Endangered Species of India — Set 8

Correct Answer: C. Sentinelese

The Sentinelese people of North Sentinel Island are one of the last uncontacted peoples on Earth and are protected under the Andaman and Nicobar Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation, 1956. While not wildlife per se, they are often mentioned in conservation contexts as their island has been left undisturbed, preserving both the human community and the island's rich biodiversity. Entry to North Sentinel Island is legally prohibited.

Correct Answer: A. Gharial

The Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is often referred to as a 'living fossil' because its lineage has remained relatively unchanged for millions of years. The Horseshoe Crab (Tachypleus gigas), found on Indian coasts, is also called a living fossil as it has remained unchanged for about 450 million years. Both species face significant conservation threats in India, and the Horseshoe Crab is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Correct Answer: B. About 2%

Tiger Reserves in India cover approximately 2.3% of India's total geographical area, which is about 75,000 sq km out of India's 3.29 million sq km. Despite this relatively small coverage, tiger reserves are home to a disproportionately high percentage of India's biodiversity. The 53 tiger reserves serve as core protected areas that also support numerous other wildlife species beyond tigers.

Correct Answer: D. Arunachal Pradesh

Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh is the only protected area in India known to host all four large cats: Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard. It is also India's third largest national park and is one of the most biodiverse areas in the Eastern Himalayas. Located in Changlang district, Namdapha covers 1,985 sq km and lies within the Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot.

Correct Answer: B. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman Wild Pig (Sus scrofa andamanensis) is an endemic subspecies found only in the Andaman Islands and is threatened by habitat loss and hunting. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a biodiversity hotspot with high endemism — many species found nowhere else on Earth. The Andaman Shrew, Andaman Horseshoe Bat, and many endemic reptiles, birds, and plants are also found only in these islands.

Correct Answer: B. Tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats

The Nilgiri Langur (Trachypithecus johnii) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is endemic to the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats in South India. It is hunted for its black fur and internal organs, which are used in traditional medicine. The Nilgiri Langur is found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, particularly in areas within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Correct Answer: B. Gland, Switzerland

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) headquarters is located in Gland, Switzerland, near Geneva. It was founded in 1948 and is the world's oldest and largest global environmental organization. IUCN's World Conservation Congress is held every four years and brings together members, government agencies, NGOs, and experts. The 2021 Congress was held in Marseille, France.

Correct Answer: B. Africa — Blackbuck

The Springbok is an African antelope, while the Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is its Indian grassland equivalent in terms of ecological role and appearance. The Blackbuck is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is India's fastest land animal, capable of speeds up to 80 km/h. It is the national animal of Argentina (where it was introduced) but is actually endemic to India and Nepal.

Correct Answer: C. Gulf of Kutch

India's first Marine National Park was established in the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat in 1982. The Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park covers 162.89 sq km and is home to corals, mangroves, sea turtles, dolphins, and diverse marine life. However, the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu, established in 1989, is the first Marine Biosphere Reserve in South and Southeast Asia.

Correct Answer: B. Illegal pet trade

The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and faces severe threats from illegal pet trade, as it is among the world's most trafficked tortoises. It is protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and under CITES Appendix II. Its distinctive star-patterned shell makes it highly desirable in the exotic pet market, and thousands are seized from illegal traders each year.