All questions of Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

The Asian golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) is a medium-sized wild cat native to the northeastern Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China. It has been listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List since 2008 and is threatened by hunting pressure and habitat loss since Southeast Asian forests are undergoing the world's fastest regional deforestation.

The IUCN status of the Pygmy Hog is "Critically Endangered." This status is given based on the population size and the current threats faced by the species.

1. Species Description:
The Pygmy Hog, scientifically known as Porcula salvania, is a small suid (pig) species. It is native to alluvial grasslands in the foothills of the Himalayas, at elevations of up to 300 meters (980 feet). It is a herbivorous animal that primarily feeds on grasses, roots, and tubers.

2. Population Distribution:
Currently, the only known population of Pygmy Hogs exists in southern Bhutan and Assam, India. This distribution is quite restricted, making the species vulnerable to various threats.

3. Population Size:
The Pygmy Hog population is estimated to be less than 250 mature individuals. This low population size is a significant concern as it increases the risk of genetic inbreeding, reduces the species' ability to adapt to environmental changes, and makes it highly vulnerable to extinction.

4. Threats:
The critical status of the Pygmy Hog is primarily due to several threats it faces in its habitat:

- Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: The alluvial grasslands, which are the natural habitat of the Pygmy Hog, have been extensively converted for agriculture, human settlements, and infrastructure development. This habitat loss and fragmentation severely restrict the species' ability to find suitable areas for feeding, breeding, and shelter.

- Predation: The Pygmy Hog faces predation from various carnivores, including feral dogs, wild boars, and large cats. With the shrinking habitat and reduced population size, the vulnerability of the species to predation increases.

- Poaching: Despite legal protection, the Pygmy Hog is occasionally targeted by poachers for its meat and skin. This illegal activity further impacts the population.

5. Conservation Efforts:
Various conservation initiatives are being undertaken to save the Pygmy Hog from extinction. These efforts include:

- Habitat Conservation: Protected areas and sanctuaries have been established in Bhutan and India to conserve the remaining grassland habitat of the Pygmy Hog. These areas are managed to minimize human disturbance and promote the recovery of the species.

- Captive Breeding and Reintroduction: Conservation organizations have initiated captive breeding programs to breed Pygmy Hogs in controlled environments. The offspring from these programs are then reintroduced into suitable habitats to augment the wild population.

- Awareness and Education: Public awareness campaigns are conducted to educate local communities, stakeholders, and policymakers about the importance of conserving the Pygmy Hog. Such initiatives aim to reduce habitat encroachment, poaching, and promote sustainable land-use practices.

In conclusion, the Pygmy Hog is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to its restricted population size, habitat loss, predation, and poaching threats. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect and restore its habitat, control illegal activities, and increase the population size to ensure the long-term survival of this unique species.

The correct answer is option 'C': Near Threatened.

Explanation:
Grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura) falls under the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) category of Near Threatened. This category indicates that the species is not currently classified as critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable, but it is close to qualifying for one of these categories in the near future if conservation efforts are not strengthened.

Endangered species are those that face a very high risk of extinction in the wild, while vulnerable species have a lower risk but are still facing significant threats. Near Threatened species are those that are close to meeting the criteria for vulnerable, but they do not yet fulfill all the requirements.

Now, let's understand why the Grizzled giant squirrel is categorized as Near Threatened:

Habitat Loss:
- One of the major threats to the Grizzled giant squirrel is habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion.
- The species primarily inhabits tropical forests and is dependent on a healthy forest ecosystem for its survival.
- As forests are cleared for various human activities, the squirrel's habitat becomes fragmented and reduced, leading to a decline in population.

Hunting and Poaching:
- The Grizzled giant squirrel is also hunted for its meat, skin, and other body parts.
- Despite legal protection in many countries, illegal hunting and poaching still pose a significant threat to the species.

Climate Change:
- Climate change and its associated impacts, such as alteration in rainfall patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events, can negatively affect the squirrel's habitat and food availability.

Conservation Efforts:
- While the Grizzled giant squirrel is not currently classified as critically endangered, conservation efforts are crucial to prevent its population decline.
- Initiatives like protected areas, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching measures are being implemented to safeguard the species.

In conclusion, the Grizzled giant squirrel is categorized as Near Threatened because it is not currently critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable, but it faces significant threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. Continued conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of this species.

The IUCN status of Olive Ridley is Vulnerable. Let us understand the reasons behind this status in detail.

Habitat Destruction
- Olive Ridley turtles usually nest on sandy beaches, which are often destroyed due to human activities such as urbanisation, construction of ports, etc.
- These activities lead to the loss of nesting sites, which is a significant threat to the survival of Olive Ridley.

Poaching and Fishing
- Olive Ridley turtles are a valuable source of meat, eggs, and leather, which makes them vulnerable to poaching.
- They are also susceptible to accidental capture in fishing nets, which can lead to their death.

Climate Change
- Climate change is causing sea level rise, which leads to the loss of nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles.
- It also affects the temperature of the sand, which can impact the sex ratio of the hatchlings.

Pollution
- Pollution of the marine environment affects the Olive Ridley turtle's survival by reducing the availability of food and increasing the risk of diseases.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Olive Ridley turtle is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to the various threats to its survival. Conservation efforts such as protecting nesting sites, reducing poaching and accidental capture, and reducing pollution are essential to ensure the long-term survival of this species.

Endangered Status of Indian Buffalo

Indian Buffalo, also known as the Water Buffalo, is classified as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This designation indicates that the species is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.

Reasons for Endangered Status

- **Habitat Loss**: One of the primary reasons for the decline in the Indian Buffalo population is habitat loss. Wetlands and grasslands, which are essential habitats for these animals, are being destroyed or degraded due to human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development.

- **Poaching and Illegal Trade**: Indian Buffaloes are often targeted by poachers for their meat, horns, and other body parts, which are used in traditional medicine and other purposes. The illegal trade in buffalo products further exacerbates the decline in their population.

- **Competition with Livestock**: Competition for resources with domestic livestock, such as cows and goats, also poses a threat to the Indian Buffalo population. As a result, they are forced to compete for food and water, leading to a decline in their numbers.

Conservation Efforts

- **Protected Areas**: Establishing and effectively managing protected areas where Indian Buffaloes can thrive is crucial for their conservation. These areas provide a safe haven for the species and help prevent further habitat destruction.

- **Anti-Poaching Measures**: Strengthening anti-poaching efforts and enforcing laws against illegal trade in buffalo products are essential for the conservation of Indian Buffaloes. This includes increasing surveillance and patrols in key areas.

- **Community Involvement**: Involving local communities in conservation efforts can also help protect Indian Buffaloes. Educating people about the importance of preserving these animals and their habitats can lead to greater support for their conservation.

In conclusion, the Endangered status of the Indian Buffalo highlights the urgent need for conservation actions to ensure the survival of this iconic species in the wild. By addressing the key threats and implementing effective conservation measures, we can work towards securing a future for these magnificent animals.