Wildlife & Gir Forest — Set 3

Correct Answer: D. 2021

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary near Jamnagar was designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2021. It is home to over 300 bird species including migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia. The sanctuary combines freshwater and saltwater habitats making it an exceptionally diverse birding location.

Correct Answer: B. Wetlands and salt pans including Nalsarovar

The Greater Flamingo is found at wetlands and salt pans across Gujarat including Nalsarovar, Rann of Kutch, Khijadiya, and coastal areas. Gujarat's vast wetland network makes it one of India's most important flamingo habitats. The Greater Flamingo is paler pink than the Lesser Flamingo and is identified by its pink-white plumage and distinctive red and black bill.

Correct Answer: B. Prides

Like African Lions, Asiatic Lions live in social groups called 'prides.' However, Asiatic Lion prides tend to be smaller than African Lion prides. A typical Asiatic Lion pride consists of a few females and their cubs, with males often forming separate coalitions and joining prides only for mating. This social structure differs somewhat from the more cohesive African lion pride structure.

Correct Answer: B. Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch

The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch was established in 1982 as India's first and only marine national park. It protects a rich marine ecosystem including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and diverse marine fauna. The park covers 42 islands along the southern coast of the Gulf of Kutch.

Correct Answer: A. Schedule I

The Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 which provides the highest level of protection. Pangolins are the world's most trafficked mammals and are poached for their scales used in traditional medicine. Gujarat forests harbor small populations of Indian Pangolin.

Correct Answer: B. Desert fox, Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), and Wolf

Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kutch district is known for the conservation of desert and arid zone fauna including the Indian Gazelle (Chinkara), Desert Fox, and Indian Wolf. It is the home of Gujarat's Chinkara population. The sanctuary also protects the Great Indian Bustard (Godhan), one of India's most critically endangered birds.

Correct Answer: B. Asiatic Lions have a fold of skin along their belly (abdominal fold)

A distinguishing physical feature of the Asiatic Lion compared to the African Lion is the presence of a longitudinal fold of skin along the belly (abdominal fold). The mane of male Asiatic Lions is generally shorter and less dense than that of African Lions. Asiatic Lions also have smaller ear tufts and their skull shape differs slightly from African Lions.

Correct Answer: B. Mugger/Marsh Crocodile

The Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) also called the Marsh Crocodile is found in the rivers and reservoirs within Gir Forest. Muggers are one of the few species that coexists with the Asiatic Lion. They occasionally fall prey to lions at waterholes, and this unusual predator-prey role reversal has been documented.

Correct Answer: C. 2020

Project Lion was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August 2020, India's 74th Independence Day, as a centrally sponsored scheme for the long-term protection of the Asiatic Lion. The project has a budget of Rs 2,927 crore spread over 15 years. It focuses on improving habitats, increasing prey base, reducing human-lion conflict, and developing infrastructure.

Correct Answer: C. 9

The 2020 Asiatic Lion census found lions spread across 9 districts of Gujarat's Saurashtra region, compared to just 3-4 districts in earlier years. This geographic expansion reflects the population growth and the lions' natural tendency to disperse. The lions have established secondary populations in areas including Girnar, Mitiyala, Barda, and coastal areas.