GS PrelimsEnvironmentBiodiversity2012

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

Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation

1. Black-necked crane: This species breeds on the Tibetan plateau and winters in lower altitudes. In India, it is naturally found as a breeding bird in parts of Ladakh and as a winter visitor in Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan. 2. Cheetah: The Asiatic Cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952. Therefore, it is not naturally found in India (though reintroduction efforts began much later than 2012). 3. Flying squirrel: Several species of flying squirrel are naturally found in forested regions across India, including the Himalayas, Northeast India, and the Western Ghats. 4. Snow leopard: This elusive large cat is naturally found in the high-altitude, mountainous regions of the Himalayas and trans-Himalayas within India (e.g., Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh). 5. Thus, the Black-necked crane, Flying squirrel, and Snow leopard (1, 3, and 4) are naturally found in India.

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