SPECIES

IN NEWS
 Index
Bumblebees 13
Terrestrial Animals Gharial (Gavialis
gangeticus) 13
Grey Wolf 1
Sea Anemone 14
Red Panda 1
Batillipes chandrayaani 14
Asiatic Lion 2
Cheetah 2 Sea cucumbers 14
Indian Tiger (Panthera tigris) Sperm Whales (Physeter
or Royal Bengal Tiger 3 macrocephalus) 15
Olive Ridley Turtle 15
Indian Elephant (Elephas
maximus) 4 Indian Star Tortoise
(Geochelone elegans 16
Nilgiri Tahr 5
Hoolock Gibbon 5 Plant Species
Pangolin 6
Utricularia (Bladderworts) 16
Markhor 6
Seaweed 17
Indian Bison (Gaur) 7
7 Aquilaria Malaccensis
Fishing Cat
(agarwood) 17
Iberian Lynx 7
Syntrichia Caninervis 17
Avian Species Semal Trees (Silk Cotton Tree) 18
Tmesipteris oblanceolata 18
Gyps Indicus (Indian Vulture) 8 Palm Tree 18
Great Indian Bustard (GIB) 9 Neelakurinji 19
About Lesser Florican Water Spinach 19
(Sypheotides indicus) 9 Ashwagandha (withania
Jerdon's Courser 10 somnifera) 19
Greater Adjutant Stork 10 Kashmir Chinars 20
Amur Falcon 10 Tropical Plant Subabul 20
Dicliptera polymorpha 20
Sea buckthorn 21
Aquatic Species
Water Hyacinth 21
Eurasian Otter 11
Vaquita 11 Animals at Vantara
Blue Whales 11 Okapi 22
Gangetic River Dolphin 12 African Lion (Panthera leo) 22
Rare Two-Headed Turtle
Reptiles, Insects, (Bicephalic Chelonian) 22
Amphibians, etc Orangutan (Pongo spp.) 23
Neptis Philyra 12 Lemurs 23
Butterfly Cicada 13
 SPECIES IN NEWS
Note: As per the amendments made under the ‘Wild life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022’,
all species that are covered under Appendices of CITES are now listed under Schedule IV of the Act.

Terrestrial Animals
Grey Wolf
Context
‘Operation Bhediya’ has been launched by the UP govt to
capture man-eating wolf in U.P.

Characteristics
Extremely social living in a pack of 6-8 individuals,
Indian Wolf Himalayan
wolf or Run at very high speeds,
N STAT Tibetan wolf Monogamous and follow male dominance hierarchy,
IU C

LC Communicate with different vocalizations and scent-

US

N STAT
IU C

US

VU marking.

Habitat
Appendix I Appendix I Indian Wolf : In peninsular India including Rajasthan,
Gujarat, etc.
WPA, 1972 WPA, 1972 Himalayan wolf or Tibetan wolf: In Upper trans-Himalayan
Schedule I Schedule I
ranges.

Red Panda

Context
Red Panda Program of Darjeeling's Padmaja Naidu Himalayan
Zoo's has been selected as finalist for 2024 WAZA (World
Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Conservation Award.

Characteristics
Small arboreal mammals, indicator species for ecological
N STAT
change.
Skilled climbers; nocturnal and usually solitary, but come
IU C

EN
US

together in pairs in breeding season; most active during

Appendix I twilight hours of early morning and evening (crepuscular)
Sikkim's state animal
WPA, 1972
Schedule I Habitat
Mixed deciduous and conifer forests with dense understories
Among 22 species of bamboo.
covered under Species Distribution: India (Sikkim, West Bengal, Meghalaya and
Recovery Programme Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, China.

1
 Asiatic Lion
Context
Six Asiatic lions have migrated from Gir Forest to the Barda
Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS).

Characteristics
They are slightly smaller than African lions.
Males have only moderate mane growth at the top of the
N STAT head.
IU C

Lions have no particular breeding season.

US

VU
Appendix I
Habitat
WPA, 1972 Only in Gir forest and other protected areas in Gujarat's
Schedule I Saurashtra region.

Among 22 species Conservation Measures

covered under Species
Recovery Programme 'Project Lion' announced on August 15, 2020.

Cheetah
Context
Asiatic Cheetah
N STAT
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctury was chosen as the second
IU C

CR
US

home for the translocation of Cheetahs.

Characteristics
Appendix I Unlike other big cats (lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars)
cheetahs don't roar.
WPA, 1972 World's fastest Mammal and the only large carnivore to be
Schedule I
extinct in India (1952).

Habitat
African Cheetah: Sub-Saharan Africa (Namibia holds the
African Cheetah largest population)
N STAT
Asiatic Cheetah: Limited to Iran's arid landscapes
IU C

US

VU

Conservation Measures
Project Cheetah (World's first intercontinental large wild
Appendix I carnivore translocation project, part of Project Tiger)
o Implementing agency: National Tiger Conservation
Authority (NTCA)

2
 Indian Tiger (Panthera tigris) or Royal Bengal Tiger
Habitat
Tiger Range Countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia,
China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal,
Russia Thailand, and Vietnam.
India: Shivalik-Gangetic plains, Central India and Eastern
Ghats, Western Ghats, Northeastern Hills & Brahmaputra Flood
Plains and Sundarbans.
Distribution:
Maximum in Madhya Pradesh followed by Karnataka and
Uttarakhand.

Characteristics
N STAT Flagship species of India
IU C

EN
US

Umbrella Species.
Appendix I Solitary, mostly nocturnal and territorial animal.
Territory of an adult male may encompass territories of 2-7
WPA, 1972 females
Schedule I Tiger stripes are individually as unique as human fingerprints.

Threats
Habitat loss and loss of prey species, hunting, poaching, and
illegal trade, Conflict with humans etc.
Conservation Efforts
Project Tiger (1973): Centrally Sponsored Scheme, in-situ conservation
NTCA: Statutory body constituted under WPA, 1972, amended in 2006 to administer Project Tiger.
National Animal of India
M-STrIPES: Digital monitoring system.
Global Tiger Initiative (2008): World Bank's initiative
Global Tiger Forum: International intergovernmental body
Other: Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS), World Wildlife Fund's Tigers Alive
Initiative, etc.

3
 Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
Habitat
Found in the central and southern Western Ghats, North
East India, eastern India and northern India and in some
parts of southern peninsular India.
India is home to over 60% of the world's elephant population
Highest population in Karnataka, followed by Assam and Kerala.
o Kumki elephants: Term used in India for captive Asian elephants
that are trained to be used in operations to trap wild elephants.

Characteristics
Highly intelligent animals with strong family bonds with
sophisticated forms of communication.
One of three subspecies of Asian elephants, the other two
N STAT being the Sumatran and Sri Lankan elephants.
IU C

EN
US

Life span: 60-70 years.

Appendix I Gestation period: 20-22 months (longest gestation period
of all mammals).
WPA, 1972 Leader of an elephant group: Female.
Schedule I
Threats
Habitat Fragmentation and degradation, expansion of agriculture
and industry, human-elephant conflict, poaching, etc.
Conservation Measures
Project Elephant: Launched in 1992
33 Elephant Reserves in 14 major Elephant states.

4
 Nilgiri Tahr

Context
Tamil Nadu government is executing a synchronized survey
to estimate the population of Nilgiri Tahr.

Characteristics
Only mountain ungulate (animal with hooves) in southern
India amongst the 12 species present in India.
Locally known as “Varaiaadu”
Two epics —
Silappathikaram and Sivakasindamani — mention its
N STAT descriptions
IU C

EN
US

Habitat
Endemic to western ghats
Ernavikulam National Park in Anamalai Hills, Kerala, home
WPA, 1972
to the largest population.
Schedule I

Among 22 species
Conservation Measures
covered under Species State animal of Tamil Nadu
Recovery Programme October 7 declared as Nilgiri Tahr day by Tamil Nadu.

Hoolock Gibbon
Western hoolock gibbon Context
N STAT
The National Board for Wildlife approved oil exploration in
IU C

EN
US

Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary.

