Why this topic is important?
Consider the following fauna: (2023)
1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar Civet
3. Sambar Deer
How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
The correct answer is (b) Only two.
- Lion-tailed Macaques are diurnal animals, meaning they are most active during the day.
- Malabar Civets are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night.
- Sambar Deer are crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk.
IUCN Red List: An Overview
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species. It is a critical tool for conservationists, policymakers, and researchers to understand the status of species and take necessary actions to protect them.
Here are some key points about the IUCN Red List:
What is the IUCN Red List?
- The IUCN Red List is a global database of the conservation status of plant and animal species.
- It provides information on the extinction risk of species, their distribution, habitat, and threats.
- The list is maintained by the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and its partners.
How is the IUCN Red List used?
- The IUCN Red List is used to identify species that are threatened with extinction and prioritize conservation efforts.
- It is used by governments, NGOs, and other organizations to develop policies and programs for species conservation.
- The list is also used by researchers to study the status and trends of species populations.
Categories of the IUCN Red List
- The IUCN Red List categorizes species into nine categories based on their extinction risk.
- These categories are: Not Evaluated, Data Deficient, Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, and Extinct.
- The categories are based on criteria such as population size, habitat loss, and rate of decline.
Criticisms of the IUCN Red List
- The IUCN Red List has been criticized for being too focused on charismatic species and neglecting less well-known species.
- Some critics argue that the categories are too subjective and not based on rigorous scientific criteria.
- Others argue that the list does not adequately consider the impacts of climate change on species populations.
Despite these criticisms, the IUCN Red List remains an essential tool for understanding the status of species and taking necessary actions to protect them.
Critically Endangered Species
Endangered Species
Fish
| Species | Location | Habitat | Dietary Classification & Habit | Unique Features/Characteristics | Threats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knifetooth sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata) | Indian and Pacific oceans | Coastal areas and estuaries | Carnivorous, specialized feeding on crustaceans, fish and cephalopods | Long, flat snout with sharp, serrated teeth | Habitat loss and overfishing |
| Asian arowana (Scleropages formosus) | Southeast Asia, bordering countries in Asia | Slow-moving waters near shorelines | Carnivorous, eating fish and insects | Considered as a symbol of good luck in some cultures | Overfishing, habitat loss, and pet trade |
| Red line torpedo barb (Sahyadria denisonii) | Western Ghats in India | Fast-flowing hill streams | Omnivorous, feeding on algae, insects, and small aquatic invertebrates | Distinct red line on its side | Overfishing, habitat degradation |
| Golden mahaseer (Tor putitora) | Himalayan region | Fast-flowing rivers and streams | Omnivorous, feeding on algae, invertebrates, and small fish | Large size and importance as a food fish in local cultures | Overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution |
| Deccan labeo (Labeo potail) | Peninsular India | Rivers and streams | Herbivorous, feeding on algae and aquatic plants | Small size, attractive colors, and importance as a food | Overfishing and habitat degradation |
Birds
| Species | Location | Habitat | Chronotype | Dietary Classification & Habit | Unique Features/ Characteristics | Threats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) | Western Asia, Central Asia, Russia, and parts of Eastern Europe | Steppes, grasslands, savannas, and deserts | Diurnal | Carnivore, they hunt small mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish | They have a wingspan of 6.6-8.7 ft and are a migratory bird | Threatened by habitat loss and degradation, poaching and hunting, and poisoning |
| Great knot (Calidris tenuirostris) | Breeds in Siberia, migrates through the Asia-Pacific region, and winters in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia | Mudflats, sandflats, short grass, and saltpans | Nocturnal | Omnivore, they feed on insects, mollusks, and crustaceans | They have a long, straight bill and are known for their non-stop migratory flights covering over 16,000 km | Threatened by habitat loss, over-harvesting of their food sources, and disturbance during migration |
| Masked finfoot (Heliopais personatus) | Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam | Swamps, marshes, and tropical rainforests | Nocturnal | Carnivore, they feed on fish, frogs, and insects | They have distinctive black facial markings and webbed feet | Threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation, agriculture, and logging |
| Manipur bush-quail (Perdicula manipurensis) | Northeast India, particularly in the state of Manipur | Grasslands and scrublands | Diurnal | Herbivore, they feed on seeds and vegetation | They have a distinctive rufous-orange plumage and are found in small groups | Threatened by habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, logging, and hunting |
