Sri Lanka has recently approached India with a unique request: the translocation of six Indian Bisons, to reintroduce the species on the island where they became extinct at the end of the 17th century. If approved, this project will mark the first-ever agreement of its kind between India and Sri Lanka. This article presents a detailed overview of the Indian Bison, also known as the Gaur.
About The Indian Bison
The Indian Bison or Gaur (Bos gaurus) stands as the tallest species of wild cattle found in India and also the largest extant bovine. Globally, there are approximately 13,000 to 30,000 gaurs, however, the lion’s share of that population – around 85% – resides in India. An estimation exercise undertaken in February 2020 in the Nilgiris Forest Division stated that approximately 2,000 Indian gaurs inhabit that division alone.
The Geography And Habitat Of The Bison Species In India
Though native to both South and Southeast Asia, in India, the Indian Bison thrives predominantly in the Western Ghats. Here, these magnificent creatures primarily reside in protected areas such as the Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park, Masinagudi National Park and Biligirirangana Hills (BR Hills). Besides India, the Indian Bison can also be spotted in countries like Burma and Thailand.
In terms of their habitat preference, the Indian Bison primarily occupies the evergreen and moist deciduous forests. However, their adaptability extends to dry deciduous forests as well. A notable feature regarding their habitat is that they are not found in the Himalayan region at altitudes greater than 6,000 ft., remaining in the foothills for the most part.
Dietary Habits Of The Indian Bison
The Indian Bison is a grazing animal, with early mornings and late evenings being their preferred feeding times.
Conservation Status And Threats
The Indian Bison is currently listed as “Vulnerable” in the IUCN Red List and is included in Schedule I of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
Unfortunately, several threats persist towards this species. Food scarcity is a major issue owing to factors like the destruction of grasslands, commercial tree plantations, invasion by non-native plant species, and unchecked grazing by domestic animals. Poaching is another concern due to their high commercial value and the demand for Gaur meat.
Furthermore, habitat loss due to deforestation and commercial plantations add to the list of threats. A significant challenge that needs addressing is the rising number of human-animal conflicts due to the increasing proximity between Bison’s habitats and human settlements.
To conclude, while the proposed translocation project between India and Sri Lanka promises to be a significant move in promoting biodiversity, preserving these gentle giants remains a challenge that requires our immediate attention. Such initiatives can only be successful if they are backed by robust conservation efforts on the ground.
