TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has launched a groundbreaking portal documenting all animal species in India.
EXPLANATION:
- This initiative, claimed to be the first of its kind globally, was unveiled during a meeting held in Kolkata on June 30, 2024, coinciding with the 109th foundation day celebration of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
The Portal: A Comprehensive Faunal Database
- The portal, featuring records of over 100,000 animal species, was meticulously prepared by more than 150 ZSI scientists over two years.
- It serves as a comprehensive database, documenting India’s entire fauna since the 1750s.
- This ambitious project positions India as a global leader in biodiversity conservation.
- During the inauguration, Minister emphasized the portal’s significance as an invaluable resource for scientists and policymakers worldwide.
- The ‘Fauna of India Checklist Portal’ aims to be a reference point for ongoing and future biodiversity studies and conservation efforts.
2023 Discoveries: An Overview
- In 2023, scientists and researchers, including those from ZSI, recorded 641 newly discovered animal species across India.
- Kerala led the discoveries with 101 new species, followed by West Bengal with 72, and Tamil Nadu with 62.
- The report “Animal Discoveries–2023” lists 442 species new to science and 199 species newly recorded in India.
- The Hymenopterans (ants, bees, and wasps) and Arachnids (spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks) dominated the findings with 112 and 86 new species, respectively.
- Additionally, 47 new fish species, 20 reptiles, and two mammals were documented.
- Notable Mammal Discoveries
- Capra himalayensis: A new ibex species discovered in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh within the Himalayan range.
- Miniopterus srinii: A new bat species found in Kodagu district, Karnataka.
- Regional Contributions
- Kerala: 101 new discoveries
- West Bengal: 72 new discoveries
- Tamil Nadu: 62 new discoveries
- Arunachal Pradesh: 45 new discoveries
- Karnataka: 45 new discoveries
India’s Global Biodiversity Leadership
- Since the 1750s, 104,561 species have been recorded in India.
- This comprehensive catalog positions India as a leader in documenting and conserving biodiversity, as highlighted by the ZSI report.
- India is recognized as one of the world’s 17 megadiverse nations, containing approximately 7-8% of the world’s documented species and home to four of the 34 globally recognized biodiversity hotspots.
- This underlines the critical importance of India’s efforts in biodiversity conservation.
Environmental Initiatives
- “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”
- MoEFCC Minister reiterated his commitment to the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, inspired by Prime Minister.
- This initiative encourages citizens to plant trees in honor of their mothers, celebrating both motherhood and the environment.
- The campaign was highlighted during the World Environment Day celebrations and Modi’s “Mann ki Baat” address on June 30, 2024.
- Mission LiFE
- Another priority for Minister of MoEFCC is Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a public movement advocating for pro-planet lifestyle changes.
- It was launched by PM Modi in November 2021.
- Mission LiFE aims to foster environmentally sustainable living practices.
- Climate Financial Support
- On the climate front, the need for increased financial support from developed countries has been emphasised.
- India’s efforts to push this agenda at upcoming international forums, including COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan has been highlighted.
- As chair of a key climate finance meeting, MoEFCC is committed to securing the necessary funding to address climate change challenges.
Criticism and Environmental Performance Concerns
- Despite these initiatives, India faces criticism regarding its environmental performance.
- An environmental activist from Delhi pointed out that India ranks among the bottom five countries in the recent global Environmental Performance Index, reflecting ongoing challenges in environmental regulation and management.
- The environment ministry has rebutted this index, arguing that the assessment indicators were extrapolated and based on unscientific methods.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
- The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on 1st July, 1916.
- It aims to promote survey, exploration and research leading to the advancement in our knowledge of various aspects of exceptionally rich life of the erstwhile ´British Indian Empire´.
- The survey has its genesis in the establishment of the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
- By gradually strengthening its staff and expanding its research programme, the Survey has met the challenge of the past and is on its way to meet the demands of the future.
- It has maintained its primary objectives unchanged from its inception
