UPSC Prelims 2020 Q77: Environment & Ecology – Protected Areas & Wildlife
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1 and 4 only
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Musk Deer Habitat: Protected Area Locations
| Protected Area | Musk Deer habitat? |
|---|---|
| Askot Wildlife Sanctuary | YES - Uttarakhand Himalayas |
| Gangotri National Park | YES - Uttarakhand, high altitude |
| Kishanpur WLS | NO - Terai region, not musk deer habitat |
| Manas National Park | NO - Assam, different fauna |
Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus): Alpine/subalpine species, 2,500-4,500m elevation. Native to Himalayas (Uttarakhand, Himachal, J&K). Endangered (poaching for musk). Habitat: steep alpine meadows, rhododendron forests.
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only - Askot + Gangotri are musk deer sites.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Askot (Uttarakhand) and Gangotri NP (high Himalayas) are musk deer habitats. Kishanpur (Terai) and Manas (Assam foothills) are not.
- (b) Incorrect. Kishanpur is Terai, wrong habitat.
- (c) Incorrect. Manas is wrong location.
- (d) Incorrect. Manas is not musk deer habitat.
Key point
Musk Deer conservation: Endangered (IUCN). Poached for musk gland (perfume industry - one gland = Rs 1-2 lakh). India banned musk trade (CITES I). Small populations in high Himalayas.
Remember
Musk deer in its natural habitat is most likely to be found in: (1) Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttarakhand Himalayas, alpine meadows) and (2) Gangotri National Park (high altitude, subalpine habitat). Kishanpur and Manas are at lower elevations without musk deer.
Common mistakes
- Confusing musk deer habitat with other alpine species. Not all Himalayan PAs have musk deer.
- Assuming Manas (biodiverse) has all species. Manas is lowland terai + foothills, not alpine.
- Missing Kishanpur's lowland (600m) vs musk deer's high-altitude (3000m+) requirement.
Exam tip
Himalayan biodiversity gradient: Terai (elephant, rhino, tiger) -> foothills (leopard, wild boar) -> alpine (musk deer, snow leopard, takin). Each elevation has distinct fauna.
Sources
- Ministry of Environment - Alpine Species Conservation
- Wildlife Institute of India - Musk Deer Research