Environment & Ecology2013
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
The correct option is 1, 2, and 3 only—Star tortoise, Monitor lizard, and Pygmy hog are species that are naturally found in India, reflecting the country’s rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems. The Star tortoise and Monitor lizard inhabit different habitats across India, from dry landscapes to forests, while the Pygmy hog, a critically endangered species, is often associated with the grasslands of Assam. In contrast, the Spider monkey, native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, does not occur naturally in India, highlighting the importance of understanding regional biodiversity in relation to conservation efforts emphasized in UPSC Prelims GS Paper I curriculum on ecology and wildlife.
