Ramsar Wetland Sites — Set 14
Forest & Wildlife · रामसर आर्द्रभूमि स्थल · Questions 131–140 of 160
Lonar Lake in Maharashtra is one of how many known hyper-velocity meteorite impact craters in basaltic rock worldwide?
Correct Answer: C. One of four
Lonar Lake in Maharashtra is one of only four known hyper-velocity meteorite impact craters in basaltic rock in the world. The crater was formed approximately 50,000 years ago when a meteorite struck the Deccan Plateau. The lake filling the crater is unique for being both saline and alkaline. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2020 and supports rare extremophilic microorganisms.
Renuka Lake in Himachal Pradesh is the smallest Ramsar site in India. How large is it?
Correct Answer: A. 0.2 sq km
Renuka Lake in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh is India's smallest Ramsar Wetland Site, covering an area of only 0.2 sq km. Despite its small size, the lake is ecologically and culturally significant. It is considered sacred and associated with Goddess Renuka, mother of sage Parashurama. The lake was designated as a Ramsar site in 2005 and supports several fish species and waterbirds.
India's Wetland Mitrantra scheme involves which type of participants?
Correct Answer: B. Community volunteers as wetland custodians
The 'Wetland Mitrantra' scheme launched by India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change involves community volunteers called 'Wetland Mitras' who act as custodians of wetlands at the grassroots level. This initiative recognizes the importance of community participation in wetland conservation. The scheme develops a network of local volunteers who monitor and protect wetlands. It also builds awareness about wetland services and the importance of the Ramsar Convention.
Gahirmatha Beach near Bhitarkanika, Odisha, is famous for which wildlife event?
Correct Answer: B. Mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles
Gahirmatha Beach near Bhitarkanika in Odisha is famous for mass nesting (called 'arribada') of Olive Ridley sea turtles. Gahirmatha has witnessed nesting events with over 300,000 to 600,000 turtles arriving simultaneously to lay eggs. The adjacent Bhitarkanika Mangroves is a Ramsar Wetland Site. Gahirmatha is the world's largest known mass nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles.
Asan Conservation Reserve in Uttarakhand is located near which city?
Correct Answer: C. Dehradun
Asan Conservation Reserve is located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, near the state capital Dehradun. It is situated at the confluence of the Asan River with the Yamuna River near the Asan Barrage. Designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2020, it is the first Ramsar site in Uttarakhand. The wetland is an important staging ground for migratory birds including bar-headed geese and Ruddy Shelducks on the Central Asian Flyway.
Vembanad Lake in Kerala is the longest lake in India. What is its approximate length?
Correct Answer: C. 96 km
Vembanad Lake in Kerala is the longest lake in India, stretching approximately 96 km in length. It is part of the Vembanad-Kol Ramsar Wetland Site designated in 2002. The lake is connected to the backwater system of Kerala. It is home to the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race held at Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha. The wetland also includes the Kuttanad region which is the lowest land in India.
Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan was designated as a Ramsar site in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1990
Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 1990. It is India's largest inland saltwater lake and is famous for flamingo congregations. It was designated along with Harike Wetland in Punjab in the same year. The lake is an important source of salt production in India and supports significant migratory bird populations. It was one of the early additions to India's growing Ramsar list.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat was the first Ramsar site in the state. When was it designated?
Correct Answer: D. 2012
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat was designated as India's first Ramsar site in Gujarat in 2012. The lake and surrounding wetlands cover about 120 sq km in the Surendranagar and Ahmedabad districts. Nalsarovar is one of the largest natural wetlands in Gujarat and a major staging ground for migratory waterfowl on the Central Asian Flyway. The sanctuary attracts flamingos, pelicans, cranes, and thousands of ducks during winter.
Pala Wetland in Mizoram is unique because it is a natural seasonal what?
Correct Answer: C. Marshland that expands in monsoon
Pala Wetland in the Champhai district of Mizoram is a natural seasonal marshland that expands during monsoon rainfall and contracts during dry season. This unique characteristic is specific to the climatic conditions of Mizoram. The wetland was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2022. It is managed by the local Mizo community and supports endemic species and migratory birds.
Loktak Lake's phumdis are heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and what else?
Correct Answer: C. Organic matter
The phumdis of Loktak Lake in Manipur are heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter that float on the water surface. These floating mats are unique to Loktak Lake and can range in size from small patches to several square kilometers. The largest phumdis form the base of the Keibul Lamjao National Park. The phumdis are critical habitat for the Sangai deer and other wildlife.