UPSC Prelims 2018 Q94: Environment & Ecology – Protected Areas & Wildlife
- (a) Arunachal Pradesh
- (b) Manipur
- (c) Meghalaya
- (d) Nagaland
Answer: (a) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation
Pakhui (Pakke) Wildlife Sanctuary - Location
Pakhui / Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary (also spelled Pakke Tiger Reserve since 2001-02) is located in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, in India's north-east.
| Option | Correct? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Arunachal Pradesh | YES | Pakke Tiger Reserve, ~862 sq km, in East Kameng district; home to tigers, leopards, elephants, hornbills (Great Indian, Wreathed, Rufous-necked). |
| (b) Manipur | NO | Manipur's key protected areas include Keibul Lamjao (Loktak) and Yangoupokpi-Lokchao. |
| (c) Meghalaya | NO | Meghalaya's key protected areas include Nokrek and Balpakram National Parks. |
| (d) Nagaland | NO | Nagaland's key protected areas include Intanki National Park. |
Answer: (a) Arunachal Pradesh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Pakke (Pakhui) Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is in East Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh.
- (b) Incorrect. Manipur's key protected areas are Keibul Lamjao and Yangoupokpi-Lokchao.
- (c) Incorrect. Meghalaya's key protected areas include Nokrek and Balpakram National Parks.
- (d) Incorrect. Nagaland has Intanki National Park; Pakke is not there.
Key point
Pakke Tiger Reserve = East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh. ~862 sq km. Famous for hornbills (Great Indian, Wreathed, Rufous-necked, Oriental Pied) and community-led Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme. Also has tigers, elephants, clouded leopards.
Remember
Pakhui (Pakke) Wildlife Sanctuary is located in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Designated as a Tiger Reserve in 2002, it spans about 862 sq km and is famous for its hornbill populations (Great Indian, Wreathed, Rufous-necked, Oriental Pied), tigers, elephants and clouded leopards. It is home to the community-led Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Pakke (Arunachal) with Namdapha (also Arunachal, in Changlang district) or Keibul Lamjao (Manipur).
- Missing that Arunachal Pradesh hosts several important tiger reserves - Pakke and Namdapha.
- Overlooking Pakke's hornbill significance - the Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme is a landmark community conservation initiative.
Exam tip
North-East India Tiger Reserves: Manas + Kaziranga + Nameri (Assam), Pakke + Namdapha (Arunachal), Buxa (WB). Wildlife-rich states are Assam, Arunachal, Meghalaya.
Sources
- National Tiger Conservation Authority — Tiger Reserves of India: Pakke Tiger Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department — Pakke Tiger Reserve