Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Prelims examination is one of most competitive exams in India and it requires an in depth understanding of various topics including environmental and ecological issues. One of essential areas that candidates must focus on is Species in News. This section covers species that have been in the news for conservation efforts, new discoveries, government policies, environmental issues and ecological significance. With UPSC Prelims 2025 approaching this blog provides a complete list of species in the news focusing on recent updates, environmental conservation efforts and their relevance for the examination. APTI PLUS IAS academy in Kolkata helps master species name that will help you tackle both prelims questions effectively.

Species In News

From India:

Chel Snakehead (Channa amphibia)
Rediscovered after 80 years in the Chel River of Kalimpong, West Bengal. The species was once thought to be extinct. Scientists found three live specimens in early 2024 providing hope for the conservation of this critically endangered species.
Indian Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
India tiger population has continued to grow reaching over 3,600 individuals by 2024. This increase is attributed to sustained conservation efforts including strict anti poaching laws and habitat preservation highlighted during the 2024 International Tiger Day.
African Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
The cheetah reintroduction project in India initiated in 2022 gained international attention in 2024 with the birth of cubs in Kuno National Park. This is the first successful cheetah birth in India in over 70 years sparking debate and research on its ecological impact.
Manipur Bush Quail (Perdicula manipurensis)
This species previously thought to be extinct since 1932 was rediscovered in Assam. The finding was significant for Indian ornithology as it underscores the biodiversity of India's northeastern region.
Xenophrys apatani
A new species of horned frog was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh. It was identified in the humid, forested areas of the state contributing to India growing list of amphibian species.
Ophiorrhiza gajureliana
A new plant species was identified in the Mayodia Forest of Arunachal Pradesh in late 2024. This discovery highlights the botanical richness of region and adds another species to India ever growing list of unique flora.
Tenkana Jayamangali
A new species of jumping spider from the genus Tenkana was discovered in southern India contributing to the region arachnological diversity.
Civet Cat (Viverra zibetha)
The civet cat spotted in Assam and parts of Uttar Pradesh gained attention as a species under threat from habitat loss and poaching. Conservationists have called for stricter protections and habitat preservation.
Gharial Crocodile (Gavialis gangeticus)
Gharial conservation in the Chambal River saw new successes in 2024 with the population stabilizing. The species listed as critically endangered is seeing promising recovery thanks to government and NGO-backed conservation efforts.
Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)
Increased poaching of the Indian Star Tortoise prompted new conservation campaigns in Tamil Nadu. This species is highly trafficked in the illegal pet trade leading to greater protection initiatives.
Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)
The jungle cat found in various parts of Uttar Pradesh was featured in wildlife surveys showing that their numbers remain stable though they are threatened by habitat loss.
Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania)
The Pygmy Hog Conservation Centre in Assam reported the successful breeding of this critically endangered species in 2024. This is achievement in the effort to preserve this small mammal which was once thought to be extinct in the wild.
Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius)
Conservation efforts for the Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Nadu bore fruit in 2024 as their population showed signs of recovery. The species is endemic to the Nilgiri hills and is classified as endangered.
Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps)
As part of ongoing conservation efforts Great Indian Bustard was in news in 2024. The species has been critically endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting but new initiatives in Rajasthan and Gujarat are helping stabilize their population.
Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica)
Sunda Pangolin a species found in parts of northeastern India was in the news following successful anti poaching operations. Conservationists have been focusing on protecting pangolins due to their endangered status.
Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus)
Indian Peacock one of country most iconic birds continues to be celebrated in Maharashtra as part of the annual celebrations. They were also highlighted in biodiversity surveys in 2024.
Kalbans Tortoise
Kalbans Tortoise recently identified during a wildlife survey in Uttarakhand was hailed as a major discovery for the region reptilian diversity.
Assamese Macaque (Macaca assamensis)
Ongoing studies on the Assamese macaque in Assam gained attention in 2024 as scientists conducted detailed research into their behavior and habitat preferences.
Vulnerable Dugong (Dugong dugon)
Efforts to protect the dugong in the Gulf of Mannar particularly focused on reducing accidental fishing entanglements gained momentum in 2024.
Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
Snow Leopards primarily found in the Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh regions were highlighted in conservation campaigns. Satellite collaring technology was used to track their movement and improve protection efforts.

From the World:

Akarotaxis gouldae (Banded Dragonfish)
This species of dragonfish was discovered in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. It caught the world attention due to its unique banded pattern and bioluminescence which helps it survive in deep sea environments.
Andrena androfovea (Mining Bee)
This new mining bee species native to Texas and Oklahoma was formally described in 2024. It gained attention for its role in pollinating Solanaceae plants.
Bothriechis khwargi (Eyelash Palm-Pitviper)
Discovered in Central America this snake caught attention for its bright color patterns and distinctive "eyelash" scales above its eyes.
Sueviota aethon (Grumpy Dwarf Goby)
This tiny fish discovered in the Red Sea gained fame due to its distinctive "grumpy" expression which researchers believed evolved as a way to deter predators.
Galápagos Tortoise (Chelonoidis donfaustoi)
A new subspecies of Galápagos Tortoise was discovered believed to have evolved independently from other Galápagos species. This was a significant discovery in 2024.
Ailuropoda microta (Small Panda)
Researchers in China announced the discovery of a new smaller panda species in a remote area of Sichuan province. It was distinguished by its size and unique fur pattern.
Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis)
Tapanuli orangutan discovered in 2017 but still facing habitat threats was in the news as conservationists called for stronger efforts to protect this critically endangered species.
Trithemis palustres (Dragonfly)
A previously unknown dragonfly species was rediscovered in the Philippines in late 2024. It is noteworthy for its unique coloration and habitat specificity.
Eumeces strauchii (Striped Skink)
This species of skink rediscovered in Iran is noteworthy for its striking striped appearance and its relatively unknown status in herpetology.
Indri (Indri indri)
The indri lemur known for its loud and haunting call was in the news for conservation efforts in Madagascar as populations have been declining due to habitat destruction.

What is the IUCN Red List?

IUCN Red List was created by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1964 to assess the extinction risk of plant and animal species. The list provides scientifically backed evaluations of the conservation status of species based on their population trends, geographic distribution and threats they face such as habitat loss, pollution, overhunting and climate change.

It categorizes species into different risk categories ranging from Least Concern (LC) to Critically Endangered (CR). These categories help governments, organizations and other stakeholders prioritize conservation efforts based on the urgency of the species situation.

IUCN Red List Categories

IUCN Red List uses specific categories to assess the conservation status of species. Here are the key categories:

Least Concern (LC):
- - Species that are widespread and abundant. They do not face significant risks of extinction.
  - Example: Indian Peafowl (Peacock).
Near Threatened (NT):
- - Species that could be at risk of extinction in the near future. They are not yet endangered but they face significant threats that could lead to a decline in their population.
  - Example: Indian Wolf.
Vulnerable (VU):
- - Species that are at risk of extinction due to a significant decline in their population. The decline could be caused by habitat loss, overhunting or other threats.
  - Example: Indian Leopard.
Endangered (EN):
- - Species that are at high risk of extinction in the near future. They typically have a small population or face severe threats.
  - Example: Indian Tiger.
Critically Endangered (CR):
- - Species that face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. They are critically low in number and are in urgent need of conservation.
  - Example: Sunda Pangolin.
Extinct in the Wild (EW):
- - Species that no longer exist in the wild but may still exist in captivity or as cultivated plants.
  - Example: Pink-headed Duck.
Extinct (EX):
- - Species that have no known living individuals and have completely disappeared from the planet.
  - Example: Dodo.
Data Deficient (DD):
- - Species for which there is insufficient information to make an assessment of their risk of extinction.
  - Example: Red Panda (although it is generally known to be at risk the specific category may be DD due to limited research in some areas).

Why is the IUCN Red List Important for Conservation?