Appendix I
Characteristics
Two types: western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) and
WPA, 1972 the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys).
Schedule I
Arboreal, diurnal, and highly territorial
Sexual dimorphism in fur color:
Eastern hoolock gibbon
Eastern: Males are black; females light brown or golden
N STAT
Western: Males black with white brows; females orange-tan
IU C

US

VU

Habitat
Endemic to northeastern India
Appendix I Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Found in Arunachal Pradesh and
parts of Assam
WPA, 1972 Western Hoolock Gibbon: Found in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura,
Schedule I and Mizoram

5
 Pangolin
Context
Recently, instances of pangolin poaching is increasing in
Telangana.

Characteristics
Indian Chinese
Pangolin Pangolin They are only mammals wholly-covered in scales and use
T
N S AT
T
N S AT
those scales to protect themselves from predators in wild.
I UC
IUC

US
US

EN CR They eat ants, termites and larvae and are often known as
the scaly anteater.
WPA, 1972 WPA, 1972 Solitary, primarily nocturnal animals; long, sticky tongues
Schedule-1 Schedule-1
that are longer than their bodies, toothless.
Two pangolin species found in India- Indian and Chinese
Pangolin.

Appendix 1 Appendix 1
Habitat
India: Found throughout country, south of Himalayas,
excluding north-eastern region.
Chinese: Ranges through Assam and eastern Himalayas.

Markhor
Context
In Rare Appearance, Markhor Spotted In Kashmir.

Characteristics
It is World's largest wild goat.

NS
T AT Habitat
I UC

US

NT Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan.

In India it is found only in Union Territory of Jammu and
Kashmir (J&K).

WPA, 1972
Schedule-1
Conservation Measures
Global: UNGA proclaimed 24 May the International Day of the
Markhor, starting in 2024
India: Kashmir Markhor Recovery Project (Wildlife Trust of
India), J&K notified Tattakuti wildlife sanctuary for the
Appendix 1 Markhor.

6
 Indian Bison (Gaur)
Context
Recently, Jharkhand Forest department initiated a study to revive
the dwindling population of Bison at Palamu Tiger Reserve.

Characteristics
Massively built, very strong, and social animal.
Grazing animal and munches on leaves, fruits, stems, flowers
and seeds.
T
N S AT
Diurnal by nature and remain active during the daytime.
I UC

US

VU Their pregnancy period is 9 months same as humans.

Habitat
WPA, 1972 Western Ghats.
Schedule-1
Prefer evergreen forests and moist deciduous forests.
Appendix 1
They generally stick to the foothills.

Fishing Cat
Context
Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, is launching India's first
Fishing Cat Collaring Project at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Characteristics
A powerful feline, about twice the size of a house cat.
Nocturnal hunters that prey on fish, frogs, crustaceans, snakes,
birds, and scavenged carcasses.

T
N S AT
Habitat
IUC

WPA, 1972
VU
US

Schedule-1 Inhabit wetlands and mangroves.

In India, found mainly in Sundarbans, Himalayan foothills
along Ganga & Brahmaputra valleys, and Western Ghats.

Iberian Lynx
Context
According to IUCN, conservation status of Iberian lynx has
improved from Endangered to Vulnerable, reflecting significant
increase in its population.

Characteristics
Solitary hunter; nocturnal or crepuscular; may temporarily
become diurnal during winter; live in small, isolated meta-
TAT
NS populations.
IU C

VU
US

European Rabbit accounts for 80-99% of its diet.

Appendix I Habitat
Endemic to Iberian Peninsula
Found in southwestern Spain, some populations in Portugal.

7
 Avian Species

Gyps Indicus (Indian Vulture)

Context
Moyar valley located in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu)
is the only region with largest nesting colony of Gyps vultures in
wild.

Characteristics
Possess whitish feathers on a dark head and neck, and a
N STAT pale collar.
WPA, 1972
IU C

US

CR Schedule I Colonial nesters and often seen in flocks.

Population is declining.

Among 22 species Habitat

covered under Species
Recovery Programme Habitat Specialization: Open Grassland.
Found in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan.

Conservation Measures
Banning of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac, Ketoprofen for veterinary use.
Vulture Action Plan 2020-25.

8
 Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

Context
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEFCC) approved funds for next phase (from 2024 to
2029) of Bustard Recovery Program.

Habitat
Endemic to Indian Subcontinent.
Mostly in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Small population in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh.

Conservation Efforts
N STAT
Key habitats as National Parks/sanctuaries E.g., Desert
IU C

CR
US

National Park, (Rajasthan), Naliya Grassland (Lala Bustard

Appendix I Wildlife Sanctuary).
GIB conservation breeding centres in Rajasthan.
WPA, 1972 Artificial insemination at National Breeding Centre in Jaisalmer.
Schedule I Training of personnels for artificial breeding at National
Avian Research Centre (NARC), Abu Dhabi.
Among 22 species
covered under Species
Recovery Programme?
Threats
Predation
Entanglement with power lines
Organophosphate pesticide, etc.

Characteristics
Agro-grassland omnivorous birds lacking frontal vision.
Males have gular pouch to fill air & exhale with great humming sound to attract females.
Males play no role in the incubation and care of the young.

About Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus)

Characteristics
Smallest bird of the bustard family (Otididae).

Habitat
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Andhra Pradesh.

Threats
N STAT
WPA, 1972 Pesticide usage in breeding grounds; Mismanagement
I UC

CR
US

Schedule I
Appendix I
of agro-grasslands, etc.

9
 Jerdon's Courser

Context
Jerdon's Courser has not been visually spotted in over a decade.

Characteristics
Nocturnal ground-dwelling bird found only in the Eastern
Ghats.
N STAT
Small, cryptic plumage for camouflage in its scrub habitat
WPA, 1972
IU C

CR
US

Schedule I
Habitat
Among 22 species Exclusively endemic to Andhra Pradesh, specifically within
covered under Species the Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary in Kadapa,
Recovery Programme Andhra Pradesh.
Prefers dry, scrub forests and grasslands

Greater Adjutant Stork

Context
Purnima Devi Barman received the 2024 Whitley Gold Award
dubbed 'Green Oscar' for conserving Greater Adjutant Stork
(Leptoptilos dubius).

Characteristics
Also known as 'Hargila', they reside only in Assam (80%)
N STAT and Bihar of India and Cambodia.
One of the largest flying birds in the world.
IU C

US

NT Primarily scavengers, feeding on carrion, but also consume

fish, reptiles, and amphibians

WPA, 1972 Habitat

Schedule I Inhabits wetlands, nesting in tall trees with closed canopies
and bamboo clumps around nesting trees, etc.

Amur Falcon

Context
Manipur's Tamenglong district imposes a ban on hunting of
Amur Falcon.

Characteristics
It is locally known as 'Kahuaipuina' in Manipur.
Migratory raptor: Make voyage from breeding grounds in
N STAT Russia and China to southern Africa.
WPA, 1972
IU C

o 22,000 km journey (longest sea crossing of any raptor)

LC
US

Schedule I Passes through Manipur and Nagaland.

Feeds on dragonflies that follow a similar migration path
over Arabian Sea.

10
 Aquatic Species
Eurasian Otter
Context
For the first time in India, Eurasian otter was radio-tagged in
Satpura tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh).

Characteristics
Brown Fur, adapted for aquatic lifestyle with webbed feet
and ability to close small ears and nose under water.
N STAT
Other two otter species found in India – Smooth-coated otter
IU C

US

NT and Asian small-clawed otter.

Appendix I

WPA, 1972 Habitat

Schedule I Found in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
In India, found in northern, northeast, and southern regions.

Vaquita
Context
A recent survey revealed a devastating decline in population of
endangered marine mammal, the Vaquita.

Characteristics
It is the smallest and now most endangered species of the
cetacean order.
It is a toothed whale, like dolphins and sperm whales, as
opposed to whales with baleen (Baleen is a filter-feeding
system inside the mouths), such as the blue whale.
N STAT
IU C

US

CR Habitat
Appendix I It is endemic to the Gulf of California where it lives in the
shallow waters bordering the Colorado estuary.

Blue Whales
Context
Blue whales have made a comeback near the Seychelles after
60 years.

Characteristics
Largest & loudest animal on the planet.
N STAT
Lifespan: Estimated at around 80 to 90 years.
IU C

US

EN Key Behaviour aspect: Sometimes swim in small groups but

are more often found alone or in pairs.
Appendix I Diet: Feeds almost exclusively on krill (marine crustaceans)

WPA, 1972 Habitat

Schedule I
Found in all oceans except the Arctic Ocean.

11
 Gangetic River Dolphin
Protection status Context
India conducts first-ever Ganges River Dolphin Tagging in Assam.

Characteristics
Essentially blind, rely on Echolocation (determining the
location of objects using reflected sound) for biological
needs.
Breathes through a blowhole, surfacing every 30-120 seconds.
N STAT
C

EN
US
IU

Habitat
Restricted to freshwater (Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna
and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and
WPA, 1972 Bangladesh)
Schedule I
Presently, India houses about 90% of the global population
Appendix I
of the dolphins.

Conservation Measures
The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bihar is the only wildlife sanctuary for its protection
It is India's National Aquatic Animal and is endemic to the Indian sub-continent.
Project Dolphin announced on 15th August 2020.

Reptiles, Insects, Amphibians, etc

Neptis Philyra
Context
Rare butterfly species Neptis philyra was recently discovered for
the first time in India.

Characteristics
It has been discovered in Tale Valley wildlife sanctuary in
lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
It is commonly known as long-streak sailor
It has serrated wings with rich brownish-black on the upper
side and yellow brown on the underside
It is generally found in east Asia, including eastern Siberia,
Korea, Japan, central and southwest China.

Habitat
Evergreen forests, riverine vegetation, and rocky streams.

12
 Butterfly Cicada
Context
A new species of cicada discovered in Meghalaya.

Characteristics
It belongs to genus Becquartina and marks the first
ever record of this genus in the country.
The species in this genus are often called “Butterfly cicadas”
because of their colourful wings.
The present discovery extends the distributional range of
the genus Becquartina from Southeast Asia into Northeast
India.
It increases the total number of known Becquartina
species to seven.

Bumblebees
Context
Recent research highlights that the Bumblebees are resilient to
pesticides.

Characteristics
Belongs to the genus Bombus and are important pollinator
for many wildflowers.
They are fuzzy insects with short, stubby wings.
They are larger than honeybees, but they don't produce as
much honey.
They are known for buzz pollination.
They use dance as a means of communicating 'food alert'
signals to other members of their colony.

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)

Habitat
N STAT
IU C

CR Inhabit freshwater rivers: Chambal, Girwa,

US

Ghagra, Son and Gandak.

Appendix I

Characteristics
WPA, 1972 Named Gharial due to a bulbous knob at
Schedule I the end of their long narrow snout.
Primarily eats fish.

13
 Sea Anemone
Context
Scientists have found mass sea anemone bleaching off Agatti
island, Lakshadweep.

Characteristics
They are ocean-dwelling members of the phylum Cnidaria.
o Sea anemones are predatory animals and most species
are found in coastal tropical waters.
Like corals, sea anemones establish symbiotic relationships
with green algae.
Sea surface temperature rise disrupts this relationship, resulting in bleaching.
They also have a symbiotic relation with clownfish.
o Clownfish are protected by the stinging tentacles of anemone and anemone gets food from
Clownfish's meals.
They play key biogeochemical roles in benthic ecosystems.

Batillipes chandrayaani
Context
A new species of marine tardigrade discovered from the southeast
coast of Tamil Nadu is named Batillipes chandrayaani after
Chandrayaan-3 moon mission.

Characteristics
Third marine tardigrade species to have been scientifically
described from the Indian waters.
It has a trapezoid-shaped head and four pairs of legs with
sharp-tipped sensory spines.
They can survive extreme environmental conditions
Recently, a study of the first tardigrade fossil has enabled Scientist to classify them and retrace
their evolutionary history.

