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ANDHRA PRADESH PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
GROUP-1 MAINS - DAY - 18 (23-2-2023)
Time: 1 Hour Max Marks: 50

1. State the conditions that are conducive for the formation of coral reefs.
Mention the anthropogenic factors that have resulted in their decline. Also
highlight its consequences.
Approach:
Introduction: Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held
together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by
corals. They are built by colonies of coral polyps found in
marine water and are generally classified into Warm and
Cold-water coral reefs.

Body: Anthropogenic factors that have resulted in decline of

corals:
 Increase in temperature due to climate change
and pollution.
 Run off from agricultural land and chemical
pollution
 Overfishing
 Destructive fishing and boating practices
 Marine Pollution
 Uncontrolled tourism activities
 Coastal construction and shoreline
development
 Introduction of invasive species

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 Conclusion: About 60% of the world's reefs may be at risk due to
destructive, human-related activities and climate change.
Further, by 2030s, 90% of reefs are expected to be at risk;
and by 2050, it is predicted that all coral reefs will be in
danger

Answer:
Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held together by calcium
carbonate structures secreted by corals. They are built by colonies of coral polyps found
in marine water and are generally classified into Warm and Cold-water coral reefs.
Conditions conducive to Warm water/Tropical coral reefs:
 Water temperature in the range of 22-29 degrees Celsius. Thus, areal distribution
of corals is limited to tropical and sub-tropical zones. They will not flourish in
areas of cold currents but thrive in warm current regions. Therefore, they are
generally absent on western coasts of continents. E.g. Due to the Gulf Stream,
corals are found far to the north of West Indies in Atlantic Ocean.
 Depth of water should not exceed 180 feet as the sunlight is too faint for
photosynthesis which is essential for survival of microscopic algae on which coral
polyps depend. However, there should be plenty of water as polyps cannot survive
for too long out of water.
 Water should be salty and free of sediments. Corals are best developed on seaward
side of reef, where constantly moving waves, tides and currents maintain an
abundant supply of clear, oxygenated water.
Conditions conducive to Cold Water Corals:
 They are commonly found where current flow is fast.
 They are found on continental shelf, and also in deep-sea areas with topographic
highs, such as seamounts, mounds, ridges, and pinnacles.
 They don't have symbiotic algae living in their polyps so don’t need sunlight to
survive, hence can occur at greater depth.
 Their polyps are bigger hence they can capture food particles from lesser nutrient
holding water.
Anthropogenic factors that have resulted in decline of corals:
 Increase in temperature due to climate change and pollution: Since corals
survive in very narrow range of temperature, slight change in temperature can
lead to massive decline.
 Run off from agricultural land and chemical pollution: Results in
eutrophication and subsequent oxygen depletion.

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  Overfishing: Leads to an average decrease in size of the fish and a reduction in
predatory target fish, thus, resulting in large-scale ecosystem change. This affects
coral ecosystem.
 Destructive fishing and boating practices: Leads to habitat destruction and
disintegration of reef ecosystem.
 Marine Pollution: Incidents such as increase in sea transport, oil spill etc. destroy
coral reefs
 Uncontrolled tourism activities: Lead to breakage of coral colonies and leads to
tissue damage.
 Coastal construction and shoreline development: Results in heavy
sedimentation, which can lead to coral reef destruction.
 Introduction of invasive species in ocean by humans too lead to change in the
coral ecosystem.
 Coral mining: Live coral is removed from reefs for use as bricks etc.
Its consequences include:
o It will impact marine ecosystem, as coral reefs are some of the most bio diverse
and productive ecosystems.
o Reefs act as natural barriers to shorelines, protecting them from the effects of
moving water. As coral reefs die, coastlines become more susceptible to damage
and flooding from storms, hurricanes, and cyclones.
o Without coral reefs, ocean will not be able to absorb as much CO2, leaving more
CO2 in atmosphere.
o Loss of the coral reefs will have a devastating impact on tropical countries’
economies, food supplies, and safety of their coastal communities.
Hence, it is important that efforts be taken to conserve them else thousands of years
of natural change, will not survive.

