With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?

1. It is spread over two districts.
2. There is no human habitation inside the Park.
3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Desert National Park: It is situated in the Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Rajasthan.
  • Vegetation: Open grassland, thorny bushes, and dunes.
  • Major Flora: Patches of sewan grass and aak shrub.

Statement 3 is correct

• Major Avifauna: Great Indian bustard (CR), eagles, harriers, falcons, buzzards, and vultures.
• Major Fauna: Chinkara or Indian Gazelle, desert fox.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• The area falls in the extreme hot and arid region of a very low rainfall zone (<100mm) of the country.
• Usually, no human settlements are allowed in a National Park. But there are some exceptions.
  • The human population within the DNP is low (4-5 persons per km²). There are 73 villages and settlements or Dhanis existing within the Park. These communities have inhabited this area for hundreds of years and with their rich culture and tradition they are an integral part of this ecosystem.

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Medium