🛑Olive Ridley Turtles
The Olive ridley turtles are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.
Protection Status:
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Scheduled 1
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
CITES: Appendix I
The olive ridley sea turtle also known commonly as the Pacific ridley sea turtle,
Lepidochelys olivacea ( Scientific Name) is found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but also in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean
The Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is known as the world’s largest rookery (colony of breeding animals) of sea turtles.
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is one of the three parts of the Bhitarkanika National Park.
They are best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs.
100 to 140 eggs are laid by the adult female turtle at a time.
They lay their eggs over a period of five to seven days in conical nests about one and a half feet deep which they dig with their hind flippers.
The olive ridley’s sense of magnetic field is responsible for their set behaviour. Environmental cues like sea currents, the sun’s position, surface winds, temperature, seasons and moon are taken into account by the turtles
In Odisha, the population that congregates yearly represents about 50% of the total world population of Olive Ridleys and about 90% of the Indian population of sea turtles.
To reduce accidental killing in India, the Orissa government has made it mandatory for trawls to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), a net specially designed with an exit cover which allows the turtles to escape while retaining the catch. However, this has been strongly opposed by the fishing communities as they believe TEDs result in loss of considerable amount of the catch along with the turtle.
Five species of sea turtles are known to inhabit Indian coastal waters and islands.
Olive Ridley turtle
Green turtle
Hawksbill turtle
Loggerhead turtle
Leatherback turtle
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The Olive ridley turtles are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.
Protection Status:
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Scheduled 1
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
CITES: Appendix I
The olive ridley sea turtle also known commonly as the Pacific ridley sea turtle,
Lepidochelys olivacea ( Scientific Name) is found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but also in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean
The Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is known as the world’s largest rookery (colony of breeding animals) of sea turtles.
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is one of the three parts of the Bhitarkanika National Park.
They are best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs.
100 to 140 eggs are laid by the adult female turtle at a time.
They lay their eggs over a period of five to seven days in conical nests about one and a half feet deep which they dig with their hind flippers.
The olive ridley’s sense of magnetic field is responsible for their set behaviour. Environmental cues like sea currents, the sun’s position, surface winds, temperature, seasons and moon are taken into account by the turtles
In Odisha, the population that congregates yearly represents about 50% of the total world population of Olive Ridleys and about 90% of the Indian population of sea turtles.
To reduce accidental killing in India, the Orissa government has made it mandatory for trawls to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), a net specially designed with an exit cover which allows the turtles to escape while retaining the catch. However, this has been strongly opposed by the fishing communities as they believe TEDs result in loss of considerable amount of the catch along with the turtle.
Five species of sea turtles are known to inhabit Indian coastal waters and islands.
Olive Ridley turtle
Green turtle
Hawksbill turtle
Loggerhead turtle
Leatherback turtle
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🛑Red Sanders
The genus Pterocarpus belongs to the family Papilionaceae, which comprises of about 15 species worldwide and are widely distributed in the Tropics, of which 5 species occur in India.
Pterocarpus santalinus is one of the most valuable plant species found in Southern parts of India.
Owing to the reddish colour of the heartwood of this plant, it is popularly known as ‘Red sandalwood’. It is otherwise known as ‘Red Sanders’ in trade.
Since the plant species is resistant to drought, it is considered as an excellent species for planting in hot and dry areas of South India
The heartwood of this plant is heavily impregnated with red dye called ‘santalin’, for which it is valued. It is immune to white ants and other insects and does not require antiseptic treatment. This tree is earning
maximum foreign exchange to Andhra Pradesh State government
Botanical Synonyms: Ligonium santalinum
Distribution: This plant occurs as an endemic species in the hills of Cuddapah, Kurnool, Chittoor, Nellore and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh and sporadically occurring in some pockets of adjoining states
of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka at an altitude range of 200 – 900 m (Pullaiah
and Chennaiah, 1997).
It cannot withstand water logging.
Phenology: Flowering period from April to July; fruiting period from
September to February.
Plant part used: Heartwood, used in Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, Tibetian and folk medicines.
Medicinal properties and uses: The heartwood of P. santalinus is considered as cooling, astringent, antipyretic, diaphoretic, febrifuge and tonic in action.
It is employed in drug formulations used in the treatment of dysentery, bilious affections and diseases of blood.
The wood paste is externally applied to cure skin inflammation, headache, fever, scorpion sting, skin diseases and to strengthen eyesight.
It has remarkable property of healing pimples, scars, boils, wounds, burnt marks, black spots, eczema and other blemishes of skin.
It can make the skin smooth and attractive.
In European medicine, it is used as a colouring agent. It is well known ingredient of French polish
Seeds are viable upto one year
Family Pterocarpaceae
Ayurvedic name Rakta chandan
Unani name Sandal surkh
Hindi name Lal chandan
Trade name Lal chandan, Red sanders
Parts used Heartwood and bark
IUCN Red List: Endangered.
CITES: Appendix II
Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule II
They are usually growing in the rocky, degraded and fallow lands with Red Soil and a hot and dry climate.
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The genus Pterocarpus belongs to the family Papilionaceae, which comprises of about 15 species worldwide and are widely distributed in the Tropics, of which 5 species occur in India.
Pterocarpus santalinus is one of the most valuable plant species found in Southern parts of India.
Owing to the reddish colour of the heartwood of this plant, it is popularly known as ‘Red sandalwood’. It is otherwise known as ‘Red Sanders’ in trade.
Since the plant species is resistant to drought, it is considered as an excellent species for planting in hot and dry areas of South India
The heartwood of this plant is heavily impregnated with red dye called ‘santalin’, for which it is valued. It is immune to white ants and other insects and does not require antiseptic treatment. This tree is earning
maximum foreign exchange to Andhra Pradesh State government
Botanical Synonyms: Ligonium santalinum
Distribution: This plant occurs as an endemic species in the hills of Cuddapah, Kurnool, Chittoor, Nellore and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh and sporadically occurring in some pockets of adjoining states
of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka at an altitude range of 200 – 900 m (Pullaiah
and Chennaiah, 1997).
It cannot withstand water logging.
