Endangered Species of India — Set 6
Forest & Wildlife · भारत की संकटग्रस्त प्रजातियां · Questions 51–60 of 180
The Barasingha or Swamp Deer is the state animal of which state?
Correct Answer: B. Uttar Pradesh
The Barasingha or Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) is the state animal of Uttar Pradesh and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its name means 'twelve-tined' in Hindi. Three subspecies exist in India: the western (in Dudhwa), the central (in Kanha), and the eastern (in Kaziranga). The subspecies in Kanha was saved from extinction through a dedicated conservation program.
India has how many Critically Endangered species as per current IUCN assessments (approximately)?
Correct Answer: C. About 100
India has about 100 Critically Endangered species as per current IUCN assessments, making it one of the biodiversity-rich yet threatened nations. These about 100 species include mammals like the Pygmy Hog, Malabar large-spotted civet, and Kondana rat, along with numerous plant and reptile species. Critically Endangered is the highest risk category in the IUCN Red List, just one step before Extinct in the Wild. India's high biodiversity combined with habitat loss and human pressure has pushed many species to critical thresholds.
The Snow Leopard's range in India covers approximately how many square kilometres?
Correct Answer: B. 100,000
The Snow Leopard's range in India covers approximately 100,000 sq km across the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. India launched Project Snow Leopard in 2009 to conserve this species and its high-altitude habitat. India is believed to host about 400–700 snow leopards, representing a significant share of the global population estimated at 4,000–6,500.
The Gharial Conservation Programme in India primarily uses which strategy?
Correct Answer: B. Captive breeding and release
The Gharial Conservation Programme in India primarily uses captive breeding and release as its main strategy. Eggs are collected from river banks, incubated, and hatchlings raised in captivity at centers like the Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre in Lucknow. Juvenile gharials are then released into protected river stretches, primarily in the Chambal and Ganga rivers. Despite these efforts, the wild population remains critically low.
The first Wildlife Census in India was conducted in which year?
Correct Answer: A. 1969
The first organized Wildlife Census in India was conducted in 1969. This 1969 census marked the beginning of systematic wildlife population surveys in India. The 1969 census was conducted before the formal launch of Project Tiger in 1972 and provided baseline data on tiger and wildlife populations. The wildlife census of 1969 revealed alarming declines in tiger populations, which led to the establishment of Project Tiger in 1973.
Which is the rarest and most endangered wild dog species found in Northeast India?
Correct Answer: A. Dhole
The Dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic Wild Dog or Indian Wild Dog, is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. In Northeast India, dholes are found in forested areas of states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur. Globally, dholes inhabit the forests of South, East, and Southeast Asia, with the population declining due to habitat loss, depletion of prey base, and persecution.
Which wildlife conservation project specifically targets the conservation of the Indian rhinoceros?
Correct Answer: C. Indian Rhino Vision 2020
Indian Rhino Vision 2020 was a conservation program launched in 2005 with the goal of increasing the greater one-horned rhinoceros population to at least 3,000 in Assam by 2020. The program involved translocation of rhinos from Kaziranga to other suitable habitats like Manas, Orang, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. While the 3,000 target was not fully met, the program significantly expanded the rhino's range in Assam.
What is 'Project Dolphin' launched by the Government of India in 2020?
Correct Answer: B. Conservation of both river and sea dolphins
Project Dolphin was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2020, and covers both Gangetic/Indus River Dolphins and oceanic dolphins. This is analogous to Project Tiger and Project Elephant. The project focuses on conservation of dolphin habitats, reduction of human-dolphin conflict, and control of poaching. India's National Aquatic Animal, the Gangetic Dolphin, gets special attention under this project.
The Clouded Leopard is found in India in which region?
Correct Answer: C. Northeast India
The Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is found in the forests of Northeast India, particularly in states like Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The Clouded Leopard is an excellent climber and is also the state animal of Meghalaya. A separate species, the Sunda Clouded Leopard, is found in Southeast Asia.
Which Indian protected area is specifically a biosphere reserve for the conservation of Nilgiri Tahr?
Correct Answer: C. Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park in the Munnar area of Kerala is the primary protected area for the Nilgiri Tahr, hosting the world's largest known population of about 900 individuals. The park was established specifically for Nilgiri Tahr conservation in 1978. The park lies within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Nilgiri Tahr is classified as Endangered and is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.