Species in news

New jumping spider species discovered in southern India

Context: Researchers have identified a new species of jumping spiders of the Spartaeinae subfamily in southern India, known for their intelligent hunting skills and web-invasion tactics. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Spiders. 

New jumping spider species

  • For the first time, the genera Spartaeus and Sonoita (specific groups within subfamily), previously known only from Southeast Asia and Africa, have been found in India. 
  • These spiders are known for their keen eyesight and intelligent hunting methods, often deceiving other spiders by mimicking prey. 
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Key Facts about Spiders: 

  • Spiders are not insects, but belong to a group called the arachnids. Spiders differ from insects as they have eight legs not six and six or eight eyes (two in insects).
  • Spiders are known for making silk webs to catch insects. They spin silk from a liquid made by special glands. They are found everywhere in the world, except for Antarctica.
  • Most spider species are carnivorous that capture and eat other insects. However, one species in Central America has been found to be mostly herbivorous. 
  • Spiders digest their food outside their bodies. After capturing its prey, a spider covers it with digestive juices. The juices break down prey’s body into liquid form that the spider sucks up.
  • Spiders are important pest controllers for a habitat, and they are food for other species too.
  • Spider webs are the extensions of the spider’s sensory system. Vibratory information from the web is crucial for spiders because they do not have ears. 
  • Spider silk is an amazing natural material with unique properties. It has inspired researchers to develop materials derived from spider silk with applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
  • Spiders shed their outer covering, multiple times before becoming adults.

Eurasian Otters

Context: Eurasian otter, once an integral part of Kashmir's aquatic ecosystem, was thought to be extinct in the Valley for three decades. However, a rare sighting of the semi-aquatic mammal has now been reported in south Kashmir. 

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Location and species-based questions.

Major Highlights: 

  • Eurasian Otters have reemerged in the Gurez Valley i.e., 123 km north of Srinagar.
  • It represents the first live documentation of species for the last 25 years.
Eurasian Otters

About Eurasian Otters

  • Eurasian otter is a semi-aquatic mammal native to Eurasia.
  • They have dense and water repellent furs for insulation in cold water.
  • Adaptations: Webbed feet for swimming, streamlined body and muscular tail for propulsion.
  • Habitat: 
    • Europe, North America, and some parts of Asia. 
    • In India, confirmed in Himalayas, Western Ghats, Odisha.
    • Prefers clean freshwater ecosystems. 
  • Carnivorous: Primarily eats fish, amphibians, crustaceans and small mammals.

Conservation Status and Threats

  • IUCN status: Near Threatened

Population decline due to:

  • Habitat loss (urbanisation, river pollution)
  • Poaching (fur trade, conflicts with fishermen)
  • Pesticide contamination affecting fish populations
  • Climate change impacting freshwater sources. 

Voyager Tardigrades Experiment

Context: During Axiom Mission-4, Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will conduct experiments on tardigrades’ revival, survival, and reproduction during his two-week stay on the International Space Station (ISS).  

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Tardigrades; Voyager Tardigrades experiment. 

What are Tardigrades?

  • Tardigrades or water bears/moss piglets are microscopic aquatic animals (about 0.5 mm long) discovered in 1773.
  • They are Earth's most durable organisms that have existed for around 600 million years, 400 million years before dinosaurs walked the planet, and survived all the five major mass extinction events.
  • They have four pairs of legs, each ending in 4-6 claws, and a specialised mouth to extract nutrients from plant cells, algae, and small invertebrates.
  • Tardigrades are ubiquitous, from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans, but are most commonly found in the thin water film on mosses and lichens. 
  • They can survive extreme conditions including temperatures as low as minus 272.95 degrees Celsius or as high as 150 degrees Celsius; endure ultraviolet radiation of space, and pressures of 40,000 kilopascals (equivalent to what can be experienced at a depth of 4 km under the ocean’s surface); and live after being stored in a freezer for 30 years.
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Why are Tardigrades so resilient?

Both anhydrobiosis and cryptobiosis result in the emergence of a durable shrunken state, called tun, in which tardigrades are able to withstand extreme conditions.

  • Cryptobiosis: Tardigrades owe their incredible resilience to cryptobiosis. It is a state in which organisms bring their metabolism to a near-complete standstill in the face of adverse environmental conditions.
  • Anhydrobiosis: Tardigrades can reduce their metabolism to less than 0.01% of normal, and drop their water levels by more than 95%, a state called anhydrobiosis.
  • They produce unique proteins such as cytoplasmic-abundant heat soluble (CAHS) proteins which are key to their resilience. These proteins form a gel-like matrix within their cells, vitrifying and protecting essential cellular components from destruction. This allows them to withstand extreme temperatures, radiation, and the vacuum of space.

Why do scientists study Tardigrades in space?

  • Tardigrades have been a part of space missions since 2007. European Space Agency’s Foton-M3 mission, carried 3,000 tardigrades in tun state and the post-return analysis confirmed that many survived space vacuum, and some successfully reproduced despite UV exposure, making them the first animals to survive open space.
  • In the ongoing Voyager Tardigrades Experiment, scientists will examine the effects of space radiation and microgravity on tardigrades' biological processes. The primary objective is to identify the genes responsible for making tardigrades resilient. This will help scientists develop strategies to protect astronauts during long-duration space missions, and preserve biological materials for extended space travel.

A better understanding of tardigrades’ survival mechanisms can potentially have several applications: from helping scientists develop more resilient crops to creating advanced sunscreens to preserving human tissues and organs for transplantation.

Conservation of Dugong 

Context: Dugongs once widespread along India’s coastline are now regionally endangered, with fewer than 200 individuals left.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Dugong.

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About Dugong

  • Herbivorous mammal found in India’s marine ecosystems. Also known as sea cow, it resembles a cross between a seal and a whale.
  • Distributed through the Indo-Pacific region. It is found along the Indian coastline, primarily inhabiting warm waters around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and the Gulf of Kutch. 
  • Inhabits shallow coastal waters- primarily feeds on seagrass. 
  • Key characteristics: 
    • Dugong is able to live up to 70 years. 
    • They rapidly regrow teeth in multiple iterations throughout their lives. 
    • They are typically solitary or seen in small mother-calf pairs. They are shy and avoid interacting with humans. 
    • They are air-breathing mammals that must surface regularly. 
    • They reach reproductive maturity after nine or ten years, and give birth at intervals of three to five years.
  • Conservation status: 
    • IUCN status: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I 
  • In India, they are classified as regionally endangered. Once widespread in Indian waters, their numbers have dwindled to an estimated 200 individuals, with both their population size and geographic range continuing to decline.

Factors responsible for declining population of Dugong: 

  • Habitat Degradation: Seagrass meadows are being lost at an alarming rate due to climate change, rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events like cyclones.
  • Marine Pollution: Pollution has led to accumulation of mercury and organochlorine compounds in their muscle tissues.
  • Changing fishing methods: Bottom trawling damages seagrass beds, accidental entanglement in fishing gear.
  • Illegal Hunting: Poaching, especially in the remote areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Government Efforts

  • India is a party to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
  • India is a signatory to the Convention’s Memorandum of Understanding on Dugong Conservation and Habitat Management across their range since 2008.
  • Govt. has announced the creation of the country’s first dugong conservation reserve. It spans 448.3 sq. km in the coastal waters of Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu.

Dugongs are gentle giants and act as gardeners of the sea, quietly shaping our oceans by nurturing seagrass meadows. 

About Sea Grass

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  • Seagrass is an underwater flowering plant, not to be confused with seaweed. It is classified as a wetland ecosystem.
  • Significance: Seagrass meadows stabilise the seafloor, support fisheries, capture carbon, and shelter marine life such as turtles and fish.
  • The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management documented 516.59 sq. km of seagrass habitat in India (2022). This translates to a carbon dioxide sequestration potential of up to 434.9 tonnes per sq. km each year. 
  • India’s most extensive seagrass meadows occur along- Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, off the coast of Tamil Nadu. It together supports more than 13 species of seagrass, the highest diversity in the Indian Ocean.

