regulating production cuts exceeded the original mandate set by UNEA and could lead to trade restrictions disguised as environmental measures. India and China aligned with this coalition, emphasizing their concerns regarding economic impacts.

Draft Treaty Highlights

Despite the failure to finalize an agreement, discussions produced a draft text that included both consensus points and contentious issues:

• Consensus Points:

• Proposals for banning open dumping and burning of plastics.
• Definitions for various plastic types were suggested but lacked clarity on contentious terms like microplastics.

• Contentious Issues:

• • The draft did not adequately address definitions for microplastics or recycling standards.
  • References to single-use plastics were included but faced pushback from certain nations.

India’s Position

India articulated its stance focusing on several key areas:

• Development Rights: Emphasized the need for recognizing varying responsibilities among countries in managing plastic pollution while considering their developmental rights.
• Technical and Financial Support: Advocated for provisions ensuring technical assistance and financial support for developing nations to manage plastic waste effectively.
• Opposition to Production Caps: India opposed any articles that would impose caps on polymer production, arguing that such measures were not directly linked to reducing plastic pollution.

Future Steps

The negotiations will continue with plans to reconvene in 2025. In the meantime, global plastic production is projected to rise significantly, potentially tripling by 2050 if no urgent action is taken. The ongoing dialogue will need to address both environmental concerns and developmental needs to create a balanced approach toward managing plastic pollution globally.

Global Context and Initiatives

The need for a global treaty is underscored by alarming statistics:

• Over 462 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with a significant portion contributing to pollution.
• Microplastics have infiltrated ecosystems worldwide, affecting biodiversity and human health.

Countries like Rwanda and Austria have implemented successful measures to reduce plastic waste, serving as models for global efforts. Initiatives such as the UNDP Plastic Waste Management Program in India aim to enhance waste management practices while addressing environmental impacts.

In News:

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun hearings on a landmark climate change case, seeking an advisory opinion on the obligations of countries under international law regarding climate change.
• The case stems from a UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution initiated by Vanuatu in March 2023, co-sponsored by 132 countries.

Background:

• Vanuatu, a small island nation, faces existential threats from rising sea levels.
• The resolution was passed to clarify climate obligations in light of international laws, including the UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, and other legal instruments like the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas, and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

Global Impact of the Case:

• The outcome of the case could influence global climate governance, particularly in the context of climate negotiations.
• It may broaden the legal basis for climate obligations and underscore the legal consequences for non-compliance.

India’s Position:

• India has voiced concerns about the judicial process being the best approach to tackle climate issues, advocating for diplomatic efforts.
• India is scheduled to make its submission on December 5, highlighting its preference for a collaborative, non-top-down approach in climate discussions.

Implications for Developed and Developing Countries:

• The case highlights the historical responsibility of developed countries for climate change due to their higher emissions.
• The ICJ's advisory opinion could reinforce the argument that developed countries' obligations extend beyond the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, incorporating broader international legal frameworks.

Climate Litigation and Precedent:

• The ICJ ruling could set a precedent for climate litigation, potentially influencing over 2,600 ongoing climate lawsuits globally.
• Notable rulings include the European Court of Human Rights, which held Switzerland accountable for failing to meet emissions targets, and India's Supreme Court recognizing the right to be free from adverse climate impacts in 2023.

Record Participation and Importance of the Case:

• The ICJ has received over 90 written submissions, with 97 countries and 12 international organizations participating in the hearings.
• The case is significant for the growing number of climate-related lawsuits and the evolving nature of international climate law.

Future Prospects:

• The ICJ’s advisory opinion, though non-binding, could significantly impact future climate negotiations, particularly in terms of responsibility sharing and climate finance.
• The outcome could also influence calls for compensation for climate damages, especially from vulnerable states like small island nations.

In News:

Recently, the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was officially declared a Tiger Reserve, making it the 8th such reserve in the state. This declaration follows approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Key Details:

• Core Area: 763.8 sq. km
• Buffer Area: 507.6 sq. km
• Total Area: 1,271.4 sq. km
• Ratapani Tiger Reserve is located in the Raisen and Sehore districts, within the Vindhya hills, and is home to approximately 90 tigers.
• It also forms a crucial part of Madhya Pradesh’s tiger habitat and serves as a migration corridor from the Satpura ranges.

