UPSC Prelims 2020 Question:

Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat?

1. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary 
2. Gangotri National Park
3. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary 
4. Manas National Park
   
   

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Explanation:

• The Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster), also known as the white-bellied musk deer, is a species of musk deer found in the Himalayas of Nepal, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, and China. It can be found in the Himalayan regions' Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and Gangotri National Park. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened species classifies it as endangered due to overexploitation, which is likely causing a substantial population reduction. So, points 1 and 2 are correct.
  
  
• The Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Dudhwa Tiger reserve near Mailani in Uttar Pradesh, India and Musk deer is not found in this place. So, point 3 is not correct.
  
  
• Manas National Park is located in Assam. It is famous for its population of the wild water buffalo. Himalayan musk deer is not found here.  So, point 4 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Protected Areas