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Indian gaur

5th July, 2024

Indian gaur

Source: Times of India

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

  • The Indian gaur which is locally extinct for decades has reappeared in the NSTR and indicates possible reintroduction efforts to revive its population.

Details

Key points:

  • Recently, locally extinct India Gaur has reappeared in Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), Andhra Pradesh after decades.
  • Previous sighting was noted in Amarabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana.
  • Agricultural expansion and hunting are primary reasons for extinction.

Indian Gaur

Habitat

Tropical dry deciduous forests, grasslands and hill forests.

Features

It weighs around one ton.

It falls under the category of Mega herbivore (similar to elephants)

Conservation Status

Listed as Vulnerable by IUCN

Threats

Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and deforestation.

Hunting and poaching.

Human-wildlife conflicts.

Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)

  • Location
    • It is located in Nallamala hills, an offshoot of the Eastern Ghats.
    • River Krishna flows along the Tiger Reserve.
  • Flora
    • Southern tropical dry deciduous forests
    • Teak, Anogeissus are the key species.
  • Fauna
    • It is home for various mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians etc.
    • Top faunal species include tigers, leopards, wolves, wild dogs and jackals.
  • Tribes
    • Chenchus are the major tribe in the tiger reserve.

Sources:

Times of India

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements about the Indian Gaur:

1.The Indian Gaur is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

2.It is a mega herbivore similar to elephants and rhinoceroses.

3.Significant populations of Indian Gaur are found in Karnataka, Telangana and Chhattisgarh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: b)