Species in News
Source: HT Context: A Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat (Otomops wroughtoni), a rare and Critically Endangered species, was sighted for the first time in northern India at Delhi’s Yamuna Biodiversity Park. About Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat: What it is: A free-tailed bat species first discovered in 1913, known for its powerful flight and preference for cave-like roosting habitats. …
Source: TH Context: Carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles continue to wash ashore along the Visakhapatnam coast during their breeding season. Experts attribute the deaths to marine pollution and accidental entanglement in fishing trawlers. About Olive Ridley Turtles: Smallest and Most Abundant: They are the smallest and most abundant sea turtles globally. Name Origin: Lepidochelys olivacea. …
Source: Sci.news Context: The Atacama Trench, among the deepest oceanic regions, reveals unique biodiversity with the discovery of Dulcibella camanchaca, a new predatory amphipod. About Dulcibella camanchaca: Found In: Atacama Trench, South Pacific Ocean, at a depth of 7,902 meters. Features: Equipped with raptorial appendages for capturing prey. Active predator feeding on smaller amphipods in …
Source: TH Context: The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans), an endangered species endemic to the Indian subcontinent, faces threats from illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. Recent research highlights its genetic diversity, offering insights into conservation strategies. About Indian Star Tortoise: Scientific Name: Geochelone elegans IUCN Status: Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List. Types: Northwestern …
Source: TH Context: Wisdom, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross, has set a world record as the oldest wild bird, continuing to contribute to her species’ survival. About Laysan Albatross: Name: Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) It is a pelagic bird found predominantly in the North Pacific Ocean. Region found in: Primarily the North Pacific Ocean, with 99.7% …
Source: IE Context: Asiatic Lions, with their entire population of 674 residing in Gujarat, exemplify a unique model of human-wildlife coexistence driven by cultural, economic, and legal factors. Why Asiatic Lions Are Only Found in Gujarat? Historic Habitat Shrinkage: Asiatic Lions, once widespread from the Middle East to India, are now confined to Gujarat’s Gir …
Source: TOI Context: A Siberian Demoiselle crane, nicknamed Sukpak, has set a new migratory record by flying 3,676 km to Khichan in Rajasthan, surpassing the previous distance of 2,800 km. About Siberian Demoiselle Crane: Scientific Name: Anthropoides virgo (also referred to as Grus virgo). Breeding Range: Central Asia to Mongolia, east to Northeast China. Wintering …
Source: DTE Context: Researchers at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Kenya have discovered that the Kenyan lesser mealworm larvae can degrade polystyrene plastic, offering a potential solution to plastic pollution. About Mealworm Larvae: Species: The Kenyan lesser mealworm is the larval form of the Alphitobius darkling beetle. Habitat: Found in poultry …
Source: IE Context: The African Penguin, or Cape Penguin, is now “Endangered” per the IUCN, with under 10,000 breeding pairs, mostly in South Africa. Conservationists warn of possible extinction in the wild by 2035. About African Penguin: Scientific Name: Spheniscus demersus. Endemic Region: Southern Africa; primarily South Africa and Namibia. Habitat: Found within 40 km …
Source: TH Context: Research found that pathogen spillover from managed honey bees to wild pollinators poses a serious threat, with shared habitats facilitating disease transmission and endangering pollinator ecosystems. About Thai Sacbrood Virus: Impact on Bees: Devastated 90% of Asiatic honeybee colonies in South India (1991–1992) and reemerged in Telangana in 2021. Symptoms: Kills larvae, …
Source: TH Context: In Mayong village, Morigaon district, Assam, a unique community-driven conservation initiative has established an ideal habitat for the oriental pied hornbill, showcasing exemplary efforts in biodiversity conservation. About Mayong Village Initiative: Community conservation: Villagers collectively support the nesting and breeding of oriental pied hornbills, ensuring their safety and well-being. Plantation drive: Fruit-bearing …
Source: TH Context: A comprehensive study covering 52 years has revealed a dramatic decline in African elephant populations, with savannah elephants experiencing a 70% decrease and forest elephants suffering a 90% decline. About African Elephants: Classification: Largest land animals, native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Two subspecies: African Bush Elephant (Loxodonta africana) and African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta …
Source: TOI Context: A groundbreaking discovery reveals that the comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi has the unique ability to reverse its aging process by regressing from an adult stage back to a larval form under stress. About Comb jellies: Classification: Marine invertebrates belonging to the phylum Ctenophora, distinct from jellyfish. Physical traits: Characterized by rows of …
Source: IE Context: A rescue operation conducted by the Pune Forest Department and RESQ Charitable Trust has revealed a rare Eurasian Otter in Indapur, Pune District, a species previously unrecorded in this area. About Eurasian Otter: Scientific name: Lutra lutra Habitat: Found in streams, rivers, lakes, freshwater and peat swamps, ocean shores, and rice fields; …
Source: Greater Kashmir Context: Efforts are urgently needed to protect the habitat of the endangered Markhor, the world’s largest wild goat, to support and increase its population in Jammu and Kashmir. About Markhor: Scientific name: Capra falconeri The UN General Assembly proclaimed 24 May the International Day of the Markhor, and it is celebrated for …
