Table of Contents
Relevance: APPSC Group I Environmental issues, biodiversity and wildlife conservation
- Prelims: Indian Gaur, Bos gaurus, Papikonda National Park, Godavari Valley, Eastern Ghats, Eco-Sensitive Zone, Indukuru Reserve Forest, Rampachodavaram Forest Division, wire snare, Animal Rescue Centre–Visakhapatnam, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
- Mains: Wildlife crime, anti-poaching surveillance, habitat protection, species conservation, veterinary rehabilitation, community participation, protected-area management
Why in News?
- Forest officials rescued a 750-kg female Indian gaur trapped in a wire snare in the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Papikonda National Park. The animal was discovered during patrolling in the Indukuru Reserve Forest.
About the Indian Gaur
- The Indian gaur, scientifically known as Bos gaurus, is a large wild bovine commonly referred to as the Indian bison.
Its important characteristics include:
- A strongly built body with a muscular shoulder ridge
- Dark brown or blackish coat in adults
- Distinctive white markings on the lower legs
- Curved horns present in both males and females
- A largely herbivorous diet consisting of grasses, leaves, shoots and fruits
- Preference for forest–grassland landscapes with adequate water
Gaurs play an important ecological role by influencing vegetation and serving as prey for large carnivores such as tigers.
Conservation Status
- Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed in Schedule I, receiving the highest degree of legal protection.
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Included in Appendix I, which restricts international commercial trade.
Hunting, trapping or trading in the species is prohibited except under narrowly defined legal circumstances.
About Papikonda National Park
Papikonda National Park is located in the northern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, along the Godavari River.
- The area was initially notified as a wildlife sanctuary and later upgraded to a national park.
- It contains rugged hills, valleys, riverine habitats and moist and dry deciduous forests.
- Its fauna includes gaur, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, sambar, spotted deer and several bird species.
- The Papikonda Hill Range was historically known as the “Bison Hills” because of the presence of Indian gaur.
What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone?
- An Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) is an area notified around a national park or wildlife sanctuary to act as a transition zone or “shock absorber” against harmful human activities.
An ESZ is not necessarily a complete no-activity zone. Activities are classified as:
- Prohibited
- Regulated
- Permitted or promoted
Its purpose is to minimise ecological damage, habitat fragmentation and pressure from development around protected areas.
Why are Wire Snares a Serious Threat?
Wire snares are simple but highly dangerous hunting devices.
- They are indiscriminate and can trap non-target animals.
- Trapped animals may suffer deep wounds, infection, starvation or death.
- Snares are difficult to detect in dense forests.
- Their presence may indicate hunting pressure and weaknesses in surveillance.
- Large animals can injure themselves further while attempting to escape.
Conclusion
The rescue of the Indian gaur reflects the importance of vigilant patrolling and timely veterinary care. However, the presence of a hunting snare within an Eco-Sensitive Zone reveals continuing threats to protected wildlife. Effective conservation requires stronger enforcement, scientific monitoring and the participation of local communities in safeguarding the biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian gaur:
- Its scientific name is Bos gaurus.
- It is a herbivorous wild bovine.
- It is listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Its international commercial trade is unrestricted under CITES.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
Statement-wise Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The scientific name of the Indian gaur is Bos gaurus.
Statement 2 is correct: It is a wild herbivore that feeds on grasses, leaves, shoots and fruits.
Statement 3 is correct: The gaur receives protection under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Statement 4 is incorrect: The gaur is included in CITES Appendix I; therefore, its international commercial trade is highly restricted.
FAQs
1. What is the scientific name of the Indian gaur?
The scientific name of the Indian gaur is Bos gaurus.
2. Where was the gaur rescued?
It was rescued from the Indukuru Reserve Forest in the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Papikonda National Park.
3. Where is Papikonda National Park located?
It is located in the northern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh along the Godavari River.
4. Why was the Papikonda Hill Range called “Bison Hills”?
The range was historically associated with a thriving population of Indian gaur, commonly called Indian bison.
5. Why are wire snares dangerous to wildlife?
They indiscriminately trap animals and can cause serious injuries, infection, starvation and death.
