Wildlife and Environment of Madhya Pradesh

Environment-

With its largest forest cover and abundant natural resources, Madhya Pradesh has always been a rich state. Since most of the population depends on the natural resources for their livelihoods, environment becomes an important issue for Madhya Pradesh.
The conventional development discourses guide us on environment conservation and security issues in the state.
The State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) shows that total population of Madhya Pradesh stands at 72.6 million, out of which 52.5 million are located in rural parts, which rely on primary sectors like agriculture, horticulture, fishery, livestock, poultry and forestry for livelihoods.
This data gives a fair idea about how climate change is affecting and will continue to affect the ones dependent on the natural resources for their livelihood.

Wildlife –

Pench National Park

It is one of the prominent wildlife reserves in India to spot the Royal Bengal Located to the south of Satpura range in Seoni and Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh
It is home to endangered species like tiger

Kanha National Park

It is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India that forms the central Indian highlands.The national park is being popularized as the Tiger reserve and interestingly is being declared as one of the finest wildlife areas in the Spreading across two revenue districts the Mandala and the Kalaghat, Kanha National Park was declared a reserve forest in 1879 and revalued as a wildlife sanctuary in 1933. Its position was further upgraded to a national park in 1955.
It Is filled with large varieties of fauna out of which the jungle is best known for Barasingha, the swamp deer and is famously called ‘the jewel of Kanha’.
The hard ground swamp deer, popularly known as Barasingha in India, which was once close to extinction in Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, has been saved through a successful breeding program and conservation practices. After five decades of dedicated and efficient conservation work, the population of swamp deer in Kanha National Park is 800.

Barasingha, is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh. Three subspecies of southern swamp deer are found in the Indian These are the western swamp deer (found in Nepal), southern swamp deer (found in central & north India), and eastern swamp deer (found in Kaziranga and Dudhwa National Parks). Of these, the southern swamp deer have hard hooves and are adapted to hard ground, while the other two species are found in swampy areas.

Barasingha- the jewel of Kanha

Traditionally known as Dolhorina which is similar to the English name (Swamp Deer), Barasingha is the most abundant species found in Kanha Reserve.
This species is being recognized as the sub- Himalayan terai of North India, the hard ground Barasingha is an exclusive graminivorous deer species that totally depends on grasses and grasslands and shows a preference for aquatic It is the most peaceful species in Kanha that easily interacts with Chital.
They are often found to wade into water, frequently dipping its stifle to feed on water plants.
Hunting, poaching and diversion of the long grassland to agriculture in Central India has been the main causes of their depletion in counts and thus the reserve officials have taken some necessary steps so as to conserve their population Reintroduction of Barasingha
With the rewarding conservation efforts of the Kanha National Park, the officials of this reserve entirely focused on the preservation of the swamp deer who were the victims of poaching for their skin and beautiful horns.
Their objectives of wild life conservation included the relocation of Gaur to Bandhavgarh and Barasingha to Satpura Tiger Reserve.
With this effort at least 500 Barasingha were introduced in this national park to eight or nine different locations
Additionally, another project for the conservation of the tigers was also introduced that captured abouttwenty tigers to relocate them to the Satpura Tiger Reserve.

Swamp Deer (Barasingha) Brought Back from Extinction at Kanha National Park

The hard ground swamp deer, popularly known as Barasingha in India, which was once close to extinction in Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, has been saved through a successful breeding program and conservation practices. After five decades of dedicated and efficient conservation work, the population of swamp deer in Kanha National Park is 800.
Once close to extinction, rescued by successful conservation practices
The Southern Swamp Deer, a subspecies of Barasingha, is found exclusively in Kanha National Park. However, through the years, their numbers kept on decreasing due to rampant hunting, habitat loss and diseases.
In 1953, the number of southern swamp deer was 551, according to a report published in the fortnightly magazine,
This declined to 66 in 1967, a shocking state of affairs which brought it on the verge of extinction.
It was only because of successful, consistent and dedicated conservation work that the population ofthe southern swamp deer increased to 450 in 2015, and 800 in 2020. This is a major achievement, one that deserved to be applauded. L Krishnamurthy, field director of Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve.