| Greater adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius) | Cambodia, India, and Nepal | Wetlands and marshes in tropical and subtropical areas | Diurnal | Carnivore, they feed on fish, reptiles, and small mammals | They have distinctive bare skin on their head and neck and a large bill for scavenging | Threatened by habitat loss and degradation, hunting, and pollution |
| White-bellied blue robin (Myiomela albiventris) | Found in specific regions of the Indian subcontinent, like northern India, Bhutan, and Nepal | Prefer subtropical or tropical moist montane forests as habitat | Diurnal | Insectivorous; forage on the ground or in the understory | Vibrant blue plumage and a white belly | Human activities like deforestation and habitat destruction |
| Nilgiri blue robin (Myiomela major) | Endemic to the Western Ghats of India | Found in high altitude shola forests | Diurnal | Insectivorous; forage on the ground or in the understory | Dark blue plumage with a bright blue patch on the forehead | Habitat loss due to deforestation |
| White-winged duck (Asarcornis scutulata) | Found in Southeast Asia, mainly in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam | Found in wetlands with dense vegetation | Diurnal | Omnivorous; feeds on aquatic plants, insects, and small vertebrates | Large size and striking plumage | Habitat loss and hunting |
| White-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala) | Found in Europe, the Middle East, and northwest Asia | Prefers freshwater lakes and wetlands | Diurnal and nocturnal | Omnivorous; feeds on aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish | Has a distinctive white head and bill | Habitat loss, hunting, and hybridization with related species |
| Green peafowl (Pavo muticus) | Found in Southeast Asia, mainly in Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand | Prefers tall forests near water sources | Diurnal | Omnivorous; feeds on seeds, fruits, insects, and small animals | Has dazzling plumage and a distinctive call | Habitat loss, hunting, and capture for the pet trade |
| Narcondam hornbill (Rhyticero) | Endemic to Narcondam Island, in the Andaman Sea, India | Found in tropical evergreen forests | Diurnal | Omnivorous; feeds on fruit, insects, and small animals | Has a large bill and striking plumage | Habitat loss and hunting |
| Nordmann’s greenshank (Tringa guttifer) | Found in northeast Asia, mainly in Russia, Japan, and China | Prefers wetlands with freshwater and coastal habitats | Crepuscular | Carnivorous; feeds on invertebrates and small fish | Long, thin beaks for probing mud | Habitat loss, degradation, and hunting |
| Black-bellied tern (Sterna acuticauda) | Found in Australia and Southeast Asia | Coastal habitats | Diurnal | Carnivorous; feeds on fish and invertebrates | Black plumage with a white belly | Habitat loss, degradation, and pollution |
| Black-chinned laughingthrush (Trochalopteron cachinnans) | Found in the Himalayas | Forests and shrublands | Diurnal | Omnivorous; feeds on insects, seeds, and fruits | Black throat with a white belly | Habitat loss and degradation, hunting |
| Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) | Found in Europe, Asia, and Africa | Variety of habitats | Diurnal | Scavengers; feed on carrion | White plumage and bare yellow face | Habitat loss and degradation, hunting |
Reptiles
| Species | Location | Habitat | Chronotype | Dietary Classification & Habit | Unique Features/Characteristics | Threats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perrotet’s vine snake (Ahaetulla perroteti) | India (Western Ghats) | Tropical forests | Diurnal | Carnivore (Feeds on small vertebrates) | Slender body, green color, horizontal pupils, and excellent camouflage | Habitat loss, deforestation |
| Three-striped roofed turtle (Batagur dhongoka) | India (Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems) | Riverine habitats, freshwater | Diurnal | Omnivore (Feeds on plants and animals) | Three distinct stripes on the carapace, dark coloration with yellow markings | Habitat loss, pollution, hunting |
| Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) | Worldwide (Tropical and subtropical oceans) | Coastal waters, seagrass beds, coral reefs | Diurnal | Herbivore (Feeds on seagrass and algae) | Large size, streamlined body, paddle-like limbs, and greenish coloration | Poaching, bycatch, habitat loss |
| Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle (Chitra indica) | India (Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus river systems) | Freshwater rivers, lakes, and ponds | Nocturnal | Carnivore (Feeds on fish and crustaceans) | Narrow head, elongated snout, and large size | Habitat loss, pollution, hunting |
| Goan day gecko (Cnemaspis goaensis) | India (Goa) | Tropical forests, rocky outcrops | Diurnal | Insectivore (Feeds on insects) | Small size, flattened body, and adhesive toe pads | Habitat loss, deforestation |
| Wyanad day gecko (Cnemaspis wynadensis) | India (Kerala, Western Ghats) | Tropical forests, rocky outcrops | Diurnal | Insectivore (Feeds on insects) | Small size, flattened body, and adhesive toe pads | Habitat loss, deforestation |
| Keeled box turtle (Cuora mouhotii) | India (Northeast), Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, China (Yunnan) | Tropical forests, streams, and marshes | Nocturnal | Omnivore (Feeds on plants and animals) | Keeled carapace, dark coloration, and yellow markings | Habitat loss, hunting, pet trade |
| Boulenger’s dasia (Dasia subcaerulea) | India (Western Ghats) | Tropical forests | Diurnal | Insectivore (Feeds on insects) | Long, slender body, and prehensile tail | Habitat loss, deforestation |
