Migratory Birds & Wildlife — Set 13

Correct Answer: B. Evolutionary history, resource availability, climate constraints at breeding and potential wintering areas, and genetic predisposition — different populations of same species can be migratory or sedentary

Whether a bird species migrates is determined by evolutionary history (migration has evolved multiple times independently), resource availability at breeding sites during winter (if food is insufficient, migration is advantageous), climate constraints (harsh winters make some areas unsuitable), and genetic predisposition (migration is partly inherited). Interestingly, different populations of the same species can differ in migratory behaviour — some European Blackcap warblers migrate while others are resident. Climate change is shifting the balance for some species from migratory to resident behaviour.

Correct Answer: B. Important Ramsar wetland for migratory waterfowl in Punjab's agro-industrial landscape

Kanjli Wetland in Kapurthala district, Punjab is an important Ramsar Wetland that serves as a critical refuge for migratory waterfowl in Punjab's heavily modified agricultural landscape. It hosts various duck species, coots, and waders during winter migration. Kanjli is significant because natural wetlands in Punjab are extremely scarce — most have been drained for agriculture. The wetland was created by the Kanjli barrage on the Kali Bein river. Baba Nanak's association with the Kali Bein adds cultural significance.

Correct Answer: B. Second Saturday of May and October — World Migratory Bird Day observed to raise awareness about migratory birds

World Migratory Bird Day is observed on the second Saturday of May and October each year to raise awareness about the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. It was established in 2006 through a joint initiative of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA). Each year has a different theme highlighting specific threats or conservation aspects. India participates in World Migratory Bird Day events at major wetland sites.

Correct Answer: B. Deltas like the Sundarbans, Godavari, Mahanadi, and Krishna deltas provide extensive tidal mudflats and mangrove habitats for millions of migratory shorebirds and waterbirds on India's east coast

River delta wetlands — including the Sundarbans (Ganges-Brahmaputra delta), Godavari delta, Mahanadi delta, and Krishna-Godavari coast — provide extensive tidal mudflats, shallow coastal lagoons, and mangrove habitats for millions of migratory shorebirds, herons, egrets, and waterfowl on India's east coast. These delta systems are critical components of the Central Asian Flyway. The Godavari delta hosts the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary with large mangroves. Protecting these deltas is essential for maintaining India's east coast bird migration.

Correct Answer: B. Migration behaviour where only some individuals in a population migrate while others remain resident throughout the year

Partial Migration is a strategy where only some individuals in a population migrate while others remain resident throughout the year. In India, some Robin populations are partially migratory — birds from higher elevations migrate to plains in winter while lower elevation birds remain. The strategy reflects individual variation in response to food availability, competition, and weather. Partial migrants provide resilience as the sedentary individuals maintain breeding populations even if the migratory segment has poor migration success in some years.

Correct Answer: B. Migratory waterbirds and the only wintering site in India for the Greater Adjutant Stork

Deepor Beel is a freshwater lake and wetland on the outskirts of Guwahati in Assam, designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site. It is particularly important as one of the last remaining wintering sites in India for the Greater Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos dubius), a critically endangered species. Deepor Beel also hosts numerous migratory ducks, pelicans, painted storks, and waders in winter. The wetland faces severe threats from urban encroachment, garbage dumping, and railway construction.

Correct Answer: B. The vast river floodplains, oxbow lakes, and jheels of the Gangetic basin provide critical wintering habitat for millions of migratory ducks, geese, cranes, and waders

The vast Gangetic floodplains with their oxbow lakes (jheels), seasonal wetlands, and river islands are among India's most important wintering habitats for migratory birds. Millions of ducks (Pintail, Shoveler, Gadwall), Common Crane, Bar-headed Geese, and various waders spend winter in the Ganga valley. Key sites include Keoladeo, the UP jheels, Bihar's Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary area, and Assam's floodplain wetlands. Loss of Gangetic floodplain wetlands would severely affect Central Asian Flyway bird populations.

Correct Answer: B. Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Schedule IV listing most migratory birds) plus India's commitments under CMS and international conventions

Migratory birds in India are primarily protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, with most species listed in Schedule IV which prohibits hunting. India's ratification of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the Bonn Convention adds international legal protection. Migratory birds passing through protected areas receive additional protection. India is also a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity which covers migratory species conservation. Recently, wetland protection under the Wetlands Conservation and Management Rules 2017 additionally protects key migratory bird habitats.

Correct Answer: B. India's largest population of Blackbuck and important raptor migration site, especially Harriers

Velavadar (Blackbuck) National Park in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district is known for India's largest concentration of Blackbuck antelope and as an important raptor migration site. The park hosts spectacular congregations of Harriers (Montagu's Harrier, Pale Harrier) during winter migration, with hundreds roosting in the grasslands. Wolves and Lesser Florican also occur. The park's open grasslands attract migratory raptors and India's critically endangered Lesser Florican. The grasslands also host breeding Harriers and Short-eared Owls in winter.

Correct Answer: B. Many migratory birds travel primarily at night when skies are clear, predator risk is lower, and air is cooler

Nocturnal Migration is the phenomenon where many migratory birds, particularly small passerines (warblers, flycatchers, thrushes, pipits), migrate primarily at night. This nocturnal strategy offers advantages: cooler temperatures reduce dehydration, calmer night air reduces energy expenditure, and reduced predator activity compared to daytime flight. Stars and the Earth's magnetic field guide nocturnally migrating birds. Many birdwatchers in India observe 'falls' of exhausted nocturnal migrants at coastal sites on foggy mornings when birds are forced down after night flights over the sea.