Wildlife & Gir Forest — Set 6
Gujarat GK · वन्यजीव और गिर वन · Questions 51–60 of 120
Which Indian state was proposed as a second location for Asiatic Lion translocation for decades?
Correct Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh (Kuno-Palpur)
Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary (now Kuno National Park) in Madhya Pradesh has been proposed as a second home for Asiatic Lions for decades. The Supreme Court of India ordered lion translocation to Kuno in 2013, but the Gujarat government has consistently opposed the move, arguing it would threaten the successful Gir conservation model. As of recent years, Kuno instead received Cheetahs in 2022.
The mangrove forests along the Gulf of Kutch serve as:
Correct Answer: B. Nurseries for marine fish and nesting sites for birds
The mangrove forests along the Gulf of Kutch serve as critical nurseries for marine fish and other aquatic organisms, as well as nesting and roosting sites for numerous bird species. Mangroves also protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges. Gujarat has significant mangrove coverage along its extensive coastline and these ecosystems are part of the Marine National Park.
Indian Rollers, Bee-eaters, and Hornbills are commonly seen in which Gujarat habitat?
Correct Answer: B. Gir Forest and dry deciduous forests
Indian Rollers, various species of Bee-eaters, and Grey Hornbills are commonly seen in Gir Forest and similar dry deciduous forest habitats of Gujarat. These colorful birds are among the many avian species that make Gir Forest a significant birding destination in addition to its famous lions. Gir hosts over 300 bird species.
The Asiatic Lion is listed as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List. The main reason is:
Correct Answer: B. Restricted range with single wild population at Gir making it vulnerable
The Asiatic Lion is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List primarily because the entire wild population is restricted to a single location (Gir Forest area in Gujarat). This makes the species extremely vulnerable to any catastrophic event like disease outbreak, natural disaster, or large-scale habitat destruction that could wipe out the entire population. Conservation biologists strongly advocate establishing a second wild population as insurance.
The Flamingo Festival in Gujarat is typically held at which location?
Correct Answer: B. Rann of Kutch / Nalsarovar
The Flamingo Festival in Gujarat is held at destinations like Nalsarovar and the Rann of Kutch area during the winter months when flamingo populations are at their peak. Gujarat Tourism organizes the festival to promote eco-tourism and bird watching. The spectacular sight of thousands of flamingos creates an unforgettable tourist experience.
Olive Ridley sea turtles are classified as which conservation status?
Correct Answer: C. Vulnerable
Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. They are the most abundant sea turtle species but face threats from fishing nets, coastal development, and pollution. In Gujarat, conservation programs at Shivrajpur and other coastal locations work to protect nesting sites and reduce mortality in fishing gear.
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun conducts research related to Gir. But the field research station for Gir Lions is located at:
Correct Answer: B. Sasan Gir
The primary field research and management station for Gir National Park is located at Sasan Gir in the Junagadh district. The forest department's headquarters for the sanctuary is here and most safaris start from Sasan Gir. Researchers and wildlife biologists conducting studies on Asiatic Lions operate from this base.
Which Gujarat animal has been described in the ancient text Mahabharata as found in the forests of Saurashtra?
Correct Answer: B. Asiatic Lion
The Asiatic Lion finds mention in ancient Indian texts including the Mahabharata and Arthashastra as a forest animal of the Saurashtra (Gir) region of Gujarat. This indicates the historical presence of lions in this area for at least 2,000+ years. The continuity of lion presence in Gujarat for millennia makes Gir's conservation success even more historically significant.
Kutch is home to the largest salt marsh in Asia known as the:
Correct Answer: C. Both Ranns together form the largest salt marsh
Together, the Great Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch form one of the largest salt marshes in the world. The Great Rann alone covers about 7,505 sq km while the Little Rann covers about 4,954 sq km. During the monsoon these areas are flooded with shallow water, creating temporary wetland habitats that support flamingos, migratory birds, and wildlife.
The Indian Wild Ass (Khur) population is monitored every year. What was the approximate population in 2020?
Correct Answer: C. Over 6,000
The Indian Wild Ass population in the Little Rann of Kutch had recovered to over 6,000 individuals by 2020, a remarkable improvement from about 360 individuals in the 1960s when they were near extinction. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary established in 1972 and strict protection have been key to this recovery. However diseases like Surra (caused by Trypanosoma evansi) and habitat degradation remain threats.