Wildlife & Gir Forest — Set 7
Gujarat GK · वन्यजीव और गिर वन · Questions 61–70 of 120
Gujarat's Rann Utsav (Rann Festival) celebrates the unique ecosystem of the Rann. Which season is the festival held in?
Correct Answer: C. Winter
Rann Utsav is held during winter (typically November to February) when the Rann is dry and accessible, and when wildlife including flamingos and wild asses are most visible. The festival showcases the unique white desert landscape under the full moon and Gujarat's tribal culture. It has become one of India's most popular tourism festivals.
The Crocodile (Mugger) in Gujarat is not found in the sea but in which type of habitat?
Correct Answer: B. Freshwater rivers, lakes, and reservoirs
The Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) in Gujarat is a freshwater species found in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands. Major Mugger populations are found in the rivers flowing through Gir Forest and in reservoirs like the Kamleshwar Reservoir in Gir. They are one of the three crocodile species native to India and are currently classified as Vulnerable.
Gir Forest National Park is located in which region of Gujarat?
Correct Answer: C. Saurashtra
Gir Forest National Park is located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, specifically in the Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli districts. Saurashtra (also called Kathiawar Peninsula) is the western peninsular region of Gujarat surrounded by the Gulf of Kutch on the north and the Arabian Sea on the west and south. The region's dry climate and topography create ideal conditions for the Asiatic Lion.
The four-horned antelope (Chowsingha) is found in Gujarat's forests. It is unique because:
Correct Answer: B. It is the world's only wild bovid with four horns
The Four-horned Antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis), also known as Chowsingha, is found in Gujarat's forests including Gir. It is remarkable as the world's only wild bovid (cattle family) with four horns - males have two sets of horns, a front pair and a rear pair. The species is classified as Vulnerable and is a shy animal that prefers dense forest habitats.
Indian Wild Ass or Khur is endemic to which area of India?
Correct Answer: B. Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur) is endemic to the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, making it one of India's most geographically restricted endemic mammals. Once found across a wider range in northwest India, it is now confined exclusively to the Rann ecosystem. The Little Rann's unique combination of salt desert, grassland, and wetland provides the specialized habitat this species requires.
The Gir Lion Safari is operated from which entry point?
Correct Answer: D. All of the above are entry points
Gir National Park has multiple entry points for safari including Sasan Gir (the main and most famous entry), Devalia (the fenced interpretation zone), and several other peripheral entry points. The park offers both morning and evening safari sessions. Online advance booking is recommended as the number of vehicles allowed inside the park per session is strictly regulated.
The Chinkara (Indian Gazelle) is the smallest of India's gazelles. In Gujarat it is found in:
Correct Answer: B. Dry areas of Kutch and Saurashtra
The Chinkara (Gazella bennettii) is found in the dry grasslands, scrublands, and arid areas of Kutch and Saurashtra in Gujarat. It is the state's graceful, fast-running gazelle that thrives in harsh, dry conditions. The Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary in Kutch is one of the important areas where Chinkara are protected.
The phenomenon of Asiatic Lion expansion outside Gir is called:
Correct Answer: B. Satellite population development or dispersal
The spread of Asiatic Lions beyond the main Gir Forest into surrounding areas like Girnar, Mitiyala, Barda, and even coastal areas is referred to as satellite population development or natural dispersal. This expansion is a positive sign of population health, as overcrowding at the core area drives some lions to seek new territories. Managing these dispersed lions in human-dominated landscapes presents new conservation challenges.
Flamingo species found in Gujarat are part of which family?
Correct Answer: B. Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos belong to the family Phoenicopteridae, which is their only family. There are six species of flamingos worldwide and India hosts two - the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) and the Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor). Gujarat's vast wetlands provide critical habitat for both these species during the winter months and for breeding.
The Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch has coral reefs that are significant because they are:
Correct Answer: B. Among the northernmost coral reefs in the world
The coral reefs in the Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch are among the northernmost coral reefs in the world, existing in conditions (cooler temperatures, higher salinity) that are usually not favorable for coral growth. This makes them scientifically unique. The reefs support diverse marine life including fish, sea anemones, sea stars, and mollusks.