Question 22 from UPSC CSE 2017 - Geography

Question

From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Strategy: Focus on the core phrase: 'link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats'. This is a geographical question disguised as an ecology one. You must mentally map the locations of the given options. Nallamala and Seshachalam are deep inside the Eastern Ghats, while Nagarhole is well within the Western Ghats. They can't be 'links'. Sathyamangalam is famously located at the confluence of the two Ghats, making it the only logical choice for a corridor.

Key Info: ### Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR)
- **Location Significance:** Located in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu, STR is situated at the confluence of the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats. This strategic location makes it a crucial genetic link and wildlife corridor between the two mountain ranges.
- **Ecological Role:** It connects the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (a part of the Western Ghats) with the broader Eastern Ghats landscape. The reserve is contiguous with other protected areas like the Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, and Bandipur Tiger Reserve, forming a large, continuous protected habitat essential for the movement of large mammals like tigers and elephants.
- **Status:** It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2008 and a Tiger Reserve in 2013.

### Nallamala Forest
- **Location:** A section of the Eastern Ghats, spanning across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is not a link but a part of the Eastern Ghats.
- **Protected Areas:** It is home to the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, one of the largest tiger reserves in India.

### Nagarhole National Park
- **Location:** Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, it is located in the Kodagu and Mysuru districts of Karnataka. It is situated firmly within the Western Ghats.
- **Ecological Context:** It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is an important habitat for tigers, elephants, and other wildlife. It is not a corridor between the two Ghats.

### Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve
- **Location:** Located in the Seshachalam Hills, a part of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. It is known for the Sri Venkateswara National Park and the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
- **Significance:** Designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 2010, it is noted for its endemic Red Sanders wood. Like Nallamala, it is located within the Eastern Ghats and does not serve as a link to the Western Ghats.

### Confluence of Eastern and Western Ghats
- **Geographical Point:** The Eastern and Western Ghats meet in the Nilgiri Hills region in northwestern Tamil Nadu. This meeting point is an area of immense biodiversity and ecological importance.
- **Corridors:** Protected areas like the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and the Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary are located in this critical junction, facilitating gene flow and wildlife movement between the two distinct montane ecosystems.

Answer

Option B: Nallamala Forest

Answer

Option C: Nagarhole National Park

Answer

Option D: Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve