Context:
Recently a study was conducted using the line transect method and trap cameras to estimate sambar population.
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Location – Maharashtra.
- Named after the ancient Sagareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- India’s 1st man-made wildlife sanctuary
- Vegetation – Comprises Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous and Southern Thorn Forest.
- Major flora includes Tamarind, Neem, Eucalyptus, Acacia, Agave, and Khair trees.
- Fauna – Sambar, Blackbuck (extinct in the sanctuary), Chital (Spotted Deer), Muntjac (Barking Deer), and Wild Boar.
Sambar Deer:
- A large deer native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
- Distribution – Their range is distributed from the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains across southern Asia and reaching the islands of Taiwan, Sumatra and Borneo.
- Habitat – Found in a broad range of forest habitats like dry deciduous forest, rainforest and mixed forests.
- Most active at dusk and at night.
- Conservation status –
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule-III
Source: TOI
Previous Year Question
Consider the following fauna:
1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar Civet
3. Sambar Deer
How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a)