2. Discuss the significance of mangroves and identify the threats faced by them?
Approach:
Introduction Mangroves are diverse group of salt-tolerant plant
community of tropical and subtropical intertidal regions
of the world, occurring mainly between latitude 24° N
and 38° S. They are referred to as ‘tidal forests’ and
belong to the category of ‘tropical wetland rainforest
ecosystem’.

Body Benefits of Mangrove ecosystem :

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  Mangrove goods and services.
 Habitat and nursery functions.
 Coastal protection.
 Erosion control.
 Nutrient cycling.
 Carbon sequestration
Threats to mangrove ecosystem :
 Increased population.
 Urbanisation and agriculture.
 Pollution.
 Climate change.
 Exploitation

Conclusion The identification and implementation of conservation

priorities for mangroves, participation of the local
community and Integrating mangrove restoration with
alternative livelihoods can help in protection of
mangroves.
Answer:
Mangroves are diverse group of salt-tolerant plant community of tropical and
subtropical intertidal regions of the world, occurring mainly between latitude 24° N and
38° S. They are referred to as ‘tidal forests’ and belong to the category of ‘tropical wetland
rainforest ecosystem’.
Benefits of Mangrove ecosystem :
 Mangrove goods and services: Mangrove is used as wood for fuel, construction,
fish traps and non-wood products such as traditional medicine to treat malaria,
diarrhoea, snake bites etc. They also act as an important source of livelihood for
the coastal communities.
 Habitat and nursery functions: The broad and towering canopies provide
nesting and resting ground for migratory and sea birds. It also supports the
associated ecosystems such as seagrass beds and coral reefs.
 Coastal protection: Mangroves act as buffer between land and the sea and play a
significant role in sediment stabilization, shoreline and coastal protection as well
as water purification.
 Erosion control: Mangroves can reduce the height of wind and swell waves and
reduce the water level of storm surges, which lessens the risk of flooding.

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  Nutrient cycling: Mangroves have an estimated mean biomass identical to
tropical terrestrial forests, forming a base of many coastal food webs through
regulating and supporting nutrient cycling.
 Carbon sequestration: Mangroves capture and store huge stocks of carbon in
both above and below ground components; making them one of the most carbon
rich ecosystems on the planet.
o Experts estimate that carbon emissions from mangrove deforestation
account for up to 10% of emissions from deforestation globally, despite
covering just 0.7% of land coverage.
Threats to mangrove ecosystem :
 Increased population and rising demand for small timber, fodder, fuelwood and
other non-wood forest products.
 Urbanisation and agriculture: In India, over 40 per cent of mangrove area on the
western coast was converted to agricultural fields and converted to urban areas.
o Mangroves are cleared for Shrimp culture, Saltpans and Aquaculture also pose
major threat to the mangroves.
 Pollution: Discharge of domestic sewage, industrial effluents and pesticides into
creeks and estuaries harming the mangrove ecosystem.
 Climate change: It threatens the mangrove areas mainly through rising sea levels
and increased sedimentation caused by precipitation and shoreline change.
 Exploitation: Illegal large-scale collection of mangrove fruits used in production
of medicine, which hinders their natural regeneration.
 The traditional use of dragnets in fishing, often hampers regeneration of
mangroves because young seedlings get entangled in the nets and are
uprooted.
The identification and implementation of conservation priorities for mangroves,
participation of the local community and Integrating mangrove restoration with
alternative livelihoods can help in protection of mangroves.

3. What role has the PROJECT TIGER played in restoring the population and
strengthening conservation efforts for tigers and write about the importance
of conservation of Tigers ?
Approach:
Introduction : Launched in 1973, it is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of
the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
It provides central assistance to tiger range States for in-
situ conservation of tigers in designated tiger reserves.

