Environment and Ecology — Species in News: Fauna (Part I)
1. Pangolin
Context: Rise in illegal trade. World Pangolin Day – third Saturday of every February.
Protection Status
- IUCN Red List: Indian Pangolin – Endangered; Chinese Pangolin – Critically Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Key Facts
- World's most trafficked mammal.
- Only mammals fully covered with protective scales.
- Also called scaly anteater, feeds on ants, termites, larvae.
- To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, it rolls up and protects its vulnerable parts. (UPSC 2021)
- Found in India:
- Indian Pangolin – except arid regions, high Himalayas, and NE India
- Chinese Pangolin – NE India
- Habitat: Tropical forests, grasslands, cultivated areas.
Key Points:
- World Pangolin Day — third Saturday of February
- Most trafficked mammal globally
- Only mammals fully covered with scales
2. Iberian Lynx
Context: IUCN has changed Iberian lynx's status to 'Vulnerable' from 'Endangered' due to significant improvement in its conservation status.
Protection Status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (recently downlisted from Endangered)
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
About Iberian Lynx
- A cat species; males larger than females (sexually dimorphic).
- Features: Long legs, pointed ears, spotted fur (like leopards).
- Found in: Spain and Portugal.
- In India: Eurasian Lynx occurs in the cold deserts of Ladakh.
3. Four-Horned Antelope
Context: Photographed for the first time in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
Protection Status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix III
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Key Facts
- Smallest antelope in Asia.
- Found only in India and Nepal.
- Range: From Himalayan foothills to Deccan Plateau.
- Habitat: Prefers open, dry deciduous forests with hills, avoids human-dominated areas.
4. Markhor
Context: 24 May is declared as the International Day of the Markhor by the UNGA.
Protection Status
- IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Key Facts
- World's largest wild goat.
- Habitat: Dense pine and birch forests in Kashmir.
- Indian Range: Jammu & Kashmir — Shopian, Banihal Pass, Shamsbari, Kazinag Uri, Pir Panjal.
- Global: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan.
Conservation Efforts
- Kashmir Markhor Recovery Project: Habitat protection, reducing human-livestock conflict.
- Protected Areas: Expanded Hirpora Sanctuary and new Tattakuti Sanctuary.
Note: International Day of the Markhor — 24 May (declared by UNGA)
5. Olive Ridley Turtles
Context: Began nesting along the Bay of Bengal coast.
Protection Status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Key Facts
- Found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
- Famous for Arribada (mass nesting).
- Nesting Sites in India:
- Gahirmatha Coast (Bhitarkanika NP)
- Rushikulya Rookery
- Devi River Mouth (Mahanadi distributary)
- Nest 1–3 times per season.
- Omnivorous: Feeds on algae, crabs, mollusks, etc.
Key Points:
- Famous for Arribada (mass nesting)
- Key nesting sites: Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi River Mouth
- Protected under Schedule I of WPA, 1972
6. Indian Gharial
Context: Found in Greater Kaziranga (Assam) after 75 years.
Protection Status
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Key Facts
- Among the largest crocodilians (up to 7 m long).
- Known for long, thin snouts with a bulbous knob (ghara) in males.
- Diet: Primarily fish; juveniles eat insects, frogs, etc.
- Non-threatening to humans.
- Lifespan: 50–60 years.
- Historic Range: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, and parts of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar.
- Current Habitat: Girwa, Chambal (India) & Rapti-Narayani (Nepal).
Note: Gharials in their natural habitat, Chambal (India) — (UPSC 2017)
Threats
- River modification
- Prey depletion
- Egg poaching
- Habitat loss
Conservation
- Project Crocodile (1975) with FAO & UNDP.
- Reserves in MP, Rajasthan, UP.
- WWF-India & University of Tokyo: Bio-logging study on gharials.
7. Mugger or Marsh Crocodile
Protection Status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Key Facts
- Habitat: Freshwater habitats & coastal lagoons (India, extinct in Bhutan & Myanmar)
- Notable: Egg-laying, hole-nesting, dangerous
- Threats: Habitat loss, fishing, use in traditional medicine
8. Estuarine or Saltwater Crocodile
Protection Status
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
- CITES: Appendix I (Australia, Indonesia, PNG — Appendix II)
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Key Facts
- Habitat: Bhitarkanika (Odisha), Sundarbans (WB), Andaman & Nicobar Islands; also SE Asia & N. Australia
- Notable: World's largest crocodile, maneater reputation
- Threats: Illegal hunting, habitat loss, negative perception
9. Sumatran Orangutan
Context: First recorded case of a Sumatran orangutan using medicinal plant (Akar Kuning) for wound treatment, indicating advanced cognitive skills.
Protection Status
- IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
About Orangutans
- One of the 4 great apes (others: Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Bonobo)
- Share ~97% DNA with humans
- Name meaning: "Man of the Forest"
- Makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood. (UPSC 2023)
- Distribution: Found in Sumatra (Indonesia) and Borneo (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei)
Types
- Sumatran – Long facial hair, shaggy reddish fur
- Bornean – Broader face, shorter beard, darker
- Tapanuli – Discovered 2017, genetically distinct, restricted to North Sumatra
10. Sea Otters
Context: Sea Otters use tools (stones, human objects) to access hard prey.
