Endangered Species of India — Set 3

Correct Answer: A. Cheetah

The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) became extinct in India in 1952, when the last three were reportedly shot in Koriya district, Madhya Pradesh. At the global level, the African Cheetah is Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, while the Asiatic Cheetah is Critically Endangered. India reintroduced African Cheetahs from Namibia to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, in September 2022 under Project Cheetah.

Correct Answer: D. Critically Endangered

The Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and was once thought extinct before being rediscovered in Assam's Manas area in 1971. It is the world's smallest and rarest wild pig, found only in the tall grasslands of Assam. The Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme has been working on captive breeding and reintroduction since the 1990s.

Correct Answer: B. Cheer Pheasant

The Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and has been a subject of reintroduction efforts in Himachal Pradesh. India has several pheasant species facing habitat loss in the Himalayas. Conservation breeding programs at various wildlife institutes work toward restoring populations of pheasants and other Himalayan birds that have declined due to habitat destruction and hunting.

Correct Answer: C. Endangered

The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), including the Indian subspecies, is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. India has the largest population of Asian Elephants in the world, estimated at approximately 27,000–30,000 individuals. Project Elephant was launched in 1992 to protect elephant habitats and migration corridors, and there are 33 designated Elephant Reserves across India.

Correct Answer: C. IUCN

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) maintains the Red List and is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland. It was founded in 1948 as the first global environmental organization. IUCN is a membership union composed of both government and civil society organizations, and it employs more than 13,000 expert volunteers in its six commissions.

Correct Answer: A. Chilika Lake

The Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) is found in Chilika Lake in Odisha, which is one of the few known inland populations of this species. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Chilika Lake is Asia's largest coastal lagoon and is a Ramsar site, providing critical habitat for these dolphins along with many migratory birds.

Correct Answer: B. Western Ghats

The Malabar Large-spotted Civet (Viverra civettina) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is endemic to the Western Ghats. It was feared extinct for decades before sightings confirmed its existence. It is found in a small area in the Malabar Coast region of Kerala, making it one of India's most threatened mammals.

Correct Answer: A. Desert National Park

Desert National Park in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Rajasthan is the primary protected area for the Great Indian Bustard. The park covers about 3,162 sq km of desert ecosystem and also supports other species like the Indian Wolf and Caracal. However, the Great Indian Bustard's population has declined drastically to fewer than 150 individuals despite protection efforts.

Correct Answer: B. Siberian Crane

The Siberian Crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and was once a regular visitor to India at Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur). The last confirmed sighting at Bharatpur was in 2002. Despite its classification as a migratory species to India, it has effectively stopped visiting due to habitat loss along its migration route and in its breeding grounds in Siberia.

Correct Answer: B. Diclofenac

The population collapse of three Gyps vulture species (White-rumped, Long-billed, and Slender-billed Vultures) in India was caused by the veterinary anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac, which proved lethal to vultures feeding on carcasses of treated livestock. The drug caused kidney failure and visceral gout in vultures. India banned veterinary use of Diclofenac in 2006, and a recovery plan with vulture safe zones and breeding centers is in place.