Translocation of Southern Swamp Deer – Mixed Results

Although conservationists have tried to translocate the southern swamp deer to other habitats, the result hasn’t always been a successful one.
An example of this is the translocation of swamp deer being translocated to Bandhavgarh National Park in early 2000, which was largely a failure.
Similarly, in March 2019, four swamp deer died due to stress when they were being translocated from one zone to another in Satpura Tiger Reserve.
This failure isn’t just limited to Nepal too, tried location, but met with failure. In 2017, seven swamp deer were translocated from Shuklaphanta to Chitwan National Park.
However, in the following year, in March 2018, six of them died due to stress, with the translocation program being postponed.
Satpura Tiger Reserve is a good example of the mixed results of translocation of swamp deer.
Although four swamp deer died in 2019, their numbers have gradually increased since 2016, when they were introduced to the park for the first L Krishnamurthy, field director of Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve, says, “We have introduced 46 swamp deer since 2016 in two parts of the tiger reserve and it has responded well,” Krishnamurthy said. There were 33 swamp deer translocated in 2016 and another 13 translocated in February 2020. “The numbers increased to 80 in January 2020″.

The hard ground swamp deer, more popularly known as Barasingha, is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh. Three subspecies of southern swamp deer are found in the Indian subcontinent.
These are the western swamp deer (found in Nepal), southern swamp deer (found in central & north India), and eastern swamp deer (found in Kaziranga and Dudhwa National Parks).
Of these, the southern swamp deer have hard hooves and are adapted to hard ground, while the other two species are found in swampy areas.
Due to fears over the deer being wiped out, conservationists are trying to translocate them to other habitats. In early 2000, swamp deer were translocated to Bandhavgarh National Park, also in Madhya Pradesh, but it didn’t work out.
“There is a persistent fear that this species of deer is unable to get into dense jungle due to the complex 12 tines of its antlers. It is also highly inbred,” Krishnamurthy said.
Later, it was introduced in the Satpura Tiger Reserve in 2016, where its numbers are increasing.
“We have introduced 46 swamp deer since 2016 in two parts of the tiger reserve and it has responded well,” Krishnamurthy said. There were 33 swamp deer translocated in 2016 and another 13 translocated in February “The numbers increased to 80 in January 2020,” Krishnamurthy who monitored the whole relocation and conservation process

The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve

The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is located in the biogeographical region of the Deccan Peninsula and the Biotic Province of Central India. The Satpura mountain ranges cross India from west to east and Pachmarhi lies directly in its centre.
The highest peak is the Dhoopgarh, which reaches 1,352 metres above sea level, while the Pachmarhi hills are characterized by steep slopes in the northern regions.
The eastern boundary of the biosphere reserve lies along a road with cultivation farms, close to the Dudhi River, while the southern boundary borders the Tawa plateau.
Surface area (terrestrial): 498,172 ha
Core area(s): 155,523 ha
Buffer area(s): 178,558 ha
Transition area(s): 164,091 ha
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, the name Pachmarhi is derived from the Hindi words “Panch” (five) and “Marhi” (caves) – the famous Pandav Caves.
It is believed that these caves were built by the five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharatha era during their thirteen years of exile.
Various other caves around Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve have many ancient stories carved onto them as rock paintings, some of which are even 10,000 years old!

Fauna

Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve geomorphology and vegetation give rise to various habitats and ecological riches that support rich Most of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is covered with dense forest and it becomes an ideal habitat for wild animals.
Large mammal species in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve include tiger, leopard, wild boar, gaur, chital deer, muntjac deer, sambar deer, and Rhesus macaque.
The endemic fauna of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve includes chinkara, nilgai, Indian wolf, Indian gaur, wild dogs, Indian giant squirrel, and flying squirrel.
Submergence of the Tawa reservoir and the Denwa river provide ample habitats for fishes, crocodilesand otters.

Archaeological Caves

Pachmarhi plateau vicinity consists of a large number of cave shelters of great archaeological interests, contained in them are several rock paintings made by the local tribes.
Some of the archaeologically important ones among them are Mahadeo, Catacomb, Jatashankar, Pandav caves, Mandiadeo. The painting depicts a warrior with sword and shields, bows and arrows and also elephants, tigers, panthers, Cheetals, dogs, peacock, horses etc. Paintings of women are less common than men

Ecological Characteristics

Pachmarhi comprises three protection sites: the Bori Sanctuary, Satpura National Park and Pachmarhi Sanctuary – otherwise known as the Satpura Tiger Reserve. The Pachmarhi Plateau is also known as the ‘Queen of Satpura’, because it contains valleys, marshes, streams and waterfalls, all of which have led to the development of a unique and varied biodiversity.
Forests represent approximately 63% of the biosphere reserve’s area, while agricultural lands (30%), waste lands (2.18%), water bodies (5%) and human settlement areas (0.54%) account for the remainder. Tectona grandis (Teak) and Shorea robusta (Sal) are the most common and unique flora species found in the forests, with the latter found nowhere else in India. Tropical moist deciduous forests, tropical dry deciduous and central Indian sub-tropical hill forests are the major ecosystem types within The climate differs at all mountain levels and is characterized by strong monsoons.
There exist more than 150 species of flora used for medicinal purposes. In addition, 60 species of pteridophytes have been recorded, 48 of which are types of fern. Important species include Psilotumtriquetra (whisk fern) and Ophioglossum nudicaule (Adder’s-tongue ferns). The largest wild herbivores found in the reserve are Gaura, which together with bears, tigers and leopards, Ratufa indica (Giant Squirrel) and Spilornis cheela (Crested serpent eagle) are rare and endangered. Lastly, over 50 mammal species, 254 bird species, 30 reptile species and 50 butterfly species live in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is characterized by high population growth, with Gond tribesaccounting for 50% to 90% of the tribal population. They live in the forests and therefore have a special connection to the reserve. Korkus tribes introduced the cultivation of potatoes and made use of honeycombs to produce honey in significant quantities for commercial use. The area used to be notorious for hosting evil spirits, diseases and dangerous beasts.
These caves are of great archaeological interest, containing rock paintings up to 2,500 years old. Today, many Hindus festivals are celebrated near the ‘Nagpanchmi’ is celebrated in summer and the ‘Maha Shivratri’ fair occurs in March.
Conservation tactics were first introduced in 1865 with the banning of slash-and-burn A number of Reserve Forests were introduced, the most notable of which is the Bori Reserve Forest. Large sites also exist for grazing purposes, but with advent of severe overgrazing, particular grazing areas were created that permit only limited grazing activities.

History

The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve has a unique place in the history of the management of the forest of India.
The Indian forests experienced scientific management and conservation in 1862 which was started by demarcating Bori Reserve Forest, which lies in Bori Sanctuary.
This resulted in the establishment of the Forest Department in India for the first time.
The system of fire lines to control and manage the destructive annual summer fires were also first laid out in Bori Reserve Forest

The Satpura Biosphere Reserve

It composes three wildlife regions – the Bori range, Satpura and the Pachmarhi range.
The UNESCO listed Biosphere hosts over 150 species of flora that is used for medicinal purposes and over 50 mammal species, 254 bird species, 30 reptile species and 50 butterfly species, among a plethora of other species found here.
The verdant teak and sal forest is also home to rare and endangered animals like the gaur, bears, tigers, leopards, giant squirrels and crested serpent eagle. Linking two biodiversity hotspots — Eastern Himalaya and the Western Ghats — the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is frequently recognised as a ‘Genetic Express Highway’.
The Reserve is also home to two major tribes – the Gond tribes and Korkus tribe whereas the most primitive tribe, Bhariya, reside in the Patalkot region, which is a completely isolated valley in the Chhindwara district of Madhya here.
Large variety of exotic birds including the Crested Serpent Eagle, Spotted Owlet and the Common Kingfisher
This reservoir abuts the western boundary ofSatpura National From November to March, Tawa hosts an array of winter visitors that flock these waters. Some of them include

- steppe eagle( Endangered )
- Ruddy Shelduck ( least concern ) ,
- Northern Shoveler( least concern ) ,
- Osprey(least concern ) ,
- Tufted Duck(least concern ) ,
- Red Crested Pochard (least concern )

It is believed that the five Pandava brothers from Mahabharata built five caves that are located here – thus the place was named Panch (five) Marhi (caves)
Satpura National Park which is the only national park in India where walking safari is permitted

Bandhavgarh National Park

To showcase the mesmerizing natural beauty and eco-system of Madhya Pradesh, Ministry of Tourism presented a webinar on ‘Wild Wonders of Madhya Pradesh’ under Dekho Apna Desh webinar series
This national park captures the scenic beauty of around 32 hills.
Bandhav means brother and Garh means fort, which revolves around the story of Lord Ram who gifted the fort (which is situated at the top of the national park) to his brother Laxman and that’s how this national park got its name as Bandhavgarh National Park.

National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is home to over 300 species of birds, both migratory and resident.
- Bar-headed goose( least concern ),
- Pintail( least concern ) ,
- Comb Duck(least concern) ,
- Spotbill( Near threatened ) ,
- Common Teal( least concern ) ,
- Little Grebe( least concern ) ,
The Gharials that is endemic to Chambal river and other tributaries of Yamuna.
Red Crowned roof turtle( critically endangered ) that is generally seen basking on the river bank in this season.

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated on the Northern boundary of Neemuch and Mandsaur districts, Gandhi Sagar reservoir is yet another spot that provides shelter to many migratory birds.
The wildlife has an undulating topography and there are hillocks interspaced with plain areas.
Chambal is the main river of the area and some of the migratory birds that can be spotted here include
- Flamingo(least concern) ,
- Spoonbill(least concern) ,
- Ibis( Near threatened ) ,
- Herons(critically endangered ) ,
- Brahminy Duck(least concern) ,
- Pochard (Critically endangered ) .
Notably, the wildlife sanctuary has the second largest vulture() population of the state.

