With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following

With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct ?

  • It is spread over two districts.
  • There is no human habitation inside the Park.
  • It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard.
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
The correct option is C, as statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.
The Desert National Park (DNP) is a large protected area in Rajasthan, India, known for its desert ecosystem and as a crucial habitat for endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard. It is spread across multiple districts and, typical of many large parks in India, includes human settlements within its boundaries.
1. **Spread over two districts:** The Desert National Park is indeed spread across two districts of Rajasthan: Jaisalmer and Barmer. This statement is correct.
2. **No human habitation inside the Park:** This statement is incorrect. Like many large national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, DNP has several villages and human settlements within its vast area. The park management works alongside local communities living inside and around the park.
3. **Habitat of Great Indian Bustard:** DNP is widely recognized as one of the primary and last remaining natural habitats for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps). Conservation efforts for this species are heavily focused on DNP. This statement is correct.