Protection Status
- IUCN Status: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
Protection
- CITES
- International Fur Seal Treaty
- Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972) (USA)
About Sea Otters
- Intelligent, strong swimmers, problem solvers
- Float on backs while feeding
- Prey: Sea urchins, crabs, mussels, clams, abalone, etc.
11. Eurasian Otter
Context: First sighting in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala. Other otters in Kerala: Smooth-coated otter, Small-clawed otter.
Protection Status
- IUCN Status: Near Threatened
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
About
- Semi-aquatic mammal, native to Eurasia.
- Habitats: Rivers, lakes, streams, marshes, coastal areas.
- Found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and parts of India (north, northeast, south).
12. Snow Leopard
Context: First-ever scientific survey (SPAI) confirms 718 snow leopards in India.
Protection Status
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- CMS: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Population Distribution
- Ladakh (477), Uttarakhand (124), HP (51), Arunachal (36), Sikkim (21), J&K (9)
- India hosts 10-15% of the global snow leopard population.
Note: Snow leopard is naturally found in India. (UPSC 2012)
Threats
- Habitat loss
- Climate change
- Invasive species
- Pollution
13. Great Indian Bustard
Context: ₹56 crore approved for the next phase of GIB and Lesser Florican conservation.
Conservation Status
- IUCN: Critically Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- CMS: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Key Points
- Largest among 3 bustard species in India (others: Bengal Florican, Lesser Florican).
- State bird of Rajasthan.
- Only ~140 individuals left, mostly in Rajasthan & Gujarat.
- Small populations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh.
- Flagship species for grasslands & indicator of grassland health.
14. Lesser Florican
Conservation Status
- IUCN: Critically Endangered
- CITES: Appendix II
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Key Points
- Smallest bustard; endemic to India.
- Found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka.
- Famous for mating dance: leaping 2–3 meters, fluttering up to 600 times/day.
15. Leopards
Context: Status of Leopards in India, 2022 Report by NTCA & WII.
Key Findings
- Population: 13,874 (1.08% annual growth from 2018).
- Found mainly in forested tiger landscapes.
- State-wise:
- Madhya Pradesh (3,907)
- Maharashtra (1,985)
- Karnataka (1,879)
- Tamil Nadu (1,070)
- Increased in Central India & Eastern Ghats; decreased in Shivaliks & Gangetic plains.
Conservation Status
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
About Leopards
- Wide distribution across India (except NE forests, high Himalayas, Thar desert).
- Prefers forests, grasslands, hills; adaptable to human landscapes.
- Solitary, nocturnal, strong climber & swimmer.
- Opportunistic carnivore (deer, boar, monkeys, etc.).
16. Himalayan Serow
Context: Recently spotted in Nameri National Park & Tiger Reserve, Assam.
Protection Status
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
About
- A type of mainland serow found only in the Himalayas.
- Diet: Herbivore.
- Habitat: Eastern, Central, Western Himalayas (absent in Trans-Himalaya).
17. Orcas
Context: Frequent orca-boat interactions reported near the Strait of Gibraltar, becoming a multinational issue.
Protection Status
- IUCN: Data Deficient
- CITES: Appendix II
About
- Largest species of dolphin, also called killer whales.
- Colour: Distinct black-and-white pattern.
- Size: Up to 8 meters long, 6 tonnes weight.
- Behaviour: Highly intelligent, curious, and social; not aggressive to humans in the wild.
- Predators: Among the world's most powerful predators.
- Echolocation: Used for communication and hunting, each pod has unique sounds.
18. Leopard Cat
Context: Recently spotted in Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve for the first time.
Protection Status
- IUCN: Least Concern
- CITES: Appendix I
About
- Small forest-dwelling cat with leopard-like spots.
- Behaviour: Nocturnal, solitary, carnivorous; helps control rodent population.
- Breeding: 2–4 kittens per litter; gestation ~65–70 days.
- Habitat: Tropical forests, semi-deserts, agricultural areas up to 3000m.
- Distribution: NE India, Himalayan states, West Bengal, Odisha & Western Ghats.
19. Bar-Tailed Godwits
Context: Rare sighting of 5 individuals at Pulicat Lake.
Conservation Status
- IUCN: Near Threatened
About
- Migratory shorebirds known for long-distance endurance flights.
- Distribution: Europe, Asia, Alaska, Africa, Gulf, India, SE Asia, China, Australia.
- Breeding: Arctic region.
- Migration Adaptation: Shrink digestive organs, lose ~50% body weight during migration.
- Behaviour: Bold, territorial; call sounds like "godwit, godwit".
20. Cantor's Giant Softshell Turtle
Context: Nesting site found on Chandragiri River, Kerala.
