IUCN Categories & Biodiversity — Set 9
Forest & Wildlife · IUCN श्रेणियां और जैव विविधता · Questions 81–90 of 121
The Snow Leopard population in India was estimated at approximately how many individuals in the SPAI 2023 assessment?
Correct Answer: C. 700-800
The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI 2023) estimated approximately 718 snow leopards in India. India is home to about 10-12% of the global snow leopard population. The Snow Leopard is found in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, typically at altitudes of 3,000-5,000 m.
Which term describes species that are found nowhere else in the world except in a specific geographic area?
Correct Answer: C. Endemic
Endemic species are those that are found only in a specific geographic location and nowhere else in the world. High levels of endemism are a key criterion for identifying biodiversity hotspots. India has high endemism in certain regions, particularly the Western Ghats (about 325 endemic vertebrate species), Eastern Himalayas, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In IUCN Red List assessments, what does a 'population reduction of ≥80% over 10 years or 3 generations' typically qualify a species as?
Correct Answer: D. Critically Endangered (CR)
Under IUCN Red List Criterion A, a population reduction of 80% or more over 10 years or three generations qualifies a species as Critically Endangered (CR). A 50-80% reduction qualifies as Endangered (EN), while 30-50% qualifies as Vulnerable (VU). These quantitative thresholds make the classification system objective and scientifically defensible.
The Spix's Macaw, now extinct in the wild, is an example of which IUCN Red List category?
Correct Answer: D. Extinct in the Wild (EW)
The Spix's Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) was classified as Extinct in the Wild (EW) as the last known wild individual disappeared in 2000, though captive populations survive. It became famous as the inspiration for the movie 'Rio.' Reintroduction efforts were undertaken in 2022 in Brazil. The Extinct in the Wild category indicates that the species persists only through human management.
The IUCN definition of a 'threatened species' includes which three categories?
Correct Answer: B. CR, EN, VU
The three IUCN 'threatened' categories are Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), and Vulnerable (VU). These categories represent species facing high, very high, and extremely high risks of extinction in the wild, respectively. When discussing conservation priorities, 'threatened species' typically refers to species in these three categories.
The Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus), India's National Bird, is listed under which IUCN Red List category?
Correct Answer: C. Least Concern (LC)
The Indian Peacock is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List as it is widespread across the Indian subcontinent with a stable or increasing population. Despite being the National Bird of India, it is not considered threatened. It receives legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Schedule I), prohibiting hunting and trade.
India signed and ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity in which years respectively?
Correct Answer: A. 1992 signed, 1994 ratified
India signed the Convention on Biological Diversity at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 and ratified it on February 18, 1994. To implement the CBD's provisions, India enacted the Biological Diversity Act in 2002. India is actively involved in CBD processes and has submitted multiple National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
The concept of 'Ecosystem Services' categorizes services provided by nature into how many main types?
Correct Answer: C. 4
Ecosystem services are categorized into four main types: (1) Provisioning services (food, water, timber, fiber), (2) Regulating services (climate regulation, flood control, water purification), (3) Cultural services (recreation, spiritual, aesthetic values), and (4) Supporting services (nutrient cycling, soil formation, primary production). This framework was developed by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005).
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), which assessed the consequences of ecosystem change on human well-being, was published in:
Correct Answer: C. 2005
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment was published in 2005 after a four-year study involving over 1,300 scientists worldwide. It found that about 60% of ecosystem services examined were being degraded or used unsustainably. The MA introduced the framework of ecosystem services and established that biodiversity loss directly threatens human well-being and economic development.
IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) was established in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2012
IPBES was established in 2012 at a plenary meeting in Panama City. It was formally established as an intergovernmental body to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Its 2019 Global Assessment concluded that around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, more than at any other time in human history.