Environment and Ecology
New Plant Species Identified: Uniyala keralensis
▪ It is a distinct species of the genus Uniyala.
▪ Location: Found in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.
▪ Distinct Features: it is a small to large shrub growing up to one to three metres in height, with attractive light purple flowers; belongs to the Asteraceae family.
▪ Endemic Region: Exclusive to southern end of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
▪ Published In: Findings published in the journal Phytotaxa.
▪ Following the IUCN Red List Criteria (IUCN 2024), Uniyala keralensis is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR)
▪ It is set to become a new sanctuary for rhinos from Nepal.
▪ This initiative could mark a major milestone in wildlife conservation, bolstering rhino population and biodiversity in northern India.
▪ It is situated in the Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh, forming part of the Terai Arc Landscape, in the upper Gangetic Plain Biogeographic Province.
▪ It lies along the India-Nepal border in the foothills of the Himalayas.
▪ The river Gomti originates from the PTR, which is also the catchment of several others like Sharda, Chuka, and Mala Khannot.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
▪ Pobitora is mainly famous for its great Indian One-horned rhinoceros.
▪ Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is known for holding the highest density of Greater One Horned Rhinoceros in the country.
▪ it is located in the eastern region of Guwahati, Assam, was established in 1998.
▪ The Sanctuary consists of the Rajamayong Reserve Forest and Pobitora Reserve Forest.