Asiatic Lion Census 2025

Context: As per the findings of the Asiatic Lion Census 2025, the population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has witnessed a significant increase reaching an estimated 891 individuals. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims:  Key facts about Asiatic lions; Project Lion; Big Cat Alliance; CDV. 

Asiatic Lion Census 2025

  • 16th edition of the Lion Census. The last such census was conducted in 2020, which recorded 674 Asiatic lions in Gujarat. 
  • Estimated lion population: 891 in Gujarat. Gir forest in Gujarat is the only remaining natural habitat of Asiatic lions. 
  • Methodology: The census used advanced methodologies such as direct beat verification (high accuracy and minimal margin of error), supported by modern tools including high-resolution cameras, camera traps and GPS-enabled radio collars.
  • Concerns: ~57% of the 891 individuals have been recorded in areas outside protected forest areas. This poses an increased threat of man-wildlife conflict. 
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Asiatic Lions

  • The Asiatic lion is a big cat of the subspecies Panthera leo.
  • Range: Gir forest, a dry deciduous forest ecosystem in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, is the abode of the last surviving population.
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN Status: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I

Concerns: Lions remain geographically isolated in Gir. This risks the spread of epidemic or disease; risk due to decline in prey or natural disasters. E.g., In 2018, 27 lions in Gir died due to canine distemper virus (CDV)

Canine Distemper Virus:

  • Highly contagious viral disease caused by a single-stranded RNA virus. Affects wide range of carnivores 
  • Impacts several body systems, including the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, the spinal cord, and the brain.
  • Symptoms: Dullness, lacrimation, cough, diarrhea, and seizures. It has a high mortality rate.

Conservation Initiatives

  • Project Lion (2020): Infrastructure development for protection and security of Indian lions, especially health infrastructure. Focus on conflict mitigation, habitat improvement, radio-collar monitoring, and camera traps, and addressing human-wildlife conflict.
  • International Big Cats Alliance (2023): Foster international cooperation among 97 range countries for conservation of big cats.

This growing presence underscores the continued success of conservation efforts and the need for expanded management strategies to support their increasing numbers.

Indian Grey Wolves heading towards Extinction

Context: Indian grey wolf population in Maharashtra’s Kadbanwadi grassland is declining due to threats from feral dogs, disease, habitat changes, and conservation challenges.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Kadbanwadi grasslands; Indian grey wolf.

Declining population of Indian grey wolf: 

  • In the Kadbanwadi grasslands of Pune district (Maharashtra), the Indian grey wolf, a crucial top predator, is rapidly disappearing. About 10 years ago, there were around 70 adult wolves, but now only 6 have been spotted. 
  • This sharp decline is alarming because wolves are crucial for maintaining ecological balance by regulating the populations of smaller predators and herbivores, which in turn helps sustain the overall health of the ecosystem.

Kadbanwadi grasslands

  • Location: Indapur tehsil, Pune district, Maharashtra.
  • Area: 2000 hectares 
  • Fauna: In addition to the Indian grey wolf, Kadbanwadi is home to other species such as the Bengal fox, striped hyena, and Brahminy kite.
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Indian Grey Wolves in Kadbanwadi 

  • Indian Grey wolf is the apex predator in Kadbanwadi grasslands.
  • It is brown in colour with black-and-white markings on their backs.
  • It was considered as the grassland’s guardians as they ensure a healthy ecosystem by regulating the numbers of smaller predators and herbivores.
  • Conservation Status:
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
    • IUCN Status: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
  • Significant threats: Attacks by feral dogs, the spread of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) from stray dogs, genetic dilution due to crossbreeding with feral dogs, a shrinking prey base caused by the decline in shepherding practices, and habitat disruption from urban waste and encroachment. 

669 Asiatic Lions died in past 5 years

Context: As per the latest government data, 669 Asiatic lions have died in the last five years (2020-2024). The Gir forest in Gujarat is the only remaining natural habitat of Asiatic lions. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Asiatic lions; Project Lion; Big Cat Alliance; CDV. 

