Wildlife & Gir Forest — Set 11
Gujarat GK · वन्यजीव और गिर वन · Questions 101–110 of 120
Migratory Siberian Cranes once visited Gujarat's wetlands in winter. What is their current status?
Correct Answer: B. Functionally extinct - none seen since 2002 in India
The Siberian Crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus) was once a winter visitor to India's wetlands including those in Gujarat. The Central Asian flock of Siberian Cranes that wintered in India declined catastrophically due to hunting along their migration route and is now considered functionally extinct in India, with no confirmed sightings since 2002. This is a major conservation tragedy.
The Lesser Florican (Kharmor), a critically endangered grassland bird, is found in Gujarat during which season?
Correct Answer: B. Monsoon season (breeding visitor)
The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indica) is found in Gujarat's grasslands during the monsoon season (July-September) when males perform spectacular display flights to attract females for breeding. It is critically endangered due to grassland habitat loss from agriculture. The Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar and grasslands of north Gujarat are among the key areas for this species in Gujarat.
Gujarat State Biodiversity Board was established to implement which international convention at the state level?
Correct Answer: B. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
The Gujarat State Biodiversity Board was established under the Biological Diversity Act 2002 to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity at the state level. The Board manages the state's biological resources, oversees biodiversity management committees at the local level, and regulates access to biological resources. The Board works to document, conserve, and sustainably use Gujarat's rich biodiversity.
The Asiatic Lion's roar can be heard up to how many kilometers away?
Correct Answer: C. 8 km
An Asiatic Lion's roar can be heard up to 8 kilometers away, serving as a powerful tool for communication between pride members and as a territorial declaration to other lions. Lions typically roar in the early morning and evening hours. In Gir Forest, visitors on early morning safaris often have the memorable experience of hearing lion roars echoing through the forest.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary near Ahmedabad was declared Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2012
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary was designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2012. It is one of Asia's largest bird sanctuaries covering about 115 sq km of shallow lake and marshland. The sanctuary hosts over 250 species of birds including resident species and migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and East Asia during winter months.
The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch was established in:
Correct Answer: B. 1972
The Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch was established in 1972, the same year as the Wildlife Protection Act. The sanctuary covers approximately 4,953 sq km and is one of India's largest sanctuaries. Its establishment played a crucial role in the recovery of the Indian Wild Ass population from about 360 individuals to over 6,000 today.
Which organization runs the 'Save the Asiatic Lion' campaign and has done significant work with fishermen for Whale Shark conservation in Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Wildlife Trust of India (WTI)
The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) along with its partners including the Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development has done significant work in Gujarat for both Asiatic Lion conservation and Whale Shark conservation. WTI's fisherman engagement program for Whale Shark conservation near Okha and Veraval is internationally recognized as a model community-based conservation initiative.
The Bountiful Rann - Gujarat's wetland ecosystem during monsoon supports what phenomenon visible from space?
Correct Answer: C. Monsoon flooding creating a temporary sea
During the monsoon, the Great Rann of Kutch transforms into a vast, shallow inland sea as rainwater floods the salt flats. This temporary sea, covering thousands of square kilometers, is visible in satellite images. The flooding creates temporary wetland habitat for various species and the receding waters leave behind the white salt deposits for which the Rann is famous.
The Striped Hyena is found in Gujarat and is an important scavenger in the ecosystem. It is classified as:
Correct Answer: C. Near Threatened
The Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. It is found across Gujarat including Gir Forest and the arid regions of Kutch and Saurashtra. The Striped Hyena plays a crucial ecological role as a scavenger, cleaning up carcasses and helping to prevent the spread of disease. In India it is protected under Schedule III of WPA 1972.
Gir Forest has a river called Hiran that flows through it. The Hiran River is associated with which pilgrimage site?
Correct Answer: C. Prabhas Patan (where the river meets the sea near Somnath)
The Hiran River flows through Gir Forest and eventually meets the Arabian Sea near Somnath at Prabhas Patan. The river is one of the important water sources within Gir Forest and a key wildlife corridor. The confluence of the Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati rivers at Triveni Sangam near Somnath is considered sacred. The river system supports the biodiversity of Gir forest.