Content

1. SOIL CONSERVATION .......................................................................................1

 Global Soil Biodiversity .......................................................................................... 1

2. FOREST CONSERVATION ...................................................................................3

 Deemed Forest ........................................................................................................ 3
 Boreal Forest ........................................................................................................... 4
 Miyawaki forests, a sustainable way for ecological restoration ...................... 4
 Silvopasture ............................................................................................................ 5
 Ancient forests found in Sinkhole ........................................................................ 6
 Importance of Wetland Conservation ................................................................. 7

3. GRASSLAND CONSERVATION ............................................................................9

 Grassland Conservation......................................................................................... 9
 Banni Grasslands Restoration............................................................................. 10

4. SPECIES CONSERVATION & EFFORTS ............................................................. 12

 4th Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation .................................. 12
 Reintroduction of cheetah .................................................................................. 14
 Rhino Conservation .............................................................................................. 16
 ‘Sharp’ Decline In Vulture Population: Study ................................................... 18
 Red Pandas To Make A Home In The Forests .................................................... 20
 5% of birds in India are endemic: Report .......................................................... 21
 Panamaram Heronry............................................................................................ 23

5. BIODIVERSITY REPORTS ............................................................................... 25

 India State of Forest Report- (ISFR) 2021 ........................................................... 25
 First-ever waterbody census ............................................................................... 26

6. BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITES..................................................................... 27

 Gandhamardan hills become 3rd biodiversity heritage site in Odisha ......... 27
 The World needs to shift to a circular economy: UNEP ................................... 28

7. PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE FOR

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ...................................................................... 30
 Protests in Hasdeo Aranya .................................................................................. 30

8. GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES ........................................................................... 32

 MISHTI Scheme to conserve Mangrove In India............................................... 32
 THEMATIC CURRENT AFFAIRS
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affairs have been blended into these themes.

Thematic Current Affairs will help you in:

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Prelims Sampoorna 2024 UPSC CSE Current Affairs

 1
Soil Conservation

1. GLOBAL SOIL BIODIVERSITY

CONTEXT
According to a new study, two-thirds of the world’s biodiversity lives in the soil.

Key-highlights of the Study

What is
 Coral reefs, the deep sea or the treetops of the rainforests are
Biodiversity?
considered the main hotspots of biodiversity. However, they
all trail behind the soils. According to the recent study, soils  Biodiversity refers to the
are the most species-rich ecosystems worldwide. variety of living species
on Earth, including plants,
 Two-thirds of all species live in the soil. Approximately 59
animals, bacteria, and fungi.
percent of all known species, ranging from microscopic
bacteria and fungi to massive redwood trees, live in (or on)  It can be used more
soil. specifically to refer to all of
the species in one region
 This is more than twice as high as previous estimates of soil
or ecosystem.
species richness.
 The group with the highest proportion of species living in the soil is fungi—90% of them live
there.
 They are followed by plants and their roots with 86%.
 Earthworms and mollusks such as snails make up 20%.
 Mammals came in last, with only about 3.8 percent of species relying on soil for their habitat

Previous Estimates
 Historically, scientists have struggled to get a firm grasp of just how many species directly depend
on soil.

 A previous global estimate, published in 2006, put the number at about 25 percent.

1 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

 Threats to Soil Conservation Methods
 A third of the planet’s land is severely  Adopting less intensive agricultural practices
degraded and 24bn tonnes of fertile soil are
 Greater regulation of non-native invasive species
lost every year through intensive farming
alone.  Increasing habitat conservation

 Pollution, deforestation and global heating  Practices such as soil transplantations could also
all damages soil. restore microscopic lifeforms in soil.



Biodiversity Conservation and Management 2

 2
Forest Conservation

1. DEEMED FOREST

CONTEXT
The issue of deemed forests is a contentious one in Karnataka, with legislators across party lines
often alleging that large amounts of agriculture and non-forest land are “unscientifically” classified
as such.

Deemed Forests:
 Deemed Forests are physical parcels that look to be forested but aren’t  In India, deemed
listed as such in historical or official records. forests account for
 The Supreme Court ruled in the case of T N Godavarman Thirumalpad about 1% of total
(1996) that governments must identify and categorise designated forest land.
forests.
 It covered all statutorily
recognised forests,
whether designated as
reserved, protected or
otherwise for the
purpose of Section 2 (1)
of the Forest
Conservation Act.
 The term ‘forest land’
occurring in Section 2 will
not only include ‘forest’
as understood in the
dictionary sense but also
any areas recorded as
forest in the government
record irrespective of the
owners said the court.

3 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

 2. BOREAL FOREST

CONTEXT
The wildfires pose threat to subarctic boreal forest. In the boreal forest, the most prevalent type of
fire is a crown fire, which spreads quickly from treetop to treetop.

About:
 Boreal forests (also known as taiga) make up the world’s largest biome and account for around
30% of the world’s forests.
 Boreal Eco Zone: It principally spans
8 countries: Canada, China, Finland,
Japan, Norway, Russia, Sweden and
the United States.
 It is typically comprised of coniferous
tree species such as pine, spruce and
fir with some broadleaf species such as
poplar and birch.
 The circumboreal belt of forest
represents about 30% of the global
forest area, contains more surface freshwater than any other biome.

3. MIYAWAKI FORESTS, A SUSTAINABLE WAY FOR

ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION

CONTEXT
There are hundreds of thousands of Miyawaki forest trees in India. Also, this method is quickly finding
favour in government corridors and corporate boardrooms to restore urban spaces.

About Miyawaki Forest:

 Miyawaki is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, which helps build dense,
native forests.
 It is effective because it is based on natural reforesta on principles, i.e. using trees native to the area
and replicating natural forest regeneration processes.
 It has some significant benefits over more traditional forestry methods when used in smaller
afforestation projects and is par cularly effec ve in the urban environment.
 The trees planted by this method grow much faster, jump star ng the forest crea on process and
capturing more carbon.

Biodiversity Conservation and Management 4

 The approach is supposed to ensure that plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation
is 30 times denser than usual.
 It involves plan ng dozens of
na ve species in the same area, Canopy layer
and becomes maintenance-
free after the first three years.
Tree layer
 Higher biodiversity has
been recorded in Miyawaki Sub-tree layer

forests than in neighbouring

Shrub layer
woodland, so it’s an ideal
method for creating diverse
forest ecosystems quickly.
 Within the context of the current climate change emergency and stark warnings about the global
loss of biodiversity, being able to create diverse, healthy forests quickly could prove vital to mee ng
interna onal targets and tackling these issues.

What are the benefits?

 Trees in a Miyawaki forest grow up to ten mes faster at around a metre per year, reaching a stable
multi-layered forest community in 20 to 30 years instead of hundreds of years
 The growing trees absorb more carbon in a Miyawaki forest than in a plantation or in standard
afforestation projects because they grow more quickly and there are thirty times as many
 The Miyawaki method has been successful where other plan ng projects have failed, such as in arid
Mediterranean habitats, due to high survival rates
 Native trees thrive in the conditions to which they are adapted and are more resilient to environmental
changes
 Miyawaki forests have been found to have far higher biodiversitythan neighbouring woodland, on
average 18 times higher

4. SILVOPASTURE

CONTEXT
In light of the global deterioration of natural resources and forests, silvopasture systems offer a
relevant solution to deforestation trends.

What is Silvopasture?
 Silvopasture is an ancient and proven practice that harmoniously integrates trees, forage and
livestock on the same land.
 As silvopasture systems combine trees and livestock on the same land.
 Silvopasture can play a vital role in reversing the negative trend of deforestation for pasture land.

5 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

 By combining these elements, silvopasture brings numerous environmental advantages, including
improved local climate resilience.

 Moreover, the trees on silvopasture lands act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering significantly five-
10 times more carbon then pastures without trees, all while maintaining or enhancing productivity.

5. ANCIENT FORESTS FOUND IN SINKHOLE

CONTEXT
A cave exploration team has discovered an ancient forest with trees at the bottom of a giant karst
sinkhole in Leye County in South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Guangxi
 Location: South China’s Guangxi region that extends up to 630 feet deep and spans more than 176
million cubic feet.

 The Guangxi site is famous for sinkholes in Southern China and among the 30, it is the largest.

 The site reportedly had three caves in its walls and a well-preserved primitive forest at the bottom.

What are Sinkholes?

 In Mandarin, giant sinkholes are called
Tiankeng or “heavenly pit”.

 Sinkholes are depressions formed in the

ground when layers of the Earth’s surface
start collapsing into caverns.

 They can occur suddenly and without

warning, because the land under the
surface of the Earth can stay intact for a
period of time until the spaces get too big.

How are sinkholes formed?

 Sinkholes can be formed due to natural processes or human activity.

 Typically, sinkholes form in areas of “karst” terrains, where the rock below the surface of the Earth
can be easily dissolved by groundwater.

 Karst terrain is created from the dissolution of soluble rocks, mostly limestone and dolomite and is
characterised by distinctive landforms such as caves, sinkholes and springs.

 Sinkholes can also be formed due to human activity due to broken land drains, water mains and
sewerage pipes, increased rainfall, storm events, underlying limestone and diverted surface water,
among other reasons.

Biodiversity Conservation and Management 6

 6. IMPORTANCE OF WETLAND CONSERVATION

CONTEXT
The recent Delhi floods are and urgent indication to improve the city’s drainage systems. They also
point to Delhi’s diminishing natural line of defence — its water bodies and wetlands — against such
hazards, without which the river cannot drain its water naturally.

What are wetlands?

India has
 India’s Wetland Rules 2017define wetlands areas of marsh, fen, peat land
over 757000
or water, including lakes/ponds, oxbow lakes, riverine wetlands, tanks,
wetlands which
lagoons and mangroves, performing critical ecological functions for
cover 15.3
wildlife habitat, groundwater recharge, carbon storage and water regulation.
million hectares
 These ecosystems exist as mangroves, marshes, peatlands, ponds, or about 4.7%
lakes, reservoirs, floodplains, and deltas. of the
 Many Indian cities are endowed with wetlands, such as Kolkata (East geographical
Kolkata Wetlands), Mumbai (mangroves), Chennai (Adyar flood area of the
plains) and Guwahati (Deepor Beel Lake). country.

Benefits of Wetlands
 Climate resilience: Wetlands are crucial to our defence against climate change.
 Carbon storage: With their thick canopies and aerial roots (especially mangroves), wetland floral
species have an immense capacity to store carbon.
 Buffer: They act as buffers against storms, prevent flooding, control erosion, and store and purify
water.
 Biodiversity hotspots: They also serve as biodiversity hotspots.
 Tangible benefits: They have tangible environmental and economic benefits through flood
control, fish production and the treatment of wastewater (such as sewage).

Threats to Wetlands Impact

 Encroachment on wetlands in the form of  Immeasurable destruction: The collapse of

haphazard real-estate development. wetlands can expose cities to cyclones.
 The disposal of untreated sewage.  Threat to species: Wetlands are home to
several aquatic and terrestrial species and
 Climate Change
microorganisms. Due to threatened wetland, the
 Lack of proper classification and species that depend on them are also lost.
demarcation of wetlands
 They have negative impacts on water quality,
nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.

7 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

Government Initiatives to conserve wetland
 Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010: In 2016, the Wetlands (Conservation
and Management) Rules 2010 was bought under the umbrella of the Environment (Protection)
Act 1986.
 Wetland management: In January 2021, the National Mission for Clean Ganga formulated a local
stakeholders-focused toolkit for wetland management in cities.
 Census of waterbodies: The Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation launched the census of waterbodies in 2018-19, published as a Census Reportof pan-
India waterbodies.
 Out of the enumerated 24,24,540 water bodies, 97.1 percent (23,55,055) are in rural areas, while
2.9 percent (69,485) are in urban areas.
 Amrit Sarovar Mission: The Government of India launched the mission in 2022. Under the Mission,
75 water bodies will be developed and rejuvenated in each district of the country as a part of the
celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.



