Q1. Consider the following
- The amendment reduced the number of schedules for specially protected animals from four to three.
- The amendment removed the schedule for vermin species.
- The amendment removed the schedule for protected plants.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 only
Q1. (a) 1 only
Explanation
- Statement 1 — Correct
WLPA 2022 reorganised and reduced wildlife schedules —
Specially protected animals now fall under two schedules (Schedule I & II), plus CITES schedule → effectively reduced from 4 to 3 groupings. - Statement 2 — Incorrect
The vermin schedule was NOT removed. States may still notify vermin species temporarily under provisions. - Statement 3 — Incorrect
The schedule for protected plants was retained (Schedule III).
👉 Incorrect statements = 2 and 3.
Q2.
Which of the following species are endemic to India?
- Elvira rat
- Namdapha flying squirrel
- Pygmy hog
- Asian elephant
- Asiatic lion
- Sangai deer
- Chinkara
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7
(b) 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
(c) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7
(d) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6
Q2. (d) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6
Explanation — Endemic to India
- Elvira rat ✔ Endemic (Eastern Ghats, Andhra–TN).
- Namdapha flying squirrel ✔ Endemic (Arunachal Pradesh).
- Pygmy hog ✔ Endemic (Assam grasslands).
- Asiatic lion ✘ Native to India today, but not endemic historically (earlier distribution extended beyond India).
- Sangai deer ✔ Endemic (Keibul Lamjao, Manipur).
- Chinkara ✘ Also found in Pakistan, Iran, etc.
- Asian elephant ✘ Distributed across South & Southeast Asia.
👉 Endemic species = 1, 2, 3, 5, 6.
Q3.
Match the following:
| Species | Habitat Type |
| 1. Great Hornbill | A. Tropical scrub and deciduous forests |
| 2. Snow Leopard | B. Mountainous landscapes of Central and South Asia |
| 3. Slender Loris | C. Wet evergreen and mixed deciduous forests |
Select the correct matching code:
(a) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C
(b) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A
(c) 1-B, 2-C, 3-A
(d) 1-B, 2-C, 3-C
Q3. (a) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C
Explanation
- Great Hornbill → Tropical scrub & deciduous forests ✔
- Snow Leopard → Mountainous landscapes of Central & South Asia ✔
- Slender Loris → Wet evergreen & mixed deciduous forests (Peninsular India & Sri Lanka) ✔
👉 All pairs in option (a) are correct.
Q4.
This species is commonly observed in large flocks during winter at the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. It nests in colonies on open sand-bars and riverine islands. The Chambal River is one of its key nesting habitats.
Which species does the description refer to?
(a) Gangetic dolphin
(b) Vaquita porpoise
(c) Indian skimmer
(d) Purple frog
Q4. (c) Indian Skimmer
Explanation
- Forms large winter flocks at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
- Colonial nester on sand-bars & river islands
- Chambal River = key breeding habitat in India
Other options ruled out:
- Gangetic dolphin → aquatic mammal, no nesting
- Vaquita → marine species (Gulf of California)
- Purple frog → Western Ghats endemic amphibian
👉 Species described = Indian Skimmer.
Q5. Consider the following
- Sangai deer is found only in Manipur.
- The Long-billed vulture occurs only north of the Ganga.
- The Lesser florican is endemic solely to western India.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) One only
(b) Two only
(c) All three
(d) None
Q5. (a) One only
Explanation
- Statement 1 — Correct
Sangai deer is confined to Loktak Lake / Keibul Lamjao NP, Manipur. - Statement 2 — Incorrect
Long-billed vulture (Indian vulture) is found across India, not restricted to north of Ganga. - Statement 3 — Incorrect
Lesser florican breeds mainly in western India, but also occurs in central & parts of eastern India → not “only western India”.
👉 Only one statement is correct.