Key Data on Asiatic Lions

  • The maximum deaths of Asiatic lions occurred in the year 2024. Reasons for death include: Old age, illness, injuries from fights, cub mortality, falling into open wells, electrocution, accidents etc. No incidents of poaching led to lion deaths during these years.
  • Latest Estimate (2020): Asiatic lion population in Gujarat is 674 in 2020, up from 523 in 2015. A fresh population estimation will be conducted in May 2025.
image 106

Concerns: 

  • Geographical isolation: Experts have called for the translocation of lions in India, as the big cats remain geographically isolated in Gir. A second habitat would help protect them from extinction in case of an epidemic, a sharp decline in prey or natural disasters. 
  • Increased deaths due to disease outbreak: E.g., In 2018, 27 lions in Gir died due to canine distemper virus (CDV). 
  • Possibility of man-wildlife conflict: As per a 2022 report, 48% of the then lion population of 674 had moved outside protected areas, covering nine districts and 13 forest administrative divisions.

Canine Distemper Virus:

  • CDV is a highly contagious viral disease that affects a wide range of carnivores. It is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus. 
  • Impacts: Several body systems, including the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, the spinal cord, and the brain.
  • Symptoms: Dullness, lacrimation, cough, diarrhea, and seizures; 2 of the 87 captive lions showed lacrimation and respiratory distress. It has a high mortality rate.
image 107

Asiatic Lions

  • The Asiatic lion is a big cat of the subspecies Panthera leo. 
  • Range: Gir forest, a dry deciduous forest ecosystem in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, is the abode of the last surviving population.
  • The total distribution range of lions in this region is estimated to be around 9000 sq. km. majorly of which GIR National Park, GIR Wildlife Sanctuary, Paniya Wildlife Sanctuary and Mitiyal Wildlife Sanctuary account. 
  • Conservation Status: 
    • IUCN Status: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
  • Conservation Initiatives:
    • Project Lion (2020): Infrastructure development for protection and security of Indian lions, especially health infrastructure. Focus on conflict mitigation, habitat improvement, radio-collar monitoring,  and camera traps, and addressing human-wildlife conflict.
    • International Big Cats Alliance (2023): Foster international cooperation among 97 range countries for conservation of big cats. 

Wildlife Institute of India has identified the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, about 100 km from the Gir National Park, as a potential site where a population of 40 adult and sub-adult lions could be accommodated within the larger landscape of Barda-Alech hills and coastal forests through natural dispersal. 

India has an estimated 6327 river Dolphins: Survey

Context: The first-ever comprehensive survey of river dolphins has revealed a population estimate of 6,327 dolphins mainly in the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Indus river basins across eight Indian states. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key Facts about Gangetic Dolphin; Project Dolphin; Echolocation.

Major Highlights of the Report

  • There were 6,324 Ganges river dolphins, and three Indus river dolphins (a related species).
    • The Gangetic dolphins were spread in river Ganga, tributaries of Ganga, Brahmaputra, tributaries of Brahmaputra and Beas river. 
  • The first-ever survey was led by the Wildlife Institute of India and state forest departments of certain states.
    • It was conducted under Project Dolphin launched in 2020. 
    • The next survey will likely take place after four years.
  • The highest number of dolphins were reported in Uttar Pradesh (highest concentration in Chambal River), followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
  • Acoustic Survey: For their survey, the researchers travelled by boat at a constant speed using acoustic hydrophones (essentially underwater microphones) that pick up sounds emitted by the dolphins. 
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About Gangetic Dolphin and Indus Dolphin

  • India is home to two species (out of five species of river Dolphin globally) of freshwater dolphins — Gangetic Dolphin and Indus river Dolphin.
  • Found mainly in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu River systems.
  • Key Characteristics: 
    • An adult gangetic dolphin could weigh between 70 kg and 90 kg.
      • Male dolphins as being about 2-2.2 metres long
      • Females are a little longer at 2.4-2.6 m. 
    • The breeding season extends from January to June. 
    • The species is shy (avoids human contact) and feeds on several species of fishes, invertebrates etc.
    • Dolphins stay under water and surface only sporadically to breathe.
  • Significance: 
    • Dolphins act as an umbrella species and their conservation has direct impacts on their habitat and biodiversity.
    • They serve as bio-indicators of healthy river ecosystems. 
  • Conservation Status (Both dolphins):
    • IUCN Status: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I 
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I 
  • Threats: 
    • Getting entangled in fishermen’s nets
    • River Pollution 
    • Habitat loss due to construction of dams and barrages
    • Poaching

Dolphin Conservation Efforts

  • Conservation Action Plan for the Ganges River Dolphin (2010-2020). 
  • Project Dolphin (2020) to promote awareness and involve local communities in conservation efforts.
  • Comprehensive Action Plan (2022-2047) to ensure well being of the river dolphin and aquatic habitats.
  • Recognition of Ganges river dolphin as the National Aquatic Animal of India. 
  • MoEFCC has included Ganges river dolphin as one of the 22 critically endangered species for providing financial assistance to States under the Centrally sponsored scheme ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’.
  • Important habitats of Gangetic river dolphins along the Ganges river have been notified as Protected Areas, such as Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary, Bihar.

Echolocation:

  • Echolocation is the use of sound as a form of navigation.
  • Echolocation (bio sonar) is a biological active sonar used by several animal groups, both in the air and underwater. 
  • Echolocating animals emit calls and listen to the echoes of those calls that return from various objects near them. 
  • They use these echoes to locate and identify the objects. 
  • Echolocation is used for navigation, foraging, and hunting prey.
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Ganges Dolphin and Echolocation: 

  • Ganges river dolphin most typically makes echolocation sounds such as clicks, bursts, and twitters.
  • As the dolphin is blind, it produces an ultrasonic sound that is echoed off other fish and water species which allows it to identify prey. 
  • Echolocation is used for population counts by using acoustic surveying.

Why are Gharials Endangered?

Context: The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh released 10 gharials into the Chambal river at the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary in Morena district, MP to bolster the population of gharials. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Gharial; National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary; Chambal river. 

About Gharial

  • The gharial is a species of long-snouted, fish-eating crocodilians. 
  • Gharial (from Hindi word ghara meaning pot/vessel) refers to the bulbous snout tip of adult males, which resembles an inverted pot. 
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Slender snouts lined with numerous sharp interlocking teeth.
    • Males grow 3-6 meters, and females 2.6–4.5 meters in length. 
    • Fish is the mainstay of their diet.
    • Sandbanks, sandbars, and islands are critical to their ecology, serving as preferred sites for basking and community nesting. 
image 1
  • Distribution:
    • Freshwater river-systems of India. 
      • Chambal River (tributary of river Yamuna) holds the largest population of Gharials in the wild, in India. 
    • Small populations exist in Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh’s upper Brahmaputra.
    • Likely extinct in Myanmar and Bhutan.
  • Ecological Importance: 
    • Gharials are important for a river’s ecosystem as they clean up carrion.
  • Threats:
    • Historical: Overhunting for skins, trophies, eggs, and traditional medicine.
    • Modern challenges: Dam construction, irrigation canals, siltation, river course changes, embankments, sand-mining, pollution, and fishing nets.
  • Conservation status:
    • IUCN status: Critically Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:  Schedule I 

Gharial Conservation

  • Madhya Pradesh has the title of “gharial state,” as it hosts over 80% of India’s gharials. This has happened due to decades-long conservation efforts in the state. 
  • Between 1975 and 1982, India established 16 captive breeding and release centers and five gharial sanctuaries. 
  • Today, the species survives primarily in five sites:
    • National Chambal Sanctuary
    • Katerniaghat Sanctuary, UP
    • Chitwan National Park, Nepal 
    • Son River Sanctuary, MP
    • Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, Odisha 

