GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK - UPSC Current Affairs

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Context

An Interpretation Centre has been developed in the Sainj valley of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) at Sainj Ropa.

Details

It gives information about the flora and fauna found in the GHNP.
It will focus on orchids and medicinal plants, along with birds and beautiful locations.
All four state symbols — the state bird, Western tragopan; state animal, snow leopard; state flower, pink rhododendron; and state tree, deodar — have been showcased with their descriptions.

About the national park

The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is a national park in India, located in Kullu region in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
The park was established in 1984 and is spread over an area of 1171 km2; elevations within the park range between 1500 and 6000 m.
The Great Himalayan National Park is a habitat to numerous flora and more than 375 fauna species.
In June 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, under the criterion of "outstanding significance for biodiversity conservation".

Biogeography

The GHNP is at the junction of world's two major biogeographic realms: the Indomalayan realm to the south and the Palearctic realm to the north.
The temperate forest flora-fauna of GHNP represents the westernmost extension of the Sino-Japanese Region.
As a result of its 4,100 m elevation range the park has a diversity of zones with their representative flora and fauna, such as alpine, glacial, temperate, and subtropical forests.

Biodiversity

Fauna

The Great Himalayan National Park is home to more than 375 faunal species.
Most of the Himalayan fauna has been given protection under the high priority protection category of Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The state government of Himachal Pradesh has banned hunting in the state for more than ten years.
Animals such as blue sheep, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan tahr, and musk deer can be seen.

Flora

From the lofty pines and spruces and the great, spreading horse chestnuts of the lower valleys, to the dense cushions and prostrate branches of the alpine herbs and junipers, the park presents an endless variety of vegetation.
This is one of the few areas of the Western Himalayas where the forests and alpine meadows can be seen in something approaching their original state.
The subalpine zone is richest in species, followed by the alpine and upper temperate zones.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) How many of the following statements with reference to Great Himalayan National Park is/are correct?

1. The flora-fauna of GHNP represents the westernmost extension of the Sino-Japanese Region.

2. It is located in Manali region in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

3. The state government of Himachal Pradesh has banned hunting in the state for more than ten years.

Correct Answer: b