Daily Current Affairs : 3-February-2024
The black-crowned night heron, recognized locally as ‘Chongkhu’ in Manipur, recently made headlines when this bird, banded in Beijing, China, landed in Manipur and later died. While this event is unfortunate, it highlights the importance of global projects geared toward monitoring and preserving migratory species.
Characteristics of the Black-Crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the heron family. Here are a few key points about this species:
- Habitat: They thrive in freshwater wetlands, consisting of swamps, marshes, and rice paddies.
- Diet: These birds generally feed on fish, frogs, insects, and other small animals.
- Behavior: They are mostly nocturnal, meaning they hunt at night. They use their sharp beaks to spear prey in shallow waters.
Migration Patterns
Some populations of black-crowned night herons are migratory. They travel long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds. This migration is critical for their survival, as it allows them to find suitable habitats and food sources throughout the year.
Conservation Status
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global population of black-crowned night herons is classified as “Least Concern.” This means that, overall, they are not currently facing immediate extinction. However, they still face several threats:
- Habitat Loss: Urban development and agriculture can destroy their natural habitats.
- Pollution: Chemicals and waste in water bodies can harm their food sources.
- Hunting: In some regions, these birds are hunted for sport or food.
Important Points:
Local Name: The black-crowned night heron is known as ‘Chongkhu’ in Manipur.
Recent Event: A Chongkhu, banded in Beijing, China, landed in Manipur and later died, highlighting global conservation efforts.
Characteristics:
- Size: Medium-sized bird in the heron family.
- Habitat: Prefers freshwater wetlands like swamps, marshes, and rice paddies.
- Diet: Feeds on fish, frogs, insects, and other small animals.
- Behavior: Mostly nocturnal and uses sharp beaks to catch prey in shallow waters.
Migration:
- Some populations are migratory, traveling long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
- Migration is essential for finding suitable habitats and food.
Conservation Status:
- Classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, indicating a stable global population.
Threats:
- Habitat Loss: Urban development and agriculture destroy natural habitats.
- Pollution: Chemicals and waste in water bodies harm food sources.
- Hunting: Some birds are hunted for sport or food.
Significance: The Chongkhu’s story emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in conserving migratory species and their habitats.
Why In News
The black-crowned night heron, locally known as ‘Chongkhu,’ landed in Manipur after being banded at the Weishan Bird Banding Station in Beijing, China, highlighting the extensive migratory routes these birds travel and the importance of international conservation efforts.
MCQs about The Black-Crowned Night Heron
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What is the local name for the black-crowned night heron in Manipur?
A. Chengku
B. Chongkhu
C. Chikhra
D. Chandra
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Where was the black-crowned night heron banded before it landed in Manipur?
A. New Delhi, India
B. Tokyo, Japan
C. Beijing, China
D. Kathmandu, Nepal
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What classification does the IUCN give to the global population of black-crowned night herons?
A. Endangered
B. Vulnerable
C. Least Concern
D. Critically Endangered
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Which of the following is NOT a threat faced by black-crowned night herons?
A. Habitat Loss
B. Climate Change
C. Pollution
D. Hunting
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