Question 83 from UPSC CSE 2025 - Current Affairs (Environm ent & Ecology)

Question

Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:
I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. II and III

Strategy: First, note the biological misclassification in statement I – tarantulas are spiders (arachnids), not crustaceans, and they are carnivorous, not omnivorous. This makes statement I incorrect and eliminates options containing it. Next, for statement II, the Gooty tarantula's habitat is restricted to limited forest areas in India, specifically parts of Andhra Pradesh, supporting the accuracy of statement II. Statement III lays out its arboreal (tree-dwelling) nature, which is well-documented. Thus, both II and III are valid; hence, option D is correct.

Key Info: The Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula) is scientifically known as Poecilotheria metallica. It is an iridescent blue, critically endangered species of arboreal tarantula that is endemic to India. Its confirmed natural range is extremely limited, primarily in a small patch of dry deciduous forest near Gooty, in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, with a habitat area of less than 100 square kilometers. Although isolated sightings have sometimes been reported from surrounding forests, it is officially considered restricted to this tiny area.

Biologically, the peacock tarantula is an arachnid (class Arachnida, order Araneae), not a crustacean. It is strictly carnivorous, preying on insects and other small invertebrates. It does not consume plant matter and is not classified as omnivorous. The Gooty tarantula is primarily arboreal, meaning it lives in trees. In its natural environment, it inhabits hollows or crevices in tree trunks and branches. Its tree-dwelling habits, brilliant metallic blue coloration, and rarity have made it highly sought after in the international pet trade, causing additional conservation concerns.

Poecilotheria metallica is listed as "Critically Endangered" on the IUCN Red List. Its threats include habitat fragmentation, logging, and over-collection. As a member of the family Theraphosidae, it represents a unique and ecologically significant species within the forest ecosystems of southern India.

Answer

Option A: I only

Answer

Option B: I and III

Answer

Option C: II only

Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements: I. It is an omnivorous crustacean. II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas. III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:
I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?