Indian Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)

Explanation

"Top Slip" serves as the primary tourist hub within the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. This national park, located in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, lies within the southern expanse of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, nestled amidst the Annamalai mountain range. The name "Top Slip" has its roots in a historical logging practice during British rule. Timber extracted from the forest was transported downhill to the plains using a canal system. This method of timber transport, known locally as "slipping," was carried out at this particular location, giving rise to its distinctive name. Today, Top Slip is renowned for its sightings of elephants, gaur (Indian bison), and a variety of bird species. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Simlipal National Park (Odisha): A tiger reserve and biosphere reserve, home to Bengal tigers, elephants, and orchids, located in the Eastern Ghats. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala): Famous for Periyar Lake and the Periyar Tiger Reserve, known for its elephant population and boat safaris. Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary (Telangana): A wetland sanctuary along the Manjira River, known for migratory birds, marsh crocodiles, and freshwater turtles.

Explanation

Reserves of diamond-bearing Kimberlite rocks have been discovered in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh in the recent past. Kimberlite is an igneous rock that often contains diamonds, and its presence indicates the possibility of diamond deposits. These discoveries are part of the Mainpur Kimberlite Field, which has been extensively explored by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

Explanation

The Servarayan Hills, also known as the anglicised ‘Shevaroy Hills’, are a prominent mountain range in Tamil Nadu. Located near the city of Salem, these hills form a significant part of the southern section of the Eastern Ghats. The name ‘Servarayan’ is derived from a local deity worshipped in the region, reflecting the cultural significance of these mountains. Spanning 400 sq. km, they feature lush forests, coffee plantations, and diverse flora and fauna. The hills are home to Yercaud, a popular hill station, and the Shevaroy Temple, situated at the highest peak (1,620 m). The region is known for its panoramic views, trekking trails, and unique biodiversity, including endemic species like Neelakurinji and shield-tail snakes. The hills also host bauxite deposits and fruit orchards.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Red Panda is naturally found in the Eastern Himalayas and not in the Western Himalayas. The red panda, a small arboreal mammal, is native to the temperate forests of the Eastern Himalayas, spanning from Nepal, Bhutan, and India to southwestern China. Its distribution includes parts of southern Tibet, Sikkim, Assam, Bhutan, northern Myanmar, and the Hengduan and Gongshan Mountains of south-western China. The species thrives in temperate forests with dense bamboo undergrowth at elevations of 2,000-4,300 meters. Fig: Red Panda

Statement 2 is correct: The slow loris, a primate, inhabits South and Southeast Asia. Its range extends from Northeast In-dia across Indochina, eastward to Southeast Asia, and southward to Java, encompassing Borneo, Sumatra, and numerous smaller islands. While both species share a portion of their geographical range in Northeast India, their overall distributions differ significantly, with the red panda primarily confined to the Himalayas and the slow loris widespread across Southeast Asia. Fig: Slow Loris