Which of the following is/are correct regarding Caracal?1. It is a med...
Caracal: A Medium-sized Wild Cat
The correct answer is option 'C', which states that only statement 3 is correct. Let's analyze each statement to understand why.
Statement 1: It is a medium-sized wild cat endemic to the Indian sub-continent only.
This statement is incorrect. Caracal, scientifically known as Caracal caracal, is not endemic to the Indian sub-continent only. In fact, caracals have a widespread distribution across various regions in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. They are not restricted to the Indian sub-continent alone.
Statement 2: It is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
This statement is also incorrect. While caracals face various conservation challenges, they are not currently listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. According to the IUCN Red List, caracals are classified as a species of "Least Concern." This classification indicates that they are not facing an immediate risk of extinction. However, it is important to note that their populations are declining in some regions due to habitat loss, poaching, and other threats.
Statement 3: It is recently included in the species recovery programme for critically endangered species in India.
This statement is correct. Caracals have indeed been included in the species recovery program for critically endangered species in India. The Indian government, along with various conservation organizations, has recognized the need to protect and conserve caracals due to their declining populations in certain regions of the country. The species recovery program aims to implement measures such as habitat conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and awareness campaigns to ensure the long-term survival of caracals in India.
In conclusion, statement 1 and statement 2 are incorrect, while statement 3 is correct. Caracals are not endemic to the Indian sub-continent and are not listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. However, they have been included in the species recovery program for critically endangered species in India.
Which of the following is/are correct regarding Caracal?1. It is a med...
Caracal is a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia including India. The population of this cat is increasing in Africa while its numbers are declining in Asia. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
- The wildcat has long legs, a short face, long canine teeth, and distinctive ears — long and pointy, with tufts of black hair at their tips. The iconic ears are what give the animal its name — caracal comes from the Turkish karakulak, meaning ‘black ears’.
- The caracal has traditionally been valued for its litheness and extraordinary ability to catch birds in flight; it was a favourite coursing or hunting animal in medieval India.
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists caracals as a species of 'least concern' mainly due to their large numbers in Africa. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
- The National Board for Wildlife and Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has included the caracal, in the list of recovery programme for critically endangered species. The recovery programme for critically endangered species in India now includes 22 wildlife species. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
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