1. Why are horseshoe crabs globally recognized as living fossils?
Explanation: Horseshoe crabs are considered living fossils due to their unchanged basic form over millions of years, making them invaluable for scientific study and ecological understanding.
2. What is the status of horseshoe crabs in Odisha, India?
Explanation: Odisha hosts two of the three horseshoe crab species in Asia—the coastal horseshoe crab and the mangrove horseshoe crab. Unfortunately, their population is declining due to shoreline alterations, sea level rise affecting spawning habitats, and destructive fishing practices.
3. Why are horseshoe crabs valued in India, and how are they protected by law?
Explanation: Horseshoe crabs are valued for their medicinal properties. In India, they are included in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, highlighting their conservation significance and legal protection.
4. What threats do horseshoe crabs face in Odisha?
Explanation: The horseshoe crab population in Odisha is threatened by shoreline alterations, sea level rise impacting spawning habitats, and destructive fishing practices leading to unintended bycatch.
5. What steps have scientists and conservationists recommended for horseshoe crab conservation in Odisha?
Explanation: Scientists and conservationists advocate for the development of a robust protection mechanism to conserve horseshoe crabs in Odisha, addressing threats to their habitats and population.
6. Where in Odisha are horseshoe crabs primarily found, and what challenges do they face?
Explanation: Horseshoe crabs in Odisha are primarily located along the northeast coast of Balasore and Kendrapara districts. Challenges include disappearing nesting sites and a gradual decline in their numbers.
7. Why is urgent action required for horseshoe crab conservation in Odisha?
Explanation: Urgent action is necessary due to the steady decline in horseshoe crab numbers in Odisha, coupled with concerns about disappearing nesting sites and inadequate conservation measures.
SRIRAM’s
