News: Prosopis juliflora, which is a non-native and invasive tree species, has encroached over half of Banni Grassland in Gujarat. About Prosopis Juliflora Prosopis juliflora is one of the most widespread hyperaccumulating, phreatophytic, perennial tree/shrub species. Family: It is a member of the Fabaceae family. It is a representative species of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. … Continue reading Prosopis Juliflora and Banni Grassland
Tag: down to earth
G7 Declaration on Desertification
Source: The post “G7 Declaration on Desertification” has been created, based on “Environment G7 puts desertification at centre of environmental agenda, flags land crisis as global security threat” published in “Down To Earth” on 29 March 2026. G7 Declaration on Desertification. UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3-Environment Context: The G7 Environment Ministerial Meeting 2026 placed desertification, land… Continue reading G7 Declaration on Desertification
Bering Strait and Diomede Islands
News: New research from Utrecht University suggests that building a dam across the Bering Strait could potentially help stabilise the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). About Bering Strait Location: The Bering Strait is the northernmost part of the Pacific Ocean. It is the only ocean gateway between the Pacific and the Arctic Ocean. Connecting: It… Continue reading Bering Strait and Diomede Islands
Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Region
News: According to a new report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region has recently recorded its lowest snow persistence, at 27% below the long-term average for the winter season from November 2025 to March 2026. About Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Region The Hindu Kush is a great… Continue reading Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Region
Barbary Macaques
News: According to a new study, Barbary macaques in Europe eat soil to help their digestive system cope with low-fibre junk foods such as crisps, chocolate, bread, and ice cream. About Barbary Macaques Barbary macaques are one of 25 species of macaque found around the world. Scientific name: Its scientific name is Macaca sylvanus. Family:… Continue reading Barbary Macaques
Mahua Tree (Madhuca longifolia) and Gond Tribe
News: Mahua plays a pivotal role in the life of tribal communities from birth to death. About Mahua Tree (Madhuca longifolia) It is a multipurpose tropical tree mainly cultivated or harvested in the wild for its edible flowers and oil seeds. It is commonly known as mahuwa or madhuka, Butter Tree, Mahua and Mahwa. Family:… Continue reading Mahua Tree (Madhuca longifolia) and Gond Tribe
Konyak Naga Tribe
News: Researchers have identified a traditional Konyak herbal formulation with potential anti-cancer properties, highlighting the value of indigenous medicinal knowledge. About Konyak Naga Tribe The term Konyak is believed to be derived from the words meaning “head” and “black,” referring to their traditional practices such as tattooing and blackening of teeth. They are not a… Continue reading Konyak Naga Tribe
Indus River Dolphin
News: Conservation efforts, including legal protection, scientific research, and community participation through “Dolphin Mitras,” have helped revive Indus river dolphin population and provide it a fighting chance for survival. About Indus River Dolphin They are one of the world’s rarest mammals and the second most endangered freshwater river dolphin. Scientific name: Their scientific name is… Continue reading Indus River Dolphin
Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina)
News: The International Union for Conservation of Nature has reclassified the southern elephant seal from Least Concern to Vulnerable on its Red List. About Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina) The southern elephant seal is one of two species of elephant seals. Scientific name: Their scientific name is Mirounga leonina and they belong to the Phocidae family or… Continue reading Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina)
Antarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus Gazella)
News: The International Union for Conservation of Nature has reclassified the Antarctic fur seal from Least Concern to Endangered due to a sharp population decline. About Antarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus gazella) They are one of eight seals in the genus Arctocephalus. They are the smallest of the Antarctic seals. Scientific name: Their scientific name is Arctocephalus… Continue reading Antarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus Gazella)
