2017-Quiz-6: Environment & Biodiversity for SSC, UPSC and State PCS Exams

1. Honey badger: Yes, the honey badger (Mellivora capensis) is a mammal. It belongs to the family Mustelidae, which includes other animals like weasels and badgers.
2. Killer whale: Yes, the killer whale (Orcinus orca) is also a mammal. Despite its name, it is actually the largest member of the dolphin family (Delphinidae) and is commonly referred to as a “whale.”
3. Colugo: Yes, the colugo, also known as the “flying lemur” (though it does not fly and is not a lemur), is a mammal. Colugos belong to the order Dermoptera and are native to Southeast Asia.

All three of these species are classified as mammals due to their characteristics, including giving live birth, having mammary glands that produce milk for their young, and possessing hair or fur on their bodies.

• Great Himalayan National Park: Built in 1984, spread over an area of 1,171 square km and characterised by high alpine peaks and meadows, the Great Himalayan National Park was declared a World Heritage site in 2014.
• Kaziranga National Park: Situated in the north-east state of India, Assam, Kaziranga National Park is inhabited by the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceros. The Park, which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, also boasts of the highest density of tigers among protected area and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006.
• Keoladeo National Park: Situated in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is home to over 360 species of birds. A protected sanctuary since 1971, Keoladeo National Park was declared a World Heritage site in 1985.
• Manas Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the foothills of Himalayas in the north eastern state of Assam, Manas National Park or Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve. The Park, which is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, was declared a World Heritage site in 1985.
  The Park is home to various rare and endangered species including Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langoor and is also famous for its population of Wild Water Buffalo.
• Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park: Located in West Himalaya, The Valley of Flowers has the most beautiful and breathtaking meadows with stunning landscape. The outstanding scenic beauty perfectly complements the mountain ranges making it a adventure sports and nature lover’s delight.
  The Valley of Flowers National Park, with a diverse combination of flora and rare and endangered fauna, including Asiatic Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve which includes the rugged mountains of the Great Himalayas. The Reserve is a World Heritage site since 2004.
• Sundarbans National Park: Sprawled across 10,000 sq km of land and water, across India and Bangladesh in the Ganga delta, Sunderbans cover the world’s largest area of mangrove forests. It is home to a number of rare and endangered animal species including tigers, aquatic mammals birds and reptiles such as salt-water crocodile and is also one of the largest reserves for the Bengal Tiger.
• Western Ghats: The mountain chain that runs almost parallel to the western coast of India is even older than the Himalaya mountain range and was declared a World Heritage site in 2012. Also known as the Sahyadri mountain range, the Western Ghats represent biological diversity and is of importance because of the unique biophysical and ecological processes. Traversing through the Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and some parts of Gujarat, the Ghats with its high montane forest ecosystems also influence the Indian monsoon weather pattern.

• Button Island National Park: Button Island National Park is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. The park is situated on the Button Islands, a group of small islands in the Bay of Bengal. It’s a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities for trekking, snorkeling, and exploring the underwater world.
• Mount Harriet National Park: Situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mount Harriet National Park is named after the second highest peak in the Andaman archipelago.
• Mouling National Park: Mouling National Park is located in Arunachal Pradesh. This park is renowned for its lush forests, diverse flora and fauna, and the scenic beauty of the Mouling mountain range. It’s a significant habitat for various species of primates, birds, and mammals, including the endangered Mishmi takin.
• Wandoor Marine National Park: Wandoor Marine National Park is situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is famous for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life.