Conservation Reserves like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries are important part of environment and its syllabus. Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers are invaluable resources for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. In this article we present important PYQ on conservation reserves.
PYQ on Conservation Reserves
Q- Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? (2020)
- Nagarhole National Park
- Papikonda National Park
- Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Apart from statement 2, which is inaccurate, all other locations mentioned are situated within the Kaveri Basin Area. Nagarhole National Park is situated in the Kodagu district of Karnataka and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is positioned at the confluence of the Western and Eastern Ghats and is also part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Wayanad, Kerala, falls under Project Elephant and is also part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct.
Q- Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous? (2020)
(a) Kanha National Park
(b) Manas National Park
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Located in Madhya Pradesh, India, Kanha National Park stands as one of the country’s largest national parks, celebrated for its abundant biodiversity. This park is renowned for its conservation initiatives aimed at preserving the Barasingha, also known as the Indian swamp deer, along with its diverse flora and fauna.
Q- Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat? (2020)
- Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gangotri National Park
- Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Manas National Park
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Musk deer are primarily found in the Himalayan states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, where they inhabit high alpine environments above 2,500 meters in altitude. They can be spotted in reserves such as Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and Gangotri National Park in Uttarakhand. Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are accurate. However, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Manas National Park in Assam do not host musk deer, rendering statements 3 and 4 incorrect.
Q- With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? (2020)
- It is spread over two districts.
- There is no human habitation inside the Park.
- It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
It is situated in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Indian state Rajasthan. Hence, statement 1 is correct. Normally human activities are not allowed in National Park but many villagers lived inside Desert National park, and they did not have access to even basic facility like road, electricity and water. In 2017, Supreme Court ordered the government to provide such facilities to them. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Great Indian Bustard is the state animal of Rajasthan. Commonly found in Desert National Park since its natural habitat is an arid and semi-arid area. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Q- Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”? (2020)
(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
(d) Sunderbans
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam, situated in Andhra Pradesh, stands as the largest tiger reserve, covering an area of 3296.31 square kilometers. Conversely, Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh boasts the smallest area among the tiger reserves. According to the NTCA website, Sundarban has the highest tiger population. Additionally, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a National Tiger Reserve in Assam, while Pakke Tiger Reserve is situated in Arunachal Pradesh. Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in Kerala.
Q- Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone? (2019)
(a) Manas National Park
(b) Namdapha National Park
(c) Neora Valley National Park
(d) Valley of Flowers National Park
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Alpine forests typically thrive at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 meters above sea level. The temperate zone occupies the area between the tropics and the Polar Regions and is distinguished by its broadleaf and coniferous forests. Within this zone, one can find a variety of tree species such as oaks, maples, rhododendrons, and birches constituting the temperate forests.
Q- Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve? (2019)
(a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
(b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
(c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
(d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and NagarjunasagarSrisailam Tiger Reserve
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, situated in the Southern region of India within the Western Ghats, serves as an exceptional repository of cultivated plant genetic diversity. Within this reserve, three wildlife sanctuaries, namely Shendurney, Peppara, and Neyyar, are nestled alongside the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
Q- In which one of the following states is Pakhui wildlife sanctuary located? (2018)
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Manipur
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Nagaland
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
The Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, also called Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, is situated at the base of the Eastern Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh. It was renamed Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary in 2001 and designated as Pakhui Tiger Reserve in 2002. The sanctuary is renowned for its remarkable sightings of hornbill species. The Keibul-Lamjao (Loktak Lake) National Park is situated in Manipur.
In Meghalaya, the Siju Bird Sanctuary, Balpakram National Park, and Nokrek Biosphere Reserve are located. Additionally, Nagaland is home to the Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary.
