\n
To Read Other Current Affairs Compilations<\/strong> for Prelims 2022<\/span>– Click here<\/a><\/h2>\n
\nPrunus dinabandhuana<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
Scientists from Manipur have found a new plant species of \u2018Cherry Blossom\u2019. They have named the plant species as \u2018Prunus dinabandhuana\u2019<\/strong>\u00a0as a mark of respect and for the outstanding contributions of scientist Dr Dinabandhu Sahoo.<\/p>\nAbout Cherry Blossom<\/h5>\n
The Cherry Blossom or \u2018Sakura\u2019 is the national flower of Japan.\u00a0India has become the 28th country in the world to be part of the Sakura plantations.<\/p>\n
About Prunus dinabandhuana<\/h5>\n
It is a new plant species of \u2018Cherry Blossom\u2019. It grows up to 25-30 meters in dense mixed evergreen forest and unlike the Japanese Cherry Blossom which blooms during March-April,\u00a0this new species blooms in November.<\/p>\n
Reason for naming plant species after Scientist Dr Dinabandhu Sahoo<\/h5>\n
Due to Dr Sahoo\u2019s efforts, Cherry Blossom is now available in six of the eight Northeastern States, excluding Assam and Tripura.<\/p>\n
Moreover, in 2016, Dr Sahoo organized India\u2019s first \u2018Cherry Blossom Festival\u2019 in Shillong which attracted lakhs of people, and subsequently, it became an international event for the past six years.<\/p>\n
\nAriosoma indicum<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
A group of Indian scientists have discovered a new species of eel named \u201cAriosoma indicum\u201d\u00a0<\/em>from the Kalamukku and Digha Mohana fishing harbours in Kerala and West Bengal respectively.<\/p>\nAbout Ariosoma indicum<\/h5>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.forumias.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/0.36170000_1650443485_eel.jpg?resize=387%2C255&ssl=1\")
Source: Down To Earth<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAriosoma Indicum is an eel species\u00a0that belongs to the Congrid eels group. The term Indicum means that it was found in India.<\/p>\n
Note:\u00a0<\/strong>There are seven species of\u00a0Ariosoma<\/em>\u00a0genus documented in India which includes this newly identified eel. Globally, there are 223 species in this genus.<\/p>\nDistribution:\u00a0<\/strong>It is possibly distributed along the Indian coast including the coastal waters of Kerala and West Bengal.<\/p>\nFeatures<\/strong><\/p>\nIt has a greenish-brown body with faint dark bands on the dorsal portion of the head.\u00a0It also has minute dark pigmentation patches on the extremities of the lower jaw.<\/p>\n
\nVaquita Porpoise<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
According to the United States Commission for Environmental Cooperation(CEC),\u00a0Vaquita Porpoise is nearing extinction and immediate measures are needed to save the remaining population.<\/p>\n
Note:<\/strong>\u00a0Porpoises are among the smallest members of the cetacean family (whales, porpoises and dolphins). They are only distant relatives of dolphins (they last had a common ancestor roughly 15 million years ago).<\/p>\nAbout Vaquita Porpoise<\/h5>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Save_the_Vaquita_FB.jpg?resize=404%2C212&ssl=1\")
Source: purpoise.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nVanquita Porpoise is the world\u2019s smallest cetacean.Its name means \u201clittle cow\u201d in Spanish.<\/p>\n
Conservation status<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n- IUCN Red List:<\/strong>\u00a0Critically Endangered<\/li>\n
- CITES:<\/strong>\u00a0Appendix I<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Habitat<\/strong>: Found only in the northern Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) in Mexico. Most commonly seen in shallow waters up to 50 meters deep.<\/p>\nFeatures<\/h5>\n
Vaquita Porpoise\u00a0has a dark ring around the eyes is its most striking feature, along with a proportionally large dorsal fin.<\/p>\n
It is unique among the porpoises as it is the only species of that family found in warm waters.<\/p>\n
Like many other species of porpoise, vaquita tend to be shy and elusive, avoiding boats when approached.<\/p>\n
Threats:\u00a0<\/strong>The vaquita population has been in sharp decline for decades, recently accelerated by illegal fishing with gill nets for the vulnerable totoaba, a large fish sought after for its swim bladder.<\/p>\n
\nPurple Frog<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
New research has been conducted by a biologist on Purple Frog.<\/p>\n
About the Purple Frog<\/h5>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.forumias.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/1200px-Nasikabatrachus_sahyadrensis.jpg?resize=467%2C354&ssl=1\")
Source: Wikipedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u200b\u200bThe purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis<\/em>), Indian purple frog or pignose frog is a frog species of the genus\u00a0Nasikabatrachus<\/em>.<\/p>\nConservation status:<\/strong><\/p>\nIUCN Status:<\/strong>\u00a0Endangered<\/p>\nDiscovered in:\u00a0<\/strong>It was first discovered in 2003 in the Idukki district of Kerala by S.D. Biju from the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, India and Franky Bossuyt from Brussels.<\/p>\nDistribution:\u00a0<\/strong>The frog is endemic to the Western Ghats. Its distribution limited mainly to Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu.<\/p>\nSignificance:<\/strong>\u00a0The purple frog is a unique animal. This frog has an evolutionary history that goes back 120 million years \u2014 this is one of the oldest lineages among all living frogs on Earth. Species with such old lineages are termed a \u2018living fossil\u2019.<\/p>\n\u2013 Human evolution has taken place over six million years, so consider what a major chunk of Earth\u2019s history the purple frog\u2019s 120 million years covers.<\/p>\n
\u2013 For instance, the DNA of this frog witnessed many great events that happened on Earth over millions of years such as huge tracts of land split into continents, the Himalayas were formed, dinosaurs going extinct and placental mammals evolved.<\/p>\n
Features<\/h5>\n
Lives Underground<\/strong>: This is a fossorial species-that lives underground emerging just once a year. It has physical adaptations that help it survive in such extreme conditions.<\/p>\nBreeding Activity:<\/strong>\u00a0Its breeding activity coincides with pre-monsoon showers. The male frogs take their cue from these and emerge from their burrows to call potential partners \u2014 these calls can be heard up to 100 meters away.<\/p>\nSensitive to Disturbances:<\/strong>\u00a0These animals are very sensitive to disturbances. Any interference with their calling behaviour withdraws them into their burrows.<\/p>\nThreats:<\/strong>\u00a0The greatest threat to it is habitat destruction from human activities including agricultural expansion, construction and road building with dam reservoirs also causing the submergence of its habitat.<\/p>\n
\nPalmking (Amathusia phidippus)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
The\u00a0rare butterfly Palmking (Amathusia phidippus<\/em>) was sighted for the first time in Tamil Nadu.<\/p>\nAbout the Palmking (Amathusia phidippus<\/em>)<\/h5>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/440px-AmathusiaPhidippus146_1.jpg?resize=440%2C378&ssl=1\")
Source: Wikipedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPalmking is a butterfly species that belongs to the\u00a0Nymphalidae sub-family<\/strong>. It was first recorded in\u00a0South India by British scientist H.S.Ferguson in 1891<\/strong>. More than a century later, it was rediscovered in 2007.<\/p>\nCharacteristics:\u00a0<\/strong>This butterfly is characterized by its brown colour and dark bands and is described as reclusive, mostly resting in the shade.<\/p>\n\u2013 It is not easy to spot a Palmking because its wood colour makes for easy camouflage, and it rarely spreads its wings.<\/p>\n
Diet:\u00a0<\/strong>Palmking feeds on palm, coconut and calamus varieties of plants.<\/p>\nDistribution:<\/strong>\u00a0This butterfly is widely distributed across parts of India, Myanmar, Indo China, Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand. It is also found in the Indonesian archipelago and the Philippines.<\/p>\n\u2013 In India, Palmking sightings were recorded in the forests of Arippa, Shendurney, Periyar Tiger Reserve in the south of Western Ghats.<\/p>\n
\nIndian Tent Turtles<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
The Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has informed Rajya Sabha that there are no reports to indicate that the Indian tent turtle is on the verge of extinction due to illegal mining in Narmada River.<\/p>\n
About Indian Tent Turtle<\/h5>\n![\"Indian](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/1920px-Indian_tent_turtle_Pangshura_tentoria_tentoria.jpeg?resize=414%2C276&ssl=1\")
Source: Wikipedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIndian tent turtle<\/strong>\u00a0(Pangshura tentoria<\/em>) is a species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae.<\/p>\nConservation status<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n- IUCN Status:<\/strong>\u00a0Least Concern<\/li>\n
- Wildlife Protection Act,1972:<\/strong>\u00a0Schedule 1<\/li>\n
- CITES:<\/strong>\u00a0Appendix II<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Geographical Range:\u00a0<\/strong>The species is endemic to India and Bangladesh.<\/p>\nHabitat:<\/strong>\u00a0The preferred habitats are freshwater rivers and swamps.<\/p>\nThreats<\/strong>:\u00a0Due to the attractive appearance of the species, they are illegally traded in the pet market.