IUCN Red List is more than just a catalog of species it plays crucial role in global conservation efforts. Here are some of the key ways it contributes to species protection:

Informing Conservation Priorities:
- - Red List helps identify species that need urgent conservation attention. The categorization of species into risk categories allows conservationists to focus resources on species that are most at risk of extinction.
Policy Development:
- - Governments and policymakers use the Red List to develop and implement conservation laws, programs and strategies. In India for example Red List plays role in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 which provides legal protection to species that are categorized as endangered or critically endangered.
Raising Awareness:
- - Red List raises awareness about the challenges faced by species around the world. It helps the public understand which species are under threat and why conservation efforts are critical for their survival.
Guiding Research:
- - The Red List highlights knowledge gaps and encourages further research into species populations, ecology and threats. This helps scientists design better conservation interventions and monitor species over time.
Supporting Conservation Programs:
- - Species listed as endangered or critically endangered often benefit from focused conservation programs such as captive breeding, reintroduction efforts and habitat restoration.

Major Species with their IUCN Status by APTI PLUS best coaching for UPSC

Species Name	Common Name	Conservation Status	Region	Key Threats
Panthera tigris tigris	Indian Tiger	Endangered	All over India	Poaching, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict
Panthera leo persica	Asiatic Lion	Endangered	Gir National Park, Gujarat	Habitat fragmentation, poaching
Rhinoceros unicornis	Indian Rhinoceros	Vulnerable	Kaziranga NP, Assam	Poaching, habitat loss
Manis javanica	Sunda Pangolin	Critically Endangered	North-East India	Illegal trade, habitat loss
Ardeotis nigriceps	Great Indian Bustard	Critically Endangered	Rajasthan, Gujarat	Habitat loss, hunting
Gavialis gangeticus	Gharial Crocodile	Critically Endangered	Chambal River, UP, MP	Overfishing, habitat loss
Ailuropoda melanoleuca	Giant Panda	Vulnerable	Not in India but relevant to South Asia	Habitat loss, climate change
Elephas maximus	Asian Elephant	Endangered	All over India	Poaching, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict
Grus antigone	Sarus Crane	Vulnerable	Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar	Wetland loss, human-wildlife conflict
Vulpes vulpes	Red Fox	Least Concern	Himalayas, Himalayan foothills	Urbanization, habitat loss
Nycticebus bengalensis	Bengal Slow Loris	Vulnerable	North-East India	Poaching, habitat destruction
Bubalus bubalis	Water Buffalo	Least Concern	All over India	Overgrazing, disease transmission
Tetracerus quadricornis	Four-horned Antelope	Vulnerable	Rajasthan, Gujarat	Poaching, habitat degradation
Cervus elaphus	Red Deer	Least Concern	Himalayan foothills, North-East	Habitat destruction, hunting
Vultures (Gyps species)	Vulture (various species)	Critically Endangered	All over India	Poisoning, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict
Dendrocygna javanica	Lesser Whistling Duck	Vulnerable	North-East India, Wetlands	Wetland degradation, pollution
Naja naja	Indian Cobra	Least Concern	Throughout India	Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict
Muntiacus muntjak	Barking Deer	Least Concern	North-East India, Himalayas	Overgrazing, hunting
Bubalidae	Wild Water Buffalo	Vulnerable	Assam, West Bengal	Poaching, habitat loss
Pelecanus philippensis	Spot-billed Pelican	Vulnerable	Wetlands of India	Wetland destruction, fishing
Sphenodon punctatus	Tuatara	Vulnerable	Not found in India, but relevant	Habitat destruction, invasive species
Peromyscus maniculatus	Deer Mouse	Least Concern	Himalayas	Climate change, habitat loss
Macaca mulatta	Rhesus Macaque	Least Concern	All over India	Habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict
Pangolin species	Indian Pangolin	Vulnerable	North-East India, Karnataka	Illegal trade, habitat loss
Psittacula eupatria	Alexandrine Parakeet	Least Concern	All over India	Poaching, pet trade
Varanus salvator	Water Monitor Lizard	Least Concern	India and South Asia	Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict
Sarcophilus harrisii	Tasmanian Devil	Endangered	India not native but related issues	Disease, habitat fragmentation
Bubo bubo	Eurasian Eagle Owl	Least Concern	Himalayas, North India	Habitat destruction, poaching
Ailuropoda melanoleuca	Giant Panda	Vulnerable	Not found in India but relevant to South Asia	Climate change, habitat loss
Hydrornis gularis	White-cheeked Bulbul	Vulnerable	Assam, Meghalaya	Habitat loss, pet trade
Balaenoptera musculus	Blue Whale	Endangered	Indian Ocean (off the coast of India)	Pollution, hunting, ship collisions
Crocodylus palustris	Mugger Crocodile	Vulnerable	Riverine regions of India	Overfishing, human conflict
Indotestudo elongata	Indian Star Tortoise	Vulnerable	Throughout India	Illegal trade, habitat loss
Hypsilurus sp.	Forest Dragon	Near Threatened	Western Ghats	Deforestation, human encroachment
Lynx lynx	Eurasian Lynx	Least Concern	Eastern India	Poaching, habitat loss
Pteropus giganteus	Indian Flying Fox	Least Concern	Throughout India	Deforestation, human-wildlife conflict
Megaptera novaeangliae	Humpback Whale	Vulnerable	Arabian Sea (off the Indian coast)	Pollution, ship collisions
Pelecanus onocrotalus	Great White Pelican	Vulnerable	Rajasthan, Assam, Odisha	Wetland degradation, overfishing
Rhesus macaque	Rhesus Monkey	Least Concern	India, Nepal, Bangladesh	Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict
Nandus nandus	Spiny Eel	Near Threatened	Eastern India	Overfishing, pollution
Ceratophrys ornata	Surinam Toad	Near Threatened	North-East India	Habitat loss, pollution
Tectona grandis	Teak Tree	Vulnerable	Western Ghats, North-East	Deforestation, overexploitation
Cnemaspis kochi	Kochi Gecko	Endangered	Western Ghats	Habitat loss, overcollection
Canis lupus	Gray Wolf	Least Concern	Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir	Habitat loss, human conflict
Neolissochilus hexagonolepis	Mahseer Fish	Endangered	North-East India, Himalayas	Overfishing, habitat loss
Rusa unicolor	Sambar Deer	Least Concern	All over India	Habitat loss, hunting
Gallus gallus	Red Junglefowl	Least Concern	All over India	Habitat destruction, domestication
Phoenicopterus roseus	Greater Flamingo	Least Concern	Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha	Habitat loss, disturbance
Ailuropoda melanoleuca	Giant Panda	Vulnerable	Himalayas (relevant due to proximity to India)	Climate change, habitat loss
Sphenodon punctatus	Tuatara	Vulnerable	Not found in India, relevant to Southern Asia	Climate change, habitat loss

Additional List of Major Species (With Conservation Areas and Efforts)

Students can master these topics through APTI PLUS online test series for UPSC that help aspirants improve their chances in UPSC examination & develop deeper understanding of India's ecological landscape.

Species Name (Common Name)	Conservation Status	News Update	Protected Areas (Sanctuaries/National Parks)	Key Threats/Conservation Efforts
Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)	Endangered	Increase in tiger sightings in Uttar Pradesh due to conservation efforts.	Jim Corbett National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Kaziranga NP	Poaching, habitat loss, conservation efforts like Project Tiger and tiger corridors.
Gharial Crocodile (Gavialis gangeticus)	Critically Endangered	Successful breeding in Chambal River, efforts to revive population.	Chambal Sanctuary, Sariska Tiger Reserve	Pollution, overfishing, conservation actionslike egg protection and river clean-ups.
Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)	Vulnerable	Population surge in Kaziranga NP due to anti-poaching efforts.	Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Orang National Park	Poaching, habitat loss, conservation via anti-poaching squads, habitat expansion.
Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps)	Critically Endangered	Ongoing breeding projects and sanctuary creation in Rajasthan.	Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, Desert National Park, Rajasthan Wildlife Sanctuary	Habitat loss, hunting, conservation projects in Rajasthan like habitat restoration and community efforts.
Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica)	Endangered	Increased lion numbers in Gujarat's Gir Sanctuary due to conservation plans.	Gir National Park, Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary	Poaching, habitat fragmentation, conservation like habitat expansion and veterinary care for lions.
Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis)	Critically Endangered	Habitat destruction in Assam leads to heightened conservation efforts.	Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park	Habitat loss, agriculture expansion, conservation efforts to preserve grassland ecosystems.
Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)	Vulnerable	Growing awareness of habitat loss and poaching in Himalayan regions.	Hemis National Park, Great Himalayan National Park	Poaching, habitat loss, conservation through protected areas and habitat corridors.
Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes)	Endangered	Focus on the wolf population increase and habitat protection in Jammu & Kashmir.	Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park	Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, conservation through monitoring and protection.
Vulture (Gyps species)	Critically Endangered	Awareness of vulture decline due to diclofenac use in livestock.	Ranthambhore National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Jorbeer Vulture Sanctuary	Poisoning, diclofenac, conservation via banning harmful veterinary drugs and establishing breeding centers.
Sarus Crane (Grus antigone)	Vulnerable	Increased conservation activity in wetlands of Uttar Pradesh.	Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary, Kolleru Lake Sanctuary	Wetland loss, human-wildlife conflict, wetland conservationthrough restoration and protection laws.
Indian Star Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata)	Vulnerable	Highlighted concerns over the illegal wildlife trade.	Karakol National Park, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary	Illegal trade, habitat loss, conservation efforts through increasing awareness and stricter laws.
Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)	Endangered	Habitat fragmentation in Himalayas causes concerns.	Namdapha National Park, Singalila National Park	Habitat loss, poaching, conservation through habitat restoration and community-based programs.
Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)	Endangered	Conservation talks on reducing ship traffic in the Western Ghats.	Wester Ghats Marine National Park	Shipping traffic, pollution, marine conservation through shipping route management.
Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)	Vulnerable	Increased focus on conservation efforts to protect nesting sites in Odisha.	Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Chilika Lake	Poaching, nests disturbance, conservation effortsthrough strict nesting site protection.
Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni)	Critically Endangered	Successful recovery programs lead to population growth in Southeast Asia.	Taman Negara National Park, Penang National Park	Poaching, deforestation, conservation efforts in Southeast Asia and their lessons for India.
Asiatic Wild Ass (Equus hemionus)	Endangered	Conservation efforts for the endangered wild ass population in Gujarat.	Rann of Kutch	Habitat loss, water scarcity, conservation efforts through habitat protection.
Dugong (Dugong dugon)	Vulnerable	Focus on conserving dugong populations in coastal areas.	Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park	Coastal development, marine pollution, conservation effortsvia marine protected areas.
Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)	Endangered	Increased sightings in forest corridors due to improved tiger management.	Sariska Tiger Reserve, Jim Corbett NP	Poaching, habitat loss, conservation via expanding wildlife corridors.
Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus)	Near Threatened	Habitat destruction in the Himalayas sparks conservation action.	Great Himalayan National Park, Nanda Devi National Park	Habitat loss, hunting, conservation effortsthrough habitat restoration and protection.
Dugong (Dugong dugon)	Vulnerable	Conservation efforts in marine ecosystems across India's coasts.	Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park	Habitat loss, coastal development, conservation through marine protected areas.
Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus)	Endangered	Discussions about increased elephant corridors in Assam and Jharkhand.	Kaziranga National Park, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary	Poaching, habitat fragmentation, conservation efforts through establishing and monitoring corridors.
Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius)	Endangered	Efforts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu to increase the population.	Eravikulam National Park, Silent Valley National Park	Habitat loss, overgrazing, conservation efforts in habitat restoration.
Yellow-eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes)	Endangered	Rising awareness of penguin habitat conservation in New Zealand (relevant to similar species in India).	Otago Peninsula	Climate change, habitat loss, conservation efforts to protect nesting sites.
Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)	Vulnerable	Odisha conservation programs focus on saving nesting sites.	Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Chilika Lake	Poaching, disturbance to nesting, conservation efforts for habitat protection and hatcheries.
Giant Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger)	Critically Endangered	Global efforts to protect the last population of giant sable antelope.	Giant Sable Antelope Reserve	Poaching, habitat loss, conservation through protected reserves.
Wild Bactrian Camel (Camelus ferus)	Critically Endangered	Efforts in Mongolia to preserve the last remaining population.	Great Gobi A and B Strictly Protected Areas	Habitat loss, domestic camel competition, conservation through protected areas and captive breeding.
Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)	Critically Endangered	Conservationists in New Zealand celebrate the hatching of more kakapos.	Kakapo Recovery Program, Whenua Hou (Codfish Island)	Predation, habitat destruction, conservation efforts via controlled breeding programs.
Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus)	Critically Endangered	Focus on the lone population of Javan rhinos in Indonesia.	Ujung Kulon National Park	Poaching, habitat destruction, conservation efforts in Ujung Kulon NP.
Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii)	Critically Endangered	Increased deforestation in Sumatra raises alarms for orangutan population.	Gunung Leuser National Park, Taman Nasional Bukit Barisan Selatan	Deforestation, illegal pet trade, conservation through forest protection and rehabilitation.
Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)	Critically Endangered	Conservationists are working to protect the last remaining vaquitas in Mexico.	Vaquita Refuge	Bycatch, illegal fishing, conservation efforts via fishing bans and increased monitoring.
Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis)	Critically Endangered	African rhino conservation programs report success, especially in South Africa.	Kruger National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve	Poaching, habitat loss, conservation efforts via dehorning, anti-poaching units.
Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei)	Critically Endangered	Increased conservation efforts as only a few individuals remain in the wild.	Dong Mo Lake, Yangtze River Basin	Inbreeding, habitat loss, conservation efforts like captive breeding programs.
Markhor (Capra falconeri)	Near Threatened	Reports of population recovery due to strict protection in Afghanistan and Pakistan.	Himalayan National Park, Khunjerab National Park	Poaching, habitat loss, conservation through community-based programs.
Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur)	Endangered	Increased sightings of the species in Kutch.	Rann of Kutch	Habitat degradation, water scarcity, conservation through strict monitoring.
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)	Endangered	Conservation actions in Odisha help in the protection of nesting sites.	Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Chilika Lake	Poaching, habitat loss, marine pollution, conservation effortsvia nesting site protection.
Dugong (Dugong dugon)	Vulnerable	Conservation efforts to save dugongs from extinction in the Gulf of Mannar.	Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park	Coastal development, marine pollution, conservation effortsthrough marine protected areas.
Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)	Vulnerable	Increase in population numbers reported due to focused conservation actions.	Wolong Nature Reserve, Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary	Habitat loss, low reproductive rate, conservation efforts like bamboo forest restoration.
Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)	Vulnerable	Ongoing protection efforts in the Himalayas to safeguard habitat.	Namdapha National Park, Kanha National Park	Habitat loss, poaching, conservation efforts like research and protection in wildlife corridors.
Himalayan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus)	Vulnerable	Increasing human-wildlife conflict in Uttarakhand leads to heightened focus.	Great Himalayan National Park, Hemis National Park	Human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, conservation efforts like sanctuary establishment.
African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)	Vulnerable	News about increased elephant poaching and conservation efforts in Africa.	Kruger National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve	Poaching, habitat loss, conservation efforts like anti-poaching laws and elephant corridors.
Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus)	Least Concern	National bird conservation status remains stable in India.	Kaziranga National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park	Habitat degradation, human-wildlife conflict, conservation through forest protection.
Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)	Near Threatened	Rising concerns about climate change affecting penguin populations.	Ross Island, Antarctic Peninsula	Climate change, habitat destruction, conservation efforts via research and marine protection zones.
Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis)	Critically Endangered	Ongoing efforts in Russia and China to boost Amur leopard population numbers.	Land of the Leopard National Park	Poaching, habitat fragmentation, conservation through protected areas and strict monitoring.
South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis)	Critically Endangered	Focus on breeding programs and habitat restoration in China.	South China Tiger Habitat Reserve	Habitat loss, poaching, conservation through breeding programs and ecological restoration.
Grevy's Zebra (Equus grevyi)	Endangered	Reports of population decline due to human encroachment in Africa.	Samburu National Reserve, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy	Poaching, habitat loss, conservation efforts like habitat restoration and community conservation.
Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis)	Endangered	Ongoing habitat protection efforts in Liberia to preserve pygmy hippos.	Sapo National Park	Habitat loss, poaching, conservation efforts via monitoring and community-based protection.
Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)	Critically Endangered	Conservation talks to address habitat loss and palm oil farming.	Gunung Palung National Park, Taman Negara National Park	Habitat destruction, illegal pet trade, conservation through restoration and law enforcement.
Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)	Near Threatened	Conservation efforts to protect the Andean Condor’s flying range.	Cajas National Park, Los Glaciares National Park	Habitat loss, poisoning, conservation efforts through captive breeding and protected areas.
Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita)	Endangered	Ongoing efforts to boost population numbers in Rajasthan and Gujarat.	Desert National Park, Ranthambhore National Park	Habitat loss, poaching, conservation through protected areas and monitoring.
Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii)	Vulnerable	Concern over illegal poaching for wool leads to stricter conservation measures.	Hemis National Park	Poaching, illegal trade, conservation efforts through anti-poaching laws and protected areas.