Economic and Ecotourism Benefits:

• The designation will boost ecotourism, generating employment and improving livelihoods for local communities.
• Eco-development programs will support residents, providing new opportunities and addressing the balance between conservation and human interests.

Wildlife Conservation and Management:

• The reserve will focus on habitat management, wildlife protection, and community engagement.
• The core area has been recognized as a critical tiger habitat under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Efforts will include strengthening anti-poaching measures, improving surveillance, and enhancing prey base restoration.

Significance for Madhya Pradesh:

• This move places Madhya Pradesh as the "Tiger State of India", with significant conservation focus on the Ratapani and Madhav National Park (also in the process of becoming a tiger reserve).
• Madhya Pradesh now hosts 8 tiger reserves, contributing significantly to the country's overall tiger conservation efforts.

In News:

• GMP was launched at COP29, on Energy Day, by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Climate Club.
• Aimed at accelerating industrial decarbonisation in heavy-emitting industries of emerging and developing economies (EMDEs).
• The platform addresses the annual funding gap of US$125 billion required to achieve net-zero emissions goals.

Key Highlights:

Support Mechanism:

• GMP operates as a support mechanism for the Climate Club, with the secretariat hosted by UNIDO.
• Activities are supported by the interim secretariat of the OECD and the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Key Objectives:

• Match country-specific decarbonisation needs with global technical and financial resources.
• Facilitate the decarbonisation of energy and emissions-intensive industrial sectors, such as steel, cement, chemicals, and aluminium.
• Offer assistance in policy development, technology transfer, and investment facilitation to promote low-carbon industrial practices.

Global Participation:

• Countries like Germany, Chile, Uruguay, Turkey, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are actively involved.
• Non-state actors include UNIDO, World Bank, Climate Investment Funds (CIF), and GIZ, supporting the platform’s initiatives.

Funding Gap:

• Industrial decarbonisation requires an increase in investments from US$15 billion (current) to US$70 billion by 2030, and US$125 billion by 2050, especially for sectors like steel and cement.

Climate Club Work Programme (2025-26):

• The GMP is part of the Climate Club's new work programme for 2025-26, focusing on:
  • Advancing ambitious climate change mitigation policies.
  • Transforming industries through decarbonisation.
  • Boosting international climate cooperation.

Industrial Decarbonisation:

• Decarbonisation refers to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from industrial activities.
• Key sectors for decarbonisation include petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, iron and steel, cement production, and the food and beverage sector.

Support for EMDEs:

• The platform focuses on helping emerging and developing economies overcome challenges such as lack of resources, technology, and capacity to adopt cleaner industrial methods.
• Climate finance is crucial to pilot and scale low-carbon technologies in these regions.

Future Role of GMP:

• The GMP will play a critical role in incorporating industrial decarbonisation into countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for COP30.
• The platform aims to accelerate progress by connecting developing countries with finance, technology, and expertise to transition to low-emission industries.

In News:

Palparescontrarius is a species of antlion that was recently spotted for the first time in Tamil Nadu, on the Madras Christian College (MCC) campus. It is notable for being a large-sized adult antlion that resembles a dragonfly but has distinct characteristics that separate it from dragonflies, such as its clubbed antennae and fluttering flight.

Key Features of Palparescontrarius:

• Appearance:
  • The adult Palparescontrarius is large and resembles a dragonfly in its general body structure.
  • It has lacy wings, long clubbed antennae, and a slender, grayish body.
  • Its wings are typically clear, although some species of antlions have spots on their wings.
• Flight and Behavior:
  • Unlike dragonflies, Palparescontrarius has a distinct fluttering flight.
  • It is a weak flier and can often be spotted at night near illuminated spots.
• Habitat and Lifestyle:
  • Like other antlions, Palparescontrarius is found in dry, sandy regions and is mostly active at night.
  • The larvae of this species are particularly known for their predatory behavior, as they trap ants and other small insects in cone-shaped pits they dig into the sand.
• Ecological Importance:
  • Antlions, including Palparescontrarius, are harmless to humans and beneficial to the environment because they feed on ants and other insects, thus helping to control pest populations.

