Set 9 | Important Forest and Wildlife MCQs

Correct Answer is A.

• Pakhui, also known as the Pakke Tiger Reserve, is a renowned wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India.
• It spans an area of approximately 862 square kilometers in the East Kameng district. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayan foothills, this sanctuary is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes.

Correct Answer is A.

• Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus): This species is classified as Critically Endangered. The gharial population has declined significantly due to habitat loss, depletion of fish resources, and entanglement in fishing nets.
• Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea): Globally, the leatherback turtle is listed as Vulnerable. However, certain regional populations, including those in the Indian Ocean, face higher risks and are considered Critically Endangered due to threats like bycatch in fisheries, coastal development, and marine pollution.
• Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii): Commonly known as barasingha, this species is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The primary threats include habitat degradation, poaching, and competition with domestic livestock.

Correct Answer is A.

• The Kharai Camel, also known as the Swimming Camel, is unique to Gujarat’s Bhuj region. Recently recognized as a distinct breed, it is one of the nine camel breeds identified in India for better conservation efforts.
• This remarkable camel can swim up to three kilometers into the sea to forage for mangroves, its primary food source. Adaptable to both coastal and arid ecosystems, the Kharai Camel is highly valued by graziers in the arid coastal areas of Kachchh due to its ability to thrive on both land and in water.
  Thus, statement 3 is incorrect.

Correct Answer is C.

Correct Answer is A.

• Mangroves are unique forest ecosystems found in tropical and subtropical regions along specific sea coasts. They play a crucial role in stabilizing shorelines and serve as a natural barrier against sea encroachments, making them a highly specialized ecosystem.
• This is why the government prioritizes the protection of the Sundarban mangroves.
  Therefore, both the Assertion and Reason are correct, and the Reason provides the correct explanation for the Assertion.

Correct Answer is B.

• This award honors individuals or communities who have shown exceptional courage or dedication in protecting forests and wildlife. It is named after Amrita Devi, a Bishnoi woman who, along with other community members, sacrificed her life in 1730 to protect trees from being felled in Rajasthan.

Correct Answer is B.

• As part of wildlife conservation efforts in India and Nepal, an organization named ‘SAVE’ was established in July 2010. The primary goal of SAVE is the conservation of tigers and the enhancement of their population.
• The initiative was launched in response to growing threats to tigers, including their hunting for use in Tibetan Buddhist rituals, where tiger skins are often used for decoration and as prayer mats. The association aims to protect tigers and address the challenges leading to their decline.

Correct Answer is A.

• Subtropical forests are located in regions such as North-West India (excluding Kashmir), Khasi Hills, Nagaland, and Manipur. Pine is the predominant tree species in these forests, but in areas with high humidity, broad-leaved trees like Oak are commonly found. Additionally, shrubs like Rhododendron are native to these areas.
• Sandalwood, on the other hand, is a tropical deciduous tree that does not grow in the Himalayan region. While traveling through the Himalayas, one may encounter trees like Rhododendron and Oak, but sandalwood trees will not be present. To explore sandalwood forests, one must travel to South India.

Correct Answer is C.

• In Uttarakhand, Oak and Rhododendron are characteristic species of temperate forests. This temperate zone is distinguished by the presence of various plant species, including Quercus leucotrichophora (Banj Oak), Rhododendron arboreum (Burans), Myrica esculenta (Kaphal), Lyonia ovalifolia (Aynor), Ilex dipyrena, and Quercus semecarpifolia (Kharsu Oak), among others.

Correct Answer is B.

• Every monsoon, the Gond and Korku tribes of Madhya Pradesh’s Betul and Harda districts celebrate Hari Jiroti, a month-long festival during which they plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees.
• This tradition underscores the tribes’ commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable living.

Correct Answer is A.

• Living root bridges are a type of tree shaping found in the southern region of the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya. These unique structures are crafted by the Khasi and Jaintia communities using the aerial roots of rubber trees, and they are built in the mountainous areas along the southern edge of the Shillong Plateau.

Correct Answer is B.

• The Animal Welfare Board of India is a statutory advisory body focused on animal welfare laws and promoting animal welfare across the country. It was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (Government of India), making Statement 2 correct. The National Ganga River Basin Authority was formed on 20 February 2009. It is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes the Union Ministers concerned and the Chief Ministers of the states through which the Ganga flows, thus making Statement 3 correct.