Endangered, not forgotten
- POSTED ON: 7 Oct, 2023
- TOTAL VIEWS: 173 Views
- POSTED BY: Archana Subramanian
- ARTICLE POINTS: 150 Points
National Wildlife Week is celebrated annually in India to explore, appreciate and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our country. It is a time to connect with nature, learn about our native species, and reflect on the vital role wildlife plays in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems. Through a series of events and initiatives, National Wildlife Week reminds us that we share this planet with a multitude of fascinating and often fragile creatures. It serves as a call to action, reminding us that the responsibility for the well-being of these species rests in our hands. By working together, we can ensure a harmonious coexistence with wildlife and leave a legacy for future generations.
Play this word search to find the names of some fascinating plants and animals.
Read more on these plants and animals.
Indian Swellshark
Reaching up to 49.5 cm in total length, it inhabits the deep waters of the Indian Ocean. Its range extends from the coastal waters of Kollam in Kerala to Valaichchenai, Sri Lanka and even as far as North Sentinel Island in the Andaman Islands. It is suspected that the species has declined in numbers over the last three generations due to exploitation from extensive fishing.
Drury Paphiopedilum
These orchids in this genus are commonly referred to as “slipper orchids” due to the flower’s unique shape that often resembles a slipper or shoe. With a restricted distribution of four sq.km. on the Agastamalaya Hills at the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, sightings are rare. Due to over exploitation, the species was believed to be extinct until its rediscovery in 1972. In 1991, a conservation programme begun at the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research (JNTBGRI) was successful in propagating this species from seeds collected from wild.
Indian Vulture
This species suffered an extremely rapid population decline due to feeding on carcasses of animals treated with the veterinary drug diclofenac. The frequency of reports of Indian Vulture sightings declined by 90% between 2000 and 2018, further indicating a steep reduction in numbers.
Mamira
Found only in Arunachal Pradesh, this plant is used in the traditional Indian systems of medicine: Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. Unsustainable and commercial exploitation of the plant for international trade has led to its current critically endangered status. As a medicinal plant, the roots are collected from the wild and traded as Mishmi teeta and used to cure fever, headaches and gastric problems. However, this plant is now under cultivation.
Purple frog
Recently unearthed in the Western Ghats, this burrowing frog has been documented only in five locations. It is the last surviving representative of an ancient frog lineage (Nasikabatrachidae) that branched off from its closest relatives approximately 130 million years ago. The main threat to this species is the loss of its forest habitat to encroaching agriculture such as coffee, cardamom, ginger and other cultivated crops.
Sun bear
The world’s smallest bear, it inhabits forested areas in northeast India and takes its name from a patch of light fur on the chest resembling the sun. Its natural range has suffered substantial fragmentation and has shrunk due to extensive deforestation, logging (legal and illegal), forest fire and conversion of the rainforest into oil palm plantations and other commercial crops. Also, as its body parts are used in traditional medicine, the sun bear is hunted and often killed when it raids human crops.
Indian Sandalwood
Scientifically known as Santalum album, this is a valuable and aromatic tropical tree species native to India, particularly in the south. Its highly prized heartwood is used to produce sandalwood oil, which has been traditionally used in perfumes, cosmetics, and religious rituals. Since the products of this species command a high price, illegal trade is rife and there has been a marked decrease in the availability of Indian Sandalwood.
Meizotropis pellita
Commonly known as Patwa, it is a perennial shrub endemic to Uttarakhand. Since it is found in a highly restricted area and is under threat due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation and forest fire, it has made it to the IUCN’s list. The essential oil extracted from its leaves contain antioxidants and can be a promising natural substitute for synthetic antioxidants in pharmaceutical industries. This is the main reason for its decline.