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 h

1. A. Kanha National Park
2. B. Manas National Park
3. C. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
4. D. Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: A

Explanation

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 only found in the Kanha National Park of Madhya Pradesh, Kaziranga and Manas National Parks of Assam and large population in Dudhwa National Park of Uttar Pradesh. Kanha 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 first tiger reserve in India to introduce Barasingha as officially mascot. There are three subspecies of swamp deer found in the Indian Subcontinent. The western swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) found in Nepal, southern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi) found in central and north India and eastern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi) found in the Kaziranga and Dudhwa National Parks. The southern swamp deer has hard hooves and is adapted to hard ground. The other two subspecies are adapted to swampy areas. Hence the correct answer is option (a).