Rinderpest Outbreak in Mudumalai Sanctuary

In 1968, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu faced a devastating rinderpest outbreak. This highly contagious viral disease, also known as cattle plague, impacted the sanctuary’s wildlife, particularly the gaur population. The outbreak brought into light the vulnerabilities in wildlife management and the need for better disease control measures.

About Rinderpest

Rinderpest primarily affects cattle, buffaloes, and some wild ruminants. It spreads through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Symptoms include high fever, nasal discharge, and diarrhoea. The disease has a history of cyclical outbreaks, causing severe mortality among livestock.

Historical Context

The India Cattle Plague Commission was established in 1869 to combat rinderpest. By the early 20th century, mortality rates were alarming. For example, over 150,000 cattle died between 1908 and 1909. Compulsory inoculation began in 1929, leading to important progress in controlling the disease among domestic cattle.

Impact on Wildlife

The 1968 outbreak in Mudumalai severely affected the gaur population. By mid-August, over 100 buffaloes and at least 40 gaurs had died. Wild herbivores lacked the protection afforded to domestic animals due to insufficient vaccination efforts. This led to a decline in the ecosystem’s balance.

Ecological Consequences

Gaurs play important role in maintaining the forest’s vegetation. Their decline resulted in overgrowth of certain plants, disrupting the food chain. Smaller herbivores and predators that depended on gaurs for food were also affected. The outbreak showcased the interconnectedness of species within the ecosystem.

Management Response

Wildlife officers attempted to contain the outbreak by disposing of carcasses to prevent further contamination. However, their efforts were hampered by a lack of resources and scientific knowledge. The outbreak exposed weaknesses in India’s wildlife management policies, denoting the need for better infrastructure and preparedness.

Calls for Action

Naturalists like M. Krishnan stressed the importance of managing wildlife habitats. He advocated for banning domestic cattle from protected areas to prevent disease transmission. His concerns were validated by the rinderpest outbreak, underscoring the need for stricter controls on livestock in wildlife sanctuaries.

Lessons Learned

The Mudumalai outbreak served as a wake-up call for wildlife management in India. It brought into light the urgent need for organised responses to epidemics and better integration of veterinary care for wild species. Stronger boundaries between domestic and wild populations are essential to protect wildlife from diseases.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the impact of rinderpest on livestock and wildlife in India.
2. Critically examine the historical responses to rinderpest outbreaks and their effectiveness.
3. Explain the ecological role of gaurs in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced by wildlife management policies in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the impact of rinderpest on livestock and wildlife in India.

1. Rinderpest primarily affects cattle, buffaloes, and wild ruminants, leading to high mortality rates.
2. The 1968 outbreak in Mudumalai resulted in the death of over 100 buffaloes and at least 40 gaurs.
3. Domestic cattle populations benefited from vaccination programs, while wild populations remained vulnerable.
4. The disease disrupts ecosystems, affecting food chains and the balance of species.
5. Long-term impacts include decreased biodiversity and altered vegetation dynamics in affected areas.

2. Critically examine the historical responses to rinderpest outbreaks and their effectiveness.

1. The India Cattle Plague Commission was formed in 1869 to address rinderpest, reflecting early recognition of the issue.
2. Compulsory inoculation began in 1929, leading to reduction in domestic cattle mortality rates.
3. Despite progress, wild ruminants like gaurs were left unprotected, demonstrating a gap in management strategies.
4. Recurring outbreaks brought into light the cyclical nature of rinderpest and the need for ongoing vigilance.
5. Overall, while responses were effective for domestic livestock, they failed to address the needs of wildlife adequately.

3. Explain the ecological role of gaurs in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.

1. Gaurs are large herbivores that browse on grasses and shrubs, playing a vital role in vegetation management.
2. They help maintain landscape balance by preventing overgrowth of certain plant species.
3. The decline of gaurs disrupts food chains, affecting smaller herbivores that rely on similar vegetation.
4. Gaurs serve as prey for predators, and their reduction impacts predator populations and ecosystem dynamics.
5. Overall, gaurs are integral to the health of the Mudumalai ecosystem, influencing both flora and fauna.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced by wildlife management policies in India.

1. Insufficient infrastructure and resources for managing wildlife emergencies, as seen during the rinderpest outbreak.
2. Inadequate protective measures for wild species compared to domestic animals, leading to vulnerability to diseases.
3. Challenges in controlling disease transmission from domestic cattle to wildlife, brought into light by M. Krishnan’s advocacy.
4. Limited scientific knowledge and support for effective wildlife management strategies, exposing systemic weaknesses.
5. Need for stronger boundaries between domestic and wild populations to prevent disease spread and competition.