Latest news with #Nilgai
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
In a first-of-its-kind exercise, 20 spotted deer translocated from Vantara to Banni grasslands
Written by Jay Jani Twenty spotted deer were translocated to the Banni Grassland Reserve by the Gujarat forest department on Tuesday in collaboration with Vantara, the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre in Jamnagar, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the Reliance group. The release took place in a designated 70-hectare protected area within Banni, one of the largest grassland ecosystems in Asia. The deer were brought from Vantara's ex-situ conservation facility in Jamnagar and transported in specially designed ambulances under the supervision of forest officials. Vantara provided technical and logistical support for the operation, ensuring it followed established conservation protocols, a release from Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) said. Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Dr Sandeep Kumar told The Indian Express that there are nearly 160 blackbucks and spotted deer in Banni grasslands. This move, to release the deer into Banni grasslands, is part of a larger state-backed effort aimed at supporting the state's broader conservation roadmap, according to the press release. Ahead of the exercise on Tuesday, a joint assessment of the site was conducted by teams from the Gujarat forest department and Vantara, including forest officials, Vantara's wildlife biologists and veterinarians. The review was conducted to evaluate the habitat's suitability and identify key ecological measures for future species restoration efforts, the press release stated. The RIL statement, quoting Dr Brij Kishor Gupta, Director of the Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, or Vantara, said, 'This initiative reflects a collaborative approach to conservation where scientific expertise and logistical support are combined to strengthen biodiversity in the Banni grasslands. Contributing to government-led efforts, the focus remains on achieving meaningful conservation outcomes through partnerships grounded in shared objectives.' Banni spans over 2,600 square kilometers in the Kutch district and is home to 12 species of mammals, including the Indian gazelle, Indian wolf, golden jackal, Nilgai, striped hyena, and Indian fox. The Gujarat forest department has been actively involved in restoring degraded areas, controlling invasive species, and encouraging the growth of native grass to sustain local wildlife in Banni, according to the press release. The grassland, which is a protected forest, is dotted by 52 villages and is also known for the Banni breed of buffaloes. This release is one of several planned efforts aimed at strengthening wildlife populations and sustaining the fragile yet vital ecosystem of the Banni grasslands, the press note said. Jay Jani is an intern with The Indian Express
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Time of India
Man seriously hurt after speeding bike hits Nilgai in Chatra
Chatra: A man sustained serious head injuries after his motorcycle hit a Nilgai under Pratappur police station limits on Friday. The man, identified as Gautam Kumar Dangi, was admitted to Chatra sadar hospital by locals. Dangi, a Rojgar Sevak (responsible for implementing schemes under the MGNREGS), was returning to Pratappur block headquarters on his motorcycle when a nilgai emerged near Khajuria Dhodha bridge from the adjoining Baratpur forest. "The injury is serious and could lead to memory loss," Dr Kumar Sanjeev, medical officer of Pratappur community health centre where Dangi was initially brought before being admitted to sadar hospital, said.
Indian Express
05-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Explained: State of India's tiger prey, why challenges to their habitat need to be addressed
For the first time, a detailed assessment of the status of ungulates (hoofed mammals), including deer, pigs, antelopes, and bison, has estimated their abundance across India. It has revealed a decline in their populations in several states and highlighted conservation challenges, such as habitat loss and deforestation. The findings are crucial for the conservation of India's tigers and forests, as ungulates form the core prey base of the striped cat and other large predators. India currently has more than 3,600 tigers, accounting for 70% of the world's tiger population. Additionally, the animals help regulate forests and soil health with their feeding habits. The National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India prepared the assessment report, using data from the 2022 All-India Tiger Estimation exercise to estimate the animals' distribution and density. India's tiger prey base, mainly comprising the chital (spotted deer), sambar (large deer), and the vulnerable gaur (Indian bison), presents a highly uneven distribution across forest landscapes. The report drew on extensive direct and indirect evidence, like field surveys, camera traps, and dung signs collected during the 2022 estimation exercise. According to the findings, spotted deer, sambar, and gaur populations are thriving in large parts of the country, but declining in east-central India in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. The signs of prey decline and low density are due to severe habitat degradation, infrastructure development and mining that fragments forests, left-wing extremism, and subsistence hunting by residents. Forests in Uttarakhand, Western Ghats, central India and the northeast have a fairly healthy population of ungulates. However, small and isolated populations of species such as barasingha, wild buffalo, pygmy hog, and hog deer face bottlenecks in their genetic diversity, with habitat fragmentation preventing the intermixing of different animals. The core tiger prey species are abundant, especially within tiger reserves and national parks, but not so much in sanctuaries that receive a comparatively lower level of protection, and even less in forest divisions abutting tiger reserves. Health of different species The chital (spotted deer) remains the most abundant ungulate across Indian forests. Its wide distribution and ability to thrive in a variety of habitats, including forest edges and agricultural interfaces, make it a key prey species for tigers. The population of the sambar, another crucial prey animal, remains stable across most tiger landscapes, particularly in central India and the Western Ghats. The wild pig, an adaptable species, is also found in good numbers across regions. The Nilgai and the gaur show healthy populations in many areas. Nilgai, India's largest antelope, is highly adaptable and often ventures into farmland, while gaur prefers dense forests and uneven terrain, and is especially abundant in the Western Ghats and parts of central India, Eastern Ghats, and northeastern Himalayan foothills. In contrast, species with narrow ecological preferences are faring poorly. Populations of the hog deer, which live in grasslands and floodplains, have significantly declined due to the destruction and fragmentation of their preferred wetlands and swamp habitats. Their current distribution is confined to isolated patches in the Terai grasslands and floodplains of the Ganga and Brahmaputra. Similarly, the once widespread barasingha or swamp deer is now limited to select locations such as Kanha, Dudhwa, and Kaziranga. Despite some successful reintroduction efforts in Bandhavgarh and Satpura, the species remains vulnerable due to its dependency on specific wetland-grassland ecosystems. Significance for tigers Loss of habitat, especially quality habitat, competition with livestock and humans, conflict with humans, deforestation, development projects and subsistence hunting are some of the key challenges to the ungulate population. A fall in their numbers affects the ecological balance of forests both inside and outside tiger reserves. The lack of prey base is also a double whammy for tigers, impacting the existing tiger occupancy and forcing them to kill livestock and smaller species. Secondly, tiger-abundant regions such as Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are nearing their capacity to sustain their wildlife population with available resources (what is known as 'carrying capacity'). As a result, tigers often wander towards the east-central states, but struggle to occupy the forests due to poor prey base and other pressures on the ecosystem. These states have a high potential to harbour a substantial tiger population, but it will be contingent on improvements in habitat and prey, and stepping up their protection. Another direct fallout of low prey base is tigers moving beyond the reserves to hunt livestock, putting them in closer contact with humans, who kill tigers in retaliation for livestock depredation. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, ungulates such as wild pigs and nilgai often damage crops, adding another dimension to the human-wildlife conflict due to the loss of wild habitats. A major concern is the conversion of swampy grasslands, seasonal wetlands, and floodplains into urban settlements or farmlands. Linear infrastructure, such as highways, railways and power lines, can fragment the contiguity of ungulate habitats, disturbing the survival of wildlife, as well as forest dynamics. The report prescribes augmenting prey populations through on-site breeding in enclosures to protect them from predators.
Indian Express
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
All Indian Union Territories also have an official animal, see list here
The union territories of India are administrative divisions that the central government governs. They are different from the states of India, which have their own governments. Most are known for their diverse culture, history, and natural beauty. Each UT has an official animal representing its ecological heritage and conservation efforts. Here's a list of the official animals of India's Union Territories and their significance. The Dugong, or sea cow, is a gentle marine mammal found in the warm coastal waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As a herbivore, it plays a crucial role in maintaining seagrass beds. However, the Dugong is now classified as vulnerable due to habitat destruction and hunting. The Indian Grey Mongoose is known for its agility and fearlessness, particularly its ability to take on venomous snakes. Found in forests and urban areas alike, this small carnivore symbolizes adaptability and resilience in Chandigarh. The Asiatic Lion, a subspecies distinct from its African counterpart, is a powerful symbol of strength and pride. Found only in Gujarat's Gir Forest, it represents the region's efforts to conserve its rare wildlife. The Nilgai, or blue bull, is India's largest antelope commonly seen in the Aravalli forests and outskirts of Delhi. Though often mistaken for cattle, this herbivore is essential to the region's biodiversity. The Hangul, or Kashmir Stag, is an endangered species found primarily in the Dachigam National Park. Its population is dwindling due to poaching and habitat loss, so conservation efforts are vital for its survival. Ladakh's rugged terrain is home to the elusive Snow Leopard, a majestic predator adapted to extreme cold. Its presence signifies the region's rich high-altitude biodiversity and ongoing conservation initiatives. Unlike most UTs with mammals as their official animals, Lakshadweep chose the Butterflyfish, a vibrant reef fish that symbolizes the pristine marine ecosystems of the archipelago. This small, striped squirrel is commonly seen in urban and forested areas of Puducherry. It is associated with Hindu mythology and serves as an important seed disperser in its habitat.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
IIVR scientists reach out to 2,000 farmers across 6 dists under ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan'
1 2 Varanasi: In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to revamp and energize the agriculture sector, the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) in Varanasi organised a comprehensive farmer awareness programme on Thursday as part of the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025'. According to the IIVR authorities, the programme reached 2,063 farmers across 33 villages in six districts of Uttar Pradesh. Over 50 scientists from the institute engaged in direct technical discussions with farmers through face-to-face interactions. The campaign was conducted in Varanasi, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi and Kushinagar districts, with the highest participation of 462 farmers recorded in Kushinagar. In Varanasi district, 160 farmers from villages Pratappatti, Edilpur, Karaulli, and Daulatiya in Harahua and Sevapuri blocks participated in the programme. During the programme, farmers shared major challenges including Nilgai menace, irregular rainfall, water quality issues, soil health problems, market prices, high water table, urbanisation pressure, and availability of quality seeds. Scientists provided detailed information on natural farming, integrated pest management, new varieties, soil health management, crop diversification, direct seeded rice cultivation, summer ploughing, and govt schemes. IIVR director Rajesh Kumar, who was present at the Karaulli village programme in Varanasi, said, "This campaign is a significant initiative towards doubling farmers' income and promoting sustainable agriculture. Establishing direct dialogue with over 2,000 farmers today is extremely encouraging. Our responsibility is not limited to research alone, but extends to delivering scientific techniques to farmers and solving their problems. The positive response received from this campaign is highly inspiring for us." The institute has also announced regular follow-up programmes and establishment of demonstration plots. Lauding Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a national campaign aimed at educating farmers about modern and sustainable agricultural technologies as well as practices, CM Yogi Adityanath had on Thursday said that this was the first time when agricultural scientist would come out of their labs and other big institutions to take stock of the agricultural land at the ground level and devise strategies to meet the challenges the farmers face. Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Yogi said that the initiative will prove to be a foundation of the 'Viksit Bharat Abhiyan' envisioned by PM Modi. He said that agriculture scientists, officials from the agriculture and the allied sectors and farmers would come together to wheel in measures for higher agricultural productivity and growth.
