UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 14
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 ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: The Indian wild ass (khur) survives in the salt flats and semi-arid grasslands of Gujarat’s Little Rann of Kutch, where habitat loss and fragmentation threaten it.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Wild buffalo favour wetlands, swamps and tall grasslands rather than saline desert flats.
B: Correct - the Little Rann is the characteristic habitat of the Indian wild ass.
C: Incorrect - Wild boar is widespread across varied habitats, not the specialised saline-flat species described.
D: Incorrect - Indian gazelle occurs in dry landscapes but is not the distinctive Little Rann wild-ass conservation example.