Sea cucumbers
Context
As per a new research, repopulating Sea Cucumbers can
help in recovery of coral reefs.

Characteristics
Belong to the animal group called echinoderms, which also
contains starfish and sea urchins.
Are known as janitors of tropical seas as they consume
WPA, 1972 decomposing organic matter and convert it into recyclable
Schedule I nutrients and buffers the ocean's acidification.
It exhibits sexual and asexual reproduction.

14
 Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus)

Context
For the first time, Scientists have outlined that sperm whales
communicate using bursts of clicking noises- called codas
sounding a bit like Morse code.

Characteristics
Largest of the toothed whales and only males tend to be
observed closer to poles.
T
N S AT
Habitat
IU C

VU
US

Found in deep open waters, or around islands and coastal

areas with deep canyons or very narrow continental shelves.
Found in India, Argentina, Bangladesh etc.

Olive Ridley Turtle

Context
A high-level review meeting to be held by Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary
amid increase in deaths of Olive Ridley Turtles.

Characteristics
Gets its name from olive green color of its heart-shaped shell.
Carnivores, and feed mainly on jellyfish, shrimp, snails, crabs,
molluscs and a variety of fish and their eggs.
Best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada, where
thousands of females come together to lay eggs on the same
N STAT beach.
IU C

VU
US

Habitat
Appendix 1 Among smallest & most abundant sea turtles and is found
primarily in the tropical regions of Pacific, Indian, and
Atlantic oceans.

Conservation Measures
Odisha's Rushikulya, Gahirmatha, and Devi river rookeries are protected through seasonal
fishing bans and community involvement
Marine Turtle Action Plan (2021)
Operation Olivia by Indian Coast Guards.

15
 Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)

Context
The Indian star tortoise faces threats from illegal wildlife trade and
habitat loss.

Characteristics
Solitary animals, do not hibernate but stay inactive when it
is very dry/hot/cold.
N STAT
I UC

Mainly Herbivores and exhibit distinctive obsidian shell with

VU
US

sun-yellow star patterns.

Habitat
WPA, 1972
Schedule I Endemic to arid regions of northwest India, southern India, and
Sri Lanka.
Appendix 1

Plant Species

Utricularia (Bladderworts)

Context
Recently, Plant 'Utricularia' has been found in Rajasthan's
Keoladeo National Park in large numbers.

About Utricularia
Rare and unique carnivorous plant, named for its tiny
bladders or utricles.
Tiny hairlike projections at the opening of the bladder are sensitive to the motion of passing
organisms sucking in prey.
Preys on small organisms (such as protozoa, insects, larvae, mosquitoes, and even tadpoles).
Habitat: Found in lakes, streams, and waterlogged soils.
Significance: Boosts biodiversity and maintains environmental balance by controlling the
population of small insects.

16
 Seaweed
Context
ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute have been
designated as a center of excellence for seaweed cultivation.

Characteristics
It is a common name for various species of marine plants
and algae which grow in oceans as well as in rivers, lakes etc.
Multicellular and macroscopic autotrophs broadly classified
into three groups such as green (Chlorophyta), brown
(Phaeophyta), and red (Rhodophyta) seaweeds.
Applications
Nutritional: Also called sea vegetables, it provides:-
o Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium
o Vitamins: A, B1, B12, C, D, E etc
Health: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial & used in cancer treatment.
Manufacturing: Binding agents in toothpaste,fruit jelly, organic cosmetics, skincare items.
Agriculture: Enhances crop productivity

Aquilaria Malaccensis (agarwood)

Context
CITES eases export of agarwood from India, move to benefit
lakhs of farmers.

About Aquilaria Malaccensis

An evergreen tree native to Northeast India, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, and parts of Southeast Asia, and is considered a
precious aromatic plant in the region.
Aromatic plant's oil and chips both are highly valued in the
market.

Syntrichia Caninervis

Context
Scientists have found a desert moss - Syntrichia Caninervis -
which is able to withstand Mars-like environment conditions.

About Syntrichia Caninervis

It is widespread in some of Earth's harshest locations
including Antarctica and the Mojave Desert.
It could be the first possible pioneer species for the colonization
of Mars.

