Why is Phawngpui National Park in the News? | StudyIQ IAS English

Summary

In this video, Ankit delves into the ecological significance of Hongpi National Park in Mizoram, focusing on the aftermath of recent forest fires caused by Jum cultivation. The park, home to rare species like Mount Victoria Babax and Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, holds great cultural and environmental importance. Ankit discusses the flora, fauna, and the park’s role as a critical habitat for endangered species. He also highlights the threats posed by human activities and emphasizes the need for conservation efforts. This informative discussion offers valuable insights for environmental studies and exam preparation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hongpi National Park, also known as Blue Mountain National Park, is located in the Long Thai district of Mizoram, near the Indo-Myanmar border.
• 😀 Recent forest fires in Hongpi National Park have been linked to Jum cultivation, a traditional farming practice where land is cleared and vegetation is burned for agriculture.
• 😀 The name 'Hongpi' comes from two words: 'Hong' meaning meadow and 'Pui' meaning great, referring to the park's expansive meadows.
• 😀 Hongpi National Park is home to the highest peak in Mizoram, standing at over 2,150 meters above sea level.
• 😀 The park is rich in flora, including mountain subtropical forests with oak, rhododendrons, and rare species of bamboo.
• 😀 The park supports a diverse fauna, including predators like tigers, clouded leopards, and Asiatic black bears, along with primates like the stump-tailed macaque.
• 😀 Notably, Hongpi National Park hosts two important bird species: the Mount Victoria Babax and Mrs. Hume's Pheasant.
• 😀 The Mount Victoria Babax is primarily insectivorous and is found only in the Lushai Hills of Mizoram and parts of Myanmar, specifically around Mount Victoria.
• 😀 The Mount Victoria Babax is categorized as a 'least concern' species, indicating a stable population, and is not heavily protected under Indian law.
• 😀 Mrs. Hume's Pheasant, which is vulnerable, is found in forested habitats in Mizoram, Patkai Hills, and Myanmar. The species is named after Anne Grindhol Hume, wife of the Indian National Congress founder A.O. Hume.
• 😀 The protection status of Mrs. Hume's Pheasant is higher than that of the Mount Victoria Babax, as it is listed under Schedule I of India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, due to ongoing habitat loss and hunting pressures.

Q & A

What is the main reason behind the forest fires in Hongpi National Park?

The forest fires in Hongpi National Park are primarily caused by the practice of Jum cultivation, a traditional farming technique where land is cleared by burning vegetation before being used for agriculture.

Where is Hongpi National Park located?

Hongpi National Park is located in the Long Thai district of Mizoram, in the southeastern corner of the state, near the border of India and Myanmar.

What is another name for Hongpi National Park?

Hongpi National Park is also known as Blue Mountain National Park.

What is the significance of the name 'Hongpi'?

The name 'Hongpi' is derived from two words in the local language: 'Hong', meaning 'meadow', and 'Pui', meaning 'great', referring to the park's expansive meadows.

Which species of birds are significant in Hongpi National Park?

Two significant bird species found in Hongpi National Park are the Mount Victoria Babax and Mrs. Hume's pheasant.

What is the habitat of the Mount Victoria Babax?

The Mount Victoria Babax inhabits open forests, forest edges, and dense undergrowth in elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 meters above sea level, mainly in the Lushai Hills of Mizoram and the Chin Hills of Myanmar.

What is the protection status of the Mount Victoria Babax?

The Mount Victoria Babax is categorized as a 'Least Concern' species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is listed under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India.

Why is Mrs. Hume's pheasant named after Mrs. Anne Grindhol Hume?

Mrs. Hume's pheasant is named in honor of Mrs. Anne Grindhol Hume, the wife of A.O. Hume, one of the founders of the Indian National Congress.

What is the conservation status of Mrs. Hume's pheasant?

Mrs. Hume's pheasant is categorized as a 'Vulnerable' species by the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting. It is also listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India, providing it the highest level of protection.

What is the ecological importance of Hongpi National Park?

Hongpi National Park is ecologically significant due to its rich biodiversity, including rare species of flora and fauna such as oak trees, rhododendrons, tigers, and clouded leopards. The park is also a key habitat for several bird species like the Mount Victoria Babax and Mrs. Hume's pheasant.