Previous Year Question
Which of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?
Bandipur National Park — Karnataka
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary — Assam
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary — Kerala
Simlipal National Park — Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Bandipur National Park — Karnataka is correctly matched. Bandipur is located in southern Karnataka and forms part of the Western Ghats–Nilgiri landscape. It is an important protected area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is significant for the conservation of large mammals such as the Tiger and Asian Elephant.
Manas — Assam is correctly matched. Manas is a protected area situated in the Himalayan foothills of Assam. It is also a National Park, Tiger Reserve, Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Government of Assam identifies Manas National Park in western Assam.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary — Kerala is also correctly matched. The Kerala Forest Department lists Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary within Kerala's protected-area network. Its area is approximately 777 sq km, and it also forms part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Simlipal — Madhya Pradesh is incorrectly matched. Similipal is situated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. It is a National Park as well as a Tiger Reserve and Biosphere Reserve. Official Government of Odisha tourism sources also identify it as a protected area of Odisha.