17
 Semal Trees (Silk Cotton Tree)

Context
Disappearance of Semal trees from Southern Rajasthan is
creating adverse effects on the forests and people.

About Semal Trees

Large deciduous tree, known for its Crimson red flowers.
Ayurvedic medicines can be prepared from every part of the
tree.
o For instance, roots are used for treating ailments such as
diabetes, etc.
Worshipped by many tribal communities in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Its seed produces edible oil, used in making soaps.

Tmesipteris oblanceolata

Context
News research shows that Tmesipteris oblanceolata, a
species of fork fern, has largest genome of any organism on
the earth.

About Tmesipteris oblanceolata

Contains 160 billion base pairs (the units that make up a
strand of DNA) outstripping the human genome by more
than 50 times.
It belongs to a primordial group of plants that evolved long
before dinosaurs set foot on the earth.
Found only in New Caledonia and a few nearby islands in the Pacific Ocean and thrives on the
trunks and branches of trees in rainforests.

Palm Tree
Context
Odisha will plant palm tree to combat lightning deaths.

About Palm Tree

Belongs to Tropical Forest Ecosystem.
Varieties of palm Tress: Coconut, Oil Palm, Arecanut,
Palmyrah etc.
o Palmyrah is declared as State Tree of Tamil Nadu.
Characteristics of Palm trees:
o Act as natural conductors during lightning strikes and prevent loss of lives.
o Male palm tree produces only flowers, while female tree produces fruits as well.
Benefits:
o Palm leaves used as construction materials for fences, walls, and roofs.
o Provide edible and non- edible products.

18
 Neelakurinji
Context
It has been included on the IUCN (International Union for
Conservation of Nature) official Red List of threatened
species under the Vulnerable category.

About Neelakurinji
Shrub known for massive blooming every 12 years.
Semelparous, i.e., single reproductive episode before death.
Location: Shola grasslands of Western Ghats - the Nilgiri
hills, Palani hills and the Eravikulam hills of Munnar, also
N STAT Shevaroy hills in the Eastern Ghats.
IU C

EN
o The name Nilgiris (blue mountains) was derived from the
US

colors of these flowers.

Major Threats: Tea and softwood plantations, urbanization,
invasion of exotic species like eucalyptus, black wattle,
etc.

Water Spinach

Context
Water spinach now reached the door of the farmers with the
technology developed by the Indian Institute of Vegetable
Research (IIVR).

About Water spinach

Native to tropics and subtropics, this semi-aquatic
perennial plant is believed to have been the first
domesticated in Southeast Asia.
Benefits
o Rich in folic acid (vitamin B9); Contains medium levels of
beta carotene, calcium, vitamin E and C.
o Helps prevent neural tube defects in unborn children.
o Being rich in iron, it's beneficial for people with anemia.
o Has great potential as a purifier of aquatic habitats.

Ashwagandha (withania somnifera)

Context
Ashwagandha is growing in popularity, both in India and abroad.

About Ashwagandha
It is an evergreen shrub found in parts of India, Africa,
and the Middle East.
Used as a medicinal plant, especially in traditional Ayurvedic
medicine.
Contains several bioactive compounds, including withanolides,
which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Its supplements are often promoted for stress and anxiety,
sleep, male infertility, athletic performance, etc.

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 Kashmir Chinars
Context
Recently, Kashmir Chinars got digital protection through
geo-tagging with QR-code.

About Kashmir Chinars

Native: Originated in Greece, found throughout Kashmir,
grows characteristically in Eastern Himalayas.
Char Chinar, an Island on the Dal Lake, Srinagar is named
Key Features after it.
Large and deciduous, growing up to 30 meters tall, takes about 150 years to reach to full height.
Known for its longevity and its leaves changes colors, i.e., deep green (summer), blood-red, amber
and yellow (autumn).
Applications: Used for medicinal purposes, wood for interior furniture, and making dyes, etc.

Tropical Plant Subabul

Context
Recently, researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in
Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati have identified
the therapeutic potential of Subabul in managing insulin
resistance related to type II diabetes.

