Birds

**Gharial** – Critically Endangered. Its population has drastically declined due to habitat loss and fishing nets. **Leatherback turtle** – Vulnerable globally, but in India, it is considered Endangered due to threats like egg poaching and marine pollution. **Swamp deer (Barasingha)** – Vulnerable, with some subspecies like the Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi critically endangered. In general, considered endangered in certain regions. **All three species** are under some form of high threat and are considered endangered in India. _NOTE: Endangered means a species is at risk, and IUCN considers Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable as Endangered species. Thus, all the given species are endangered. _ Do not confuse with the IUCN status of the given species; UPSC did not mention the IUCN status in the question.

The Star tortoise, Monitor lizard, and Pygmy Hog are all species that are naturally found in India. * The Star tortoise is a medium-sized species of tortoise found in the dry and arid forests of India. * Monitor lizards are prevalent in India, with four kinds occurring: Bengal monitor lizard, water monitor lizard, desert monitor lizard, and yellow monitor lizard. * The Pygmy Hog is a critically endangered species that was once found in Bhutan, Nepal, and India, but is now only found in India. * However, Spider monkeys are not found in India. They live in tropical climates, specifically the evergreen forests of Central and South America. Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2, and 3 only.

**1. Painted Stork:** These are wading birds and typically feed on fish, frogs, and insects in shallow water. They are not known for following cattle. **2. Common Myna:** These are insectivores and often follow cattle or other grazing animals to catch insects flushed out by their movement. **3. Black-necked Crane:** These are primarily herbivores and feed on grains, plants, and aquatic vegetation. They are not known for following cattle for insects. Thus, the correct answer is 2 only.

 The great hornbill, also known as the concave-casqued hornbill, great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill, is one of the larger members of the hornbill family. It occurs in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is predominantly frugivorous, but also preys on small mammals, reptiles and birds. The great hornbill is native to the forests of India, Bhutan, Nepal, mainland Southeast Asia and Sumatra. Its distribution is fragmented in the Western Ghats and in the foothills of the Himalayas.

* The Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet, and White-throated redstart are all species of birds. * The Ceylon frogmouth is a species native to the Western Ghats and parts of Sri Lanka. Known for its unique frog-like appearance and nocturnal habits, it thrives in dense forests. * The Coppersmith barbet is a small, colorful bird found across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It is named after the sound it makes, which resembles the sound of a coppersmith striking metal. * The Gray-chinned minivet is a species commonly found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. This bird is known for its vibrant plumage and its presence in hilly, forested areas. * The White-throated redstart is a striking bird found in regions of Nepal, Bhutan, central China, and the far northern parts of Myanmar and Northeast India. It is known for its contrasting black and white plumage and bright red tail feathers.

**Golden Mahseer** is not a bird. It is a large freshwater fish also called the tiger of the water and found only in the Cauvery river basin. It known for its large size and importance in recreational fishing. **Indian Nightjar** is a bird species native to India. It is a nocturnal bird that is known for its cryptic plumage and ability to camouflage in its habitat. It is typically found in forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas. **Spoonbill** is a type of wader bird with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill. It belongs to the family Threskiornithidae and is found in wetlands, mudflats, and coastal habitats in various parts of the world, including India. **White Ibis** is a species of wading bird found in wetlands and coastal areas. It is recognized by its long, curved bill and white plumage and is commonly seen in India, as well as in other parts of the world.

The Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula) is a rare, tree-dwelling spider found in limited forest areas in India. ❌ **Statement I is incorrect:** * It is a spider (arachnid), not an omnivorous crustacean. ✅ **Statement II is correct:** * Its habitat is restricted to some forest areas in the Eastern Ghats. ✅ **Statement III is correct:** * It is arboreal, living in trees and tree crevices. So, the correct answer is: **D**