In News:

• A rare Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) was spotted in the PulluzhiKole wetlands. This marks a significant event as the species was last reported in Kannur in 2003.

Key Highlights:

• Habitat and Migration:
  • The Imperial Eagle primarily breeds in southeastern Europe, west, and central Asia.
  • During the winter months, it migrates to regions including northeastern Africa, West Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia.
• Conservation Status:The IUCN Red List lists the Imperial Eagle as a vulnerable species, indicating its potential risk of extinction, underscoring the need for its conservation efforts.
• Importance of Conservation:
  • The Kole fields are a Ramsar-protected area, emphasizing their critical role in preserving migratory bird habitats.
  • Ongoing conservation and observation efforts in these wetlands are essential for protecting the diverse bird species that use the area.

Features of the Imperial Eagle:

• Scientific Name: Aquila heliaca
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Size: Length ranges from 68 to 90 cm, with a wingspan between 1.76 to 2.2 meters.
  • Color: It has a pale golden crown and nape, with a grey base extending to the tail. Its wings feature prominent white "braces" on the scapulars.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Males are typically smaller than females.
• Habitat: Prefers old forests, mountainous regions, and riverside forests.
• Feeding: It has strong legs and curved talons for capturing and killing prey, and exceptional eyesight to spot prey from high altitudes.
• Conservation Efforts: Continued monitoring and protection of the Kole wetlands and other vital habitats are crucial for the survival of this vulnerable species and other at-risk birds.

In News:

Scientists have directly measured the hearing range of minke whales for the first time, finding that they can detect high-frequency sounds up to 90 kHz.

Key Highlights:

• Implication for Ocean Noise: The study suggests that baleen whales, including minke whales, may be more affected by anthropogenic ocean noise (e.g., naval sonar) than previously recognized, as their hearing range had been underestimated.
• Research Method: A novel catch-and-release technique was used to temporarily hold adolescent minke whales in Norway for auditory evoked potential (AEP) tests to measure their hearing sensitivity.
• Findings: Contrary to the belief that baleen whales are low-frequency specialists, minke whales can detect frequencies between 45 kHz to 90 kHz.
• Impact of Findings: The results could affect future regulations on ocean noise and its impact on marine mammals, as better hearing data is now available for baleen whales.

Minke Whale Overview:

• Family: Minke whales are members of the baleen or "great" whale family and are the smallest of the rorquals.
• Species: There are two recognized species:
  • Common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), found in various ocean basins.
  • Antarctic minke whale (B. bonaerensis), found in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Subspecies:
  • Dwarf minke whale: An unnamed subspecies of the common minke whale, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • North Atlantic (B. a. acutorostrata) and North Pacific (B. a. scammoni) subspecies of common minke whales.
• Distribution: Minke whales are widely spread across tropical, temperate, and polar regions (65°S to 80°N), with common minke whales in all ocean basins and dwarf minke whales mostly in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Feeding Areas: They feed in cooler waters at higher latitudes and can be found both inshore and offshore.
• Conservation Status (IUCN):

• Common minke whale: Least Concern.
• Antarctic minke whale: Data Deficient.

In News:

North American cicadas have life cycles that last for prime numbers of years, putting pressure on the idea that humans created mathematics.

What are Cicadas?

• Classification: Cicadas are insects that belong to the order Hemiptera and the superfamily Cicadoidea.
• Physical Features: Hemipteran insects (also known as true bugs) have piercing-sucking mouthparts and two pairs of wings.
• Life Span: Cicadas spend the majority of their life underground, feeding on plant sap. Once they emerge from the soil, they have a short adult life span of about 2 to 4 weeks.

Habitat:

• Preferred Environment: Cicadas are typically found in natural forests with large trees and are considered canopy dwellers.
• Global Distribution: Cicadas are found on every continent except Antarctica. The highest genetic diversity of cicadas is found in India and Bangladesh, followed by China.

Cicada Emergence and Life Cycle:

• Life Cycle: Cicadas have a complex life cycle, involving long periods of underground development followed by brief adult emergence.
• Periodical Cicadas: There are species of cicadas that emerge in 13-year and 17-year cycles.
• Broods: Initially, 30 broods were categorized based on geography and emergence times, but currently, only about 15 broods remain active due to some broods becoming extinct.
• Unique Phenomenon: In April 2024, a rare event is expected where a trillion cicadas from two different broods will emerge simultaneously in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States.

