Wildlife & Gir Forest — Set 1

Correct Answer: B. Asiatic Lion

Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat is the last refuge of the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) in the world. Historically Asiatic Lions ranged from Greece to India, but now they survive only in Gir. This makes Gir one of the world's most important wildlife conservation success stories.

Correct Answer: B. 674

The 2020 Asiatic Lion population census recorded 674 lions in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, a significant increase from 523 in 2015. This growth reflects successful conservation efforts by the Gujarat government and forest department. The lions have also spread beyond Gir to other areas of Saurashtra including the Girnar, Mitiyala, and Barda wildlife sanctuaries.

Correct Answer: B. 1,412 sq km

The Gir Protected Area covers approximately 1,412 sq km, comprising the National Park (258 sq km where human activity is restricted) and the Wildlife Sanctuary (1,153 sq km). The entire protected area is located in the Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli districts of Gujarat. The national park was established in 1965.

Correct Answer: B. Migratory birds including flamingos

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary near Ahmedabad is one of Asia's largest wetlands and a major habitat for migratory water birds including flamingos, pelicans, cranes, and ducks. The sanctuary covers 115 sq km. It is especially famous for the arrival of migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and other regions during winter months.

Correct Answer: B. Little Rann of Kutch

The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary (also known as the Wild Ass Sanctuary) is located in the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. It is the last refuge of the Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur), also called 'Khur' in Gujarati. The sanctuary was established in 1972 and covers an area of about 4,953 sq km.

Correct Answer: B. Project Lion

Project Lion was launched by the Indian government in 2020 to ensure the long-term conservation and welfare of Asiatic Lions in India. It aims to develop habitats in Gujarat and potentially establish second populations of lions. The project focuses on habitat development, prey base enhancement, and human-lion conflict mitigation.

Correct Answer: B. Indian Blackbuck

Velavadar Blackbuck National Park in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat is famous for the Indian Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), one of the fastest land animals. The park has one of the largest herds of blackbuck in India. It is also home to wolves, hyenas, and numerous bird species including harriers.

Correct Answer: B. India's first marine national park (1982)

The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch, established in 1982, has the distinction of being India's first marine national park. It protects a diverse ecosystem including coral reefs, mangroves, and marine fauna. The park covers about 163 sq km and is home to species like dolphins, sea turtles, puffer fish, and various corals.

Correct Answer: C. Winter (November-February)

Flamingos are most prominently seen at the Rann of Kutch and nearby wetlands like Nalsarovar during winter (November to February) when migratory flamingos arrive from their breeding grounds. Both Lesser Flamingo and Greater Flamingo are found in Gujarat. The white salt desert of the Rann creates a spectacular backdrop for massive flamingo flocks.

Correct Answer: B. Lesser Flamingo

The Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) is smaller and generally more numerous than the Greater Flamingo in Gujarat's wetlands. Thousands of Lesser Flamingos gather at the Nal Sarovar, Khijadiya, and various Rann of Kutch locations during winter. Their distinctive deep pink coloration and large flocks create one of nature's most spectacular sights.