Wildlife & Gir Forest — Set 2

Correct Answer: B. Khur

The Indian Wild Ass is locally known as 'Khur' in Gujarati. The official scientific name is Equus hemionus khur. The Indian Wild Ass is a subspecies of the Asiatic Wild Ass and is currently found only in the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

Correct Answer: C. Saurashtra coast near Veraval and Okha

Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) were historically caught by fishermen along the Saurashtra coast near Veraval, Mangrol, and Okha in Gujarat. Local fishing communities called them 'Vaghara' or 'Badi Machhi.' A conservation program involving fishermen has been remarkably successful in protecting these gentle giants since the early 2000s.

Correct Answer: B. Shivrajpur Beach near Dwarka

Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) nest at Shivrajpur Beach near Dwarka in the Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat. Shivrajpur was recognized as a Blue Flag certified beach in 2020 for its environmental quality. Conservation programs help protect the turtle nesting sites here.

Correct Answer: B. They are pastoralist communities who have traditionally coexisted with lions in Gir

The Maldhari are traditional pastoralist communities who have lived inside the Gir forest for generations, keeping cattle alongside the lions. Their coexistence with lions is a unique example of human-wildlife relationship. Though many Maldharis have been relocated outside the core area, some continue to live near the periphery and maintain their traditional lifestyle.

Correct Answer: B. Bishnoi community

The Bishnoi community reveres the Blackbuck as a sacred animal and has historically protected it at the cost of their own lives. While the Bishnoi are mostly from Rajasthan, their environmental ethic has influenced conservation efforts across northwest India including Gujarat. The Bishnoi will not harm blackbuck or cut trees from their village territory.

Correct Answer: B. 1936

The first official census of Asiatic Lions in Gir was conducted in 1936. At that time only about 30-35 lions were estimated to remain. The Nawab of Junagadh and later Indian conservation authorities launched protection measures that gradually increased the population. By 2020 the population reached 674, demonstrating one of the world's great wildlife recovery stories.

Correct Answer: A. Teak (Sagwan)

Gir Forest is primarily a tropical dry deciduous forest dominated by teak (Tectona grandis) along with other species like jamun, flame of the forest (dhak), and acacia. The forest cover provides ideal habitat for the Asiatic Lion's prey base of chital deer, sambar, and nilgai. The seasonally dry climate creates a distinctive ecosystem different from moist deciduous forests.

Correct Answer: A. Asiatic Lions and Leopards

Shetrunji Wildlife Sanctuary in the Amreli and Bhavnagar districts of Gujarat is known for Asiatic Lions (which have extended their range from Gir) and Leopards. It also harbors species like chital, sambar, and various birds. The sanctuary is part of the extended Gir ecosystem and plays a crucial role in accommodating the growing lion population.

Correct Answer: B. Chital deer, Sambar, and Nilgai

The primary wild prey of Asiatic Lions in Gir consists of Chital (spotted deer), Sambar (large deer), and Nilgai (blue bull). They also hunt Wild Boar and occasionally Marsh Crocodile. During periods of prey scarcity lions sometimes prey on domestic livestock belonging to the Maldhari and surrounding village communities.

Correct Answer: B. 1965

Gir was first declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965 and then designated as a National Park in 1975 for its core area. The entire protected complex is often referred to by its establishment year of 1965. Conservation efforts since independence have helped the Asiatic Lion population grow from near-extinction to over 674 individuals.