UPSC CSE Prelims
Wildlife Sanctuaries Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is renowned for the conservation of the hard ground barasingha (Southern swamp deer), a unique subspecies of the Indian swamp deer that thrives on hard ground in open sal forests and feeds exclusively on grasses (graminivorous). Conservation efforts by the park have successfully revived this subspecies from near extinction, making it a flagship conservation success story.

📝 Short Notes: Barasingha and Its Conservation

• Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii): Also known as the swamp deer, it is a herbivorous species native to the Indian subcontinent, classified as Vulnerable by IUCN.
• Three Subspecies: Northern swamp deer (found in Uttar Pradesh terai), Western swamp deer (found in Nepal), and Southern/hard ground swamp deer (found in central India).
• Hard Ground Barasingha: This subspecies is adapted to hard ground in dry deciduous sal forests, unlike other swamp deer that prefer marshy wetlands.
• Kanha National Park: Located in Madhya Pradesh, it is the primary habitat for hard ground barasingha and has achieved remarkable conservation success since the 1970s.
• Diet: Exclusively graminivorous (grass-eating), feeding on various species of grasses found in forest clearings.
• Other Populations: Northern swamp deer are found in Dudhwa National Park; Manas has the Western subspecies but focuses on other wildlife.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — 1 and 2 only

Musk deer are found in high-altitude Himalayan regions, typically above 2,500 meters. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and Gangotri National Park, both located in Uttarakhand's Himalayan ranges, provide the ideal alpine and subalpine habitat for musk deer. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary consists of terai grasslands unsuitable for musk deer, while Manas National Park in Assam is a lowland tropical forest ecosystem that does not support musk deer populations.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand is specifically known for musk deer conservation in high-altitude Himalayan habitat.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Gangotri National Park in Uttarakhand is a high-altitude region where musk deer are naturally found.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has terai grasslands, not the high-altitude habitat required by musk deer.
❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: Manas National Park in Assam is a lowland tropical forest unsuitable for musk deer which require alpine habitats.

📝 Short Notes: Musk Deer

• Scientific Name: Moschus species (Himalayan Musk Deer - Moschus leucogaster)
• Habitat: High-altitude Himalayan forests (2,500-4,500 m), alpine meadows, and scrub zones
• Distribution in India: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh
• Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN); Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972)
• Key Feature: Males possess musk gland (pod) that produces valuable musk, leading to illegal poaching
• Protected Areas: Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Gangotri National Park, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Great Himalayan National Park, Nanda Devi National Park
• Threats: Habitat loss, poaching for musk, climate change affecting alpine habitats

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — Arunachal Pradesh

Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is part of the Kameng Elephant Reserve and is contiguous with Pakke Tiger Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity including hornbills, elephants, and tigers. The sanctuary is traversed by the Bhareli (Pakke) and Bamadi rivers, supporting diverse flora and fauna.

📝 Short Notes: Major Wildlife Sanctuaries in Northeast India