{"id":104474,"date":"2026-05-22T10:51:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T05:21:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=104474"},"modified":"2026-05-22T10:51:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T05:21:10","slug":"species-in-news-2025-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/species-in-news-2025-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Species in News 2025-2026, Flora and Fauna of India &#038; World"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Species in News 2025-2026<\/strong> remained an important biodiversity theme because conservation, climate change, habitat loss and wildlife protection continued to attract global attention. Many plant and animal species were discussed due to ecological significance, declining populations, scientific discoveries, invasive behaviour and conservation programmes. These species are important for understanding biodiversity, ecosystems, environmental governance and wildlife protection measures across India and the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What are Species?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Species is a group of living organisms that can naturally interbreed and produce fertile offspring. India protects important species through the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, which provides legal safeguards under different schedules. Threatened species are also protected through biodiversity conservation programmes, protected areas, Project Elephant, Project Dolphin and international agreements like CITES and the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/iucn-red-list\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>IUCN Red List<\/strong><\/a> framework.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>List of Species in News 2025-2026<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several flora and fauna species remained in the news during 2025-2026 because of conservation concerns, scientific studies, habitat threats, ecological importance and biodiversity protection efforts. These species covered mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, marine organisms, fungi and rare plants found in India and different parts of the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Kakapo<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/kakapo\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Kakapo<\/strong><\/a> is native to New Zealand and is the world\u2019s only flightless parrot.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is also the heaviest parrot species and may weigh up to four kilograms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kakapos are nocturnal and remain hidden in forests during daytime.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their diet includes leaves, bark, seeds and fruits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The species is popularly called \u201cmoss chicken\u201d because of its fluffy appearance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Cycads<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cycads are ancient plants often described as \u201cliving fossils\u201d.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These plants existed on Earth since the dinosaur age.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cycads can raise their own temperature to attract pollinating insects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beetles are the main pollinators instead of bees and butterflies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their translucent heat signals help insects locate them in darkness.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Seagrass<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seagrasses are marine flowering plants forming underwater meadows in shallow waters.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They provide habitat and shelter to turtles, seahorses and thousands of fish species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seagrass meadows improve water quality by filtering nutrients and pollutants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They reduce wave energy and protect coastal areas from storms and floods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/the-united-nations-un\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>United Nations<\/strong><\/a> declared 1 March as World Seagrass Day in 2022.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Bat Species in India<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India has around 135 bat species according to the State of India\u2019s Bats 2024-25 report.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bats help in pollination, seed dispersal, pest control and soil nutrient enrichment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urbanisation, climate change, land use changes and deforestation threaten bat populations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">West Bengal recorded the highest diversity with 68 bat species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meghalaya reported 66 species, while Uttarakhand recorded 52 species.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Indian Tent Turtle<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Tent Turtle (Pangshura tentoria) is mainly a riverine turtle species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The species is included under CITES Appendix II.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adult females are mainly herbivorous, while males and juveniles are carnivorous.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The IUCN Red List categorises it as Least Concern (LC).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>White bellied Heron<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White bellied Heron is a critically endangered bird species under the IUCN Red List.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It receives highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In India, the species survives mainly in Arunachal Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less than 250 birds are estimated to survive in the wild globally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kamlang and Namdapha <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/tiger-reserves-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tiger Reserves<\/strong><\/a> are important habitats for this species.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Cocaine Hippos<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cocaine hippos are invasive species spreading in Colombia\u2019s Magdalena River region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They have no natural predators in Colombia unlike Africa.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Growing populations threaten West Indian manatee, turtles, otters and spectacled caiman.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rising numbers may damage indigenous flora and fauna ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human wildlife conflict risks are also increasing due to feral hippo expansion.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Peacock Tarantula<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peacock Tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) is endemic to the Eastern Ghats of India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is recognised by its distinct metallic blue colour that darkens with age.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The species mainly occurs in deciduous forests of central and southern India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It helps maintain insect population balance as an important predator species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is critically endangered because of habitat loss and illegal exotic pet trade.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Galaxy Frogs<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Galaxy Frogs (Melanobatrachus indicus) occur in Kerala\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/western-ghats\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Western Ghats<\/strong><\/a> region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They survive under rotten logs inside forest ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The IUCN classifies the species as Vulnerable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Habitat conversion, landslides and firewood collection threaten their survival.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photo tourism emerged as a recent threat after their flagship species designation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Rheum nobile<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rheum nobile is a Himalayan \u201cglasshouse plant\u201d found between 4,000-4,800 metres altitude.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its translucent bracts trap heat and protect flowers from UV radiation and winds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The species is monocarpic and flowers only once during its lifetime.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may remain in rosette form for 7-30 years before flowering.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The plant is commonly found in North Sikkim alpine trekking regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Vultures in India<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India has nine vulture species found in the wild.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White backed, Slender billed and Long billed vultures are critically endangered.