Biodiversity Conservation and Management 8

 3
Grassland Conservation

1. GRASSLAND CONSERVATION

CONTEXT
Currently, the world is facing the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Protecting
grasslands in this regard are important for providing habitat for species at risk and storing carbon.

What are Grasslands?

 Grasslands are highly dynamic ecosystems that Types of grasslands in India
include vegetation that is mainly dominated by
grass or grass-like plants. The major types of grasslands in India are the
 The UNESCO defines grassland as “land  Alpine moist meadows of the Greater
covered with herbaceous plants with less Himalayas
than 10 percent tree and shrub cover” and  Alpine arid pastures or steppe formations
“wooded grassland as 10-40 percent tree of the trans Himalayas
and shrub cover”.
 Hillside grasslands in the mid-elevation
 Grasslands make up 24 percent of the Indian ranges of the Himalayas
landmass.  ‘Chaurs’ of the Himalayan foothills
 Low rainfall: Grasslands occur where rainfall  ‘Terai’ grasslands on the Gangetic and the
is usually low and/or the soil depth and quality Brahmaputra floodplains
is poor.  ‘Phumdis’ or floating grasslands of Manipur
 They range from the dry and semiarid  ‘Banni’ and ‘Vidis’ of Gujarat
grasslands of Central and Western India, to wet  Savannas of western and peninsular India
grasslands on riverbanks of the Himalayas, to
 Plateau and valley grasslands in the
high-altitude grasslands in the Western Ghats
Satpuras and Maikal hills
and cold desert grasslands in North India.
 Dry grasslands of the Andhra Pradesh and
Major Categories Tamil Nadu plains
‘Shola’ grasslands of the Western Ghats
 Grasslands are usually divided into two
categories—

9 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

  Tropical: Grasslands located near the equator such as those in Africa, southern Asia, Australia and
northern South America.
 Temperate: Grasslands located between the equator and the Grasslands cover
poles including those in North America, Europe, southern South about two-thirds of the
America, Africa and Australia. landmass of the world and
makeup about one-fourth
 Some of the typical grasslands found in the world include prairies,
of the earth’s surface.
savannas, veldts, steppes, llanos, campos, downs, meadows,
moors, pamir, pampas, pantanals, patanas, punas, pusztas, and sahel.

Important initiatives
 State’s initiatives:
 In Gujarat, the state government’s grass development project aims to remove the invasive
tree, Prosopis juliflora, and restore 20,000 hectares (ha) of grassland in Kutch.
 In Maharashtra, there is a proposal to restore about 33,200 ha of grassland under the state
government’s Forest Meadow and Fodder Area Development Program.
 Community partnership: Communities like the Todas, the Phasepardhis, and the Idu
Mishmi people are protecting grasslands in India through collective action and local stewardship.

2. BANNI GRASSLANDS RESTORATION

CONTEXT
The Gujarat forest department plans to restore 10,000 hectares of the Banni grasslands in the coming
year.

About Banni Grasslands:

 Banni Grassland is situated near the Great
Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
 it is a protected wetland and grassland
ecosystem spread over 2,400 sq km in the
Rann of Kutch.
 It is one of the largest seasonal salt
marshes in the world.
 It is considered to be the largest
Grassland in Asia. This grassland is a high-
biodiversity area.
 It has a unique ecosystem with its own wildlife (wolves, jackals, foxes, desert cats, hyenas, and wild
boars), salt-tolerant plant species, migratory birds, and pastoral communities.
 The grassland has been designated a protected area under The Wetlands (Conservation and
Management) Rules, 2010.

Biodiversity Conservation and Management 10

 It is home to two major nomadic communities — Jats, and Maldharis.
 Formation: The land here was formed from the sediments that were deposited by the Indus and
other rivers over thousands of years.
 Ecosystem: Two ecosystems, wetlands and grasslands are juxtaposed in Banni.
 Vegetation: The vegetation in Banni is sparse and highly dependent on rainfall.
 It is dominated by low-growing forbs and graminoids, many of which are halophiles (salt-
tolerant), as well as scattered tree cover and scrub.
 Besides having 40 species of grass and 99 species of flowering plants, Banni is also home to the
Indian wolf, jackal, Indian fox, desert fox, desert cat, caracal, hyena, chinkara, Nilgai, wild
boar, Indian hare, common monitor lizard — and the cheetah before it became extinct.



11 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

 4
Species Conservation & Efforts

1. 4TH ASIA MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON TIGER

CONSERVATION

CONTEXT
The Government of Malaysia and Global Tiger Forum (GTF) has organized the 4th Asia Ministerial
Conference on tiger conservation to review progress towards the Global Tiger Recovery Programme
and commitments to tiger conservation.

What is Project Tiger?

 After tiger was declared the national animal in 1973, National Tiger
the ambitious ‘Project Tiger’ was launched at nine Conservation Authority (NTCA)
prime habitats of the country.
 It is a statutory organization.
 From nine, the number of tiger reserves have grown
 It was established in 2005.
to 54.
 It was given statutory status
 It is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and climate change. by the 2006 amendment of the
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for
 The project is administered by the National Tiger strengthening tiger conservation, as
Conservation Authority (NTCA). per powers and functions assigned to
it.
What led to the Project Tiger?  Functions under the Ministry of
 In mid-1960s, it was found that the tiger population Environment, Forests and Climate
was on the brink of extinction in India due to hunting Change
and habitat loss.
 As a result, tiger hunting was banned in 1968.
 The need for a nationwide act for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants and issues
related to ecological and environmental security of the country was realised.
 The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, came into existence.

