(Q) Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk

deer in its natural habitat? (2020)

1. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

2. Gangotri National Park

3. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Manas National Park

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1 and 4 only

Solution: (a) 1 and 2 only

The musk deer inhabits alpine and sub-alpine forests of the Himalayas, typically at high altitudes.

Let’s check each location:

1. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttarakhand) ✅
   – Located in the eastern Himalayas of Uttarakhand; known habitat of the Himalayan musk deer.
2. Gangotri National Park (Uttarakhand) ✅
   – High-altitude Himalayan ecosystem; musk deer is found here.
3. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) ❌
   – Part of the Terai ecosystem; not suitable for musk deer.
4. Manas National Park (Assam) ❌
   – Lowland grassland and forest ecosystem; musk deer not found.