Q74. Consider the following fauna:
1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar Civet
3. Sambar Deer
How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?
a. Only one
b. Only two
c. All three
d. None
Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper
Explanation :
Correct Answer: a. Only one
Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus)
This primate is native to the Western Ghats of India, and it is mainly diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. They spend most of their time in the trees, foraging for food like fruits, leaves, and insects. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a silver-white mane surrounding their face and a black tuft at the end of their tail, resembling a lion’s tail.
Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina)
This small, nocturnal mammal is native to the Western Ghats of India. They are most active after sunset, when they come out to hunt for food such as small mammals, birds, and insects. Malabar Civets are solitary animals and are known for their secretive and elusive behavior. They are also critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting for their fur and musk.
Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor)
This large deer species is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China. They are generally nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. Sambar Deer are herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation such as grasses, leaves, and fruits. They are known for their large size, with males sporting impressive antlers, and their distinctive, horse-like appearance.
Note: You can easily verify this by using google image, most of image for nocturnal animals will be taken in night because they are active in night.
Check for lion tailed macaque nocturnal images, you won’t find any picture taken in night.