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Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) and Antarctic Fur Seal have been uplisted to the 'Endangered' category on the IUCN Red List.
The primary reason for this change in conservation status is the escalating impact of climate change, particularly sea ice loss.
The Emperor Penguin is recognized as the largest penguin species, uniquely adapted to breed in extreme Antarctic winter conditions.
The decision by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) underscores the severe threats faced by polar ecosystems.
The IUCN Red List classifies species into categories like 'Least Concern', 'Near Threatened', 'Vulnerable', 'Endangered', 'Critically Endangered', 'Extinct in the Wild', and 'Extinct'. 'Endangered' signifies a very high risk of extinction in the wild. For polar species, climate change primarily manifests as rising temperatures leading to significant loss of sea ice. This sea ice is critical for Emperor Penguins as stable platforms for breeding, chick-rearing, and molting, and for Antarctic Fur Seals as foraging grounds and resting areas. Reduced sea ice also impacts the availability of krill, a primary food source, disrupting the entire food chain.
Simple Analogy: Imagine a house built on ice. If the ice melts, the house collapses. Similarly, polar species rely on sea ice for their survival, and its disappearance threatens their very existence.
Global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. It compiles and maintains the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The direct cause of sea ice loss, impacting polar species and ecosystems globally.
The core objective of the IUCN Red List, aiming to prevent species extinction and maintain ecological balance.
Fragile and unique environments highly susceptible to climate change, serving as critical indicators of global environmental health.
Decisions like IUCN uplisting often inform and influence international conventions and protocols aimed at environmental protection.
GS Paper III: Environment & Ecology – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
General Awareness: Environment, Current Affairs.
General Awareness: Environmental issues, Current Affairs.
General Awareness: Environmental studies, Current Affairs.
General Knowledge: Environmental science, Current Affairs.
"Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by
Answer: The UNFCCC Secretariat
Each day is more or less the same, the morning is clear and bright with a sea breeze; as the Sun climbs high in the sky, heat mounts up, dark clouds form, then rain comes with thunder and lightning. But rain is soon over. Which of the following regions is described in the above passage?
Answer: Equatorial
With reference to a conservation organization called 'Wetlands International', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention. 2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: 2 only
Medium to High for UPSC (conservation status updates are common), Medium for SSC/Defence.
Global standard for assessing extinction risk.
A conservation status indicating a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Scientific name for Emperor Penguin.
Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily due to human activities.
Reduction in the extent and thickness of sea ice, a critical habitat for polar species.