Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from th...
An environment ministry’s expert committee approved Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh as the second home for Asiatic lions found only in Gir national park. However, the Gujarat government will not share lions unless 33 studies as mandated by international wildlife watchdog IUCN is completed
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Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from th...
The Correct Answer is Option B: Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Explanation:
1. Background:
- Lions are one of the most iconic and endangered species in India.
- The Gir Forest in Gujarat is the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions in the world.
- However, in order to ensure the long-term survival of the species, it is important to establish additional populations in different locations.
- This helps in reducing the risk of a single event, such as disease outbreak or natural calamity, wiping out the entire population.
2. Proposal:
- The proposal aims to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
- The Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary was identified as a suitable site for lion translocation after extensive research and assessment.
- It has a similar habitat to the Gir Forest and is spread over an area of around 750 square kilometers.
- The sanctuary has a diverse prey base and adequate resources to support a new lion population.
3. Rationale behind choosing Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary:
- The translocation of lions to Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary is part of a larger conservation strategy to establish a second home for the Asiatic lions.
- The aim is to reduce the risk of a single event wiping out the entire lion population and ensure their long-term survival.
- Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary has a suitable habitat with adequate prey availability and resources for the lions to thrive.
- The sanctuary is located in Madhya Pradesh, which is geographically close to Gujarat, making it a feasible choice for translocation.
4. Benefits of translocation:
- Translocating lions to Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary will help in expanding their range and establishing a second population outside of Gujarat.
- It will reduce the risk of a single event, such as disease outbreak or natural calamity, wiping out the entire lion population.
- The translocation will also help in conserving the genetic diversity of the species, which is essential for their long-term survival.
- It will promote eco-tourism in the region, leading to economic benefits for the local communities.
Conclusion:
- The translocation of lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is a crucial step towards ensuring the long-term survival of the species.
- The sanctuary provides a suitable habitat and resources for the lions to thrive, while also reducing the risk of a single event wiping out the entire population.
- This conservation strategy aims to conserve the genetic diversity of the species and promote eco-tourism in the region, benefiting both the lions and the local communities.