IUCN Categories & Biodiversity — Set 12
Forest & Wildlife · IUCN श्रेणियां और जैव विविधता · Questions 111–120 of 121
India's first species to undergo IUCN-assessed recovery from Critically Endangered to a less threatened category was:
Correct Answer: C. Indian Rhinoceros
The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Indian Rhinoceros) underwent a notable recovery from near extinction and was downlisted from Endangered to Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its population grew from fewer than 200 in the early 20th century to over 4,000 today, primarily due to strict protection in Kaziranga National Park. This recovery is hailed as one of the most successful conservation programs in Asia.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is related to IUCN's work in biodiversity. When was the Ramsar Convention established?
Correct Answer: B. 1971
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 and entered into force in 1975. It provides a framework for international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. IUCN was one of the key organizations involved in creating the Ramsar Convention. India has 85 Ramsar sites (as of recent updates), the highest in Asia.
The IUCN Red List assessment involves which of the following as mandatory information?
Correct Answer: B. Population size and trend, geographic range, and quantitative analysis
IUCN Red List assessments require information on population size and trend, geographic range (extent of occurrence and area of occupancy), habitat requirements, threats, and conservation actions. For the highest risk categories, quantitative analysis of extinction probability is required. The assessment must be reviewed by at least two independent experts before being published on the Red List.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include which goal most directly related to biodiversity?
Correct Answer: B. SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)
SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) are most directly related to biodiversity conservation under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. SDG 15 targets include halting deforestation, restoring degraded ecosystems, combating desertification, and ending wildlife trafficking. SDG 14 focuses on conserving and sustainably using oceans and marine resources. Both goals are linked to the CBD's targets.
The concept of 'rewilding' involves:
Correct Answer: C. Restoring natural processes and ecosystems including reintroducing apex predators
Rewilding is the large-scale restoration of natural processes and ecosystems, often involving the reintroduction of key species (especially apex predators) to restore ecological balance. Famous examples include the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park (USA), which triggered a 'trophic cascade.' India's Project Cheetah (2022) is an example of rewilding through species reintroduction.
The 'Red Data Book' published by IUCN contains information about:
Correct Answer: C. All assessed species including their conservation status
The IUCN Red Data Book (now the IUCN Red List) contains information about all assessed species and their conservation status across all nine categories from Extinct to Not Evaluated. It provides scientific data on population trends, geographic range, ecological requirements, and threats for each species. The first Red Data Book was produced in the 1960s in loose-leaf format to allow updates.
The Indian Forest Act 1927 and the Environment Protection Act 1986 differ in that EPA 1986:
Correct Answer: C. Is a framework law for environmental protection including biodiversity
The Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1986 is a framework or umbrella legislation for environmental protection in India, enacted after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. It empowers the central government to take measures to protect and improve environmental quality. The Indian Forest Act 1927 deals specifically with forest management and timber resources. EPA 1986 covers a broad range of environmental concerns including biodiversity, pollution, and ecological protection.
The Western Ghats, despite being a biodiversity hotspot, faces major threats from:
Correct Answer: B. Mining, quarrying, encroachment, and plantation agriculture
The correct answer is Mining, quarrying, encroachment, and plantation agriculture. The Western Ghats faces multiple threats including quarrying and mining (granite, iron ore), encroachment for agriculture and settlements, plantation agriculture (tea, coffee, rubber replacing native forests), tourism-related disturbances, and climate change. The Gadgil Committee (2011) and Kasturirangan Committee (2013) provided recommendations for protecting the Western Ghats, with the latter becoming the basis for policy intervention. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
CBD's COP15, where the Kunming-Montreal GBF was adopted, was hosted in which city?
Correct Answer: B. Montreal, Canada
CBD COP15 was formally concluded in Montreal, Canada, in December 2022, where the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted. The meeting was split: Part 1 was held virtually in Kunming, China, in October 2021 (which is why 'Kunming' is in the name), and Part 2 was held in Montreal. The framework is named after both cities to honor China's initial role as the host country.
The IUCN Red List distinguishes between 'regional' and 'global' assessments. What does a regional Red List assessment refer to?
Correct Answer: B. An assessment of the risk of extinction within a specific geographic area rather than globally
A regional Red List assessment evaluates the risk of extinction of a taxon within a specific geographic area (country, state, or ecoregion) rather than globally. India's IUCN-linked species assessments for national red lists provide regional context. A species might be regionally threatened (e.g., Asiatic Lion in India) even if globally it's just Endangered. IUCN guidelines for regional assessments were published in 2003.