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diclofenac veterinary drug caused drastic vulture population decline in India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diclofenac was banned in 2006 to support vulture conservation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vultures play an essential role in carcass disposal and ecosystem sanitation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Jellyfish<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jellyfish blooms disrupted cooling systems of France\u2019s largest <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/nuclear-power-plants-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>nuclear power plant<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Large jellyfish populations can clog intake pipes within minutes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/climate-change\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Climate change<\/strong><\/a> and rising ocean temperatures increase jellyfish populations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overfishing removed predators like tuna and sea turtles from marine ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jellyfish tolerate low oxygen conditions better than many marine species.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Sea Cows (Dugongs)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dugongs are marine mammals commonly called sea cows.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In India, they are found in Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar and Andaman Islands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dugongs are listed as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They receive highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seagrass meadows are their main food source.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Gharial and Crocodile<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/crocodile-species-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Gharials and crocodiles<\/strong><\/a> are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Chambal Sanctuary supports over 80% of India\u2019s gharial population.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhitarkanika in Odisha is famous for saltwater crocodiles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Madhya Pradesh released 10 gharials into the Chambal River during 2025.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crocodile census in Bhitarkanika recorded 1,826 saltwater crocodiles in 2025.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Asian Elephant<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is classified as Endangered by the IUCN.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India supports over 60% of the global Asian elephant population.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Karnataka has the highest elephant population with 6,013 elephants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Western Ghats recorded the highest regional elephant concentration with 11,934 elephants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elephant numbers are monitored every five years under Project Elephant.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Bactrian Camels<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bactrian camels are double humped camels found in Ladakh\u2019s cold desert region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are adapted to altitudes above 15,000 feet and extreme cold conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These camels can carry loads up to 250 kilograms in mountainous terrain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They support logistics and patrolling activities along the Line of Actual Control.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bactrian camels are native to Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan and Central Asia.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Octopuses<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Octopuses are cold blooded marine animals that thrive in warm waters.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher temperatures accelerate embryonic development and egg hatching rates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deep sea octopus eggs may take four and a half years to hatch in colder waters.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About 70% of an octopus brain is dedicated to vision functions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their blood is blue because it contains copper based hemocyanin instead of hemoglobin.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Ghost Flowers<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ghost flower is scientifically called Monotropa uniflora.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These plants lack chlorophyll and therefore cannot perform photosynthesis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They depend on underground fungi connected with tree roots for nutrition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ghost flowers are usually pale white or pinkish white in colour.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bumblebees are their major pollinators in forest ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Great Indian Bustard<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is a critically endangered grassland bird species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its population declined from over 700 individuals to less than 150.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is considered an indicator species of grassland ecosystem health.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Habitat loss and power line collisions are major threats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rajasthan\u2019s Desert National Park supports the largest surviving population.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Morels (Morchella)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Morels are highly valued gourmet mushrooms known for medicinal and nutritional properties.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They naturally grow in high elevation forest ecosystems during rainy seasons.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prices range between Rs 15,000 and Rs 40,000 per kilogram.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Artificial cultivation remains difficult due to complex ecological requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Controlled cultivation may boost Jammu and Kashmir\u2019s high value bioeconomy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Gangetic Dolphins<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gangetic dolphin is India\u2019s National Aquatic Animal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It inhabits the Ganga-Brahmaputra river system and connected tributaries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The species is classified as Endangered by the IUCN.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adults can grow up to 10 feet in length.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphins use side swimming techniques while hunting fish, shrimp and molluscs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Polar Bears<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polar bears possess black skin beneath transparent fur layers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their fur lacks white pigment and reflects light to appear white.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thick fat layers help them survive Arctic climatic conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polar bears are skilled swimmers moving up to six miles per hour.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They mainly feed on fatty seals for energy and survival.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Indian Grey Wolf<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian grey wolf populations faced threats from dog attacks in Maharashtra grasslands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary in Karnataka reported birth of eight wolf pups.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grassland degradation remains a major challenge for wolf conservation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wolves play an important role in maintaining ecological balance in grassland ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human disturbance increasingly affects wolf habitats across India.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Musk Deer<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musk deer conservation gained attention after Central Zoo Authority findings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian zoos currently do not have active breeding programmes for musk deer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musk deer are important Himalayan mammals known for musk gland value.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illegal hunting remains a major conservation challenge for the species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Himalayan habitat protection is essential for long term survival.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Seaweed<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s seaweed farming sector is valued at around Rs 200 crore.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sector may grow to Rs 3,277 crore over the next decade.