Category: Environment Current Affairs

Phtheirospermum lushaiorum : Hemi-Parasitic Terrestrial Plant A rare hemi-parasitic terrestrial plant named Phtheirospermum lushaiorum has been found in Phawngpui National Park in Mizoram. Phtheirospermum lushaiorum is a new species of hemi-parasitic terrestrial plant. These hemi-parasitic plants lack a fully developed root system and form connections with another plant, from which they obtain some or all […]

Red Colobus Monkeys: A recent study suggests that Red Colobus Monkeys, a rare and endangered population of monkeys found in various regions of Africa are facing threats to their survival and are at risk of becoming extinct. These monkeys act as “indicator species,” meaning their presence and well-being reflect the overall health of the forest […]

Pine Needle Power Projects: Uttarakhand’s innovative pine needle power projects, aimed at mitigating forest fires and generating electricity, have fallen short of expectations. Despite the vast potential, technological and practical challenges have hindered their success. In 2021, the Uttarakhand State government under bio-energy projects announced a scheme to establish power projects that would use pine […]

Kadars: The recent death of a Kadar tribesman in Tamil Nadu’s Anamalai Tiger Reserve in an elephant attack has left the indigenous community and conservationists in shock as Kadars are known to co-exist with wild elephants for ages. They are a small indigenous tribal community in South India. They reside along the hilly border between […]

Ligdus Garvale : New Spider Species A team of naturalists recently documented a new spider species named ‘Ligdus Garvale’ from Garvale, a village nestled in the Somwarpet taluk of the Kodagu district, Karnataka. Ligdus Garvale is a new species of jumping spider. It marks only the second recorded instance of the Ligdus genus in 129 […]

Semal Trees: Semal trees, crucial to Udaipur’s Holi festivities, face peril in south Rajasthan. Despite their ecological significance, thousands are cut annually for bonfires, violating forest laws. Semal trees, also known as silk cotton trees or Bombax Ceiba, are large, fast-growing trees (large deciduous trees, known for their Crimson red flowers) native to India. Ayurvedic […]

Leopard Cat : Spotted A leopard cat has been spotted in Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve for the first time, a senior forest official said recently. Leopard Cat is a species of forest-dwelling cat, of the family Felidae. It is noted for its leopard-like colouring. They are the most widely distributed Asian small cats. Their range […]

Peregrine Falcon: Project Raptor Watch (PRW) of the Madras Naturalist’s Society, who have been tracking peregrines, aims to document, study and monitor raptor species in Tamil Nadu. Peregrine Falcon is one of the most widespread birds in the world. It is found on all continents except Antarctica and on many oceanic islands They prefer open […]

Freshwater Under The Ocean Bed: Freshwater exploration from under the ocean bed is gaining attention as a potential solution to depleting freshwater resources. Recent discoveries have revealed significant freshwater reservoirs under the ocean. Rainwater and surface water can seep into the ground and percolate deep into the Earth’s crust. Some of this water can accumulate […]

Himalayan Magpies : Study The enchanting Himalayan magpies have garnered increased attention as researchers delve deeper into their habitats and behaviours. These captivating birds adorn the mountainous landscapes from Kashmir to Myanmar, adding vibrancy to the region. Corvidae Family and Magpies: Magpies belong to the Corvidae family of birds, which includes crows, jays, and ravens. […]