[Biodiversity] Amur Falcon Massacre, Nicobar Megapod, Narcondam Hornbill

1. Amur Falcon 2. Nicobar scrubfowl/Megapod 3. Narcondam Hornbill 4. Mock Questions

Amur Falcon
A Migratory bird from Russia. Every year, in October, they arrive in northeast India from Siberia en route to their final destination Africa. During their flight, they stop the jungles of Nagaland for a while, for food and rest. Why in News? Because some environment activists found that 120,000 to 140,000 birds are being slaughtered in Nagaland every year during their passage through the state, and sold for their meat @local markets. Theyve requested Environment Ministry to take action. India, is a signatory to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), therefore it is Governments responsibility to provide safe passage to all migratory birds, turtles etc.

Amur Falcon

Nicobar scrubfowl/Megapod
A bird, only found in Nicobar island. Why in news? Because Navy wanted to setup a missile testing site at Tillanchong Sanctuary in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Environment

Ministry rejected it, missile testing project would destroy the habitat of this bird. This Bird is also called Nicobar megapode because of its large legs. This bird is considered sacred by the Nicobarese people, was hit badly by the Indian Ocean tsunami that destroyed vast swathes of its habitat and nesting grounds. Navy Chief said, We know that Environment ministry has its reservations. But the fact is we cannot do without our firing range

Nicobar scrubfowl/Megapod

Narcondam Hornbill
Narcondam is an extremely remote, tiny island in the Andaman and Nicobar Island group, and is home to about 300 Narcondam hornbills, a species that is found nowhere else in the world. Why in news? Because The Coast Guard wanted to set up a surveillance radar here, but environment ministry rejected the proposal.

Narcondam Hornbill

Andaman Nicobar Map-click to enlarge

Mock Questions
MCQs Q1. Which of the following statements are correct? 1. Amur falcon is a bird species native to North East India. 2. Nicobar Megapod is a critically endangered insect under IUCN.

Q2. Narcondam Hornbill Is found in a. Wheelers island, Orissa b. Salim Ali National Park, Kashmir c. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa d. Andamand Nicobar islands. Mains 1. Write a short note on the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). 10marks Interview 1. With respect to, the tussle between Navy/Coast Guards vs. Environment Ministry, What is more important: National security or conservation of an endangered species? And why? 2. What do you know about Migratory Species? Do you know names of any sites your state/district, that are frequented by migratory species? 3. There are reports of large scale poaching of Migratory birds in your area. This is the only source of livelihood for many villagers and favorite dish among urban class. Forest officers are reluctant to detain anyone, fearing possible protests and unrest in the villages. As the District collector what steps will you take? Previous Posts in the same Category

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November 9th, 2012 | Category: biodiversity

9 comments to [Biodiversity] Amur Falcon Massacre, Nicobar Megapod, Narcondam Hornbill

R.Kithan

November 9, 2012 at 12:29 PM Reply I highly doubt that people of Nagaland will stop hunting. There might be a lull now but they will do the same thing next year when the migratory birds come back. Since hunting is a traditional practice of the Nagas and with article 371-A of the constitution giving the Nagas protection to follow their traditional practices and customs, i dont believe well see much improvement in future. Moreover this is a military conflict area so application of such laws as lax.

manee

November 9, 2012 at 12:41 PM Reply sir, what will be your answers for the third interview question? kindly give some points

ketan bishnoi

November 9, 2012 at 3:01 PM Reply According to me (personal opinion) 1. National security is undoubtedly important and cant be compromised at any cost. However, we should keep in mind that at the same time we as human beings shouldnt devoid species of their natural habitat. In this context, environmental clearances have been made mandatory for all processes. Thus same is applicable to defense. If navy has already considered Nicobar Megapod presence in that area and looked up for all possible repercussions of not building a firing range in Nicobar, and thereafter come to the conclusion of building it there, then there turns out to be no other option. If, however, defense has missed out or not considered environmental damages, then it should consider it and look for other options. This situation cant be categorized as black or white and we should look at all backward and forward linkages of every issue separately. 3. Few steps which can be taken a) providing alternate means of livelihood to people. b) changing their attitude to species through education, propaganda etc. c) strict laws against poachers who do it for material gains, not for livelihood d) increasing acceptance for other means of livelihood e) steps to increase population of birds to reverse the process of decreasing population of birds please add on..

harkirat

November 9, 2012 at 5:12 PM Reply Answer to the interview question: 1)As far as possible the equilibrium of nature should be left undisturbed and any human activity which intereferes with this equilibrium should not be encouraged at all.It(the human activity) should be a matter of last resort only in cases where national security concerns stands heavily jeopardised.