Sanctuary/Biosphere Reserve Archives

21. Why is Nagpur promoted as the tiger capital of the world ? 1. Nagpu

Why is Nagpur promoted as the tiger capital of the world ?

1. Nagpur is the major store house of tigers as the districts adjacent to Nagpur have many tiger reserves and sanctuaries.
2. Nagpur has infrastructure that can support a large tourist industry.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

Both statements contribute to Nagpur being promoted as the ‘Tiger Capital’. Statement 1 is correct because Nagpur is strategically located near several major tiger reserves and sanctuaries in Central India, including Pench, Tadoba-Andhari, Melghat, Bor, and relatively accessible ones like Kanha and Satpura, making it a crucial hub for tiger conservation and sightings. Statement 2 is also correct; Nagpur has developed infrastructure, including an international airport, good rail and road connectivity, and various accommodation options, which is essential to support the tourism influx generated by visitors heading to these nearby tiger reserves.

– Nagpur’s proximity to a high concentration of tiger reserves makes it a gateway to these habitats.
– Adequate tourism infrastructure is necessary to handle the flow of wildlife tourists.
– Both factors combined justify the promotion of Nagpur as the ‘Tiger Capital’.

The government and tourism industry actively promote Nagpur’s connectivity and facilities to position it as the ideal base for exploring the tiger landscapes of Central India. The geographical location and developed infrastructure together enhance its importance for tiger tourism.

22. Which one of the following is not a World Heritage Site as identifie

Which one of the following is *not* a World Heritage Site as identified by UNESCO ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Kaziranga National Park” option2=”Keoladeo National Park” option3=”Manas Wildlife Sanctuary” option4=”Bandipur National Park” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2010

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Bandipur National Park is *not* a World Heritage Site identified by UNESCO, whereas Kaziranga, Keoladeo, and Manas National Parks are.

Kaziranga National Park (Assam) was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1985, recognized for its unique natural environment and significant population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan), formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, was also inscribed in 1985 for its importance as a major wintering area for migratory birds. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam) was inscribed in 1985 and later relisted in 2011 after being on the list of World Heritage in Danger, recognized for its exceptional biodiversity. Bandipur National Park (Karnataka) is a well-known tiger reserve and part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, but it is not individually listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While Bandipur is not a World Heritage Site itself, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which includes Bandipur along with other protected areas, is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

23. Which one of the following statements is not correct about Biosphere R

Which one of the following statements is not correct about Biosphere Reserves ?

[amp_mcq option1=”They are protected areas meant for conservation of Biodiversity” option2=”Each Biosphere reserve has three zones” option3=”There is a network of biosphere reserves world over” option4=”They were first started by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources)” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The statement that Biosphere Reserves were first started by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) is not correct.

Biosphere Reserves were initiated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) under its Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which was launched in 1971.

A) They are protected areas meant for conservation of Biodiversity: This is correct. Biosphere reserves aim to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable use of natural resources.
B) Each Biosphere reserve has three zones: This is correct. The typical zonation includes a core area (strictly protected), a buffer zone (allowing limited activities compatible with conservation), and a transition area (allowing sustainable economic and human activities).
C) There is a network of biosphere reserves world over: This is correct. Biosphere reserves form a global network under the MAB programme.
IUCN is a prominent international organization involved in nature conservation but did not originate the biosphere reserve concept.

24. Which one of the following is not a World Heritage Site ?

Which one of the following is not a World Heritage Site ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Kaziranga National Park” option2=”Sundarbans National Park” option3=”Kangchendzonga National Park” option4=”Keoladeo National Park” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Kaziranga National Park (Assam, inscribed 1985), Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal, inscribed 1987), and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan, inscribed 1985) are all recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sites (all Natural sites). Kangchendzonga National Park (now Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim) was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Mixed category) much later, in 2016. Therefore, at the time this question was likely framed (based on other questions, likely before 2016), Kangchendzonga was not a World Heritage Site.

– Kaziranga, Sundarbans, and Keoladeo are long-standing UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
– Khangchendzonga National Park was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2016.

India has a total of 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of 2023. These include cultural, natural, and one mixed site (Khangchendzonga).

25. In a recent judgement, the Supreme Court of India directed that every

In a recent judgement, the Supreme Court of India directed that every protected forest, national park and wildlife sanctuary across the country should have a mandatory eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of a minimum of

[amp_mcq option1=”1 km starting from their demarcated boundaries” option2=”2 km starting from their demarcated boundaries” option3=”3 km starting from their demarcated boundaries” option4=”5 km starting from their demarcated boundaries” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2022

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In a significant judgment in June 2022, the Supreme Court of India directed that every protected forest, national park, and wildlife sanctuary across the country must have a mandatory eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of a minimum of 1 kilometre starting from their demarcated boundaries. The ruling aimed to regulate development activities in these sensitive areas.

