Environment & Ecology : Animal Diversity

Q 18 / 29

UPSC CSE Prelims 2013

Consider the following:
  1. Star tortoise
  2. Monitor lizard
  3. Pygmy hog
  4. Spider monkey
Which of the above are naturally found in India?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (A):

  • Star tortoise: The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is naturally found in the dry scrub forests and grasslands of central and southern India.
  • Monitor lizard: Various species of Monitor lizards (Varanus spp.), such as the Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), are native to and widely distributed across India.
  • Pygmy hog: The Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania) is a critically endangered species endemic to the grasslands of Assam in northeastern India.

Incorrect Options:

  • Spider monkeys (genus Ateles) are New World monkeys native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. They are not naturally found in India.
  • Option B is incorrect as it excludes the Star tortoise, which is naturally found in India.
  • Option C is incorrect as it includes the Spider monkey, which is not native to India.
  • Option D is incorrect as it includes all four species, including the non-native Spider monkey.
SOURCEEnvironment by Shankar IAS, Chapter 10: Biodiversity of India