UPSC Prelims 2013 Q87: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
Consider the following fauna of India:
1. Gharial
2. Leatherback turtle
3. Swamp deer
Which of the above is/are endangered?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) None
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Endangered fauna of India
| Animal | Threatened? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Gharial | Yes | Critically Endangered; a fish-eating crocodilian of the Chambal and other rivers |
| 2. Leatherback turtle | Yes | The largest sea turtle; nests in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 3. Swamp deer (barasingha) | Yes | State animal of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh; saved at Kanha |
Protection: all three are in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Where to find the swamp deer:
| Subspecies | Place |
|---|---|
| Hard-ground barasingha | Kanha, Madhya Pradesh |
| Wetland barasingha | Dudhwa, Uttar Pradesh |
| Eastern barasingha | Kaziranga, Assam |
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The swamp deer is also endangered.
- (b) Incorrect. The gharial and the leatherback turtle are also endangered.
- (c) CORRECT. The gharial, leatherback turtle and swamp deer are all endangered.
- (d) Incorrect. All three are threatened, so 'None' is wrong.
Key point
Gharial (Critically Endangered, Chambal), leatherback turtle (largest sea turtle, Andamans), swamp deer or barasingha (Kanha, Dudhwa, Kaziranga): all Schedule I.
Remember
Gharial, leatherback, barasingha: all endangered.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the swamp deer is common because it lives in famous parks.
- Confusing the leatherback with the Olive ridley turtle.
- Forgetting that the gharial is the most threatened of India's crocodilians.
Exam tip
A list of well-known Indian wildlife with 'endangered' is usually all correct.
Sources
- IUCN Red List — Gavialis gangeticus, Dermochelys coriacea, Rucervus duvaucelii
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 — Schedule I