Van Vihar National Park

Van Vihar National Park is located on a hill adjacent to the upper lake within the city allows these winged visitors to make for an ideal habitat during winters.
Bird watching camps are being organized at the park to create awareness towards migratory birds, its habitat and the environment.
- Drongo, Woodpecker ( least concern ) ,
- bee-eater( least concern ) ,
- greater flamingo (least ) ,
- Greylag Goose ( least concern )
One may also get to see the very beautiful Sarus Crane( vulnerable ) and one can easily spot these on the banks of the upper lake.

Ken betwa river project

Cabinet approves Ken-Betwa river linking project at cost of Rs 44,605 cr
The project will provide an annual irrigation of 62 lakh ha, drinking water supply to a population of about 62 lakhs and also generate 103 MW of hydropower.
The Union Cabinet approved the funding and implementation of Ken-Betwa inter-linking of riversproject with a total cost of Rs 44,605 crore.
A proposal of this effect was approved in the meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The total cost of Ken-Betwa link project has been assessed at Rs.44,605 crore at 2020-21 price levels. The Union Cabinet has approved central support of Rs 39,317 crore for the project, covering grant of Rs 36,290 crore and loan of Rs 3,027 crore,” the statement said.
Under the Ken-Betwa link project, water will be transferred from Ken to Betwa river through the construction of Daudhan Dam and a canal linking the two rivers.
“The project will provide an annual irrigation of 62 lakh ha, drinking water supply to a population of about 62 lakhs and also generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW solar power,” the statement said.
The statement said that the project is proposed to be implemented in 8 years with “state of the art technology.”
“The project will be of immense benefit to the water-starved Bundelkhand region, spread across the states of MP and UP. This project will provide enormous benefits to the districts of Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Damoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpuri and Raisen of Madhya Pradesh and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi & Lalitpur of Uttar Pradesh,” the statement said.
“The project is expected to boost socio-economic prosperity in the backward Bundelkhand region on account of increased agricultural activities and employment generation. It would also help in arresting distress migration from this region,” it said.
“This project also comprehensively provides for environment management and For this purpose a comprehensive landscape management plan is under finalization by Wildlife Institute of India,” it added.
Earlier this year, on March 22, an agreement was signed between the Centre and two states – Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh – to implement the Ken-Betwa river linking project, which is the first major centrally-driven river interlinking project in the country.

Panna Tiger Reserve

It is a critical tiger habitat located in Vindhya Hill in northern Madhya Pradesh and fragile through dynamic dry deciduous forest.
This land is characterized by extensive plateaus and It is a land of mesmerizing waterfalls, naturals, archaeological splendors, legends & cultural richness. It is also the land of the Ken River, which lends it unparalleled beauty.
This land is sounded by natural boundaries like in north, it is surrounded by teak forest & in easte, it is surrounded by Teak-Kardhai mixed forest.
The NE-SW running Vindhya Hill ranges links the eastern and western population of wild animals.

General information

Core: 13 Sq Km
Buffer: 97 Sq Km
Total: 1 Sq Km

Kuno National Park

Located in the Vindhya Hills, the Kuno national park is spread over the districts of Sheopur and Morena in Madhya Pradesh.
The National Park derives its name from the Kuno river that flows through it.
It is a part of the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion and the forest types found in this area include the Northern tropical dry deciduous forest, Southern tropical dry deciduous forest, Dry Savannah forest & grassland, Tropical riverine forest.
The forest vegetation is dominated by Kardhai, Khair and Salai trees. It is widely believed that the Kardhai tree, which is found in abundance here, turns green even with just the presence of humidity in the atmosphere, even before the arrival of first monsoon showers.
In all, a total of 123 species of trees , 71 species of shrubs , 32 species of climbers and exotic species and 34 species of bamboo and grasses are found in Kuno National Park.
The main faunal species include Barking deer or Indian Muntjac, Chousingha or Four-horned antelope, Black buck, Gaur or Indian Bison, Desert Cat, Small Indian civet, Indian fox, Leopards, etc.
The significance of this area is strengthened by the fact that because of its aptness on various parameters Wildlife Institute of India chose this as the most suitable location for Lion Reintroduction Program in its study.
The area surrounding the Kuno river has been rich in biodiversity since ancient times. Its importance can be reflected in the 30,000-year-old cave paintings in nearby Pahargarh depicting multiple wild animals.
Recently, as part of Project Cheetah, Cheetahs from Namibia have been brought to the Kuno National Park. This is the first time India is witnessing Cheetahs after they became extinct close to 70 years ago.

Bandhavgarh National Park (contd.)

Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve located in the eastern Satpura hill range of Umaria and katni districts.
It lies between two other major protected Areas of Madhya Pradesh: Kanha Tiger Reserve on the southern side and Sanjay National Park on the north eastern side.
Bandhavgarh National Park came into existence in 1968 and was officially entitled as Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1997.

Topography

Bandhavgarh hill is a flat topped hill having gentle northerly slope corresponding to the lone dip of the Bandhavgarh sandstone beds. BTR lies in a deciduous zone and is covered with sandstone formations. It is a well-known aquifer and is characterized by porosity and permeability. Sandstone is capable of high recharge and discharge making it a storehouse of groundwater, resulting in high water tables in many parts of the Reserve.

History

Historically, the name “ Bandhavgarh” means (Bandhav = Brother and garh = Fort) and acquired the name Bandhavgarh with the name of the This fort was built and given to brother Lakshman by Lord Rama, to keep a watch on lanka and hence it acquired the name.
Reference to this is also found in the Narad Panch Ratna and Shiva Sanhita Puran.
The man-made caves with their inscriptions and rock-paintings have made archaeologists to date Bandhavgarh settlements back to Pre-Christ times if not pre-historic.
The earliest available historical data is from “Bhimseni Sanwat” which dates back to 300 A.D., during which the fort was under the BharhivasVakatak Inscriptions of king Bhimsen are still found in one of the caves.
Subsequently the fort came under the possession of Sengars, Kalachuris Rajputs and Baghels which were ruling the area till 1494 C.E. from 1495-1535 C.E. The Kuruvanshees took over the custody of the fort, however it came under the rule of Baghels again in 1535 A.D. Once the fort changed hands, it remained with the Baghels till the time of Independence of India.

Recent Excavations

Recently, the Archeological Survey of India found 26 Buddhist caves, remains of 26 temples, two mathas, two stupas, 46 idols and sculptures, 26 fragments and 19 water bodies in the Tiger Reserve.
A Buddhist pillar fragment containing a miniature stupa carving, dating to the 2nd-3rd century CE, and 24 Brahmi inscriptions from the 2nd-5th century CE, have also been found.
The places Kaushami, Mathura, Pavata (Parvata), Vejabharada and Sapatanaairikaa are mentioned in the Brahmini inscriptions, while the inscribed names of kings include Shri Bhimsena, Maharaja Pothasiri and Bhattadeva.
The 26 caves that were found are associated with the Mahayana sect of Buddhism
These date back to the same time as the Ajanta caves in Aurangabad.
The temples are from more recent times — the Kalachuri period (9th-11th century), while the water bodies range between 2nd-15th centuries CE.

Vegetation

The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve can be broadly classified into three categories –
1. Moist Peninsular Low-level Sal Forest
2. West Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
3. Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous- Forest
4. Dry Deciduous Scrub Forest
Grasslands or meadows occur all over the park. Important grasslands in BTR are Chakradhara, Bathan, Sehra, Rajbehra, Bhitri Bah, Jobi Bah, Kudrakeruvah, Kerawaha etc. Some of these have been cultivated in the past while some of the old grasslands along the ‘nalas’ are marshy in nature having plenty of aquatic plants.
Rare species of plants such as insectivorous plant ‘Drosera Peltata’, commonly known as Shield Sundew or Pale Sundew and medicinal plant locally known as Buch, scientific name-‘Acorus Calamus’, are found in isolated patches of the park.

Fauna

The Tiger Reserve is Known for the healthy population of tigers and variety of It has the greatest density of tiger population in India. This area is unique from the point of biodiversity, as it comprises hills,valleys, rivers, marshes and meadows to give rise to diverse vegetation.
Other animals include Leopard, Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), Bengal or Indian Fox, Sloth Bear, Smooth-coated Otter, Indian Rock Pyhton, Rusty Spotted Cat, Fishing Cat, Gaur and Wild Elephant
Apart from tiger, as many as 34 species of Mammals have been listed and nearly 260 species of birds and 70 species of butterfly

Endangered/endemic/near Threatened species

Royal Bengal tiger (endangered )

There are fewer than 2,000 Bengal Tigers left in the Hunting and human population growth are the main threats to Bengal Tigers
Due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, as well as hunting, three of the nine sub-species of tiger that have existed in modern times are now extinct

The tiger is one of the world’s largest carnivores and can weigh over 300 kg and reach up to 3.3 meters. Once ranging widely across Asia, from the eastern coast of Russia to the Caspian Sea in the west, the majestic tiger is now an endangered species.
It has disappeared from central and south west Asia, from Java and Bali in Indonesia and from large areas of south east and eastern Asia.
It is estimated that there has been as much as a 50 per cent decline in the world’s tiger population over the last three decades, with less than 4000 individuals currently in the wild.

