Kasaragod Becomes 1st District in India to Declare Official Tree, Flower, Bird, Species

Current Context: Kasaragod district in Kerala has indeed become the first district in India to officially designate its own tree, flower, bird, and species. This decision is a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.

• Here are the details:
• Official Tree: ‘Kanjiram’ (Strychnos nux-vomica Linn), a species deriving its name from ‘kasara’, meaning wormwood, from which the name of the district originates.
• Official Flower: ‘Periya Polathali’ or Crinum malabarica, with its distinctive white flowers tinged with red. This plant is found exclusively in the streams originating from the laterite hills in Kasaragod.
• Official Bird: The White Bellied Sea Hawk (Haliaeetus leucogaster), which is native to the region spanning from Mahe to Manjeswaram.It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
• Official Species: The Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle (Pelochelys cantorii gray), locally known as ‘Bheemanama’. This rare species is listed on the Red List of Endangered Freshwater Turtles and relies on estuaries for laying eggs.

Question:

Q.1 What is the official tree of Kasaragod district?
a. Neem
b. Peepal
c. Kanjiram
d. Banyan