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 Body : Role played :
 Establishment and development of new TRs:
 Adopting core buffer strategy to manage TRs
 Regular assessment of Tigers
 Anti-poaching initiatives:
 Promoting sustainable tourism
 Technological advancements

Conclusion : Expanding and improving the quality of occupied habitat

and recovery of prey species, Generating local support for
tiger conservation, Create safe connectivity among
habitats and Management and minimisation of human-
tiger conflict to promote acceptance of wildlife and
prevent retaliatory killings can be helpful in Tiger
conservation.
Answer:
Launched in 1973, it is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of
Environment, Forests and Climate Change. It provides central assistance to tiger range
States for in-situ conservation of tigers in designated tiger reserves.
Role played :
 Establishment and development of new TRs: There are 53 tiger reserves
covering over 75,796 sq. km.
 Adopting core buffer strategy to manage TRs: Core areas are kept free of all
human activities while a coexistence agenda is adopted in buffer and fringe areas
with landscape approach.
 Regular assessment of Tigers, Co predators, prey and their habitats: NTCA is
conducting 5th cycle of assessment using application MSTrIPES, which records
primary field data digitally using GPS to geotag photo-evidence.
 Independent monitoring and the evaluation of tiger reserve by developing
Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) Framework as per international
standards.
 Anti-poaching initiatives: Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) are deployed in
several TRs for focused anti-poaching operations.
 Fostering awareness for eliciting local public support enabled by branding and
marketing of project tiger.
 Promoting sustainable tourism through National Tiger Conservation Authority
(Normative Standards for Tourism Activities and Project Tiger) Guidelines 2012.

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  Technological advancements such as use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)
for Surveillance and Monitoring tool for Protection of Tiger under E-Bird project.
Significance of Conservation :
 The Successful model of India’s tiger governance is now replicated for other
wildlife conservation like Lion, Dolphin, Leopard, Snow Leopard and other small
wild cats like Cheetah.
 Tiger guarantees the wellbeing of forested ecosystems and habitats they inhabit
in India high mountains, mangroves swamps, tall grasslands, dry and moist
deciduous forests and evergreen forest systems.
 Being top predators in an ecosystem, Tigers are vital in regulating and
perpetuating ecological processes.
 It is both an Umbrella species (its conservation ensures conservation of other
species of wild animals and forests) and a Keystone species (has a
disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its
abundance).
Expanding and improving the quality of occupied habitat and recovery of prey
species, Generating local support for tiger conservation, Create safe connectivity among
habitats and Management and minimisation of human-tiger conflict to promote
acceptance of wildlife and prevent retaliatory killings can be helpful in Tiger
conservation.

4. Examine the significance of Cheetah relocation and discuss the concerns

regarding relocation?
Approach:
Introduction Eight wild African Cheetahs (5 female and 3 male) from
Namibia, were recently introduced in Kuno National Park
(KNP), Madhya Pradesh under Project Cheetah. It is
world's first intercontinental large wild carnivore
translocation project and is a part of the centrally
Sponsored Scheme- ‘Project Tiger’ of India.

Body Significance of Cheetah Relocation :

 Establish viable cheetah metapopulation in
India
 Resource mobilization
 Contributing to global conservation efforts
 Enhance local community livelihoods
 Contribute to climate change mitigation

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 Concerns regarding relocation :
 Exaggerated and unfeasible conservation
claims
 750 sq-km Kuno national park could limit their
movement
 Human-animal conflict
 Coexistence of large predators
 Difficulties in adaptation
 Risk of diseases
 Displacement of local communities
 Lack of experience

Conclusion Following thorough disease screening processes and

protocols, Counselling of Local communities, Regular in-
house training, Conflict Management, Restoration of
peripheral ecosystems can help in the success of chetah
relocation project.
Answer:
Eight wild African Cheetahs (5 female and 3 male) from Namibia and 12 from south
Africa , were recently introduced in Kuno National Park (KNP), Madhya Pradesh under
Project Cheetah. It is world's first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation
project and is a part of the centrally Sponsored Scheme- ‘Project Tiger’ of India.
Significance of Cheetah Relocation :
 Establish viable cheetah metapopulation in India: It will re-establish cheetah’s
functional role as a top predator, restoring historic evolutionary balance, leading
to cascading impacts like
o Better management and restoration of wildlife habitat (grasslands, scrublands
and open forest ecosystems).
o Conservation of cheetah’s prey and sympatric endangered species.
o Top-down effect of a large predator that enhances and maintains the diversity
in lower trophic levels of the ecosystems.
 Resource mobilization: Cheetah as a charismatic flagship and umbrella species
can help to garner resources for restoring open forest and ecosystem services like
soil moisture conservation, water security, etc.
 Contributing to global conservation efforts: Reintroducing cheetahs in India
will help relieve pressure on the species by creating additional habitat within its
historical range.

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 o There are less than 7,000 adult cheetahs left in the wild globally, and they now
inhabit less than 9% of their original range.
 Enhance local community livelihoods through eco-development and eco-
tourism prospects.
o Among large carnivores, conflict with human interests are lowest for cheetahs,
as they are not a threat to humans and usually do not attack large livestock.
 Contribute to climate change mitigation goals by enhancing India’s capacity to
sequester carbon through ecosystem restoration activities in cheetah
conservation areas.
Concerns regarding relocation :
 Exaggerated and unfeasible conservation claims: At low numbers, the
introduced cheetahs might not be able to effectively play the expected role of a top
predator to impact ecosystem function.
 750 sq-km Kuno national park could limit their movement: Unlike other large
cats, freeranging cheetahs are characterised by disproportionately large home
ranges and very low population densities.
 Human-animal conflict: Due their homing instincts, diurnal nature and large
home ranges, cheetahs are likely to stray outside of territory and come in contact
with humans.
o They also face anthropogenic threats from snaring for bush meat and
retaliatory killings due to livestock depredation.
 Coexistence of large predators: Cheetahs could face attacks from or be forced to
compete for food with aggressive predators such as tigers and leopards.
 Difficulties in adaptation: Cheetahs may find it difficult to adapt to India’s
climatic conditions.
 Risk of diseases: There is a risk of disease spread to both the individual animals
that are being introduced and to the wildlife species which inhabit the site.
 Displacement of local communities: Several villages have been relocated for the
project and introducing more Cheetahs may require more relocation.
 Lack of experience among authorities or understanding of cheetahs in the wild.
Following thorough disease screening processes and protocols, Counselling of Local
communities, Regular in-house training, Conflict Management, Restoration of peripheral
ecosystems can help in the success of chetah relocation project.

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5. Biosphere reserves are the living examples of coexistence of man and
biosphere. Discuss with special reference to seshachalam biosphere reserve?
Answer:
Biosphere reserves are areas of land, coastal or marine ecosystems that are
designated by the Government of India based on international commitment of man and
biosphere. Biosphere reserves are representative examples of the world's major
ecosystems. Biosphere reserves are intended to demonstrate how human beings can live
in harmony with nature through sustainable development.
Seshachalam biosphere reserve designated in 2011. It extends in Eastern ghats
ranges of Andhra Pradesh at about 13 degrees northern latitude and 79 degrees eastern
longitude. Geographical area is about 4700 square kilo meters. Region was divided into 3
zones:
1. Core
2. Buffer
3. Transition

Core zone:
 Core region comprises of 751 sq km. and completely free from human habitations
and the major region for the native and endemic species of red sanders and
slender loris among others. Region is contiguous part of largest national park of
India Sri Venkateshwara national park and the pool of peninsular arid ecosystemic
reservoir. It comprises of more than 186 forest compartments.
Buffer Zone:
 Covers an area of reserve 1,865.156 km², which includes 240.87 km² of Sri
Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary. The buffer zone spreads over 455 forest
compartments. The outer boundary of the core zone forms the inner boundary of

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 the buffer. The outer boundary of the forest compartments forms the outer
boundary of the buffer.
Transition Zone:
 The transition zone of Seshachalam BR covers an area falling within 5 kms radius
from the outer boundary of buffer zone and spreads over 41 forest beats. The
outer boundary of these forest beats form the outer boundary of the transition
zone and that of Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve. The temple complex of Tirumala
spreading over 27.21 km² is also included in the transition zone.
In addition to supporting the livelihoods of local communities, the Seshachalam
Biosphere Reserve plays a critical role in conserving biodiversity. The reserve is home to
several endemic species, including the Slender Loris, which is listed as Endangered on the
IUCN Red List. The reserve also supports a variety of other endangered species, such as
the Indian Pangolin, the Indian Giant Squirrel, and the Mouse Deer.
The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve is a living example of how humans can coexist
with the natural environment. By promoting sustainable development and conservation,
the reserve provides a model for other regions to follow. It shows that by working
together, we can protect the natural world while supporting the needs of local
communities.

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