Question

The only surviving habitat of Asiatic lion is
A. Gir forest-Gujarat
B. Sunderbans- W. Bengal
C. Jim Corbett National Park- UP
D. Bandipur-Karnataka

Answer 1

Hint: The Asiatic lion whose scientific name is Panthera leo leo is an endangered species because it has a small population size and also a quite small area of occupancy.

Complete Answer:
- The Asiatic lion is characterised by a fur colour that ranges from ruddy tawny, heavily speckled with black to sandy or buffish grey. In the case of males the manes have moderate growth making their ears visible.
- Male Asiatic lions are either solitary or associated with three other males. They are known to hunt, feed and rest together. Females can associate with upto twelve males but this association is mostly for a few days that is during the time of mating.
- Most of the Asiatic lions are found in the Gir forest of Gujarat which is a wildlife sanctuary where along with Asiatic lions many other animals are found. The carnivores apart from Asiatic lions include Indian leopard, jungle cat, striped hyena, Bengal moose, honey badger. The herbivores include nilgai, sambar, chinkara, wild boar. It also consists of different reptiles and scavenger groups of birds.

So the correct option is A) Gir forest- Gujarat.

Note: Gir forest being a wildlife sanctuary is quite helpful in preserving endangered species such as those mentioned above from getting extinct. It also allows visitors throughout the year so that they can have a look at these rare animal species.