The Black-necked crane thrives in the Tibetan and trans-Himalayan region, migrating to milder areas of the Indian Himalayas in winter. India’s diverse forests host Flying Squirrels, while the endangered Snow Leopard resides in the Himalayan ranges. Unfortunately, the cheetah, once present, is now extinct due to historical hunting. Therefore the correct options are: 1, 3, and 4 only.
Question: Consider the following:
1) Black-necked crane
2) Cheetah
3) Flying squirrel
4) Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in UPSC-CSE 2012 Prelims
Answer: The correct option is: (b) 1, 3, and 4 only
📌📌📌 Explanation:
- Black-necked Crane (Option 1):
- Black-necked crane is commonly found in the Tibetan and trans-Himalayan region, migrating to less colder regions of the Indian Himalayas in winters.
- Naturally found in India, specifically in high-altitude regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, and eastern Ladakh.
- Breeds in the Tibetan plateau, with main wintering flocks in Tibet, Yunnan, Guizhou (China), and Bhutan. A small wintering population also found in Sangti and Zimithang valleys of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Breeding grounds include high altitude wetlands in the Tibetan plateau.
- Feeds on leftovers in rice and potato fields during winter at lower altitudes in India.
2. Flying Squirrel (Option 3):
- Flying squirrels are distributed throughout Asia and are tolerant of human disturbance but can be hunted for food and medicinal purposes in South Asia.
- Naturally found in many Indian forests, including Northeast India.
- Indian Giant Flying Squirrel, one of the largest flying squirrels, is about 43cm long with a 50cm tail.
- Has a rufous coat, grey underparts, and large, round eyes.
- Glides between trees using a membrane of skin called a patagium.
3. Snow Leopard (Option 4):
- Snow leopards inhabit high-altitude and cold environments in the Himalayan ranges and are an ‘endangered’ species.
- Naturally found in India, primarily in the northern and northwestern Himalayan states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Geographical range includes a large part of the western and eastern Himalayas.
- Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN-World Conservation Union’s Red List.
- Protected by several national laws in range countries and on Appendix I of CITES.
Also Read: Biosphere Reserve (BR)
🏅🏅🏅 Additional Information:
Cheetah Conservation Status and Habitat:
- Cheetah (Option 2) is an extinct species in India, hunted down by various Indian kings and British officers during the pre-independence era.
- IUCN Red List Status: Cheetahs are currently categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- Legal Protection in Namibia: In Namibia, cheetahs are designated as a protected species.
- U.S. Endangered Species Act: Under the Endangered Species Act in the United States, cheetahs hold the status of being Endangered.
- CITES Appendix 1 Listing: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) classifies cheetahs as an Appendix 1 species.
- Population Fragmentation: Most wild cheetahs inhabit fragmented populations, covering only 9 percent of their historical range.
- Asiatic Cheetahs in Iran: In Iran, the Asiatic cheetah, a sub-species, has fewer than 50 remaining individuals.
- Largest Single Population: The most substantial cheetah population is found in a six-country polygon spanning Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, and Zambia.
- Namibia’s Significance: Namibia holds the largest number of wild cheetahs, earning the title of “The Cheetah Capital of the World.”
- Rural Farmland Habitat: Over 75 percent of the remaining wild cheetahs live in rural farmlands, coexisting with human communities.
The correct options are 1, 3, and 4, as they represent animals naturally found in India with specific habitats and populations within the country. The additional information provides context and details about the characteristics and conservation status of these animals.
