Endangered Species of India — Set 9

Correct Answer: B. 1990s

The Malabar Large-spotted Civet (Viverra civettina) was last confirmed with photo-documented evidence in 1990, and subsequent unverified sightings have been reported in the Western Ghats. It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The species was feared extinct, but conservation efforts and camera trap surveys in Kerala's Malabar Coast have occasionally yielded reports of sightings, though formal confirmation remains elusive.

Correct Answer: B. Conservation outside natural habitat in zoos, botanical gardens

Ex-situ conservation refers to the conservation of species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, seed banks, and captive breeding centers. It complements in-situ conservation (protection in natural habitats). In India, zoos are regulated under the Central Zoo Authority established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Famous ex-situ conservation programs include captive breeding for Gharial, Pygmy Hog, and Vultures.

Correct Answer: C. Prime Minister of India

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is chaired by the Prime Minister of India. It was constituted under Section 5A of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The NBWL reviews and approves proposals for development projects within 10 km of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. It also advises the central government on wildlife policy and monitors implementation of wildlife conservation programs.

Correct Answer: B. Asian Elephant

India has the world's largest population of Asian Elephants, estimated at 27,000–30,000 individuals, representing about 60% of the global Asian Elephant population. The species is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. India's Project Elephant, launched in 1992, has helped maintain and stabilize this population through protection of elephant habitats, mitigation of human-elephant conflict, and care of captive elephants.

Correct Answer: B. Camouflage in tall grass

The tiger's stripes serve primarily as camouflage in tall grass and dappled forest light, helping it stalk prey unseen. Each tiger's stripe pattern is unique, like a fingerprint, which helps researchers identify individual tigers in camera trap surveys used in wildlife censuses. India uses camera trap data extensively in the All India Tiger Estimation, with thousands of cameras deployed across all tiger reserves.

Correct Answer: C. 12

As of 2023, 12 of India's 18 Biosphere Reserves have been recognized under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme as World Network of Biosphere Reserves. These include Nilgiri (first in 2000), Gulf of Mannar, Sundarbans, Nanda Devi, Nokrek, Pachmarhi, Simlipal, Achanakmar-Amarkantak, Great Nicobar, Agasthyamalai, Kanchenjunga, and Panna Biosphere Reserve.

Correct Answer: C. Siberia/China to Southern Africa

The Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) migrates from its breeding grounds in Siberia and northern China to its wintering grounds in southern Africa, making one of the longest migrations in the bird world. It passes through Northeast India, particularly Nagaland's Doyang reservoir area, in large flocks during October. Once heavily hunted in Nagaland, local communities have now become protectors of the species after awareness campaigns.

Correct Answer: C. Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is often called the 'Tiger State of India' as it has the highest number of tigers — approximately 785 as per the 2022 Census. Madhya Pradesh has several major tiger reserves including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, Panna, and Sanjay-Dubri. The state also has several wildlife sanctuaries and is known as the heart of India's tiger conservation landscape.

Correct Answer: C. Vulnerable

The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Despite being the most abundant sea turtle species globally, it faces threats from incidental capture in fishing gear (bycatch), egg collection, beach development, and pollution. India has banned fishing near turtle nesting areas like Gahirmatha during nesting season to protect this species.

Correct Answer: C. One-horned Rhino

The Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape corridor is critical for the One-horned Rhinoceros, as rhinos from Kaziranga National Park move to the Karbi Anglong hills during annual flooding of the Brahmaputra. This corridor is also used by tigers and elephants. Encroachment into this corridor poses a serious threat to rhino safety during their seasonal migration. Conservation efforts focus on keeping this corridor free from human settlements and roads.