Amidst the tranquility of nature, a sudden outbreak of anthrax at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has led to the demise of two Asiatic Water Buffaloes. This alarming incident puts the spotlight on the Asiatic Wild Water Buffalo, a species dwindling in numbers.
Understanding the Asiatic Wild Water Buffalo
Scientifically identified as Bubalus Arnee, the Asiatic Wild Water Buffalo finds its roots in Central Indian Forests. Prominently found in Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh, it recently made a surprising appearance in Maharashtra’s forests. This spurred the state government to declare the Kolamarka forest area as a conservation reserve dedicated to this species. The Asiatic buffalo holds the record for the widest horn span among the global bovids population.
These hefty creatures thrive best in alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps, and river valleys, provided there are ample water resources. They bear pivotal economic importance due to their genetic connection with domestic buffaloes. Nonetheless, their population is seeing a distressing decline due to factors such as poaching, habitat loss, and interbreeding with domestic buffaloes.
The Protection Status of the Asiatic Wild Buffalo
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed this species as endangered. Furthermore, they are under the protection of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and included in the CITES Appendix-III. While they receive legal shielding in Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Thailand, they are considered extinct in Bangladesh, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, and Borneo islands.
| Habitat | Protection Status |
|---|---|
| Bhutan, India, Nepal, Thailand | Legally Protected |
| Bangladesh, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo | Declared Extinct |
About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Globally recognized for its highest density of one-horned rhinos, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is often dubbed ‘Mini Kaziranga’ due to its similar geography and vegetation. Besides hosting the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, it is also home to an array of species like Leopard, Leopard cat, Fishing cat, Jungle cat, Wild pigs, Chinese pangolins, and more. The area largely consists of wet savannah of Arundo donax and Saccharum, with the rest being water bodies. The invasive Water Hyacinth plant poses a significant threat to the waterfowl in this sanctuary due to the dense mats it forms on the water surface.
An Overview of Anthrax
Anthrax is a severe infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria. Despite its rarity, it can be fatal to humans upon contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. It primarily manifests through symptoms such as skin blisters, chest pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. It is essential to safeguard wildlife, and ourselves, from the threat of such lethal diseases.
