All questions of Protected Area Network for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Statement 1: The State Government may, where the community or an individual has volunteered to conserve wildlife and its habitat, declare the area by notification as a community reserve.
This statement is correct. According to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the State Government has the authority to declare an area as a community reserve if the community or an individual has volunteered to conserve wildlife and its habitat. This can be done through a notification issued by the State Government.

Statement 2: No change in land use pattern shall be made within the Community Reserve, except in accordance with a resolution passed by the Management Committee and approval of the same by the State Government.
This statement is also correct. Once an area is declared as a community reserve, there are restrictions on changing the land use pattern within that area. Any change in land use can only be made if it is in accordance with a resolution passed by the Management Committee of the community reserve and approved by the State Government.

Explanation:
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 recognizes the importance of involving local communities in wildlife conservation. It provides for the declaration of community reserves, where the community or an individual voluntarily agrees to conserve wildlife and its habitat. The State Government has the authority to declare an area as a community reserve through a notification.

Once an area is declared as a community reserve, certain restrictions are imposed on changing the land use pattern within that area. These restrictions are in place to ensure that the conservation objectives of the community reserve are not compromised. Any change in land use can only be made if it is in accordance with a resolution passed by the Management Committee of the community reserve and approved by the State Government.

The establishment of community reserves is a way to involve local communities in conservation efforts and promote sustainable use of natural resources. It allows communities to actively participate in wildlife conservation and management, while also providing them with certain rights and benefits. Community reserves can help in the protection of wildlife and their habitats, as well as in promoting ecotourism and sustainable livelihoods for the local communities.

Therefore, both statements are correct. Statement 1 explains the process of declaring an area as a community reserve, and statement 2 highlights the restrictions on changing the land use pattern within the community reserve.

1. National Parks are declared in areas that are considered to be of adequate ecological, geomorphological and natural importance.

- National Parks are designated areas that are set aside for the conservation and protection of natural ecosystems, flora, fauna, and scenic beauty. These areas are chosen based on their ecological, geomorphological, and natural significance.
- Ecological importance refers to the value of an area in terms of its biodiversity, habitats, and ecological processes. It includes the presence of rare or threatened species, endemic species, and unique ecosystems.
- Geomorphological importance refers to the geological and landform features of an area. It includes unique geological formations, landscapes, and landforms that have scientific, educational, and aesthetic value.
- Natural importance refers to the overall natural value of an area, including its scenic beauty, natural heritage, and cultural significance.

2. The difference in conservation value of a National Park from that of a sanctuary is specified in the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972.

- The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 is an important legislation in India that provides legal protection to wildlife and their habitats. It classifies different types of protected areas, including National Parks and sanctuaries, and specifies their conservation objectives.
- While both National Parks and sanctuaries are protected areas, there is a difference in their conservation value as per the act.
- National Parks have a higher level of legal protection compared to sanctuaries. They are primarily focused on the conservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Human activities such as hunting, grazing, and habitat destruction are strictly regulated in National Parks.
- Sanctuaries, on the other hand, allow for certain activities such as regulated tourism, research, and limited human interference. They are often established to provide refuge to specific species or habitats.
- The act specifies the criteria for declaring an area as a National Park or a sanctuary and the different levels of protection afforded to each.

Therefore, based on the given statements, only statement 1 is correct. National Parks are declared in areas that are considered to be of adequate ecological, geomorphological, and natural importance. However, statement 2 is incorrect as the difference in conservation value between National Parks and sanctuaries is not specified in the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

The correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only.

Explanation:
Statement 1: The State Government may, after having consultations with the local communities, declare any area owned by the Government as a conservation reserve.

This statement is correct. According to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the State Government has the power to declare any area owned by the Government as a conservation reserve. A conservation reserve is an area where the wildlife and its habitat are protected and conserved. It is intended to promote biodiversity and provide suitable conditions for the habitat and conservation of fauna.

The State Government, before declaring an area as a conservation reserve, is required to have consultations with the local communities. This is done to ensure that the interests and concerns of the local communities are taken into account, as they are often directly affected by such declarations.

Statement 2: Tiruppadaimarathur conservation reserve in Tirunelveli, Kerala is the first conservation reserve established in the Country.

This statement is incorrect. Tiruppadaimarathur conservation reserve is not in Kerala but in Tamil Nadu. It is located in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It was established in 1998 and covers an area of 46.98 square kilometers. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to various species of flora and fauna.

Although Tiruppadaimarathur conservation reserve is one of the earliest conservation reserves established in India, it is not the first. The first conservation reserve in the country is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan, which was established in 1971.

In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as the State Government has the power to declare any area owned by the Government as a conservation reserve after consultations with the local communities. However, statement 2 is incorrect as Tiruppadaimarathur conservation reserve is in Tamil Nadu and not Kerala, and it is not the first conservation reserve in the country.

Biodiversity hot spot concept was put forth by Norman Myers in 1988. Indian Biodiversity Hot Spots: There are 4 biodiversity hot spots present in India. They are 1. Himalayas 2. Indo- Burma and 3. The Western Ghats & Sri Lanka 4. Sunderland

Sacred groves, also known as sacred forests or temple forests, are patches of protected forests that are dedicated to various deities and are considered sacred by local communities in India. These groves play a significant role in conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. Let us analyze the given statements regarding the sacred groves of India.

1. The Garo and the Khasi tribes of northeastern India completely prohibit any human interference in the sacred groves:
The statement is correct. The Garo and Khasi tribes in Meghalaya, a northeastern state of India, have a strong belief in nature worship. They consider the sacred groves as the abode of their deities and believe that these groves should be kept undisturbed. As a result, they strictly prohibit any human interference, including logging, hunting, or even picking up fallen leaves or twigs. This practice has helped in preserving the biodiversity and maintaining the unique ecology of these groves.

2. The Gonds of central India prohibit the cutting of a tree:
The statement is correct. The Gonds, a tribal community predominantly found in the central parts of India, have a deep connection with nature. They believe that every tree has a spirit and cutting down a tree is equivalent to killing a living being. Therefore, they strictly prohibit the cutting of any tree, including those within their sacred groves. This practice not only helps in preserving the trees but also contributes to the conservation of the entire forest ecosystem.

In conclusion, both statements are correct. The Garo and Khasi tribes of northeastern India completely prohibit any human interference in the sacred groves, while the Gonds of central India prohibit the cutting of a tree. These practices reflect the deep cultural and religious significance of sacred groves in India and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and ecological balance.