Wildlife & Gir Forest — Set 4
Gujarat GK · वन्यजीव और गिर वन · Questions 31–40 of 120
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is one of the areas where Asiatic Lions have established a secondary population. It is located near which city?
Correct Answer: B. Porbandar
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Porbandar in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. In recent years Asiatic Lions have naturally dispersed and established a presence in Barda. The sanctuary covers about 192 sq km and also provides habitat for leopards, nilgai, hyena, and other species.
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is home to which migratory bird that breeds there?
Correct Answer: B. Flamingo (Lesser and Greater)
The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas of the Little Rann and Great Rann of Kutch host one of India's largest flamingo breeding colonies. Both Lesser and Greater Flamingos breed at the Rann saltpans. The breeding colony at Pachbhadar in the Little Rann is among the largest flamingo breeding sites in Asia.
The Indian Wild Ass (Khur) is classified under which IUCN Red List category?
Correct Answer: C. Near Threatened
The Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur) is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Its population has recovered significantly from a low of around 360 individuals in the 1960s to over 6,000 today. However threats including habitat loss, disease, and competition with livestock continue to affect the species.
Which national park in Gujarat was created specifically to protect the breeding habitat of Indian White-backed Vultures?
Correct Answer: C. Vansda National Park
Vansda National Park in the Navsari district of south Gujarat is a moist deciduous forest that provides habitat for diverse species. It is part of the efforts to protect biodiversity in the southern Gujarat tribal belt. While not exclusively for vultures, Vansda's intact forests provide habitat for many threatened species including leopards and various birds.
Flamingos are filter feeders. In Gujarat's salt pans and wetlands, what do they primarily feed on?
Correct Answer: B. Algae and small crustaceans
Flamingos are filter feeders that use their specially adapted bills to filter microscopic algae (Arthrospira/Spirulina), small crustaceans, insects, and other invertebrates from water and mud. The pink color of flamingos comes from the carotenoid pigments in their food, primarily the algae and small crustaceans they eat. Gujarat's salt pans and wetlands provide ideal feeding grounds.
The Asiatic Lion's population was nearly extinct by the early 20th century due to:
Correct Answer: B. Hunting and habitat loss
The Asiatic Lion population was nearly wiped out by the early 20th century primarily due to excessive hunting by British colonial officers and Indian royalty who considered lions as sporting trophies. Habitat loss due to agriculture and human settlement also contributed significantly. The Nawab of Junagadh was instrumental in protecting the remaining lions and preventing their complete extinction.
Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary, where Asiatic Lions have been sighted, is located near which dam?
Correct Answer: C. Shetrunji Dam
Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the Shetrunji Dam in the Amreli district of Gujarat's Saurashtra region. Lions from Gir have naturally dispersed into this sanctuary, establishing a new population. The sanctuary's diverse habitat including forests, rocky terrain, and proximity to the reservoir creates a suitable environment for lion prey and the lions themselves.
Which species of deer is most commonly found in Gir Forest and serves as the primary prey for lions?
Correct Answer: C. Chital (Spotted Deer)
Chital (Axis axis), also known as Spotted Deer, is the most commonly found deer species in Gir Forest and the most important prey species for Asiatic Lions. Their population in Gir is robust and plays a crucial role in supporting the lion population. Chital are known for their distinctive white spots and the male's elegant antlers.
India's first marine biosphere reserve was declared at which Gujarat location?
Correct Answer: A. Gulf of Kutch
The Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park area was declared as a biosphere reserve as part of India's efforts to protect its marine biodiversity. The Gulf of Kutch has diverse marine habitats including coral reefs (one of the northern-most in the world), seagrass beds, mangroves, and intertidal mudflats. This unique marine ecosystem supports diverse fish and invertebrate species.
Indian Blackbuck is the state animal of which state?
Correct Answer: D. Andhra Pradesh
The Indian Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is the state animal of Andhra Pradesh (and also of Punjab). In Gujarat, the Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar is one of the best places to see large herds of blackbuck. The Velavadar park was established specifically to protect the Blackbuck and has one of the highest densities of the species.