All questions of Conservation Efforts for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Indian Rhino Vision 2020 is implemented by the department of environment and forests, Assam with The Bodo autonomous council as an active partner.

• The programme will be supported by WWF – India, WWF areas (Asian rhino and elephant action strategy) programme, the international rhino Foundation (IRF), save the rhino’s campaign of zoological institutions worldwide and a number of local NGOs.
• The vision of this program is to increase the total rhino foundation in Assam from about 2000 to 3000 by the year 2020 and to ensure that these rhinos are distributed over at least 7 protected areas (PA) to provide long term viability of the one-horned rhino population.

Statement 1: The Kashmir stag also called Hangul is a subspecies of Central Asian Red Deer native to southern India.

This statement is incorrect. The Kashmir stag, also known as Hangul, is not native to southern India. Hangul is actually native to the Kashmir Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, which is located in the northern part of India.

Statement 2: In Kashmir, it’s found in Dachigam National Park.

This statement is correct. The Hangul or Kashmir stag is found in the Dachigam National Park, which is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Dachigam National Park is one of the few remaining places where the Hangul population is still found.

Explanation:

The Kashmir stag, also known as Hangul (Cervus hanglu), is a subspecies of Central Asian Red Deer. It is an endangered species and is native to the Kashmir Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Hangul is characterized by its distinctive antlers and reddish-brown coat.

Dachigam National Park, located in the western Himalayas, is a protected area where the Hangul is found. The park is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is an important habitat for wildlife, including the Hangul. Efforts are being made to conserve and protect the Hangul population in Dachigam National Park.

In conclusion, statement 1 is incorrect as the Hangul or Kashmir stag is not native to southern India but rather to the Kashmir Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. Statement 2 is correct as the Hangul is found in Dachigam National Park in Kashmir. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only.

National Tiger Conservation Authority and National Board for Wildlife

The correct answer is option 'C', which states that no alteration in the boundaries of a tiger reserve can be made without the recommendation and approval of both the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the National Board for Wildlife. Let's break down the roles of each of these bodies:

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
- The NTCA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, with the primary responsibility of ensuring the conservation of tigers in India.
- It is responsible for approving the creation of new tiger reserves, as well as the management and administration of existing reserves.
- The NTCA plays a crucial role in formulating policies and guidelines for tiger conservation and monitoring their implementation across the country.

National Board for Wildlife
- The National Board for Wildlife is a statutory organization that works towards the protection of wildlife and biodiversity in India.
- It is chaired by the Prime Minister of India and includes representatives from various sectors such as wildlife experts, ecologists, and government officials.
- The NBWL is responsible for advising the government on matters related to wildlife conservation, including the declaration of protected areas like tiger reserves.

Conclusion
In conclusion, both the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the National Board for Wildlife play key roles in the protection and management of tiger reserves in India. Any changes to the boundaries of a tiger reserve must be approved by both these bodies to ensure the conservation of these majestic animals and their habitats.

Dolphins: Habitat and Conservation Status

Introduction
Dolphins are aquatic mammals that belong to the family Delphinidae. They are found in marine and freshwater ecosystems all over the world. In India, two species of dolphins are found - the Gangetic Dolphin and the Irrawaddy Dolphin.

Habitat of Dolphins
- Dolphins are found in aquatic ecosystems.
- They are primarily found in marine waters but can also be found in freshwater and brackish waters.
- Freshwater dolphins are found in rivers, while marine dolphins are found in oceans and seas.
- Dolphins are widely distributed in Indian waters and are found along the coast and in estuaries.

Dolphins in India
- In India, two species of dolphins are found - the Gangetic Dolphin and the Irrawaddy Dolphin.
- The Gangetic Dolphin is found in the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna river systems, while the Irrawaddy Dolphin is found in the brackish waters of the Chilika Lake in Odisha.

Conservation Status of Dolphins
- Dolphins are a critically endangered species in India.
- The Gangetic Dolphin is the only species identified for taking up ‘Recovery programme of Critically Endangered Species, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat.
- The Irrawaddy Dolphin is also a critically endangered species and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Conservation efforts for dolphins include habitat protection, reducing pollution, regulating fishing practices, and controlling water flow in rivers.

Conclusion
Dolphins are an important part of aquatic ecosystems and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of these ecosystems. The conservation of dolphins is essential for the health of these ecosystems and for the survival of these species. Efforts must be made to protect their habitats and regulate human activities that can harm these animals.

Explanation:

Statement 1: Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) administered to reduce inflammation and to reduce pain in certain conditions.

This statement is correct. Diclofenac is a commonly used NSAID that is prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain in conditions such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, and post-operative pain. It works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain.

Statement 2: Vultures are unable to break down the chemical diclofenac.

This statement is incorrect. Vultures are able to break down diclofenac. However, the reason this statement is often associated with diclofenac is because of its harmful effects on vultures when they consume the drug through the carcasses of animals treated with diclofenac.

Diclofenac is highly toxic to vultures and has resulted in a significant decline in vulture populations in South Asia. When vultures consume the carcasses of animals treated with diclofenac, it leads to kidney failure and death in vultures. This has had a significant impact on the ecosystem as vultures play an important role in the natural disposal of animal carcasses, preventing the spread of diseases.

Efforts have been made to ban the veterinary use of diclofenac in South Asia to protect vultures. Alternative drugs that are safe for vultures have been recommended for use in veterinary medicine.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - Neither of them. Both statements are correct. Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce inflammation and pain, and vultures are unable to break down diclofenac, leading to harmful effects on their populations.

Explanation:

The correct answer is option 'D'.
Let's understand the given statements one by one:

1. Central Government shall, on the recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife notify an area as a tiger reserve.
This statement is incorrect. The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) does not have the authority to notify an area as a tiger reserve. The NBWL is a statutory organization that advises the Central Government on matters related to wildlife conservation. It does not have the power to declare an area as a tiger reserve.

2. The Central Government shall, on the recommendation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, notify an area as a tiger reserve.
This statement is also incorrect. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body that has the power to recommend the notification of an area as a tiger reserve. However, the final authority to notify an area as a tiger reserve lies with the State Government and not the Central Government.

3. Central Government shall, on the recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife notify an area as a tiger reserve.
This statement is the same as the first statement and is incorrect for the same reasons mentioned earlier.

4. The State Government shall, on the recommendation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, notify an area as a tiger reserve.
This statement is correct. The State Government, based on the recommendation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, has the power to notify an area as a tiger reserve. The NTCA plays a crucial role in identifying potential areas for tiger reserves and recommending them to the State Government for notification.

In conclusion, option 'D' is the correct answer as the State Government, on the recommendation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, has the authority to notify an area as a tiger reserve.