Question map
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 ?
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1.
Kanha National Park is renowned for successfully conserving the Hard-ground Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi), a specific sub-species of the Indian swamp deer. Unlike other sub-species that prefer swampy environments, the branderi variety thrives on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous (grass-eating).
Key reasons why Option 1 is correct:
- Kanha is the only natural habitat where this specific sub-species is found; it was brought back from the brink of extinction through rigorous conservation efforts.
- Manas National Park (Option 2) hosts the Eastern Barasingha, which inhabits wetlands.
- Mudumalai (Option 3) and Tal Chhapar (Option 4) are not habitats for the Barasingha; Mudumalai is known for elephants and tigers, while Tal Chhapar is famous for Blackbucks.
Therefore, the unique biological adaptation to hard terrain and a strict grass diet makes the Kanha Barasingha ecologically distinct.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Conservation Success Story' question. The recovery of the Hard-ground Barasingha in Kanha is a flagship case study in Indian ecology, comparable to the Rhino in Kaziranga. It is not obscure trivia; it is the defining feature of Kanha (the only place in the world where this subspecies exists).
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Is Kanha National Park well-known for the conservation of the hard-ground, exclusively graminivorous subspecies of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha)?
- Statement 2: Is Manas National Park well-known for the conservation of the hard-ground, exclusively graminivorous subspecies of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha)?
- Statement 3: Is Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary well-known for the conservation of the hard-ground, exclusively graminivorous subspecies of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha)?
- Statement 4: Is Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary well-known for the conservation of the hard-ground, exclusively graminivorous subspecies of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha)?
- Identifies a Central Indian swamp-deer subspecies tied specifically to Kanha National Park.
- Mentions the 'Hard-ground Swamp deer' as a distinct (vulnerable) subspecies, linking the hard-ground form to the Barasingha group.
- Describes active conservation/translocation work for swamp deer inside Kanha Tiger Reserve.
- Shows Kanha officials undertaking measures to protect endangered swamp-deer populations, supporting the park's conservation role.
- Reports conservation outcomes attributed to Kanha's efforts (population increase).
- Supports the claim that Kanha is actively involved in conserving swamp-deer populations.
Lists Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh) and indicates 'deer' and 'swamp-deer' among dominant species protected there.
A student could combine this with a map showing Kanha in central India and detailed range accounts of Barasingha to judge whether Kanha is a likely conservation site for that species/subspecies.
Identifies Barasingha (Swamp Deer) as occurring in 'Northern and Central India', giving a geographic range that overlaps with Madhya Pradesh where Kanha is located.
A student could use this range note plus Kanha's central-India location to infer plausibility that Kanha might conserve Barasingha or a subspecies.
Shows that particular national parks are noted for protecting specific endangered species/subspecies (e.g., Keibul Lamjao is tied to a named deer), establishing the pattern that parks often host and are associated with particular deer taxa.
A student could apply this pattern to ask whether Kanha similarly is associated in other sources with a named Barasingha subspecies and seek corroborating references.
Explains that national parks are strictly reserved for wildlife conservation and prohibit activities that harm habitats, implying parks can function as conservation strongholds for species/subspecies.
Using this rule, a student could reason that if Barasingha occurs in Kanha, the park's protection regime would support its conservation, so they should check species lists or management histories for Kanha.
This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
Login with Google to unlock all statements.
This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
Login with Google to unlock all statements.
This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
Login with Google to unlock all statements.
This tab shows concrete study steps: what to underline in books, how to map current affairs, and how to prepare for similar questions.
Login with Google to unlock study guidance.
Discover the small, exam-centric ideas hidden in this question and where they appear in your books and notes.
Login with Google to unlock micro-concepts.
Access hidden traps, elimination shortcuts, and Mains connections that give you an edge on every question.
Login with Google to unlock The Vault.