RAS question
The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is found in which river system of Rajasthan?
Correct answer: (A) Chambal.
In Rajasthan, the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is found in the Chambal river system, notably in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.
Explanation
The answer is Chambal because the Rajasthan District Gazetteers, Karauli place the gharial in the Chambal River area. The National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is a linear stretch of habitat in Chambal waters and adjoining bank forests, created especially to protect the gharial and other riverine fauna. A 280 sq. km. stretch of the Chambal river area has been declared a sanctuary, and gharials are found there along with crocodiles, smooth-coated otters, turtles and birds. In Rajasthan geography, the river system for Gavialis gangeticus is the Chambal system.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Banas is wrong because the Rajasthan District Gazetteers, Karauli identify the gharial sanctuary and gharial occurrence with Chambal waters, not the Banas river system.
- (C) Mahi is wrong because Rajasthan's gharial habitat is linked to the Chambal river system, not the Mahi river system.
- (D) Luni is wrong because gharial sanctuary habitat in Rajasthan lies in the Chambal river area, not in the Luni river system.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan's riverine biodiversity and protected-area geography. It recurs in RAS because species-location questions often connect a notable fauna, its conservation site and the river system that supports it.