Cicada's underground Development:

• Feeding on Sap: During their underground phase, cicadas feed on the sap of plants.
• Purpose of Long Development: Researchers believe the long development period helps cicadas evade above-ground predators by keeping them hidden in the soil.

Vulnerability after Emergence:

• Emergence Behavior: Once cicadas emerge, they construct a "cicada hut" to shed their nymphal skins, then climb onto nearby trees or vegetation.
• Predator Vulnerability: Adult cicadas are vulnerable to predators such as turtles and other forest creatures because they are clumsy and defenseless, making them easy prey for predators.

Significance of the 2024 Emergence:

• The coinciding emergence of cicadas from different broods (13-year and 17-year cycles) is a rare event that highlights the complexity and mathematical precision behind the cicada life cycle.

In News:

Tamil Nadu Forest Department staff and members of a non-governmental organisation rescued a rare peacock with white feathers, caused by a genetic condition called leucism, in Coimbatore.

Key Highlights:

Incident Details:

• Species: Indian peacock (Pavocristatus), known for its beautiful plumage.
• Condition: The peacock was rescued due to a leg injury and its rare white plumage.
• Cause of White Plumage: The bird's white feathers are caused by leucism, a genetic condition that reduces pigmentation in feathers while leaving eye color unaffected.

Expert Insights:

• Leucism: It causes partial loss of pigmentation in animals. A leucistic animal retains normal eye color but has pale or white coloration.
• Distinction from Albinism: Unlike albinism, which results in a complete lack of melanin and often causes red or pink eyes, leucistic animals retain normal eye pigmentation.
• Identification of Leucism in Peacock: The bird’s dark eyes and pink bill and feet confirmed it as fully leucistic.

Peacock Species:

• Indian Peacock (Pavocristatus): The National Bird of India, native to India and Sri Lanka. It belongs to the Phasianidae family, which also includes pheasants, quails, and jungle fowl.
• Green Peacock (Pavomuticus): Found from Myanmar to Java.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Status: Listed as Least Concern.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: The Indian peacock is listed under Schedule I, offering it the highest level of legal protection in India.

In News:

Recently, the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) report was released at the annual UN climate conference in Baku.

Key Highlights:

• It is published by think tanks German watch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International.It was first published in 2005.
• It tracks the progress of the world’s largest emitters in terms of emissions, renewables, and climate policy.

India's Ranking in Climate Change Performance (CCPI 2025)

• India's Rank: 10th (Dropped two places from the previous year).
• Key Factors for India's High Rank:
  • Low per capita emissions: 2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent (global average: 6.6 tons).
  • Rapid deployment of renewables: India is a leader in solar energy projects, including large-scale solar and rooftop solar schemes.
  • Renewable energy targets: Aims for 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
  • Energy efficiency standards: Introduced, but coverage remains inadequate.
  • Electric vehicle (EV) deployment: Significant progress, especially in two-wheelers.
• Challenges for India:
  • Heavy reliance on coal: India remains one of the top 10 countries with the largest developed coal reserves.
  • Growth-oriented approach: Economic growth and energy demand continue to drive climate action, with limited change in climate policy expected.
• Future Pledges:
  • Net-zero emissions by 2070.
  • Global leadership in green energy.

CCPI 2025 Rankings Overview

Rank

Country

Key Points

1-3

Empty

No country performed well enough to achieve a "very high" rating.

4

Denmark

Leading climate actions but ranks 4th technically.

5

Netherlands

Strong climate performance, follows Denmark.

6

U.K.

Notable improvement due to coal phase-out and halting new fossil fuel licenses.

10

India

High performer, despite challenges like reliance on coal.

55

China

Largest emitter, heavily reliant on coal, ranks 55th despite promising plans.

57

U.S.

Second-largest emitter, ranks 57th with insufficient climate targets.

59

Argentina

Major climate policy setbacks, including potential exit from Paris Agreement.

64-67

Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Russia

Lowest-ranked, major oil and gas producers with weak climate policies.

