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Q67·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2017

Gharial Natural Habitat

GeographyWildlife and Protected HabitatsFactual singleMediumStatic

Question

If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?

(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves (b) Chambal River (c) Pulicat Lake (d) Deepor Beel

Options

a

Bhitarkanika Mangroves

b

Chambal River

Answer
c

Pulicat Lake

d

Deepor Beel

Explanation

The Chambal River is the most important natural habitat for gharials in India. The Chambal River Sanctuary, located in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most significant freshwater gharial populations in the country. Gharials are specialized fish-eating crocodilians that prefer fast-flowing river habitats with sandy banks. While Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Odisha) has gharials, it is primarily a saltwater/brackish habitat. Pulicat Lake is a saline lagoon, and Deepor Beel is a wetland but gharials are not its primary inhabitants. The Chambal River's clean, swift waters and sandy banks provide ideal conditions for gharial breeding and survival, making it the best answer. > Chambal River (Madhya Pradesh) is the premier gharial sanctuary in India. Answer: (b).

Question details

Year

2017

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q67

Subject

Geography

Sub-topic

Wildlife and Protected Habitats

Type

Factual single

Difficulty

Medium

Nature

Static

Source hint

NCERT Biology/Ecology - Reptile Habitats

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