Q. 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 and 2 only
  • 2 and 3 only
  • 1 and 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Notes:

Desert National Park, Rajasthan

  • Desert National Park, Rajasthan, India, is situated in the west Indian state of Rajasthan near the towns of Jaisalmer and Barmer.
  • This is one of the largest national parks, covering an area of 3162 km².
  • The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert.
  • The Desert National Park (DNP) covers an area of 3162 km² of which  1900 km² is in the Jaisalmer district, and the remaining 1262 km² is in the Barmer district of Rajasthan State.
  • The Desert National Park (DNP) is the most important site for the long-term survival of the Globally Threatened Great Indian Bustard.
    • Other birds of significance include the endangered Oriental White-backed vulture Gyps bengalensis and Long-billed Gyps indicus, etc.
    • Bird species representative of Biome has been identified by BirdLife International.
  • Normally human activities are not allowed in National Park but many villagers lived inside Desert National park, and they did not have access to even basic facility like road, electricity and water.
    • In 2017, Supreme Court ordered the government to provide such facilities to them.

The Great Indian Bustard

  • The great Indian bustard or Indian bustard is a bustard found on the Indian subcontinent.
  • A large bird with a horizontal body and long bare legs, giving it an ostrich-like appearance,
  • This bird is among the heaviest of the flying birds.
  • IUCN Status: Critical Endangered.