With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?

1. It is spread over two districts.

2. There is no human habitation inside the Park.

3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

Let us analyze each statement step-by-step to understand why this option is correct:

Statement 1: It is spread over two districts.
This statement is correct. Desert National Park is situated in the state of Rajasthan, India. It spans across two districts: Jaisalmer and Barmer. Out of its total area of approximately 3162 km², about 1900 km² lies in the Jaisalmer district and the remaining 1262 km² lies in the Barmer district.

Statement 2: There is no human habitation inside the Park.
This statement is incorrect. Unlike many other national parks, the Desert National Park has several villages located inside its boundaries. People have lived inside the park area for generations, and their traditional lifestyle coexists with the ecosystem, meaning human habitation is present.

Statement 3: It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
This statement is correct. The Desert National Park is one of the most important natural habitats and safe havens for the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), which is a critically endangered bird species. The park provides the vast grassland ecosystem necessary for their survival and breeding.

Therefore, since statements 1 and 3 are correct, the correct choice is 1 and 3 only.