\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nGanoderma lucidum (Magical Mushroom)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
Worldwide, attempts are being made to popularize\u00a0Ganoderma lucidum<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(Magical Mushroom) for business and livelihood, by cultivating it on wood logs and sawdust.<\/p>\nAbout Ganoderma lucidum\u00a0(Magical Mushroom)<\/h5>\n![\"Magical](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/1649322942_Magical_Mushroom_Drishti_IAS_English.jpeg?resize=427%2C321&ssl=1\")
Source: DTE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIt is a medicinal mushroom in use for centuries. It is globally known as \u201cred reishi mushroom\u201d.<\/p>\n
The history of consumption of this mushroom can be traced back to 5,000 years ago in China.<\/p>\n
It also finds mentioned in the historical and medical records of countries like Japan, Korea, Malaysia and India.<\/p>\n
It has also earned several nicknames such as \u201cmushroom of immortality\u201d, \u201ccelestial herb\u201d and \u201causpicious herb\u201d.<\/p>\n
The uniqueness of Magical Mushroom<\/h5>\n
Unlike normal mushrooms, the peculiar character of this mushroom is that it grows on wood or wood-based substrate only.<\/p>\n
It thrives well in warm and humid climates and grows preferably in mixed forests of subtropical to temperate regions.<\/p>\n
Uses of Magical Mushrooms<\/h5>\n
It is used to heal diseases like diabetes, cancer, inflammation, ulcer as well as bacterial and skin infections.<\/p>\n
Apart from medicinal uses, it is also used as a base material for manufacturing products such as tea, coffee, energy supplements, health boosters, beverages, baked goods and anti-ageing cosmetics.<\/p>\n
Cultivation of Magical Mushroom<\/h5>\n
Its mass production is restricted to countries like China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States of America.<\/p>\n
Awareness regarding Ganoderma is spreading and the demand for this mushroom has pushed many countries, including India, to produce it on a large scale and manufacture its products.<\/p>\n
Scope of magical mushroom cultivation in India<\/h5>\n
India, a country where the majority of the population primarily relies on agriculture, has great potential to cultivate this mushroom.<\/p>\n
It can be grown indoors and is thus safe from the impacts of extreme weather conditions, man-wildlife conflicts, harsh topography and poor soil conditions.<\/p>\n
However, in India, the mushroom is mostly restricted to laboratory research at present. Some successful attempts for its cultivation, however, have been made by various Indian organizations.<\/p>\n
\nManda Buffalo<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
Manda buffalo has been recognised as the 19th unique breed of buffaloes found in India by the\u00a0National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR)<\/strong>.<\/p>\nNote<\/strong>: Four breeds of\u00a0cattle \u2013 Binjharpuri, Motu, Ghumusari and Khariar<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 and two breeds of\u00a0buffalo \u2013 Chilika and Kalahandi<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 and one breed of\u00a0sheep, Kendrapada,<\/strong>\u00a0have already received NBAGR recognition.<\/p>\nAbout Manda Buffalo<\/h5>\n![\"Manda](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Manda-Buffalo.png?resize=387%2C216&ssl=1\")
Source: The Hindu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nManda Buffaloes\u00a0<\/strong>are found in the Eastern Ghats and plateau of Koraput region of Odisha.<\/strong><\/p>\nThey are\u00a0small, sturdy buffaloes used for ploughing and in agricultural operations in Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts.<\/p>\n
Features of Manda Buffalo<\/h5>\n
These buffaloes have ash grey and grey-coloured coats with copper colour hair. Their lower legs are light in colour with copper-coloured hair at the knee. Some animals are silver-white in colour.<\/p>\n
Population:\u00a0<\/strong>There are around 100,000 Manda buffaloes in the Eastern Ghats.<\/p>\nSignificance of Manda Buffalo<\/h5>\n
These buffaloes are\u00a0resistant to parasitic infection<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0less prone to diseases.<\/strong>\u00a0Further, they can live, produce and reproduce in a low\/nil input system.<\/p>\nBenefit of recognizing Manda Buffalo by NGABR<\/h5>\n
After the recognition, the state and Centre will\u00a0make efforts to conserve<\/strong>\u00a0this unique buffalo genetic resource of Odisha and\u00a0enhance their productivity<\/strong>\u00a0through breeding strategy.<\/p>\nThe governments will\u00a0help in marketing the produce<\/strong>\u2013 milk, curd and ghee- at a premium price resulting in the improvement of the livelihood of the stakeholders.<\/p>\n
\nDugongs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
The Tamil Nadu State government has announced plans to set up a 500-sq km Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay. This is India\u2019s first dugong conservation reserve.<\/p>\n
About Dugongs<\/h5>\n![\"Dugongs\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Dugong_dugon.jpg?resize=340%2C189&ssl=1\")
Source: Wikipedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDugongs(Dugong dugon<\/em>)<\/strong>, also called the sea cow, is a\u00a0herbivorous mammal<\/strong>. They can grow up to three meters long, weigh about 300 kilograms and live for about 65 to 70 years grazing on seagrass and coming to the surface to breathe.<\/p>\nConservation Status of Dugongs<\/h5>\n
