Wildlife & Gir Forest — Set 10
Gujarat GK · वन्यजीव और गिर वन · Questions 91–100 of 120
The Gir Lion census 2015 vs 2020 showed an increase. What was the 2015 count?
Correct Answer: B. 523
The 2015 Asiatic Lion census recorded 523 lions, up from 411 in 2010. The 2020 census then recorded 674 lions, an increase of 151 (about 29%) over 2015. This consistent growth trend over successive censuses demonstrates the effectiveness of the Gir conservation program. The steady increase has been attributed to better protection, increased prey base, and expansion into newer areas.
Kamleshwar Reservoir inside Gir National Park is important because:
Correct Answer: B. It provides critical water source for lions and wildlife during dry season
Kamleshwar Reservoir inside Gir National Park is a critical water source for Asiatic Lions and other wildlife during the dry season (March to June). The reservoir attracts lions and their prey (deer, nilgai) to its banks, making it one of the best spots to observe wildlife in Gir. It also supports a significant population of Mugger Crocodiles.
The Indian Chameleon (Oriental Garden Lizard) and Monitor Lizard (Goh) are reptiles found in Gujarat. The Monitor Lizard is protected because:
Correct Answer: B. It is falsely believed to have medicinal properties and is poached
The Indian Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis) is protected under Schedule I of WPA 1972 because it is extensively poached due to false beliefs that its body parts have medicinal and aphrodisiac properties. The Monitor Lizard plays an important ecological role as a scavenger and predator of small animals, snakes, and eggs. It is found widely across Gujarat including Gir Forest.
The Greater Flamingo's scientific name is Phoenicopterus roseus. 'Roseus' in Latin means:
Correct Answer: B. Pink/Rose-colored
The scientific name Phoenicopterus roseus translates to 'rosy (pink) Phoenicopterus (flamingo bird).' 'Roseus' in Latin means pink or rose-colored. The Greater Flamingo is indeed paler and more rose-pink in color compared to the deeper pink of the Lesser Flamingo. The pink color comes from carotenoid pigments in the crustaceans and algae they consume.
Which famous naturalist documented the Gir Lions in early 20th century and advocated for their protection?
Correct Answer: B. A.A. Dunbar Brander
A.A. Dunbar Brander, a British forest officer, was among the early naturalists who documented and advocated for the protection of the Gir Lions in the early 20th century. Later, ornithologist Salim Ali and other naturalists also raised awareness about wildlife conservation in India. The early protection efforts by the Nawab of Junagadh, supported by naturalists and British officers, saved the species from extinction.
The four Asiatic Lions died in a 2018 disease outbreak. The disease responsible was:
Correct Answer: B. Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
In 2018, over 20 Asiatic Lions died in the Gir area due to an outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) combined with Babesia (a blood parasite). This outbreak was a wake-up call about the dangers of having all lions confined to one small area. The incident highlighted the urgent need to establish a second population of lions at another location to provide insurance against such disease outbreaks.
The Sarus Crane, found in Gujarat's wetlands, is notable because it is:
Correct Answer: B. The world's tallest flying bird
The Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone) is the world's tallest flying bird, standing up to 1.8 meters. It is found in the wetlands and agricultural areas of Gujarat, particularly in the northern and central regions. Sarus Cranes are monogamous and mate for life, making them symbols of fidelity in Indian culture. They are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Gujarat's coastline is the longest of any Indian state. What is its approximate length?
Correct Answer: C. 1,600 km
Gujarat has India's longest coastline of approximately 1,600 km (some estimates range from 1,214 km to 1,663 km depending on measurement methodology). This extensive coastline supports diverse marine ecosystems including coral reefs, mangroves, sea turtle nesting sites, flamingo habitats, and whale shark presence. The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch represents just one facet of this rich coastal biodiversity.
India's first 'Project Whale Shark' began in Gujarat to protect Whale Sharks from being caught. When was it initiated?
Correct Answer: C. 2004
India's Whale Shark conservation program in Gujarat began around 2004 when the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), the Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development, and the Gujarat Forest Department collaborated with local fishing communities. The program educates and financially compensates fishermen who accidentally catch and release Whale Sharks. This community-based approach has been highly successful in reducing Whale Shark mortality.
The Narayan Sarovar, a sacred lake in Kutch, is also the center of a wildlife sanctuary. Which critically endangered bird is protected there?
Correct Answer: B. Great Indian Bustard
Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary in Kutch is one of the critical habitats in Gujarat for the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps). This magnificent bird once ranged widely across Indian grasslands but is now critically endangered with fewer than 200 individuals. The Narayan Sarovar area's open grassland and scrubland habitat is essential for this ground-nesting bird.