Wildlife & Gir Forest — Set 5

Correct Answer: B. Kutch region including Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary

The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is one of the world's most critically endangered birds with fewer than 200 individuals remaining. In Gujarat it is found in the Kutch region, including the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary area. Grassland habitat loss, power line collisions, and hunting are the primary threats to this bird.

Correct Answer: C. Pug mark, direct sighting, and technology including cameras

The 2020 Asiatic Lion census used a combination of methods including direct sighting, pug mark recognition, camera traps, and patrol-based counting to arrive at the count of 674 lions. The census was conducted simultaneously across all areas of lion presence in Gujarat's Saurashtra region. This multi-method approach provides more accurate results than any single method alone.

Correct Answer: B. Flamingo City (Little Rann of Kutch)

The area known as 'Flamingo City' in the Little Rann of Kutch is one of Asia's largest inland flamingo breeding colonies where thousands of Lesser Flamingos nest on the salt flats. The remote location of the Rann provides ideal undisturbed nesting conditions. The breeding season typically occurs between January and March.

Correct Answer: B. Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Schedule I)

Whale Sharks were added to Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 in 2001, providing them the highest level of legal protection in India. Before this protection, large numbers were killed annually along the Gujarat coast. The successful community-based conservation program involving fishermen near Okha, Veraval, and Mangrol has significantly reduced illegal killing.

Correct Answer: B. Blue Flag Certification

Shivrajpur Beach near Dwarka received the prestigious Blue Flag Certification, an international eco-label awarded to beaches that meet high environmental standards including water quality, cleanliness, safety, and environmental education. It was one of the first beaches in India to receive this certification in 2020. The beach is also a nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles.

Correct Answer: D. No, India is the only country

India (specifically Gujarat's Gir Forest) is now the only country in the world where wild Asiatic Lions survive. The last Asiatic Lion outside India was reportedly shot in Iran in 1941. Efforts to establish a second wild population of lions in Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh have been discussed for decades but remain controversial and unimplemented.

Correct Answer: B. Gujarat Forest Department

Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by the Gujarat Forest Department under the state government. The Chief Wildlife Warden of Gujarat oversees the management of the sanctuary. The central government's Project Lion provides financial and technical support through the National Tiger Conservation Authority framework.

Correct Answer: B. It hosts their major breeding colony with nests built on salt flats

The Rann of Kutch (particularly the Little Rann) hosts one of the largest breeding colonies of Lesser Flamingos in India. Flamingos build cone-shaped mud nests on the saline mudflats of the Rann where they lay eggs and raise their chicks. The remote and inhospitable nature of the Rann salt desert provides protection from disturbance during nesting.

Correct Answer: C. Sympatric coexistence

The coexistence of Asiatic Lions and Leopards in the same geographic area (Gir Forest) is described as sympatric coexistence. Leopards generally avoid direct competition with lions by being more secretive, climbing trees, and hunting smaller prey. The leopard population in Gir adds to the area's biodiversity and serves as an important indicator of ecosystem health.

Correct Answer: B. View wildlife including lions from vehicles in an enclosed area

The Gir Interpretation Zone at Devalia (also called Gir Interpretation Zone or GIZ) is a fenced area of about 4 sq km within the Gir Sanctuary that allows visitors to view wildlife including Asiatic Lions, Nilgai, and other species from buses and vehicles. It provides a guaranteed lion-viewing experience unlike the open safari where sightings are not guaranteed. The zone was created to reduce visitor pressure on the core national park area.