New Snake-Eyed Skink Species Discovered in Mizoram's Biodiversity Hotspot
A new species of snake-eyed skink, Eutropis mizoramensis, has been discovered in Mizoram, highlighting the region's rich biodiversity.
Photo by Matt Johnson
Researchers have discovered a new species of snake-eyed skink, named *Eutropis mizoramensis*, in the Kolasib district of Mizoram. This discovery, published in the journal *Zootaxa*, underscores the rich and often unexplored biodiversity of the northeastern region of India.
The skink, characterized by its snake-like eyes and distinct morphological features, was found in a forest near a village. Such discoveries are crucial for understanding and conserving India's diverse ecosystems, especially in biodiversity hotspots like the Indo-Burma region, which Mizoram is part of.
Key Facts
New species of snake-eyed skink discovered in Mizoram
Named *Eutropis mizoramensis*
Published in journal *Zootaxa*
Found in Kolasib district
UPSC Exam Angles
Biodiversity hotspots and their criteria (Indo-Burma region)
Conservation efforts and challenges in North-East India
Role of institutions like Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and other relevant environmental legislation
Taxonomy, species discovery, and their ecological significance
Impact of human activities (e.g., jhum cultivation, infrastructure development) on biodiversity
Visual Insights
New Skink Discovery in Mizoram: Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot
This map highlights the location of the new skink species discovery in Kolasib district, Mizoram, placing it within the broader context of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. It underscores the region's ecological significance and the importance of such discoveries.
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Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the recent discovery of *Eutropis mizoramensis*, consider the following statements: 1. This new species of skink has been discovered in the Kolasib district, which is geographically located in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. 2. Skinks, belonging to the order Squamata, are typically characterized by their smooth, shiny scales and are classified as amphibians. 3. The journal *Zootaxa* is primarily known for publishing research on marine biology and oceanography. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct. *Eutropis mizoramensis* was indeed found in Kolasib district, Mizoram, which falls within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. Statement 2 is incorrect. Skinks are reptiles, not amphibians. They belong to the order Squamata, which includes lizards and snakes. Statement 3 is incorrect. *Zootaxa* is a peer-reviewed scientific journal specializing in zoological taxonomy, publishing research on all aspects of zoology, including new species descriptions, not primarily marine biology.
2. Regarding biodiversity hotspots in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot encompasses the entire North-Eastern India, excluding the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 2. A region is designated as a biodiversity hotspot if it contains at least 0.5% or 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and has lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation. 3. The concept of biodiversity hotspots was first introduced by Norman Myers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Indo-Burma hotspot covers parts of North-Eastern India (excluding Assam valley, Tripura, and Mizoram), and not the entire region. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are part of the Sundaland hotspot, not Indo-Burma. Statement 2 is correct. These are the two key criteria for a region to qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, as defined by Conservation International. Statement 3 is correct. The concept of biodiversity hotspots was first introduced by Norman Myers in 1988 and further refined in 1990.
3. In the context of biodiversity conservation in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- A.The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, provides for the establishment of Protected Areas like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- B.The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is the primary institution responsible for taxonomic studies of flora in India.
- C.India is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which aims at the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
- D.The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is a statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement A is correct. The WPA, 1972, is the foundational act for wildlife protection and the establishment of protected areas in India. Statement B is incorrect. The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is responsible for faunal surveys and taxonomic studies of animals. The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is the primary institution responsible for flora. Statement C is correct. India ratified the CBD in 1994 and is committed to its objectives. Statement D is correct. The NBA was established in 2003 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, to implement the provisions of the Act.
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