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A new study provides the first comprehensive population estimate for Jungle Cats (Felis chaus) in India, ranging from 1.57 lakh to 4.59 lakh individuals.
Despite being listed as 'Least Concern' by IUCN, the study indicates their populations are shrinking and they are understudied compared to larger carnivores.
Jungle Cats are protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, making their hunting or trading illegal.
Agro-pastoral landscapes and open natural ecosystems are identified as crucial habitats for Jungle Cats, facing threats from human pressure, habitat fragmentation, and stray dogs.
Kleptoparasitism is a form of parasitism where one animal steals food or other resources from another. In the context of the article, stray dogs are noted to engage in kleptoparasitism by snatching kills from jungle cats. Bycatch, in the context of wildlife surveys, refers to data collected incidentally during a study primarily focused on another species. The jungle cat records used in this study were largely 'bycatch' from tiger surveys, demonstrating the value of such incidental data for understanding lesser-studied species.
Simple Analogy: Kleptoparasitism is like a bully stealing another kid's lunch. Bycatch in surveys is like finding a rare coin while digging for something else entirely.
Global authority on the status of the natural world and measures needed to safeguard it. Maintains the Red List of Threatened Species.
A national centre for ornithology and natural history in India, involved in research and conservation.
A research center in Bangalore, India, dedicated to fundamental research in the frontier areas of biology.
The legal framework for wildlife conservation in India, under which Jungle Cats are protected.
The study highlights threats like habitat fragmentation, road accidents, and stray dogs, which are direct outcomes of human expansion into wildlife habitats.
Emphasizes the ecological value and conservation needs of non-forest ecosystems like grasslands and scrublands, which are crucial for Jungle Cats.
Broadens the scope of conservation beyond megafauna to include lesser-known but ecologically important species like small wild cats.
GS Paper III: Environment & Ecology – Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Species in News, Wildlife Protection Act, IUCN Red List.
General Awareness: Environment, Wildlife, Scientific Names, Government Acts.
General Awareness: Environmental issues, Species in News.
General Science & GK: Biology (Zoology), Environment, Current Affairs.
General Awareness: Environment, Wildlife, Current Affairs.
Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India. Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
With reference to India, Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol and Khatu are the names of
Answer: saline lakes
Consider the following statements: Statement 1: The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Arbor Day Foundation have recently recognized Hyderabad as 2020 Tree City of the World. Statement 2: Hyderabad was selected for the recognition for a year following its commitment to grow and maintain the urban forests. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: Statement 1 is not correct but Statement 2 is correct
High for environment and ecology sections, especially for species in news and conservation efforts.
Scientific name for the Jungle Cat.
The world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
A category under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, offering high protection to species, making hunting and trading illegal.
Areas combining agricultural practices with livestock grazing, identified as crucial habitats for Jungle Cats.
A form of parasitism where one animal steals food or resources from another, e.g., stray dogs stealing kills from jungle cats.