| Poona skink (Eurylepis poonaensis) | India (Maharashtra) | Scrublands, grasslands | Diurnal | Insectivore (Feeds on insects) | Elongated body, smooth scales, and cylindrical tail | Habitat loss, urbanization |
| Inger’s mabuya (Eutropis clivicola) | India (Western Ghats) | Tropical forests, grasslands | Diurnal | Insectivore (Feeds on insects) | Long, slender body, and keeled scales | Habitat loss, deforestation |
| Yellow-headed tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) | India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia | Tropical forests, grasslands, swamps | Diurnal | Herbivore (Feeds on plants) | Elongated carapace, yellow head, and dark coloration | Habitat loss, hunting, pet trade |
| Asian forest tortoise (Manouria emys) | India (Northeast), Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia | Tropical forests, grasslands, swamps | Diurnal | Herbivore (Feeds on plants) | Large size, dark coloration, and flattened carapace | Habitat loss, hunting, pet trade |
| Indian kangaroo lizard (Otocryptis beddomii) | India (Western Ghats) | Tropical forests, grasslands | Diurnal | Insectivore (Feeds on insects) | Long, slender body, and ability to jump like a kangaroo | Habitat loss, deforestation |
| Assam roofed turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis) | India (Assam), Bangladesh | Freshwater rivers, lakes, and ponds | Diurnal | Omnivore (Feeds on plants and animals) | Roof-like carapace, dark coloration, and yellow markings | Habitat loss, pollution, hunting |
| Cantor’s giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) | India (Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems), Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines | Freshwater rivers, lakes, and ponds | Nocturnal | Carnivore (Feeds on fish and crustaceans) | Large size, flat body, and elongated snout | Habitat loss, pollution, hunting |
| Travancore Hills thorntail snake (Platyplectrurus madurensis) | India (Kerala, Western Ghats) | Tropical forests | Nocturnal | Insectivore (Feeds on insects) | Slender body, pointed tail tip, and dark coloration | Habitat loss, deforestation |
| Travancore earth snake (Rhinophis travancoricus) | India (Kerala, Western Ghats) | Tropical forests, grasslands | Nocturnal | Insectivore (Feeds on insects) | Slender body, pointed tail tip, and dark coloration | Habitat loss, deforestation |
| Cochin forest cane turtle (Vijayachelys silvatica) | India (Kerala, Western Ghats) | Tropical forests, swamps | Nocturnal | Omnivore (Feeds on plants and animals) | Small size, dark coloration, and yellow markings | Habitat |
Mammals
| Species | Location | Habitat | Chronotype | Dietary Classification & Habit | Unique Features/Characteristics | Threats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red panda (Ailurus fulgens) | Eastern Himalayas and southwestern China | High-altitude, temperate forests with bamboo understories | Crepuscular | Carnivore that feeds almost exclusively on bamboo, occasionally eats insects and bird eggs | Bear-like body with thick russet fur, elongated wrist bones or “false thumbs” used for grasping bamboo | Habitat loss and degradation, human interference, poaching, and encounters with stray dogs |
| Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) | Subtropical, temperate, and subpolar waters around the world | Deep offshore waters, avoids polar and tropical waters and semi-enclosed bodies of water | NA | Carnivore that feeds on copepods, krill, and other zooplankton | Third-largest rorqual after the blue whale and the fin whale, skims through the water and catches prey in its baleen plates | Pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, and climate change |
| Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) | All oceans except the Arctic Ocean | Open ocean | NA | Carnivore that feeds almost exclusively on krill | Largest animal known to have ever existed, heart the size of a Volkswagen Beetle, stomach can hold one ton of krill, and needs to eat about four tons of krill each day | Habitat degradation, pollution, vessel disturbance, climate change, vessel strikes, and entanglements in fishing gear |
| Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) | All major oceans and open seas | All major oceans and open seas | NA | Carnivore that feeds on krill, small fish, and crustaceans | Second-longest species of cetacean on Earth after the blue whale, has a series of 56-100 pleats or grooves along the bottom of the body that run from the tip of the chin to the navel that allow the throat area to expand greatly during feeding | Climate change, entanglement in fishing gear, lack of prey due to overfishing, ocean noise, and vessel strikes |
| Wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) | Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia | Swamps, flooded grasslands, other wetlands, alluvial plains, and densely vegetated river valleys | Diurnal and nocturnal | Herbivorous (folivorous, graminivorous) animals | They are smaller than domesticated water buffalo and have a dark brown coat. | Parasites and diseases, hunting, loss of habitat, interbreeding with domesticated water buffalo. |
| Hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) | South Asia | Areas with tall-grass savannah, flat, well-drained, and thinly forested habitats with a high amount of thatch | Nocturnal | Herbivorous animals, mainly feed on bark, shoots, and roots of grasses | They have a harsh and bristly coat, short ears, and a dark brown coat on the back. | Decline of natural habitat due to increasing agriculture, flood control, and human development. |
