In News:

A new species of water flea, Bryospilus (Indobryospilus) bharaticus n. sp., was recently discovered from moss growth on the walls of the Korigad Fort near Pune, Maharashtra.

This marks the first recorded discovery of the genus Bryospilus in Tropical Asia, underscoring the ecological uniqueness of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot.

Taxonomic and Morphological Highlights

• It belongs to the genus Bryospilus, a group of tiny crustaceans known as water fleas, which typically inhabit rivers, ponds, and pools.
• The species displays adaptations for semi-terrestrial life, notably using its antennae with large spines for crawling through thick, debris-laden water films on moss surfaces.
• It lacks a main eye—an evolutionary adaptation to low-light habitats where color vision is unnecessary for foraging.

Ecological and Evolutionary Significance

• The genus Bryospilus includes species found in semi-terrestrial habitats in rainforests of West Africa, South and Central America, and New Zealand, making this Indian discovery a significant biogeographical addition.
• The organism’s relatives are typically found in littoral (vegetated) zones of water bodies, whereas some occur in open waters.
• The researchers suggest that ancestors of this species existed on the Indian subcontinent prior to the breakup of Gondwanaland, around 200 million years ago, hinting at Bryospilus bharaticus as a potential Gondwanan relict species.
• Each known Bryospilus species has been isolated to a specific former Gondwanan continent, reinforcing the evolutionary legacy of this find.

Research and Conservation Implications

• The discovery was part of an ongoing survey of underexplored crustacean taxa in the Western Ghats, led by Sameer Padhye and Kan Van Damme, and published in the Journal of Crustacean Biology (Oxford Academic, Sept 2024).
• The species was found in pristine, undisturbed moss habitats on Deccan Plateau hill forts, highlighting the importance of conserving such microhabitats.
• Zooplankton like water fleas are highly sensitive to environmental changes and serve as bioindicators of ecological health. The presence of B. bharaticus indicates low human disturbance in its habitat.
• The authors warn that air pollution and habitat disturbance could threaten these fragile ecosystems and stress the urgency of habitat protection, especially for organisms invisible to the naked eye.

In News:

Madhya Pradesh to translocate 15 Tigers to Rajasthan, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Key Highlights of the Translocation:

• Scale of Translocation: Largest relocation of big cats from a single state in India.
• Approval: NTCA has approved the translocation of 15 tigers from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
• Source Reserves:
  • Bandhavgarh, Panna, Kanha, and Pench Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh.
• Distribution Plan:
  • Rajasthan: 4 tigresses.
  • Chhattisgarh: 2 male tigers and 6 tigresses.
  • Odisha: 1 male tiger and 2 tigresses.
• Funding: States receiving tigers will bear all expenses related to translocation.

Objectives of the Translocation:

• Enhance Tiger Conservation: Reintroduce and bolster tiger populations in recipient states.
• Population Management: Relocate tigers to areas with suitable habitats to alleviate territorial disputes in overpopulated reserves.
• Genetic Diversity: Introduce new individuals to isolated tiger groups to prevent inbreeding and support long-term species survival.

About Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench Tiger Reserves:

• Kanha Tiger Reserve:
  • Location: Maikal range of the Satpura Mountains.
  • Significance: Largest national park in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Distinct Feature: First tiger reserve in India with an official mascot, ‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha’.
  • Flora and Fauna: Rich biodiversity with Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, and the IUCN Vulnerable species, Barasingha.
• Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:
  • Location: Between Vindhyan and Satpura ranges in Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Significance: Known for one of the highest densities of Royal Bengal Tigers in India.
  • Historical Link: The ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, linked to the legend of Lord Rama and Lakshmana.
• Pench Tiger Reserve:
  • Location: Spans Seoni and Chhindwara districts in Madhya Pradesh, extends into Maharashtra.
  • Significance: Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
  • Flora and Fauna: Includes teak, saag, mahua forests; tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and gaur are key species.

Tiger Translocation Project Overview:

• First Project:
  • Initiated in 2018, two tigers relocated from Kanha and Bandhavgarh to Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha.
• Main Objectives:
  • Reintroduce Tigers: In areas where they have been extirpated or extinct.
  • Alleviate Territorial Disputes: Overpopulated reserves need additional tigers to reduce human-animal conflict.