Q- The term M-STrIPES’ is sometimes seen in news in the context of (2017)
(a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
(b) Maintenance of Tiger Reservoirs
(c) Indegenous Satellite Navigation System
(d) Security of National Highways
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has enhanced its monitoring system for tigers in tiger reserves (TRs) across the country by implementing the Monitoring System for Tiger-Intensive Protection and Ecological Status, or M-STrIPES. This android-based monitoring software, M-STrIPES, will be utilized in all tiger reserves nationwide.
Q- Recently, there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites? (2017)
(a) Corbett National Park
(b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Sariska National Park
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
An expert committee of the environmental ministry has given approval for Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh to serve as a secondary habitat for the Asiatic lion, making option 2 correct. The sole remaining wild population of Asiatic lions resides in the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat, facing various threats such as epidemics, natural calamities, and human-induced factors. In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of relocating Asiatic lions to Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary to ensure the genetic diversity of the species. However, the government of Gujarat has refrained from transferring lions until all 33 studies mandated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are completed.
Q- Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic? (2015)
(a) Khangchendzonga National park
(b) Nandadevi National Park
(c) Neora Valley National Park
(d) Namdapha National park
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Namdapha National Park, situated in Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India, stands as the largest protected area within the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. Renowned for its vast Dipterocarp forests, it encompasses the northwestern regions of the Mizoram-Manipur-Kachin rainforests ecoregion. The park’s habitat transitions with altitude, ranging from tropical moist forests at lower elevations to Montane forests, temperate forests, and eventually Alpine meadows and perennial snow at higher altitudes.
Q- Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity? (2015)
(a) Bhitarkanika National Park
(b) Keibul Lamjao National Park
(c) Keoladeo Ghana National park
(d) Sultanpur National park
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Keibul Lamjao National Park It is the only floating park in the world located in the Bishnupur district of the North Eastern state of Manipur.
Q- The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of (2014)
(a) biosphere reserves
(b) botanical gardens
(c) national parks
(d) wildlife sanctuaries
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Biosphere reserves play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity while accommodating traditional human lifestyles. They encompass larger natural habitats compared to conventional national parks or sanctuaries and comprise a core area that is protected and minimally disturbed for nature conservation purposes.
The sustainable development of these reserves relies on the active involvement of local communities and encompasses a range of ecosystems, including terrestrial, marine, and coastal environments. India currently hosts 18 biosphere reserves as part of its conservation efforts.
Q- Consider the following pairs: (2013)
1. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve: Garo Hills
2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range
3. Namdapha National Park Dafla Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, situated in the Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, takes its name from the highest peak in the region, Nokrek Hill. Recognized by UNESCO in May 2009, Nokrek National Park is a vital component of this biosphere reserve.
Loktak Lake, a freshwater body located in Manipur, is renowned for its unique floating phumdis. Within this lake lies Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park, divided into northern, central, and southern zones.
Namdapha National Park, nestled between the Dapha Bum range and the Patkai range in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, boasts the world’s northernmost lowland evergreen rainforests, known as dipterocarp forests. The Noa Dihing River traverses the park from east to west.
Garo Hills, part of the Garo-Khasi range in Meghalaya, belong to the Meghalaya subtropical ecoregion, renowned as one of the wettest areas globally. Tura town, situated at the foothills of Tura peak, stands as the largest town in the Garo Hills, which also encompass Nokrek National Park and Balphakram National Park.
Barail Range, a tertiary mountain chain located in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, lies between the Brahmaputra and Barak basins, bordered by Meghalaya to the west and Nagaland and Manipur to the east.
Dafla Hills, situated in Arunachal Pradesh, are bounded by the Abor range in the east and the Aka hills in the west, serving as the homeland of the Dafla tribe.
Q- Consider the following pairs: National Park River flowing through the Park (2013)
- Corbett National Park: Ganga
- Kaziranga National Park: Manas
- Silent Valley National Park: Kaveri
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Corbett National Park: Ramganga
Kaziranga National Park: Brahmaputra
Silent Valley National Park: Kunthipuza
Also read about UPSC PYQ on Environmental Laws and Environmental Convention