Sanctuary/Biosphere Reserve

11. Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from th

Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?

Subscribe on YouTube
Corbett National Park
Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Sariska National Park
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
Download PDFAttempt Online
The correct option is B.
For many years, there has been a proposal and considerable discussion, including legal proceedings in the Supreme Court, regarding the translocation of some Gir lions from their sole habitat in Gujarat to a second, alternative site to establish a separate population. This is primarily a conservation strategy to mitigate risks from epidemics, natural disasters, or genetic issues affecting a single population. The site identified and widely debated for this translocation is Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
The translocation plan has faced delays due to various reasons, including resistance from the state of Gujarat and legal challenges. Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary was specifically developed with infrastructure for receiving lions, even before the Supreme Court mandated the translocation in 2013. While the translocation of lions from Gujarat to Kuno is still pending for conservation reasons, Kuno Palpur has recently received African Cheetahs as part of a separate reintroduction project.

Join Our Telegram Channel

12. If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the

If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?

Subscribe on YouTube
Bhitarkanika Mangroves
Chambal River
Pulicat Lake
Deepor Beel
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
Download PDFAttempt Online
The Chambal River is the best place to visit to see gharials in their natural habitat.
– Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) are critically endangered fish-eating crocodiles found in freshwater river systems in northern India.
– The National Chambal Sanctuary, which spans parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh along the Chambal River, holds the largest and most stable population of gharials in their natural habitat. Significant conservation efforts have been focused here.
– Bhitarkanika Mangroves in Odisha are famous for saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), not gharials.
– Pulicat Lake, located on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, is a large brackish water lagoon, known for migratory birds and is not a habitat for gharials.
– Deepor Beel is a permanent freshwater lake and a wetland in Assam, primarily known for its avian fauna and aquatic life, but not gharials.
While small, scattered populations of gharials exist in other rivers like Girwa, Gandak, and Mahanadi (Satkosia gorge), the Chambal River remains the stronghold and the most reliable location to observe gharials in the wild.

Join Our Telegram Channel

13. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes

From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?

Join Our Telegram Channel
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
Nallamala Forest
Nagarhole National Park
Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
Download PDFAttempt Online
The correct option is A) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
– The question asks for an ecological link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats. This refers to a region that serves as a wildlife corridor, allowing movement of animals and maintaining genetic connectivity between populations in the two mountain ranges.
– Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located in the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats landscape, specifically connecting the Biligirirangan Hills (considered part of the Western Ghats) and the Eastern Ghats. It forms a crucial corridor for wildlife, particularly elephants, between the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (at the junction of the two Ghats) and the Eastern Ghats.
– Nallamala Forest and Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve are primarily located within the Eastern Ghats, not serving as a link *between* the two ranges.
– Nagarhole National Park is located firmly within the Western Ghats, near the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, but is not a link between the two Ghats; rather, it’s part of the Western Ghats complex.
The region where the Eastern and Western Ghats meet, particularly around the Nilgiri Hills and extending into areas like Sathyamangalam, is vital for maintaining the ecological integrity of wildlife populations across South India. Protecting such corridors is essential for conservation efforts, especially for wide-ranging species like elephants and tigers.

Subscribe on YouTube

14. Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with

Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?

Join Our Telegram Channel
Bhitarkanika National Park
Keibul Lamjao National Park
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Sultanpur National Park
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2015
Download PDFAttempt Online
Keibul Lamjao National Park is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity.
Keibul Lamjao National Park, located in Manipur, is the only floating national park in the world. It is situated on Loktak Lake and is characterised by unique floating islands called ‘phumdis’, which are heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter at various stages of decomposition. This habitat is home to the critically endangered Sangai (Manipur brow-antlered deer), also known as the dancing deer.
Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha) is known for its mangrove ecosystem and salt-water crocodiles. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan) is a famous wetland bird sanctuary. Sultanpur National Park (Haryana) is also a significant bird sanctuary. None of these are characterised by extensive floating vegetation (phumdis) in the manner of Keibul Lamjao.

Subscribe on YouTube

15. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statem

With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • 2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Subscribe on YouTube
1 only
2 and 3 only
2 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
Download PDFAttempt Online
Let’s evaluate the statements regarding Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs):
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. – This statement is incorrect. Eco-Sensitive Zones are declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, not the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture. – This statement is incorrect. The purpose of ESZs is to create a buffer zone around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to regulate and manage certain activities to minimize negative impacts on the protected area. It does *not* prohibit *all* human activities. Certain activities are prohibited (e.g., commercial mining, polluting industries), others are regulated (e.g., felling of trees, setting up of hotels/resorts), and some are permitted (e.g., ongoing agriculture/horticulture, rainwater harvesting). The phrase “prohibit all kinds of human activities… except agriculture” is an oversimplification and inaccurate description of the regulations within ESZs.
Since both statements are incorrect, the correct option is D.
– ESZs are defined as areas within 10 kilometers around the boundaries of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The extent can be more or less than 10 km depending on the specific area’s ecological sensitivity.
– The primary goal is conservation of biodiversity and reducing the impact of development activities in the immediate vicinity of protected areas.
– A Zonal Master Plan is prepared for each ESZ to regulate activities.
The classification of activities within ESZs into prohibited, regulated, and permitted categories allows for a balance between conservation needs and the livelihoods of local communities. The declaration of ESZs is a measure to prevent ecological degradation and maintain the ecological integrity of protected areas.

