Tiger Reserves & Project Tiger — Set 4

Correct Answer: B. Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand is the same as Jim Corbett National Park, India's first national park established in 1936. It was originally called Hailey National Park and was renamed after hunter-conservationist Jim Corbett. It covers the Patli Dun valley along the Ramganga River.

Correct Answer: B. Melanistic (black) tiger

Simlipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha is one of the very few places in the world where melanistic (black) tigers have been documented. These rare tigers have pseudo-melanism where broad stripes merge to give a dark appearance. Simlipal is also a Biosphere Reserve and is known for its sal forests and waterfalls.

Correct Answer: C. Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (amended 2006)

NTCA was established under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 as amended in 2006. The 2006 amendment inserted Chapter IVB into the Act, creating the statutory framework for NTCA. The authority is chaired by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Correct Answer: A. Tadoba

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, is often called the 'Jewel of Vidarbha' and is the gateway to tiger country in central India's Deccan plateau. It has a very high density of tigers and was established as a national park in 1955. Tadoba consistently records excellent tiger sightings due to its open teak forests.

Correct Answer: A. 1,827

The first All India Tiger Estimation in 1973 recorded approximately 1,827 tigers. This was considered alarming and led to the immediate launch of Project Tiger. By 2022, India's tiger population had grown to 3,167, demonstrating the success of conservation efforts.

Correct Answer: B. Eco Development Committees

Eco Development Committees (EDCs) are used around Ranthambore and many other tiger reserves to involve local communities in conservation. These committees help reduce human-wildlife conflict and dependence on forest resources. Community involvement is now a core principle of tiger reserve management in India.

Correct Answer: A. Pakhui Tiger Reserve

Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh is also known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve. It is situated in the East Kameng district and is renowned for its rich biodiversity including hornbills. The Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival is held near the reserve to promote conservation.

Correct Answer: A. Mukundra Hills

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan was declared in 2013, making it the third tiger reserve in Rajasthan after Ranthambore and Sariska. It is located in the Hadoti region and covers parts of the former Darrah and Jawahar Sagar sanctuaries. Tigers were reintroduced here from Ranthambore.

Correct Answer: A. Terai Arc Landscape

The Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) is a critical tiger corridor connecting forests across Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh along the Nepal border. It spans about 800 km from the Yamuna in the west to the Bagmati in the east. TAL connects 11 protected areas and enables gene flow among tiger populations.

Correct Answer: B. Core area where no human habitation or activity is allowed

Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) is designated under Section 38V of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 as the core area of tiger reserves where no human habitation or extractive activity is permitted. It provides the undisturbed space essential for tiger breeding and survival. CTH declarations are based on scientific assessments by NTCA.