Q.55 Which of the following protected areas are declared Tiger Reserves in India?
(A). Bandipur
(B). Bhitarkanika
(C). Manas
(D). Sunderbans
(E). Kaziranga
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
1. (A), (C) and (D) only.
2. (A), (B) and (E) only.
3. (A) and (D) only.
4. (B), (C) and (D) only.
India’s Tiger Reserves: Bandipur, Manas, and Sunderbans Confirmed
Bandipur, Manas, and Sunderbans are all declared Tiger Reserves in India, making option 1: (A), (C), and (D) only correct.
Project Tiger Overview
India’s Project Tiger (launched 1973) protects Bengal tigers through 58 reserves (as of 2026) covering ~75,000 km².
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) designates core/buffer zones in existing national parks/sanctuaries.
Key reserves span diverse habitats from mangroves to grasslands, supporting ~3,500 tigers.
Correct Answer: Option 1
Option 1 accurately lists Tiger Reserves: Bandipur (Karnataka), Manas (Assam), Sunderbans (West Bengal).
| Option | Protected Area | Tiger Reserve Status | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| (A) Bandipur | Yes (1973, 9th reserve) | Core tiger habitat in Western Ghats | |
| (B) Bhitarkanika | No (crocodile sanctuary) | Famous for saltwater crocs, olive ridley turtles | |
| (C) Manas | Yes (1974, UNESCO site) | Eastern Himalayas, endangered species hub | |
| (D) Sunderbans | Yes (1973, mangrove) | World’s largest mangrove forest, Royal Bengal tigers | |
| (E) Kaziranga | No (rhino sanctuary, UNESCO) | Primarily one-horned rhinos, not tiger-focused |
Option Explanations
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Option 1 (A, C, D): Correct—All three officially notified under Project Tiger.
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Option 2 (A, B, E): Wrong—Bhitarkanika and Kaziranga are vital wildlife areas but not Tiger Reserves.
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Option 3 (A, D): Incomplete—excludes valid Manas Tiger Reserve.
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Option 4 (B, C, D): Wrong—includes non-tiger reserve Bhitarkanika.
Bhitarkanika/Kaziranga confusion arises from their national park status, but tiger reserves require specific NTCA notification. Essential for UPSC geography/environment sections.
