Context:
Recently, Jharkhand Forest department initiated a study to revive the dwindling population of Bison at Palamau Tiger Reserve.
Indian Bison:
- Also known as – Gaur
- Native to South and Southeast Asia
- Habitat – Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests along with moist deciduous forests with open grasslands.
- In India, they are mostly found in Western Ghats (primarily Nagarhole, Bandipur, Masinagudi National Parks and Biligiriranga Hills)
- Features –
- Massively built, very strong, and social animal.
- Tallest species of wild cattle found in India
- Diurnal by nature and remain active during the daytime.
- Threats – Food Scarcity, Poaching, etc
- Conservation Status –
- Vulnerable in IUCN Red List.
- Schedule I of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
- Appendix 1 of CITES
Palamau Tiger Reserve:
- Location – Situated in the Chhota Nagpur plateau region of Jharkhand.
- Forms a part of Betla National Park.
- Rivers – North Koyal, Auranga, and Burha rivers flow through the reserve.
- Mineral Wealth – Rich in minerals such as Bauxite and Coal.
- Vegetation –
- Dominated by Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous forests, primarily Sal and its associates.
- Smaller patches of Northern Tropical Moist Deciduous forests are also present.
Source: DH
Previous Year Question
Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
(d) Sunderbans
Answer: (c)
