Current Affairs - Environment

The Eastern Imperial Eagle, a rare migratory raptor, was recently spotted at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu during the winter season. This sighting underscores Mudumalai’s significance as a key habitat for migratory birds of prey, offering open grasslands, forest edges, tall nesting trees, and abundant prey. The reserve, part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, supports diverse wildlife and helps maintain ecological balance as these top predators regulate small mammal populations. Increasing tourism pressure poses challenges, making sustainable management critical to protect both migratory and resident species in this ecologically sensitive area.

The sighting of the Eastern Imperial Eagle highlights the ecological importance of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. This winter migratory raptor is a top predator that helps regulate rodent and small mammal populations, serving as an indicator of a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the presence of this species underscores the conservation value of the reserve. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve spans 321 square kilometres in the Nilgiris and forms part of the Western Ghats and the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, making it a crucial habitat for diverse flora and fauna.

Peru has taken a landmark step in environmental conservation by granting legal rights to Amazonian stingless bees through local ordinances passed in two municipalities. This decision recognises the ecological and cultural importance of these ancient pollinators, which play a crucial role in maintaining rainforest biodiversity and supporting key crops. By legally protecting their right to exist, survive, and thrive in a healthy environment, Peru has extended the concept of rights of nature to insects for the first time globally. The move also reflects growing awareness of indigenous knowledge and the urgent need to address threats such as deforestation and climate change.

The Union government designated the Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary as an Eco-Sensitive Zone to provide enhanced protection to its fragile wetland ecosystem. Spread across about 1,084 hectares in Uttar Pradesh, the sanctuary is an important habitat for both resident and migratory birds, including species arriving from Central Asia and Tibet. Eco-Sensitive Zone status helps regulate activities around the sanctuary, reducing threats such as pollution, unplanned construction, and habitat degradation. The move supports long-term biodiversity conservation while encouraging sustainable, nature-based tourism that balances ecological protection with local livelihood opportunities.

The release of 35 critically endangered vultures into Kaziranga marks a major step in restoring populations that have suffered severe declines due to diclofenac poisoning and slow natural recovery. The site chosen lies in the 6th Addition area under the Bishwanath Wildlife Division, providing a secure habitat for acclimatisation. Supported by the Bombay Natural History Society, a soft-release environment was prepared to help the birds gradually adjust to the wild. This initiative highlights the importance of Assam as a remaining stronghold for vulture conservation and demonstrates a coordinated national effort to rebuild the species’ fragile population.