IUCN Status<\/strong>: Vulnerable<\/p>\nIndian Wild (Life) Protection Act, 1972:\u00a0<\/strong>Schedule I<\/p>\nCITES:<\/strong>\u00a0Appendix I<\/p>\nHabitat:<\/strong>\u00a0They are found in over 30 countries and in India are seen in the Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, Palk Bay, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.<\/p>\nDiet:\u00a0<\/strong>They are largely dependent on seagrass communities for subsistence and are thus restricted to the coastal habitats which support seagrass meadows.<\/p>\nPopulation:<\/strong>\u00a0According to a 2013 survey report of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), there were\u00a0only about 200 dugongs<\/strong>\u00a0in the\u00a0Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu,<\/strong>\u00a0the\u00a0Andaman and Nicobar Islands and<\/strong>\u00a0the\u00a0Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat.<\/strong><\/p>\nSignificance of\u00a0Dugongs<\/h5>\n
They are an important part of the marine ecosystem, and their depletion will have effects all the way up the food chain.<\/p>\n
Threats faced by Dugongs<\/h5>\n
Loss of\u00a0seagrass habitats, water pollution and degradation of the coastal ecosystem due to developmental activities have made life tough for Dugongs.<\/p>\n
Dugongs are also victims of accidental entanglement in fishing nets and collision with boats, trawlers.<\/p>\n
\nHybodontshark<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
Recently, teeth of new species of hybodontshark of Jurassic age (approximately, between 160 and 168 million years old) have been reported for the first time from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.<\/p>\n
History of\u00a0Hybodonts<\/h5>\n
Hybodonts,\u00a0an\u00a0extinct group of sharks, was a dominant group of fishes in both marine and fluvial environments during the Triassic and early Jurassic time.<\/p>\n
It\u00a0started to decline in marine environments from the Middle Jurassic onwards until they formed a relatively minor component of open-marine shark assemblages.<\/p>\n
Hybodonts\u00a0finally became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous time 65 million years ago.<\/p>\n
About the recent discovery<\/h5>\n
The newly discovered crushing teeth from Jaisalmer represent a new species named by the research team as\u00a0Strophodusjaisalmerensis.<\/p>\n
The genus\u00a0Strophodus\u00a0has been identified for the first time from the Indian subcontinent and is only the third such record from Asia, the other two being from Japan and Thailand.<\/p>\n
Significance of the discovery<\/h5>\n
This discovery marks an important milestone in the study of Jurassic vertebrate fossils in the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan, and it opens a new window for further research in the domain of vertebrate fossils.<\/p>\n
\nGreater One-Horned Rhino<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\u00a0News<\/h5>\n
Assam will mark\u00a0World Rhino Day<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 September 22 \u2014 with a special ceremony by burning a stockpile of nearly 2,500 horns of the one-horned rhinoceros.<\/p>\nAbout Greater One-Horned Rhino<\/h5>\n![\"Greater](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/media.savetherhino.org\/prod\/uploads\/2021\/04\/HorstLubnow.png?resize=410%2C273&ssl=1\")
Source: Save the Rhino<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nGreater\u00a0One-Horned Rhino (or \u201cIndian rhino\u201d) are identified by a single black horn about a grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives it an armour-plated appearance.<\/p>\n
The species is solitary, except when adult males or rhinos nearing adulthood gather to graze.<\/p>\n
They primarily graze, with a diet consisting almost entirely of grasses as well as leaves, branches of shrubs and trees, fruit, and aquatic plants.<\/p>\n
Conservation Status:<\/strong><\/p>\nIUCN Red List:\u00a0<\/strong>Vulnerable.<\/p>\nConvention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):<\/strong>\u00a0Appendix I<\/p>\nWildlife Protection Act, 1972<\/strong>: Schedule I<\/p>\nHabitat<\/strong>:<\/p>\nGreater\u00a0One-Horned Rhino is restricted to small habitats in Indo-Nepal terai and northern West Bengal and Assam.<\/p>\n
India is home to more than 75% of the greater one-horned rhino population of the world.<\/p>\n
In India, one-horned rhinos can be found in Assam, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.\u00a0Among these states, Assam has the largest population of greater-one horned rhinos, with more than 90% in Kaziranga National Park.<\/p>\n
Threats faced by Greater One-Horned Rhino<\/h5>\n
Poaching of Horns:\u00a0<\/strong>The rhino horn is used in traditional Chinese medicine to cure a range of ailments, from cancer to hangovers, and it is also used as an aphrodisiac in Vietnam, possessing a rhino horn is considered a status symbol.<\/p>\nHabitat loss<\/strong>:\u00a0The enormous reduction in the range of rhinos was mainly caused by the disappearance of alluvial plain grasslands.<\/p>\nPopulation density<\/strong>:\u00a0High population density in some parks leads to lower breeding rates. Also, concerns exist about long term viability of sub-populations due to lack of genetic diversity.<\/p>\nConservation measures to protect Greater One-Horned Rhino<\/h5>\n\n- Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020 programme<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- National Rhino Conservation Strategy for India<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nDhole<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/strong><\/h5>\nA recent study has identified 114 priority talukas\/tehsils where habitats can be consolidated to enhance population connectivity for the Dholes. The study was conducted by scientists from the Non-profit Wildlife Conservation Society\u2013India (WCS-India), National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, University of Florida, United States, Non-profit Conservation Initiatives and Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru.<\/p>\n