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seaweed cultivation supports coastal livelihoods and marine economy growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seaweeds are important for <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/indias-pharma-sector\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>pharmaceuticals<\/strong><\/a>, food and industrial applications.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marine farming expansion is receiving increasing policy attention in India.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Great White Shark<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A South African study examined Great White Sharks over 20 years.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Declining shark populations disrupted marine ecosystem balance significantly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Great White Sharks are apex predators in ocean ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Predator decline affects prey populations and marine biodiversity stability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Climate and ecological pressures continue to threaten shark populations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Anthurium<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anthurium flower exports from Mizoram to Singapore gained attention during 2025.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">APEDA facilitated the first export consignment of Anthurium flowers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anthurium is an important floriculture crop with export potential.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Floriculture supports income diversification in northeastern states.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Export oriented cultivation is increasing in India\u2019s horticulture sector.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Caracal<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First photographic evidence of Caracal was reported from Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caracal is a medium sized wild cat adapted to dry habitats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Habitat fragmentation threatens Caracal populations in India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rajasthan remains an important region for Caracal sightings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The species is known for its distinctive black ear tufts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Mangroves<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tamil Nadu\u2019s mangrove cover increased to 9,039 hectares in 2024.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mangroves store significant carbon and support coastal biodiversity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They protect coastlines against cyclones and coastal erosion.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mangrove ecosystems support fisheries and marine breeding grounds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conservation efforts are improving mangrove restoration in India.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Narwhals<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scientists documented narwhals using tusks for hunting and foraging activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narwhals inhabit Arctic marine ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their tusks are specialised elongated teeth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Climate change threatens Arctic habitats and narwhal survival.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The study improved understanding of narwhal behavioural adaptation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Olive Ridley Turtle<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Around 6.5 lakh Olive Ridley turtles arrived at Odisha\u2019s Rushikulya beach.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Olive Ridley turtles are famous for mass nesting called arribada.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The species is classified as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Odisha coast remains globally important for turtle nesting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coastal conservation is essential for protecting nesting habitats.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Humpback Whales<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humpback whales remained in news after a kayaking incident in the Strait of Magellan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These whales are among the largest marine mammals globally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humpback whales are known for long migrations across oceans.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marine ecosystem conservation is essential for whale survival.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ocean pollution and shipping activities threaten whale habitats.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Eurasian Otter<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eurasian otters were documented in Kashmir\u2019s Gurez Valley after 25 years.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Otters are indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">River pollution and habitat destruction threaten otter populations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their return highlighted improving ecological conditions in the region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wetland conservation supports otter habitat protection.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Rhododendron wattii<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rhododendron wattii faces habitat related threats in Nagaland.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rhododendrons are important flowering plants of Himalayan ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Habitat degradation threatens their long term survival.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mountain biodiversity conservation is essential for these species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Climate change increasingly affects alpine plant ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Bar headed Geese<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary recorded increased waterfowl populations during 2025 bird count.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bar headed geese are famous for high altitude Himalayan migration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wetlands provide important wintering habitats for migratory birds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pong Dam is an important wetland ecosystem in northern India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Migratory birds reflect ecological health of wetland habitats.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Hoolock Gibbon<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary gained attention due to proposed oil exploration activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hoolock gibbons are India\u2019s only ape species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Habitat fragmentation threatens gibbon populations in Northeast India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eco sensitive zones help protect fragile forest ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forest connectivity is important for arboreal primates like gibbons.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Golden Langur<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Golden langur is an endangered primate species found mainly in Assam and Bhutan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A recent killing in Bongaigaon triggered protests demanding stronger protection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Habitat fragmentation threatens long term survival of the species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Golden langurs are known for their striking golden fur.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forest conservation remains critical for their survival.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Fishing Cat<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s first Fishing Cat Collaring Project began at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fishing cats are wetland dependent wild cats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wetland destruction threatens fishing cat populations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The species is adapted for hunting fish in aquatic habitats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scientific tracking will help understand movement and habitat use.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Utricularia<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utricularia was reported in large numbers from Keoladeo National Park.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utricularia belongs to carnivorous plant species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These plants trap tiny organisms for nutrient intake.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wetland ecosystems support their growth and survival.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keoladeo remains important for aquatic biodiversity conservation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Flamingos<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flamingo Festival 2025 was organised near Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sanctuary attracts over 200 bird species annually.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grey pelicans and spoonbill storks are also major attractions there.