Where they can be found

Tigers are currently found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia and Thailand.
There are five extent sub-species of tigers in the wild The South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) occurs only in captivity.
The Royal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the most numerous of all the sub-species and inhabits Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal. Of the approximately 2,500 Royal Bengal tigers in the world, around 103 individuals live in Bhutan today.
The Royal Bengal tigers mainly inhabit the tropical forests of the Indian sub-continent, but in Bhutan, they have been recorded as high as 4,500 meters above sea level.

Why they are important

As a top predator, tigers play an important role in maintaining a diverse and healthy forest ecosystem within their habitat landscapes.
As the apex of their food chain, tigers keep wild ungulate populations under control which upholds the balance of vegetation growth and In many countries, including Bhutan, tigers also hold a strong cultural significance.
Furthermore, tiger reserves act as a storehouse for carbon as large tract of forests are protected for How they are threatened
Habitat loss, prey depletion, poaching and human-wildlife conflicts are the major causes of population decline of tigers in the wild.
As they need large areas to support viable populations, the rapid development and growing populationof Asia poses a huge threat to their survival.
Pressure from commercial logging, and the expansion of agriculture and human settlements into forest landscapes contribute to the loss of tiger habitats and human-wildlife conflict. Infrastructure development including fences, roads and dams can further pose barriers to their movement and restrict their ability to find suitable habitat and food.
Another emerging threat is climate change, which may result in changes to the physical environment, including geographical and altitudinal range shifts in habitat extent, and impact the seasonality and rates of climate-related hazards including heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, cyclones and floods which may adversely affect tigers and their habitats.
For example, seasonal water scarcity in some areas of Bhutan is forcing tigers to move closer to human settlements, increasing the danger of human-wildlife conflicts.
Human responses to climate change may also contribute to such conflicts, therefore, the Vanishing Treasures programme is working together with local communities to find solutions to these problems. For instance, the provision of low-voltage electric fencing for agricultural land can protect cattle and reduce tension between humans and tigers.

Why they are important

As a top predator, tigers play an important role in maintaining a diverse and healthy forest ecosystem within their habitat landscapes.
As the apex of their food chain, tigers keep wild ungulate populations under control which upholds the balance of vegetation growth and In many countries, including Bhutan, tigers also hold a strong cultural significance.
Furthermore, tiger reserves act as a storehouse for carbon as large tract of forests are protected for tigers.

How they are threatened

Habitat loss, prey depletion, poaching and human-wildlife conflicts are the major causes of population decline of tigers in the wild.
As they need large areas to support viable populations, the rapid development and growing populationof Asia poses a huge threat to their survival.
Pressure from commercial logging, and the expansion of agriculture and human settlements into forest landscapes contribute to the loss of tiger habitats and human-wildlife conflict. Infrastructure development including fences, roads and dams can further pose barriers to their movement and restrict their ability to find suitable habitat and food.
Another emerging threat is climate change, which may result in changes to the physical environment, including geographical and altitudinal range shifts in habitat extent, and impact the seasonality and rates of climate-related hazards including heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, cyclones and floods which may adversely affect tigers and their habitats.
For example, seasonal water scarcity in some areas of Bhutan is forcing tigers to move closer to human settlements, increasing the danger of human-wildlife conflicts.
Human responses to climate change may also contribute to such conflicts, therefore, the Vanishing Treasures programme is working together with local communities to find solutions to these problems. For instance, the provision of low-voltage electric fencing for agricultural land can protect cattle and reduce tension between humans and tig

tiger

Wild Pigs ( endangered )

The species’ survival has been threatened by the loss and degradation of its habitats due to human activity such as settlement and agriculture, and the improper management of such areas
Other reasons are deforestation, considering them as farm pest

Monitor lizard ( threatened)

Due to illegal poaching monitor lizards have declined in population through out India.
Monitor Lizards are an endangered species today and is listed in Schedule I of Indian Wildlife Act.
Many species hold their heads erect on their long necks, which gives them the appearance of being alert.
These lizards mainly lose their numbers due to threats to their habitat, decreasing water resources, and hunting from humans from humans

Golden langur (threatened)

Endemic to northeast India and Bhutan, golden langurs are one of the world’s most endangered In Assam, most of their population is outside protected areas.
The distribution of the species in India (Assam) extends over 2,500 square kilometers, in the north of thebank of the Brahmaputra

Striped hyena ( Near threatened)

This species is threatened by loss of habitat and hunting. Also, striped hyenas are known to kill humans (especially children) and livestock and are often trapped or They are also hunted for their bodyparts which are used in medicine

Phyton (Near threatened)

The Indian python and other python species have long been hunted for their skins, which are made into fashionable accessories, and trapped for the pet trade.
Additionally, this species of snake is threatened by shrinking habitat caused by deforestation.