Biodiversity Conservation and Management 12

Tigers in India
 According to a 2018 report, there are 2,967 tigers (increased by 6% since the last census) in the
country spread across 53 tiger reserves.
 The Census (2014) reported 2,226 tigers in the country, up from 1,706 in 2010.
 Every 4 years the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) conducts a tiger census across.
The first was conducted in 2006.

From just 1411 in 2006, Uttrakhand

the country now has 442 (178)
Assam Arunachal
2967 tigers Pradesh
(190 (70)
29 (14)
Uttar Pradesh
173(109)
Rajasthan
69(32)
Bihar
31 (10)

Madhya
Pradesh
526 (300)

Maharashtra
312 (103)
Odisha
Goa 28 (45) Chhatisgarh
3 (5*) 19 (26)

Karanataka Andhra Pradesh

524 (290) + Telangana West Bengal
74 (95) 88 (80)

Kerala Tamil Nadu

264 (76) Jharkhand
190 (49)
5 (10*)

Tiger Conservation Efforts:

 TIGER RELOCATION PROJECTS: The tiger relocation project was initiated in 2018 wherein two big
cats, a male (Mahavir) from Kanha Tiger Reserve and a female (Sundari) from Bandhavgarh from
Madhya Pradesh were relocated to Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha, to shore up the tiger population
in the
 TIGER SPECIAL PROTECTION FORCE: To check illegal human intrusion into the reserve through
villages located on its fringes and serve as a second layer of protection for tigers

13 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

 GLOBAL TIGER FORUM: It is an Inter-Governmental international body working exclusively for the
conservation of tigers.
 GLOBAL TIGER INITIATIVE: Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) was launched in 2008 as a global alliance of
governments, international organizations, civil society, conservation, and scientific communities, and
the private sector, with the aim of working together to save wild tigers.
 INTEGRATED TIGER HABITAT CONSERVATION PROGRAM (ITHCP): ITHCP was launched in 2014.
It is a strategic funding mechanism that aims to save tigers in the wild, and their habitats.
 PETERSBURG DECLARATION: It aimed at promoting a global system to protect the natural habitat
of tigers and raise awareness among people on white tiger conservation.
 CATS: Uttarakhand was first in the world to implement CATS [Conservation Assured Tiger Standers]
to protect tiger in the Lansdowne Forest Division. This initiative is the WWF initiated effort to protect
tiger outside tiger reserves.

2. REINTRODUCTION OF CHEETAH

CONTEXT
The Union Environment Ministry of India reintroduced the cheetahs from South Africa to Madhya
Pradesh’s Kuno-Palpur National Park.

How cheetahs went extinct in India?

 The cheetah is the only large carnivore to have Cheetah in Indian
gone extinct in India, primarily due to hunting and History:
habitat loss.
 India’s last three cheetahs were hunted The earliest available record for
by Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh Deo, King of cheetahs being used for hunts in India,
Koriya (Chhattisgarh) in 1947. comes from the 12th century Sanskrit
text Manasollasa, which was produced by
 In 1952, the Indian government officially declared
the Cheetah extinct in the country. the Kalyani Chalukya ruler, Someshvara
III (reigned from 1127-1138 CE).
Re-introducing Cheetah in India:
 The project to translocate cheetahs from Africa to India is a long-term one being implemented
by the environment ministry with the help of the Wildlife Institute of India.
 The Supreme Court appointed an expert panel, which approved Kuno Palpur as the possible
location for cheetah relocation.
 In the past six months, the Madhya Pradesh forest department has relocated villagers from Kuno
and has prepared an enclosure with round-the-clock surveillance for reintroduction of cheetahs.

About Cheetah:
 The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), is one of the oldest of the big cat species, with ancestors that can
be traced back more than five million years to the Miocene era.

Biodiversity Conservation and Management 14

 The cheetah is also the world’s fastest land mammal.
 It is listed as vulnerable in IUCN red listed species.
 The country’s last spotted feline died in Chhattisgarh in 1947. Later, the cheetah — which is the
fastest land animal — was declared extinct in India in 1952.
 The Asiatic cheetah is classified as a “critically endangered” species by the IUCN Red List, and is
believed to survive only in Iran.

Kuno National Park

 Kuno National Park is a national park in the Sheopur district of MP established in 1981 as a wildlife
sanctuary.
 In 2018, it was given the status of a national park.
 It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests.
 One of the main tributaries of the Chambal River, the Kuno River, cuts across the whole length of
the National Park division.

Progress so far
Nine Cheetah in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno NaƟonal Park died due to Maggot InfecƟon.

 Reasons: Chronic renal failure, cardiopulmonary failure, traumatic shock, heatstroke, septicaemia,
Maggot infection.

15 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

  Radio Collars: Two cheetahs died of suspected septicaemia and maggot infection due to neck
wounds caused by radio collars.
 If there is constant rainfall then the skin under the collar becomes infected due to constant
moistness resulting in a systematic infection brought on by flies and maggots, eventually causing
death.

About Maggots
 Maggots are the larvae of flies and are typically found in decaying organic matter.
 They are small and worm-like with pointed heads and no limbs.
 Although they are typically no longer than 1 inch, as maggots feed and grow, they can become
quite large.
 At first, they are soft and white in color, but as they mature, they turn gray or black and their
bodies harden.

3. RHINO CONSERVATION

CONTEXT
From just 366 rhinoceroses in 1966, the Kaziranga National Park is now home to at least 2,613 rhinos.

About Kaziranga National Park

Rhinocernos in Kaziranga
Kaziranga National Park was formed in 1908
3000
and in 1985 it was declared a World Heritage 2290 2401 2413 2613
2500
Site by UNESCO. 2000
1855 2048
1552
1500
 Home to the highest population of great 1000
939
one-horned rhinoceroses, and the 500 366
highest density of tigers among protected 0
areas in the world, the park is located in 1966 1978 1999 2006 2009 2012 2015 2018 2022
Assam’s Golaghat and Nagaon districts.
 Census: As per the 14th Rhino census conducted in 2022, there are 2,613 rhinos in the park including
1,670 adults, according to the official website of the Kaziranga National Park.

Rhino Population
 In India, there are only seven such places that are the natural habitats of rhinos. Out of these,
 Four sites are in Assam (Kaziranga National Park, Pobitara Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National
Park, Manas National Park)
 Two in West Bengal (Jaldapara National Park and Gorumara National Park)
 One in Dudhwa in Uttar Pradesh (Dudhwa National Park)
 The Indian state of Assam is home to the largest population of greater-one horned rhinos, with
more than 90% in Kaziranga National Park.

Biodiversity Conservation and Management 16

About Greater One-Horned Rhino
 The greater single-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is commonly known as the Indian
rhinoceros.
 The Indian rhinoceros falls under the “vulnerable” category of species in the Red List of threatened
species of the IUCN.

About Rhino
 There are five species and 11
subspecies of rhino.
 White, Black, Indian, Javan, and
Sumatran make up the five species
of rhino in the world.
 White and black rhinoceros
are native to Africa.
 Indian, Javan and Sumatran
can be found in India and Asia.
 Habitat: The animal is primarily found in the Himalayan foothills — India and Nepal.

IUCN Red list

 Javan and Sumatran Rhino are critically endangered.
 Greater one-horned (or Indian) rhino is vulnerable.

CITES
 All three listed under Appendix I.
 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972- Greater one-horned rhino is listed under the Schedule I of the
Act.

Conservation Method
 Indian Rhino Vision 2020: In 2005, Indian Rhino Vision 2020 was launched to protect one-horned
rhinos. It was a collaborative effort between various organisations, including the:
 International Rhino Foundation
 Assam’s Forest Department
 Bodoland Territorial Council
 World Wide Fund – India
 US Fish and Wildlife Service
 K9 Unit: In 2011, India’s first dog squad for wildlife crimes, the ‘K9 unit’ was established in Assam to
sniff hunters.
 Special Rhino Protection Force: In 2019, the Assam government constituted a Special Rhino
Protection Force to stop rhino poaching at the Kaziranga National Park.

17 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

 Zero-tolerance policy: In 2021, the Assam government established a 22-member task force and
followed a zero-tolerance policy.
 It helped Assam achieve the target of zero poaching of one-horned rhinos during 2022.

4. ‘SHARP’ DECLINE IN VULTURE POPULATION:

STUDY

CONTEXT
Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre (JCBC) in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district, the world’s
first conservation and breeding centre built and designed exclusively for the conservation of Asian
king vulture.

The need
 The red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), also known as the Asian king vulture, is found primarily
in northern India.

 In 2004, the species was listed as ‘near threatened’, whereas in 2007, it was listed as ‘critically
endangered’ in the IUCN Red List.

 The widespread use of the NSAID diclofenac in veterinary medicine in India has been the cause of
its population decline in recent years.

 As of now, veterinary usage of diclofenac has been banned in India.

Diclofenac
 Diclofenac is a veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is used to
treat pain and inflammatory diseases such as gout in carcasses that vultures would feed off.
 Uncontrolled veterinary usage of NSAID, including Aceclofenac, Ketoprofen and Nimesulide
are toxic to vultures if they feed on carcasses within 72 hours of the drugs' administration to such
livestock.

Vultures in India
 Vultures are scavenging birds of prey. They are nature’s most efficient scavengers.

 India shelters about nine species of vultures, but most of them face the danger of extinction.
 The nine recorded species of vultures in India are – the oriental white-backed, long-billed,
slender-billed, Himalayan, red-headed, Egyptian, bearded, cinereous and the Eurasian
griffon.
 The Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) is an Old World vulture native to India, Pakistan and Nepal.

Biodiversity Conservation and Management 18

S. No. Name of of Vulture Species IUCN Status Pictorial Representation

Oriental White-backed Vulture (Gyps

1. Critically Endangered
Bengalensis)

Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps

2. Critically Endangered
Tenuirostris)

3. Long-billed Vulture (Gyps Indicus) Critically Endangered

Egyptian Vulture (Neophron

4. Endangered
Perenopterus)

Red-Headed Vulture (Sarcogyps

5. Critically Endangered
Calvus)

6. Indian Griffon Vulture (Gyps Fulvus) Least Concerned

7. Himalayan Griffon (Gyps Himalayensis) Near Threatened

19 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

 Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius
8. Near Threatened
Monachus)

Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier

9. Near Threatened
(Gypactus Barbatus)

 Significance: Vultures feeding on dead animals help areas getting rid of carcasses that, otherwise,
would provide foul smells and scenery for a much longer period hence also known as nature’s
cleanup crew.
 Vultures also play a valuable role in keeping wildlife diseases in check.

Important Government Initiatives

 Vulture Conservation 2020-2025: A Vulture Care Centre (VCC) was set up at Pinjore, Haryana in
2001 to study the cause of deaths of vultures in India.
 Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore is the world’s largest facility within the state’s Bir
Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary for the breeding and conservation of Indian vulture species.
 SAVE (Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction): The consortium of like-minded, regional and
international organizations, created to oversee and coordinate conservation, campaigning and
fundraising activities to help the plight of south Asia’s vultures.
 Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary: The vulture sanctuary was officially set up in 2012, but the
long-billed, Egyptian and white-backed vultures have been roosting in the hills of Ramanagara for
several decades. These are the three species found in Ramanagara out of the nine found in India.

5. RED PANDAS TO MAKE A HOME IN THE FORESTS

CONTEXT
The Singalila National Park, the highest protected area in West Bengal, launched programme that
aims to release about 20 Red Pandas in a period of five years.

Important facts about the species

 The red panda is a small arboreal mammal found in the forests of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and the
northern mountains of Myanmar and southern China.