Protection Status
- IUCN: Critically Endangered
- CITES: Appendix II
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
About
- Also called Asian giant softshell or frog-faced turtle.
- Nature: Rare, secretive.
- Habitat: Freshwater rivers, lakes, streams, estuaries.
- Distribution: Eastern & Southern India, SE Asia, China.
- Behaviour: Buries in sand, surfaces twice a day.
21. Summary: Fauna Species at a Glance
| Species | IUCN Status | CITES | WPA Schedule | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Pangolin | Endangered | Appendix I | Schedule I | Most trafficked mammal |
| Chinese Pangolin | Critically Endangered | Appendix I | Schedule I | Found in NE India |
| Iberian Lynx | Vulnerable | Appendix I | Schedule I | Downlisted from Endangered |
| Four-Horned Antelope | Vulnerable | Appendix III | Schedule I | Smallest antelope in Asia |
| Markhor | Near Threatened | Appendix I | Schedule I | Largest wild goat |
| Olive Ridley Turtle | Vulnerable | Appendix I | Schedule I | Arribada (mass nesting) |
| Indian Gharial | Critically Endangered | Appendix I | Schedule I | UPSC 2017; Project Crocodile |
| Mugger Crocodile | Vulnerable | Appendix I | Schedule I | Dangerous, hole-nesting |
| Estuarine Crocodile | Least Concern | Appendix I | Schedule I | Largest crocodile |
| Sumatran Orangutan | Critically Endangered | Appendix I | — | UPSC 2023; uses medicinal plants |
| Snow Leopard | Vulnerable | Appendix I | Schedule I | UPSC 2012; 718 in India (SPAI) |
| Great Indian Bustard | Critically Endangered | Appendix I | Schedule I | State bird of Rajasthan |
| Lesser Florican | Critically Endangered | Appendix II | Schedule I | Smallest bustard; mating dance |
| Leopard | Vulnerable | Appendix I | Schedule I | Population: 13,874 (2022) |
| Cantor's Giant Softshell Turtle | Critically Endangered | Appendix II | Schedule I | Found in Kerala |
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- Pangolin: Most trafficked mammal; rolls up for protection (UPSC 2021)
- Iberian Lynx: Downlisted from Endangered to Vulnerable
- Markhor: International Day — 24 May (UNGA); largest wild goat
- Olive Ridley: Arribada (mass nesting); Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi River Mouth
- Indian Gharial: Critically Endangered; Project Crocodile (1975) (UPSC 2017)
- Sumatran Orangutan: Uses medicinal plants; UPSC 2023; 4 great apes
- Snow Leopard: 718 in India (SPAI); Vulnerable; UPSC 2012
- Great Indian Bustard: Critically Endangered; State bird of Rajasthan
- Leopard: Population 13,874 (2022 report); Vulnerable
- Lesser Florican: Smallest bustard; endemic to India
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Species in News — Fauna Part I)
Q1. Which mammal is known as the world's most trafficked mammal?
Correct Answer: A. Pangolin is the world's most trafficked mammal. It is fully covered with protective scales and rolls up to protect itself from predators. (UPSC 2021)
Q2. The Iberian Lynx was recently downlisted from Endangered to which category?
Correct Answer: C. IUCN has changed Iberian lynx's status to 'Vulnerable' from 'Endangered' due to significant improvement in its conservation status.
Q3. The International Day of the Markhor is celebrated on:
Correct Answer: B. 24 May is declared as the International Day of the Markhor by the UNGA.
Q4. The mass nesting phenomenon of Olive Ridley Turtles is called:
Correct Answer: A. Olive Ridley Turtles are famous for Arribada — mass nesting. Key nesting sites in India include Gahirmatha Coast (Bhitarkanika NP), Rushikulya Rookery, and Devi River Mouth.
Q5. The Indian Gharial was found in Greater Kaziranga after how many years?
Correct Answer: C. Indian Gharial was found in Greater Kaziranga (Assam) after 75 years. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. (UPSC 2017)
Q6. Which orangutan species was discovered in 2017?
Correct Answer: C. Tapanuli Orangutan was discovered in 2017. It is genetically distinct and restricted to North Sumatra. (UPSC 2023)
Q7. How many snow leopards were confirmed in India by the first-ever scientific survey (SPAI)?
Correct Answer: C. The first-ever scientific survey (SPAI) confirms 718 snow leopards in India. Ladakh has the highest population (477). India hosts 10-15% of the global snow leopard population. (UPSC 2012)
Q8. Which bird is the state bird of Rajasthan?
Correct Answer: B. The Great Indian Bustard is the state bird of Rajasthan. It is listed as Critically Endangered with only ~140 individuals left.
Q9. What is the IUCN status of the Leopard in India?
Correct Answer: B. The Leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. According to the Status of Leopards in India, 2022 Report, the population is 13,874.
Q10. Which species is known as the smallest bustard and endemic to India?
Correct Answer: C. The Lesser Florican is the smallest bustard and is endemic to India. It is Critically Endangered and famous for its mating dance — leaping 2–3 meters, fluttering up to 600 times/day.