Consider the following pairs
| Wildlife | Naturally found in | |
| 1. | Blue-finned Mahseer | Cauvery River |
| 2. | Irrawaddy Dolphin | Chambal River |
| 3. | Rusty-spotted Cat | Eastern Ghats |
Which of the pairs given correctly matched?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Mahseer Community in River Cauvery
- The Mahseer community in the river Cauvery comprises a “blue-finned” and an “orange-finned, hump-backed” fish.
- It is uncertain whether these are distinct species or two different phenotypes.
- The hump-backed phenotype is endemic to the river, while the blue-finned phenotype was introduced in the 1980s.
Irrawaddy Dolphin
- The Irrawaddy Dolphin is a critically endangered species.
- They are typically found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, as well as in three rivers: the Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo), and Mekong.
- In India, they are found in Lake Chilika, but not in the Chambal river.
Rusty Spotted Cat
- The Rusty Spotted Cat is one of the smallest feline species in the world.
- Although it was long thought to be confined to the south, recent records indicate that it is found throughout much of India.
- It has been observed in various locations, including eastern Gujarat’s Gir National Park, Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, and along India’s Eastern Ghats.
