Context:
Nagarahole Tiger Reserve in Karnataka has 28 spotted deer per sq. km, with population increasing.
Spotted Deer (Chital):
- Common Name: Spotted deer or Chital (Axis deer)
- Distribution:
- Native Range: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh (mainly Sundarbans)
- Introduced Range: Andaman Islands (India), Argentina, Australia, Texas (USA)
- Habitat: Deciduous forests, grasslands, scrublands
- Diet: Grazes on grasses, leaves, fruits, herbs; key forest herbivore
- Biological Features:
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males larger, antlers only on males
- Activity: Crepuscular; active during dawn and dusk, sometimes day
- Ecological Role:
- Primary Prey: Tigers, leopards
- Seed Dispersal: Maintains grassland ecosystems
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
- Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule II
Nagarahole Tiger Reserve:
- State: Karnataka (Mysuru and Kodagu districts)
- Location: Western Ghats, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
- Water Bodies:
- Nagarahole River flows through the reserve
- Joins Kabini River, forms boundary with Bandipur Tiger Reserve
- Contiguity: Connected with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) and Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka)
- Recognition:
- Identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA)
- Under Project Tiger reserve
- Under Project Elephant reserve
- Flora: Dominated by moist deciduous forests, including teak and rosewood trees
- Fauna: Home to tigers, leopards, Indian gaur, elephants, spotted deer, and other wildlife
- Tribal Presence: Inhabited by Jenu Kurubas (honey-collecting tribe)
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Consider the following protected areas:
1. Bandipur
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sunderbans
Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Option 2 is not correct:
Bhitarkanika has not been declared as a tiger reserve.