UPSC Prelims 2019 Question:

SI. No.	Wildlife		Naturally found in
1.	Blue-finned Mahseer	:	Cauvery River
2.	Irrawaddy Dolphin	:	Chambal River
3.	Rusty-spotted Cat	:	Eastern Ghats

Which of the above pairs given are correctly matched?

Explanation:

• Blue-finned Mahseer: It is a fish species that is endemic to the Cauvery River. It is also popularly known as the "Tiger of the Cauvery river". It prefers clean, fast flowing and well oxygenated waters. Thus, the presence of Mahseer is an indicator of a healthy riverine eco- system. So, pair 1 is correctly matched.
  
  
• Irrawaddy Dolphin: It is one of the flagship species inhabiting the Chilika Lake whereas Gangetic Dolphin is found in Chambal River. They are believed to give birth to a single calf every two to three years, after a gestation of 14 months. So, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
  
  
• Rusty-spotted Cat: They are the smallest feline species found only in India, Sri Lanka and marginally in Nepal. In India, they inhabit the forests of Andhra Pradesh (Parts of Eastern Ghats). So, pair 3 is correctly matched.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Biodiversity and Conservation