Conservation Efforts

  • Captive breeding programmes and population monitoring 
  • Engaging local communities in habitat preservation and awareness campaigns
  • Managing threats like sand mining
  • Stronger river protection and sandbank restoration 

National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary

  • Located on the Chambal River near the tripoint of three states: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh,
  • The sanctuary protects a 435-km stretch of one of India’s cleanest rivers. 
  • Apart from gharials, the stretch hosts over 290 bird species, including rare Indian Skimmers (80% of the national population).
  • Important Fauna: Red-crowned roof turtle, endangered Ganges river dolphin, mugger crocodile, smooth-coated otter, striped hyena and Indian wolf. 
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Chambal River

  • Chambal is the chief tributary of the Yamuna River.
  • Origin: Vindhya Range, Madhya Pradesh state. 
  • From its source, it flows north-northeast through Madhya Pradesh, forming the boundary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, before turning southeast to join the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Chief Tributaries: Banas, Kali Sindh, Sipra, and Parbati 
  • Chambal’s lower course is lined by a 16-km belt of badland gullies resulting from accelerated soil erosion.
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Loggerhead Turtles

Context: A research identified various facts and information about the migratory species like Loggerhead turtles. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Questions based on species, their habitat and their behaviour in the ecosystem.

About Loggerhead Turtles

  • Loggerhead turtle is a species of oceanic turtle found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
  • They are named loggerhead turtles for their large heads and powerful jaws that can crush their prey.
  • Key characteristics: 
    • Reddish brown shell and large powerful jaws. 
    • Omnivorous.
    • Temperature dependent sex determination: Warmer temperature produces females and cool temperature produces males.
  • Threats: 
    • Low survival rate i.e., only 1 in 1000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood.
    • Habitat destruction along with the bycatching (accidental capture in fishing net).
  • Conservation status:
    • IUCN status: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wild Life Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I 
  • Conservation efforts: Turtle excluder device in fishing gear, protection of breeding grounds and rescue of captivated turtles.
image 138

Findings of the research: 

  • Loggerhead turtles are known for their large migration routes and often return to feeding sites, even after seasonal journeys and displacements. 
  • The findings suggest that migratory species such as loggerhead turtles use the geomagnetic field (magnetic field of the Earth) as a map and compass, when navigating large distances. 
  • Studies suggest that most vertebrate species could have distinct tools (senses) of magnetoreception, but more research is needed to determine the inner workings of these mechanisms.

Crocodile Species in India

Context: Recently, the two-day long census to count the number of marsh crocodiles in Vishwamitri river has concluded and the data is being analysed.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about crocodile species in India. 

About Vishwamitri River

  • The Vishwamitri originates from the Pavagadh hills in Panchmahal district, Gujarat.
  • Primarily it is a rain-fed river. It flows around 80 kms, merges with Dhadhar river and eventually drains into the Gulf of Khambhat, Arabian Sea. 
  • The Vadodara-stretch of the Vishwamitri is home to a large population of mugger or marsh crocodiles. 
  • The river is highly polluted as it receives a large amount of sewage and industrial pollutants.

Crocodiles in India

  • India is home to three crocodile species – Gharial, Mugger, and Saltwater Crocodiles. 
  • Usually spotted on banks of the aquatic systems, crocodiles are cold-blooded animals.
  • Crocodiles are apex predators. These reptiles play a critical role in the ecosystem by maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance: they control the population of other aquatic animals. 
  • India launched the Crocodile Conservation Project in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park in 1975, with the aid from the United Nations Development Programme.
  • All three crocodile species in India are placed under the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 

1. Mugger: 

  • They have a broad-snouted nose.
  • They are also known as Marsh crocodiles. They are found in freshwaters like rivers and also in estuaries and marshy areas. 
  • Mugger has a diverse and broad diet. They are known to dig burrows or holes for nesting purposes.
  • Muggers have stronger legs which allow them to bask mainly on river banks choosing steeper slopes and elevated platforms.
  • Their tough keratin scales are known to be sensitive to even the slightest motion in the water and this helps them detect prey easily. 
  • IUCN status: Vulnerable
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2. Gharials:

