Context:
Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh faces Habitat Strain recently due to Spotted Deer Overpopulation.
Chital Deer:
- Common Names – Spotted Deer, Chital Deer, Axis Deer
- Physical Characteristics – Golden-rufus colouring with white spots and a white underbelly.
- Native Range – Indian subcontinent, primarily in Sri Lanka and India.
- Habitat – Found in dense deciduous or semi-evergreen forests and open grasslands.
- Diet – Herbivorous, feeding on tall grass and shrubs.
- Breeding – Prolonged mating season due to the warm climate, allowing females to remain fertile and give birth to fawns year-round.
- Social Behaviour – Social animals, typically found in herds of 10 to 50 individuals.
- Conservation Status –
- IUCN – Least Concern.
- CITES – Not listed.
- WPA, 1972 – Schedule III.
Source: Deccan Chronicle
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a)Manas National Park
(b) Namdapha National Park
(c) Neora Valley National Park
(d) Valley of Flowers National Park
Answer: (d)
