Species in News
Source: DH Context: The Wildlife Institute of India has proposed a national action plan for translocation of one-horned rhinoceroses to reduce habitat pressure in Assam’s Kaziranga and Pobitora, through reintroduction in new protected areas across five states. About One-Horned Rhinoceros: Scientific Name: Rhinoceros unicornis IUCN Status: Vulnerable Habitat: Terai grasslands, alluvial floodplains, swamps, and subtropical …
Source: TH Context: Kerala and Tamil Nadu will jointly conduct a Nilgiri Tahr census in April, across 265 census blocks to mark 50 years of Eravikulam National Park. About Nilgiri Tahr: What it is? The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is the only mountain ungulate endemic to southern India and the state animal of Tamil Nadu. …
Source: CNN Context: A U.S.-based biotech firm, Colossal Biosciences, claimed the birth of three genetically engineered wolf pups, marking the first-ever attempt at “de-extinction” of the extinct dire wolf species after 12,500 years. About De-Extinction of Dire Wolf: What is De-Extinction? De-extinction refers to the process of reviving extinct species using advanced biotechnological methods such …
Source: TH Context: A 20-year study in South Africa reveals that the decline of Great White Sharks disrupted marine ecosystems, causing cascading food web imbalances. About Great White Sharks: Scientific Name: Carcharodon carcharias IUCN Status: Vulnerable. Habitat & Distribution: Found in temperate coastal waters(e.g., USA, South Africa, Australia, Japan). Migratory – some travel to tropical waters but return to temperate …
Source: DTE Context: Smooth-coated otters will return to the Delhi Zoo after a 20-year absence, as part of an animal exchange program with the Surat Zoo. About the Smooth-Coated Otter: Scientific Name: Lutrogale perspicillata Habitat: Found in wetlands, rivers, lakes, mangroves, and estuaries across South and Southeast Asia. Distribution: Native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri …
Source: DTE Context: A comprehensive survey under Project Dolphin (2020) estimated 6,327 Gangetic dolphins across eight Indian states. The survey provides the first systematic population estimate of river dolphins in India, aiding conservation efforts. About Dolphin Survey: Survey Conducted By: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) under Project Dolphin (2020). Conducted with support …
Source: TOI Context: Recent sightings of the rare oarfish, popularly called the “Doomsday Fish,” near the shores of Baja California Sur, Mexico, have sparked speculation about potential natural disasters. About Doomsday Fish: Scientific Name: Regalecus glesne Common Name: Oarfish, Doomsday Fish Distribution: Found in deep-sea waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Habitat: Lives …
Source: IE Context: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister released 10 gharials into the Chambal River at the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary to boost conservation efforts. The state now hosts over 80% of India’s gharial population, reaffirming its leadership in gharial conservation. About Gharial: What is a Gharial? A critically endangered species of crocodilian (Gavialis gangeticus) with …
Source: TH Context: The northern white rhino, with only two individuals left, is on the brink of extinction. However, a breakthrough in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) offers hope for the subspecies’ survival, with 36 embryos ready for implantation. About Northern White Rhino: What is a White Rhino? The white rhino, also known as the square-lipped rhinoceros, …
Source: IE Context: A 23-year-old Venezuelan kayaker, was briefly swallowed by a humpback whale while kayaking in the Strait of Magellan, Chile. The whale mistook the kayak for prey, engulfed Simancas, and released him unharmed within seconds. About Humpback Whale: What is a Humpback Whale? Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae A baleen whale known for its …
Source: TH Context: Scientists at CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB) have found that human disturbances during mating and birthing seasons are increasing stress levels in Hangul deer, affecting their reproduction. About Hangul Deer (Kashmir Stag): What is Hangul Deer? A subspecies of the Central Asian red deer (Cervus hanglu hanglu), endemic to Kashmir …
Source: TOI Context: Viatina-19, an Ongole breed cow, recently set a world record by selling for $4.82 million (~₹41 crore) in Brazil, surpassing Japan’s Wagyu and India’s Brahman breeds. About Ongole Breed: What is the Ongole Breed? Ongole cattle is a native Indian Bos Indicus breed known for its high strength, disease resistance, and heat …
Source: TH Context: A surge in Olive Ridley Sea turtle deaths has been reported along the Chennai and Chengalpattu coasts of Tamil Nadu, with over 1,200 carcasses found in January 2025. About Olive Ridley Sea Turtle: Scientific Classification: Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea IUCN Status: Vulnerable. Physical & Biological Features: Smallest sea turtle species, weighing up …
Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a response from the Centre on the use of Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy) as biological mosquito control agents, despite being classified as invasive alien species by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). About Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish): What is it? A small freshwater fish native to …
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Source: TH Context: An international research team has identified two new species of cardamom in Kerala’s Western Ghats, expanding the genus Elettaria to seven species. What is Cardamom? Known as the “Queen of Spices,” cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a highly aromatic spice belonging to the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family. Native to the evergreen rainforests of the Western Ghats in South India, it is primarily cultivated …
Source: TOI Context: Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer recently shared a video of a rare black panther strolling is lush greenery of north Bengal. About Black Panther: What is a Black Panther? The black panther, a colloquial term for melanistic (dark-colored) large felines in the genus Panthera, is known for its striking black fur and …
Source: TH Context: India, known as the ‘snakebite capital of the world,’ records over 58,000 deaths annually from venomous snakebites, despite being the largest producer and consumer of antivenoms. About Antivenoms: What are Antivenoms? Antivenoms are life-saving medicines used to neutralize snake venom toxins. Produced by injecting venom into animals (usually horses), their immune systems …
Source: NIE Context: The iconic Chinar trees of Kashmir, known for their majestic appearance and cultural significance, are being digitally preserved through geo-tagging and QR codes. This innovative project, spearheaded by the J&K Forest Research Institute (FRI), aims to ensure the monitoring, conservation, and management of Chinar trees. About Kashmir Chinars: Scientific Name: Platanus orientalis …
Source: IE Context: Over the past two weeks, numerous dead olive ridley turtles have washed ashore in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai. About Olive Ridley Turtles: What it is: Olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are one of the smallest and most abundant sea turtles, known for their synchronized mass nesting, called arribadas. Habitat: Found in …
Source: TH Context: The Centre’s National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved exploratory drilling for oil and gas in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Assam’s Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary. About Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: Situated in Jorhat district, Assam, the sanctuary lies in a secluded region of evergreen forest. Habitat: Altitude: Ranges between 100–120 …
