Endangered Species of India — Set 12

Correct Answer: C. Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sundarbans

The Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is found in India in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Sundarbans mangroves of West Bengal. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List globally, with significant population recovery in India. The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha harbors one of the largest populations of Saltwater Crocodiles in India after successful conservation and captive breeding efforts.

Correct Answer: B. Bengal Tiger

The Sundarbans is India's largest mangrove forest and is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, known here as the 'Sundarbans Tiger.' These tigers are uniquely adapted to swimming and mangrove life. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland. As of the 2022 census, approximately 100 tigers were estimated in the Indian Sundarbans. The tigers here share their habitat with saltwater crocodiles and Irrawaddy Dolphins.

Correct Answer: C. Vulnerable

The Indian Python (Python molurus molurus) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It faces threats from habitat destruction and poaching for skin used in the leather industry. The Burmese Python (Python bivittatus), closely related, was recently delisted from CITES Appendix I to Appendix II. The Indian Rock Python is one of the world's longest snakes.

Correct Answer: C. Panthera

Recent genetic studies have confirmed that the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) belongs to the genus Panthera, which includes the five 'big cats': Tiger, Lion, Jaguar, Leopard, and Snow Leopard. Previously it was classified in the separate genus Uncia. This reclassification underscores the snow leopard's close evolutionary relationship with other big cats, though it has unique adaptations for high-altitude living including a thick tail for balance and extra-large paws.

Correct Answer: B. 6 subspecies; Bengal Tiger

Currently, 6 living subspecies of tiger are recognized: Bengal Tiger (India/Nepal/Bangladesh/Bhutan), Siberian/Amur Tiger (Russia), South China Tiger (China), Sumatran Tiger (Sumatra), Malayan Tiger (Malaysia/Thailand), and Indochinese Tiger (Southeast Asia). Three subspecies — Bali, Javan, and Caspian Tigers — are extinct. The Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) found in India is the most numerous subspecies.

Correct Answer: C. Manipur

Manipur is home to the Sangai (Manipur Brow-antlered Deer), which is found exclusively in Keibul Lamjao National Park on Loktak Lake. Loktak Lake is also a Ramsar site. However, in terms of sheer number of Ramsar sites, Tamil Nadu (16 sites) leads nationally, while Uttar Pradesh also has many. Manipur's unique ecology — combining high biodiversity with a critically endangered endemic deer — makes it a key conservation state.

Correct Answer: C. Both Rajasthan and Gujarat

The Great Indian Bustard is found primarily in the arid grasslands of Rajasthan and Gujarat, making it a flagship species for both states. The Desert National Park in Rajasthan and the grasslands of Kutch in Gujarat are its last remaining strongholds. The comparison with Ethiopia's Mountain Nyala illustrates how some species become critically restricted to specific geographic areas, making entire regions synonymous with their conservation.

Correct Answer: C. Arunachal Pradesh

The Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is found in the high-altitude forests of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim in India. It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The Takin is a large bovid related to goats and antelopes and is the national animal of Bhutan. In India, it is found in areas near the Bhutan and China borders, particularly in the Tawang and Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Correct Answer: C. 1982

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) was established in 1982 in Dehradun and operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is the premier institution for wildlife research, training, and policy advice in India. WII conducts the All India Tiger Estimation, Snow Leopard surveys, and research on numerous endangered species. It also trains wildlife managers through postgraduate diploma and degree programs.

Correct Answer: B. Elusive and rarely seen nature

The Snow Leopard is called the 'ghost of the mountains' due to its extremely elusive nature and the great difficulty in sighting it in the wild. It has excellent camouflage with its pale grey, spotted coat that blends perfectly with rocky mountain terrain. Camera trap surveys have revealed that even in protected areas, direct sightings are extremely rare. The snow leopard is primarily crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) and solitary.