Summary of Key Points on India's National Red List Assessment Initiative

Project Overview:

• Title: National Red List Assessment of Indian Flora and Fauna.
• Objective: Assess vulnerabilities of approximately 11,000 species of plants and animals in India up to 2030.
• Methodology: Follows guidelines of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, aimed at establishing a coordinated, science-based system for conservation.

Goals and Deliverables:

• Creation of National Red Data Books by 2030.
• Publishing peer-reviewed assessments and thematic publications.
• Development of a user-friendly online database.
• Formation of a pool of 300 certified assessors to enhance national capacity in conservation.

Government and Institutional Involvement:

• Ministerial Oversight: Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for Environment, emphasized the initiative's alignment with national commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).
• Collaborating Organizations: Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), IUCN India, and other conservation entities involved in assessment efforts.

Funding and Budget:

• Total estimated budget: ₹95 crore.
  • ₹80 crore from BSI and ZSI.
  • ₹15 crore allocated for training, workshops, and external capacity-building efforts mobilized by IUCN India and CSS: India - WTI.

Global Context:

• IUCN Red List as a global standard currently assesses 169,420 species with plans to assess 94,000 additional species and reassess 142,000 by 2030.
• The Living Planet Report 2024 indicates significant declines in global biodiversity:
  • 73% decrease in the average population of 5,495 vertebrate species (1970-2020).
  • 85% decline in freshwater species.
  • Over 40% of plant species face extinction.
  • Current extinction rates are 1,000 to 10,000 times higher than historical averages.

Importance:

This initiative is significant for informed conservation measures and environmental policy, aiming to tackle the critical decline in biodiversity and promote sustainable ecosystems in India.

Exam-Focused Summary on Invasive Alien Species & Biodiversity in India

Overview of Invasive Alien Species

• Definition: Invasive alien species are non-native species introduced accidentally or intentionally that disrupt local ecosystems.
• Global Statistics: Approximately 37,000 alien species established globally; 200 new species introduced each year.
• Negative Impact: About 3,500 species (10%) have adverse effects on ecosystems and human communities.

Invasive Species in India

• Total Species: India is home to approximately 139 identified invasive alien species, primarily affecting agriculture and biodiversity.
• Examples:
  • Lantana camara: Introduced as an ornamental plant but obstructs conservation efforts for elephants by invading habitats.
  • Prosopis juliflora: Initially brought to combat soil salinization; now covers 50-60% of the Banni grasslands, leading to water scarcity and disrupting local ecosystems.

Impacts on Biodiversity and Ecosystems

• Aquatic Ecosystems: Invasive aquatic species like water hyacinth threaten 1,070 species of freshwater fishes. India has 626 alien aquatic species, predominantly from aquarium and aquaculture industries.
• Threats to Native Species: Invasive species affect the survival and reproductive success of native flora and fauna, disrupt food webs, and alter nutrient cycling.

Conservation Challenges

• Documentation Gap: Lack of comprehensive records on the invasion history and ecological impact of many species complicates action. Only a few species have detailed studies unlike Lantana and Prosopis.
• Coordination Issues: There is a need for better communication among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders for effective conservation strategies.

Recommendations by Experts

• Conservation Planning Dilemma: Experts debate whether to compile a full documentation of invasive species effects or conduct parallel conservation efforts.
• Proposed Solutions:
  • Develop standardized methods for assessing the cumulative impact of invasive species.
  • Focus on immediate impact studies while simultaneously preparing conservation plans.
  • Promote citizen science initiatives to create distribution atlases of invasive species.

Constitutional and Legislative Aspects

• Constitutional Engagement: The issue of biodiversity conservation intersects with the Fundamental Duties under Article 51A (g) of the Indian Constitution, which mandates the promotion of harmony and spirit of common brotherhood amongst all living beings.

Policy and Initiatives

• Government Action: Current interactions and proposed strategies emphasize the urgent need to address the socio-economic and ecological impact of invasive alien species through research and policy updates.

Conclusion

To optimize conservation of native biodiversity, India must prioritize the research and management of invasive alien species through collaborative efforts, standardized methodologies, and active engagement of diverse stakeholders. The intersection of scientific research and policy action is critical to address these ecological challenges effectively.

National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI) - Key Highlights

Background and Purpose

• The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is considering the launch of the National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI).
• The initiative aims to address the declining camel population in India, which has drastically reduced from about 11 lakh in 1977 to approximately 2,52,956 as per the 20th Livestock Census (2019).

Camel Population Decline

• Population statistics:
  • 1977: 11 lakh camels
  • 2013: ~4 lakh camels
  • 2019: 2,52,956 camels
• Major camel populations are found in:
  • Rajasthan: 2.12 lakh (predominantly breeds like Bikaneri and Jaisalmeri)
  • Gujarat: 27,620 (Kharai breed)
  • Other states: Haryana (5,154), Punjab (120), Uttar Pradesh (2,424), Madhya Pradesh (1,753), Ladakh (298).

Reasons for Decline

• Mechanisation of agriculture has diminished the utility of camels.
• Cultural shifts, particularly within the Raika community, which traditionally reared camels, leading to generational abandonment of camel husbandry.

Proposed Initiatives Under NCSI

1. Promotion of Camel Milk: Focus on camel rearing for milk production due to its nutritional benefits.

   • Camel milk is marketed by Amul, and there's potential for greater demand through awareness campaigns.
   • Addressing myths surrounding camel milk consumption to boost acceptance.

