Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam has the largest Critical Tiger Habitat of the four, at 2,595.72 sq km. The other three are far smaller: Sunderban 1,699.62, Ranthambore 1,113.36 and Corbett 821.99 sq km.
- ✓ (c) The National Tiger Conservation Authority lists a core area of 2,595.72 sq km for Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam; the core is the notified Critical Tiger Habitat. It is the largest core area among India's tiger reserves.
- ✗ (d) Sunderban has a core of 1,699.62 sq km. Its total area (2,584.89 sq km) is close to the winner's core figure, which makes it a tempting choice, but the question asks about the critical habitat only.
- ✗ (a) Corbett is the oldest tiger reserve in the group but its core is only 821.99 sq km.
- ✗ (b) Ranthambore has a core of 1,113.36 sq km.
Remember · A tiger reserve = core or Critical Tiger Habitat (inviolate) + buffer. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam has the largest core, 2,595.72 sq km.
Sources
- National Tiger Conservation Authority: list of tiger reserves with core and buffer areas (Nagarjunsagar) ↗ “15 Nagarjunsagar Sagar 1982-83 Andhra Pradesh 2007 2,595.72 700.59 3,296.31 … 9 Sunderban 1973-74 West Bengal 2007 1,699.62 885.27 2,584.89”
- PIB, Ministry of Environment and Forests: tiger reserves and critical habitats ↗ “A tiger reserve includes two parts: A. Core or critical tiger habitat (National Park or Sanctuary status). B. Buffer or peripheral area.”
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2020, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·