Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Himalayan Serow recorded at Assam’s Raimona National Park

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Himalayan Serow; Raimona National Park.

Why in the News?

  • A mainland serow aka. Himalayan Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis thar) was recorded at 96 metres above mean sea level in Raimona National Park, Assam.
    • This is the lowest elevation recorded for the species beyond Bhutan, its natural habitat.

About Himalayan Serow

Details
About Herbivore species.

Also known as Thar.

Resembles a cross between a goat, a donkey, a cow, and a pig.

Recognition Official state animal of Mizoram.
Distribution
  • Found at altitudes between 2,000 metres and 4,000 metres (6,500 to 13,000 feet).
  • Found across the India-Bhutan border in Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and Royal Manas National Park.
  • Present in eastern, central, and western Himalayas, but not in the Trans Himalayan region.
Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

 

Back2Basics:  Raimona National Park 

  • Raimona National Park is a newly established protected area located in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam.
  • It was officially declared a national park in June 2021, becoming the sixth national park in the state of Assam.
  • It shares its northern boundary with Bhutan, forming part of the transboundary conservation landscape.
  • It is characterised by dense forests, rivers, and grasslands. The park is part of the greater Manas Biosphere Reserve and serves as an extension of the Manas National Park.
  • The area is interspersed by the Sankosh River which flows through the park.

Flora and Fauna:

  • Flora: The park boasts a rich biodiversity with various types of vegetation, including semi-evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, and patches of grassland.
  • Fauna: Hosts a variety of wildlife, including:
    • Mammals: Asian elephants, tigers, clouded leopards, golden langurs, Indian gaur, and several species of deer.
    • Birds: Home to numerous bird species, including hornbills, great pied hornbills, and various migratory birds.
    • Reptiles and Amphibians: The park also supports a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians, adding to its ecological richness.

 

PYQ:

[2011] The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this Phenomenon?

(a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth

(b) It is a confluence of different bio-geographical zones.

(c) Exotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region.

(d) It has less human interference.

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