Key findings of the study<\/strong><\/h5>\nThe study found that the Western and Eastern Ghats is a stronghold region for dholes. On the other hand, Central India appeared to be weak in terms of connectivity.<\/p>\n
The findings suggested that having a special focus on habitat patches, protected areas and talukas can facilitate the movement of Dholes especially between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. For that, the study has identified 114 priority talukas\/tehsils.<\/p>\n
About Dhole<\/strong><\/h5>\n![\"Dholes\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Dhole.png?resize=394%2C366&ssl=1\")
Source: Deccan Herald<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIt is also known as the\u00a0Asiatic wild dog, red dog, and whistling dog<\/strong>. It is about the size of a German shepherd, but looks more like a long-legged fox.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Furthermore, it is a highly social animal, living in large clans without rigid dominance hierarchies and containing multiple breeding females.<\/p>\n
They are native to Central, South, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n
Conservation Status<\/strong><\/p>\nThey are listed under<\/p>\n
Schedule II\u00a0<\/strong>species under the\u00a0Wildlife Protection Act, 1972<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nEndangered<\/strong>\u00a0by the\u00a0International Union for Conservation (IUCN)<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n
News<\/h5>\n
Scientists from Manipur have found a new plant species of \u2018Cherry Blossom\u2019. They have named the plant species as \u2018Prunus dinabandhuana\u2019<\/strong>\u00a0as a mark of respect and for the outstanding contributions of scientist Dr Dinabandhu Sahoo.<\/p>\n The Cherry Blossom or \u2018Sakura\u2019 is the national flower of Japan.\u00a0India has become the 28th country in the world to be part of the Sakura plantations.<\/p>\n It is a new plant species of \u2018Cherry Blossom\u2019. It grows up to 25-30 meters in dense mixed evergreen forest and unlike the Japanese Cherry Blossom which blooms during March-April,\u00a0this new species blooms in November.<\/p>\n Due to Dr Sahoo\u2019s efforts, Cherry Blossom is now available in six of the eight Northeastern States, excluding Assam and Tripura.<\/p>\n Moreover, in 2016, Dr Sahoo organized India\u2019s first \u2018Cherry Blossom Festival\u2019 in Shillong which attracted lakhs of people, and subsequently, it became an international event for the past six years.<\/p>\n A group of Indian scientists have discovered a new species of eel named \u201cAriosoma indicum\u201d\u00a0<\/em>from the Kalamukku and Digha Mohana fishing harbours in Kerala and West Bengal respectively.<\/p>\n Ariosoma Indicum is an eel species\u00a0that belongs to the Congrid eels group. The term Indicum means that it was found in India.<\/p>\n Note:\u00a0<\/strong>There are seven species of\u00a0Ariosoma<\/em>\u00a0genus documented in India which includes this newly identified eel. Globally, there are 223 species in this genus.<\/p>\n Distribution:\u00a0<\/strong>It is possibly distributed along the Indian coast including the coastal waters of Kerala and West Bengal.<\/p>\n Features<\/strong><\/p>\n It has a greenish-brown body with faint dark bands on the dorsal portion of the head.\u00a0It also has minute dark pigmentation patches on the extremities of the lower jaw.<\/p>\n According to the United States Commission for Environmental Cooperation(CEC),\u00a0Vaquita Porpoise is nearing extinction and immediate measures are needed to save the remaining population.<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong>\u00a0Porpoises are among the smallest members of the cetacean family (whales, porpoises and dolphins). They are only distant relatives of dolphins (they last had a common ancestor roughly 15 million years ago).<\/p>\n Vanquita Porpoise is the world\u2019s smallest cetacean.Its name means \u201clittle cow\u201d in Spanish.<\/p>\n Conservation status<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Habitat<\/strong>: Found only in the northern Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) in Mexico. Most commonly seen in shallow waters up to 50 meters deep.<\/p>\n Vaquita Porpoise\u00a0has a dark ring around the eyes is its most striking feature, along with a proportionally large dorsal fin.<\/p>\n It is unique among the porpoises as it is the only species of that family found in warm waters.<\/p>\n Like many other species of porpoise, vaquita tend to be shy and elusive, avoiding boats when approached.<\/p>\n Threats:\u00a0<\/strong>The vaquita population has been in sharp decline for decades, recently accelerated by illegal fishing with gill nets for the vulnerable totoaba, a large fish sought after for its swim bladder.<\/p>\n New research has been conducted by a biologist on Purple Frog.<\/p>\n \u200b\u200bThe purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis<\/em>), Indian purple frog or pignose frog is a frog species of the genus\u00a0Nasikabatrachus<\/em>.