Australian Shorebird Re-sighted on Narcondam Island, Andaman & Nicobar
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A Ruddy Turnstone, a shorebird tagged in Australia, was re-sighted on Narcondam Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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This marks the first recorded re-sighting of a tagged bird on Narcondam, highlighting its ecological importance.
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The bird travelled over 7,400 km, underscoring the vast migratory routes of these species.
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The sighting provides valuable data for understanding bird migration patterns and conservation efforts.
- ●**Bird Species:** Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), a migratory shorebird.
- ●**Origin:** Tagged in Australia.
- ●**Re-sighting Location:** Narcondam Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
- ●**Distance Covered:** Over 7,400 kilometers.
- ●**Significance:** First recorded re-sighting of a tagged bird on Narcondam Island.
- ●**Expert Involved:** Former assistant director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
Bird Migration
Bird migration is the regular seasonal movement, often north and south, undertaken by many species of birds. It is typically a long-distance journey from breeding grounds to wintering grounds and back. These movements are driven by changes in food availability, habitat, and breeding conditions. Migratory birds often follow specific routes known as 'flyways'.
Simple Analogy: Think of bird migration like people moving to different cities for work or vacation depending on the season, seeking better conditions or resources.
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
One of the largest non-governmental organizations in India engaged in conservation and biodiversity research. It conducts field research, publishes scientific journals, and advocates for wildlife protection.
Narcondam Island is a small volcanic island located in the Andaman Sea, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India. It is an extinct volcano and is designated as the Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary. It is known for its unique biodiversity, including the endemic Narcondam Hornbill, and serves as a crucial stopover point for migratory birds.
East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF)
Narcondam Island lies along this major migratory bird flyway, which stretches from the Arctic to Australia and New Zealand, connecting over 22 countries.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Wildlife Sanctuaries like Narcondam Island are protected under this act, ensuring the conservation of their flora and fauna, including migratory species.
Biodiversity Hotspots
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are part of a larger biodiversity hotspot, making conservation efforts in the region globally significant.
Exam Relevance
GS Paper III - Environment & Ecology, Biodiversity, Conservation; GS Paper I - Geography (Indian Geography, Islands)
General Awareness - Geography, Environment, Important Organizations
General Awareness - Environmental Issues, Current Affairs
General Science (Biology), General Knowledge (Geography, Environment)
General Awareness - Geography, Environment
Previously Asked (PYQs)
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
Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat? 1. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary 2. Gangotri National Park 3. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary 4. Manas National Park Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: 1 and 2 only
With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements: 1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government. 2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas. 3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 2 and 3 only
Expected Questions
- ★UPSC may ask: 'Consider the following statements regarding Narcondam Island...' or 'Which of the following statements about bird migration is/are correct?'
- ★SSC/Banking/Railway may ask: 'Which bird species was recently re-sighted on Narcondam Island?' or 'Narcondam Island is located in which sea?'
- ★Questions on the role and headquarters of BNHS are also possible.
Topic Frequency
Medium to High for Environment and Geography sections.
Key Terms
A migratory shorebird known for its long-distance journeys.
An extinct volcanic island in the Andaman Sea, designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
A method used by ornithologists to track individual birds, study migration, survival, and population dynamics.
A flight path used in bird migration.
Must Remember
- •Narcondam Island is an extinct volcanic island and a Wildlife Sanctuary.
- •It is a crucial stopover for migratory birds, including the Ruddy Turnstone.
- •The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is a key organization in Indian wildlife conservation.
- •The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are significant for biodiversity and migratory bird routes.
Exam Tips
- •Pay attention to the specific names of species, locations, and associated conservation bodies.
- •Understand the broader ecological context, such as migratory flyways and the importance of protected areas.
- •For UPSC, focus on conceptual understanding and interconnections between geography, environment, and conservation.