Phenology: Flowering period from April to July; fruiting period from
September to February.
Plant part used: Heartwood, used in Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, Tibetian and folk medicines.
Medicinal properties and uses: The heartwood of P. santalinus is considered as cooling, astringent, antipyretic, diaphoretic, febrifuge and tonic in action.
It is employed in drug formulations used in the treatment of dysentery, bilious affections and diseases of blood.
The wood paste is externally applied to cure skin inflammation, headache, fever, scorpion sting, skin diseases and to strengthen eyesight.
It has remarkable property of healing pimples, scars, boils, wounds, burnt marks, black spots, eczema and other blemishes of skin.
It can make the skin smooth and attractive.
In European medicine, it is used as a colouring agent. It is well known ingredient of French polish
Seeds are viable upto one year
Family Pterocarpaceae
Ayurvedic name Rakta chandan
Unani name Sandal surkh
Hindi name Lal chandan
Trade name Lal chandan, Red sanders
Parts used Heartwood and bark
IUCN Red List: Endangered.
CITES: Appendix II
Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule II
They are usually growing in the rocky, degraded and fallow lands with Red Soil and a hot and dry climate.
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🛑Great Indian Bustard (GIB) or Godavan
International Union for Conservation of Nature
Red List: Critically Endangered
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix1
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule 1
Scientific Name : Ardeotis nigriceps
Population : Around 150.
Height : 100 cms or 1 metre
Length : Wingspan of 210-250 cm
Weight : 15-18 kg
REPRODUCTION SEASON : March-September
BABY NAME : chick
Appearance : The great Indian bustard can easily be distinguished by its black crown on the forehead contrasting with the pale neck and head. The body is brownish and the wings are marked with black, brown and grey. Males and females generally grow to the same height and weight but males have larger black crowns and a black band across the breast.
BREEDING SEASON : They breed mostly during the monsoon season when females lay a single egg on open ground.
MATING BEHAVIOR :Great Indian bustards have a polygynous mating system, where each male mates with a number of females.
Males gather into a special group called "lek", performing displays in order to attract females
Males have a gular pouch, which helps produce a resonant booming mating call to attract females and can be heard up to a distance of 500 metres. Males play no role in the incubation and care of the young, which remain with the mother till the next breeding season.
PREYING STYLE : These birds are opportunist eaters. Their diet ranges widely depending on the seasonal availability of food. They feed on grass seeds, insects like grasshoppers and beetles, and sometimes even small rodents and reptiles.
Conservation Issues :It has also been identified as one of the species for the recovery programme under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. The biggest threat to this species is hunting, which is still prevalent in Pakistan. This is followed by occasional poaching outside Protected Areas, collisions with high tension electric wires, fast moving vehicles and free-ranging dogs in villages. Other threats include habitat loss and alteration as a result of widespread agricultural expansion and mechanized farming, infrastructural development such as irrigation, roads, electric poles, as well as mining and industrialization.
HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION : Historically, the great Indian bustard was distributed throughout Western India, spanning 11 states, as well as parts of Pakistan. Its stronghold was once the Thar desert in the north-west and the Deccan plateau of the peninsula. Today, its population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Small population occur in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Bustards generally favour flat open landscapes with minimal visual obstruction and disturbance, therefore adapt well in grasslands. In the non-breeding season they frequent wide agro-grass scrub landscapes. While in the breeding season (summers and monsoons) they congregate in traditional undisturbed grassland patches characterized by a mosaic of scantily grazed tall grass (below 50 cm). They avoid grasses taller than themselves and dense scrub like thickets.
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International Union for Conservation of Nature
Red List: Critically Endangered
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix1
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule 1
Scientific Name : Ardeotis nigriceps
Population : Around 150.
Height : 100 cms or 1 metre
Length : Wingspan of 210-250 cm
Weight : 15-18 kg
REPRODUCTION SEASON : March-September
BABY NAME : chick
Appearance : The great Indian bustard can easily be distinguished by its black crown on the forehead contrasting with the pale neck and head. The body is brownish and the wings are marked with black, brown and grey. Males and females generally grow to the same height and weight but males have larger black crowns and a black band across the breast.
BREEDING SEASON : They breed mostly during the monsoon season when females lay a single egg on open ground.
MATING BEHAVIOR :Great Indian bustards have a polygynous mating system, where each male mates with a number of females.
Males gather into a special group called "lek", performing displays in order to attract females
Males have a gular pouch, which helps produce a resonant booming mating call to attract females and can be heard up to a distance of 500 metres. Males play no role in the incubation and care of the young, which remain with the mother till the next breeding season.
PREYING STYLE : These birds are opportunist eaters. Their diet ranges widely depending on the seasonal availability of food. They feed on grass seeds, insects like grasshoppers and beetles, and sometimes even small rodents and reptiles.
Conservation Issues :It has also been identified as one of the species for the recovery programme under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. The biggest threat to this species is hunting, which is still prevalent in Pakistan. This is followed by occasional poaching outside Protected Areas, collisions with high tension electric wires, fast moving vehicles and free-ranging dogs in villages. Other threats include habitat loss and alteration as a result of widespread agricultural expansion and mechanized farming, infrastructural development such as irrigation, roads, electric poles, as well as mining and industrialization.
HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION : Historically, the great Indian bustard was distributed throughout Western India, spanning 11 states, as well as parts of Pakistan. Its stronghold was once the Thar desert in the north-west and the Deccan plateau of the peninsula. Today, its population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Small population occur in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Bustards generally favour flat open landscapes with minimal visual obstruction and disturbance, therefore adapt well in grasslands. In the non-breeding season they frequent wide agro-grass scrub landscapes. While in the breeding season (summers and monsoons) they congregate in traditional undisturbed grassland patches characterized by a mosaic of scantily grazed tall grass (below 50 cm). They avoid grasses taller than themselves and dense scrub like thickets.
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🛑Asiatic lions
Listed in Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, in Appendix I of CITES
IUCN Red List : Endangered
Scientific Name : Panthera leo persica
POPULATION SIZE - 350 around
LIFE SPAN - 16-18 YRS
TOP SPEED - 56 KM/H
WEIGHT - 110-190 KG
HEIGHT - 110 CM
LENGTH - 1.4-2.5 M
There are only several hundred Asiatic lions in the wild, and they only live in the Gir Forest, India, in an area that is smaller than Greater London.
Asian lions are slightly smaller than African lions.
Unlike African lions, the males do not tend to live with the females of their pride unless they’re mating or have a large kill.
Asian lions used to range from Turkey, across Asia, to eastern India, but the rise of firearms across the world meant that they were hunted to near-extinction for sport.
The male Asiatic lion has a relatively short, sparse and darker mane compared to the fuller mane of the African lion.
As a result, the male Asiatic lion's ears tend to remain visible at all times.
The most distinguishing characteristic of the Asiatic lion is the longitudinal fold of skin that runs along its belly. This is absent in African lions.
Today, the remaining wild lions are vulnerable to disease, disaster and potential poaching, and have to live alongside a growing human population that also needs the land for cattle and crops
Five protected areas currently exist to protect the Asian lion: Gir Sanctuary, Gir National Park and Pania Sanctuary to form the Gir Conservation Area (GCA) covering an area of 20,000 km2 of forest representing the core habitat for the Asiatic lion.
The other two wildlife sanctuaries, Mitiyala and Girnar, protect satellite areas within dispersal distance of the Gir Conservation Area.
An additional sanctuary is being established in the nearby Barda forest to serve as an alternative home for Gir lions
The population has steadily increased since 2010.
The lion is one of five pantherine cats native to India, along with the Bengal tiger (P. tigris tigris), Indian leopard (P. pardus fusca), snow leopard (P. uncia) and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa).
It was also known as the Indian lion and the Persian lion
They belong to the category of the only wild cat, found in India, that hunt in pride
They are predators and can be defined as carnivores. Asiatic Lion mostly preys are nilgai (blue antelope), chital (spotted deer), sambhar, cattle, and buffaloes found in Gir National Park.
They are active only for about 4 hours a day, spending the remainder in sleep or at rest.
Mating season for Asiatic lions continues throughout the year. The gestation period lasts for between 100 and 119 days, after which a litter of up to 6 cubs is born.
Cubs are born blind and can open their eyes after 11 days. They start walking when they are 15 days old and run by 1 month of age. They are taken care of by all the females of its pride. Males that take over the pride kill cubs belonging to the defeated male to ensure that the lionesses attain estrus in a few weeks so that he can copulate and his progeny is carried forward.
Male lions become sexually mature at 5 years of age while lionesses attain gusto at 4 years.
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Listed in Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, in Appendix I of CITES
IUCN Red List : Endangered
Scientific Name : Panthera leo persica
POPULATION SIZE - 350 around
LIFE SPAN - 16-18 YRS
TOP SPEED - 56 KM/H
WEIGHT - 110-190 KG
HEIGHT - 110 CM
LENGTH - 1.4-2.5 M
There are only several hundred Asiatic lions in the wild, and they only live in the Gir Forest, India, in an area that is smaller than Greater London.
Asian lions are slightly smaller than African lions.
Unlike African lions, the males do not tend to live with the females of their pride unless they’re mating or have a large kill.
Asian lions used to range from Turkey, across Asia, to eastern India, but the rise of firearms across the world meant that they were hunted to near-extinction for sport.
The male Asiatic lion has a relatively short, sparse and darker mane compared to the fuller mane of the African lion.
As a result, the male Asiatic lion's ears tend to remain visible at all times.
The most distinguishing characteristic of the Asiatic lion is the longitudinal fold of skin that runs along its belly. This is absent in African lions.
Today, the remaining wild lions are vulnerable to disease, disaster and potential poaching, and have to live alongside a growing human population that also needs the land for cattle and crops
Five protected areas currently exist to protect the Asian lion: Gir Sanctuary, Gir National Park and Pania Sanctuary to form the Gir Conservation Area (GCA) covering an area of 20,000 km2 of forest representing the core habitat for the Asiatic lion.
The other two wildlife sanctuaries, Mitiyala and Girnar, protect satellite areas within dispersal distance of the Gir Conservation Area.
An additional sanctuary is being established in the nearby Barda forest to serve as an alternative home for Gir lions
The population has steadily increased since 2010.
The lion is one of five pantherine cats native to India, along with the Bengal tiger (P. tigris tigris), Indian leopard (P. pardus fusca), snow leopard (P. uncia) and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa).
It was also known as the Indian lion and the Persian lion
They belong to the category of the only wild cat, found in India, that hunt in pride
They are predators and can be defined as carnivores. Asiatic Lion mostly preys are nilgai (blue antelope), chital (spotted deer), sambhar, cattle, and buffaloes found in Gir National Park.
They are active only for about 4 hours a day, spending the remainder in sleep or at rest.
Mating season for Asiatic lions continues throughout the year. The gestation period lasts for between 100 and 119 days, after which a litter of up to 6 cubs is born.
Cubs are born blind and can open their eyes after 11 days. They start walking when they are 15 days old and run by 1 month of age. They are taken care of by all the females of its pride. Males that take over the pride kill cubs belonging to the defeated male to ensure that the lionesses attain estrus in a few weeks so that he can copulate and his progeny is carried forward.
Male lions become sexually mature at 5 years of age while lionesses attain gusto at 4 years.
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🛑Golden Langur
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Scientific Name : Trachypithecus geei
Golden Langur is listed as among the world’s 25 most endangered primates.
Over the last three decades their population has declined by 30%.
An endangered species of monkey, found only in Assam and parts of Bhutan, has a far-from-golden trait — forced abortion
Golden langur females maintain a gap of at least two years between babies. This gap can increase to three years depending on habitat conditions, which is a cause of concern for primatologists.
In 2019, Bhutan recorded a drop of 62% in the population of golden langurs over the 2009 census. The recorded estimation in Assam in 2009 was 5,140.
Golden langur belongs to a large group of Old World monkeys called the colobines (subfamily Colobinae).
Physical description
Closeup of face
The coat of the adult golden langur ranges from cream to golden, on its flanks and chest the hairs are darker and often rust coloured while the coats of the juveniles and females are lighter, silvery white to light buff.
The coat changes color seasonally, from white or cream coloured in the summer to dark golden or chestnut in the winter.
Their long whiskers protect their eyes from rain during monsoon. The golden langur has a black face and large whorl of hair on its crown.
Its fur changes colours according to the seasons.
There are about 6,000 golden langurs in Bhutan and over 5,000 in Assam, in north-east India, according to the most recent estimates
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Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Scientific Name : Trachypithecus geei
Golden Langur is listed as among the world’s 25 most endangered primates.
Over the last three decades their population has declined by 30%.
An endangered species of monkey, found only in Assam and parts of Bhutan, has a far-from-golden trait — forced abortion
Golden langur females maintain a gap of at least two years between babies. This gap can increase to three years depending on habitat conditions, which is a cause of concern for primatologists.
In 2019, Bhutan recorded a drop of 62% in the population of golden langurs over the 2009 census. The recorded estimation in Assam in 2009 was 5,140.
Golden langur belongs to a large group of Old World monkeys called the colobines (subfamily Colobinae).
Physical description
Closeup of face
The coat of the adult golden langur ranges from cream to golden, on its flanks and chest the hairs are darker and often rust coloured while the coats of the juveniles and females are lighter, silvery white to light buff.
The coat changes color seasonally, from white or cream coloured in the summer to dark golden or chestnut in the winter.
Their long whiskers protect their eyes from rain during monsoon. The golden langur has a black face and large whorl of hair on its crown.
Its fur changes colours according to the seasons.
There are about 6,000 golden langurs in Bhutan and over 5,000 in Assam, in north-east India, according to the most recent estimates
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🛑Brow-antlered deer
Status : State animal of Manipur, Schedule-1 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,
IUCN Red List : Endangered
Common Name : Sangai, Brow antlered deer, Dancing Deer
Scientific Name : Rucervus eldii
Population : About 200
Height : 115-130cm (Males), 90-100cm (females)
Weight : 90-125kg (Male), 60-80 kg (Female)
Sangai deer of India are medium in size and are very much like the Barasingha in appearance
Manipur Brow-antlered Deer or Sangai (C. e. eldii) - found in the Manipur Burmese Brow-antlered Deer (C. e. thamin) - found in Myanmar Thailand Brow-antlered Deer (C. e. siamensis) - found in Thailand and China
Sangai is a medium-sized deer, with uniquely distinctive antlers, with extremely long brow tine, which form the main beam. The forward protruding beam appears to come out from the eyebrow. This signifies its name, brow-antlered deer. The sexes are moderately dimorphic in body size and weight. The tail is short and rump patch is not pronounced. It has a dark reddish brown winter coat, which turns paler in summer. The females fawn all year round. The deer walks on the hind surface of its pasterns with mincing hops over floating foliage, and is hence also called the Dancing Deer.
Sangai was believed to be almost extinct by 1950, but six individuals were spotted in 1953 and the State of Manipur has protected the species to increase the population to 204.
Sangai faces threat from steadily degenerating habitat of phumdi as a result of continuous inundation and flooding caused due to artificial reservoir. Water quality of the reservoir is degrading due to pollution and stoppage of nutrient supply. There is also invasion of non-native plants like Paragrass. There has been decrease in area of phumdi from 31.60 km2 in 1993 to 23.72 km2 in 2010.
Sangai also faces threats of diseases from the livestock, inbreeding depression and poaching.
The brow-antlered deer is found in Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur. It is largely seen over the floating biomass, locally called “phumdi” in the South Eastern part of Loktak Lake inside the park. The park covers an area of 40 km² and the home range of the deer in the park is confined to 15–20 km².
Phumdi is the most important and unique part of Sangai’s habitat. It is the floating mass of entangled vegetation formed by the accumulation of organic debris and biomass with soil. Its thickness varies from few centimeters to two meters. It floats with 4/5 part under water.
The mating season of the Eld's deer of India begins in February and comes to an end in May. The control over a group of female deer is established through a competition between the males. The gestation period lies between 220 and 240 days, after which the female gives birth to, usually, a single calf. Indian Sangai deer are spotted by birth. However, as the calf grows, the spots fade away. The age of maturity is around 18 months
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Status : State animal of Manipur, Schedule-1 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,
IUCN Red List : Endangered
Common Name : Sangai, Brow antlered deer, Dancing Deer
Scientific Name : Rucervus eldii
Population : About 200
Height : 115-130cm (Males), 90-100cm (females)
Weight : 90-125kg (Male), 60-80 kg (Female)
Sangai deer of India are medium in size and are very much like the Barasingha in appearance
Manipur Brow-antlered Deer or Sangai (C. e. eldii) - found in the Manipur Burmese Brow-antlered Deer (C. e. thamin) - found in Myanmar Thailand Brow-antlered Deer (C. e. siamensis) - found in Thailand and China
Sangai is a medium-sized deer, with uniquely distinctive antlers, with extremely long brow tine, which form the main beam. The forward protruding beam appears to come out from the eyebrow. This signifies its name, brow-antlered deer. The sexes are moderately dimorphic in body size and weight. The tail is short and rump patch is not pronounced. It has a dark reddish brown winter coat, which turns paler in summer. The females fawn all year round. The deer walks on the hind surface of its pasterns with mincing hops over floating foliage, and is hence also called the Dancing Deer.
Sangai was believed to be almost extinct by 1950, but six individuals were spotted in 1953 and the State of Manipur has protected the species to increase the population to 204.
Sangai faces threat from steadily degenerating habitat of phumdi as a result of continuous inundation and flooding caused due to artificial reservoir. Water quality of the reservoir is degrading due to pollution and stoppage of nutrient supply. There is also invasion of non-native plants like Paragrass. There has been decrease in area of phumdi from 31.60 km2 in 1993 to 23.72 km2 in 2010.
Sangai also faces threats of diseases from the livestock, inbreeding depression and poaching.
The brow-antlered deer is found in Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur. It is largely seen over the floating biomass, locally called “phumdi” in the South Eastern part of Loktak Lake inside the park. The park covers an area of 40 km² and the home range of the deer in the park is confined to 15–20 km².
Phumdi is the most important and unique part of Sangai’s habitat. It is the floating mass of entangled vegetation formed by the accumulation of organic debris and biomass with soil. Its thickness varies from few centimeters to two meters. It floats with 4/5 part under water.
The mating season of the Eld's deer of India begins in February and comes to an end in May. The control over a group of female deer is established through a competition between the males. The gestation period lies between 220 and 240 days, after which the female gives birth to, usually, a single calf. Indian Sangai deer are spotted by birth. However, as the calf grows, the spots fade away. The age of maturity is around 18 months
♦️Join also @upsceconomybits
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https://t.me/csecrackupsc/11445
🛑Gharials
Gharials are critically endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Species.
Listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Listed on Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Gharials, sometimes called gavials, are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts. Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and more
Females lay the largest eggs of all crocodilians, about the size of a baseball. An average of 40 eggs per clutch, they bury their eggs in the sand of the riverbanks where they hatch
Gharials "gape" while they bask, in order to dissipate excess heat, usually done for 10-20 minutes at a time, while the head is at an angle of 20 degrees.
Gharials are the only living crocodylian with visible sexual dimorphism; its name derives from the fact that males develop a hollow bulbous nasal protuberance at sexual maturity that resembles the shape of an earthenware pot known locally as a “ghara”. The function of the nasal boss is unknown, but it is possibly used as a visual sex indicator, as a sound resonator, or for bubbling or other associated sexual behaviors.
The Gharial Conservation Alliance (GCA) is an international organization of individuals in a variety of disciplines, who are dedicated to saving gharials from extinction and ensuring the establishment of sustainable wild populations
♦️Join also @upscscienceandtechbits
Gharials are critically endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Species.
Listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Listed on Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Gharials, sometimes called gavials, are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts. Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and more
Females lay the largest eggs of all crocodilians, about the size of a baseball. An average of 40 eggs per clutch, they bury their eggs in the sand of the riverbanks where they hatch
Gharials "gape" while they bask, in order to dissipate excess heat, usually done for 10-20 minutes at a time, while the head is at an angle of 20 degrees.
Gharials are the only living crocodylian with visible sexual dimorphism; its name derives from the fact that males develop a hollow bulbous nasal protuberance at sexual maturity that resembles the shape of an earthenware pot known locally as a “ghara”. The function of the nasal boss is unknown, but it is possibly used as a visual sex indicator, as a sound resonator, or for bubbling or other associated sexual behaviors.
The Gharial Conservation Alliance (GCA) is an international organization of individuals in a variety of disciplines, who are dedicated to saving gharials from extinction and ensuring the establishment of sustainable wild populations
♦️Join also @upscscienceandtechbits
🛑African Lion
African Lion is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List assessment.
African lion is the commonly referred lion, and they have a large area of distribution in the mainland of Africa.
They are the tallest among all the members of the Family: Felidae.
The weight range of the African lion is from 120 – 190 kilograms, and the body length ranges from 1.5 to 2 metres.
Their size could vary according to the environment that they live and the prey species available.
Lions live in groups called prides, with two or three males and 10 – 12 females.
The lionesses in one pride are blood relatives of each other.
Females never leave the pride but males do as they grow, which stops inbreeding.
They are efficient hunters, as they do it in a group and mostly females play the hunting roles and share the food with all.
However, males are responsible for defending their territories, which are usually larger than 250 square metres.
Urine marking and loud roars demarcate their territory boundaries.
They often involve with fearsome fights with males of other prides to protect the boundaries.
Scientists believe that these fights have a negative effect for the longevity of males.
The average lifespan of African lion is 15 – 18 years in wild and almost up to 30 years in captivity
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African Lion is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List assessment.
African lion is the commonly referred lion, and they have a large area of distribution in the mainland of Africa.
They are the tallest among all the members of the Family: Felidae.
The weight range of the African lion is from 120 – 190 kilograms, and the body length ranges from 1.5 to 2 metres.
Their size could vary according to the environment that they live and the prey species available.
Lions live in groups called prides, with two or three males and 10 – 12 females.
The lionesses in one pride are blood relatives of each other.
Females never leave the pride but males do as they grow, which stops inbreeding.
They are efficient hunters, as they do it in a group and mostly females play the hunting roles and share the food with all.
However, males are responsible for defending their territories, which are usually larger than 250 square metres.
Urine marking and loud roars demarcate their territory boundaries.
They often involve with fearsome fights with males of other prides to protect the boundaries.
Scientists believe that these fights have a negative effect for the longevity of males.
The average lifespan of African lion is 15 – 18 years in wild and almost up to 30 years in captivity
♦️Join also @artandculturebits
🛑House sparrow
Common Name : House sparrow
Scientific Name : Passer domesticus
Population : Unknown
Height : 16 cm
Length : Wingspan of 21 cm
Weight : 25-40 gm
Status : Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List
The house sparrow is not only among the most commonly found bird species in urban cities, but also the most loved.
The House Sparrow takes frequent dust baths. It throws soil and dust over its body feathers, just as if it were bathing with water
It is a small brown-coloured bird, not bigger than a tennis ball, with black streaks on its back.
The male and female are easily distinguishable, not in size but in coloration.
The male is dark brown, with a black bib, grey chest and white cheeks, whereas the female is light brown throughout its body, with no black bib, crown or white cheeks.
It is a social species, found in groups of eight to 10, chirping and chattering to communicate with each other.
True to its love for urban spaces, the house sparrow is known to nest in buildings, finding crevices and holes in walls, or at best, using the bird houses and nest boxes put out by humans in their gardens.
It feeds mostly on seeds, but in the breeding season, adults feed their young with insects.
The House Sparrow prefers to nest in manmade structures such as eaves or walls of buildings, street lights, and nest boxes instead of in natural nest sites such as holes in trees.
The house sparrow has evolved with humans, known only to live in close contact with us, instead of forests.
For years, it has peacefully coexisted with us in our buildings and gardens, but in the last two decades, their population is on the decline in almost every city.
The reasons attributed are: rapidly changing cities are no longer a suitable habitat for the house sparrow, as the new and modern designs of infrastructure does not give any room for the sparrow to nest; pollution caused by microwave towers and pesticides; the house sparrow loses its foraging grounds (natural grasslands) as the green spaces in our cities give way to more concrete constructions.
House Sparrows hop rather than walk on the ground
The house sparrow is widespread across the world, inhabiting every continent, except Antarctica, China and Japan.
It is native to Eurasia and North Africa, and was introduced to South Africa, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East, India and Central Asia, where its population thrived under a variety of environmental and climatic conditions.
Within India, it is found throughout the country, up to the Assam valley and lower parts of the Assam hills.
Towards the eastern Himalayas, the species is replaced by the Eurasian tree sparrow.
It is known to stay close to human habitations, and is therefore among the most commonly found bird species in urban cities.
Flocks of sparrows are a common sighting near residential colonies, gardens, farms, agricultural fields, office buildings, and even highways with fast-moving traffic
♦️Join also @aranyaias
Common Name : House sparrow
Scientific Name : Passer domesticus
Population : Unknown
Height : 16 cm
Length : Wingspan of 21 cm
Weight : 25-40 gm
Status : Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List
The house sparrow is not only among the most commonly found bird species in urban cities, but also the most loved.
The House Sparrow takes frequent dust baths. It throws soil and dust over its body feathers, just as if it were bathing with water
It is a small brown-coloured bird, not bigger than a tennis ball, with black streaks on its back.
The male and female are easily distinguishable, not in size but in coloration.
The male is dark brown, with a black bib, grey chest and white cheeks, whereas the female is light brown throughout its body, with no black bib, crown or white cheeks.
It is a social species, found in groups of eight to 10, chirping and chattering to communicate with each other.
True to its love for urban spaces, the house sparrow is known to nest in buildings, finding crevices and holes in walls, or at best, using the bird houses and nest boxes put out by humans in their gardens.
It feeds mostly on seeds, but in the breeding season, adults feed their young with insects.
The House Sparrow prefers to nest in manmade structures such as eaves or walls of buildings, street lights, and nest boxes instead of in natural nest sites such as holes in trees.
The house sparrow has evolved with humans, known only to live in close contact with us, instead of forests.
For years, it has peacefully coexisted with us in our buildings and gardens, but in the last two decades, their population is on the decline in almost every city.
The reasons attributed are: rapidly changing cities are no longer a suitable habitat for the house sparrow, as the new and modern designs of infrastructure does not give any room for the sparrow to nest; pollution caused by microwave towers and pesticides; the house sparrow loses its foraging grounds (natural grasslands) as the green spaces in our cities give way to more concrete constructions.
House Sparrows hop rather than walk on the ground
The house sparrow is widespread across the world, inhabiting every continent, except Antarctica, China and Japan.
It is native to Eurasia and North Africa, and was introduced to South Africa, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East, India and Central Asia, where its population thrived under a variety of environmental and climatic conditions.
Within India, it is found throughout the country, up to the Assam valley and lower parts of the Assam hills.
Towards the eastern Himalayas, the species is replaced by the Eurasian tree sparrow.
It is known to stay close to human habitations, and is therefore among the most commonly found bird species in urban cities.
Flocks of sparrows are a common sighting near residential colonies, gardens, farms, agricultural fields, office buildings, and even highways with fast-moving traffic
♦️Join also @aranyaias
🛑Sarus crane
Common Name : Sarus crane
Scientific Name : Grus antigone
Population : Estimated to be 15,000-20,000 individuals in India
Status : Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
IUCN Red List : Vulnerable
The Sarus crane is the tallest flying bird in the world standing 152-156 cm tall with a wingspan of 240cm.
It has a predominantly grey plumage with a naked red head and upper neck and pale red legs.
It weighs 6.8-7.8 Kgs. It is a social creature, found mostly in pairs or small groups of three or four.
Sarus cranes are monogamous birds and pairs mate for life, however, "divorce" cases and mate replacement take place.
The breeding season for these cranes is typically during the rainy season, from June to September
Nests are constructed on water in natural wetlands or in flooded paddy fields.
Usually a clutch has only one or two eggs, which are incubated by both parents for a period of 26 to 35 days. The juveniles follow their parents from the day of birth.
The Sarus crane has three disjunct populations in the Indian sub-continent, south-east Asia and northern Australia with an estimated global population of 25,000-37,000 individuals.
Sarus cranes are active during the day and sleep at night. They are known for dancing to attract mates. Characteristic loud trumpeting sounds may accompany these dances.
In the Indian subcontinent, it is found in northern and central India, Terai Nepal and Pakistan.
Sarus cranes are omnivorous, and eat a wide range of food, such as aquatic plants like sedge tubers, seeds, rice and other grains, crustaceans, snails, large insects such as grasshoppers, amphibians, reptiles, small vertebrates and fish.
It was once a common site in the paddy fields of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Assam.
Their population is now on the decline with only 15,000-20,000 found in India, a majority of which are in Uttar Pradesh.
The Sarus crane is known for its ability to live in association with humans, inhabiting open, cultivated, well watered plains, marshlands and jheels. These areas suit them well for foraging, roosting and nesting.
There are currently three recognised populations of Sarus Crane, each of which occupies a separate area within Southern Asia or Australia. The Indian Sarus Crane is found in Northern India, Pakistan and Nepal; the Eastern Sarus Crane populates Vietnam and Cambodia and the Australian Sarus Crane lives in Northern Australia
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Common Name : Sarus crane
Scientific Name : Grus antigone
Population : Estimated to be 15,000-20,000 individuals in India
Status : Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
IUCN Red List : Vulnerable
The Sarus crane is the tallest flying bird in the world standing 152-156 cm tall with a wingspan of 240cm.
It has a predominantly grey plumage with a naked red head and upper neck and pale red legs.
It weighs 6.8-7.8 Kgs. It is a social creature, found mostly in pairs or small groups of three or four.
Sarus cranes are monogamous birds and pairs mate for life, however, "divorce" cases and mate replacement take place.
The breeding season for these cranes is typically during the rainy season, from June to September
Nests are constructed on water in natural wetlands or in flooded paddy fields.
Usually a clutch has only one or two eggs, which are incubated by both parents for a period of 26 to 35 days. The juveniles follow their parents from the day of birth.
The Sarus crane has three disjunct populations in the Indian sub-continent, south-east Asia and northern Australia with an estimated global population of 25,000-37,000 individuals.
Sarus cranes are active during the day and sleep at night. They are known for dancing to attract mates. Characteristic loud trumpeting sounds may accompany these dances.
In the Indian subcontinent, it is found in northern and central India, Terai Nepal and Pakistan.
Sarus cranes are omnivorous, and eat a wide range of food, such as aquatic plants like sedge tubers, seeds, rice and other grains, crustaceans, snails, large insects such as grasshoppers, amphibians, reptiles, small vertebrates and fish.
It was once a common site in the paddy fields of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Assam.
Their population is now on the decline with only 15,000-20,000 found in India, a majority of which are in Uttar Pradesh.
The Sarus crane is known for its ability to live in association with humans, inhabiting open, cultivated, well watered plains, marshlands and jheels. These areas suit them well for foraging, roosting and nesting.
There are currently three recognised populations of Sarus Crane, each of which occupies a separate area within Southern Asia or Australia. The Indian Sarus Crane is found in Northern India, Pakistan and Nepal; the Eastern Sarus Crane populates Vietnam and Cambodia and the Australian Sarus Crane lives in Northern Australia
♦️Join also @upsceconomybits
🛑Himalayan quail
Common Name : Himalayan quail
Scientific Name : Ophrysia superciliosa
Population : Last population estimate was less than 50 individuals. No sightings have been recorded since 1876.
Length : about 45 cms
Status : Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
IUCN Red List : Critically Endangered
The Himalayan quail is a medium-sized bird belonging to the pheasant family, with distinctive red or yellow bill and legs, and prominent white spots around the eyes.
It has a long covert tail which is longer than most other quails.
Males are dark grey with bleak streaks and a white forehead, and females are grayish brown with dark streaks.
The last sighting of this bird was a group of a dozen individuals, indicating that they are social birds and generally live in coveys of five to ten.
Since they were last seen more than 125 years ago, very little is known about their behaviour and characteristics.
The species was last seen more than 70 years before independence, which indicates that hunting activities during the colonial period contributed significantly to the decline in its population.
By the 1800s, sightings were extremely rare, with only about 50 individuals left in the wild. Although it has not been sighted in many years, there is still hope that a small population survives in the lower or middle Himalayan range.
It is definitely the rarest member of the Galliformes family in the world.
In the course of history, the Himalayan Quail has also been referred by ornithologists as the Eyebrowed Quail, the Eyebrowed Rollulus, the Mountain Quail, the Slate-Coloured Partridge, the Mountain Pheasant-Quail and the Indian Mountain-Quail
The Himalayan quail is native to India, found only in the mountains of Uttarakhand in north-west Himalayas. The last sightings recorded before 1877 were from Mussourie and Nainital hill stations, suggesting that they prefer higher altitudes. They are known to inhabit long grass and scrubs on steep hillsides, particularly south facing slopes between the altitudes of 1,650 and 2,400 metres
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Common Name : Himalayan quail
Scientific Name : Ophrysia superciliosa
Population : Last population estimate was less than 50 individuals. No sightings have been recorded since 1876.
Length : about 45 cms
Status : Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
IUCN Red List : Critically Endangered
The Himalayan quail is a medium-sized bird belonging to the pheasant family, with distinctive red or yellow bill and legs, and prominent white spots around the eyes.
It has a long covert tail which is longer than most other quails.
Males are dark grey with bleak streaks and a white forehead, and females are grayish brown with dark streaks.
The last sighting of this bird was a group of a dozen individuals, indicating that they are social birds and generally live in coveys of five to ten.
Since they were last seen more than 125 years ago, very little is known about their behaviour and characteristics.
The species was last seen more than 70 years before independence, which indicates that hunting activities during the colonial period contributed significantly to the decline in its population.
By the 1800s, sightings were extremely rare, with only about 50 individuals left in the wild. Although it has not been sighted in many years, there is still hope that a small population survives in the lower or middle Himalayan range.
It is definitely the rarest member of the Galliformes family in the world.
In the course of history, the Himalayan Quail has also been referred by ornithologists as the Eyebrowed Quail, the Eyebrowed Rollulus, the Mountain Quail, the Slate-Coloured Partridge, the Mountain Pheasant-Quail and the Indian Mountain-Quail
The Himalayan quail is native to India, found only in the mountains of Uttarakhand in north-west Himalayas. The last sightings recorded before 1877 were from Mussourie and Nainital hill stations, suggesting that they prefer higher altitudes. They are known to inhabit long grass and scrubs on steep hillsides, particularly south facing slopes between the altitudes of 1,650 and 2,400 metres
♦️Join also @thehindunewspapervocabulary
🛑Ganges river Dolphin
Common Name : Susu
Scientific Name : Platanista gangetica
Population : Less than 1800 (1200 to 1800)
Length : Up to 2.70 m (Female), 2.12 m (Male)
Weight : 150-170 Kg.
Conservation Status:
Indian Wildlife (Protection), Act 1972: Schedule I.
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Endangered.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Appendix I (most endangered).
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix II (migratory species that need conservation and management or would significantly benefit from international co-operation).
It is a reliable indicator of the health of the entire river ecosystem.
It is one of five species of river dolphin found around the world.
It is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems.
It was recognised as the National Aquatic Animal in 2009, by the Government of India
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), which implements the government’s flagship scheme Namami Gange, has been taking some initiatives for saving dolphins
Characteristics
The Ganges river dolphin has a sturdy, yet flexible, body with large flippers and a low triangular dorsal fin. The calves are chocolate brown at birth and become grayish brown in adulthood with a smooth and hairless skin. Females are larger than males. The maximum size of a female is 2.67 m and of a male 2.12 m.
Females attain sexual maturity at an age of 10-12 years, while the males mature earlier.
The gestation period is 9-11 months and a female gives birth to only one calf, once in 2-3 years.
Dolphins are among one of the oldest creatures in the world along with some species of turtles, crocodiles and sharks.
The Gangetic Dolphins are generally blind and catch their prey in a unique manner. They emit an ultrasonic sound which reaches the prey.
The dolphin then registers this image in its mind and subsequently catches hold of its prey.
HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION
Ganges river dolphins prefer deep waters, in and around the confluence of rivers. The distribution range of the Ganges river dolphins in India covers seven states namely, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
The upper Ganga River (in Uttar Pradesh), Chambal River (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh), Ghaghra and Gandak Rivers (Bihar and Uttar Pradesh), Ganga River, from Varanasi to Patna (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar), Son and Kosi rivers (Bihar), Brahmaputra from Sadia (foothills of Arunachal Pradesh) upto Dhubri (on the Bangladesh border) and Kulsi River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, form ideal habitats for the Ganges river dolphin.
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Common Name : Susu
Scientific Name : Platanista gangetica
Population : Less than 1800 (1200 to 1800)
Length : Up to 2.70 m (Female), 2.12 m (Male)
Weight : 150-170 Kg.
Conservation Status:
Indian Wildlife (Protection), Act 1972: Schedule I.
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Endangered.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Appendix I (most endangered).
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix II (migratory species that need conservation and management or would significantly benefit from international co-operation).
It is a reliable indicator of the health of the entire river ecosystem.
It is one of five species of river dolphin found around the world.
It is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems.
It was recognised as the National Aquatic Animal in 2009, by the Government of India
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), which implements the government’s flagship scheme Namami Gange, has been taking some initiatives for saving dolphins
Characteristics
The Ganges river dolphin has a sturdy, yet flexible, body with large flippers and a low triangular dorsal fin. The calves are chocolate brown at birth and become grayish brown in adulthood with a smooth and hairless skin. Females are larger than males. The maximum size of a female is 2.67 m and of a male 2.12 m.
Females attain sexual maturity at an age of 10-12 years, while the males mature earlier.
The gestation period is 9-11 months and a female gives birth to only one calf, once in 2-3 years.
Dolphins are among one of the oldest creatures in the world along with some species of turtles, crocodiles and sharks.
The Gangetic Dolphins are generally blind and catch their prey in a unique manner. They emit an ultrasonic sound which reaches the prey.
The dolphin then registers this image in its mind and subsequently catches hold of its prey.
HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION
Ganges river dolphins prefer deep waters, in and around the confluence of rivers. The distribution range of the Ganges river dolphins in India covers seven states namely, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
The upper Ganga River (in Uttar Pradesh), Chambal River (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh), Ghaghra and Gandak Rivers (Bihar and Uttar Pradesh), Ganga River, from Varanasi to Patna (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar), Son and Kosi rivers (Bihar), Brahmaputra from Sadia (foothills of Arunachal Pradesh) upto Dhubri (on the Bangladesh border) and Kulsi River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, form ideal habitats for the Ganges river dolphin.
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🛑Indian pangolin
Scientific Name : Manis crassicaudata
Length
Head and body : 60-70 cm
Weight
9- 18 kg
Conservation Status:
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Chinese Pangolin is ‘critically endangered’
CITES: Appendix I
The Indian pangolin or thick-tailed pangolin is a solitary, shy, slow moving, nocturnal mammal,
Unlike other pangolin species, the Indian pangolin does not often climb trees.
Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world, despite an international ban on their trade.They are trafficked both for their meat, and the unfounded belief that their keratinous scales have medical properties used in traditional medicine.
The Indian pangolin is almost entirely insectivorous
Of the eight extant species of pangolin, the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata and Chinese Pangolin M. pentadactyla occur in India.
Indian Pangolin is a large anteater covered dorsally by 11-13 rows of scales.
The adult male is about one-third larger than the female.
A terminal scale is also present on the ventral side of the tail of the Indian Pangolin, which is absent in the Chinese Pangolin. Its sticky tongue, which is longer than its body, is specially adapted for reaching and lapping up insects in deep crevices.
To tear open the anthills or termite mounds, it uses the powerful forelimbs that are armed with three disproportionately long claws. In sharp contrast, the hind legs have tough soles and short, blunt nails on the five toes.
The species is understood to occur in various types of tropical forests as well as open land, grasslands and degraded habitats, including in close proximity to villages.
The species can adapt well to modified habitats, provided its ant and termite prey remains abundant.
Indian Pangolin is widely distributed in India, except the arid region, high Himalayas and the North-East.
It can be found at elevation up to 2500 m.
The species also occurs in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
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Scientific Name : Manis crassicaudata
Length
Head and body : 60-70 cm
Weight
9- 18 kg
Conservation Status:
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Chinese Pangolin is ‘critically endangered’
CITES: Appendix I
The Indian pangolin or thick-tailed pangolin is a solitary, shy, slow moving, nocturnal mammal,
Unlike other pangolin species, the Indian pangolin does not often climb trees.
Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world, despite an international ban on their trade.They are trafficked both for their meat, and the unfounded belief that their keratinous scales have medical properties used in traditional medicine.
The Indian pangolin is almost entirely insectivorous
Of the eight extant species of pangolin, the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata and Chinese Pangolin M. pentadactyla occur in India.
Indian Pangolin is a large anteater covered dorsally by 11-13 rows of scales.
The adult male is about one-third larger than the female.
A terminal scale is also present on the ventral side of the tail of the Indian Pangolin, which is absent in the Chinese Pangolin. Its sticky tongue, which is longer than its body, is specially adapted for reaching and lapping up insects in deep crevices.
To tear open the anthills or termite mounds, it uses the powerful forelimbs that are armed with three disproportionately long claws. In sharp contrast, the hind legs have tough soles and short, blunt nails on the five toes.
The species is understood to occur in various types of tropical forests as well as open land, grasslands and degraded habitats, including in close proximity to villages.
The species can adapt well to modified habitats, provided its ant and termite prey remains abundant.
Indian Pangolin is widely distributed in India, except the arid region, high Himalayas and the North-East.
It can be found at elevation up to 2500 m.
The species also occurs in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
♦️Join also @thehindunewspapervocabulary