  • They are endemic to the Indian subcontinent. 
  • They are shy-natured and the most aquatic of all the species. 
  • They are the longest living crocodile species, native to northern India and are distinguished by their long, narrow snouts.
  • The gharials are predominantly a fish-eater.
  • Gharials prefer to bask on mid-river sand islands on gentle slopes as they have weaker legs and can only crawl. 
  • Chambal River (tributary of river Yamuna) holds the largest population of Gharials in the wild.
  • IUCN status: Critically Endangered
image 76
Note: Both the species are freshwater and have overlapping habitats in the northern rivers (Ganges, Chambal, Son, Ramganga and Girwa) and eastern (Mahanadi) river systems of India. They have shown systematic resource partitioning in their aquatic environments.
image 75

3. Saltwater crocodiles:

  • Largest crocodile species, also recognised as man eater. Largest reptile in the world. 
  • Also known as estuarine crocodiles. Its habitat includes regions such as Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park, West Bengal’s Sundarbans, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • IUCN status: Least concern. 

Clouded Leopard

Context: A new study addresses critical gaps in understanding the Clouded Leopard’s habitat suitability, fragmentation, and connectivity across its historical and current ranges, offering a conservation roadmap.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Clouded Leopard. 

About Clouded Leopard

Clouded Leopard
  • It is the world’s smallest big cat. It uses its tail for balancing when moving in trees and is able to climb down vertical tree trunks head first.
  • Distribution: Himalayan foothills from India, South-East Asia and South China. 
  • Habitat: grassland, shrubs, subtropical and dense tropical forest.
  • Physical characteristics:
    • Many distinguishing features set clouded leopards apart from other cat species, such as their visually striking coat pattern with cloud-like large spots. 
    • Clouded leopards possess the largest canines in proportion to skull size among all cat species. 
    • It has exceptional arboreal abilities, including climbing and navigating treetops.
  • Threats: Wildfires, habitat fragmentation, illegal poaching, deforestation and climate change.
  • Conservation status:
    • IUCN Status: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
    • Listed as species under India’s Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species.
  • Misc facts:
    • State animal of Meghalaya. 
    • Clouded leopard National Park: Tripura

Niche Partitioning

  • Niche partitioning is an important aspect of species survival in the wild with subordinate predators adjusting their behaviour to avoid overlapping space and time with dominant carnivores. 
  • A study from Manas Tiger Reserve finds that- Clouded leopards have developed nuanced co-existence strategies to survive in the wild. The forest of Manas National Park supports a diverse carnivore community of five large carnivores — tiger, common leopard, clouded leopard, dhole and Asiatic black bear.
  • The strategy is having a peak activity time that does not overlap with other carnivores and by potentially playing “hide-and-seek” in spaces they share with stronger & larger competitors.
  • Although clouded leopards and other carnivores shared overlapping activity times, each species had distinct peak activity times. This indicates that they may avoid direct conflicts or competition during their most active periods.
  • The study found that there was temporal overlap but no spatial overlap between clouded leopards and other carnivores, which is a nuanced coexistence strategy for survival.
  • Path to conservation: 
    • Comprehensive species management plan
    • Transboundary monitoring to maintain corridor connectivity, 
    • Detailed ground assessments of suitable habitats
    • Robust public awareness campaigns. 
    • Additionally, conducting phylogeographic studies across the species’ range is crucial to understanding genetic diversity.
      • The study will help identify distinct populations suitable for breeding programmes, thereby enhancing genetic diversity and ensuring population viability.

Note:

  • IUCN has repeatedly revised the clouded leopard’s range, categorising it into four distinct statuses: extant (areas where the species is known or likely to exist), possibly extant (where survival is uncertain), possibly extinct, and extinct. 
  • The extant range includes much of Bhutan, north-east India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malay Peninsula, with small, fragmented populations in Nepal and southern Bangladesh. 
  • China — despite encompassing the largest historical range — is no longer part of the extant range.