Which of the following is the wild habitat of pygmy hogs?
Manas National Park
Identifying the Wild Habitat of Pygmy Hogs
The question asks about the primary wild habitat of the pygmy hog, a highly endangered mammal.
Let's analyze the provided options:
- Kanha Tiger Reserve
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Manas National Park
- Rajaji National Park
The pygmy hog (scientific name: Porcula salvania) is native to the grasslands of the Himalayan foothills in India, specifically in Assam. It prefers tall, wet grasslands and is critically endangered. Extensive research and conservation efforts are focused on protecting its remaining habitat.
Considering the options, let's look at their locations and typical ecosystems:
- Kanha Tiger Reserve: Located in Madhya Pradesh, known for tiger conservation and dry deciduous forests, not the specific grassland habitat required by pygmy hogs.
- Jim Corbett National Park: Located in Uttarakhand, India's oldest national park, primarily known for tigers, elephants, and its Himalayan foothills ecosystem, but not the specific habitat of pygmy hogs.
- Manas National Park: Located in Assam, India, and Bhutan. This park is characterized by its alluvial grasslands and forests and is a key area for the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme, making it the principal known wild habitat for the species.
- Rajaji National Park: Located in Uttarakhand, known for its Shivalik ecosystem and elephant population, not the primary habitat for pygmy hogs.
Based on the known distribution and conservation efforts for the pygmy hog, Manas National Park is recognized as its main wild habitat.
Therefore, the correct option is Manas National Park.
Revision Table: Pygmy Hog Key Information
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Species Name | Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania) |
| Conservation Status | Critically Endangered |
| Primary Wild Habitat | Grasslands of Assam, India (specifically Manas National Park area) |
| Diet | Roots, tubers, insects, small rodents, eggs |
Additional Information: Pygmy Hog Conservation
The pygmy hog is one of the world's smallest wild pigs. Its population declined drastically due to habitat loss and degradation, mainly the conversion of grasslands into agricultural land or human settlements. The Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP) was initiated to save this species from extinction. This program involves captive breeding and reintroduction into suitable habitats, primarily within and around Manas National Park.
Key aspects of pygmy hog conservation include:
- Habitat restoration and management, particularly focusing on maintaining healthy grassland ecosystems.
- Captive breeding programs to increase the population.
- Reintroduction of captive-bred hogs into protected areas like Manas National Park.
- Research and monitoring of wild populations.
The focus on Manas National Park highlights its critical role in the survival of this unique and endangered species.
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India has categorised its wetlands into how many categories?
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Where is Manas National Park located in India?
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Column A (Wildlife Sanctuaries)
Column B (States)
1.
Tansa
a.
Tamil Nadu
2.
Guindy
b.
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3.
Orchha
c.
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4.
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d.
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Manas, Ranthambore, Kanha and Sunderbans are:
In which of the following states is the Kanha Kisli Reserve located?
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(i)
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Rhinos
(ii)
Rajaji National Park (b)
Siberian cranes
(iii)
Keoladeo National Park
(c)
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(iv)
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(d)
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Out of the following, which is the smallest Wild Life Sanctuary?
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A good measure of biodiversity of an area is:
Which biosphere reserve among the following has the largest area?
India initiated its Biosphere Reserve program to conserve unique ecosystems and their biodiversity. Which of the following reserves, established in $1986$ and encompassing parts of the Western Ghats across the tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, was the first to be designated in the country?