The Supreme Court mandated a minimum 1 km eco-sensitive zone around protected areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries).

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are areas declared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) around Protected Areas. The purpose is to create a buffer zone and regulate certain activities to minimize the negative impact on the protected area. While the minimum is 1 km, the ESZ can extend up to 10 km in some cases, and its extent is determined based on specific requirements and consultation, but the Court set a floor of 1 km.

26. Which of the following statements with regard to Biosphere Reserve is/

Which of the following statements with regard to Biosphere Reserve is/are correct ?

1. The idea of Biosphere Reserve was initiated by UNESCO in 1973-74
2. There are 18 designated Biosphere Reserves in India
3. All Biosphere Reserves in India have been included in world network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”1 and 2 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2020

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Statement 1 is largely correct. The idea of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which initiated the concept of Biosphere Reserves, was launched by UNESCO in 1971, with the concept of Biosphere Reserves being developed and defined in the early 1970s, with the first reserves designated in 1976. So, the idea’s initiation phase fits within 1973-74.
Statement 2 is correct. India currently has 18 designated Biosphere Reserves.
Statement 3 is incorrect. While many Indian Biosphere Reserves are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO (currently 12 out of 18), not all of them have been included in the world network.

Biosphere Reserves are areas comprising terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems. They are designated by UNESCO’s MAB Programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science. They typically include core areas (strictly protected), buffer zones (used for research, tourism, and education), and transition areas (where local communities practice sustainable resource use).

The 12 Indian Biosphere Reserves in the World Network are: Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar, Sunderban, Nanda Devi, Nokrek, Pachmarhi, Similipal, Great Nicobar, Achanakmar-Amarkantak, Agasthyamalai, Khangchendzonga, and Panna.

27. How many Ramsar conservation sites have been enlisted from India so fa

How many Ramsar conservation sites have been enlisted from India so far ?

[amp_mcq option1=”12″ option2=”16″ option3=”27″ option4=”62″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

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This question refers to the number of sites in India designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The number of Ramsar sites in India has increased significantly over the years. By 2010, the number of Ramsar sites in India was 25. Two more sites were added in 2019, bringing the total to 27. This number remained 27 until 2020 when 10 more sites were added. Given the options provided, 27 is the number of sites that India had for a considerable period (from 2005/2006 to 2019). The number 62 is close to the number 64 reached in July 2022, and then 75 in August 2022. Without knowing the exact year of the exam, 27 represents a historically correct number for a significant period. Based on typical UPSC question framing reflecting the status quo around the time of the exam, and 27 being a long-standing number compared to the rapid increases in 2020-2022, 27 is the most likely intended answer if the question predates 2020. If the question is from late 2022 or later, the number would be 75 (or 64/75 depending on the exact cut-off date), making 62 a possible typo or approximation. However, given the options, 27 is the most stable historical number present.

– Number of Ramsar sites in India has increased over time.
– 27 was the number for a long period (approx. 2005-2019).
– Recent additions in 2020-2022 have increased the count to 75 (as of August 2022).
– Based on the options, 27 is the most likely intended answer from an exam prior to 2020.

India ratified the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982. The first two sites designated were Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan). The Ramsar list serves as a tool to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

28. Which set of the following biosphere reserves in India is included in

Which set of the following biosphere reserves in India is included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Gulf of Mannar, Nokrek, Panchmarhi and Simlipal” option2=”Gulf of Mannar, Kanchanjunga, Nokrek and Seshachalam” option3=”Nilgiri, Nokrek, Panchmarhi and Panna” option4=”Nilgiri, Nokrek, Panchmarhi and Seshachalam” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2017

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The set containing Gulf of Mannar, Nokrek, Panchmarhi, and Simlipal includes four Biosphere Reserves in India that are recognized and included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

India has designated Biosphere Reserves, and a subset of these are recognized by UNESCO and included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

As of late 2023, India has 12 Biosphere Reserves included in the World Network: Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar, Sundarbans, Nanda Devi, Nokrek, Pachmarhi, Similipal, Achanakmar-Amarkantak, Great Nicobar, Agasthyamalai, Khangchendzonga, and Panna. Option A contains four reserves (Gulf of Mannar, Nokrek, Panchmarhi, Simlipal) which are all on this list. Option C also contains four reserves (Nilgiri, Nokrek, Panchmarhi, Panna) which are also on this list. However, given the context of UPSC questions and potential date of formulation, sets of sites included earlier are often preferred if multiple correct sets exist. Gulf of Mannar (2001), Nokrek (2009), Panchmarhi (2009), and Simlipal (2009) were all listed by 2009. Nilgiri (2000), Nokrek (2009), Panchmarhi (2009), but Panna was added much later (2020). Assuming the question predates the most recent additions, option A is the most likely intended correct answer. Seshachalam is a Biosphere Reserve designated by India but not included in the UNESCO World Network.

29. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

List I (Forest Conservation Type)	List II (Place)
A. National Park	1. Dudhwa
B. Sanctuary	2. Bhitarkanika
C. Biosphere Reserve	3. Chilika
D. Tiger Reserve	4. Nokrek

[amp_mcq option1=”2 3 4 1″ option2=”1 4 3 2″ option3=”2 4 3 1″ option4=”1 3 4 2″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2015

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Let’s match the conservation types with the correct places:
A. National Park: Dudhwa National Park is located in Uttar Pradesh.
B. Sanctuary: Chilika Lake area includes the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary in Odisha.
C. Biosphere Reserve: Nokrek National Park is part of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya.
D. Tiger Reserve: Dudhwa National Park is also a designated Tiger Reserve. Bhitarkanika is primarily known as a National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its mangrove ecosystem and saltwater crocodiles, and is not a major Tiger Reserve.

Mapping based on common or primary classifications:
National Park – Dudhwa (1)
Sanctuary – Chilika (3)
Biosphere Reserve – Nokrek (4)
Tiger Reserve – Dudhwa (1)

Let’s examine the options given the list format (A, B, C, D matched with 1, 2, 3, 4):
Option A: A-2 (Bhitarkanika), B-3 (Chilika), C-4 (Nokrek), D-1 (Dudhwa).
Option B: A-1 (Dudhwa), B-4 (Nokrek), C-3 (Chilika), D-2 (Bhitarkanika).
Option C: A-2 (Bhitarkanika), B-4 (Nokrek), C-3 (Chilika), D-1 (Dudhwa).
Option D: A-1 (Dudhwa), B-3 (Chilika), C-4 (Nokrek), D-2 (Bhitarkanika).

Based on the common designations:
A. National Park: Dudhwa (1)
B. Sanctuary: Chilika (3)
C. Biosphere Reserve: Nokrek (4)
D. Tiger Reserve: Dudhwa (1)

Let’s re-evaluate the options against these probable matches.
Option D suggests:
A. National Park – Dudhwa (1) – Correct
B. Sanctuary – Chilika (3) – Correct (Nalabana Bird Sanctuary within Chilika)
C. Biosphere Reserve – Nokrek (4) – Correct (Nokrek Biosphere Reserve)
D. Tiger Reserve – Bhitarkanika (2). This is incorrect. Bhitarkanika is a National Park/Sanctuary, not a Tiger Reserve.

Let’s re-examine Option A:
A. National Park – Bhitarkanika (2) – Correct (Bhitarkanika is a National Park)
B. Sanctuary – Chilika (3) – Correct (Nalabana Bird Sanctuary within Chilika)
C. Biosphere Reserve – Nokrek (4) – Correct (Nokrek Biosphere Reserve)
D. Tiger Reserve – Dudhwa (1) – Correct (Dudhwa is a Tiger Reserve)

Option A provides the correct mapping for all four entries. There was a mix-up in my initial assessment of which option matched which set of numbers.

Matching specific protected areas in India with their designated conservation status (National Park, Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, Tiger Reserve).

Different conservation statuses offer varying levels of protection. National Parks have the highest level of protection. Wildlife Sanctuaries offer protection to specific species or habitats. Biosphere Reserves are large areas designed for conservation, research, and sustainable development, often including core zones (like National Parks/Sanctuaries), buffer zones, and transition zones. Tiger Reserves are areas specifically designated for the conservation of tigers.

30. The Manas National Park is situated in the State of:

The Manas National Park is situated in the State of:

[amp_mcq option1=”Madhya Pradesh” option2=”Jharkhand” option3=”Assam” option4=”West Bengal” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2015

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The correct answer is C. The Manas National Park is situated in the State of Assam.

– Manas National Park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam, India.
– It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve.
– The park is famous for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and pygmy hog. It is also home to wild water buffaloes, tigers, elephants, and rhinos.

Assam is known for its rich biodiversity and several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Kaziranga National Park (famous for one-horned rhinoceroses), Nameri National Park, Orang National Park, and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.