Question 3 from UPSC CSE 2020 - ENVIRONME NT

Question

Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Kanha National Park

Strategy: Focus on specific traits: 'sub-species,' 'thrives well on hard ground,' and 'exclusively graminivorous.' These unique characteristics describe the 'hard ground' Barasingha, found only in central India, with Kanha National Park being its renowned habitat, distinguishing it from other locations.

Key Info: ## Kanha National Park and the Hard-Ground Barasingha

Kanha National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for the exclusive conservation of the hard-ground Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi). This subspecies is unique for its adaptation to non-swampy, hard ground areas and specializes in a graminivorous (grass-based) diet.

The Barasingha, also known as 'swamp deer,' is characterized by its multi-tined antlers and is distributed as three subspecies:
*   **Western swamp deer** -- found in Nepal.
*   **Southern/Hard-ground swamp deer** -- found in central India, especially Kanha.
*   **Eastern swamp deer** -- found mainly in Assam and Uttar Pradesh.

Kanha is the only known habitat for the hard-ground subspecies and has made it a flagship conservation species, even serving as its official mascot. Other protected areas mentioned, such as Manas and Kaziranga, host different subspecies that inhabit swamp or marshy grasslands. Mudumalai and Tal Chhapar do not harbor Barasingha populations. The successful restoration of swamp deer at Kanha is a major achievement in Indian wildlife conservation.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Manas National Park

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary