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- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) organized the India Maritime Heritage Conclave at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi. The two-day event saw the participation of representatives from 11 countries, underscoring the global importance of the conclave. Nations such as Greece, Italy, and the UK contributed to discussions, highlighting the international recognition of India's rich maritime history. The conclave focused on India’s maritime legacy and future prospects, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement, skill development, and sustainable practices in shaping the future of the maritime industry.
- National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) Lothal:
- Location and Historical Significance: Located in Lothal, Gujarat, an ancient site of the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 2600 BCE), the National Maritime Heritage Complex holds immense archaeological value. It is home to the world’s oldest known man-made dockyard, dating back over 5,000 years, showcasing the region's advanced maritime capabilities in ancient times.
- The Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary is a vast freshwater lake located on the border between Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts in Assam, covering an area of around 11.25 sq. km. Originally part of the River Subansiri (a tributary of the Brahmaputra), the river now flows about 7 km away from the lake.
- Climate and Vegetation: The sanctuary experiences a moist tropical climate, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 2,000 mm. The area is primarily characterized by flooded valley grasslands and wetland vegetation, which create a thriving ecosystem.
- Avian Biodiversity: The sanctuary is an important habitat for migratory waterfowl, particularly in the winter months. It is also home to globally threatened species like the Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) and Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus).
- Migratory Species: Recent records have documented several migratory birds, including winter migrants like the Brown Shrike, Citrine Wagtail, and White Wagtail, as well as summer migratory species such as the Lesser Kestrel.
- Often referred to as scaly anteaters due to their diet, pangolins are the most trafficked mammals worldwide for their meat, scales, and leather. These solitary, primarily nocturnal creatures are easily recognized by their protective armor of scales. When startled, a pangolin will shield its head with its front legs, exposing its tough scales to deter predators. If threatened further, it can curl into a ball, using the sharp scales on its tail to lash out.
- Species:
- There are eight species of pangolins, spread across two continents:
- Africa: Black-bellied pangolin, White-bellied pangolin, Giant Ground pangolin, and Temminck's Ground pangolin.
- Asia: Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), Chinese pangolin, Philippine pangolin, and Sunda pangolin.
- All pangolin species are protected by both national and international laws, with two species listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- Habitat:
- Pangolins can be found in a range of environments, including tropical forests, grasslands, and areas near human settlements.
- Indian Pangolin:
- Distribution: Native to India, Bangladesh, Southern Nepal, Sri Lanka, and parts of Pakistan.
- Habitat: This species thrives in a variety of environments, from deserts and tropical forests to areas near human habitation.
- Physical Traits: The Indian pangolin has 13 rows of overlapping, sharp scales that vary in color to blend into its surroundings.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I