Biodiversity Conservation and Management 20

  In India, this elusive species is found in
Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling and
Kalimpong districts of West Bengal. It is
the state animal of Sikkim.
 The three major national parks with known
Red Panda population are Khangchendzonga
National Park, Neora Valley National Park
and Singalila National Park.
 They belong to the phylum Chordata and the
family Ailuridae.
 IUCN Status: Endangered
 Subspecies: Red pandas are made up of two subspecies—
In India, the largest
 Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens), which resides suitable habitat for the Red
in the mountains of northern India, Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal Panda is in Kangchenjunga
 Chinese red panda (A. fulgens styani), which lives National Park, Sikkim.
in China’s Sichuan and Yunnan provinces

Singalila National Park

 Singalila National Park is located on Singalila Ridge in the Eastern Himalayan region.
 Sandakphu and Phalut, the two of the highest peaks in West Bengal, are located right inside the
park.
 There are two rivers flowing through the park; River Rammam and River Sirikhola.

6. 5% OF BIRDS IN INDIA ARE ENDEMIC: REPORT

CONTEXT
A publication, titled ‘75 Endemic Birds of India’, which was released on the 108th foundation day
of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), points out that about 5% of birds found in the country are
endemic and are not reported in other parts of the world.

India’s bird species:

 India is home to 1,353 bird species, which represents approximately 12.40% of global bird diversity.
 Of these 1,353 bird species, 78 species, which is around 5%, are endemic to the country.

About the Publication:

 The publication highlights the importance of endemic bird species in the country.
 The details of endemic bird species contained in the publication include etymology (meanings

21 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

 of scientific names) and their historical relevance along with vital facts such as subspecies’
differences, distinguishing traits, preferred habitats, breeding habits, and food preferences.

 Objective: The publication is aimed at making information about endemic birds of the country
available to everyone, and highlighting the efforts to conserve species that are found only in
restricted areas.

As, endemic species are restrictive in nature, it is important that their habitats need to be conserved.

Highlights from the Publication:

 Around 75 bird species belong to 11 different orders, 31 families, and 55 genera, and exhibit
remarkable distribution patterns across various regions in India.

 The highest number of endemic species has been recorded in the Western Ghats, with 28 bird
species.

 Some of the rare species recorded in the country’s bio-geographic hotspot are;

The Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus)

 This hornbill is endemic to India, and found in the Western Ghats of
south-west India.

Malabar Parakeet (Psittacula columboides)

 It is restricted to the forests of India’s Western Ghats.

Ashambu Laughing Thrush (Montecincla meridionalis)

 It is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in the
Western Ghats in southern Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu.

The White-bellied Sholakili (Sholicola albiventris)

 It is endemic to the Shola forests of the higher hills of southern
India.

 Amongst them 25 bird species are endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Bird species
which are only found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are;
 Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis);
 Nicobar Serpent Eagle (Spilornis klossi);

Biodiversity Conservation and Management 22

  Andaman Crake (Rallina canningi); and
 Andaman Barn Owl (Tyto deroepstorffi).
 Four species of birds are endemic to the Eastern Himalayas, and one each to the Southern Deccan
plateau and central Indian forest.
 Of the 78 endemic species, 25 are classified as ‘Threatened’ by the IUCN.
 Three species are listed as ‘Critically Endangered’.
 Five of the endemic birds in India are categorised as ‘Endangered’, and
 17 as ‘Vulnerable’,
 While 11 are categorised as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List.

Bird Sanctuaries in News:

BIRD SANCTUARIES IN NEWS

Bird Sanctuaries State Description

 Bharatpur Bird Rajasthan  It is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in India and a UNESCO
Sanctuary World Heritage Site, known for its migratory bird species and being a critical
(Keoladeo breeding ground for several bird species.
National Park)

 Sultanpur Haryana  It is a popular bird watching destination near Delhi and is important for the
National Park conservation of bird species like the Siberian Crane.

 Salim Ali Bird Goa  Named after India’s most famous ornithologist, it is a biodiversity hotspot for
Sanctuary several endemic bird species and a crucial habitat for migratory birds.

 Chilika Lake Bird Odisha  It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and a vital habitat for a variety of
Sanctuary migratory and resident bird species, including the endangered Irrawaddy
dolphin.

 Nal Sarovar Bird Gujarat  It is a wetland sanctuary that supports a variety of migratory and resident bird
Sanctuary species and is an important stopover for birds on the Central Asian Flyway.

7. PANAMARAM HERONRY

CONTEXT
Due to the intervention of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) and the Panamaram grama
panchayat, Panamaram heronry is set to get a fresh lease of life.

What is Panamaram heronry?

 Panamaram heronry is the largest breeding ground of different species of herons in the Malabar
region.

23 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

 The heronry, formed on a sandbank on the
Panamaram River, is a breeding ground for nine species of
waterbirds. Heronry
 The tiny islet is a haven for globally threatened waterfowls,  It is the breeding grounds
including the black headed-ibis, purple heron, large egret, median of herons.
egret, little egret, pond heron, night heron, and little cormorant.  The herons are long-
legged, long-necked,
 The site is also the only location in State where the cattle egret freshwater and coastal
breeds. birds in the family
Ardeidae

Panamaram river:
 The river joins the Kabini river at Koodalkadavu village near Payyampally in Wayanad district of
Kerala.
 Kabini river: River Kabini is a tributary of river Kaveri. River Kabini joins river Kaveri at
Tirumakudalu Narasipura in Karnataka.

Malabar region
 The Malabar region, is an area of southern India lying between the Western Ghats and the Arabian
Sea.
 Malabar covers the geographical area, north of the Bharathapuzha, stretching over parts of Thrissur,
Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala.



Biodiversity Conservation and Management 24

 5
Biodiversity Reports

1. INDIA STATE OF FOREST REPORT- (ISFR) 2021

CONTEXT
The India State of Forest Report is an assessment of India’s forest and tree cover, published every
two years by the Forest Survey of India under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate
Change. The first survey was published in 1987, and ISFR 2021 is the 17th.

About the India State of Forest Report

 The India State of Forest Report is an assessment of India’s forest and tree cover, published
every two years by the Forest Survey of India under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and
Climate Change.
 The first survey was published in 1987, and ISFR 2021 is the 17th.
 India is one of the few countries in the world that brings out such every two years, and this is widely
considered comprehensive and robust.

Key-highlights of India State of Forest Report-2021

 Forest and tree cover in the country increased by 2,261 square kilometre since the last assessment
in 2019.
 India’s total forest and tree cover was 80.9 million hectares, which accounted for 24.62% of the
geographical area of the country.
 17 States and Union Territories had more than 33% of their area under forest cover.
 Madhya Pradesh had the largest forest cover, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
Odisha and Maharashtra.
 The top five States in terms of forest cover as a percentage of their total geographical area were
 Mizoram (84.53%)
 Arunachal Pradesh (79.33%)
 Meghalaya (76%)

25 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

  Manipur (74.34%)
 Nagaland (73.90%)

India’s Target to increase forest cover

 National Mission for a Green India (GIM) is one of the eight Missions under the National
Action Plan on Climate Change.
 It aims at protecting, restoring and enhancing India’s forest cover and responding to climate
change.
 The target under the Mission is 10 million hectares (Mha) on forest and non-forest lands for
increasing the forest/tree cover and to improve the quality of existing forest.

2. FIRST-EVER WATERBODY CENSUS

CONTEXT
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the report of the first census of water bodies.

Key highlights of the Census

 India has 24.24 lakh water bodies like ponds, tanks and lakes, with West Bengal accounting for the
most (7.47 lakh) and Sikkim the least (134).
 The report states, “24,24,540 waterbodies have been enumerated in the country, out of which 97.1%
(23,55,055) are in rural areas and only 2.9% (69,485) in urban areas.”
 As per the report,
 5 per cent (14,42,993) of waterbodies are ponds
 tanks (15.7 per cent i.e. 3,81,805)
 reservoirs (12.1 per cent i.e. 2,92,280)
 water conservation schemes/percolation tanks/check dams (9.3% i.e. 2,26,217)
 lakes (0.9% i.e. 22,361)
 others (2.5% i.e. 58,884)

What is a water body?

 The census defines a waterbody as “all-natural or man-made units bounded on all sides with
some or no masonry work used for storing water for irrigation or other purposes (for example
industrial, pisciculture, domestic/drinking, recreation, religious, groundwater recharge etc)”.
 Waterbodies are usually of various types known by different names like tanks, reservoirs, ponds
and buddies etc.
 A structure where water from ice melt, streams, springs, rain or drainage of water from residential
or other areas is accumulated or water is stored by diversion from a stream, Nala or river will also
be treated as a waterbody.

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Biodiversity Conservation and Management 26

 6
Biodiversity Heritage Sites

1. GANDHAMARDAN HILLS BECOME 3RD

BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITE IN ODISHA

CONTEXT
The Odisha government has declared the Gandhamardan hill as the third biodiversity heritage site
of the state by giving it the status of a unique, ecologically fragile ecosystem having rich biodiversity.

About
 The hill spans 18,963.898 hectare over Bolangir and Bargarh districts.
 Flora: The floral diversity of Gandhamardan hills comprises of 1,055 plant species that include 849
angiosperms, 56 pteridophytes, 40 bryophytes, 45 lichens and 2 gymnosperms and 63 species of
macrofungi.
 Fauna: The faunal diversity comprises 500 species of animals that include 43 species of mammals,
161 species of birds, 44 species of rep les, 16 species of amphibians, 118 species of butterflies, 27
species of dragonflies, 7 species of damselflies and 83 species of spiders.
 One angiosperm: ficus conccina var. dasycarpa and one spider: peucetia harishankarensis are
endemic to this hill.

Historical Significance:
 The hills have historical monuments such as the Nrusinghanath temple located on the northern
slope and Harishankar temple on the southern side.
 These two shrines are big pilgrimage sites of Odisha.

 With this announcement, Gandhamardan has become the 37th biodiversity heritage site of India,
along with the Majuli island of Assam, Nallur Tamarind grove of Bangalore, Khlaw Kur Syiem KmieIng
sacred grove of Meghalaya and Naro Hills of Madhya Pradesh.
 The Mandasaru gorge in Kandhamal district was notified as the first such site in Odisha in 2019,
followed by Mahendragiri hills in 2022.

27 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

What are Biodiversity Heritage Sites?
 Biodiversity heritage sites are well-defined areas under the Na onal Biodiversity Authority that are
unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems – terrestrial, coastal and inland waters and, marine – having a
rich ecosystem comprising any one or more of the following components:
 richness of wild as well as domesticated species or intra-specific categories
 high endemism
 presence of rare and threatened species, keystone species, species of evolutionary significance,
wild ancestors of domestic/ cultivated species or their varieties
 past pre-eminence of biological components represented by fossil beds
 having significant cultural, ethical or aesthetic values
 important for the maintenance of cultural diversity, with or without a long history of human
association with them

2. THE WORLD NEEDS TO SHIFT TO A CIRCULAR

ECONOMY: UNEP

CONTEXT
Global plastic pollution can reduce by 80 per cent by 2040 if countries and companies make deep
policy and market shifts using existing technologies and shift to a circular economy, according to a
new report launched by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Key-highlights of the Report

 Title: Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plas c pollu on and create a circular economy
 Circular economy approach: The report urged governments and businesses alike to adopt a circular
economy approach for tackling the problem of plastic pollution.
 Cut down on plas c: Countries need to eliminate unnecessary and problematic plastic uses.
 Shi : They need to make three market shifts — reuse, recycle, and reorient and diversify.
 Even with the above measures, 100 million tonnes of plastics from single-use and short-lived
products will still need to be safely dealt with annually by 2040 — together with a significant legacy
of existing plastic pollution.
 However, any delays in executing the necessary shifts will mean higher costs and an additional 80
million tonnes of plastic pollution by 2040.

