🌿 Species in news (1-15th February 2026) 🌍 | UPSC | NEXT IAS

Описание: Explore the species making conservation and biodiversity headlines this week — from iconic hornbills and powerful raptors to critically endangered scavengers shaping ecosystem balance! 🌿🦅🌏

📍 Indian Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris)
The Indian Grey Hornbill has been declared the “Bird of Tirupattur district” (Tamil Nadu) after a public poll by the Forest Department (2026). A medium-sized hornbill with a grey body, pale belly, and a prominent curved bill with casque, it thrives in deciduous forests, farmlands, and even urban gardens. Found widely across the Indian subcontinent (except much of the Northeast), it is mainly frugivorous — especially fond of figs. Known for its unique nesting behaviour, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity while the male feeds her from outside. IUCN Status: Least Concern.

📍 Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus)
“Hornbill restaurants” are being established in Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh) to support this striking black-and-white hornbill and aid forest regeneration. Recognized by its large yellow-black casque and contrasting plumage, it inhabits evergreen and moist deciduous forests, often near riverine habitats. Found in the Western Ghats, central India, and parts of Northeast India and Sri Lanka, it plays a vital role as a seed disperser. IUCN Status: Near Threatened.

📍 White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
A majestic coastal raptor found along India’s seacoasts, estuaries, and large inland water bodies, this eagle is easily identified by its white head and belly contrasting with grey wings. Distributed across South and Southeast Asia to Australia, it is an apex predator feeding mainly on fish and aquatic animals. Its presence indicates a healthy coastal food chain. IUCN Status: Least Concern.

📍 White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
Recently rescued in weak condition from Kerala, this Old World vulture once numbered in millions across South Asia but has suffered catastrophic decline. Identified by its white rump patch and neck ruff, it feeds primarily on animal carcasses, acting as nature’s clean-up crew. The major threat has been the veterinary drug diclofenac, which causes kidney failure in vultures. IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.

📍 Army Ants (Genus Aenictus)
These nomadic ants are known for coordinated group foraging raids in tropical forests. Unlike many ant species, they do not build permanent nests but form temporary living colonies (bivouacs). As active predators of other insects, they play a key ecological role in regulating arthropod populations and maintaining forest ecosystem dynamics.

From seed dispersers to scavengers and apex predators, each species reminds us that ecological balance depends on every link in the food chain. 🌱🌍

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