Shrew thought to have been extinct for over two centuries photographed in the Nilgiris
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims·
Why in news
Wildlife biologists in the Nilgiris photographed a dead shrew believed to be the extinct Sonnerat’s shrew, potentially marking a significant rediscovery of a lost species.
Background
The photograph of the shrew, showing unique pelage patterns, was published in the Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics. The discovery occurred in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, and researchers are seeking genetic analysis to confirm the identification.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentSonnerat’s shrew: A species previously thought to be extinct for over two centuries.
- PlaceNilgiris: The location in Tamil Nadu where the specimen was photographed.
- S&TIranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics: The publication where the photograph was released.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of biodiversity rediscovery in the Western Ghats and the role of genetic analysis in validating conservation status.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Methodological gap: Reliance on photographic evidence versus mandatory genetic sequencing for species verification
- Conservation priority: Balancing habitat protection for rediscovered species against expanding anthropogenic pressures in the Nilgiris
Keywords: Biodiversity rediscovery · Genetic analysis · Species conservation · Western Ghats ecology · Endangered species
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.