Consider the following: 1). Star tortoise 2). Monitor lizard 3). Pygmy hog 4). Spider monkey Which of the above are naturally found in India?

The correct answer is A (1, 2 and 3 only). This is a question about native distribution, so the test is simply whether each animal occurs naturally in the Indian subcontinent.

• Statement 1, Star tortoise: The Indian star tortoise is native to the dry regions of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, so it is correct.
• Statement 2, Monitor lizard: Several Varanus species occur across India, so it is correct.
• Statement 3, Pygmy hog: Porcula salvania survives in the tall grasslands of northeast India, mainly in Assam. It is one of the most endangered mammals in the world, so it is correct.
• Statement 4, Spider monkey: It is a Neotropical primate native to Central and South America. It is wrong.

The core concept is biogeography: knowing which species are native to a region and which are exotic or pet-trade imports. This links to the Mains theme of biodiversity conservation and the role of wildlife laws and the IUCN Red List in protecting endemic species.

Trap: Aspirants often assume a species is Indian because it is commonly seen in zoos or the pet trade. Check the native range before you mark it.