2. Policy Recommendations:

   • Need for a centralized, coordinated policy for camel conservation and sustainable management.
   • Proposed reforms include:
     • Amendments to the Rajasthan Camel Act to balance conservation with community livelihood rights.
     • Establishing safe inter-state trade mechanisms and enhancing transport infrastructure.

3. Cross-Sectoral Coordination: Engage various ministries such as:

   • Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
   • Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
   • Ministry of Rural Development
   • Ministry of Tourism
   • State governments

4. Camel Awareness Campaign:

   • Integrate camel themes into educational curricula and significant public events.
   • Encourage nationwide recognition of World Camel Day on June 22 to promote camel culture and conservation.

Economic Implications and Strategic Importance

• The decline of the camel population affects agricultural practices and livelihoods in semi-arid regions.
• Promoting camel products could enhance local economies, especially in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat where camels are integral to livelihoods.

Governance and Future Directions

• The draft policy highlights the lack of focused attention and funding for camel-related programs within mainstream livestock development initiatives.
• Emphasis on a national strategy to enhance the camel economy and support the sustainability of camel herders.

Conclusion

The National Camel Sustainability Initiative seeks to rejuvenate the camel population in India through a multi-pronged approach emphasizing conservation, milk production, and awareness, ultimately aiming to restore the socio-economic balance for camel-dependent communities.

Elephant Conflict Study in Karnataka and Kerala

Key Findings:

• Study Title: "Community mitigation decisions in elephant conflict zones of southern India depend on environmental and socio-economic drivers."
• Published in: Scientific Reports.

Study Specifics:

• Conducted by the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS).
• Surveyed 507 rural households across Karnataka and Kerala.
• Investigated environmental factors influencing human-elephant conflict mitigation, including:
  • Rainfall: Most significant predictor (28%).
  • Elevation: 16.8%.
  • Acres Owned: 15.7%.

Impacts of Barriers:

• Common barriers (trenches, solar, electric fences) induce unintended harm to elephants:
  • Karnataka: Trenches responsible for 12.8% of elephant injuries.
  • Karnataka: Solar fences contributed to 25.5% of recorded elephant deaths.
  • Kerala: Electric fences accounted for 38.3% of recorded elephant deaths.
• Poor maintenance and design of these barriers lead to fatal accidents despite their deterrent purpose.

Community Insights:

• Households in drier areas with modest landholdings had a 68% probability of using conflict mitigation measures (solar fencing, trenches, alarm systems).
• Households in wetter areas with large plots near waterbodies exhibited only a 7% probability of using these measures.
• Cultural Context: 65.8% of respondents expressed sadness or empathy towards injured or dead elephants, viewing the species with cultural and religious reverence (including associations with the Hindu god, Ganesha).
• A notable number of respondents displayed moral reluctance to harm elephants, highlighting community respect for wildlife.

Research Methodology:

• Utilized a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) model to assess decision-making drivers related to mitigation measures and their consequences for elephants.

Recommendations:

• Emphasizes the need for proactive, balanced solutions that prevent human-elephant conflict while ensuring the survival of elephants within changing landscapes.
• A call for strategies that align human needs with long-term wildlife conservation goals.

Contextual Importance:

• Addresses the growing human-wildlife conflict issues exacerbated by socio-economic factors and environmental characteristics in India.
• Suggests a multidisciplinary approach to wildlife management that includes community engagement and respect for animal welfare, essential for sustainable biodiversity conservation.

Exam-Focused Notes on Nilgiri Tahr Conservation

1. Significance of Nilgiri Tahr

• Species Role: The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) plays a critical role in the ecosystem by facilitating the formation of rivers. These rivers are essential for:
  • Providing drinking water.
  • Supporting agricultural activities.
• Habitat: Inhabits the grasslands above shola forests in Tamil Nadu.

2. Ecological Functions

• Foraging Behavior: The foraging of Nilgiri Tahr contributes to:
  • Strengthening root systems of vegetation.
  • Enhancing rainwater percolation, leading to the formation of streams, rivulets, and rivers.

3. Conservation Status

• State Animal Designation: In 2023, the Nilgiri Tahr was declared the State Animal of Tamil Nadu.
• Population Statistics: Total enumeration of Nilgiri Tahr across Tamil Nadu is 1,303, found at 177 locations.
  • Highest Population: 334 individuals recorded in the grasslands above Valparai Shola Forests.

4. Awareness Initiatives

• Educational Programs: The Forest Department conducted an awareness program targeting students, featuring:
  • Rallies.
  • Signature campaigns.
  • Display of student artwork on Nilgiri Tahr.
• Art Engagement: Over 600 drawings created by students from across Tamil Nadu were showcased, representing a significant increase from approximately 100 drawings the previous year.

5. Environmental Importance

• Grassland Maintenance: The Nilgiri Tahr is vital for:
  • Preserving the ecological balance of high-altitude grasslands.
  • Protecting these ecosystems from invasive weeds and other threats.

6. Policy and Management

• Interventions for Shola Forests: While interventions can be implemented for rejuvenating Shola forests, maintaining the population of Nilgiri Tahr is highlighted as essential for preserving grasslands and the water cycle.

7. Constitutional Context and Legal Framework

• While specific constitutional articles are not mentioned in the article, actions related to wildlife conservation typically align with provisions under:
  • Article 48A of the Constitution of India, which mandates the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which governs the protection of wildlife and their habitats.

Conclusion

The Nilgiri Tahr serves as a keystone species for its ecosystem, contributing significantly to water conservation and ecological stability. Educational initiatives enhance public awareness and participation in conservation efforts, reflecting the interconnectedness of biodiversity preservation and sustainable water resource management.