CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -1. Great Indian Bustard, Siberian Crane, Red-headed Vulture and Forest Owlet are now listed under critically endangered birds. 2. Among animals, Pygmy Hog, Kondana Rat and The Sumatran Rhinoceros are listed as critically endangered.

Detailed explanation-2: -A species is classified as critically endangered when its population has declined at least 90 percent and the cause of the decline is known. A species is also classified as endangered when its population has declined at least 80 percent and the cause of the decline is not known.

Detailed explanation-3: -A species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild is known as critically endangered. Example: Black rhino, Red wolf, Northern white rhino, etc.

Detailed explanation-4: -The gharial is one of three crocodiles native to India. As the population has declined drastically in the past 70 years, the gharial is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN.