Bio-Diversity — Important Questions

1973

Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to protect and conserve tigers in India. This was a special conservation scheme initiated due to the declining tiger population. The project aimed at ensuring viable tiger populations in their natural habitats. 1972 was when the Wildlife Protection Act was enacted, not when Project Tiger started. Project Elephant was launched later in 1992. The project has been successful in increasing tiger numbers in many reserves across India.

Indian Rhinoceros

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is world-famous for the Indian One-horned Rhinoceros. It houses about two-thirds of the world's population of this endangered species. The park's grasslands and wetlands provide ideal habitat for rhinos. While tigers and elephants are also found there, the park is specifically known for rhinoceros conservation. Lions are found in Gir National Park in Gujarat, not in Kaziranga. The park's success in rhino conservation makes it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

15

India currently has 15 Biosphere Reserves that protect larger areas of natural habitat and preserve genetic diversity in representative ecosystems. These reserves include buffer zones for economic activities and protect both flora, fauna, and human communities. Examples include Nilgiri, Sundarbans, Nanda Devi, and Gulf of Mannar. These are different from the 96 National Parks and 551 Wildlife Sanctuaries. Biosphere Reserves serve multiple purposes including conservation, research, education, and sustainable development.

Deciduous forests

Tropical Deciduous Forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves once a year, usually during the dry season. This adaptation helps trees conserve water during periods of low rainfall. These are the most widespread forests in India, found in areas receiving 75-200 cm annual rainfall. Evergreen forests retain their leaves throughout the year, thorn forests have small thick leaves to minimize water loss, and tidal forests have thick leathery leaves adapted to saline conditions.