Sundarbans Becomes India's Second Largest Tiger Reserve
Why focus: GS3 Environment. Tiger reserve expansions are highly testable. Sets up Map-based or Match-the-Following MCQs on reserve boundaries.
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
- ▶
Total Area: BEFORE the expansion, the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve covered an area of 2,585 sq km. NOW, it spans 3,629 sq km following the addition of 1,044 sq km.
- ▶
National Ranking: BEFORE, it was smaller than several other major reserves in the country. NOW, it is the second-largest tiger reserve in India, trailing only the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh.
- ▶
Protection Status of Ranges: BEFORE, the Matla, Raidighi, and Ramganga forest ranges were ordinary territorial forests with standard protections. NOW, they are fully integrated into the Tiger Reserve, receiving stringent protections and funding mandated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve and its recent expansion? 1. With the addition of the Matla, Raidighi, and Ramganga ranges, it has become India's largest tiger reserve. 2. The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), which approved this expansion, is a statutory body chaired by the Prime Minister of India.