RAS question
How many pangolin species are found in India?
Correct answer: (B) Two.
India has two pangolin species: the Indian pangolin and the Chinese pangolin.
Explanation
India is home to two pangolin species: the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla). The Wildlife Institute of India report places India within the wider global picture of eight pangolin species, four of them native to Asia. India's pangolin count is two, not the total number worldwide or even across Asia. These pangolins have a broad Indian distribution, from Himalayan foothills to peninsular forests, and all eight pangolin species are listed under CITES Appendix I.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) One is too low because the WII report names two species found in India: the Indian pangolin and the Chinese pangolin.
- (C) Three overcounts India, since the WII report identifies only two pangolin species as occurring in the country.
- (D) Four confuses India's count with the broader Asian context, where the WII report says four pangolin species are native to Asia.
Concept
Biodiversity distribution and wildlife-conservation status connect species found in India with their CITES protection. RAS Environment and Ecology often links a simple species count with conservation policy.