UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 37 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Gharial Leatherback Swamp Deer
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2013
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectEnvironment and Ecology
- TopicSpecies
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeDirect
Consider the following fauna and India:
1. Gharial
2. Leatherback turtle
3. Swamp deer
Which of the above is/are endangered?
Show answer
Answer: C. 1, 2 and 3
Verdict
Correct Answer: 1, 2 and 3
All three species mentioned are threatened Indian fauna, so the correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.
Analysis
According to the official UPSC Answer Key for Prelims 2013 General Studies Paper, the correct option is 1, 2 and 3.
The question is based on the conservation status of important Indian fauna under the IUCN Red List.
Statement by statement
1. Gharial — Correct
Gharial is one of the most threatened crocodilian species in the world.
It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
In India, its population is mainly found in river systems such as the Chambal.
2. Leatherback Turtle — Correct
Leatherback Turtle is the largest living sea turtle.
It is found in Indian waters and nests in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, especially in the Nicobar region.
Globally, it is listed as Vulnerable, but some subpopulations are more threatened. In the UPSC context, it was included among threatened/endangered fauna.
3. Swamp Deer — Correct
Swamp Deer is also known as Barasingha.
It is found in isolated pockets of India, including Kanha National Park and Kaziranga.
It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Extra UPSC info
* Gharial has a long, narrow snout and is mainly fish-eating.
* National Chambal Sanctuary is one of the most important habitats for gharial conservation.
* Barasingha is famous for its 12-tined antlers.
* Hard-ground Barasingha is found in Kanha and is the State Animal of Madhya Pradesh.
* Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar Island is an important nesting site for Leatherback Turtles.
* These species receive strong legal protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
More questions on Species
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