Join Our Telegram Channel

16. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreu

If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?

Join Our Telegram Channel
Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
It is given the status of 'World Heritage Site'
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
Download PDFAttempt Online
The Montreux Record is a list under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands that identifies wetlands of international importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur due to human interference.
Listing a site on the Montreux Record highlights the specific threats to its ecological character and calls for targeted conservation measures. It serves as a mechanism for monitoring and responding to adverse changes in Ramsar sites.
The Montreux Record is a tool to help identify priority sites for conservation action. It does not automatically impose legal restrictions like prohibiting activity within a specific radius (B), nor does it specifically relate to cultural practices (C), or confer World Heritage status (D).

Subscribe on YouTube

17. Consider the following statements about Ramsar Wetland sites in India

Consider the following statements about Ramsar Wetland sites in India :

  • 1. Gahirmatha is the habitat of Olive Ridley Turtles.
  • 2. Chilka lake is the habitat of Irrawaddy Dolphin as its flagship species.
  • 3. Nalsarovar Wetland is also the habitat of Indian Wild Ass (Khuri).
  • 4. Tso Moriri Wetland is the habitat and breeding ground of Black-necked Crane.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

Subscribe on YouTube
1 and 3 only
1, 3 and 4 only
2 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2023
Download PDFAttempt Online
Statement 2 is correct: Chilika Lake in Odisha is a significant habitat for Irrawaddy dolphins, and they are considered a flagship species there. Statement 4 is correct: Tso Moriri Wetland in Ladakh is a known habitat and breeding ground for the endangered Black-necked Crane. Statement 1 is likely considered incorrect by the question setter, possibly because Gahirmatha is primarily a nesting beach for Olive Ridley turtles, part of the broader Bhitarkanika Ramsar site. While critical for their lifecycle, it might not be considered their ‘habitat’ in the sense of continuous residence, as they spend much of their lives in the ocean. However, it is a crucial habitat during nesting season. Given the options, and assuming 1 is considered incorrect, 2 and 4 must be correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat is primarily known for migratory birds. The Indian Wild Ass (Khuri) is mainly found in the Little Rann of Kutch, which is a separate area from Nalsarovar.
Ramsar sites in India are important wetlands providing habitat for various species. Gahirmatha (part of Bhitarkanika) is famous for Olive Ridley nesting, Chilika hosts Irrawaddy dolphins, Nalsarovar is a bird sanctuary, and Tso Moriri is a breeding site for Black-necked Cranes.
India has a large number of designated Ramsar Sites, reflecting the diversity of its wetland ecosystems. Each site has unique ecological characteristics and supports specific flora and fauna, often including endangered or vulnerable species.

Join Our Telegram Channel

18. On the occasion of the World Environment Day, 2021, which one of the f

On the occasion of the World Environment Day, 2021, which one of the following was declared as a National Park in India?

Subscribe on YouTube
Raimona
Orang
Dibru-Saikhowa
Nameri
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2021
Download PDFAttempt Online
The correct answer is A) Raimona.
– On World Environment Day, June 5, 2021, the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, declared the Raimona Reserve Forest in the Kokrajhar district of Assam as the state’s 6th National Park.
– The notification was issued subsequently.
– Raimona is located in the Bodoland Territorial Region and is known for its biodiversity, including the Golden Langur, Asian elephant, and Bengal tiger.
– The other options (Orang, Dibru-Saikhowa, Nameri) were already existing National Parks in Assam prior to June 2021. Manas National Park was the 5th NP in Assam. The 7th National Park, Dihing Patkai, was declared later in June 2021.

Join Our Telegram Channel

19. Where is Asan Conservation Reserve located?

Where is Asan Conservation Reserve located?

Subscribe on YouTube
Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Sikkim
Arunachal Pradesh
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2021
Download PDFAttempt Online
The correct answer is (B) Uttarakhand.
Asan Conservation Reserve is located in Uttarakhand, near Dehradun. It is a wetland ecosystem situated at the confluence of the Asan and Yamuna rivers. It was declared India’s first Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves are categories introduced in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002 to provide protection to areas adjoining National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries or areas linking one Protected Area with another. Asan Conservation Reserve is also a Ramsar Site, recognized as a Wetland of International Importance.

Join Our Telegram Channel

20. Which one of the following tiger reserves of India has ‘Bhoorsingh the

Which one of the following tiger reserves of India has ‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha’ as its official mascot ?

Join Our Telegram Channel
Nameri tiger reserve
Ranthambhore tiger reserve
Panna tiger reserve
Kanha tiger reserve
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2017
Download PDFAttempt Online
Kanha tiger reserve of India has ‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha’ as its official mascot.
– Kanha Tiger Reserve, located in Madhya Pradesh, became the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot, ‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha’ (swamp deer), in 2017.
– The aim was to connect people with wildlife and encourage conservation efforts, particularly focusing on the barasingha, which is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh and a species found in abundance in Kanha.
Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii) is a vulnerable species of deer. Kanha National Park is particularly famous for its conservation efforts for the hard ground barasingha, saving it from near extinction. The mascot initiative helps in raising awareness about this unique species and the park’s ecosystem.

Subscribe on YouTube
Page 1Page 2Page 3Page 4Page 5