The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) prelims often include questions about the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status and unique features of many species in current news. This article furnishes a consolidated list of important species in news with an emphasis on those categorized as Critically Endangered (CR). It also covers endangered species and others of interest.
Critically Endangered Bird Species
Species such as the White-bellied Heron, Siberian Crane, and various vultures like the White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, and Red-headed Vulture are on the IUCN’s CR list. Other birds like the Bengal Florican, Himalayan Quail, Jerdon’s Courser, Pink-headed Duck, Sociable Lapwing, and Great Indian Bustard are also critically endangered. These birds have unique habitats ranging from Gangetic plains, sub-Himalayan regions to Arctic tundra region, depending on the species.
Critically Endangered Mammals
The Malabar Civet, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Javan Rhinoceros, Large Rock-rat or Elvira Rat, Namdapha Flying Squirrel, Asiatic Cheetah, Andaman White-toothed Shrew, Nicobar Shrew, Jenkin’s Shrew, Chinese Pangolin, and Indian Pangolin fall under the critically endangered mammals category.
Critically Endangered Fishes
Pondicherry Shark, Knifetooth Sawfish, Narrow snout or Green Sawfish, and Ganges Shark are critically endangered fish species due to habitat loss and other environmental factors.
Critically Endangered Reptiles
Critically endangered reptiles include the Fish-eating Crocodile or Gharial, Four-toed Terrapin, Red-crowned Roofed Turtle, Leatherback, and Hawksbill Turtle.
Critically Endangered Amphibians
The Anaimalai Flying Frog and Kerala India Frog are amphibian species that have been critically endangered primarily due to their habitat loss.
Endangered Species (EN)
Species like the Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Gangetic Dolphin, Pygmy Hog, Kondana Rat, Forest Owlet, Red Panda, and Nilgiri Tahr are identified as endangered under the IUCN.
Other Important Species
Species like the Snow Leopard, Pied Cuckoo, Olive Ridley Turtle, Amur Falcon, and Dugong hold the status of vulnerable or near threatened but are still significant due to their unique features, habitats, and ecological roles. The Snow Leopard is a flagship species for the high altitude Himalayas, while the Amur Falcon is known as the world’s longest-traveling raptor, migrating from Southeastern Siberia and northern China.
Detailed knowledge about these species and their IUCN status can significantly improve your chances of correctly answering UPSC prelim questions based on these topics.
