Daily Current Affairs : 18-December-2023
The European wood bison, scientifically known as Bison bonasus or Wisent, is facing a precarious situation due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This conflict poses a significant threat to the conservation efforts aimed at saving the last remnants of this mega-fauna species.
Background:
- The Wisent is the largest and heaviest land mammal in Europe, playing a crucial role as an ecosystem engineer.
- Once thriving in grasslands, deciduous, and mixed forests, the Wisent faced near extinction by 1927, with only one subspecies remaining.
Historical Significance:
- The European wood bison has a rich history, having originally consisted of three subspecies.
- At the end of the last ice age, these majestic creatures roamed in large herds across Europe, contributing to the balance of the ecosystem.
Threats to Survival:
- The main drivers of the Wisent’s historical decline were rapid environmental changes and human hunting.
- Human activities, including hunting and land use changes, led to the loss of their range, particularly in the north, east, west, and south.
Ecological Role:
- The Wisent serves as an essential ecosystem engineer, contributing significantly to the restoration of grassland habitats.
- Its presence helps maintain the delicate balance within the ecosystem by shaping its surroundings.
Conservation Status:
- Currently listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List, the European wood bison faces an uphill battle for survival.
- The ongoing conflict in Ukraine poses an additional challenge, jeopardizing the dedicated efforts to protect and conserve this endangered species.
Important Points:
- Background:
- Wisent, largest and heaviest land mammal in Europe.
- Once thriving in grasslands, deciduous, and mixed forests.
- Near extinction by 1927, with only one subspecies remaining.
- Historical Significance:
- Originally three subspecies.
- Roamed across Europe in large herds at the end of the last ice age.
- Threats to Survival:
- Main drivers of decline: rapid environmental changes and human hunting.
- Human activities, including hunting and land use changes, led to range loss.
- Ecological Role:
- Essential ecosystem engineer.
- Contributes significantly to the restoration of grassland habitats.
- Conservation Status:
- Currently listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List.
- Ongoing conflict in Ukraine adds a significant challenge to conservation efforts.
Why In News
A new study has warned that the ongoing war in Ukraine could act as a spanner in the works for efforts to save the last remnant of the mega-fauna European wood bison, jeopardizing crucial conservation initiatives and exacerbating the already precarious situation for this endangered species.
MCQs about European Wood Bison’s Survival
-
What is the current conservation status of the European wood bison (Wisent)?
A. Endangered
B. Critically Endangered
C. Near Threatened
D. Least Concern
-
What played a significant role in the historical decline of the European wood bison?
A. Disease outbreak
B. Climate change
C. Human hunting
D. Natural disasters
-
What is the ecological role of the European wood bison?
A. Predator
B. Prey
C. Ecosystem engineer
D. Pollinator
-
What is the main threat posed to the European wood bison ?
A. Climate change
B. Habitat loss
C. Invasive species
D. Ongoing war in Ukraine
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