Type: Species

• Largest and tallest species in the wild cattle family.
• Scientific Name: Bos gaurus.
• Indigenous to South and Southeast Asia.

• Found in evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests with open grasslands.
• Prefers hilly terrains below 1,500–1,800 m with abundant water.
• Distributed across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Thailand.

• Social animals living in herds of 30–40 individuals.
• Strong and sturdy limbs, short tails, and inward-curved pale green/yellowish-brown horns.
• Males weigh 600–1,500 kg; females weigh 400–1,000 kg.
• Convex-shaped forehead; height ranges from 170–230 cm.

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.
• CITES: Appendix I.

PYQ:

[2011] A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal?

(a) Indian wild buffalo

(b) Indian wild ass

(c) Indian wild boar

(d) Indian gazelle.

Discovery of Hmga1’s Role in Zebrafish Heart Regeneration:

• In zebrafish, the Hmga1 protein plays a pivotal role in activating dormant genes necessary for regeneration.
• It removes molecular “roadblocks” on chromatin (DNA-packaging structures), shifting genes from an inactive state to active regeneration mode.
• The Hmga1 gene, active during embryonic development in mice and humans, becomes inactive after birth.
• In zebrafish, however, the gene remains active during heart regeneration, enabling the repair process.

• Scientific Name: Macaca silenus
• Also known as: Lion-tailed macaque, Wanderoo, Bearded Monkey
• Has black fur with a distinctive gray or silver mane around the face (in both sexes), often referred to as the “beard ape.”
• Threats: Habitat loss, hunting, and wood harvesting
• Significance: Indicator of rainforest health and an umbrella species for conserving other wildlife in its region.

• Endemic to the Western Ghats in India (states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu). 
• Primarily tropical evergreen rainforests, but they are also found in monsoon forests.

• Shy and Avoidant: Unlike other macaques, they tend to avoid humans when possible.
• Arboreal and Diurnal: Spend most of their time in trees and are active during daylight.
• Communication: Possess up to 17 vocalizations; males define territory boundaries through calls. 
• Diet: Primarily frugivorous, but also consume leaves, stems, flowers, buds, fungi, and occasionally small animals.

• IUCN: Endangered
• CITES: Appendix I
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I

(Estimated 4,200 individuals remaining)

PYQ:

[2013] In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?

1. Tamil Nadu

2. Kerala

3. Karnataka

4. Andhra Pradesh

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• Ganga River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) – Known as the “Tiger of the Ganges,” discovered in 1801.
• Declared National Aquatic Animal in 2009 and State Aquatic Animal of Assam.
• The announcement was made at the first meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).
• Habitat:  Around 90% of the species live in India, primarily in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli river systems.
• Features: Blind, lives in freshwater, uses ultrasonic sounds to hunt, travels in small groups, and surface every 30-120 seconds for breathing.

• Acts as an indicator of river ecosystem health (being the apex predator).
• Threats: Unintentional killing through fishing gear, poaching for oil, habitat destruction, pollution (industrial waste, pesticides, noise).

• IUCN: Endangered
• Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
• CITES: Appendix I
• CMS: Appendix I

Conservation Initiatives: Project Dolphin, Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar), National Ganga River Dolphin Day (October 5).

PYQ:

[2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

(a) Saltwater crocodile

(b) Olive ridley turtle

(c) Gangetic dolphin

(d) Gharial

• Olive Ridley turtles are sea turtles known for their olive-colored carapace.
• They are carnivorous, primarily feeding on jellyfish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
• Unique mass nesting behavior (Arribada), where thousands of females lay eggs in synchronized waves on the same beach.

• Found in the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
• Largest rookery (breeding colony) is at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Odisha, India.
• Other major nesting sites include Devi River mouth (discovered in 1981) and Rushikulya river mouth (discovered in 1994).
• Protection Status:

1. IUCN Status: Vulnerable
2. CITES: Appendix I (No international trade)
3. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (Highest level of protection)

• Project Olivia by Indian Coastguard to protect the Olive Ridley turtles, especially after the Gahirmatha rookery recognition.
• Legal protections and environmental regulations safeguard nesting sites and prevent poaching.
• Olive Ridley Protection Program ensures the safety of nests and hatchlings.

PYQ:

[2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

(a) Saltwater crocodile

(b) Olive ridley turtle

(c) Gangetic dolphin

(d) Gharial

• Scientific name: Spodoptera littoralis.
• Polyphagous pest affecting crops like cotton, tomatoes, maize, tobacco, and peppers.
• Found across tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, Middle East, and South Asia.
• The moth has been spreading to new areas due to climate change.
• Larvae damage crops by feeding on leaves, stems, and flowers, reducing crop yield and quality.

• Female moths use plant acoustic emissions (sound clicks) to decide where to lay eggs.
• These sounds, undetectable to humans, help the moths identify healthier, hydrated plants for egg-laying.
• Moths avoid stressed, dehydrated plants that produce stress-related sounds.

• Harmful in cotton-growing regions.
• Larvae cause significant damage to a variety of crops, particularly cotton, tomatoes, and tobacco, impacting the quality and quantity of the produce.

PYQ:

[2014] Which of the following statements is / are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants?

1. Vegetative propagation produces clonal population.

2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus.

3. Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the year.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3