Question 99 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Environment

Question

In which one of the following states is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Arunachal Pradesh

Strategy: The question tests knowledge of Indian wildlife sanctuaries and their locations. The key indicator is the unique name 'Pakhui,' which, when recalled, is associated specifically with Arunachal Pradesh. Recognizing Pakhui as also known as Pakke Tiger Reserve helps ensure that other states can be dismissed confidently, arriving at option A.

Key Info: Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, also called Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary or Pakke Tiger Reserve, lies in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. Covering an area of approximately 862 square kilometres, it shares boundaries with the Kameng River and the Pakke River. The sanctuary is part of the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot, supporting subtropical and semi-evergreen forests. It was originally designated as Pakke Reserve Forest in 1966, later became Camo Sanctuary in 1977, and in 2002 was formally notified as Pakke Tiger Reserve.

The sanctuary is known for its significant populations of Bengal tiger, Asian elephants, leopards, and birds such as hornbills. It also neighbours Assam's Nameri National Park across the river, making the region ecologically rich. Pakke is involved in tiger conservation under Project Tiger, and is an important region for conservation of biodiversity in Northeast India. The sanctuary is recognized for community-based conservation efforts involving local tribes like the Nyishi, and supports many endangered flora and fauna species.

None of the other options—Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland—contain Pakhui/Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Manipur

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Meghalaya

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Nagaland