Kadalundi Mudflats |
Why in News: The mudflats of Kadalundi are experiencing a significant reduction in size due to the accumulation of sand.
About Kadalundi Mudflats
- Location:The Kadalundi Mudflats are situated within the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, situated in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India.
- Sanctuary Description:The sanctuary comprises estuarine wetlands, mudflats, and mangrove forests, providing a rich ecosystem for diverse flora and fauna.
- Formation: The mudflats form part of the estuarine ecosystem, originating at the convergence point of the Kadalundi River and the Arabian Sea.
- Ecosystem Dynamics:This distinctive environment is influenced by the interplay of freshwater from the river and saline water from the sea, fostering a varied habitat for numerous species.
Asola Bhatti WLS |
Why in News: The Delhi High Court is contemplating the possibility of halting a forest department ‘Walkathon’ event scheduled to take place in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Asola Bhatti WLS
- Location:Situated in the southern part of Delhi, extending into the Faridabad and Gurugram districts of Haryana.
- Extent:Spans across 32.71 square kilometers on the Southern Delhi Ridge of the Aravalli hill range, forming a boundary between Delhi and Haryana.
- Regional Connection:Forms a part of Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve, contributing to the ecological network of the Delhi Ridge.
- Ecosystem Classification:Categorized as Northern Tropical Thorn Forests.
- Plant Adaptations:Hosts plants with xerophytic traits, including thorns, wax-coated leaves, and succulent foliage.
- Flora Diversity: Notable for the presence of the exotic Prosopis juliflora and the indigenous Diospyros montana.
- Faunal Variety:Provides habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including Golden Jackals, Striped Hyenas, Indian Crested Porcupines, Civets, Jungle Cats, various snake species, Monitor Lizards, and Mongooses.
Kambalakonda WLS |
Why in News: Near PM Palem in Visakhapatnam, the Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre, located on the outskirts of the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, now includes a recently established Nature Interpretation Centre.
About Kambalakonda WLS
- Locatedin the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Established in 1970 under the Wildlife Protection Act of India.
- Habitat Types:Comprises dry evergreen forests and scrublands.
- Faunal Diversity:Habitat for various wildlife species including Indian leopards, deer species, wild boar, jackals, reptiles, birds, and medicinal plants.
Mediterranean Sea |
Why in News: The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have issued a warning stating that the Mediterranean Sea might face closure should the US and its allies persist in what they perceive as “crimes” committed in Gaza.
About Mediterranean Sea
- Location: Positioned between Europe, Africa, and Asia.
- Size: Covers an approximate area of 2.5 million square kilometers.
- Typical Climate:Characterized by a predominantly Mediterranean climate featuring hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
- European Bordering Countries:Includes Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey.
- Asian Bordering Countries:Borders Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.
- African Bordering Countries:Shares borders with Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.
- Connection to the Atlantic Ocean:Linked to the Atlantic Ocean via the Strait of Gibraltar; also connected to the Black Sea through the Dardanelles Strait.
- Included Territories:Comprises several islands and archipelagos such as Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Cyprus, and the Balearic Islands.
Lakshadweep |
Why in News: The recent visit by the Prime Minister to Lakshadweep has sparked discussions about the islands on a national scale.
About Lakshadweep
- Location:Situated in the Arabian Sea, off the southwestern coast of India.
- Geographical Formation:Formed through coral activities and characterized by a coral atoll structure.
- Establishment Date:Became a Union Territory of India in 1956.
- Island Variety:Comprises 36 islands, including atolls, coral reefs, and submerged banks.
- Inhabited Islands:10 out of the 36 islands are inhabited.
- Administrative Center:Kavaratti serves as the capital of the Union Territory.
