Daily Current Affairs : 2-July-2024

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has authorized a considerable budget of Rs 56 crore for the subsequent section of conservation efforts focused on the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and the Lesser Florican. This funding is aimed toward ensuring the survival and healing of those endangered species via a variety of targeted conservation actions.

Background of the Conservation Program

Since 2016, the Wildlife Institute of India has led a committed conservation program designed to guard the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican. These species are most of the most critically endangered birds in India, with hastily shrinking populations because of habitat loss, human-wildlife battle, and poaching. The long-time period program is centered on reversing the decline of these species and restoring their populations within the wild.

Goals of the Next Phase (2024–2033)

The subsequent section of the conservation assignment, a good way to run from 2024 to 2033, has several key targets:

  • Habitat Development: Protecting and restoring the herbal habitats of the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican. This will involve measures to enhance the exceptional of their ecosystems and make sure secure breeding grounds.
  • In-Situ Conservation: Focusing on retaining the birds of their natural habitats thru direct interventions inclusive of reducing human disturbances and ensuring better safety against poaching.
  • Conservation Breeding Centre: Completing the construction of a devoted breeding centre. This will allow for the captive breeding of those birds, with the purpose of sooner or later liberating them into the wild to help bolster wild populations.
  • Releasing Captive-Bred Birds: The program also consists of releasing birds bred in captivity back into their natural environments, ensuring that they may be healthful and able to surviving within the wild.

Other Protected Species

In addition to the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican, the conservation efforts will also advantage different species including the Bengal Florican and Houbara Bustard. These birds, although much less famous, are also endangered and stand to benefit from the wider conservation moves being undertaken.

Important Points:

  • Funding Approved: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has approved Rs 56 crore for the next phase of conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican.
  • Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Since 2016, the WII has been leading a dedicated program to conserve the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican, two critically endangered bird species in India.
  • Conservation Goals (2024-2033):
    • Habitat Development: Protecting and restoring the natural habitats of GIB and Lesser Florican to ensure safe breeding grounds.
    • In-Situ Conservation: Protecting the birds in their natural environments by reducing human disturbances and improving protection against poaching.
    • Breeding Centre: Completion of a conservation breeding centre to support captive breeding of these species.
    • Releasing Captive-Bred Birds: Releasing healthy, captive-bred birds back into the wild to help increase their populations.
  • Other Protected Species: The conservation efforts will also benefit other endangered species like the Bengal Florican and Houbara Bustard.
  • Significance of the Program: The initiative aims to reverse the decline of these species, contributing to the biodiversity conservation of India’s grasslands and savannas.
  • Hope for the Future: With the funding and focus on habitat restoration, breeding, and direct interventions, the program offers a strong chance for the recovery and long-term survival of these endangered species.

Why In News

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has approved Rs 56 crore for the next phase of Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican conservation, marking a significant step toward protecting these critically endangered species and ensuring their long-term survival in the wild.

MCQs about Conservation of the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican

  1. Who has approved the funding for the next phase of the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican conservation program?
    A. Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
    B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
    C. Government of India
    D. Ministry of Forests and Wildlife
    Correct Answer: B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
    Explanation: The MoEFCC has approved Rs 56 crore for the next phase of conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican, as mentioned in the essay.
  2. What is one of the key objectives of the conservation program planned for 2024–2033?
    A) Increasing the number of tourist visits to the protected areas
    B) Developing a dedicated breeding center for the species
    C) Introducing new species to the ecosystem
    D) Increasing human settlements near conservation areas
    Correct Answer: B. Developing a dedicated breeding center for the species
    Explanation: One of the main goals of the conservation program is to complete the construction of a dedicated breeding center for the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican, which will support captive breeding efforts.
  3. Which of the following species is NOT mentioned as part of the conservation efforts ?
    A) Great Indian Bustard
    B) Lesser Florican
    C) Bengal Florican
    D) Peacock
    Correct Answer: D. Peacock
    Explanation: The Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Bengal Florican, and Houbara Bustard as species targeted for conservation. The Peacock is not mentioned in the context of this particular program.
  4. What is one of the strategies for in-situ conservation ?
    A) Moving the birds to new protected areas
    B) Reducing human disturbances and improving protection against poaching
    C) Breeding birds in captivity and keeping them in zoos
    D) Introducing new species to the habitat
    Correct Answer: B. Reducing human disturbances and improving protection against poaching
    Explanation: In-situ conservation focuses on preserving the birds in their natural environments. This includes efforts like reducing human disturbances and improving protection against poaching, as stated in the essay.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading