Question

The Asiatic lion is
A. Extinct from the world
B. Rare
C. Vulnerable
D. Endangered

Answer 1

Hint: The red data book provides relevant information about the list of biological species which are threatened or at the risk of extinction. It gives information of the species at global level so that suitable steps and actions can be taken for the conservation of species.

Complete answer:
IUCN has divided the species into categories like
1. Extinct species - The species which are terminated from the world.
2. Critically endangered - The species which are facing very high risk of extinction.
3. Endangered species - The species which are at risk to extinction. Example- Red panda.
4. Vulnerable - The species which are likely to become endangered.
5. Rare - The species which are present in very small numbers. They can move to vulnerable or endangered categories.

According to the question, the Asiatic lion is an endangered species as it is confined in a small population size and area. According to the June 2020 census, around 674 Asiatic lions were estimated in the Gir regions which is an increase with respect to the 2015 census.

Thus the correct answer is (D) Asiatic lion is an endangered species.

Note: Asiatic lions are found in the Gir National forests of Gujarat which is their last remaining habitat. Initially it was found in the Middle East and Western Asia. This small population survives at the tiny patch of forest and can be wiped out totally by epidemic diseases or forest fires. The Indian government has taken strong conservation steps to protect this species by preventing the hunting and poaching of the animal.