Monal moves higher and changes call pitch to avoid human encroachment in Uttarakhand
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims·
Anthropogenic pressure and climate change leading to behavioral adaptations in Himalayan biodiversity: a GS3 Environment case study.
Why in news
Researchers at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University found that the Himalayan Monal is shifting to higher altitudes and altering its vocalizations to adapt to human encroachment and noise pollution in Uttarakhand.
Background
A five-year study by researchers from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in Uttarakhand revealed behavioral adaptations in the Monal. Climate change projections through 2100 indicate significant habitat shrinkage for the species across Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceUttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh: States identified as having shrinking habitats for the Monal due to climate change.
- FactClimate change projections: Habitat shrinkage for the Monal is projected through the year 2100.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Himalayan Monal in the Himalayan region, consider the following statements:
- Climate change projections indicate habitat shrinkage for the species through the year 2050.
- The species is shifting to higher altitudes to avoid human encroachment and noise pollution.
- Significant habitat shrinkage is projected for the species across Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 2 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The projections indicate habitat shrinkage through the year 2100.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how anthropogenic pressures and climate change are forcing behavioral adaptations in Himalayan biodiversity and the implications for conservation strategies.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Habitat fragmentation: Shrinking alpine zones due to climate projections through 2100
- Acoustic interference: Modification of avian call pitches to overcome anthropogenic noise pollution
- Altitudinal migration: Upward shift of species as lower elevations face increasing human encroachment
Keywords: Anthropogenic pressure · Behavioral adaptation · Habitat shrinkage · Biodiversity conservation · Climate change impact
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Asiatic lion population grows from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025 · 8 October 2026
- Plantations and climate change reduced Western Ghats native habitats to one-third · 8 October 2026
- India's first high-altitude wildlife safari flags off six open-back vehicles in Ladakh · 8 October 2026
- Tenkasi officials demolish artificial waterfalls to restore wild stream flow to irrigation tanks · 7 October 2026
- Human-elephant conflicts killed 1,147 humans and 246 elephants since 2016 in Assam · 7 October 2026
- Weather agencies are tracking a supposed ‘super’ El Niño · 7 October 2026
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.