Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve Context: The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam has 30 species of raptors and six species of storks, a rapid survey focused on these two categories of birds has revealed. The enumerators recorded 217 individual raptors buzzards, eagles, falcons, owls, and vultures across 30 species and 266 individual storks across six species. About Kaziranga National Park Kaziranga National Park is located in the state of Assam, nestled between the Brahmaputra River and the Karbi Anglong (Mikir) Hills. It represents the largest intact and ecologically significant floodplain ecosystem in the Brahmaputra Valley. UNESCO Status: The park was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Physical Features The landscape comprises dense forests, extensive elephant grasslands, marshy wetlands, reed beds, and numerous shallow water bodies. The Diffalu River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flows through the park, while the Moradifalu River forms part of its southern boundary. Flora Kaziranga is renowned for its vast stretches of tall elephant grass interspersed with wetlands and swampy areas. Aquatic vegetation such as water lilies, lotus, and water hyacinths is found in abundance. Fauna The park supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, wild buffalo, Eastern swamp deer, Hoolock gibbon, and capped langur. The Gangetic river dolphin is also frequently seen in the park's riverine ecosystem. Kaziranga is particularly famous for harboring the world's largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros, along with numerous other mammal species. Act East Policy Context: Following talks between the Indonesian Foreign Minister and the Indian External Affairs Minister in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that Indonesia serves as a key pillar of India's 'Act East' policy. About the Act East Policy India's Act East Policy (2014) focuses on strengthening…
Climate change to drive 33% of earth’s flora, fauna to extinction by 2070
Climate changemay cause one in three species of plants and animals worldwide to become extinct in the next 50 years, according to a study. The researchers from the University of Arizona in the US compiled detailed estimates of global extinction from climate change by 2070. The researchers examined local extinctions that have already happened, based on studies of repeated surveys of plants and animals over time. They analysed data from 538 species and 581 sites around the world.
