IAS 2012 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2012mcqmedium

Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

AGreat Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
BKashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
CSnow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
DLion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option (A):

This option correctly identifies a group of animals all classified as endangered or critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List:

Great Indian Bustard: Critically Endangered. This large bird species faces severe threats primarily due to habitat loss and degradation.
Musk Deer: Endangered. These deer are heavily poached for their musk, a substance used in perfumes and traditional medicine.
Red Panda: Endangered. Found in the Eastern Himalayas, their population is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation.
Asiatic Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur): Endangered. This subspecies is endemic to the Rann of Kutch in India and faces threats from habitat degradation and disease.

Incorrect Options:

Option 2: While the Kashmir Stag (Hangul) is endangered, Cheetal (Spotted Deer) and Blue Bull (Nilgai) are not classified as endangered. Both Cheetal and Blue Bull have relatively stable and widespread populations across their ranges.
Option 3: Snow Leopard and Swamp Deer are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, not endangered. Rhesus Macaque (Rhesus Monkey) and Sarus Crane are also not classified as endangered. Rhesus Macaque is listed as Least Concern, and Sarus Crane as Vulnerable.
Option 4: The Lion-tailed Macaque is an endangered species. However, Blue Bull (Nilgai), Hanuman Langur (Gray Langur), and Cheetal are not endangered. These species are generally widespread and listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Your note

IAS Environment & Ecology in other years

Environment & Ecology 2026 Environment & Ecology 2025 Environment & Ecology 2024 Environment & Ecology 2023 Environment & Ecology 2022 Environment & Ecology 2021 Environment & Ecology 2020 Environment & Ecology 2019 Environment & Ecology 2018 Environment & Ecology 2017 Environment & Ecology 2016 Environment & Ecology 2015

More IAS Environment & Ecology questions

Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid): 1. It is an epiphytic orchid. 2. The species is endemic to North-east India. 3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2026medium

Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience? 1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts. 2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones. 3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct? 1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds. 2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites. 3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes. Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India?

2026medium

With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees. 3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers. Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

View all Environment & Ecology questions

Keep practicing Environment & Ecology

Work through every IAS Environment & Ecology PYQ, year by year.

Browse all Environment & Ecology topics