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UPSC Prelims 2010 · Environment · Wild Places
Consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- The boundaries of a National Park are defined by legislation.
- A Biosphere Reserve is declared to conserve a few specific species of flora and fauna.
- In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited biotic interference is permitted.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
National park boundaries are legislated; sanctuaries allow limited use; biosphere reserves protect whole ecosystems.
Statement by statement
1. ✓ CORRECT A national park’s boundaries are fixed by notification under the Wild Life (Protection) Act and can be changed only on the recommendation of the National Board for Wild Life.
2. ✗ WRONG Biosphere reserves conserve whole ecosystems, landscapes and ways of life — not a few species.
3. ✓ CORRECT Sanctuaries allow limited activities like grazing and collecting minor forest produce.
The idea
The three types have three different purposes. A national park protects a whole ecosystem strictly. A wildlife sanctuary protects wildlife but lets some human use continue. A biosphere reserve protects a large landscape together with the people and their way of life.
National park: strictest, boundaries fixed under the Wild Life Act → Sanctuary: limited grazing and collection can be allowed → Biosphere reserve: whole ecosystem and people, in three zones
The trap
Statement 2 describes a species-focused reserve (like a tiger reserve), not a biosphere reserve.
Also know
A reserve made for one species is something else: a tiger reserve or an elephant reserve. The boundaries of a national park or sanctuary cannot be changed without the recommendation of the National Board for Wild Life.
🔒 NP: no human use, boundaries fixed by law · Sanctuary: limited use · BR: whole ecosystem + people.