RAS question
The Great Indian Bustard (Godawan) is the state bird of Rajasthan. In which sanctuary is it primarily found?
Correct answer: (B) Desert National Park.
The Great Indian Bustard, locally called Godawan and recognised as Rajasthan's state bird, is primarily found in Desert National Park Sanctuary in Jaisalmer.
Explanation
The answer is Desert National Park because Rajasthan Forest Department's Project Great Indian Bustard page places the species in DNP Sanctuary in Jaisalmer. Rajasthan Forest Department identifies the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), locally called Godawan, as Rajasthan's state bird and describes it as critically endangered. Project Bustard was launched to conserve the remaining population and its habitat, initially in DNP Sanctuary. Within Desert National Park, the bird is the flagship species, with its population mainly concentrated in the Sudashri landscape area. Godawan conservation is centred in this desert grassland habitat, not in a generic wildlife sanctuary.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Ranthambore is associated with tigers, while Rajasthan Forest Department links Godawan conservation and concentration to DNP Sanctuary in Jaisalmer.
- (C) Tal Chhapar is associated with blackbuck, whereas Rajasthan Forest Department identifies Desert National Park Sanctuary as the site where the Great Indian Bustard is the flagship species.
- (D) Sariska is associated with leopards, while Godawan conservation is centred in DNP Sanctuary in Jaisalmer.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan biodiversity and protected-area mapping, especially state symbols and their habitats. It recurs in RAS because Desert National Park, Godawan conservation and Rajasthan's desert ecosystem are standard geography-environment linkages.