Previous Year Question

The Desert Cat/Asiatic Wildcat is a small wild cat inhabiting the arid and semi-arid regions of India. In the Indian context, it has traditionally been identified as Felis silvestris ornata, while modern taxonomy associates it with Felis lybica ornata. It occurs in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and certain other regions of central and western India. Indian wildlife conservation assessments have associated it with the Least Concern (LC) category rather than the Endangered (EN) category. Its major threats include habitat degradation, Hybridization with domestic cats, road accidents, and human activities.

The Golden Langur, scientifically known as Trachypithecus geei, is primarily found in the restricted forest regions of western Assam in India and neighbouring Bhutan. It is characterized by its golden-to-cream-coloured fur and long tail. It is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List. Its restricted geographical distribution, deforestation, Habitat Fragmentation, and declining connectivity between forest patches are major threats to its population. Conservation efforts have been undertaken in protected areas such as Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam.

Hoolock Gibbons are Arboreal Apes found in the northeastern states of India. The Western Hoolock Gibbon, scientifically known as Hoolock hoolock, occurs mainly in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and other northeastern forest regions. Its conservation status is Endangered (EN). Gibbons move between tree branches using their long arms through a form of locomotion known as Brachiation. Deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and hunting are major causes of their population decline. Gibbons hold particular importance among Indian wildlife because they represent the ape group naturally occurring in India.

The Asiatic Wild Dog, also known as the Dhole, has the scientific name Cuon alpinus. It is found in the forests of central India, the Western and Eastern Ghats, and northeastern regions. It is a social carnivore that generally hunts in Packs. According to the IUCN, its conservation status is Endangered (EN) rather than Vulnerable (VU). Its major threats include habitat destruction, declining prey populations, and the transmission of infectious diseases from domestic dogs. Under the IUCN conservation classification, Vulnerable and Endangered represent different levels of extinction risk; the Endangered category indicates a very high risk of extinction in the wild. The classification problem involving the Desert Cat and Asiatic Wild Dog was relevant even in the context of the 2014 examination.