[Biodiversity] Amur Falcon Massacre, Nicobar Megapod,

Narcondam Hornbill Mrunal

http://mrunal.org/2012/11/biodiversity- amur- falcon- nicobar- megapod- narcondam- hornbill- upsc- mock.html

Februray 2, 2013

[Biodiversity] Amur Falcon Massacre, Nicobar Megapod,

Narcondam Hornbill
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 Convent ion on Migrat ory 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 scrubf owl/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
1. Wheelers island, Orissa
2. Salim Ali National Park, Kashmir
3. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
4. Andamand Nicobar islands.

Mains
1. Write a short note on the Convent ion on Migrat ory 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?

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2. [EnB] Aichi Targets for Biodiversity Protection under CBD
3. [EnB] Convention on Biodiversity (CBD): Prologue to Cartagena, Nagoya, Aichi, COP-11
4. [EnB] IUCN, Red Databook, CITES Agreement : Meaning, Features, Mock Questions for
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5. [Answerkey] Environment, Biodiversity & Geography Questions UPSC CPF/CAPF 2012 All
booklets
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8. [Science] IPCC- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: Meaning and functions
9. Kyoto Protocol, Carbon Trading, Copenhagen Accord: Meaning, Explained
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[Environment] Krill-Food chain,Non Native Species, Nisargruna Biogas