The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Endangered species are organisms whose populations have declined significantly or whose habitats have been drastically reduced, placing them at a high risk of extinction in the near future. The conservation status of these species is monitored to prevent their disappearance from the ecosystem.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Endangered animals are defined by populations that are diminishing or have reached a critically low level, not increasing. If a species' numbers were increasing rapidly, it would generally not be classified as endangered.
- Statement 2 is Correct. Extinction risks are not limited to large, charismatic megafauna. Small animals (such as insects, amphibians, and small reptiles) are often more sensitive to environmental changes and habitat loss, making them equally, if not more, at risk of becoming extinct.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The Red Data Book is the sourcebook that maintains an international record of all endangered animals and plants. It is maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to guide conservation efforts.
Key Takeaway: Endangered animals are characterized by declining populations facing extinction; this status applies to both large and small organisms and is officially recorded in the IUCN Red Data Book.