UPSC Prelims 2023 Question:

Consider the following fauna:

1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar Civet
3. Sambar Deer
   
   

How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

Learn more about the Fauna that is generally nocturnal and most active after sunset.

Explanation:

About Lion-Tailed Macaque

• Lion-tailed macaque, also known as the wanderoo, thrives in the upper canopy of tropical evergreen rainforests and monsoon forests, at a wide range of elevations, from 330 to 6,000 ft (100–1,850 m). They are endemic to the Western Ghats. Lion-tailed macaques are diurnal and live in groups of 10 to 20 individuals.
• The Lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) is an Old World monkey.
• One of the distinguishing features of this species is that males define the boundaries of their home ranges by calls.
• Overall, their communication system contains as many as 17 vocalizations. 
• The magnificent Lion-tailed macaque is named due to its lion-like, long, thin, and tufted tail.
• In the wild, these are only native to India.
• It is a primate endemic to small and severely fragmented rainforests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• IUCN: Endangered
• CITES : Appendix I
• The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 : Schedule I

So, point 1 is not correct.

About Malabar Civet

Malabar Civet is a nocturnal and elusive animal. It is endemic to Western Ghats of India. They are mainly found in Wooded plains and hill slopes of evergreen rainforests. 

IUCN: Critically Endangered

Among the 15 most threatened mammals in the world today.

So, point 2 is correct.

About Sambar Deer

Sambar deer is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia and has been a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List since 2008. Sambar Deer are elusive and most active at dusk and night. So, point 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Biodiversity and Conservation

Tags: Factual