Textbook Solutions: Saving the Tiger | Gul Mohar Class 6: Book Solutions, Summaries & Worksheets PDF Download

Before You Read

While Reading

Q2. What does cloaked in mean in para 4? Which colour does the line suggest?
Ans: “Cloaked in” means “covered with.” It suggests the colour green, since India was once covered in forests.

Q3. The writer says poaching cannot be totally eliminated because he is disappointed / practical.
Ans: Practical. He recognises the reality that poaching will exist but can be controlled.

Q4. Discuss the meaning of friendly informers.
Ans: Friendly informers are local people in fringe villages who cooperate with forest officials by providing information about poachers, helping in tiger conservation.

Understanding the Text

A. Find the lines in the text which tell us that-

Q2. tiger products may not have real value as medicine. (para 3)
Ans: “Although there is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of tiger products in treating illnesses …”

Q3. while tiger poaching cannot be ended, its harmful effects can be reduced. (para 5)
Ans: “… the number of cubs that are added to the population each year more than makes up for the tigers that fall prey to poachers.”

Q4. it is important for guards to walk inside and not just drive around forests. (para 5)
Ans: “These ‘foot patrols’ are crucial for detecting traps and snares that are set by poachers, which may not be visible if the guards just drive around the forest in jeeps.”

Q5. there is a link between tiger conservation and our drinking water needs. (para 7)
Ans: “… over 300 rivers originate from forests that are now protected in the name of the tiger. Without these rivers, we would not be able to quench our thirst or grow crops to feed ourselves.”

Q6. the writer is clearly hopeful that India will succeed in saving its tigers.
Ans: “Saving the tiger is entirely in our hands, and we can do it!”

B. Answer these questions.

Q2. … today, tigers are largely confined to the green islands we call national parks and sanctuaries. (para 4)
a. Why have national parks and sanctuaries been described as ‘green islands’?
Ans: They are called ‘green islands’ as they are safe green places where tigers are protected, while forests outside have almost disappeared.

b. How does this fact from ‘today’ compare to how things were in the past?
Ans: In the past, most of India was covered in continuous forests where tigers roamed freely. Today, they are restricted to limited areas.

c. Which term used in para 4 sums up the problem discussed here? Which other danger to tigers does para 4 talk about?
Ans: The term is “habitat destruction.” Another danger is the poaching of prey animals.

Q3. Which are some of the places in India where tigers are protected well? How have they managed to achieve this? (para 5)
Ans: Kaziranga (Assam), Corbett (Uttarakhand), and Nagarahole (Karnataka). They have achieved this through strong anti-poaching measures, foot patrols, and dedicated guards.

Q4. India has excellent wildlife laws that prohibit the killing of almost all species of wild animals. (para 6) Give two reasons from the same paragraph why Indian wildlife is in danger in spite of this.
Ans: (i) The laws are not enforced diligently by many states.
(ii) The illegal trade in wildlife products is highly profitable.

Q5. This kind of cooperation is vital… Between whom should this cooperation take place and in what form? What makes it vital? (para 6)
Ans: Cooperation should take place between forest departments and local people. It should be in the form of rapport, awareness, and local informers helping conservation. It is vital because conservation is difficult without community support.

Q6. … nature will do the rest. Explain what is meant by these words in para 7. What else in nature is helped when tigers are protected?
Ans: It means if we provide habitat and prey, tigers will survive naturally. Protecting tigers also protects forests, rivers, and all wildlife species in their habitat, which in turn supports human needs like water and food.

Appreciating the Text

a. What did you think of the tone and mood of the text as a whole? Is it positive throughout/ balanced / negative throughout?
Ans: The tone is balanced—concerned about threats but hopeful about solutions.
b. How would you describe the tone and mood when the writer talks about-
i. threats to the tiger and to the environment?
Ans: Concern and disappointment.
ii. measures for protection and conservation?
Ans: Confidence and determination.
iii. the future of tigers and tiger conservation?
Ans: Hope and optimism.

Q2. This non-fiction text explains certain causes and effects when presenting its arguments—because of certain factors, a particular situation comes about. Read this example and complete the table with two more examples from the text.

Ans: