NILGAI
1. Context
A herd of nilgai, an antelope, was seen at a water body in Lucknow. They are Considered a Menace by Farmers, and governments in many northern states are struggling to manage their population
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2.What is Nilgai Antelope?
species native to the Indian subcontinent. Its scientific name is Boselaphus tragocamelus. Nilgai are the largest Asian antelope and are known for their distinctive bluish-gray color, with males being generally darker than females
Here are some key characteristics of the Nilgai Antelope:
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Size: Adult males are larger than females. Males can weigh up to 300 kg (660 lbs), while females are generally smaller.
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Coloration: As mentioned, Nilgai are known for their bluish-gray color, which is more pronounced in males. Females and young ones may have a lighter brownish-gray coat.
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Habitat: Nilgai are primarily found in grasslands and open forests. They are well adapted to a variety of habitats, including dry savannas, scrublands, and agricultural areas.
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Behavior: Nilgai are herbivores, feeding on grasses and vegetation. They are diurnal (active during the day) and are known to form small groups, although larger aggregations can be seen in areas with abundant resources.
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Conservation status: Nilgai are generally not considered threatened, and their populations are stable. They are widespread in their native range, which includes India, Nepal, and Pakistan
3.Behaviour and Habitat of the Nilgai
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Social Structure | Nilgai often form small groups, consisting of females and their offspring. Adult males are usually solitary or may form small bachelor groups. Males may become more territorial during the breeding season. |
| Activity Patterns | Diurnal; active during the day. Rest in shaded areas during the hottest part of the day. More active in the early morning and late afternoon. |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivores; primarily feed on grasses and vegetation. Known to graze on a variety of plants, including crops in agricultural areas. |
| Water Dependence | Not highly dependent on water sources but require water for drinking. Presence often associated with areas where water is available. |
| Communication | Communicate through vocalizations, including grunts, bellows, and snorts. Vocalizations play a role in social interactions and mating behaviors. |
| Territorial Behavior | Adult males may become territorial during the breeding season, marking territories and engaging in confrontations with other males, especially when competing for mating opportunities. |
| Geographic Range | Native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, and Pakistan. |
| Habitat Types | Found in diverse habitats, including grasslands, savannas, scrublands, and open forests. Adaptable to different environmental conditions, including semi-arid and arid regions. |
| Adaptability | Adaptable to various environmental conditions and can thrive in areas with varying levels of vegetation cover. |
| Human Proximity | Can adapt to human-altered landscapes and may be found in proximity to agricultural fields, where they may feed on crops. |
| Conservation Status | Populations are generally stable, and they are not considered threatened. Conservation efforts may focus on managing interactions with human activities. |
4.Conservation of the Nilgai
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the nilgai as a species of least concern.
- The nilgai is also protected under Schedule III of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India.
- Some of the major protected areas for the nilgai in India include Gir National Park and Satpura National Park
- The nilgai is a common animal in India, but is only sparsely found in Nepal and Pakistan. It prefers areas with short bushes and scattered trees in scrub forests and grassy plains. They are common in agricultural lands, but hardly occur in dense woods
- The nilgai has a stable population and is not currently listed as a threatened species. However, the proliferation of nilgai and wild boar is now endangering other wildlife. Their main predator, the wolf, has all but disappeared from its known, traditional ranges
- The nilgai has a short coat that is yellow-brown in females, and gradually turns blue-gray in males as they mature. It also has a mane on the nape and back, a "hair pennant" in the middle of the underside of the neck, white markings on cheek and edges of the lips, and a white throat patch
5.Major protected areas for the nilgai across India
The mighty nilgai thrives in various protected areas across India, finding refuge and sustenance in diverse landscapes. Here are some key havens worth mentioning:
North:
- Gir National Park (Gujarat): Home to iconic Asiatic lions, Gir also serves as a sanctuary for a sizeable nilgai population.
- Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan): Witness majestic tigers and the graceful gait of nilgai amidst the rugged terrains of Ranthambore.
- Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan): Once declared extinct in this reserve, nilgai have made a remarkable comeback thanks to successful conservation efforts.
Central:
- Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh): Immerse yourself in the lush sal forests of Kanha, where tigers, sloth bears, and nilgai find a harmonious coexistence.
- Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra): Spanning two states, Pench offers a thriving habitat for nilgai, interacting with a diverse array of wildlife.
- Satpura National Park (Madhya Pradesh): Discover the breathtaking terrain of Satpura, where hills, valleys, and plateaus form a scenic backdrop for nilgai herds.
South:
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra): Explore the teak forests of Tadoba, where tigers rule the land and nilgai graze peacefully in the undergrowth.
- Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan): Nestled around the imposing Kumbhalgarh Fort, this sanctuary provides a safe haven for various herbivores, including nilgai.
6.Way forward
While these protected areas serve as crucial strongholds, nilgai often venture beyond their boundaries. Open scrublands, agricultural lands, and even urban fringes form important parts of their range. Recognizing this, conservation efforts are increasingly focusing on creating corridors and fostering coexistence between humans and nilgai in landscapes outside official reserve
Source: The Hindu
