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Rare Jeypore Ground Gecko Discovery in Eastern Ghats Bauxite Reserves

Source:newindianexpress ↗

Why It Matters

The discovery of rare and endemic species like the Jeypore ground gecko in resource-rich areas such as bauxite reserves highlights crucial trade-offs between natural resource extraction (mining) and biodiversity conservation in sensitive ecosystems like the Eastern Ghats.

Summary

A rare Jeypore ground gecko (Cyrtodactylus jeyporensis), an endemic and endangered reptile species, has been found in a bauxite reserve area. This discovery emphasizes the unique biodiversity of the region and brings attention to the ecological conflicts between mining operations in bauxite reserves and wildlife conservation in habitats like the Eastern Ghats.

Key Points

  • The rare Jeypore ground gecko (Cyrtodactylus jeyporensis) has been discovered in a bauxite reserve area, highlighting rich biodiversity in lesser-explored habitats.
  • The discovery underscores the ecological significance of bauxite-rich regions in the Eastern Ghats and raises conservation concerns regarding mining and industrial activities.
  • The Jeypore ground gecko is a rare, endemic reptile species unique to specific hill tracts, making its habitat preservation critical.

Important Terms

Jeypore Ground Gecko

A rare reptile endemic to the high-elevation moist forests of the Eastern Ghats in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, known for its rocky outcrop habitat and endangered status due to bauxite mining.

UPSC context

Important for APPSC/UPSC Environment and Biodiversity (Paper III), testing knowledge of endemic species, habitats, and ecological threats.

Source
Wild Life Protection Act, 1972

India's principal legislation for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, providing strict legal protection under various schedules, including top-tier protection for endangered species like the Jeypore ground gecko.

UPSC context

Essential for APPSC/UPSC Indian Polity and Environment (Paper II and III), testing statutory conservation frameworks and wildlife laws.

Source

Static Concepts Connected

Environment and Ecology

What are the key provisions and significance of Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972?

  • Highest Protection: Absolute protection: Provides absolute protection against hunting, poaching, or trade for species listed under it.
  • Severe Penalties: Penalties: Violations attract the highest penalties under the law.
  • Target Species: Endangered focus: Generally includes critically endangered and rare endemic fauna requiring urgent conservation.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Bauxite Mining Versus Endemic Biodiversity Conservation

    The discovery of endemic fauna in bauxite-rich Eastern Ghats links mineral economics with Schedule I wildlife protection under the WLPA 1972, often tested in APPSC environment-economy intersections.

Expect a matching or statement-based question on IUCN status, Schedule I status, and endemic range of the Jeypore ground gecko.

Linked PYQs · 1

Linked PYQs · 1

  • 2024APPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Match the following : | List-I (Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh) | List-II (Region) | |---|---| | A. Coringa | I. Kurnool | | B. Gundla Brahmeswaram | II. Kadapa | | C. Rollapadu | III. East Godavari | | D. Sri Lankamalleswara | IV. Kurnool and Prakasam | Choose the correct answer using the codes given below : Code: A B C D