What is Circular economy?

 Circular economy is an economic model that aims to minimize waste and maximize resource
efficiency by keeping products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible.
 It is a departure from the traditional linear economy, which follows a “take-make-dispose” pattern.

Biodiversity Conservation and Management 28

 In a circular economy, resources are kept in circulation through strategies such as recycling, reuse,
remanufacturing, and sharing, creating a closed-loop system.

How would this shift benefit the economy?

 Savings: Overall, the shift to a circular economy would result in $1.27 trillion in savings, considering
costs and recycling revenues.
 Reduced expenditure on externali es: A further $3.25 trillion would be saved from avoided externalities
such as health, climate, air pollution, marine ecosystem degradation, and litigation-related costs.
 Increased employment opportuni es: This shift could also result in a net increase of 700,000 jobs by
2040.

Government recent initiative to promote circular economy and

sustainable growth
The Union Budget 2023-24 has put the focus on sustainable development and a circular economy

 GOBARdhan: The scheme aims to promote a circular economy by setting up 500 “waste-to-wealth”
plants across the country, including 200 compressed biogas (CBG) plants and 300 community-based
plants. The goal is to convert waste into valuable resources, reducing the country’s carbon footprint
and promoting sustainability.
 Mangrove Ini a ve for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI): MISHTI aims to preserve and
restore the mangrove ecosystem and provide livelihood opportunities for local communities.
 Promo ng Conserva on Values: Amrit Dharohar: It aims to promote the conservation of wetlands in
the country.
 Plas c Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2022: They mandate to increase in the thickness
of plastic carry bags to over 120 microns, and the phase-out of some single-use plastic products.

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29 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

 7
Precautionary Principle for
Biodiversity Conservation

1. PROTESTS IN HASDEO ARANYA

CONTEXT
For more than a year now, locals, largely from the Gond tribe, in Hariharpur, Ghatbarra, and Fattepur
villages, have been holding a sit-in at the entrance to Hariharpur against mining.

Background
 Protests against mining in the Hasdeo Aranya region have been going on since the area was first
granted clearance for this purpose by the Chhattisgarh government in 2010. However, there are no
positive results.
 In March 2022, the Chhattisgarh government had granted expansion approval for the project to
open the Parsa Coal Block, which would dig under Hariharpur.
 Here, about 2 lakh trees have been marked for felling. The mines will expand into Fattepur and
Ghatbarra.
 Mining will lead to the loss of about 8 lakh trees of the Sal forests in Hasdeo Aranya, which will end
up affecting the catchment of the Hasdeo river.

About the Hasdeo Aranya forests region

 The Hasdeo Aranya forests are called the lungs of Chha sgarh.
 The Hasdeo Aranya (Aranya means forest) lies in the catchment area of the Hasdeo river and is
spread across 1,878 sq km in North-Central Chhattisgarh.
 The Hasdeo river is a tributary of the Mahanadi river which originates in Chhattisgarh and flows
through Odisha into the Bay of Bengal.
 Home to vulnerable popula on: Hasdeo Arand region is home to a large and vulnerable popula on,

Biodiversity Conservation and Management 30

 most of them being Adivasis and other traditional forest dwellers. Over 90% of the residents are
dependent on agriculture cul va on and forest produce for their livelihoods.
 The implementation of Forest Rights Act has remained extremely poor till date leaving the
population extremely vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

Coalfield
 Underneath the Hasdeo Aranya is a coalfield that comprises of 22 coal blocks. In 2010, the Centre
categorised Hasdeo Aranya to be a “no-go” zone for mining. It ruled out mining in any of these
blocks.
 However, only a year later, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) granted
clearance for the mining for one coal block.
 At present, of the 22 blocks, seven blocks have been allotted to different companies, says the
resolution.

How significant is this region?

 Forest land: Around 80% of this is covered by good quality forest(approximately 1176 sq km has a
canopy cover of over 40% while an additional 116 sq km has a canopy cover of over 70%).
 Biodiversity: Besides, the forests are ecologically sensitive due to the rich biodiversity. It is also part
of a large elephant corridor stretching from supporting the migration of wild elephants from Gumla
district in Jharkhand to Korba district of Chhattisgarh.
 Hasdeo Bango reservoir: It is also the watershed of the Hasdeo Bango reservoir on the Hasdeo River,
which is a tributary of the Mahanadi River and one of the most important rivers of Chhattisgarh.
 The Hasdeo Bango Dam built across the Hasdeo river irrigates six lakh acres of land, crucial to a
State with paddy as its main crop.

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31 Biodiversity Conservation and Management

 8
Government Initiatives

1. MISHTI SCHEME TO CONSERVE MANGROVE IN

INDIA

CONTEXT
The Union Budget for 2023-24 announced an initiative for mangrove plantation along the coastline
and on salt pan lands, under MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible
Incomes).

What are Mangroves?

 Mangroves are salt-tolerant plant communities found in tropical  Mangroves
and subtropical intertidal regions. are included in Type
 They are important refuges of coastal biodiversity and also act Group-4 Littoral &
as bio-shields against extreme climatic events. Swamp Forests.
 They can survive the limiting factors imposed by lack of oxygen,
high salinity and diurnal tidal inundation.

Mangroves in India
 About 40% of the world’s Mangrove Cover is found in South East Asia and South Asia.
 The mangrove cover in India is 4,992 sq km.
 Among the states and UTs, West Bengal has the highest percentage of area under total
Mangrove cover followed by Gujarat and Andaman Nicobar Islands.

About MISHTI Scheme

 MISHTI is a new programme that will facilitate mangrove plantation along India’s coastline and
on salt pan lands.
 It will be implemented through convergence between the MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme), CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation
Fund Management and Planning Authority) Fund and other sources.

Biodiversity Conservation and Management 32

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33 Biodiversity Conservation and Management