Phyton

Leopard ( Near threatened)

Wild leopards are under threat, largely due to human pressures and habitat loss, while captive animals suffer in zoos, circuses and under private ownership.
Although they often breed well in captivity, it is extremely difficult to return a captive-bred big cat to the wild and this almost never happens.

Leopard

Malabar Pied Hornbill (Near threatened )

This species probably has a moderately small population, and is likely to have declined as a result of continuing habitat loss

Flying squirrel ( Critically endangered)

Like most squirrels, they sniff out nuts, but also feast on lichen and The northern flying squirrel, in fact, plays an important role in forests by eating, storing and distributing truffle spores.
These fungi tucked in the complex soils of undisturbed forests help trees access vital nutrients and water

Red crowned roofed turtle ( critically endangered )

High levels of hunting and habitat degradation, including pollution and large-scale water extraction projects for agriculture and human consumption, have decimated populations of Red-crowned Roof Turtles.

Peacock ( endangered )

Peacocks are threatened due to habitat loss, smuggling, hunting and predation.
The poaching of peacocks for their feathers is one of the main reasons peacock populations have decreased by more than 50 percent

peacock

Otter ( endangered )

Illegal gold mining and deforestation are endangering wild otters.
Giant otters, endangered top predators which live in Amazon river ecosystems, were nearly wiped out because of demand for their fur.

Otter

Crocodile ( endangered )

Occurring mostly outside of protected areas, crocodiles are threatened by hunting and habitat loss.
Hatchling survival is also very low and there are not enough unspoilt water bodies for juvenile crocodilesto grow up in safety.

Indian skimmer ( endangered )

The decreasing population has led it to being classed as Endangered by the It is threatened by habitat loss and degradation, pollution and disturbance by humans.
Most colonies are unprotected but some lie within nature reserves such as National Chambal Sanctuary in India

Three stripped roofed turtle ( endangered )

Shell length of females can reach up to 48 cm while for males it is only 26 They are found in moderate to large rivers and nest on sand banks. Their peak nesting season is March and April. Males are omnivorous while the diet of females is unknown.
The species is heavily exploited for its flesh.
Loss of habitat, due to human interference.

Steeple Eagle ( endangered )

The threats to this species consist of increasing steppe fires and pests around the nests (both probably increased by the warming climate) which can cause a large volume of nest failures

Ibis ( near threatened )

The survival of Giant Ibis is seriously threatened by habitat destruction, hunting, and human disturbance. Deforestation and the draining of wetlands for agriculturalexpansion reduce the extent of wetlands available for these waterbirds live and breed

Ibis

Herons ( critically endangered.)

This heron is classified as Critically Endangered because it has an extremely small and rapidly declining population. This decline is projected to increase in the near future as a result of the loss and degradation of lowland forest and wetlands, and through direct exploitation and disturbance.

Pochard ( critically endangered)

Their rapid population decline is likely due to hunting and habitat loss

Sambar deer

The deer, Sambar, Rusa unicolor, is a species of deer found mostly in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and South China.
These are a species of large deers and are one of the largest members of the deer family. There are overseven subspecies of the Sambar deer.
This species of deer was first considered a part of the genus Cervus and had the scientific name Cervus unicolor.
But now, they have been put in the genus The scientific name of Sambar deer now is Rusa unicolor.
This species is also known as Indian Sambar, Rusa unicolor, because of their heritage in the range of the Indian continent.
This deer species is fairly shy and nocturnal in They are known to be mainly active in the twilight and at night.
Because of the shy nature and alertness of the deer species, they freeze instantly if disturbed. When they sense danger, these species are known to stamp their feet and make a ringing call called ‘pooking’ or ‘belling’.
The Sambar deer is one of the largest species of deers found in the world.
The Sambar Deer are herbivore and feeds on different types of leaves, bamboo shoots, grass, and fruit.
The super Sambar deer facts include their heightened sense of hearing to know about their predators from long-range.
The Sambar Deer in India is found in almost all corners of the country but mostly concentrated in the central Kanha, Corbett, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Gir, Dudhwa, Manas, Kaziranga, and Sariska are some of the parks where the Sambar Deer can be spotted.

How many Sambar Deers are there in the world?

The total population size of the Sambar deer is unknown at the In India, the population size is said to exceed 50,000 and in Australia, there are more than 5,000 individuals currently. But due to the Sambar deer hunting practices, this population is slowly declining.

What is a Sambar Deer’s habitat?

