Indian Flora and Fauna

The Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is India's national animal, declared in 1973 replacing the lion. It was chosen due to its strength, grace, and historical significance in Indian culture. The Project Tiger initiative was launched to conserve this endangered species.

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is world-famous for its population of the one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), which it successfully conserved from near extinction. The park hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceros population. Zebras, lions, and giraffes are not native to Indian wildlife - they are African species.

The Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is officially recognized as the national tree of India, known for its massive size and longevity. The Pipal (Peepal) and Mango trees are also culturally significant but not the designated national tree.

Royal Manas National Park is Bhutan's oldest national park, established in 1966. Located in the southern foothills of Bhutan, it spans Zhemgang, Gelephu, and Sarpang districts, covering rich tropical forests and diverse wildlife including Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and golden langurs.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Karnataka, known for its biodiversity and bird species. Gir Sanctuary is in Gujarat (famous for Asiatic lions), Kaziranga is in Assam (famous for one-horned rhinos), and Tadoba National Park is in Maharashtra (famous for tigers).

Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, is India's oldest national park. Option D is correct. It was named after the legendary hunter-conservationist Jim Corbett.

Project Tiger is India's most prominent wildlife conservation initiative, launched in 1973 (the question's 1972 likely refers to the Wildlife Protection Act passage year). The project aimed to protect the endangered Bengal tiger and its habitat. Operation Tiger is not the official name of any Indian conservation project.

Desert National Park in Rajasthan is India's largest national park by area, spanning approximately 3,162 sq km. It protects the unique desert ecosystem and wildlife like the Great Indian Bustard. Namdapha is large but smaller than Desert National Park.

The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is located in northwestern India, primarily in Rajasthan. It forms a natural boundary between India and Pakistan. The Taklamakan and Gobi deserts are in China, while the Sahara is in Africa.

Baggu is the official mascot of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club. The mascot represents a maroon-colored character, reflecting the club's traditional color. Sheru has been associated with other sporting events in India, while 'Mohona' and 'Tiger' are not the club's official mascots.

Mohun Bagan AC's official mascot is a tiger named Baggu. The name 'Baggu' is the traditional Bengali term for tiger, which represents the club's fierce spirit and identity in Indian football.

The Asiatic lion is found only in the Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, India. This is the last remaining natural habitat of the Asiatic lion subspecies. Ranthambore is known for tigers, Sundarbans for Bengal tigers, and Kaziranga for one-horned rhinoceros.

The Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is India's national tree. It is revered for its longevity and expansive canopy. The Banyan symbolizes longevity and is deeply rooted in Indian culture and mythology. Neem, Babul, and Karanj are important trees but not designated as national symbols.

In the Vijayanagar period, oxen and bulls were not consumed as they were considered sacred and essential for agriculture. Cattle were revered in Hindu culture and killing them for food was taboo. Rats, sheep, and lizards were not typically consumed either, but oxen held special religious significance.