Which of the following animals is listed as endangered and protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972?

Correct option is D

Correct answer: (d) Lion-tailed macaque

Explanation:

• The Lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is also protected under the Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• This means it receives the highest level of legal protection in India.
• It is endemic to the Western Ghats, particularly in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Information Booster:

• The Lion-tailed macaque is easily identifiable by:
• Its silver-white mane surrounding a dark face
• A tufted, lion-like tail
• Its population is declining due to:
• Habitat destruction (especially from plantations and deforestation)
• Fragmentation of forest areas
• Limited range of habitation

Additional Knowledge:

• (a) Hanuman langur – Not endangered; widespread and commonly found across India.
• (b) Peacock – The Indian peafowl is India’s national bird and protected under Schedule I, but not endangered.
• (c) Nilgai – Also known as the blue bull; not endangered and considered overpopulated in some areas.