Final answer:
The correct answers are options c. and d. Manas and Kaziranga wildlife sanctuaries in Assam are mainly for the Indian rhinoceros and Asian elephant. These sanctuaries contribute significantly to the conservation of these endangered species, amidst challenges like poaching and habitat loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Manas and Kaziranga wildlife sanctuaries in Assam are primarily known for their efforts to protect certain flagship species. Among these, the answer to which animals these sanctuaries are mainly for is (c) elephant and implicitly, option (d) which refers to the Indian rhinoceros (often locally called 'ganda'). These sanctuaries play a crucial role in the conservation of diverse fauna, but they are particularly significant for their populations of the endangered Indian rhinoceros and the Asian elephant. Kaziranga National Park is famous for having the world's largest population of Indian rhinoceroses, whereas Manas National Park is known for its significant population of wild Asian elephants.
Protected areas like these are vital for the survival of rare species including the Indian Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, and others. The high human population growth and associated habitat loss due to development put biodiversity in South Asia at risk. Hence, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are created to conserve the habitats necessary for the survival of these species. Ecotourism also plays an important role in conservation efforts, providing income that supports biodiversity preservation. However, it must be managed carefully to prevent harm to the very ecosystems tourists come to see.
Despite the creation of these sanctuaries, challenges such as poaching due to illegal wildlife trade continue to threaten many species, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and rhinos. Conservation laws, like the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, and international cooperation are essential to combat poaching and ensure the protection of these precious species within India's rich biodiversity.