UPSC Prelims 2020 Q75: Environment & Ecology – Protected Areas & Wildlife
- (a) Kanha National Park
- (b) Manas National Park
- (c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
- (d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary
Answer: (a) Kanha National Park
Explanation
Barasingha Conservation: Protected Area Location
| Protected Area | Barasingha subspecies/habitat? |
|---|---|
| Kanha National Park | YES - 'hard ground' Barasingha conservation flagship |
| Manas NP | Swamp Barasingha (different subspecies) |
| Mudumalai WLS | Not primary Barasingha habitat |
| Tal Chhapar WLS | Blackbuck sanctuary, not Barasingha |
Barasingha (Cervus duvaucelii, swamp deer): Three subspecies:
- Hard-ground Barasingha (Kanha, MP) - graminivorous, endangered
- Swamp Barasingha (Manas, Assam) - wet habitat
- Brandis' Barasingha (extinct in India)
Kanha is renowned for hard-ground Barasingha recovery (from ~66 in 1970 to ~700 today).
Answer: (a) Kanha National Park.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Kanha National Park is well-known for conserving hard-ground Barasingha subspecies that thrives on grassland and is exclusively graminivorous.
- (b) Incorrect. Manas NP has different Barasingha subspecies (swamp type).
- (c) Incorrect. Mudumalai is not a Barasingha conservation site.
- (d) Incorrect. Tal Chhapar is blackbuck sanctuary.
Key point
Kanha's Barasingha project: MVP (Minimum Viable Population) achieved. Hard-ground Barasingha exclusive to Kanha globally. Recovery from 66 to 700+ individuals (1970-2020). Model conservation success.
Remember
The protected area well-known for conservation of the hard-ground Barasingha subspecies (that thrives on grassland and is exclusively graminivorous) is KANHA NATIONAL PARK, one of India's most successful wildlife conservation successes.
Common mistakes
- Confusing three Barasingha subspecies - Kanha's is specific 'hard-ground' type.
- Assuming all wetland PAs have Barasingha. Only specific subspecies fit specific habitats.
- Missing Kanha's role in global conservation - only site with this subspecies remaining.
Exam tip
Project Tiger reserves + conservation: Kanha (Barasingha), Sundarbans (tigers), Kaziranga (rhinos), Gir (lions). Each reserve = flagship species = conservation model.
Sources
- Ministry of Environment - Kanha National Park Management Plan
- Wildlife Institute of India - Barasingha Research Report