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wetland ecosystems are critical for migratory flamingo populations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bird festivals support awareness about wetland conservation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Phytoplankton<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phytoplankton are microscopic marine organisms forming the base of ocean food chains.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excess iron stimulates rapid phytoplankton blooms in oceans.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased blooms accelerate nutrient consumption in marine ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrient depletion can create nutrient poor ocean conditions faster.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phytoplankton are important for global carbon cycling and oxygen production.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Indian Long billed Vulture<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Long billed Vulture was sighted at Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary during 2025.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is one of India\u2019s critically endangered vulture species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diclofenac poisoning caused severe population decline in the species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vulture sanctuaries are important for conservation and breeding support.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vultures play a major ecological role in carcass disposal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Sambar Deer<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sambar deer population studies were conducted in Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers used line transect and camera trap methods for estimation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sambar deer are among the largest deer species found in India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are important prey species in forest ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Habitat conservation is important for sustaining deer populations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Bull Ants<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bull ants use polarised moonlight for night time navigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myrmecia pyriformis and Myrmecia midas were studied during 2025 research.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earlier, dung beetles were the only known animals with this ability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moonlight navigation helps ants locate paths in darkness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The discovery improved understanding of insect behavioural adaptation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Mugger Crocodiles<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gujarat conducted crocodile census in the Vishwamitri River during 2025.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mugger crocodiles are freshwater crocodiles found in rivers and wetlands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wetland ecosystems are important for mugger crocodile survival.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human encroachment threatens crocodile habitats in urban river systems.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Marsupials<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scientists successfully produced the first kangaroo embryos using IVF technology.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The breakthrough may help conservation of threatened marsupial species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marsupials mainly occur in Australia and nearby regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kangaroos are among the best known marsupial mammals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advanced reproductive technologies are increasingly used in wildlife conservation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Golden headed Cisticola<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Golden headed Cisticola was reported from Mathikettan Shola National Park.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is a grassland and wetland associated bird species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protected habitats support survival of rare bird populations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Western Ghats ecosystems are rich in avian biodiversity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bird sightings help improve biodiversity documentation efforts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Melanistic Tiger<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poachers illegally hunted a melanistic tiger in Similipal Tiger Reserve during 2025.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melanistic tigers possess unusually dark stripe patterns.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similipal Tiger Reserve is known for melanistic tiger occurrences.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illegal wildlife hunting remains a major conservation challenge.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tigers are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Oysters<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oyster hemolymph contains antimicrobial proteins according to recent research.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These proteins can kill certain drug resistant bacteria.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oysters are important marine organisms in coastal ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scientific studies are exploring medicinal applications of marine species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marine biodiversity supports biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Indian Bison<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jharkhand initiated studies to revive Indian Bison populations in Palamau Tiger Reserve.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian bison is also called gaur, the world\u2019s largest wild cattle species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Habitat degradation threatens gaur populations in some regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protected forests support herbivore conservation in India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gaur populations are important for maintaining ecological balance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Spotted Deer<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nagarahole Tiger Reserve reported increasing spotted deer density during 2025.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reserve recorded 28 spotted deer per square kilometre.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spotted deer are important herbivores in forest food chains.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They form major prey for predators like tigers and leopards.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthy deer populations indicate productive forest ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Red Sanders<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ancient rock art and inscriptions were discovered inside Sri Lankamalleswara Sanctuary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sanctuary is associated with Red Sanders vegetation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red Sanders is a valuable endemic tree species of India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illegal smuggling threatens Red Sanders populations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protected forest regions are important for species conservation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Georissa Mawsmaiensis<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/georissa-mawsmaiensis\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Georissa mawsmaiensis<\/strong><\/a> is a newly discovered micro snail species from Meghalaya\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/mawsmai-cave\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Mawsmai Cave<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is the first Georissa species discovery in India since 1851.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It measures less than 2 millimetres in length.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It survives on moist limestone cave surfaces rich in calcium.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The genus Georissa is distributed across tropical karst and limestone regions globally.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Species in News 2025-2026 highlights important plants and animals in focus due to conservation, biodiversity, climate change and wildlife protection efforts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":104312,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[7658],"class_list":{"0":"post-104474","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general-studies","8":"tag-species-in-news-2025-2026","9":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104474","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104474"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104474\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104498,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104474\/revisions\/104498"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104312"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104474"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104474"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104474"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}