Wildlife & Gir Forest — Set 8
Gujarat GK · वन्यजीव और गिर वन · Questions 71–80 of 120
Shetrunji River Crocodile Sanctuary in Gujarat is named after which river?
Correct Answer: B. Shetrunji
The Shetrunji River in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat gives its name to the Shetrunji Reservoir and the wildlife sanctuary in the area. The Shetrunji Wildlife Sanctuary along the river and reservoir provides habitat for Mugger Crocodiles, Asiatic Lions (from dispersing Gir population), and various birds. The sanctuary is an important part of the extended Gir ecosystem.
Gujarat is home to a large population of which migratory raptor (bird of prey) that winters in grasslands?
Correct Answer: B. Montagu's Harrier and Pallid Harrier
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park and other grasslands in Gujarat host large wintering populations of Montagu's Harrier and Pallid Harrier, migratory birds of prey from Central Asia. The harriers roost communally in the grass at Velavadar, sometimes in numbers exceeding several thousand. This spectacular raptor roosting is one of the world's great bird watching experiences.
The Asiatic Lion differs from the African Lion genetically. When did the two populations diverge?
Correct Answer: A. 100,000 years ago
Genetic studies estimate that the Asiatic Lion and African Lion populations diverged approximately 100,000 years ago. The Asiatic Lion is classified as a distinct subspecies (Panthera leo persica). This genetic uniqueness further emphasizes the importance of conserving the Gir population as an irreplaceable part of lion biodiversity.
The Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary is primarily established to protect:
Correct Answer: B. Flamingos and the Indian Wild Ass
The Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary was primarily established to protect the unique desert and wetland ecosystem of the Rann, including the Indian Wild Ass and the flamingo populations. The sanctuary encompasses a large area of the Little Rann and supports an extraordinary array of wildlife adapted to the harsh saline environment. It is also one of India's largest wildlife sanctuaries.
The Gir Forest is an important bird watching destination. How many bird species have been recorded in Gir?
Correct Answer: C. Over 300
Gir Forest has recorded over 300 bird species, making it one of the best bird watching destinations in western India. Notable species include the rare Sarus Crane (world's tallest flying bird), Indian Pitta, Crested Serpent Eagle, and various raptors. The forest's diverse habitats from dry teak forest to grassland and riverside vegetation support this high avian diversity.
What is the IUCN Red List status of the Asiatic Lion?
Correct Answer: B. Endangered
The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The primary reason for this status is that the entire wild population is confined to a single small area in Gujarat. Although the population has increased to over 674, the restricted range makes it highly vulnerable to catastrophic events. Conservation biologists continue to advocate for establishing a second wild population.
Whale Sharks that visit Gujarat waters are the world's largest fish. What do they eat?
Correct Answer: B. Zooplankton and small fish
Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) are filter feeders that consume primarily zooplankton (small floating animals), fish eggs, krill, small fish, and small squid. Despite being the world's largest fish (reaching up to 12 meters), they are completely harmless to humans and feed only on microscopic and small organisms. The seasonal upwelling of nutrients along the Gujarat coast provides abundant food drawing Whale Sharks to the area.
Indian Skimmers, found in Gujarat, build their nests where?
Correct Answer: C. Sandbanks in rivers
Indian Skimmers (Rynchops albicollis) are distinctive birds that build their nests on sandy riverbanks and sandbanks in large rivers. They are found in the rivers of Gujarat including the Narmada and Mahi rivers. The Indian Skimmer is classified as Endangered due to threats from sand mining, river pollution, and human disturbance of nesting sites.
Which international organization (UN body) has recognized the Gir Lion conservation as a success story?
Correct Answer: B. UNEP/IUCN
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) have recognized the Gir Asiatic Lion conservation program as one of the world's great conservation success stories. The recovery from near extinction (less than 20 individuals in early 1900s) to over 674 in 2020 is cited as an example of what dedicated conservation effort can achieve.
The Gujarat Forest Department conducts the Asiatic Lion census every how many years?
Correct Answer: C. Every 5 years
The Gujarat Forest Department conducts a formal Asiatic Lion population estimation (census) every five years. The 2020 census was the 5th such estimation. In between census years, the forest department conducts regular monitoring through beat guards, camera traps, and patrol data. The 5-year census provides a formal baseline for tracking population trends.