CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Note : Researchers of Queen’s University Belfast found that the scaly-foot snail is the first species to be declared endangered as a result of deep-sea mining. The study also covers assessments of animals living in deep sea hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean.

Detailed explanation-2: -Federal protection of endangered species dates back to the Lacey Act of 1900, when Congress passed the first wildlife law in response to growing public concern over the decline of the passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius).

Detailed explanation-3: -A rare snail found at only three spots in the Indian Ocean has become the first species to be officially declared threatened due to deep-sea mining. The scaly-foot snail (Chrysomallon squamiferum) is found at three hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar.

Detailed explanation-4: -1. Javan Rhinos. Once found throughout south-east Asia, Javan rhinos have suffered a staggering decline in their numbers due to hunting and habitat loss. The lone wild population of Javan rhinos is one of the rarest of the rhino species-around 75 individuals-which can only be found on the island of Java, Indonesia.

Detailed explanation-5: -The gharial is one of three crocodiles native to India. As the population has declined drastically in the past 70 years, the gharial is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN.