Endangered Species of India — Set 17

Correct Answer: B. Karnataka

India's first Biodiversity Heritage Site was declared at Nallur, a small village in Karnataka, in 2007, under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Nallur Tamarind Grove is a 500-year-old grove of more than 2,000 honge (Pongamia pinnata) and other trees. Biodiversity Heritage Sites are areas with rich biodiversity including wild and domesticated varieties, important from historical, cultural, ecological, or economic perspective.

Correct Answer: B. Arid and semi-arid grasslands of peninsular India

The Indian Gray Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is found in the arid and semi-arid grasslands, scrub forests, and agricultural areas of peninsular and central India. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List at the species level, but the Indian population is considered Endangered. It faces threats from habitat loss, persecution for livestock predation, and electrocution from power fences. Significant populations exist in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Correct Answer: B. Narcondam Island

The Narcondam Hornbill (Rhyticeros narcondami) is critically endangered and endemic to Narcondam Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Narcondam Island is a small uninhabited volcanic island, and the entire global population of this hornbill is confined to this one island. Naval activities and proposed development on the island have been contested by conservationists concerned about the hornbill's survival.

Correct Answer: C. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (2006 amendment)

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established in 2006 through an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, chaired by the Minister with the Inspector General of Forests as its Member Secretary. NTCA oversees Project Tiger, administers tiger reserves, monitors tiger populations, and addresses tiger-human conflicts. It was created following recommendations of the Tiger Task Force in 2005.

Correct Answer: B. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh (before bifurcation) historically had the most wildlife sanctuaries in India. After Telangana's formation in 2014, both states together maintained a large number of sanctuaries. As of current data, Maharashtra has among the highest numbers of wildlife sanctuaries in India (over 40). Wildlife sanctuaries differ from national parks in that limited human activity may be permitted within them.

Correct Answer: B. Blind and uses echolocation

The Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is essentially blind — its eyes lack a lens and can only detect the direction and intensity of light. It navigates and hunts entirely through echolocation (biological sonar), emitting ultrasonic sounds and interpreting the echoes. This adaptation is a result of living in turbid, silty river water where vision would be of limited use. Despite its blindness, it is an effective predator of fish and crustaceans.

Correct Answer: B. Man-Animal Conflict Mitigation Scheme

Several state governments and Project Tiger areas have 'Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation' schemes or Ex-gratia payment schemes that compensate people who suffer losses to wildlife. The National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan was prepared by the government in 2021. Under Project Elephant, there are provisions for compensation for elephant-related deaths and property damage. Such schemes are crucial for maintaining community support for wildlife conservation.

Correct Answer: B. 1983

India's first National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) was adopted in 1983. Subsequent plans were developed for 2002–2016 and 2017–2031. The NWAP provides a roadmap for wildlife conservation in India, covering protected area management, species recovery, human-wildlife conflict, wildlife health, and capacity building. The current plan (2017–2031) emphasizes landscape-level conservation, corridor protection, and addressing emerging challenges like climate change.

Correct Answer: B. Poaching for its shell (tortoiseshell)

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, primarily threatened by poaching for its uniquely patterned shell (called 'tortoiseshell' or 'bekko'), which is used for jewelry, accessories, and decorative items. It is found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. The trade in tortoiseshell has been banned under CITES Appendix I, but illegal trade continues.

Correct Answer: B. Uttar Pradesh

The 'Dolphin Mitra' (Dolphin Friend) program was initiated by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department to create a network of trained volunteers who monitor and protect Gangetic Dolphins in the rivers of Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the Ganga, Yamuna, Gharghara, and Son rivers. Volunteers report dolphin sightings, poaching incidents, and illegal fishing to forest officials. UP has significant stretches of Gangetic Dolphin habitat.