UPSC Prelims 2020 question on Critical Tiger Habitat

Critical 'tiger' habitats (CTHs), also known as core areas of tiger reserves, are identified under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), 1972 based on scientific evidence that 'such areas are required to be kept as inviolate for the purpose of tiger conservation, without affecting the rights of the Scheduled Tribes or such other forest dwellers'.

The notification of CTH is done by the state government in consultation with the expert committee constituted for the purpose.

Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India. The reserve spreads over five districts — Kurnool District, Prakasam District, Guntur District, Nalgonda District and Mahbubnagar district. The total area of the tiger reserve is 3,728 km2 (1,439 sq mi).

Being the largest tiger reserve, Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam also has the largest area under Critical Tiger Habitat.

Hence option (c) — Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam — is the correct answer.