<\/p>\n Conservation status:<\/strong><\/p>\n IUCN Status:<\/strong>\u00a0Endangered<\/p>\n Discovered in:\u00a0<\/strong>It was first discovered in 2003 in the Idukki district of Kerala by S.D. Biju from the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, India and Franky Bossuyt from Brussels.<\/p>\n Distribution:\u00a0<\/strong>The frog is endemic to the Western Ghats. Its distribution limited mainly to Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu.<\/p>\n Significance:<\/strong>\u00a0The purple frog is a unique animal. This frog has an evolutionary history that goes back 120 million years \u2014 this is one of the oldest lineages among all living frogs on Earth. Species with such old lineages are termed a \u2018living fossil\u2019.<\/p>\n \u2013 Human evolution has taken place over six million years, so consider what a major chunk of Earth\u2019s history the purple frog\u2019s 120 million years covers.<\/p>\n \u2013 For instance, the DNA of this frog witnessed many great events that happened on Earth over millions of years such as huge tracts of land split into continents, the Himalayas were formed, dinosaurs going extinct and placental mammals evolved.<\/p>\n Lives Underground<\/strong>: This is a fossorial species-that lives underground emerging just once a year. It has physical adaptations that help it survive in such extreme conditions.<\/p>\n Breeding Activity:<\/strong>\u00a0Its breeding activity coincides with pre-monsoon showers. The male frogs take their cue from these and emerge from their burrows to call potential partners \u2014 these calls can be heard up to 100 meters away.<\/p>\n Sensitive to Disturbances:<\/strong>\u00a0These animals are very sensitive to disturbances. Any interference with their calling behaviour withdraws them into their burrows.<\/p>\n Threats:<\/strong>\u00a0The greatest threat to it is habitat destruction from human activities including agricultural expansion, construction and road building with dam reservoirs also causing the submergence of its habitat.<\/p>\n The\u00a0rare butterfly Palmking (Amathusia phidippus<\/em>) was sighted for the first time in Tamil Nadu.<\/p>\n Palmking is a butterfly species that belongs to the\u00a0Nymphalidae sub-family<\/strong>. It was first recorded in\u00a0South India by British scientist H.S.Ferguson in 1891<\/strong>. More than a century later, it was rediscovered in 2007.<\/p>\n Characteristics:\u00a0<\/strong>This butterfly is characterized by its brown colour and dark bands and is described as reclusive, mostly resting in the shade.<\/p>\n \u2013 It is not easy to spot a Palmking because its wood colour makes for easy camouflage, and it rarely spreads its wings.<\/p>\n Diet:\u00a0<\/strong>Palmking feeds on palm, coconut and calamus varieties of plants.<\/p>\n Distribution:<\/strong>\u00a0This butterfly is widely distributed across parts of India, Myanmar, Indo China, Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand. It is also found in the Indonesian archipelago and the Philippines.<\/p>\n \u2013 In India, Palmking sightings were recorded in the forests of Arippa, Shendurney, Periyar Tiger Reserve in the south of Western Ghats.<\/p>\n The Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has informed Rajya Sabha that there are no reports to indicate that the Indian tent turtle is on the verge of extinction due to illegal mining in Narmada River.<\/p>\n Indian tent turtle<\/strong>\u00a0(Pangshura tentoria<\/em>) is a species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae.<\/p>\n Conservation status<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Geographical Range:\u00a0<\/strong>The species is endemic to India and Bangladesh.<\/p>\n Habitat:<\/strong>\u00a0The preferred habitats are freshwater rivers and swamps.<\/p>\n Threats<\/strong>:\u00a0Due to the attractive appearance of the species, they are illegally traded in the pet market. Worldwide, attempts are being made to popularize\u00a0Ganoderma lucidum<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(Magical Mushroom) for business and livelihood, by cultivating it on wood logs and sawdust.<\/p>\n It is a medicinal mushroom in use for centuries. It is globally known as \u201cred reishi mushroom\u201d.<\/p>\n The history of consumption of this mushroom can be traced back to 5,000 years ago in China.<\/p>\n It also finds mentioned in the historical and medical records of countries like Japan, Korea, Malaysia and India.<\/p>\n It has also earned several nicknames such as \u201cmushroom of immortality\u201d, \u201ccelestial herb\u201d and \u201causpicious herb\u201d.<\/p>\n Unlike normal mushrooms, the peculiar character of this mushroom is that it grows on wood or wood-based substrate only.<\/p>\n It thrives well in warm and humid climates and grows preferably in mixed forests of subtropical to temperate regions.<\/p>\n It is used to heal diseases like diabetes, cancer, inflammation, ulcer as well as bacterial and skin infections.<\/p>\n Apart from medicinal uses, it is also used as a base material for manufacturing products such as tea, coffee, energy supplements, health boosters, beverages, baked goods and anti-ageing cosmetics.<\/p>\n Its mass production is restricted to countries like China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States of America.<\/p>\n Awareness regarding Ganoderma is spreading and the demand for this mushroom has pushed many countries, including India, to produce it on a large scale and manufacture its products.