Daily Current Affairs : 22-June-2024
A recent survey in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park has led to an exciting discovery—the striped caecilian, a limbless amphibian that was previously unknown in this region. This fascinating creature belongs to the amphibian order Apoda, meaning “without legs.” Let’s explore the key aspects of this discovery and what it reveals about the biodiversity of Kaziranga.
About the Striped Caecilian
The striped caecilian is a captivating creature that spends most of its life burrowed underground. Some essential features of the striped caecilian are:
- Limbless and Wormlike: Caecilians have no limbs and resemble large earthworms, making them difficult to spot in their natural habitat.
- Skin and Eyes: These amphibians have smooth, moist skin that is segmented. Their small eyes are covered by skin, limiting their ability to see clearly, although they can still detect light and dark.
- Breathing: Caecilians can breathe both through their skin and lungs, an adaptation that allows them to thrive in their underground environment.
- Egg-Laying: They belong to the genus Ichthyophis, and like many amphibians, they lay eggs.
- Habitat: While caecilians are found in six distinct families across Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia, this new discovery in Kaziranga adds to their known range.
Kaziranga National Park: A Rich Biodiversity Hub
Kaziranga National Park, located in the state of Assam, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a crucial region for wildlife conservation.
- World Heritage Site: Kaziranga was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, recognizing its unique ecological value.
- Important Bird Area: In 1986, it was also recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area, highlighting its importance for bird conservation.
- One-Horned Rhinos: Kaziranga is famous for being home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinos, which are a primary conservation focus.
Conservation and Wildlife
Kaziranga is home to a variety of important species, with much of the conservation efforts focused on the “big four”:
- Rhino: Kaziranga has the largest population of one-horned rhinos in the world.
- Elephant: The park is also known for its wild elephant population.
- Royal Bengal Tiger: The park provides a safe habitat for the endangered Bengal tigers.
- Asiatic Water Buffalo: Another critical species that calls Kaziranga home.
Rivers and Geography
The park is situated in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain, with the Diphlu River flowing through it. The river is essential for maintaining the park’s ecosystem, providing water and supporting aquatic life.
Important Points:
Discovery of Striped Caecilian: A recent survey in Kaziranga National Park led to the discovery of the striped caecilian, a limbless amphibian previously unknown in the region.
Caecilian Characteristics:
- Limbless and wormlike, resembling large earthworms.
- Smooth, moist skin that is segmented.
- Small eyes covered by skin, detecting light and dark.
- Can breathe through both skin and lungs.
- Belongs to the genus Ichthyophis and lays eggs.
Caecilian’s Habitat: Found in six families across Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. The discovery in Kaziranga expands their known range.
Kaziranga National Park:
- Located in Assam, India, and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
- Declared an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International in 1986.
- Known for its large population of one-horned rhinos.
Conservation Focus:
- Kaziranga is home to the “big four” species: one-horned rhinos, elephants, Bengal tigers, and Asiatic water buffalo.
Geographical Importance: The park is situated in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain, with the Diphlu River running through it, vital for the ecosystem.
Importance of Biodiversity: The discovery of the striped caecilian highlights the significance of preserving ecosystems like Kaziranga, which support both iconic and lesser-known species.
Why In News
A limbless amphibian, the striped caecilian (Ichthyophis spp.), has been newly discovered in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve during a recent survey, marking an exciting addition to the park’s already rich biodiversity. This rare find highlights the park’s ecological significance and the potential for further discoveries in its diverse ecosystems.
MCQs about The Striped Caecilian in Kaziranga National Park
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What unique characteristic does the striped caecilian have?
A. It has no limbs
B. It has wings for flying
C. It is a mammal
D. It can breathe underwater
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Where was the striped caecilian newly discovered?
A. Africa
B. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
C. South America
D. Southeast Asia
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Which of the following species is a key conservation focus in Kaziranga National Park?
A. Striped caecilian
B. Bengal Tiger
C. Giraffe
D. Polar Bear
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What ecological feature runs through Kaziranga National Park?
A. Nile River
B. Ganges River
C. Diphlu River
D. Amazon River
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