New seahorse species:Hippocampus nalu

HEADLINES:

How an underwater photo led to the discovery of a tiny new seahorse species

WHY IN NEWS:

Finding a species like Hippocampus nalu also shows how little we know about Africa’s marine biodiversity, and how much more is left to discover

SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3:Conservation of Biodiversity : IUCN

LEARNING:

For PRELIMS It is least important because information is incomplete at IUCN website . But make a note !

ISSUE:

Hippocampus nalu grows to a maximum size of just two centimetres.

It is the first pygmy seahorse ever discovered in African waters.
Hippocampus nalu is physically and genetically distinct from the seven known species of pygmy seahorses.
Its nearest relatives are found more than 8,000 km away in the Pacific Ocean.
Seahorses are threatened all around the world.

Many species are at risk of becoming extinct because of human activities such as bottom trawling, over-fishing, and habitat destruction.

As a result, several species are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
However, to date no pygmy seahorses are considered threatened — because we simply do not know enough about them.

IASbhai WINDUP:

By discovering more species, and learning more about these tiny creatures, scientists can offer advice on how best to protect them.
Pygmy seahorses can also provide an important boost for tourism: scuba divers love these small species and are willing to travel far and wide for a chance to see them.
If coastal communities and scuba divers alike are taught about the best ways to protect these species and others in the oceans, there can be huge economic and social benefits.

SUGGESTED READING : https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/172284/6864259

SOURCES:THE HINDU & PIB/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains

DISCOVER MORE : Important IUCN List

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