<\/p>\n India, a country where the majority of the population primarily relies on agriculture, has great potential to cultivate this mushroom.<\/p>\n It can be grown indoors and is thus safe from the impacts of extreme weather conditions, man-wildlife conflicts, harsh topography and poor soil conditions.<\/p>\n However, in India, the mushroom is mostly restricted to laboratory research at present. Some successful attempts for its cultivation, however, have been made by various Indian organizations.<\/p>\n Manda buffalo has been recognised as the 19th unique breed of buffaloes found in India by the\u00a0National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: Four breeds of\u00a0cattle \u2013 Binjharpuri, Motu, Ghumusari and Khariar<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 and two breeds of\u00a0buffalo \u2013 Chilika and Kalahandi<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 and one breed of\u00a0sheep, Kendrapada,<\/strong>\u00a0have already received NBAGR recognition.<\/p>\n Manda Buffaloes\u00a0<\/strong>are found in the Eastern Ghats and plateau of Koraput region of Odisha.<\/strong><\/p>\n They are\u00a0small, sturdy buffaloes used for ploughing and in agricultural operations in Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts.<\/p>\n These buffaloes have ash grey and grey-coloured coats with copper colour hair. Their lower legs are light in colour with copper-coloured hair at the knee. Some animals are silver-white in colour.<\/p>\n Population:\u00a0<\/strong>There are around 100,000 Manda buffaloes in the Eastern Ghats.<\/p>\n These buffaloes are\u00a0resistant to parasitic infection<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0less prone to diseases.<\/strong>\u00a0Further, they can live, produce and reproduce in a low\/nil input system.<\/p>\n After the recognition, the state and Centre will\u00a0make efforts to conserve<\/strong>\u00a0this unique buffalo genetic resource of Odisha and\u00a0enhance their productivity<\/strong>\u00a0through breeding strategy.<\/p>\n The governments will\u00a0help in marketing the produce<\/strong>\u2013 milk, curd and ghee- at a premium price resulting in the improvement of the livelihood of the stakeholders.<\/p>\n The Tamil Nadu State government has announced plans to set up a 500-sq km Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay. This is India\u2019s first dugong conservation reserve.<\/p>\n Dugongs(Dugong dugon<\/em>)<\/strong>, also called the sea cow, is a\u00a0herbivorous mammal<\/strong>. They can grow up to three meters long, weigh about 300 kilograms and live for about 65 to 70 years grazing on seagrass and coming to the surface to breathe.<\/p>\n IUCN Status<\/strong>: Vulnerable<\/p>\n Indian Wild (Life) Protection Act, 1972:\u00a0<\/strong>Schedule I<\/p>\n CITES:<\/strong>\u00a0Appendix I<\/p>\n Habitat:<\/strong>\u00a0They are found in over 30 countries and in India are seen in the Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, Palk Bay, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.<\/p>\n Diet:\u00a0<\/strong>They are largely dependent on seagrass communities for subsistence and are thus restricted to the coastal habitats which support seagrass meadows.<\/p>\n Population:<\/strong>\u00a0According to a 2013 survey report of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), there were\u00a0only about 200 dugongs<\/strong>\u00a0in the\u00a0Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu,<\/strong>\u00a0the\u00a0Andaman and Nicobar Islands and<\/strong>\u00a0the\u00a0Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat.<\/strong><\/p>\n They are an important part of the marine ecosystem, and their depletion will have effects all the way up the food chain.<\/p>\n Loss of\u00a0seagrass habitats, water pollution and degradation of the coastal ecosystem due to developmental activities have made life tough for Dugongs.<\/p>\n Dugongs are also victims of accidental entanglement in fishing nets and collision with boats, trawlers.<\/p>\n Recently, teeth of new species of hybodontshark of Jurassic age (approximately, between 160 and 168 million years old) have been reported for the first time from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.<\/p>\n Hybodonts,\u00a0an\u00a0extinct group of sharks, was a dominant group of fishes in both marine and fluvial environments during the Triassic and early Jurassic time.<\/p>\n It\u00a0started to decline in marine environments from the Middle Jurassic onwards until they formed a relatively minor component of open-marine shark assemblages.<\/p>\n Hybodonts\u00a0finally became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous time 65 million years ago.<\/p>\n The newly discovered crushing teeth from Jaisalmer represent a new species named by the research team as\u00a0Strophodusjaisalmerensis.<\/p>\n The genus\u00a0Strophodus\u00a0has been identified for the first time from the Indian subcontinent and is only the third such record from Asia, the other two being from Japan and Thailand.<\/p>\n This discovery marks an important milestone in the study of Jurassic vertebrate fossils in the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan, and it opens a new window for further research in the domain of vertebrate fossils.<\/p>\n Assam will mark\u00a0World Rhino Day<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 September 22 \u2014 with a special ceremony by burning a stockpile of nearly 2,500 horns of the one-horned rhinoceros.<\/p>\n Greater\u00a0One-Horned Rhino (or \u201cIndian rhino\u201d) are identified by a single black horn about a grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives it an armour-plated appearance.<\/p>\n The species is solitary, except when adult males or rhinos nearing adulthood gather to graze.<\/p>\n They primarily graze, with a diet consisting almost entirely of grasses as well as leaves, branches of shrubs and trees, fruit, and aquatic plants.<\/p>\n Conservation Status:<\/strong><\/p>\n IUCN Red List:\u00a0<\/strong>Vulnerable.<\/p>\n Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):<\/strong>\u00a0Appendix I<\/p>\n Wildlife Protection Act, 1972<\/strong>: Schedule I<\/p>\n Habitat<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Greater\u00a0One-Horned Rhino is restricted to small habitats in Indo-Nepal terai and northern West Bengal and Assam.<\/p>\n India is home to more than 75% of the greater one-horned rhino population of the world.<\/p>\n In India, one-horned rhinos can be found in Assam, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.\u00a0Among these states, Assam has the largest population of greater-one horned rhinos, with more than 90% in Kaziranga National Park.<\/p>\n Poaching of Horns:\u00a0<\/strong>The rhino horn is used in traditional Chinese medicine to cure a range of ailments, from cancer to hangovers, and it is also used as an aphrodisiac in Vietnam, possessing a rhino horn is considered a status symbol.<\/p>\n Habitat loss<\/strong>:\u00a0The enormous reduction in the range of rhinos was mainly caused by the disappearance of alluvial plain grasslands.<\/p>\n Population density<\/strong>:\u00a0High population density in some parks leads to lower breeding rates. Also, concerns exist about long term viability of sub-populations due to lack of genetic diversity.<\/p>\n A recent study has identified 114 priority talukas\/tehsils where habitats can be consolidated to enhance population connectivity for the Dholes. The study was conducted by scientists from the Non-profit Wildlife Conservation Society\u2013India (WCS-India), National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, University of Florida, United States, Non-profit Conservation Initiatives and Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru.<\/p>\n The study found that the Western and Eastern Ghats is a stronghold region for dholes. On the other hand, Central India appeared to be weak in terms of connectivity.<\/p>\n The findings suggested that having a special focus on habitat patches, protected areas and talukas can facilitate the movement of Dholes especially between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. For that, the study has identified 114 priority talukas\/tehsils.<\/p>\n It is also known as the\u00a0Asiatic wild dog, red dog, and whistling dog<\/strong>. It is about the size of a German shepherd, but looks more like a long-legged fox.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Furthermore, it is a highly social animal, living in large clans without rigid dominance hierarchies and containing multiple breeding females.<\/p>\n They are native to Central, South, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n Conservation Status<\/strong><\/p>\n They are listed under<\/p>\n Schedule II\u00a0<\/strong>species under the\u00a0Wildlife Protection Act, 1972<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Endangered<\/strong>\u00a0by the\u00a0International Union for Conservation (IUCN)<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\nAbout Cherry Blossom<\/h5>\n
About Prunus dinabandhuana<\/h5>\n
Reason for naming plant species after Scientist Dr Dinabandhu Sahoo<\/h5>\n
\nAriosoma indicum<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n
About Ariosoma indicum<\/h5>\n
\nVaquita Porpoise<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n
About Vaquita Porpoise<\/h5>\n
\n
Features<\/h5>\n
\nPurple Frog<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n
About the Purple Frog<\/h5>\n
Features<\/h5>\n
\nPalmking (Amathusia phidippus)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n
About the Palmking (Amathusia phidippus<\/em>)<\/h5>\n
\nIndian Tent Turtles<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n
About Indian Tent Turtle<\/h5>\n
\n
\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nGanoderma lucidum (Magical Mushroom)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n
About Ganoderma lucidum\u00a0(Magical Mushroom)<\/h5>\n
The uniqueness of Magical Mushroom<\/h5>\n
Uses of Magical Mushrooms<\/h5>\n
Cultivation of Magical Mushroom<\/h5>\n
Scope of magical mushroom cultivation in India<\/h5>\n
\nManda Buffalo<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n
About Manda Buffalo<\/h5>\n
Features of Manda Buffalo<\/h5>\n
Significance of Manda Buffalo<\/h5>\n
Benefit of recognizing Manda Buffalo by NGABR<\/h5>\n
\nDugongs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n
About Dugongs<\/h5>\n
Conservation Status of Dugongs<\/h5>\n
Significance of\u00a0Dugongs<\/h5>\n
Threats faced by Dugongs<\/h5>\n
\nHybodontshark<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n
History of\u00a0Hybodonts<\/h5>\n
About the recent discovery<\/h5>\n
Significance of the discovery<\/h5>\n
\nGreater One-Horned Rhino<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\u00a0News<\/h5>\n
About Greater One-Horned Rhino<\/h5>\n
Threats faced by Greater One-Horned Rhino<\/h5>\n
Conservation measures to protect Greater One-Horned Rhino<\/h5>\n
\n
\nDhole<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Key findings of the study<\/strong><\/h5>\n
About Dhole<\/strong><\/h5>\n