Which of the following is an endemic species?

The correct answer is Nicobar pigeon.

Key Points

• Endemic species are those species of plants and animals that are found exclusively in a particular area or specific habitat.
• They are not naturally found anywhere else. A particular type of animal or plant may be endemic to a zone, a state, or a country.
• The destruction of their habitat, increasing population, and introduction of new species may affect the natural habitat of endemic species and endanger their existence.
• Examples - Sal and wild mango are endemic flora of the while Bison, Indian giant squirrel, Nicobar pigeon, and flying squirrel are endemic fauna.

Additional Information

Some of the important Endemic species of India are:

• Asiatic Lion in Gir Forest.
• Nilgiri Tahr in Nilgiri Hills.
• Sangai Deer in Loktak Lake.
• Purple Frog in the Western Ghats.
• Kashmir Stag in Kashmir Valley.
• Lion-Tailed Macaque in the Western Ghats.
• Pygmy Hog in Assam.
• Malabar Civet in the Western Ghats.