| Dhole (Cuon alpinus) | Central, South, East, and Southeast Asia | Deciduous and evergreen forests and alpine steppe | Diurnal and nocturnal | Carnivorous animals, feed on hoofed mammals | They are about the size of a border collie, have a charcoal gray to rust red to sandy beige coat, and a long, brushy, fox-like tail. | Habitat loss and fragmentation, depletion of prey base, persecution, and possibly disease transfer from domestic and feral dogs. |
| Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) | Mainland Asia | Subtropical broadleaf forest, tropical broadleaf moist forest, dry forest, grassland | Diurnal | Herbivorous animals, feed mainly on grasses, but also eat large amounts of tree bark, roots, leaves, and small stems | They are smaller than African elephants, have a convex or level back, and relatively broader skulls and larger trunks than African elephants. | Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. |
| Kolar leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros hypophyllus) | India | Subtropical or tropical dry forests and caves | Nocturnal | Insectivorous animals, feed on aquatic plants, crops, grasses, herbs, leaves, and bark of trees | They are found in only one cave in India, have a leafletted nose, and accumulate fat in the winter months, suggesting that they may use torpor in colder months. | Habitat loss due to illegal granite mining, population less than 200 individuals. |
| Lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) | Western Ghats mountain range in South India | Tropical evergreen rainforest | Diurnal | Omnivorous animals, feed on fruits, nuts, seeds, insects, small mammals, and birds | They have a distinctive mane of hair around their faces and are black with silver-white fur on their backs. | Habitat loss due to deforestation, fragmentation, and human encroachment. |
| White-bellied musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) | Himalayan region | Alpine and subalpine forests | Nocturnal | Herbivorous animals, feed on leaves, twigs, and bark of trees and shrubs | They have a stocky build, short legs, and a white belly. | Habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, hunting for their musk gland, and illegal trade. |
| Servant mouse (Mus famulus) | India | Forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields | Nocturnal | Omnivorous animals, feed on insects, seeds, and fruits | They are small, have a grayish-brown coat, and are known for their ability to jump. | Habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment. |
| Mandelli’s mouse-eared bat (Myotis sicarius) | India | Forests and caves | Nocturnal | Insectivorous animals, feed on moths, beetles, and flies | They have a brownish-gray coat, large ears, and a wingspan of up to 30 cm. | Habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment. |
| Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) | Western Ghats mountain range in South India | Grasslands and shrublands | Diurnal | Herbivorous animals, feed on grasses, leaves, and shoots | They have a stocky build, short legs, and a shaggy, dark brown coat. | Habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, fragmentation, and human encroachment. |
| Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) | Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, India | Dry deciduous forest and savanna | Nocturnal | Carnivorous animals, feed on ungulates such as deer and antelope | They are smaller than African lions, have a distinctive fold of skin along their bellies, and a less developed mane. | Habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, fragmentation, and human encroachment. |
| Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) | India | Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, dry forests, grasslands, and mangrove swamps | Nocturnal | Carnivorous animals, feed on ungulates such as deer and antelope | They have a distinctive orange coat with black stripes, and are the largest of the big cats in India. | Habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, fragmentation, and human encroachment. |
| Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) | Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems in India | Freshwater rivers and estuaries | Nocturnal | Carnivorous animals, feed on fish and crustaceans | They have a long, slender snout, and a grayish-brown coat. | Habitat loss and degradation due to dam construction, pollution, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets. |
| Gee’s golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) | Assam, India | Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests | Diurnal | Herbivorous animals, feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers | They have a distinctive golden-yellow coat, and are considered sacred by some indigenous communities in India. | Habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, fragmentation, and human encroachment. |
| Nicobar treeshrew (Tupaia nicobarica) | Nicobar Islands, India | Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests | Diurnal | Omnivorous animals, feed on insects, fruits, and seeds | They have a brownish-gray coat, and are known for their ability to climb trees. | Habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, fragmentation, and human encroachment. |
| Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii) | Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur, India | Wetlands and marshy areas | Diurnal | Herbivorous animals, feed on grasses, | Also known as the Manipur brow-antlered deer, it has unique antlers with 12 to 14 tines in mature males. | Habitat loss and degradation due to encroachment, agriculture, and infrastructure development; poaching; and invasive species introductions. |
Responses