Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous ?
A
Kanha National Park
Correct Answer
B
Manas National Park
C
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
D
Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary
Explanation
Kanha National Park is the only natural habitat of the "Hard-ground Barasingha" (*Rucervus duvaucelii branderi*), a sub-species that uniquely adapted to the hard alluvial grasslands of Central India and is strictly graminivorous. While Manas National Park also conserves swamp deer, it hosts the Eastern sub-species which thrives in wet, marshy riverine habitats rather than the hard-ground environment specified. The core concept tested is the specific ecological niche and geographical distribution of endangered fauna within India’s protected area network.
Biodiversity - Species & Protected AreasIndian Swamp Deer (Barasingha) ConservationIndian swamp deerBarasinghahard groundgraminivorousKanha National ParkManas National ParkMudumalai Wildlife SanctuaryTal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary