Scientific Name

Phoebastria immutabilis

Habitat

North Pacific, predominantly the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Spends time over tropical waters.

Breeding Sites

Laysan Island, Midway Atoll, other small Hawaiian Islands, Oahu, Kauai, and a few sites off Japan and Mexico.

Conservation Efforts

Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, management plans by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Physical Characteristics

Blackish-brown back and upper wings, flash of white in the primary feathers, white underwing with black margins, visible dark tail band during flight.

Behavior

Expert soarer, travels hundreds of miles in a day with minimal wing movement.

Reproduction

Monogamous; mates for life.

IUCN Red List Status

Near Threatened.

Scientific Name

Capra falconeri.

Family

Bovidae.

Order

Artiodactyla.

Physical Description

Thick fur, flowing beard, and corkscrew horns.

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (active early morning and late afternoon).

Distribution

Found in the moist to semi-arid mountain tracts of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.

Specific Locations in J&K

Shopian, Banihal pass, Shamsbari area in the Kazinag Uri and Pir Panjal range in Poonch.

Conservation Status

IUCN: Near Threatened

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

CITES: Appendix I

National Significance

National animal of Pakistan; also known as the screw-horn or screw-horned goat.

Scientific Name

Geochelone elegans

Description

Known for its high-domed shell with distinctive star-like patterns. Its shell is highly rounded, making it popular in the exotic pet trade.

Habitat

Occupies a wide variety of habitats including semi-arid lowland forests, thorn scrub forests, semi-desert, and arid grasslands.

Tolerates both wet and dry seasons, often found in areas with monsoon or rainy seasons followed by long hot and dry periods.

Distribution

Endemic to the subcontinent, found in arid pockets of northwest India (bordering Pakistan), South India, and Sri Lanka.

Occasional appearances in homes in Canada and the U.S. highlight their adaptation to different environments.

Activity Pattern

Crepuscular (active in the early morning and late afternoon during dry, hot weather).

Diet

Mainly herbivores, feeding on grasses, herbaceous leaves, flowers, etc.

Conservation Status

IUCN: Vulnerable

CITES: Appendix I

Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I

Threats

Highly fragmented habitat due to urbanization and agricultural practices throughout its range.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements regarding the Laysan Albatross:

1. They primarily inhabit the North Pacific, with breeding sites on Laysan Island, Midway Atoll, and a few other small Hawaiian Islands.
2. They are known for their ability to soar effortlessly across hundreds of miles with minimal wing movement.
3. They are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Laysan Albatrosses are primarily found in the North Pacific, with breeding sites on Laysan Island, Midway Atoll, and a few other small Hawaiian Islands.

Statement 2 is correct: They are known for their expert soaring ability across hundreds of miles with minimal wing movement.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Laysan Albatrosses are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, not Vulnerable.