UPSC Prelims 2020 Q95: Environment & Ecology – Protected Areas & Wildlife
With reference to India's Desert National Park, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
1. It is spread over two districts.
2. There is no human habitation inside the Park.
3. It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Desert National Park: Characteristics & Habitat
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spread over two districts | TRUE | Desert NP in Rajasthan spans Jaisalmer + Barmer districts. |
| 2 | No human habitation inside Park | FALSE | Villages + settlements exist WITHIN the park boundary. Not uninhabited. |
| 3 | Natural habitat of Great Indian Bustard | TRUE | Desert NP is key GIB habitat (Thar Desert). GIB population ~500 globally; India holds most. |
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct.
- (c) CORRECT. Statements 1 (two districts: Jaisalmer, Barmer) and 3 (GIB habitat) are correct. Statement 2 is false (settlements exist inside).
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false (human habitation exists).
Key point
Desert National Park: 3162 sq km, Thar Desert, Rajasthan. GIB (Great Indian Bustard, critically endangered <500 globally). Villages within park = livelihood conflict.
Remember
Desert National Park: (1) Spans two districts (Jaisalmer and Barmer) (correct), (2) Does have human habitation and settlements inside park boundary (incorrect), (3) Is natural habitat of Great Indian Bustard (correct, critically endangered). Answer: 1 and 3 only.
Common mistakes
- Assuming national parks = pristine wilderness. Many Indian parks have human settlements (livelihood dependence).
- Confusing GIB with other bustards. GIB is India's rarest bustard (IUCN Critically Endangered).
- Missing settlement issue - pastoralism + villages complicate conservation (fencing blocks livestock movement).
Exam tip
GIB conservation: Fencing causes pastoral conflict. Power lines electrocution risk. Population declined 90% in 20 years. Breeding programs attempt recovery.
Sources
- Ministry of Environment - Desert National Park Report
- Wildlife Institute of India - GIB Conservation Project