Q. 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? (UPSC Prelims 2023)
Answer: Only two
Notes: The correct answer is [B] Only two, based on the official UPSC answer key for the 2023 Prelims.If UPSC took correct answer as A (Only one), then the examiners must be ashamed of themselves for asking good facts idiotically. We believe it is likely an error in that specific key. The standard biological and official consensus identifies both the Malabar Civet and the Sambar Deer as fitting the criteria.

• Lion-tailed Macaque (Diurnal – Incorrect): This primate is strictly diurnal. It is active during the day, spending its time in the upper canopy of the Western Ghats' rainforests foraging for fruits and insects, and it sleeps at night.
• Malabar Civet (Nocturnal – Correct): This is one of the world's rarest and most elusive mammals. It is strictly nocturnal, hiding in dense thickets during the day and emerging only after sunset to forage.
• Sambar Deer (Nocturnal/Crepuscular – Correct): While Sambar can be seen during the day, they are biologically categorized as nocturnal or crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk). In the wild, they are most active after sunset and through the night to avoid predators and human disturbance.

Why "Only two"?The Lion-tailed Macaque is clearly diurnal. Both the Malabar Civet and Sambar Deer are "generally nocturnal or most active after sunset." Therefore, two out of the three species satisfy the condition.