Indian Desert National Park
• One of the best spots to explore the Thar desert ecosystem and wildlife, the Desert National Park is an amalgamation of rolling sand dunes, jagged rocks and dense salt lakes.
• Situated between the districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer, the protected area is amongst the largest in the country with a total area close to about 3,162 sq km. Hence Statement 1 is correct.
• The Desert National Park is a bird watchers paradise where you can explore the bounties of nature. Camping with bonfires is another exciting activity that attracts people to the park.
• The Thar desert is the most thickly populated desert in the world with an average density of 83 persons/km² (compared to 7km² of other deserts) (Baqri and Kankane 2001). However, the human population within the DNP is low (4-5 persons per km²). There are 73 villages and also settlements or Dhanis existing within the Park. These communities have inhabited this area for hundreds of years and with their rich culture and tradition they are an integral part of this ecosystem. Hence Statement 2 is NOT correct.
• Lying in the midst of the remote Thar desert, Desert National Park provides a haven to thriving populations of black bucks, chinkaras and desert foxes that can be seen here.
• The critically endangered great Indian bustard can also be seen here. During winter, migratory raptors such as Himalayan and Eurasian Griffon vultures, eastern imperial eagle and the saker falcon fly here to spend the season in warmer environs. Hence Statement 3 is correct.