General Findings of the Report

• CCPI Methodology: Assesses 63 countries (plus the EU) responsible for 90% of global emissions based on their emissions, renewable energy efforts, and climate policies.
• Global Trends:
  • No country has been able to secure a "very high" rating across all categories.
  • Denmark and Netherlands are among the top performers.
  • The U.K. shows significant progress with its coal phase-out and fossil fuel policies.

In News:

As Delhi’s AQI worsened, the Commission for Air Quality Management issued the order to activate Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan.

Restrictions Under GRAP-IV in Delhi-NCR

• Truck Movement:
  • Banned except for essential goods and trucks using clean fuels (LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric).
  • Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also banned unless they are CNG or BS-VI diesel or electric vehicles (EVs).
  • Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel vehicles (medium and heavy goods vehicles) are banned, except for those in essential services.
• Construction Activities:Suspension of all construction work, including public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines, etc.
• Schools and Work:
  • Online classes for students of Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11.
  • Work from home (WFH) recommendations for 50% office capacity in NCR.
  • Central government employees may also be asked to work from home.
  • Offline classes for Classes 10 and 12 continue, but schools for other classes must shift to online mode.
• Other Measures:
  • State governments may impose additional measures such as:
    • Closure of colleges.
    • Odd-even vehicle scheme.
    • Restrictions on non-essential commercial activities.

About GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan)

• Purpose: A plan to reduce air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region based on AQI levels.
• Approved By: Supreme Court in 2016 (M.C. Mehta v. Union of India).
• Notified by MoEFCC: 2017.
• Implementation Authority: CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management).

Stages of GRAP

GRAP is an incremental system, with measures activated as air quality deteriorates:

• Stage 1: Poor AQI (201-300) – Basic pollution control measures.
• Stage 2: Very Poor AQI (301-400) – Enhanced measures.
• Stage 3: Severe AQI (401-450) – Stricter actions like shutting down industries.
• Stage 4: Severe Plus AQI (Above 450) – Most stringent restrictions, as activated on November 18, 2024.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

• Introduced: 2014, by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• Categories:
  • Good: 0-50
  • Satisfactory: 51-100
  • Moderately Polluted: 101-200
  • Poor: 201-300
  • Very Poor: 301-400
  • Severe: 401-450
  • Severe Plus: 451 and above (current status in Delhi).
• Pollutants Considered: PM10, PM2.5, NO?, SO?, CO, O?, NH?, and Pb.
• Measurement: 24-hour average values for PMs, and 8-hour averages for CO and O?.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

• Established: Under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) Act, 2021.
• Mandate: To coordinate, research, and manage air quality issues in the NCR and adjoining areas.
• Composition: Includes government officials, technical experts, and NGO representatives.
• Jurisdiction: Covers Delhi and parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

In News:

The Guru Ghasidas-TamorPingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh has been officially notified as India's 56th tiger reserve, marking a significant milestone in the country's conservation efforts. Here's an overview of this new reserve:

Key Details:

• Location: The tiger reserve is located across the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts of Chhattisgarh.
• Area: The reserve spans 2,829.38 square kilometers and includes both core and buffer zones.
  • Core/critical habitat: 2,049.2 sq. km (includes the Guru Ghasidas National Park and TamorPingla Wildlife Sanctuary).
  • Buffer zone: 780.15 sq. km.
• Rank: It is the third largest tiger reserve in India, after the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh) and Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam).

Connectivity:

The reserve forms part of a landscape complex that extends over nearly 4,500 sq. km and is interconnected with other major tiger reserves:

• Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) to the north.
• Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) to the west.
• Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand) to the east.

This connectivity supports greater wildlife movement, reducing the risk of inbreeding and strengthening the overall conservation efforts for the tiger population.

Biodiversity:

The Guru Ghasidas-TamorPingla Tiger Reserve is ecologically rich, harboring a wide array of species:

• 753 species have been documented, including:
  • 230 bird species.
  • 55 mammal species, including several threatened species such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and wolves.
  • A variety of invertebrates, especially insects.
• The reserve's terrain includes dense forests, streams, rivers, and varied elevations, making it an ideal habitat for tigers and other wildlife.