About Subabul
It is a fast-growing traditional medicinal leguminous tree
native to tropical and subtropical regions.
It is traditionally used by ethnic communities for its nutritional value, with leaves and seeds
consumed raw or cooked in soups and salads as a rich source of protein and fiber.

Dicliptera polymorpha
Context
Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune
discovered a new species of Dicliptera in the Western Ghats
(one of India's four global biodiversity hotspots)

About Dicliptera polymorpha

Habitat: Thrives in open grasslands with extreme
conditions like drought and frequent fires, utilizing robust
rootstocks to endure environmental stress.
Unusual dual-blooming pattern: Blooms twice a year, once post-monsoon (From early November
to March or April) and again after grassland fires (in May and June).
Spicate inflorescence: It is the only known Indian species with this spicate inflorescence structure,
with its closest allied being found in Africa.

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 Sea buckthorn
Context
Women in Ladakh play a key role in sea buckthorn cultivation

About sea buckthorn

It was given GI Tag in 2023
In Ladakh, it is grown completely organically without any
pesticides. The berries are harvested in September-October
every year.
Every part of the plant, including fruit, leaf, twig, root and thorn, has been traditionally used as
medicine, nutritional supplement, etc
Therefore, It is popularly known as 'Wonder Plant, Ladakh Gold, Golden Bush or Gold Mine of
cold deserts'.

Water Hyacinth
Context
Women from flood-prone Borchila in Assam are transforming
water hyacinth into eco-friendly products and creating jobs
under SBM-Urban.

About Water Hyacinth

Water Hyacinth is a non-native aquatic invasive plant that

has become widespread in India.
Positive Impact/Usage of Water Hyacinth
It can reduce water pollution (Absorb heavy metals, toxins) and process animal feed, compost,
and bioenergy.
It can be harvested and processed into eco-friendly products like crafts and furniture.
Negative Impacts of Water Hyacinth
Water Quality Degradation: It depletes oxygen in water, harming aquatic life.
Ecological Imbalance: It can outcompete native plant species, leading to a decline in
biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems.

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 Context: PM engaged with number of wild animals during inauguration of Vantara,
the world's largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center, located in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Okapi

Characteristics
The okapi (Okapia johnstoni), often referred to as the "forest
giraffe" or "zebra giraffe".
Okapis are solitary animals, primarily diurnal, and have large
home ranges that they mark with scent glands on their feet.

N STAT
Habitat
IU C

Endemic to arid regions of northwest India, southern India, and

US

EN Sri Lanka.

African Lion (Panthera leo)

Characteristics
Males have thick manes; females are the main hunters.
In compare to Asiatic lions, African lions are larger, have
darker, fuller manes, and roam in large prides.

N S T AT Habitat
I UC

VU
US

Savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands in sub-Saharan

Appendix 1 Africa

Rare Two-Headed Turtle (Bicephalic Chelonian)

Characteristics
A genetic mutation causes two heads on a single body
(condition known as polycephaly or bicephaly).
Both heads may function independently, leading to
coordination challenges.
Not a separate species, so no specific conservation status.
Often kept in captivity due to survival challenges in the wild.

Habitat
Savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands in sub-Saharan
Africa
1

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 Orangutan (Pongo spp.)

Characteristics
Large, reddish-brown primates with long arms
Highly intelligent, tool users, and strong memory
Solitary, except for mothers with offspring

Three Species
N STAT
Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli.
IU C

CR
US

WPA, 1972 Habitat

Schedule I
Tropical rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra
Appendix 1

Threats
Deforestation due to rubber plantation, illegal pet trade, and poaching

Lemurs

Characteristics
Lemurs are primates belonging to the infraorder Lemuriformes.
With over 100 species, they range from the tiny mouse lemur
to the large indri.
Many species are social, often living in female-dominated
groups.
Many lemur species (not all) are listed under Appendix I.

Habitat
Found exclusively in Madagascar and the nearby Comoros
Islands.
Lemurs are arboreal.
They inhabit diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, dry deciduous forests,
mangroves, and spiny forests.

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