UPSC Prelims 2007 Q70: Environment & Ecology – Protected Areas & Wildlife
Which one of the following is also known as Top Slip?
- (a) Simlipal National Park
- (b) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- (c) Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary
- (d) Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
Answer: (d) Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
Explanation
Top Slip — Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Top Slip | Tourist zone and base camp inside the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park |
| Present name | Anamalai Tiger Reserve (Tiger Reserve since 2007) |
| District | Coimbatore / Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu |
| Hills | Anaimalai Hills, Western Ghats |
| Name origin | Teak logs were slid down the slopes from the top in British times |
Key animals: Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, tiger, elephant.
Other options:
| Option | State |
|---|---|
| Simlipal | Odisha (Mayurbhanj) |
| Periyar | Kerala (Thekkady) |
| Manjira | Telangana (Medak) |
Answer: (d) Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Simlipal is in Odisha; its well-known spots are Barehipani and Joranda falls.
- (b) Incorrect. Periyar is in Kerala; its base is Thekkady.
- (c) Incorrect. Manjira (Telangana) is a crocodile sanctuary.
- (d) CORRECT. Top Slip is in the Indira Gandhi WLS & NP (Anamalai), Tamil Nadu.
Key point
Top Slip = Anamalai Tiger Reserve (formerly Indira Gandhi WLS & NP), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Remember
Top Slip is in Anamalai (Indira Gandhi WLS & NP), Tamil Nadu.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Periyar because it is near the same hill region — Periyar is across the border in Kerala.
- Not knowing the old name Indira Gandhi WLS for Anamalai.
- Confusing the Indira Gandhi WLS (TN) with the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (Visakhapatnam).
Exam tip
Top Slip → teak 'slipped' from the top → Anamalai, TN.
Sources
- Tamil Nadu Forest Department — Anamalai Tiger Reserve
- NTCA — List of Tiger Reserves
- NCERT Class XI — India Physical Environment, Ch 5