Q. Consider the following statements:
- Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
- Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
- One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2019)
Answer:
1 only
Notes: The correct answer is
[A] 1 only.This question tests the geographical distribution of specific wildlife species and the exclusivity of their natural habitats.
- Asiatic Lion (Statement 1 – Correct): Historically, Asiatic lions ranged from the Middle East to Eastern India. Currently, the Gir National Park and its surrounding areas in Gujarat, India, are the only places in the world where the Asiatic lion is found in its natural wild habitat.
- Double-humped Camel (Statement 2 – Incorrect): Also known as the Bactrian camel, it is found in the cold deserts of Central Asia, including Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan. While a small population exists in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, India, they are not "naturally found in India only."
- One-horned Rhinoceros (Statement 3 – Incorrect): While India (specifically Kaziranga National Park in Assam) is home to the largest population of the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, they are also naturally found in the Terai grasslands of Nepal. Therefore, they are not endemic to India alone.
The term "naturally found in India only" implies
endemism. While India is a major stronghold for these species, only the Asiatic lion meets the strict criteria of being found exclusively in the Indian wild.