The Indian giant squirrel is endemic to the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. If we wanted to ensure its long-term survival, the MOST IMPORTANT step would be:
AProtect its specific habitat — the Pachmarhi forest — from deforestation, encroachment and disturbance, since it is found NOWHERE else naturally
BCapture and breed it in zoos worldwide
CIntroduce it into other forests across India
DHunt it to reduce its population
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Protect its specific habitat — the Pachmarhi forest — from deforestation, encroachment and disturbance, since it is found NOWHERE else naturally
The single greatest threat to an endemic species is loss of its one and only natural habitat. Even successful captive breeding programmes ultimately need a viable wild population. So in-situ conservation (protecting the home forest) takes priority. Introducing endemics into unfamiliar habitats often fails or causes harm to the new ecosystem.
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