Daily Quiz #6 UPSC Prelims Marathon – September 7, 2019

Explanation: The snow leopard is an endangered large cat inhabiting the high mountains of Central and South Asia. It has an extremely patchy and fragmented distribution throughout its range. Snow leopards are found in 12 central Asian countries, including India, China and Mongolia. The estimated global population of the species is 4500 to 7500 individuals. Within India, 200 to 600 individuals are thought to occur in the higher reaches of the Himalayas encompassing the northern areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Snow leopard is highly threatened due to poaching for its pelt and other body parts, a decline in its natural prey base, increasing competition between its natural prey and domestic livestock. More recent threats include hydroelectric projects, mining and climate change. Within Ladakh, retaliatory killing by villagers/farmers, whose livestock are occasionally killed by the cat, remains the most important threat. The snow leopard is listed as an ‘Endangered’ species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, it remains one of the least studied large cats in the world due largely to its secretive nature, and the inaccessibility and political sensitiveness of its high altitude habitats.

Explanation: Sariska Tiger Reserve is well nestled in the Aravali Hills covering 800 sq km area divided into the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape. The Sariska National Park is home to India’s largest population of peafowl, and harbours quail, sand grouse, golden- backed woodpeckers and crested serpent eagles, among other species. Also the Siliserh Lake on the edge of the park has a large number of crocodiles. The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary houses the ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Also a 17th century castle on a hilltop at Kankwari provides a panoramic view of flying vultures and eagles. The Sariska was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and attained the status of a National Park in 1979.

Explanation: The Mitigation of Climate Change in Agriculture (MICCA) programme strengthens FAO’s longstanding work to address climate change in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors and supports countries participating in the climate change negotiation processes within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The MICCA programme generates technical knowledge, working on the ground and with partners to:
•monitor and assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the mitigation potential in agriculture;
•develop the capacity of stakeholders working on national GHG inventories and farmers using CSA practices;
•carry out life cycle assessments to guide decision making;
•give guidance on climate change mitigation & adaptation options, including for peat lands and organic soils;
•Mainstream gender in CSA; facilitate online communities of practice; and run online learning events.

Explanation: Wetlands International is the global not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands. Wetlands are the source of water that supports all forms of life. Despite our efforts to promote their importance, loss and damage to wetlands and their biodiversity continues. Our vision is a world where wetlands are treasured and nurtured for their beauty, the life they support and the resources they provide. The Wetlands International Luc Hoffmann Medal for Wetland Science and Conservation is awarded every triennium to honor Dr Luc Hoffmann, one of the inspirational and far-sighted founders of Wetlands International.

Explanation: The Dampa Tiger Reserve occupies an area of 500 sq. km. and lies in west Mizoram in northeastern India, along the border between India and Bangladesh. The hills and forests in this ‘Land of the highlanders’ are considered by biologists to be “bio-geographic highways” connecting India to Malayan and Chinese regions. The rich, luxuriant rainforests of Dampa harbour several species such as the swamp deer, tiger, leopard, elephant and hoolock gibbon. The Dampa Tiger Reserve is probably one of the last few safe havens for the tiger and a host of other animal and bird species. Low altitude galliformes are visible and the three species of Chloropsis found in India are endemic to these fabulous forests.