Consider the following statements:
1. It is a large pale water bird declared Threatened species by IUCN.

2. They live in lowland fresh water, brackish and marine wetlands.
3. Nematode Infestation is one of the major threats to this species.

The above statements refer to:

Question

Consider the following statements:

1. It is a large pale water bird declared Threatened species by IUCN.

2. They live in lowland fresh water, brackish and marine wetlands.

3. Nematode Infestation is one of the major threats to this species.

The above statements refer to:

Quintessence Classes · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Spot-bellied Pelican. Here is the breakdown of why these statements identify this specific bird:Statement 1: The Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) is a large, pale water bird. While it was once listed as Vulnerable, it is currently categorized as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Its population has faced significant declines due to habitat loss and human disturbance.Statement 2: They are highly versatile in their habitat, frequenting lowland freshwater (rivers and lakes), brackish lagoons, and occasionally marine wetlands or mangroves. They are predominantly found in South and Southeast Asia.Statement 3: Nematode Infestation (specifically Contracaecum) has been identified as a significant biological threat. In recent years, high mortality rates among these birds in places like Andhra Pradesh (specifically at the Telineelapuram Bird Sanctuary) have been linked to heavy nematode loads in their digestive tracts, often acquired through the fish they consume.Why other options are incorrect:Flamingos: While large and pale, they are generally listed as "Least Concern" (for Greater Flamingo) and are not as strongly associated with nematode-driven mass mortality events in the Indian context as the Pelican.Painted Stork: They are "Near Threatened," but they are characterized by distinct black and pink markings, not just a "pale" appearance, and are not the primary species associated with the specific nematode threat mentioned.Asian Openbill: These are common birds categorized as "Least Concern" and have a very distinct gap in their beak for eating snails, which is their defining feature.

Answer

Flamingo

Answer

Painted Stork

Answer

Asian Openbill

Consider the following statements:
1. It is a large pale water bird declared Threatened species by IUCN.

2. They live in lowland fresh water, brackish and marine wetlands.
3. Nematode Infestation is one of the major threats to this species.

The above statements refer to:

Answer & Explanation

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JKPSC JKAS 2022 Prelims

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