Wildlife & National Parks — Set 8

Correct Answer: A. Approximately 3 months

Tigresses have a gestation period of approximately 3 months (around 103 days). After giving birth, females raise cubs for about two years before independence. Understanding reproductive biology helps conservation managers predict population changes.

Correct Answer: A. Adequate prey base

An adequate prey base is crucial for tiger survival in protected areas. Tigers require regular feeding to maintain health and reproduction. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining healthy prey populations including sambar, chital, and other deer species.

Correct Answer: A. Reduces genetic diversity and increases inbreeding

Habitat fragmentation reduces genetic diversity and increases inbreeding in tiger populations. Isolated populations cannot exchange genes, leading to weakness and reduced fitness. Wildlife corridors are essential to counteract fragmentation effects.

Correct Answer: A. Grasses and herbaceous plants

Blackbucks in Tal Chhapar feed primarily on grasses and herbaceous plants. Their selective grazing helps maintain grassland ecosystem health. Protecting diverse grass species is essential for sustaining blackbuck populations.

Correct Answer: A. Sambar constitutes 50% of tiger diet

Sambar deer constitutes approximately 50% of tiger diet in Ranthambore National Park. This high proportion reflects the abundance and size of sambar, which provide substantial nutrition. Monitoring prey consumption helps assess ecosystem carrying capacity.

Correct Answer: A. Availability of suitable habitat and prey

The availability of suitable habitat and adequate prey is the primary factor limiting tiger population growth in Ranthambore. Once the carrying capacity is reached, further population growth becomes constrained. Managers must carefully balance conservation with habitat capacity.

Correct Answer: A. Over 50%

Over 50% of India's blackbuck population is found in Rajasthan, particularly in Tal Chhapar and other sanctuaries. This concentration makes Rajasthan crucial for blackbuck conservation. Loss of habitat in Rajasthan would have significant impacts on national blackbuck populations.

Correct Answer: A. Create migration patterns and habitat use

Seasonal water sources create migration patterns and influence habitat use in Desert National Park. Animals congregate near water sources during dry seasons. Understanding water availability patterns is crucial for managing wildlife in arid ecosystems.

Correct Answer: A. Around 3-4 years

Female tigers become reproductively mature at around 3-4 years of age. Once mature, they can produce litters every 2-3 years under favorable conditions. Understanding reproductive timelines helps managers predict and manage population growth.

Correct Answer: A. Regular monitoring and adaptive management

Regular monitoring and adaptive management have been the most successful conservation strategies in Ranthambore. Data-driven approaches allow managers to adjust policies based on real-time information. This flexibility has contributed significantly to the reserve's conservation success.