Ecological Importance:

• Situated in the Chota Nagpur and Baghelkhand plateaus, the reserve has varied landscapes that contribute to its ecological diversity. The region's tropical climate and dense forests make it a critical habitat for tigers and other wildlife.
• The reserve's core area forms an important critical tiger habitat, providing a sanctuary for tigers to thrive with minimal human disturbance.

Conservation Impact:

With the addition of this tiger reserve, Chhattisgarh now boasts four tiger reserves, complementing the existing Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar, and Indravati reserves. This bolsters the state's and the country's ongoing efforts to protect and conserve tigers, which are a keystone species in maintaining ecological balance.

Procedural Steps for Notification:

• Identification: The state government identifies a significant ecological area with potential for tiger conservation.
• NTCA Approval: After a thorough assessment, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) evaluates and approves the proposal.
• State Notification: The state government officially notifies the area as a tiger reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
• Implementation: The state, with NTCA support, begins implementing conservation and management strategies.

In News:

• In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified a new species of sea slug deep within the ocean’s midnight zone—a place that lies between 3,300 to 13,100 feet (1,000 to 4,000 meters) below the ocean's surface.
• The species, named Bathydeviuscaudactylus, is a glowing, swimming sea slug that exhibits several unique adaptations to survive in the extreme conditions of the deep ocean.

Key Features of BathydeviusCaudactylus

• Glowing Bioluminescence: One of the most striking features of this newly discovered mollusk is its ability to glow with bioluminescence. Bathydevius emits a soft, starry glow, an adaptation seen in only a few deep-sea species. The glowing feature plays a role in distracting predators and even includes the ability to detach glowing projections from its tail as a decoy.
• Unique Body Structure: Unlike most sea slugs that typically live on the seafloor, Bathydevius has evolved to thrive in the open water. It has a gelatinous, paddle-like tail and a large, bowl-shaped hood that covers its internal organs, making it appear somewhat like a “megaphone with a feathered tail.” This structure helps it capture prey, such as mysid shrimp, which it traps using its hood.
• Adaptations for Deep Sea Life: Bathydevius' transparent body, along with its ability to drift with ocean currents and flex its body to move vertically in the water column, allow it to navigate the depths of the midnight zone. Its hermaphroditic nature means it carries both male and female reproductive organs, allowing it to reproduce by attaching to the seafloor and laying eggs when needed.

Discovery and Exploration

• The unusual species was first encountered by researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) during a deep-sea dive in February 2000 using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) called Tiburon. Since then, more than 150 sightings have been made of the creature in the waters off the Pacific Coast of North America, ranging from Oregon to Southern California.
• Interestingly, similar creatures have been observed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the Mariana Trench, suggesting that Bathydevius may have a wider range than initially thought. A specimen was eventually collected for further study, revealing its identity as a nudibranch, a type of soft-bodied marine mollusk.

Survival Tactics and Behavior

• Prey Capture: Unlike typical sea slugs that scrape food from the seafloor, Bathydevius uses its large hood to trap crustaceans like mysid shrimp. This allows it to thrive in the open ocean where food can be harder to obtain.
• Defensive Mechanisms: When threatened, Bathydevius can glow with bioluminescence to distract predators. This glow, which creates a starry appearance across its back, has been seen in other deep-sea species but is rare in nudibranchs. Additionally, it can detach part of its tail (a glowing projection) to confuse attackers, similar to how lizards shed their tails as a defense mechanism.
• Reproduction and Movement: As a hermaphrodite, Bathydevius has the ability to self-fertilize or mate with other individuals. During reproduction, it descends to the seafloor and uses its foot to temporarily attach, releasing eggs before returning to its swimming lifestyle. It also relies on its flexible, transparent body to blend in with the surroundings and evade predators.

In News:

• The Red-Headed Vulture, a critically endangered species, has been sighted for the first time in Kasaragod, Kerala, marking an important addition to the region’s avian biodiversity. This rare sighting occurred at Manhampothikunnu near Mavungal. Prior to this, the species was predominantly seen in the Wayanad region of Kerala.
• This discovery brings the total number of bird species recorded in Kasaragod to 407, showcasing the district's growing avian diversity.