How APTI PLUS Can Help You in UPSC Prelims 2025?

Mock tests are the cornerstone of UPSC preparation. APTI PLUS offers full-length GS & CSAT tests designed to simulate the actual exam environment. Regular mock tests of this best IAS coaching in Bhubaneshwar help in:

Enhancing time management & building exam temperament.
Identifying weak areas & focusing on targeted improvement.

UPSC Prelims 2025 FLT (20 Tests) by APTI PLUS is designed for serious aspirants aiming for top scores.

With resources like APTI PLUS ‘NISCHAY’ specialized Prelims Test Series you can maximize the effectiveness of these final months & march confidently toward your goal.

One of smartest strategies to crack UPSC Prelims is analyzing previous year questions (PYQs). APTI PLUS offers 12 years of live PYQ discussions (2013–2024) to help aspirants:

Identify recurring trends in question patterns.
Master elimination techniques for intelligent guessing.
Develop analytical skills to tackle tricky questions with confidence.

This strategic approach bridges the gap between knowledge & application making it invaluable part of your preparation.

Conclusion

UPSC Prelims 2025 will likely cover range of ecological and environmental topics with an emphasis on species conservation. By preparing a comprehensive list of species in the news including both land and marine species candidates can ensure they are well prepared for questions related to India's biodiversity and global conservation efforts.

Regular updates on environmental policies, conservation programs and research initiatives will be key in mastering this section of the syllabus. The above lists of species provide detailed overview of the species making headlines due to conservation challenges, protection efforts and ecological importance.

Candidates are encouraged to not only memorize the names and status of these species but also understand the context of their conservation, policies surrounding them and ongoing efforts to preserve these important species for future generations.

At APTI PLUS best IAS Coaching in Kolkata provides a structured and strategic approach to mastering map based and location specific topics through expert curated material, daily updates & rigorous practice ensuring that you stay ahead in your UPSC 2025 preparation.

Best Wishes !

COMPLETE LIST OF SPECIES IN NEWS FOR UPSC PRELIMS 2025

Species In News

What is the IUCN Red List?

Why is the IUCN Red List Important for Conservation?

Major Species with their IUCN Status by APTI PLUS best coaching for UPSC

Species Name

Common Name

Conservation Status

Region

Key Threats

Additional List of Major Species (With Conservation Areas and Efforts)

Species Name (Common Name)

Conservation Status

News Update

Protected Areas (Sanctuaries/National Parks)

Key Threats/Conservation Efforts

How APTI PLUS Can Help You in UPSC Prelims 2025?

Conclusion