Context:
Marbled duck spotted at Sultanpur National Park after 30 years.
Marbled Duck:
- Also known as marbled teal, is a relatively small duck
- Distribution – Southern Europe, Northwest Africa, the Middle East, Russia, India, and China.
- Migratory Patterns: Populations in colder regions migrate south during winter, reaching areas like North Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
- Habitat – Typically found in temporary or semi-permanent wetlands
- Usually monogamous.
- Fly low and slowly and are easily identifiable in flight.
- IUCN Red List Status – Near Threatened
Sultanpur National Park:
- Located in – Haryana
- Notified as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance in 2021.
- Vegetation – Mixed forests of acacia, jamun, and neem trees, as well as grasslands.
- Important Fauna – Blackbuck, Nilgai, Hog deer, Sambar, Siberian Cranes etc
- Other National Park in Haryana – Kalesar National Park
Source: TOI
Previous Year Question
Consider the following fauna:
1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar Civet
3. Sambar Deer
How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a)