Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat? [2020]

Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat?

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
Gangotri National Park
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Manas National Park

Select the correct answer using the given code below

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 and 4 only
1 and 4 only

Explanation

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is correct

It is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. This sanctuary has been set up for conserving the musk deer (EN).

Additional Information: Himalayan Musk Deer / White-Bellied Musk Deer

India is home to four species of Musk Deer, all of which are distributed across the Himalayan region.
These species include the Himalayan the white-bellied musk deer (Moschus leucogaster), the Kashmir Musk Deer (Moschus cupreus), the Alpine Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster), and the Black Musk Deer (Moschus fuscus).
The white-bellied musk deer is the state animal of Uttarakhand.
- The Musk deer family differs from true deer (cervids) in that it lacks antlers.
- Male musk deer secretes a scented substance called musk, which is used in the perfume industry.
- Distribution: Himalayas of Bhutan, India, Nepal, and China.
- Habitat: High alpine environments.
- Threats: Hunting (for musk) and habitat loss.

India is home to four species of Musk Deer, all of which are distributed across the Himalayan region. These species include the Himalayan the white-bellied musk deer (Moschus leucogaster), the Kashmir Musk Deer (Moschus cupreus), the Alpine Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster), and the Black Musk Deer (Moschus fuscus).

Image source: IUCN

Gangotri National Park is correct

It is located in the upper catchment of the Bhagirathi River. The park area forms a continuity between Govind National Park and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Gaumukh glacier, the origin of the river Ganges is located inside the park.
Habitat: Coniferous forests, alpine meadows and glaciers.
Vegetation: Pine, deodar, fir, and rhododendrons.
Major Fauna: Snow leopard, Asian black bear, brown bear, musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr.

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is incorrect

It is contiguous with the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.
The Sarda River (known as Kali River before it reaches the plains; it flows along the Indo-Nepal Border) separates Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary from the Dudhwa National Park.
Major Fauna: Swamp deer (VU), Bengal florican (CR), Lesser Florican (CR).

Manas National Park is incorrect

It is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site located on the Himalayan Foothills. It is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park (Bhutan). Manas River (a tributary of Brahmaputra) passes through the heart of the National Park. The bhabar-terai region with riverine succession makes it one of the richest areas of biodiversity.
Vegetation: Semi-evergreen forests, moist & dry deciduous forests, savanna woodland, & grasslands.
Major Fauna: Hispid hare, pygmy hog, wild water buffalo, rhinoceros (reintroduced in 2007), elephants, sambar, Chinese pangolin, clouded leopards.
Major Avifauna: It has the world’s largest population of the endangered Bengal florican. Other major bird species include great hornbills, pelicans, eagles, and herons.

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

2020, PYQs