IUCN Categories & Biodiversity — Set 7
Forest & Wildlife · IUCN श्रेणियां और जैव विविधता · Questions 61–70 of 121
The Lions-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), a highly endangered primate, is endemic to which part of India?
Correct Answer: C. Western Ghats
The Lion-tailed Macaque is endemic to the Western Ghats of India and is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. With fewer than 4,000 individuals remaining in fragmented forest patches of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, it is one of the rarest macaques in the world. It is also known as the Wanderoo and is characterized by its distinctive silver mane and black tail tuft.
The Living Planet Index, published in the Living Planet Report, is primarily a measure of:
Correct Answer: C. Trends in vertebrate wildlife populations
The Living Planet Index (LPI) measures trends in the size of global vertebrate wildlife populations across mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Developed by ZSL (Zoological Society of London) for WWF's Living Planet Report, it serves as a key indicator of biodiversity health. The 2022 LPI showed an average 69% decline in monitored vertebrate populations between 1970 and 2018.
Which protocol under the CBD specifically addresses the fair sharing of benefits from the use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge?
Correct Answer: B. Nagoya Protocol
The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) specifically addresses how benefits from the utilization of genetic resources are shared fairly between those who provide the resources and those who use them. The Cartagena Protocol (2000) addresses biosafety and the movement of living modified organisms. The Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement deal with climate change under the UNFCCC.
The Cartagena Protocol under the CBD deals with:
Correct Answer: C. Biosafety and living modified organisms
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was adopted in 2000 as a supplementary agreement to the CBD. It governs the transboundary movement, handling, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It applies the precautionary principle to protect biodiversity from the potential risks of modern biotechnology.
The Western Ghats was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2012
The Western Ghats was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 for its exceptional biodiversity and outstanding universal value. The nomination covers 39 serial sites across six states. It is recognized as one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biodiversity. The area supports exceptional levels of biological diversity and endemism.
The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is India's National Aquatic Animal and is listed under which IUCN category?
Correct Answer: D. Endangered (EN)
The Gangetic River Dolphin (Susu) is listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List. It was declared India's National Aquatic Animal in 2009. Threats include pollution, dams, fishing nets, and sand mining in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries. Project Dolphin was launched by India in 2020 on the lines of Project Tiger and Project Elephant.
How many biodiversity hotspots have been identified globally by Conservation International?
Correct Answer: C. 36
Conservation International currently recognizes 36 biodiversity hotspots globally. These hotspots, while covering only about 2.4% of Earth's land surface, are home to more than 50% of the world's plant species and about 43% of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species as endemics. The hotspot concept has guided conservation investment for over three decades.
The term 'megadiversity' was coined for countries that host a large proportion of global biodiversity. India is ranked among the world's megadiverse countries. How many species does India account for globally?
Correct Answer: C. 7-8%
India accounts for approximately 7-8% of all recorded species globally despite occupying only about 2.4% of the world's land area. India has over 91,000 animal species and 45,500 plant species recorded. It is one of 17 'megadiverse' countries identified by Conservation International as harboring the majority of the Earth's species.
IUCN's headquarters in Gland, Switzerland is also home to which major conservation fund?
Correct Answer: C. WWF International Headquarters
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) International Headquarters is also located in Gland, Switzerland, near IUCN's headquarters. This proximity reflects their close collaboration on global conservation. Gland serves as a hub for international conservation organizations. The WWF was founded in 1961 and uses the Giant Panda as its global symbol.
What is the primary criterion that defines a region as a 'biodiversity hotspot'?
Correct Answer: C. At least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species and 70% habitat loss
To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria: (1) it must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics (meaning it must have at least 0.5% of the world's total), and (2) it must have lost at least 70% of its original native habitat. This combination of high endemism and significant habitat loss makes these regions conservation priorities.