Wildlife & Gir Forest — Set 9
Gujarat GK · वन्यजीव और गिर वन · Questions 81–90 of 120
The Olive Ridley turtle gets its name from:
Correct Answer: B. Its olive-green coloured shell
The Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) gets its name from its olive-green colored shell (carapace). It is the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtle species. Along the Gujarat coast, particularly at Shivrajpur near Dwarka, Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to nest during the months of October to February.
What is the primary conservation challenge for lions that have moved beyond Gir into human-dominated landscapes?
Correct Answer: B. Human-lion conflict, road accidents, and well-falls
The primary conservation challenges for Asiatic Lions that have dispersed beyond the Gir Protected Area into human-dominated landscapes include human-lion conflict (lions attacking livestock and occasionally people), road accidents (lions being killed by speeding vehicles), and lions falling into open agricultural wells. The Gujarat Forest Department operates rescue teams and conflict mitigation programs to address these issues.
Kutch district in Gujarat is known for the Indian Wild Ass. How many individuals were estimated in the 1960s when their population crashed?
Correct Answer: C. Around 360
The Indian Wild Ass population in the Little Rann of Kutch crashed to an estimated low of around 360 individuals in the 1960s, primarily due to surra disease (Trypanosoma evansi) and habitat loss. The establishment of the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in 1972 and disease management programs helped the population recover to over 6,000 by 2020. This represents one of India's great wildlife recovery stories.
The Mangrove forests in Gujarat are found primarily along which coastline?
Correct Answer: A. Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Khambhat coasts
Gujarat's mangrove forests are primarily found along the Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Khambhat coastlines. Gujarat has the second largest mangrove coverage in India after the Sundarbans. The mangroves serve as critical breeding and nursery habitats for marine species and are protected as part of the Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch.
Sea Horse conservation near Gujarat coast focuses on which threat to this unique fish?
Correct Answer: B. Traditional Chinese medicine trade causing overharvesting
Seahorses found along the Gujarat coast face the primary threat of overharvesting for the traditional Chinese medicine trade where they are used as remedies for various ailments. India is one of the world's largest exporters of dried seahorses, many originating from Gujarat waters. Seahorses are listed under CITES Appendix II and have limited legal protection in India.
The Leopard Cat (wild small cat) in Gujarat is primarily found in which habitat?
Correct Answer: B. Dense forests and scrublands
The Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is found in dense forests and scrublands across Gujarat including Gir and Sasan forests. It is a shy nocturnal small wild cat that is rarely seen. The Leopard Cat is distinct from the more common Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) which is found in a wider range of habitats including grasslands and wetlands.
Flamingo (Greater and Lesser) are the state birds of which Indian state?
Correct Answer: D. None - no state has flamingo as state bird
Neither the Greater Flamingo nor the Lesser Flamingo is the official state bird of any Indian state. The state bird of Gujarat is the Greater Flamingo according to some designations, but this varies. The most commonly cited state bird of Gujarat is the Greater Flamingo while others cite the Sarus Crane. This remains a point of occasional confusion.
The Rann of Kutch area of Gujarat is a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve called:
Correct Answer: A. Kutch Biosphere Reserve
The Kutch Biosphere Reserve, established in 2008, covers an area of 34,842 sq km making it one of India's largest biosphere reserves. It encompasses the Little Rann, parts of the Great Rann, the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, and surrounding ecosystems. The biosphere reserve framework helps balance conservation with sustainable development in the region.
The Dugong (Sea Cow) is a rare marine mammal occasionally found in Gujarat waters. It is protected under which schedule of WPA 1972?
Correct Answer: C. Schedule I
The Dugong (Dugong dugon), also known as the Sea Cow, is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 which provides the highest level of legal protection. Dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals that feed on seagrass beds. They are occasionally sighted in Gujarat's coastal waters, particularly in the Gulf of Kutch's Marine National Park area which has seagrass beds.
The Indian Rock Python is a Schedule I protected species found in Gir. It is distinctive because:
Correct Answer: B. It is a non-venomous constrictor and India's largest snake
The Indian Rock Python (Python molurus) is India's largest snake and a non-venomous constrictor found in Gir Forest and other habitats in Gujarat. Despite its size (reaching up to 6 meters), it is harmless unless provoked and kills prey by constriction. It is protected under Schedule I of WPA 1972 due to threats from skin trade and hunting.