Shankar IAS Test: Indian Biodiversity And Schedule Animal Of W.P.A - UPSC MCQ

• The grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura) is a large tree squirrel in the genus Ratufa found in the highlands of the Central and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka and patches of riparian forest along the Kaveri River and the hill forests of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala state of southern India.

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the species as near threatened due to habitat loss and hunting.

• The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a small wild cat native to continental South, Southeast, and East Asia.

• Since 2002 it has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List as it is widely distributed although threatened by habitat loss and hunting in parts of its range.

Population threats

Pygmy hogs used to be widespread in the tall, wet grasslands in the southern Himalayan foothills from Uttar Pradesh to Assam, through Nepal and north Bengal. However, human encroachment has largely destroyed their natural habitat by development, agriculture, domestic grazing, and deliberate fires. Today, only one viable population remains in the Manas National Park, but even there, it is threatened by livestock grazing, poaching, fire, and tigers.

Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Pygmy hog is 100-250 mature individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.

The greater one-horned rhino lives in northern India and southern Nepal, in riverine (floodplain) grasslands and adjacent woodland. Greater one-horned rhinos are grazers. When not grazing on land, animals like to immerse themselves in water, where they also graze on aquatic plants.

Explanation:

• Species: Olive Ridley


• IUCN Status: Vulnerable

The Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means that the species faces a high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future if the threats are not mitigated.

• Threats:




• Loss of nesting habitat due to coastal development


• Entanglement in fishing gear


• Pollution of marine habitats


• Climate change and rising sea levels

These threats have had a significant impact on Olive Ridley populations, leading to a decline in their numbers. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these turtles and their habitats to ensure their survival in the wild.

Explanation:

• IUCN Status: The IUCN status of Chital is "Least concern".


• Reasoning: The Chital, also known as the spotted deer, is classified as "Least concern" by the IUCN Red List. This classification is based on the fact that the Chital has a wide distribution range and large population size, which are not currently facing any major threats that would significantly impact their population.


• Population: The Chital is found in various habitats such as forests, grasslands, and open woodlands in South Asia. They are known for their adaptability to different environments and are not currently facing any serious population decline.


• Conservation: While the Chital is currently classified as "Least concern", it is important to note that conservation efforts should still be implemented to ensure the long-term survival of this species. Habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict are some of the potential threats that could impact Chital populations in the future.


• Conclusion: In conclusion, the IUCN status of Chital as "Least concern" indicates that the species is not currently at risk of extinction. However, continued monitoring and conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the protection of their populations in the wild.

Explanation of IUCN status of Indian Buffalo:

• Endangered: The IUCN status of Indian Buffalo is categorized as Endangered. This means that the species is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.


• Threatened: This term is used for species that are likely to become endangered in the near future if the factors threatening their survival continue.


• Vulnerable: Species that are vulnerable are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future.


• Critically Endangered: This category is reserved for species that are at an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Indian Buffaloes are facing various threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and competition with domestic livestock for resources. These factors have led to a decline in their population, resulting in their classification as Endangered by the IUCN.