Wildlife & Gir Forest — Set 12
Gujarat GK · वन्यजीव और गिर वन · Questions 111–120 of 120
Gir Forest is not only home to the Asiatic Lion but also has a significant population of which other large predator?
Correct Answer: B. Leopard
Gir Forest has a significant population of Leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) in addition to the Asiatic Lions. Leopards and lions share the same forest and both predate on deer and other medium-sized animals. Leopards in Gir tend to be more nocturnal and secretive to avoid direct competition with the dominant lions. The presence of both big cats makes Gir a uniquely rich wildlife destination.
The sea around Dwarka and Saurashtra coast is part of which biogeographic zone for marine life?
Correct Answer: B. Western Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea) zone
The sea around Dwarka and the Saurashtra coast is part of the Western Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea) biogeographic zone. This zone has distinctive marine flora and fauna influenced by the seasonal Arabian Sea upwelling that brings cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface. The upwelling supports high marine productivity which attracts large marine animals including Whale Sharks and various dolphins.
The Wool Festival at Nalsarovar showcases which Gujarat tribal community's traditional practice?
Correct Answer: C. Maldhari cattle herding culture
The Maldhari community, traditionally associated with cattle herding in and around Gir Forest, maintains a unique cultural relationship with the forest and its wildlife. Gujarat Tourism celebrates this through cultural events that showcase Maldhari traditions. The Maldhari's centuries-old coexistence with Asiatic Lions represents a remarkable example of traditional human-wildlife harmony.
What is the name of the government-sponsored scheme that compensates Gir area communities for livestock losses to lions?
Correct Answer: B. Sahayatan Yojana (Wildlife Attack Compensation)
The Gujarat government operates a compensation scheme (broadly referred to as Wildlife Attack Compensation or similar local schemes) to compensate livestock owners near Gir for losses to Asiatic Lions. This compensation system is crucial for maintaining the goodwill of local communities towards lion conservation. Without such schemes local communities would have strong incentives to retaliate against lions that kill their livestock.
Gulf of Kutch has India's first marine national park. How many protected islands does it include?
Correct Answer: C. 42
The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch includes 42 islands along the southern coast of the Gulf. These islands and the surrounding waters protect coral reefs, mangroves, and diverse marine fauna. The islands are uninhabited and provide undisturbed breeding habitats for marine life including sea birds, sea turtles, and various fish species.
The state bird of Gujarat is:
Correct Answer: B. Greater Flamingo
The Greater Flamingo is recognized as the state bird of Gujarat. The choice reflects the importance of Gujarat's wetlands as flamingo habitat and the iconic nature of flamingo flocks in the state's landscape. Gujarat's vast network of wetlands, salt pans, and coastal areas support large populations of both Greater and Lesser Flamingos.
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park was the filming location for which award-winning wildlife documentary?
Correct Answer: A. 'Wild India' by BBC Natural History
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park has been featured in several BBC Natural History Unit productions showcasing the spectacular blackbuck herds and their predators including wolves and hyenas. The park's open grassland terrain and high animal density make it ideal for wildlife filming. The annual gathering of harrier raptors at Velavadar is also a world-famous wildlife spectacle.
The Black-necked Stork (Jabiru), India's only stork species with a black neck, is occasionally found in Gujarat. It is classified as:
Correct Answer: C. Vulnerable
The Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is India's largest stork and is found in wetlands across India including Gujarat. The species is threatened by wetland drainage, hunting, and disturbance of nesting sites. Gujarat's wetlands including Nalsarovar provide important habitat for this large wading bird.
Project Lion aims to develop habitats at potential second sites for Asiatic Lions. Besides Kuno-Palpur (now hosting Cheetahs), which Gujarat site is being developed to support lion dispersal?
Correct Answer: B. Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
Under Project Lion, the Gujarat government is developing and strengthening habitats at Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary to support the natural dispersal of Asiatic Lions from Gir. These satellite areas are being prepared with enhanced prey populations and reduced human-lion conflict management mechanisms. The goal is to create a network of connected lion habitats within Gujarat.
Which wildlife species in Gujarat is associated with 'Surra' disease, which caused a major population crash in the 1960s?
Correct Answer: B. Indian Wild Ass (Khur)
The Indian Wild Ass (Khur) in the Little Rann of Kutch suffered a devastating population crash in the 1960s primarily due to 'Surra' disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma evansi. The disease is transmitted by biting flies and was exacerbated by drought and stress. The population fell to about 360 individuals from much higher historical numbers. Since then, disease surveillance and veterinary interventions have been part of the wild ass conservation program.