The Boma technique, native to Africa, was recently executed at Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur district, Rajasthan. Its main purpose was to catch chitals, also known as spotted deer, and relocate them to Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve for the enhancement of the prey base. According to the IUCN Red List Status, Chital is listed under Least Concern.
Boma Capturing Technique
The Boma capturing approach is an established method originating from Africa. The method involves driving animals into an enclosure through fencing that narrows into a funnel shape. This selection and loading chute for animals is covered with grass mats and a green net, making it indistinct for the animals. The animals are then herded into a large vehicle for transportation to another location. This technique has been previously used for capturing wild elephants for training purposes. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has granted approval for this relocation process, which aims to decrease predation on rural livestock around tiger reserves.
About Keoladeo National Park
Keoladeo National Park, formerly the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is in Rajasthan. The UNESCO World Heritage and Ramsar site serves as a breeding ground for various species from the far north. A rare species known as the Siberian crane can be spotted here amongst others. Fauna such as jackals, sambar, nilgai, wild cats, hyenas, wild boars, porcupines, and mongooses inhabit this region. The dominant vegetation types are tropical dry deciduous forest with Acacia nilotica and dry grassland. Two rivers, Gambhir and Banganga, flow through the National Park.
Rajasthan’s Protected Areas
Several protected regions exist within Rajasthan. These encompass tiger reserves such as Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (in Sawai Madhopur), Sariska Tiger Reserve (in Alwar), and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (in Kota). National parks include Desert National Park in Jaisalmer and Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur. Wildlife sanctuaries in the region comprise Sajjangarh wildlife sanctuary, Udaipur, and National Chambal Sanctuary which is shared between Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Previous Year Questions from UPSC Civil Services Examination
In 2014, candidates were asked about different wetlands and rivers confluence. Harike Wetlands, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, and Kolleru Lake were the given options, paired with claims of confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej, Banas and Chambal, and Musi and Krishna respectively. The correct answer was the first pair only.
