Consider the following statements regarding the Himalayan Wolf: It is ...
Statement 1: The Himalayan Wolf is genetically adapted to live in hypoxic conditions.
Statement 2: The Himalayan Wolf is categorized as critically endangered species under the IUCN Red List.
Explanation:
Statement 1: The Himalayan Wolf is genetically adapted to live in hypoxic conditions.
The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco) is a subspecies of the gray wolf that is found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. These wolves are known to inhabit areas above 3,000 meters and have evolved certain genetic adaptations to survive in the harsh and hypoxic conditions found at high altitudes.
One of the key genetic adaptations of the Himalayan Wolf is its ability to efficiently utilize oxygen in low-oxygen environments. This adaptation allows them to thrive in regions with reduced oxygen levels, such as the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. The unique genetic makeup of these wolves enables them to cope with the physiological challenges posed by hypoxia, including reduced oxygen availability and increased energy demands. This adaptation sets them apart from other wolf populations and allows them to survive and reproduce in their unique habitat.
Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2: The Himalayan Wolf is categorized as a critically endangered species under the IUCN Red List.
The IUCN Red List is a comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species. It assesses the extinction risk of various species based on scientific criteria and categorizes them into different threat categories.
As of now, the Himalayan Wolf is not specifically listed as a separate species on the IUCN Red List. The gray wolf (Canis lupus) as a whole is listed as a species of 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List. However, it should be noted that the Himalayan Wolf, being a unique subspecies, faces specific conservation challenges due to its limited distribution and specialized habitat requirements.
Although the Himalayan Wolf is not currently categorized separately on the IUCN Red List, its conservation status is a matter of concern. The limited population and habitat range of the Himalayan Wolf make it vulnerable to various threats, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change. Therefore, efforts are required to monitor and conserve this subspecies to ensure its long-term survival.
Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
In conclusion, only statement 1 is correct, and statement 2 is incorrect.
Consider the following statements regarding the Himalayan Wolf: It is ...
Himalayan Wolf has been assessed for the first time in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List and categorised as ‘Vulnerable’.
- The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas.
- It is also called as Tibetan wolves, which live at more than 4,000 metres altitudes are genetically distinct from grey wolves.
- Living at such high altitudes, these wolves have genetically adapted themselves to live in low oxygen (hypoxic) conditions.
- Distribution:
- In China, the Himalayan wolf lives on the Tibetan Plateau in the provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, Tibet, and western Sichuan.
- In northern India, it occurs in the Union Territory of Ladakh and in the Lahaul and Spiti region in northeastern Himachal Pradesh.
- Conservation status
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
- Threats: It is illegally hunted for trade in its fur and body parts including paws, tongues, heads, and other parts.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
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