About the Red-Headed Vulture:

• The Red-Headed Vulture (also known as the Asian King Vulture or Pondicherry Vulture) is one of the rarest and most critically endangered species of vultures in India. It is known for its distinctive scarlet red head and black body with a white patch on the abdomen.
• Physical Features: The bird is medium-sized, weighing around 5 kg, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters and a length of 80 cm. It is typically solitary, often found alone or with a mate.
• Distribution: Historically found in Central India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the Red-Headed Vulture’s numbers have drastically declined in recent decades.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: The Red-Headed Vulture is classified as Critically Endangered.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: It is listed under Schedule 1, offering it the highest level of legal protection.
• CITES: The species is also listed in Appendix II, indicating that it requires international conservation efforts to prevent it from becoming endangered.

Threats to Vultures:

• Diclofenac Poisoning: The significant decline in vulture populations in India, including the Red-Headed Vulture, is primarily due to the widespread use of diclofenac (a veterinary drug) to treat livestock. When vultures consume the carcasses of treated animals, they ingest the toxic drug, leading to kidney failure and death.
• Other threats include pesticide contamination, lead poisoning, habitat loss, and collisions with man-made structures like power lines and wind turbines.

Conservation Efforts in India:

• India has undertaken various efforts to protect vultures, including banning diclofenac in 2006 and expanding the ban to other harmful drugs like ketoprofen and aceclofenac in 2023.
• Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres (VCBCs): These centers are focused on captive breeding and reintroduction programs for vultures, helping to increase their populations. The Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre in Uttar Pradesh is one of the latest initiatives, set up to protect and rehabilitate vultures.
• Vulture Safe Zones have been created across India, providing safe habitats for vulture species to recover.
• Vulture Restaurant Initiative: In some regions, safe feeding centers (such as in Jharkhand) have been established, where vultures are provided uncontaminated carcasses, reducing their exposure to toxic substances.
• Legal Protection: Several species of vultures, including the Red-Headed Vulture, are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, ensuring stringent legal measures against poaching and habitat destruction.

Global Conservation Efforts:

• India’s vulture conservation initiatives are part of a broader international effort under the SAVE (Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction) programme, which involves multiple regional and global organizations working to protect vulture species in South Asia.

In News:

• The population of African elephants has been declining rapidly, with data showing alarming drops across the African continent.
• Survey Period: The study covers population data from 475 sites in 37 countries over 52 years (1964-2016).
• Population Decrease:
  • Savannah Elephants: A 70% decline on average across surveyed sites.
  • Forest Elephants: A 90% decline on average across surveyed sites.
• Overall Impact: The study indicates a 77% average decline in elephant populations across both species.

Main Drivers of Decline

• Poaching: Illegal hunting for ivory and other body parts remains a major threat.
• Habitat Loss: Urbanization, agricultural expansion, and climate change are encroaching on the elephant’s natural habitats.
• Human-Elephant Conflict: Increased human settlements near elephant habitats lead to conflicts, further endangering elephant populations.

Species Overview

• Two Subspecies:
  • Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana): Larger and more common, found in open savannas.
  • Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis): Smaller and more elusive, found in dense rainforests.
• Conservation Status:
  • Savannah Elephant: Endangered (IUCN).
  • Forest Elephant: Critically Endangered (IUCN).
• CITES Listing: Both species are listed under CITES Appendix I, which bans international trade in endangered species.

Regional Impact

• Northern and Eastern Africa: These regions have seen drastic declines, particularly in the Sahel (Mali, Chad, Nigeria), where elephants have been extirpated (locally extinct) due to poaching and insufficient protection.
• Southern Africa: Positive Growth in some areas, particularly in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, where elephant populations are growing due to strong conservation efforts.

Conservation Success

• Southern Africa: 42% of the surveyed sites showed increasing elephant populations, a testament to successful conservation strategies.
• Government and NGO Efforts: Successful population growth is often attributed to active management, including anti-poaching laws, protected areas, and conservation funding.

Elephant Behavior and Reproduction

• Social Structure: Elephants live in family units led by mature females, with strong social bonds.
• Low Sleep Time: Elephants sleep only 2 hours per day on average.
• Reproduction: They have a long gestation period of up to 2 years, and calves are cared for by mothers and allomothers (non-mother females).