Question
GSMediumPrelims 2013Environment & Ecology

Consider the following fauna of India:

  1. Gharial
  2. Leatherback turtle
  3. Swamp deer

Which of the above is/are endangered?

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: The Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It has faced a drastic population decline due to habitat loss, prey depletion, and entanglement in fishing nets.

Statement 2 is Correct: The Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is categorized as Vulnerable globally on the IUCN Red List. In India, it is a high-priority conservation species found primarily in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Statement 3 is Correct: The Swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii), or Barasingha, is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It faces threats from habitat fragmentation and conversion of grasslands to agricultural land.

In the context of this UPSC question, the term "endangered" is used as a general descriptor for species facing a significant threat of extinction. Under the IUCN Red List, the categories of Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), and Vulnerable (VU) are collectively referred to as 'Threatened' species. Since all three animals fall into these high-risk categories and are protected under Schedule I of India's Wildlife Protection Act, they are all considered endangered in the broader sense of the term.

Trusted by 2L aspirants

Practice UPSC Prelims PYQs Smarter

Practice Now
  • Track accuracy & weak areas
  • See past trends & repeated themes
Start Practicing Now

PYQs by Papers

Most repeated Topics from Environment & Ecology in Last 5 years

Repeated Topics
Questions in Last 5 Years
Environmental Pollution15 (21%)
Climate Change Mitigation14 (19%)
Institutional Measures for Environment Conservation12 (17%)
Climate Change12 (17%)
Indian Biodiversity - Fauna8 (11%)

Crack UPSC with your
Personal AI Mentor

An AI-powered ecosystem to learn, practice, and evaluate with discipline

SuperKalam
SuperKalam is your personal mentor for UPSC preparation, guiding you at every step of the exam journey.

Download the App

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store
Follow us

ⓒ Snapstack Technologies Private Limited