Question 33 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Environment

Question

Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Keibul Lamjao National Park

Strategy: Identify the keyword 'swamp with floating vegetation'. Among national parks, Keibul Lamjao is distinctly known for floating decomposed plant masses called phumdis, making it the world's only floating national park. The other options are either mangrove (Bhitarkanika), bird sanctuaries, or not unique for this feature.

Key Info: Keibul Lamjao National Park is located on Loktak Lake in Manipur, India. Its most distinctive feature is the presence of phumdis—floating masses of decomposed vegetation and soil, some thick enough to support animals. It is the only floating national park in the world and the last natural refuge for the endangered Sangai (Cervus eldi eldi), also known as the Manipur brow-antlered deer. Established in 1977, the park covers approximately 40 sq km. The phumdis support a unique wetland ecosystem, rich in aquatic flora and fauna.

**Comparison with other parks**
- **Bhitarkanika National Park** in Odisha is famous for its mangrove forests and estuarine crocodiles, but it does not have floating vegetation.
- **Keoladeo Ghana National Park** in Rajasthan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, noted for its man-made wetland and waterfowl, especially migratory birds.
- **Sultanpur National Park** in Haryana is well known for birdlife but lacks the distinct floating habitat characteristic.

Answer

Option A: Bhitarkanika National Park

Answer

Option C: Keoladeo Ghana National Park

Answer

Option D: Sultanpur National Park