Q1. Which of the following statements is true regarding National Parks in India?
- Grazing is allowed inside National Parks
- National Parks are declared only by the Central Government
- Human activities are strictly prohibited in National Parks
- National Parks can be declared only on private land
Correct Option: 3. Human activities are strictly prohibited in National Parks
Explanation: National Parks, under the Wildlife Protection Act, are granted higher levels of protection compared to Wildlife Sanctuaries. Activities such as grazing, hunting, forestry, or collection of forest produce are completely banned within National Parks. These areas are strictly protected to conserve their ecological, faunal, and floral significance. Only activities that directly support conservation, research, or tourism under regulation are permitted.
Q2. What is the primary objective of the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Protected Areas?
- To privatize wildlife areas
- To increase tourism revenue
- To evaluate infrastructure development
- To assess the effectiveness of PA management
Correct Option: 4. To assess the effectiveness of PA management
Explanation: The Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) is an important tool used globally to assess how well Protected Areas (PAs) are managed. In India, MEE helps evaluate staff deployment, budget usage, biodiversity monitoring, law enforcement, and community participation in conservation. This evaluation helps authorities improve performance and identify gaps in policy implementation. The Ministry of Environment regularly publishes MEE reports for National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Q3. What is the purpose of Conservation Reserves introduced in 2003?
- For commercial plantations
- For military use only
- To protect flora and fauna on government land adjacent to sanctuaries/National Parks
- To allow mining near sanctuaries
Correct Option: 3. To protect flora and fauna on government land adjacent to sanctuaries/National Parks
Explanation: Conservation Reserves were introduced by the 2003 Amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act. These are government-owned lands located near or between two Protected Areas and serve as corridors or buffer zones for the movement of wildlife. Local communities participate in managing these reserves through a Conservation Reserve Management Committee, ensuring conservation while considering community needs.
Q4. Which of the following invasive species is a threat to India’s aquatic ecosystems?
- Indian Cobra
- African Catfish (Mangur)
- Olive Ridley Turtle
- Nilgai
Correct Option: 2. African Catfish (Mangur)
Explanation: The African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is an invasive alien species illegally introduced in India for aquaculture. It is known for its aggressive feeding behavior and can outcompete native fish, destroy aquatic biodiversity, and harm ecological balance. Efforts have been made to eradicate it from sensitive habitats, such as the Keoladeo National Park, due to its impact on aquatic birds and native fish species.
Q5. What is the key difference between a Wildlife Sanctuary and a National Park?
- Wildlife Sanctuary is larger than a National Park
- Hunting is allowed in National Parks
- Grazing is allowed in Sanctuaries but prohibited in National Parks
- Sanctuaries can’t be declared by states
Correct Option: 3. Grazing is allowed in Sanctuaries but prohibited in National Parks
Explanation: One of the major differences between the two lies in the level of human activity permitted. In Wildlife Sanctuaries, some activities like regulated grazing and collection of forest produce may be allowed, depending on the state’s regulations. In contrast, National Parks are strictly no-go zones for such activities. The focus in National Parks is complete preservation with minimal human interference, ensuring a high level of ecological integrity.