Wildfires Threaten Uttarakhand's Wildlife and Ecological Balance | 09 May 2024

Why in News?

The wildfires in Uttarakhand's forests are endangering the state's rich wildlife, which includes tigers, elephants, leopards, as well as a range of birds and reptiles.

Key Points

  • The ecosystem is under severe pressure, particularly for birds and reptiles who are having difficulty fleeing the fires due to their limited mobility.
  • According to environmental photographer, wildfires have resulted in the tragic loss of numerous bird species, including nesting ones.
  • A conservator of forests (research), is concerned about the critically endangered yellow-headed tortoise as they are at increased risk during the fire season when they seek shelter under dried Sal leaves.
    • The loss of even a small number of these tortoises could have a significant impact on the survival of the species, considering their already declining population.
  • Gajendra Pathak,associated with the Jungle Bachao Jeevan Bachao campaign, emphasizes the wider ecological consequences of the wildfires.
    • The burning of leaves not only damages wildlife but also interferes with the important humus layer vital for soil health and erosion prevention.
    • The disappearance of insects such as beetles, ants, and spiders adds to the challenges of maintaining the fragile ecological equilibrium.

Yellow-Headed Tortoise

  • Scientific name: Indotestudo elongate.
  • Common name: Elongated tortoise, Yellow Tortoise and Sal forest tortoise.
  • Distribution: It is a species of tortoise found in Southeast Asia and parts of the Indian Subcontinent, particularly Northeast India.
  • Physical description: These up to 1 foot-long tortoises have elongated somewhat narrow carapaces and yellow heads. Shells are typically a pale tannish-yellow to caramel color, with blotches of black.
  • IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered.
  • Population: According to the IUCN the population of the species may have fallen by about 80% in the last three generations (90 years).
  • Threats: It is heavily hunted for food and collected both for local use, such as decorative masks, and international wildlife trade. In china, a mixture, made by grinding up the tortoise's shell, also serves as an aphrodisiac.