Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of th

Question

Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?

Accepted Answer

Barasingha, also known as swamp deer, is one of the largest species of deer found in India, known for its distinctive character of twelve tined stags. Today, swamp deer or barasingha is only found in the following locations:Kanha National Park of Madhya PradeshKaziranga National Park of AssamManas National Park of AssamDudhwa National Park of Uttar PradeshKanha Tiger Reserve has a significant population of Bengal tiger, Indian wild dog, and barasingha deer in India. The park is the reintroduction site of barasingha and the first tiger reserve in India to introduce barasingha as its officially recognized mascot.There are three subspecies of swamp deer found in the Indian Subcontinent:Western swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) found in NepalSouthern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi) found in central and north IndiaEastern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi) found in Kaziranga and Dudhwa National ParksThe southern swamp deer has hard hooves and is adapted to hard ground, while the other two subspecies are adapted to swampy areas. Hence, the correct answer is option (a).