Endangered Species of India — Set 7

Correct Answer: A. Not threatened but trade must be controlled

CITES Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so unless trade is controlled. Trade in Appendix II species requires an export permit from the country of origin to ensure the trade is not detrimental to the species' survival. Many common species, including some that are farmed or cultivated, are listed in Appendix II to monitor their trade volumes.

Correct Answer: C. 1976

India became a party to CITES on July 18, 1976. CITES itself was opened for signature in 1973 in Washington D.C. and entered into force on July 1, 1975. India's CITES Management Authority is the Directorate of Wildlife Preservation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. India's rich biodiversity means hundreds of Indian species are listed across CITES appendices.

Correct Answer: C. West Bengal

The Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is the state animal of West Bengal and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is well-adapted to aquatic environments and is found in wetlands, mangroves, and riverine forests. In India, it occurs in the Terai region, the Gangetic Delta, and coastal wetlands. It is threatened by loss of wetland habitats due to drainage for agriculture and aquaculture.

Correct Answer: D. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests primarily in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, making it an important nesting ground in Indian waters. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Green Sea Turtles are herbivores as adults, feeding on seagrasses and algae. The marine national parks and sanctuaries of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide critical nesting and foraging habitat for multiple sea turtle species.

Correct Answer: B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) was established in 2008 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to combat organized wildlife crime in India. It was established by amending the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. WCCB coordinates with Interpol and CITES to curb poaching and illegal trade in wildlife products. It maintains databases on wildlife crime and assists in prosecution of offenders.

Correct Answer: B. Indian Vulture (Long-billed)

The Indian Vulture or Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus), along with the White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris), suffered catastrophic population declines of over 97% in India due to the veterinary drug Diclofenac. All three species are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Vulture Safe Zones have been established across India to provide Diclofenac-free buffer zones for these birds.

Correct Answer: B. Little Rann of Kutch

The Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur), also called Khur or Ghudkhur, is found in the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK) in Gujarat. It is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch was established in 1972 and is the last stronghold of this subspecies. The population has recovered from about 700 in the 1960s to over 6,000 today.

Correct Answer: C. Sarus Crane

The Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone) is the world's tallest flying bird, standing about 1.8 metres tall. It is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Sarus Cranes are monogamous and mate for life. In India, they are found mainly in the Indo-Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, in agricultural wetlands and water bodies.

Correct Answer: C. 53

India has 53 Tiger Reserves as of 2023 under Project Tiger, spread across 18 states. The latest additions include Ramgarh Vishdhari (Rajasthan) in 2021, Guru Ghasidas (Chhattisgarh) in 2021, Srivilliputhur-Megamalai (Tamil Nadu) in 2021, and Ranipur (Uttar Pradesh) in 2022. These reserves collectively cover about 75,000 sq km of India's most important wildlife habitats.

Correct Answer: B. Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests

The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is a flagship species of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in the Western Ghats and Northeast India. It plays a critical ecological role as a seed disperser, earning it the nickname 'farmer of the forest.' The Great Hornbill is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is threatened by deforestation and hunting for its spectacular casque, which is used as decoration in tribal headgear.