Kaziranga's Elevated Corridor: A Lifeline for Animals, Reducing Fatalities
Elevated corridor in Kaziranga aims to reduce animal deaths from road accidents.
Photo by Declan Sun
Key Facts
Length: 34.5-km elevated corridor
Location: Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Purpose: Reduce animal deaths
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3 (Environment and Ecology): Biodiversity conservation, infrastructure development and its impact on wildlife
GS Paper 1 (Geography): Location of Kaziranga National Park, ecological significance of the region
Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs on wildlife corridors, analytical questions on balancing development and conservation
Visual Insights
Kaziranga National Park: Elevated Corridor Location
Map showing the location of Kaziranga National Park in Assam and the approximate route of the 34.5 km elevated corridor.
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More Information
Background
The concept of wildlife corridors gained prominence in the late 20th century as habitat fragmentation became a major threat to biodiversity. Conservation biologists recognized that isolated populations are more vulnerable to extinction due to limited gene flow and increased susceptibility to environmental changes. Early corridor projects focused on connecting fragmented forests and protected areas.
The Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) Conservation Initiative, launched in the 1990s, is a prominent example of a large-scale corridor project aimed at connecting wildlife habitats across the Canada-US border. In India, the need for corridors was recognized alongside the expansion of infrastructure projects, leading to the development of mitigation strategies like underpasses and overpasses. The initial focus was on tiger corridors, but the concept has expanded to include other species and habitats, reflecting a growing understanding of the importance of landscape-level conservation.
Latest Developments
Recent years have seen increased investment in wildlife corridor projects globally, driven by growing awareness of the biodiversity crisis and the need for climate change adaptation. Technological advancements, such as remote sensing and GPS tracking, have improved the ability to monitor animal movement and assess the effectiveness of corridors. There's a growing emphasis on incorporating community participation and traditional ecological knowledge in corridor planning and management.
Future trends include the development of 'green infrastructure' that integrates ecological considerations into urban and rural landscapes, and the use of ecological network analysis to identify and prioritize critical corridor areas. The focus is shifting towards creating multi-functional landscapes that support both biodiversity conservation and human livelihoods.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding wildlife corridors: 1. Wildlife corridors facilitate gene flow between fragmented populations, enhancing their long-term survival. 2. The primary purpose of wildlife corridors is to promote tourism in protected areas. 3. Effective wildlife corridors require careful planning and management to minimize human-wildlife conflict. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 2 is incorrect because the primary purpose is biodiversity conservation, not tourism promotion. Statements 1 and 3 are correct as they highlight the ecological benefits and management requirements of wildlife corridors.
2. In the context of Kaziranga National Park, what is the primary ecological significance of the newly constructed elevated corridor? A) To provide better viewing platforms for tourists. B) To facilitate the movement of animals during floods and reduce road fatalities. C) To create new agricultural land for local communities. D) To divert traffic away from nearby towns.
- A.To provide better viewing platforms for tourists.
- B.To facilitate the movement of animals during floods and reduce road fatalities.
- C.To create new agricultural land for local communities.
- D.To divert traffic away from nearby towns.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The elevated corridor is primarily designed to allow animals to move safely during floods and to reduce the number of road accidents involving wildlife.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding Kaziranga National Park? A) It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. B) It is primarily known for its population of one-horned rhinoceros. C) The park is located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. D) The Brahmaputra River flows along its northern boundary.
- A.It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- B.It is primarily known for its population of one-horned rhinoceros.
- C.The park is located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
- D.The Brahmaputra River flows along its northern boundary.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Kaziranga National Park is located in the state of Assam, not Arunachal Pradesh. The other statements are correct.
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