IUCN Categories & Biodiversity — Set 8
Forest & Wildlife · IUCN श्रेणियां और जैव विविधता · Questions 71–80 of 121
The State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) under the Biological Diversity Act 2002 are responsible for:
Correct Answer: B. Regulating commercial use of biological resources by Indian citizens
State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) regulate and grant approval for commercial and research use of biological resources by Indian citizens within each state. They advise state governments on matters related to conservation, sustainable use, and benefit sharing in their respective states. Each state with biodiversity-rich areas has its own SBB to oversee implementation of the Biological Diversity Act.
The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is listed under which IUCN category?
Correct Answer: C. Vulnerable (VU)
The Indian Star Tortoise is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List due to rampant poaching for the illegal pet trade. It is one of the most trafficked tortoise species in the world. It is protected under Schedule IV of India's Wildlife Protection Act and is listed on CITES Appendix I. Its distinctive geometric star-patterned shell makes it highly sought after in the exotic pet trade.
The IUCN Commission on Species Survival (SSC) creates Conservation Action Plans (CAPs) for:
Correct Answer: B. Threatened species groups
The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) develops Conservation Action Plans for threatened species groups through its Specialist Groups. These plans prioritize and guide conservation efforts for specific taxa like Asian Elephants, Crocodilians, Orchids, and Freshwater Fish. The SSC has over 10,000 volunteer experts organized into more than 160 Specialist Groups.
How many species are assessed in the IUCN Red List as of recent years?
Correct Answer: D. Over 150,000
As of recent updates, the IUCN Red List has assessed over 150,000 species for their conservation status. Of these, more than 42,000 are threatened with extinction. The goal is to assess at least 160,000 species by 2020 and ultimately to assess all known species. The Red List is updated several times a year as new assessments are completed.
Which IUCN Red List category is assigned to India's Olive Ridley Sea Turtle?
Correct Answer: D. Vulnerable (VU)
The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. It is famous for mass synchronous nesting called 'arribada' at Gahirmatha Beach in Odisha, the world's largest Olive Ridley nesting beach. India prohibits fishing near nesting beaches and requires Turtle Exclusion Devices (TEDs) on trawl nets to reduce incidental bycatch of these turtles.
The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), the largest living turtle, is listed under which IUCN category?
Correct Answer: C. Vulnerable (VU)
The Leatherback Sea Turtle is classified as Vulnerable (VU) globally on the IUCN Red List, though specific subpopulations are Critically Endangered. It is the world's largest turtle, reaching up to 2.13 m in length and 700 kg in weight. In India, it nests on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is protected under Schedule I of India's Wildlife Protection Act.
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) provides open-access data on:
Correct Answer: B. Occurrence records of species worldwide
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is an international network that provides free and open access to biodiversity data, primarily species occurrence records. Established in 2001, GBIF aggregates data from institutions worldwide, making billions of records available for research and decision-making. It is funded by governments and operates through national nodes in member countries.
India's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is governed by which convention?
Correct Answer: C. Convention on Biological Diversity
India's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is required under Article 6 of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Every signatory country must develop a NBSAP to integrate biodiversity conservation into national policies. India has revised its NBSAP multiple times, most recently in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets for 2030.
The Indian Gharial Conservation Programme was initiated mainly in which river system?
Correct Answer: C. Chambal River
The Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is the primary river for Indian Gharial conservation, hosting the largest wild population of this Critically Endangered reptile. The National Chambal Sanctuary (covering parts of MP, UP, and Rajasthan) is the main protected area for Gharial conservation. The Gharial has been classified as CR due to a 98% decline in its population over the past century.
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, part of the Sundaland biodiversity hotspot, is home to which Critically Endangered sea turtle?
Correct Answer: C. Leatherback Turtle
The Leatherback Sea Turtle nests on the beaches of Great Nicobar Island, making it one of the key nesting sites in South Asia. The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, established in 1989, protects this nesting habitat. Recent concerns have arisen over a proposed development project on Great Nicobar Island that could threaten the nesting beaches of Leatherback Turtles.