Benefits of Translocation:

• Ecological Balance: Restores predator-prey dynamics in underpopulated reserves.
• Human-Animal Conflict Mitigation: Reduces conflict in overcrowded reserves.
• Rewilding Landscapes: Revives areas where tigers were locally extinct.

Concerns Associated with Translocation:

• Local Community Protests: Villagers fear tigers will pose a threat to their safety.
• Territorial Disputes: New tigers may face conflict with resident tigers.
• Poor Forest Management: Inadequate prey augmentation and habitat management may hinder success.

Madhya Pradesh’s Role in Tiger Conservation:

• Largest Tiger Population: Madhya Pradesh hosts the largest number of tigers in India, with 785 tigers as per NTCA’s 2022 report.
• Tiger Reserves: The state is home to nine tiger reserves, including the newly notified Madhav Tiger Reserve in Shivpuri.
• Translocation Strategy: Madhya Pradesh’s involvement helps reduce local tiger population pressure and contributes to broader conservation efforts across India.

Inter-State Tiger Translocation Goals:

• Reinforcement and Reintroduction: Introduce tigers into areas historically part of their range but from which they have been extirpated or extinct.
• Genetic Diversity: Introduce new tigers to isolated populations to maintain long-term population health.

In News:

An ancient Sanskrit inscription found in Gilgit (PoK) was decoded by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

About the Inscription:

• Location:
  • Gilgit (PoK): Written in Brahmi script, dating back to 4th century CE.
  • Peshawar (Pakistan): Written in Sharada script, dating to 10th century CE.
• Details of Gilgit Inscription:
  • Mentions Pushpasingha, who installed a Mahesvaralinga for the merit of his guru.
  • Written in Brahmi script, which was prevalent during the 4th century CE.
  • Religious Context: Indicates significant religious connection, particularly with Shaivism.
• Details of Peshawar Inscription:
  • Fragmentary: Engraved on a slab.
  • Written in Sharada characters (10th century CE).
  • Mentions Buddhist Dharini (chants), particularly referring to Da (Dha) rini in line six.
  • The inscription is partially damaged, and further details are unclear.
• Earlier Discoveries:
  • This is not the first Sanskrit inscription decoded from Pakistan. In the past, Sanskrit inscriptions have been found in various parts of Pakistan.
  • Swat Valley: Known for numerous Buddhist rock inscriptions in Sanskrit using Nagari script, which were part of the Gupta Empire (circa 240–550 CE).
• Religious and Cultural Implications:
  • The Gilgit inscription provides evidence of Shaivism as a prominent religious practice in the region during the 4th century CE.
  • The Peshawar inscription suggests Buddhist influences, particularly related to Buddhist chants and rituals.
  • Swat Valley's Role: The inscriptions found here highlight its importance as a center of Buddhist learning and cultural exchange.

In News:

African Swine Fever has been reported at two pig farms in Koottickal and Vazhoor grama panchayats in Kottayam district.

Action Taken:

• Culling of Pigs: All pigs in the affected farms and within a 1 km radius will be culled and disposed of according to Central Government guidelines.
• Infected Zone: A 1 km radius around the affected farms has been declared an infected zone.
• Surveillance Zone: A 10 km radius around the infected area has been designated a surveillance zone.

About African Swine Fever (ASF)

• African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs. It is a notifiable disease and its outbreak should be immediately reported to the higher authorities.
• ASF causes destructive effect on piggery due to high morbidity and mortality (up to 90-100 %). In India it was first confirmed in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in February-March 2020.
• Currently, there is no effective vaccine available against ASF, so prevention by adopting strict biosecurity measures is the only way to prevent ASF.

CLINICAL SIGNS  

• High fever (106-1080 F), lethargy and loss of appetite
• Increased respiration rate
• Blue-purple discoloration of skin of ears, abdomen and rear legs
• Discharge from the eyes and nose; bloody froth from the nose/mouth
• Constipation or bloody diarrhea
• Abortion
• Death of pigs in 6-15 days

Diagnosis: Confirmatory diagnosis in gov. laboratories