Question 1395
Which Indian national park, located in Assam, holds the distinction of being simultaneously designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an Elephant Reserve, a Tiger Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve?
Answer
Manas National Park
Why?
The correct answer is Manas National Park Key Points Manas National Park, established in 1990 in the state of Assam, is unique due to its multiple ecological recognitions. It functions as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an Elephant Reserve, a Tiger Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve. The park is a critical habitat for several endangered and rare species, including the One-horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Tiger, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, and the Golden Langur. While other parks hold multiple titles, Manas is specifically highlighted for encompassing these four specific conservation designations simultaneously. Additional Information Assam is home to several major national parks including Kaziranga, Nameri, Dibru-Saikhowa, Dihing Patkai, Raimona, and Rajiv Gandhi-Orang. Kaziranga National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Elephant Reserve, primarily known for its population of the One-horned Rhinoceros. Sunderban National Park in West Bengal is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Tiger Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve, but does not carry the Elephant Reserve status. Simlipal National Park in Odisha is designated as a Biosphere Reserve, a Tiger Reserve, and an Elephant Reserve. Important Points The designation of a site as a Biosphere Reserve often encompasses broader goals including the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable development in the surrounding region. National parks are subject to the strictest regulations among protected areas, where human activities such as livestock grazing and the exercise of private land rights are completely prohibited to safeguard the natural environment.
