In Palamu Tiger Reserve, Jharkhand, the Jharkhand Forest Department, in an effort to stem the catastrophic decline of Indian Gaur (bison), has initiated an intensive study. This effort demonstrates the need to protect this iconic species, whose numbers have declined to critical levels.
Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR):
- PTR, covering an area of 1129.93 sq. km, is one of the major protected areas in Jharkhand
- The Palamau Tiger Reserve was constituted in the year 1974 under PROJECT TIGER. It is one of the first 9 tiger reserves created in the country at the inception of ‘Project Tiger’.
- It also includes Betla National Park, one of the most important tourism and observation centres of the country.
- It is situated on the Chotanagpur Plateau, which makes it so biodiverse.
Betla National Park:
- Betla National Park, within the PTR, covers 226.33 sq. km.
- It also provides a home to Bison, Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, and Axis-Axis (chital).
About Indian Bison:
- The Indian bison, of Gaur is the largest and tallest in the family of wild cattle.
- Scientific Name: Bos gaurus
- Distribution: Gaurs are indigenous to the southern and southeastern parts of Asia.
- Habitat:
- Gaurs are primarily the denizens of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests along with moist deciduous forests with open grasslands.
- They prefer hilly terrains below an altitude of 1,500-1,800 m with large and undisturbed forest tracts and abundant water.
- Features:
- The Indian bison is about 240 cm to 340 cm in length, with a sole tail length of about 70 cm to 105 cm. Their height is about 170 cm to 230 cm.
- The adult male weighs around 600 kg to 1500 kg, and the adult female weighs about 400 kg to 1000 kg.
- They have a convex shape on the forehead.
- The limbs are very strong and sturdy.
- Both males and females possess horns. The horns are pale green or yellowish brown in colour and are not pointed upward but possess a slightly inward curvature.
- They have a typically short tail.
- The gaur is a social animal. They generally live in group sizes of about 30 to 40.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
- It is listed in CITES Appendix I.
Gaur Population Concerns:
- The population of Gaur in PTR has faced a lot of challenges, and the population is declining, which is very alarming.
- Habitat fragmentation, poaching, and disease from domestic livestock are major threats.
Jharkhand Forest Department Actions:
The department is carrying out studies to ascertain the exact causes of the decline in the population of Gaur.
Conservation efforts include:
- Enhanced anti-poaching measures.
- Habitat improvement initiatives.
- Vaccination programmes for domestic cattle to minimise disease risks.
Study Focus:
The study aims to:
- Conduct accurate population surveys.
- Analyse habitat conditions and identify critical areas.
- Assess disease prevalence and transmission risks.
- Develop targeted conservation strategies.
“Protection of the gaur population is our priority, and we will use all available means to ensure the long-term survival of this important species in the Palamu Tiger Reserve,” a Jharkhand Forest Department official said.
The move reflects Jharkhand’s continued commitment to wildlife conservation and the need to protect its rich natural heritage.
