News Context: These two new mammalian species were added to list of fauna in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.
- Both are listed under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
About Binturong:
- Binturong (Bearcat) largest civet in India.
- Native: South-East Asia.
- Distribution: India (Meghalaya, Sikkim), Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, etc.
- Conservation:
- Vulnerable (IUCN)
- Appendix III (CITES).
About Small-clawed Otter:
- Small-clawed otter (Asian Small-clawed Otter) primarily found in freshwater habitats. O
- Distribution: India (West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala), Southeast Asia and Southern China.
- Conservation: Vulnerable (IUCN); Appendix I (CITES).
INVASIVE MOSQUITOFISH SPECIES
News Context: These two species of mosquitofish are Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki.
- Both are detrimental Invasive Alien Species.
About Mosquito Fish:
- Mosquitofish was introduced into local water bodies to address mosquito menace by states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Punjab.
- Their feeding habits and aggressive behavior in habitats have led to extinction of endemic species.
- Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are animals, plants or other organisms that are introduced from outside their natural range, negatively impacting native biodiversity, ecosystem services or human well-being. Example, Water hyacinth, Lantana, etc.
- Globalization through increasing trade, transport, travel and tourism increases introductions of invasive species to new areas.
About Gambusia
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