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📌 The 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?
(a) I only
(b) I and III
(c) II only
(d) II and III

✅ Correct Answer: (d)

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🔍 Classroom Explanation:

Statement I — Incorrect
The Peacock tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica), also known as the Gooty tarantula, is not a crustacean.
It is an arachnid and strictly carnivorous, feeding mainly on insects and small invertebrates.

Statement II — Correct
The species is endemic to India and confined to a very small geographic range:

• Found mainly in deciduous forests of Andhra Pradesh
• Natural habitat is estimated to be less than 100 sq km
• Classified as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade

Statement III — Correct
The Gooty tarantula is an arboreal species:

• Lives in tree hollows and crevices
• Rarely found on the ground
• This tree-dwelling behaviour increases its vulnerability to deforestation

Hence, Statements II and III are correct.

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🧠 Curiosity Raiser:
Why are arboreal species often more vulnerable to extinction than ground-dwelling species?

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📚 Enrich Notes (Prelims Edge):

• Scientific name: Poecilotheria metallica
• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
• Notified under: Wildlife Protection Act (India) – Schedule I
• One of the most visually striking spiders globally due to iridescent blue coloration

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🕊️ IAS Monk Whisper:
“When beauty becomes rarity, conservation becomes responsibility.”