Photo Tourism Threatens Biodiversity: Rarest Frogs Feared Extinct in Western Ghats
Rising photo tourism in Western Ghats linked to presumed extinction of seven rare frog species.
Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich
A recent study has raised alarming concerns about the impact of unregulated photo tourism in the Western Ghats, linking it to the presumed extinction of seven of the world's rarest frog species. Researchers found that increased human presence, particularly during night photography, disrupts the delicate nocturnal breeding patterns of these amphibians, making them vulnerable.
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a global biodiversity hotspot, is home to unique flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. This incident serves as a stark reminder of how seemingly innocuous human activities can have devastating consequences for fragile ecosystems and underscores the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices and stricter conservation measures.
मुख्य तथ्य
7 of world's rarest frogs presumed dead
Study blames rise in photo tourism
Frogs found in Western Ghats
Nocturnal breeding patterns disrupted
UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Biodiversity conservation and its challenges in India.
Impact of human activities (tourism, development) on ecologically sensitive areas.
Environmental governance, policies, and legislation (e.g., Wildlife Protection Act, Environment Protection Act).
Concept of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and their management.
Role of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and global biodiversity hotspots in conservation.
Sustainable tourism vs. mass tourism and their implications.
दृश्य सामग्री
Western Ghats: A Threatened Biodiversity Hotspot
This map highlights the Western Ghats, a critical natural region in India, recognized globally for its immense biodiversity and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The recent news underscores the fragility of its ecosystem, particularly for endemic species like frogs, due to unregulated photo tourism.
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और जानकारी
पृष्ठभूमि
The Western Ghats, a mountain range running parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula, is older than the Himalayas. It is recognized as one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is home to a vast array of unique flora and fauna, with a high degree of endemism, particularly for amphibians, reptiles, and fish. Its ecological significance stems from its role in influencing Indian monsoon weather patterns and its rich biodiversity.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Western Ghats: 1. It is recognized as one of the eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity in the world. 2. A significant proportion of its amphibian species are endemic to the region. 3. The Kasturirangan Committee report primarily recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Statement 1 is correct. The Western Ghats is indeed one of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots, often cited among the 'hottest' due to its high endemism and threat levels. Statement 2 is correct. The Western Ghats is known for its exceptionally high endemism, particularly among amphibians, which are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Gadgil Committee (Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel) recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats as an ESA. The Kasturirangan Committee (High-Level Working Group) recommended declaring only about 37% of the Western Ghats as an ESA, aiming for a balance between conservation and development. Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
2. In the context of amphibian conservation, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Amphibians are often considered bio-indicators due to their permeable skin and sensitivity to environmental changes. 2. The chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) is a major global threat contributing to amphibian population declines. 3. The presumed extinction of species, as mentioned in the news, implies that extensive surveys have confirmed their absence from all known and potential habitats. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct. Amphibians, with their permeable skin and dual life cycle (aquatic and terrestrial), are highly susceptible to environmental pollutants, habitat degradation, and climate change, making them excellent bio-indicators. Statement 2 is correct. Chytridiomycosis, caused by the chytrid fungus, is a significant global threat that has led to widespread declines and extinctions of amphibian populations worldwide. Statement 3 is incorrect. 'Presumed extinct' (or Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) in IUCN terminology) means that the species has not been observed for a significant period despite repeated and thorough surveys in known and/or expected habitats, but there is still a slight possibility that it might exist. 'Extinct' implies that there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. The news uses 'presumed extinction,' indicating a specific IUCN status that is not as definitive as 'extinct'.
3. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? 1. Biodiversity Hotspot: Region with high endemism and significant habitat loss. 2. UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural): Areas recognized for outstanding universal value from a geological or physiographical perspective. 3. Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA): Designated under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to regulate activities around Protected Areas. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
Statement 1 is correctly matched. A Biodiversity Hotspot is defined as a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is also threatened by human habitation. It must contain at least 1,500 species of endemic vascular plants and have lost at least 70% of its primary native vegetation. Statement 2 is correctly matched. UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites are designated for their outstanding universal value, which includes geological, physiographical, biological, and ecological processes, as well as significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation. Statement 3 is correctly matched. Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) or Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are indeed notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to create buffer zones around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, regulating developmental activities to minimize their impact on protected areas. All three pairs are correctly matched.
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