With reference to the Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), consider the following statements: 1. It is one of the world's smallest wild cat species, native to the Indian subcontinent. 2. The species is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |ForumIAS

Q. With reference to the Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), consider the following statements:
1.It is one of the world’s smallest wild cat species, native to the Indian subcontinent.
2.The species is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Notes:

Explanation: 1 only

Statement 1 is correct: The Rusty-spotted Cat is among the smallest wild cat species in the world. It is found in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and enjoys the highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The species is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, not Critically Endangered.

Source: Mongabay

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