Endangered Species of India — Set 13

Correct Answer: B. Maharashtra

The Forest Owlet (Athene blewitti) was declared extinct in 1884 but was dramatically rediscovered in Maharashtra (Shahada in Nandurbar district) in 1997, after 113 years. It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is endemic to central India. The forest owlet is found in dry deciduous forests in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Its rediscovery was considered one of the most significant ornithological events of the 20th century.

Correct Answer: C. Olive Ridley Turtle

The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is the most commonly observed sea turtle in India, particularly along the Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu coasts. It nests at multiple sites in these states, with Gahirmatha in Odisha being one of the largest nesting beaches in the world. Despite being Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, Olive Ridley turtles arrive in enormous numbers for Arribada nesting events.

Correct Answer: D. Least Concern

The Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not currently threatened with extinction. It is found across India in forested areas and is protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act. However, habitat loss and deforestation are concerns for this and many other forest-dependent species in India.

Correct Answer: C. 1975

Project Crocodile (or Crocodile Conservation Project) was launched in India in 1975 with help from UNDP and FAO to conserve three species: the Gharial, Mugger Crocodile, and Saltwater Crocodile. Captive breeding centers were established in several states. The project is considered one of the success stories of wildlife conservation in India, particularly for the Saltwater Crocodile and Mugger, though the Gharial remains Critically Endangered.

Correct Answer: B. Minimum 3 years, maximum 7 years imprisonment plus fine

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (as amended in 2002), poaching a Schedule I species like the tiger carries a minimum imprisonment of 3 years extendable up to 7 years and a fine of not less than Rs. 10,000. For repeat offenders, the punishment is a minimum 3 years with a minimum fine of Rs. 25,000. The 2022 amendment to the WPA further strengthened these provisions and added new offenses related to wildlife trade.

Correct Answer: C. Himalayas

The Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) is famous for migrating over the Himalayas, flying at altitudes over 7,000 metres — making it one of the highest-flying birds in the world. It breeds in Central Asia (Tibet, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan) and winters in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in wetlands across northern and central India. It has special physiological adaptations in its hemoglobin and muscles for high-altitude flight.

Correct Answer: C. 2002

The Biological Diversity Act was enacted in India in 2002, following India's ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1994. The Act established the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) in Chennai, State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level. It regulates access to biological resources and ensures equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use (ABS).

Correct Answer: C. Indo-Myanmar border region

The Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) is one of the world's rarest mammals, classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is not found in India proper but in the Annamite Mountains along the Vietnam-Laos border, close to the Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot that includes Northeast India. The Saola was only discovered by science in 1992 and has rarely been documented. India's Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot shares similar ecological character.

Correct Answer: C. Keratin

The rhinoceros horn is composed entirely of keratin, the same protein that makes up human fingernails and hair. Despite having no proven medicinal properties, rhino horns command extremely high prices in illegal wildlife markets, particularly in China and Vietnam, driving severe poaching pressure. This misconception about medicinal value has made the rhino one of the most heavily poached animals globally, with the Indian Rhino being a primary target.

Correct Answer: C. Andaman Islands

The Andaman Teal (Anas albogularis) is an endemic species found only in the Andaman Islands and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is a small dabbling duck that breeds on freshwater wetlands and coastal lagoons in the Andaman archipelago. Endemic island species like the Andaman Teal are particularly vulnerable because their entire global population is concentrated in a limited geographic area.