Consider the following: 1. Star tortoise 2. Monitor lizard 3. Pygmy hog 4. Spider monkey Which of the above are naturally found in India?

The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of India, particularly in the south and west. Monitor lizards are widely distributed across India, with species like the Bengal Monitor and Water Monitor being common [3]. The Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania) is a critically endangered species naturally found in the Himalayan foothills, specifically in Northwest Bengal and Assam, including Manas National Park [1]. In contrast, Spider Monkeys (genus Ateles) are Neotropical primates native to the tropical forests of Central and South America; they are not naturally found in India. While India possesses a diverse range of primates including macaques, langurs, and the Hoolock Gibbon (the only ape in India), it does not host any native spider monkey populations [4]. Therefore, only the star tortoise, monitor lizard, and pygmy hog are naturally found in India.

Sources

1. [3] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Carnivorous Animals > p. 82
2. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 11: Schedule Animals of WPA 1972 > ENVIRONMENT > p. 185
3. [4] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 12: Animal Diversity of India > Do you know? > p. 192