Context:
In a new study, researchers have assessed the suitability of different areas of Banni for sustainable grassland restoration.
Banni Grasslands:
- Largest tracts of arid grasslands in Kachchh district in Gujarat.
- Presents a unique ecosystem combining wetlands, grasslands, and salt pans.
- Area – Asia’s largest tropical grassland spanning over 2,600 sq. km.
- Emerged from sea due to tectonic activities.
- Flora and Fauna – Banni buffalo, Kankrej Cattle, Asiatic wild ass, Camel etc
- Wetlands – Contains numerous natural wetlands and the larget one is known as Chhari – Dhandh.
- Inhabitants – Home to Maldhari (cattle breeders) tribes.
- Strange dancing light phenomena (Chir Batti or Ghost lights) occur at night
- Threats –
- Pressure from livestock grazing
- Increased soil salinity leading to invasion of Prosopis juliflora
- Climate change and desertification
Maldharis:
- A tribal herdsmen community in Gujarat.
- Literal meaning of Maldhari is a keeper (dhari) of the animal stock (mal).
- Lived in the Gir National Park for the past thousand years.
- Primarily breeds Banni Buffaloes, a species endemic to the region.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:
1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
There are only 75 PVTGs officially notified in the country.
