Question

UPSC Prelims 2015 Question:

Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?

1. Bhitarkanika National Park
2. Keibul Lamjao National Park
3. Keoladeo Ghana National Park
4. Sultanpur National Park

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2: Keibul Lamjao National Park

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Keibul Lamjao National Park: It is the only floating national park in the world. It is located in Bishnupur district of Manipur and is an integral part of Loktak lake. In the 1950s, it was believed that the brow-antlered deer (Rucervus eldii eldii) had become extinct in the country, subsequently re-discovered now and found only in this Park. Phumdis or Phumthis (floating marsh) are a series of floating islands, exclusive to the Loktak Lake in Manipur state. Phum is a mat of organic matter in which reeds and grasses grow, often up to 15 ft. or more.

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Knowledge Box

Bhitarkanika National Park: Nestled in the estuarial Brahmani-Baitarani region of the north-eastern Kendrapara district of Odisha, Bhitarkanika National Park is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in the country. It is a 145 Sq km large national park which was designated on 16th September 1998 and obtained the status of a Ramsar site in August 2002 (i.e, second Ramsar site of the State after the Chilika Lake). It is surrounded by Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Other rivers to inundate the region are Dhamra, Pathsala.
Keoladeo National Park: It is located in the State of Rajasthan and is an important wintering ground of Palaearctic migratory waterfowl. It is renowned for its large congregation of non-migratory resident breeding birds. This ‘Bird Paradise’ was developed in a natural depression wetland that was managed as a duck shooting reserve at the end of the 19th century. It was declared a national park in 1982. Its continued existence is dependent on a regulated water supply from a reservoir outside the park boundary.
Sultanpur National Park (formerly Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary): It is located at Sultanpur village of Gurugram district, Haryana. The status of the park was upgraded to National Park under Section 35 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 on July 5th, 1991.

Subject: Environment | Protected Areas

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