Mostly found in the wild, the Sambar deer habitat has to include a water body. They are always found near water and in a broad range of forests like dry deciduous forests, rain forests, and mixed This range of the Sambar deer starts from the Himalayas to the South part of Asia and ends at the islands of Taiwan, Sumatra, and Borneo.

How long does a Sambar Deer live?

The average life span of these wild animals is 20-26 The age also depends on the amount of predation they face from the wild foes during the hunt.

How do they reproduce?

The territories are already established by the males. They attract the females by vocal displays and smells. The males tend to be very aggressive during the breeding season, which is usually between September and Females have a gestation period of about nine months. Only one fawn (young deer in the first year) is born, and the calves are very active at birth. The females care for the calves for the next two years. The male does not have a bigger role in the nurturing of the calves.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of the Sambar deer has been kept as Vulnerable by the IUCN. They are hunt by wild predators and humans alike, for food. They are often found as food items on the menu in places where the species is not protected.
Hunting practices in Vincent Island Florida, New Zealand, and Australia have led to much of the decline in numbers of the Sambar deer. The Sambar deer hunt for their antlers, and most importantly the meat has escalated the locals of New Zealand and the other hunting countries to try and protect the species from the poachers

Are Sambar Deer endangered?

They are not endangered They are a protected species, classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN in 2008.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals from our axis deer facts and ankole watusi fun facts pages
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Sambar deer coloring pages.

Blackbuck

Africa is considered as the centre of radiation of antelopes and gazelles, where nearly 100 species are found but India has perhaps the most graceful antelope, the Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra).
Blackbuck is found only in the Indian subcontinent, mainly in three countries: India, where nearly 95 per cent of the population is present, Nepal, where a small population survives in the arid part of the Nepal plains or Terai, and Pakistan, where it is extinct as a free-ranging animal but an introduced population is found in the Lal Suhanra National Park in Bahawalpur, Southern Punjab province.
Blackbuck is the finest representative of arid and semi-arid short grass plains that were once abundant in undivided Punjab, Haryana, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and down southup to Tamil Nadu.
It is a denizen of open countryside, avoiding forest and hilly areas. When the Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) was found in India—the last was seen in 1951—Blackbuck was its main prey, along with Indian Gazelle (“Chinkara”) in some areas.
There are numerous Mughal and Rajput paintings showing Cheetah chasing a herd of Blackbuck.
Sadly, Blackbuck is now a rare species, surviving in small scattered herds in about 13 states of India. Possibly only 1 per cent of the former numbers survive now although distribution has not shrunk so India.
It is still found from Punjab and Haryana in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south, and Rajasthan-Gujarat in the west to Odisha in the east, but nowhere in vast herds.
The best numbers are seen in the Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, Bhavnagar, Gujarat where a tiny 34 km protected grassland is zealously protected by the Forest Department.
Another notable area is Tal Chhapar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Churu district, This 7 sq km sanctuary may have about a thousand animals. Point Calimere Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is another place to see these graceful animals.
In Rajasthan, however, there are many areas such as Guda Vishnoiyan, Dhawa Doli and Kankania (where actor Salman Khan allegedly hunted them in 1998) that are protected by the Bishnoi community who consider Blackbuck Similar is the case in Haryana and Punjab where a few thousand Blackbuck are surviving in Bishnoi-dominated areas.
Blackbuck is also found on the Deccan Plateau where, thanks to good protection, their numbers have increased in recent years.
They generally live in agriculture-dominated landscapes, finding refuge in grassland plots created to stop soil erosion.
There is only one Blackbuck Sanctuary in the Deccan where they were once found in millions, providing abundant food for the Deccani Cheetah, famous for its hunting skills, to the delight of local Maharajahs
The sanctuary is the small Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary in Ahmadnagar, MaharaMaharaja
Blackbuck and Cheetah shared their grassland habitat with the Great Indian Bustard (GIB)—a species that has disappeared with most parts of its range.

If we map the distribution of Blackbuck and Great Indian Bustard, both will be found more or less in the same areas, except in Western Rajasthan (Thar desert) where Blackbuck is not found.
Blackbuck has to drink every day so wherever surface water is not available throughout the year as in the Thar Desert, it is absent.
While the GIB is a facultative drinker—drinks water if available, otherwise, it can live without water for many days, or even months.
Poaching, habitat destruction, habitat fragmentation, urbanisation and neglect are the major causes for the disappearance of Blackbuck.
A new menace has appeared in the form of free-ranging village dogs which now roam all over India, killing Blackbuck, Chinkara, Nilgai and eating eggs of the Sarus Crane, Black-necked Crane (in Ladakh) and many ground-nesting birds.
There is an urgent need to control their numbers before they exterminate some species.
In order to save species like Blackbuck and Great Indian Bustard, we have to give more attention to grasslands.