Important Facts for Prelims (5th November 2018) | 05 Nov 2018

Greater Flamingoes

After a long a gap, a flock of five greater flamingoes has been spotted on the Coast of Hope Island, a part of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh which is an abode for about 35 species of mangrove plants.
Greater flamingoes are the state bird of Gujarat.
Greater flamingoes are the largest in size among all Flamingos.
Greater flamingoes are found in various regions of Africa, the southeastern parts of Asia as well as southern Europe. In Asia, their distribution range includes the coastal areas of India and Pakistan.
Northern populations of these birds often migrate to warm regions during winter. Other reasons for their migration include scarcity of food, water-level changes, and competition within a single colony.
These species form monogamous pairs which mean each pair remains together for their entire lives.
These birds prefer saltwater lagoons in coastal areas. They also inhabit large alkaline and saline lakes.
This omnivorous species feed on mollusks, crustaceans, insects, crabs, worms and small fishes. Their diet also consists of various plant materials such as algae, grass, decaying leaves, and shoots.
They use their specialized beaks for filtering food. There are many comb-like plates arranged in rows inside their beaks. These plates help to filter small invertebrates and insects from the water.
They get their characteristic pink color from their diet of brine shrimps and algae available in the coastal wetlands. The flamingoes are the indicators of a healthy coastal environment.

Ayurveda Day

Ayurveda Day is being observed on 5th November 2018. Ministry of AYUSH observes Ayurveda Day every year on Dhanawantari Jayanti (Dhanteras).

Bhungroo

Bhungroo is a water management system that injects and stores excess rainfall underground and lifts it out for use in dry spells.
Adoption of this technology has decreased salt deposits on soil and increased fresh water supply, saving farmers from drought.